Tj's EP Release Party With 'Never Loved'.

So after we ventured out to the Franklin Institute the other day with the kiddos Jon and I committed to attending Tj Young's EP release party that same day, but in the evening. We managed to make it to the second show, and I am so glad that we did!

For five years I have seen this boy act, sing, dance, and tonight after a year of hard work teaching himself how to play the piano and guitar, and in working hard on his music he released his first EP. Words cannot express how extremely proud I am of this young man, and all the hard work, and effort he has put in making his dream come true. I have witnessed his efforts, and determination via Facebook of all that has taken for him to get to this point from auditioning in front of the judges at American Idol to working hard here at home with connections that have helped him reach his potential in pursuing a musical career.  His voice resembles that of Michael Buble which is a man after his own heart, and his voice...oh, his voice is pretty dreamy. I love the way he holds himself in front of an audience and being a witness to that was relaxing, and having the hubs sitting right next to me made our date night on a school night even better. Watching Tj sing up on that stage releasing his EP gave us hope that our daughter Sierra will pursue her dream in music as well. He has been a dear friend to her throughout high school, and it's no secret that I have been a big fan of his since his junior year in high school especially since he's been so kind to my Sierra since the day we moved to Jersey six years ago. Even though our paths don't cross as much as we'd like we consider him a good friend, and watching him progress via social networking feels like he's part of our family here in Jersey.

His performance on this night was captivating, and the fact that the house was small made it more intimate. There was cheering, and clapping, a little bit of dancing, and raising of the hands waving back and forth in the air to the rythym of the song had me feeling as if I was at a concert. It was so cool, and look forward to many more performances like this.

His official video Never Loved is absolutely beautiful. [It's also being played on the sidebar of this blog] It brought tears to my eyes when I first heard and saw it. I've learned that songs which bring emotion are the best, and this one is sweet. I love the way he brings feeling into the words as he's singing. [spoiler alert: the ending of the vid is a sad one!]

                       

 And here he is singing the last song of the evening after his second performance. One of my faves... 

Tj Young singing one of my favorite songs from Coldplay..."The Scientist" on the night of his EP release party. from Rose Jorgensen on Vimeo.

This will definitely be a night to remember, and because I'm putting it on my personal blog tells you that he's one of a kind, and worth listening to. The stars are certainly aligning for Tj, and watching his show that evening proves all too well that he is well on his way to a great musical career. His songs are available on iTunes here, and if you look and 'like' his Facebook page here you can pretty much see what he's all about. 

Hope you have a wonderful weekend and that his voice puts a smile on your face! 

All About The Brain at The Franklin Institute.

Yesterday we took our yearly school trip to the Franklin Institute. This is by far my favorite part of the school year simply because we get to educate our minds as a family, and have fun while walking the streets of Philly. After we arrived we checked ourselves in with our group, and had three hours to spare. The very first thing we wanted to see was the temple, and to see the progress they have made especially on the exterior, and it is looking absolutely beautiful!    

^^^ Philly temple...looking good! ^^^

^^^ Checking out the traffic from above. ^^^

Science and technology have been the two loves in our homes for quite some time now, and I'm not saying that because of social networking, or because of the ability we have to play games on an iPad, iPhones, iMac, or what have you,  but what we can benefit, and truly learn what the "human eye" can see, and how our brain really works when it comes to everything we take in is amazing. 

As usual these two ran straight to the 'giant heart' to trace the path of blood as they walk through. They have an amazing time in this section of the institute, and it is exciting to see them have an interest in how the body, and heart are connected. Seeing the look of excitement on their faces as they go around exploring all about the human heart brings a smile to my face because these kids are always filled with curiosity when it comes to anything that looks complicated. 

As many times as we come here there is always a new exhibit to see, and learn from, and new shows in the Planetarium. Since there are no cameras allowed inside the planetarium I wasn't able to take any photos, and didn't have the desire to because the show was too awesome to put my head down. The show we saw was called "To Space and Back", and this show tells an incredible story of human ingenuity, and engineering. It was amazing to see how the technology that transports us through space is paving the way of the devices and apps we use everyday. It was absolutely amazing! Kind of makes me wonder what technology is going to bring us in the next five years! 

