Walk to the Temple

We decided to celebrate pioneer day this year by walking from our house to the temple (about 4.5 miles).

We wanted to remember the reason why the pioneers left their homes=

to have the blessings of being sealed together as families in the house of God.

As we walked to the temple, we talked and sang and taught

the importance of making the temple their destination in their own lives.

Just like walking a long distance to the temple can be hard if we are physically out of shape,

we need to stay in spiritual shape to make going to the temple easier as well.

We left after breakfast, stopping only twice-

once at Ryan's Place Park for a bathroom and snack break, 

and once at Merlin Olsen park for a "river crossing."

When we got to the temple, we sang "I love to see the temple" 

and had a picnic on the grass in front of the temple where we

talked about the sacrifice and stories of our own pioneer ancestors.

Pushups

Lately I have been making my kids do pushups every time they hurt someone. They have to do as many as their age.  There has been a few days where this had gotten me in trouble because 34 pushups isn't that easy for me these days, especially when I have to do it a few times in one day. It sure makes me think twice before reacting roughly.

Lambs

Our 3 oldest kids are raising baby lambs this summer to sale at the fair.

They have learned so many great lessons and have loved doing it.

1- Responsibility

They have to feed them every morning and night.

It is a daily task they can't take vacation from without getting a substitute.

2- Love

They have named their lambs and they talk and pet them.

They have washed them, applied medicine to sores, etc.

3- Safety

They have learned that fences provide safety and security.

(Just like rules and laws protect us)

They are true shepherds- 

they seek out lambs who escape the fence and bring them back.

It is great training for parenthood.

Their dad has worked with them every evening 

to guide them with firm but loving kindness.

Here is my littlest "lamb" feeding one of their little lambs.

 Myriam was a star at the fair.

She was so good at controlling her lamb and at performing.

She has such great confidence and skills.

She took first place in her class on showmanship.

She named her lamb Spencer, after her cousin.

 Packer loves his lamb. He named him Tanner (after his cousin).

He wishes he could pay him back in some way

 for the sacrifice the lamb is giving for him to earn money.

Packer was so nervous at the fair,

but he did a great job looking right at the judges.

Sadie loves her lamb, Bethany.

Sadie's loving care and nurturing abilities were really brought out by caring for Bethany.

Sadie is going to be a great mother one day.

Thanks to the Ferrins who taught us how to do the whole lamb process.

They are such great friends!

Sadie's First Temple Experience

Yesterday we celebrated Sadie's 12th birthday by going to the Bountiful temple 

to do baptisms for the dead with her grandparents, aunts and uncles.

It was her idea and it was a wonderful and fun experience.

Her dad interviewed her for her first temple recommend since he is in our bishopric.

Her grandpa Steve performed the baptisms and it was quite emotional for him 

to be there with his grand-daughter.

Her aunts and uncles were fun and supportive-

 both the ones who came and the ones to baby-sat our little ones at home for us.

Pioneer Trek

 Donny, Sadie, and Mollie got to go on a ward pioneer trek this week to Martin's Cove.

We learned and taught a lot about the handcart pioneers.

It was a great spiritual boost and a time for recommitting to be as faithful as the pioneers.

We learned tons of lessons- the heart of it being that it is worth taking the hard path

to do what is right and follow the prophet.

The goal of "Zion" is to be sealed together as eternal families.

Mollie loved leading the group and everyone to sing.

This is a picture of her walking with the primary president.

We enjoyed getting to know the youth and the leaders 

(since we are usually with primary kids).