Praying for Family on their Special Day

Perhaps our children will remember that on their birthday they would get the special plate for dinner that night, or on some big occasion to celebrate they might earn the special plate. Well, they are out of the house, but wanting to remember them on their special day continues.

I try to pray for each of our children (which includes in-laws, of course), and grandchildren every day. In my mind I will say their name and see their face. Knowing some of the challenges they are experiencing, I will pray for that, too. I found that it was hard to effectively pray for each one and their needs all in one prayer.

I decided to give each family a day of the week that I would focus on them particularly in my thoughts and prayers, still continuing to pray for each of the other family members.

Ondalynn & Gary's family starts the week out on Monday. Next, Seth & Tiffany's family, Tuesday. Alice-Anne & Gary's family is on Wednesday, our temple day. Vivienne & Brett's family lands on Thursday. Dallin & Janelle's family on (thank-goodness for) Friday. Meredith & Bryan's family is Saturday. This is where I had to double up to fit them all in. Crismon & Danielle are Saturday, too. Julia & Austin, and Emily & Bronson wrap up the week on Sunday.

To help me keep my thoughts on each family, I put their family picture on the kitchen table on their special day. I feel closer to each one knowing that I can focus more on them during their special day.

My heart is full knowing I'm surrounded by so many who honor me by calling me mother or grandmother. I want the best for each one. Heaven is near, and I know there is great power in calling on the powers of heaven to bless and watch over each one. I love them all so dearly.

The long note pad on the side is our prayer list for friends, and other family members. Obviously, we don't say each name every time, but it is a daily reminder of those who need our special prayers. My love for my Heavenly Father has grown as I try to remember His children in my daily prayers.

Easter with Family in Eugene

Easter was spent in Eugene with Seth & Tiffany’s family and Ondalynn & Gary’s family. The cousins had so much fun together that weekend with an Easter Egg Hunt, and other activities on Sat. The highlight was attending the “Lamb of God” oratorio put on by a regional choir of LDS members. We heard it on Friday evening, and then Crismon and I went back on Saturday evening with the Vance's to hear it again as it was so tremendous! Tiffany had the solo part of mother Mary. It was a very moving, and beautiful performance. Returning home Sunday evening we had a delightful visit with Corwin & Lynette in their home about their mission call and catching up on their lives.

We also celebrated my birthday and Seth's birthday on the 19th. Carrot cake is the best! It was great to have it again!

My 65th Birthday

Early Monday morning we drove back to Boise with the Thomas'. We stopped in Bountiful for their daughter and her family to follow us. We arrived home that evening. We had stopped off to see Michael & Vicki Lee outside of Pendleton on the way. They live way out in the country so it was quite the drive. We were so happy to be in our own beds, safely home that night. I was grateful to wake up on my birthday at home. As we drove home, I read the tribute book I received.

Our children gave me this beautiful picture of the Portland Temple. I love it! It's a joy for me to serve in the temple each week and having this picture is a reminder of the blessings the temple brings in my live.

That afternoon I invited Vivi and her children to meet me at Frenzi's Yogurt and use a gift certificate that I had. It was fun to celebrate with Clark, Daisy, and Kaeley. One last picture of my carrot cake. I usually don't like cake, but homemade carrot cake is my absolute favorite dessert. The Johns usually make it for me each time, this year Emily made me an incredibly delicious carrot cake, and I had to add one more picture as a reminder.

I am so happy to finally have health insurance, after being without it for 8 years when Crismon was laid off work. Gratefully I was blessed and stayed amazingly well during those years.

Mission Reunion, General Conf, and the Johns'

On Thursday, March 30th, we drove to the Boise area to connect with Richard & Jenny Thomas. He served with Crismon in the Peru Ecuador Mission. They have stayed good friends. After an overnight stay we traveled together to the Salt Lake area. That evening Crismon reunited with many Elders and Sisters from his mission as well as his Mission Pres. and his wife, Allen & Janice Litster, who was only 29 when called as mission president, so they are about the same age as their missionaries.

We loved the conference weekend being with Alice-Anne & Gary’s family and attending the Saturday afternoon session in the Conference Center with Emily & Bronson. We had many from the YSA’s branch in our stake come to conference, so most of the tickets were shared with them. We returned home renewed and strengthened in our testimonies and our desire to serve our Savior, Jesus Christ.

While we were in Utah, we celebrated my 65th birthday coming up in a few days. Emily made a delicious carrot cake that I loved. She surprised me with a collection of tributes from family and friends that she and Dad had worked to put together. It is a treasure, and I was greatly touched by the kindness of so many dear ones. Emily had recently won a Kitchen Aid Mixer and she gave it to me as Bronson said she couldn't have a Bosch and a Kitchen Aid.

We are always hosted so well by the Johns. They let us borrow their car, they feed us so well, Kenna gives up her room for us, and we love seeing their darling children. It's always a hurried, but joyous time.