They also have an exhibit called the "The Brain", and it tells you all about how our brain works. There was even a 'fake brain' where you put your finger through to touch, and feel. It wasn't gross, and it felt like Styrofoam to me. 

^^^ This display was pretty cool for the kids. They climbed a two-story tall network of firing neurons." ^^^

The look of fascination on their faces as they learn more about science and technology, and the brain, and human body makes me happy to see that they never get bored when we come here. It brings me so much hope knowing that they could all become a future scientist, engineer, and/or doctor. 

So far I know that Lexie is very interested in the medical field and has been since she was 11. Who knows...but on this night she was fascinated by everything that this institute has to offer, and every time we come here her passion for learning about science expands. We could have spent another hour (or more) in here. 

Grateful to Benjamin Franklin for the spirit he brings for anyone who enters this building in giving them the desire, and passion to learn more about science, and technology. I couldn't stress enough how educational it is for every parent and child to come here.

**You can read more posts on our trips to the institute here, and another post of the Philly temple here.

Around Here Lately.

Even though I'm nostalgic for the warmth of summer I always love the transition into autumn, and so far this favorite season of mine is turning out beautiful with colorful leaves, and everything pumpkin. My October days have been filled with fun in spite of the pain I feel from a particular part of my body.  

So last week has been a bit trying for me because of the fact of breaking crushing my tailbone. Yes...last week as I sat down in front of my computer to write our five year old goodwill find folding chair was literally on its last leg, and broke! I landed hard on the hardwood floor, and severely damaged my tailbone! Like I said...it's crushed, not broken.  Luckily Noah was there to humor me with his 'Noahisms', and help me up. Even though I was in pain all week, I still managed to accomplish a few engagements. Daily walks in our neighborhood with Noah, piano lessons,  a birthday celebration, and having a date night with the hubs was important to me during that week and even though I managed to do a lot I think I over did it. You know...it's kind of like after having a baby, you immediately come home forget about your well being, and think of everyone else except you and then your condition worsens! Bad, bad idea, and you'd think that after bearing four children, including two that involved c-sections I would have learned to take care of my 43 year old body! 

Not!! 

Anyway...I didn't care, and you know what, I'm actually feeling a bit better. My tailbone seems to be healing, but I still feel that bruise. Somehow i find ways to heal myself by keeping busy with things that help me rest. I'll call, write, and text friends, and look back at all the good I do on a day to day basis because with the gorgeous weather we've been having...who wants to stay indoors, and sulk. Okay...maybe except this past Friday because it rained all day, but even after the rain that didn't stop me from venturing outdoors. Still...rain is good because after it pours, going outside to see the vibrant fall foliage, and the rain drops that were left behind on the leaves, and trees were absolutely beautiful.  

Introducing Noah to the Rubik's cube, driving around with one butt cheek resting on the seat running errands wasn't a comfortable setting sitting position, but having Noah falling asleep as soon as I was done with my errands indicated that it was time for me to go home, and rest that tailbone!

It just shows that no pain, no trial, or challenge will stop me from the things that are meaningful to me, and to enjoy the simplicities of life in making my own sunshine doing the things I love.

That is...except for missing church this past Sunday. 

The fact that i tested myself sitting for an hour and a half at the theater to see the maze runner (again) with the hubs was proof enough that I did overdo it, and that I wouldn't be able to endure three hours of church unless I laid down on my side on a pew during the entire hour of sacrament. 

No worries though...I'm pretty tough, and I'll be there next Sunday! 

Regardless! 

Just don't stare at my behind! 

Happy Wednesday!

A Celebration for Nate.

Sometimes I wonder how life would be had I not met Maggie 22 years ago, and you know something...I don't want to know. She has always been there for me as a friend, and is a sister to me in many ways. If it wasn't for her knowledge in knowing the areas of good schools in Jersey before my family and I moved up her six years ago who knows what township or county we we would have ended up in. All I know is that no matter how what we have been through as friends, and as individuals she is a friend of mine for life. Which brings me to the point of this young man...her son. 

This past weekend we held a small belated birthday celebration in my home to celebrate his 16th birthday. The last birthday we celebrated with him was two years ago! How can that be!! I see his mom quite frequently, but not Nate, and that's all kinds of wrong! We love this young man as if he was my son, and he is definitely like family. I have to say that this young man has learned a lot in his young life living in Jersey. The way he presents himself and holds his own shows me that he will always be a Texan at heart. He has come a long way in his endeavors, and has grown up. He is smart, funny, and an amazing basketball player on the court! It was so nice catching up with him, and to hear his goals for the future. His goals...oh man, oh man was I impressed with his goals! I'll just say he has a goal after graduation, and after talking to him, and hearing him speak shows me he has a lot of potential. He has ambition and the ability to succeed to do great things in this life, and you know something...he already is! He is fearless, and is a lot like his mama in many ways. A go-getter, courageous, outgoing, knowledgeable, and determined to accomplish goals without allowing anyone telling him otherwise. Oh wait...he reminds me of me too! haha! 

And tonight it was all about him. 

One thing about his mama is that she is a dang good baker! She made Nate his favorite...homemade chocolate cake, and brought it over to our house!! Now I'm not a big fan of chocolate on chocolate, but this was exquisite! It was moist, and delicious, and tasted sooooooooo good! 

^^^ Kind of took Nate a few seconds to blow out his 16 candles, but alas he blew them all. ^^^

I love that our kids care about Nate, and in some ways is like a big brother to them. I love that he was so kind as to ask how Sierra was doing. He looked up to her in many ways when she was here. I miss all the times these kids used to play games during past Thanksgivings, and Christmases, and hope to have that tradition build up again. 

I am so grateful to know Maggie, and for her to have created a life...the life of this young man who on this evening  we got to know even better at an age where he knows what he wants for his future in this world. You gotta just get to know him, and  I mean reeeeeeaaaaaaalllllyyyyyyy know him. He's a good kid who is learning, and growing in knowing how to live a true, and happy life. 

Happy 16th birthday Nate! We love ya! 

It's Football Season.

I had been feeling a lot of guilt lately due to the fact that we haven't attended any high school football games since football season began to hear Lexie play with the pep band. Two games have passed, and last Friday we finally had the urge, and time to attend one of her games. It's been kind of hard with Jon getting off around the same time the game starts, and having to rush home to change can make us be on edge, and a stressor. The fact that the Highland football team always loses anyway, and has been losing for the past few years (or at least as long as I've been here) doesn't make me a big fan. I'm not alumni at this high school so it doesn't make a difference, but because I have a second daughter who could possibly be an alumni here I'm trying to make nice, and attend only because I want to hear her, and the band play. It's a good thing I like sports because if I didn't I probably wouldn't bother staying for the second half sitting down in agony because our poor football team loses so much. I'm sure they are all good players, and like all those NFL football players will learn as they grow. We make the best of it, cheer even when I don't feel like it, and just have a grand time. Memories of attending football games last year when Sierra played including the homecoming game where she was nominated for homecoming queen was pretty fun, and exciting. I love this time of year, and just the fact that it's football season whether the team loses or not prepares me to enjoy the fall season even more. Chelsea and Noah love sports and when they hear that we are going to go to "a game", they get super excited.

Here are a few photos of the first game we attended with Lexie playing on the keyboard. She totally reminded me of Sierra, but because they are both unique in their own way Lexie had her kind of groovy rhythm. Please excuse these photos. There were a few people who were standing against the rail blocking my view of Lexie that I had to zoom in on a few. Hope they are not too grainy for your vision...

 ^^^ highland mascot--tartan. ^^^

There are a couple more home games left, and so we are going to attempt to attend them, and be good sports to just cheer this team on whether they win or lose! 

**Another band post where you can see the resemblance in my daughters can be read here. 

Happy weekend! 

Noah-isms

Warning: parental discretion may be advised. 

Noah has gotten into this bad habit of spitting, and talking about farts, and butts lately. I don't know if it's a boy thing because my girls certainly did not go through any phases like this talking about butts, farting, or spitting. Hopefully it's short term, and that this phase shall pass.

While laying down I heard swishy noises. I turned around and caught Noah with his finger in his mouth with this sneaky look on his face. I looked at him and asked him if he was spitting again, or drinking something he shouldn't (such as an open can of Dr. Pepper I left in the fridge) he looked at me and said, " I'm not spitting mommy, I'm drinking my thumb mom, [with a slight giggle]...my thumb."

What is it with spitting anyway? 

I don't know if it's an east coast, or jersey thing, but like I said this spitting situation has got to stop. Noah has been an expert on spit, and he has spit on the corners of his mouth.  It's not too bad, but there are times when he's talking at a rapid 50 words a minute, and has spit on the corners of his little mouth. I'm trying to teach him to not shoot spit when he speaks. Like I said...I don't know if it's a jersey thing, but he isn't the only one who talks like that. I've seen adults shoot spit while speaking too! There was one day when I had some hershey kisses in my dresser drawer (I have them on hand, you know...in case of an emergency: PMS, bad mood,) and because I always think he's being sneaky with the elements of food or drink I asked him what he has in his mouth. He said, " I have spit in my mouth, spit mom, spit...not chocolate."  

^^^^^
One of my dear friends looked after Noah all day while I was in New york recently for my birthday, and unfortunately this little kid has gotten in the habit of pulling his arms out of his carseat. He's been doing that for quite some time now, and because we love him, and want him to be safe scolded him to keep his arms in! So the other day as we were driving to a nearby park he took his arms out again, and here goes the convo... 

Jon: "keep your arms inside the straps Noah." 
Noah: "When Ms. Griffiths watched me she said it was okay." 
Jon: "I don't care what Ms. Griffiths said...put your arms back in." 
Noah: "I don't care either." 
Me: WOW!

^^^^^
While cleaning Noah's ears Jon says, "see Noah, that's why you have a lot of wax in your ears because you need to bathe more often!" Noah: "What??? wax in my ears!! (looks at the Q-tip, and says) "That's disgusting daddy." 

^^^^^
While we were at the chapel watching general conference recently we stayed for the second session, and Noah said, "what, not again...we're watching it one more time! Haaaaaaaaa!!" He's obviously old enough now to see that there are two sessions instead of one. He'll get used to it! 

^^^^^
This past Monday as I sat down to use the computer the chair we've had for years finally gave out, and literally broke into pieces! I fell hard on the hardwood floor, and bruised my tailbone! As I was laying on the floor helpless Noah ran into my bedroom tried to help me off the floor, looked at the chair, and said with a sweet and panicky voice, "what the heck!! you broke the chair mom, you broke the chair!" Are you okay? Are you hurt? I said, "yes papa I'm hurt, and my butt hurts, but I'm okay!" And with the sweetest, most empathetic voice Noah says,  "It's okay mommy, daddy will fix the chair, and your butt."

^^^^^
Wasn't sure if I should post this, but I'm going with my gut and going to share. A friend of mine gave me some "off the wall" info that doesn't pertain to me, and as much as I love her I realized I need to watch what I say in front of Noah. Jon asked me what it was she gave me, and I said it's some stupid information about stupid information! Then....Noah said, "mom!!! don't say the "b" word!! Honestly don't know where that came from. Maybe I need to limit my prime time television with this little guy. At least he didn't say the "b" word! 

Happy Thursday! 

Our Conference Weekend.

                           ^^^ love all these faces, Noah's goofy smile, and literally missing Sierra! ^^^

If it wasn't for general conference knowing the things I know now I wouldn't know how to live without it. Seriously...I didn't grow up listening to it, and when I joined the LDS church at the age of 20 I have to admit that I didn't really have my listening ears on too well. I guess you can say I was still learning, and trying to comprehend the whole "general conference thing' and why we have it every six months. Luckily I got the memo, and after getting sealed to my family I definitely got it, and I absolutely loooooove conference! Memories of my sister and I back in 1994 standing in line at the old conference center in Utah to enter into the first session was so much fun! We were both new to the church, and I remember standing in line anxiously waiting to hear the words of a prophet. We obviously had so much faith in these men because we ended up standing in line for an extra two hours just so that we can get into the second session. It was a great experience because that was the first time I ever heard and saw them in person. When I look back at the time I sang inside the new conference center in 2004 I was ecstatic, and ever since I got sealed to my family I have seriously delved into the words of all our church leaders. And you know what...it's so important to do so. I am so grateful for the testimony that I have for the gospel, for the desire that I have to continue to attend conference, and to teach my children that their words are not "just words", but important truths that we need to hear. 

Saturday's forecast was wet, and rainy so with a little one with sniffles we decided to stay home. We usually try to do our chores, homework, and have a picnic outdoors while listening to conference. Well...that didn't happen this year because of the rain. There was no picnic (kids were bummed) so we hung out here at the house, accomplished some chores, and Lexie finished her homework. (That a girl!) As always all the talks given this fall were inspiring, and very motivational, and I couldn't wait to hear more the next day. 

Sunday was extra special. We continued to keep our tradition of going to the chapel to watch conference. We have been doing that ever since we moved from Utah. It is so nice to keep that sunday routine going , and to be able to sit down with friends from our congregation sitting in front of a huge screen inside the chapel. Even though my four year old had a little bit of ants in his pants for the first 20 minutes he eventually sat down to listen. Well...he actually colored. Luckily we have two hours in between sessions so that we can eat, and have a little entertainment by our kids. Chelsea, and Noah both had fun playing the piano in the primary room.

This weekend was absolutely amazing. Every single word, and feeling expressed by all our church leaders is always something that I need to hear. Talking about the prophet, and how important it is to sustain and follow him was a big deal throughout this conference. As I was reading all my thoughts and feelings in I jotted down in my little journal I was reminded of how much the Savior loves me. How much He truly knows every fiber of my being. Knowing that I have the holy ghost to guide and direct me is a comfort to my spirituality. Knowing that I can receive personal revelation for myself brings me peace, and if I really listen to that still small voice my life can be lived to the fullest. President Eyring's talk on this subject was a faithful reminder, and I am so grateful for his testimony. 

Working on our family history, serving others, living the gospel as a true disciple of christ, staying on the right path of righteousness, watching the choices we make, making our home a heaven on earth, attending the temple, having family home evening every week, developing a strong relationship with Heavenly Father, allowing Him into our lives everyday, and my favorite...sharing the gospel were just some of my favorite subjects that were discussed on this day. 

I am so grateful for conference because it uplifts me in every way. The passion that I have for the gospel is because it changed my life. The change I made in my life was hard for some of my friends to see, and hard for my mom to accept the change, but here I am 22 years later still believing in the Almighty God, and in his truthfulness of this gospel. It has done so well for me, and strengthens me in many ways. It gives me the desire to share it with others, and to explain to them where my 'happiness' comes from. Now...don't get me wrong I have my trials, but knowing that i have the gospel and the Lord to turn to with faith gives me hope, and in the end brings me joy. I invite everyone I know and love to come unto Christ. Reading this talk by David A. Bednar can really help those with endless questions as to thinking "why do I need church when I already believe in God". It's a really good talk and I recommend reading it. Everyone deserves to hear the plan of salvation, and if you're a dear friend of mine whom I've known for half of my life I exhort you to click on this link to request a FREE Book of Mormon without any obligation! I did, and it truly changed my life. I promise it will change yours! 

And just like that...it's over. 

See you in six months. 

**For past conference posts you can go here, here, here, and here.  Oh...and and here too! 

Welcoming October With A Birthday Recap.

I'd be remiss if I didn't document a "birthday recap" of the day I had with my husband on my birthday so here it goes...

Because it fell on a Wednesday, and the fact that my 'sitter' (Lexie) stayed after school until 8pm we couldn't actually have a date night. Soooooo we ended up having a simple lunch date at Smashburger with our everloving four year old son, and luckily we did because hey...he captured a pretty good picture of us, and even though it took him four takes on my iPhone to get it right the last one was a charm. 

Date nights whether done in the morning, noon, or night are all good. I personally don't care what time of day I have them as long as we have them. Because we had a couple of dates alone during September to make up for my birthday I was okay with our little man tagging along on my special day. If it wasn't for him he wouldn't have taken this cute photo, and he wouldn't have had a smashburger because this was his first time having it. 

The burgers here are pretty tasty, and because it was my birthday I got a milkshake for free! As you can see from  this post Oreo cookie milkshakes are my fave!!

Going apple picking afterwards, and having my dear friend Maggie surprise me with baked ziti that evening was a perfect end to my 43rd birthday. Flowers sent to me from my daughter out west and my sister in Texas along with cards from dear friends I've known half of my life made my entire year!! I always feel so blessed to have so many think of me on my birthday via snail mail, and social networking. I am lucky to have a husband who is thoughtful, knows how to keep surprises, and is simple when it comes to days like this. It's not about the material things of the world that make a birthday special (although it is nice to receive nice things), but what matters to me is the simplicity that I receive from a loved one. Celebrating a special day with simplicity, love, and family is what's most important in a special gathering. Not everyone gets to have a cake, or even receives a birthday, card and I am extremely grateful for those efforts done from friends and family for every thought, gift, and card I receive on special occasions. This birthday flew by so quickly, and here we are in October waiting to explode with all things pumpkin. 

One thing for sure...we are ready for all things fall, and we are excited! 

How about you? Any fun plans for this weekend besides watching General conference? This truly is the beginning of a fun and "party" season! 

Happy weekend! 

General Women's Meeting 2014.

It is always so interesting to see who, and how many of us will gather for the General Women's meeting every year, and this past weekend we had quite an amazing number in our stake. It is always nice to see other young women, and sisters that I normally don't see every Sunday gather together exchanging stories, hugs, and smiles. The best part of this meeting is the fact that those who are as young as eight years of age can now attend the general women's meeting with their mothers. I have a nine year old, and amazingly she was pretty excited to go that evening (I believe having a pie buffet that night had something to do with her attendance as well!) Seeing young girls between the ages of eight and 17 attending this meeting gives me hope that when these young women reach the ages of 12 and 18 that they are going to be prepared to enter the Young Women program, as well as Relief Society and hopefully spread their wings wide when they venture out into the world after high school graduation (crossing our fingers right moms?)  It was so nice seeing everyone gathering, visiting, hugging, chatting, and smiling among one other. That is sisterly love, and I hope that my daughters will follow in the footsteps of my example in the way that I strive (key word being STRIVE) to be a faithful follower of Christ and how I love, and treat my fellow sisters...no matter who they are. 

The General Women's meeting was indeed so powerful this year! It seems that when I, or a loved one is going through a trial my intentions are totally focused on what our church leaders have to say, and my listening ears are on. Listening deeply with pure intent to every word they uttered that evening was needed in my life in numerous ways. 

For a moment I was prepared to enter the chapel with all these hopes and answers to my prayers for someone I love. When in reality some of these talks were meant for me. Sometimes I walk in thinking, and praying my heart out that every time General Women's meeting comes along that certain family members, and certain sisters I feel can really use some uplifting words of comfort from our church leaders, because they sure can use it. Well you know what...we can all take in some words of comfort, and we can all use it. Including me! 

**Linda K. Burton spoke about better preparing our children for temple blessings. To teach them at a young age to get them involved in family history work, and indexing names so that they'll be spiritually prepared to enter the temple once they turn 12. Preparation is key in all things especially when it comes to the way of the world. I love the example she gave about the 10 virgins, and how five of them were prepared in having oil in their lamps, while the other five were foolish because they didn't have them filled. Like those five virgins who were prepared  to go the marriage, we as members should be prepared to worthily enter the temple.

**Jean A. Stevens talk was focused on baptismal covenants, and gave a beautiful story of her mother, and father. She spoke so highly of her parents, and I was humbled by her story. She talked about how her parents were married in the temple by David O' McKay, and how their focus was purely on building an eternal family, and laying a foundation of the Lord in their life. It was a lovely talk about two wonderful people who sacrificed so much in spite of their challenges in serving their Father in Heaven with strength, and love. Preparing for temple blessings is something we should always be ready for once we enter the temple, and this quote from President Thomas S. Monson says it all, "No sacrifice is too great, no price to heavy, no struggle too difficult in order to receive those blessings." 

**Neill F. Marriott's talk was given with so much love, and conviction. I think the fact that she has a huge family (11 children, and 29 grandchildren) inspires her to be a strong disciple of Christ. Teaching and helping us how we can be a light to others in a dark world. Reminding us that we can shine bright just like the temples do on this earth. One of my favorite quotes she said that night was, "Great joy comes when those little boats [our children] grow into mighty seafaring vessels with gospel light."

**President Dieter F. Uchtdorf gave the most quintessential talk ever! An epic talk that we all needed to hear. Mentioning social networking tells me that he knows what's up in the world with how we women think, and feel. Especially when it comes to numbers. Y'all know what I'm talking about. I mean seriously...who cares how many likes we get on a Facebook pic, Instagram, or twitter. Who cares how many followers we have on pinterest. Heck...I'm grateful to even get one like when I post a status on any of those social networks. That's the way of the world nowadays among our youth, and hope that someday they will realize that none of that matters. Heavenly Father doesn't care about any of those things. He cares about our spirituality, and helping us realize that he loves us no matter what. It is so easy to forget who we are in today's society without listening to that voice that protects us from sin. It's also very easy to stray away from the gospel especially if we are not paying close attention to the influences around us. I've mentioned before that I didn't grow up in the church, so I really appreciate everything that the young women program does for the youth including my kids. 

Unfortunately, I've seen quite a few young women go off on their own after high school graduation and struggle with their testimony, do what they want, and forget that they are a daughter of God. We need reminders of those moments to remember who we are, and to strive to live as a true disciple of Christ. To know that Heavenly Father loves us no matter what and that blessings will rain down upon us. Even at my age I need to be reminded of living the gospel, and how I attain that is by living the laws of the Lord the best I can. He also said that living the gospel joyfully with all our heart, mind, and soul may be hard, but by choosing Heavenly Father's path we can lay a divine foundation on our path, and in our lives. 

Every single talk was appreciated, and spoke to me in profound ways. The fact that some of the talks were so focused on leaving a legacy of great examples for our children, and seeking out our ancestors by attending the temple more often strengthens me as a mother even more. I am a first generation member, and unfortunately I don't have many stories to tell my kids about how my mother met & married my dad, and so forth. I have stories, but they aren't the uplifting kind (they will know those too.) My family as much as I know, did their best in living a good life, and unfortunately in most cases somewhat turned out dysfunctional. I know I'm not perfect, but I don't want to repeat the same mistakes some of them made. My hope for my children is that they will have fun, sweet, and uplifting stories to tell their future posterity about me.  I have built a history of my existence through happiness and trials on paper, photographs, this blog, and most of all my example which I hope will be good enough for my kids!

And I hope in return my children will live a faithful life in living eternal covenants and that by going to the temple will be much more than a "one time event", and pass that on down to their posterity, and so on, and so on. 

**Past General women's meeting posts can be found here, here, and here.