Fast Sunday

During sacrament meeting at church we sat behind a family with 3 young boys. It was Fast Sunday and the family's oldest boy (I'd say he was about 9) got up to share his testimony.

It went something like this:

"I know the church is true. I love my family. (Long Pause) This morning I went with my dad to do fast offerings. When we got to the last house the guy gave us five dollars, and he wasn't even Mormon. (Long Pause) You should think about that."

With a chuckle from the audience the boy walked off the stand. By the time he got back to his parents, there were tears in his eyes. He was serious about what he had said, and he didn't get why everyone laughed. I could tell he was so embarrassed.

The dad tucked the boys head into his shoulder and told him he did a great job. I then vowed that after the meeting was over, I would tell him he did a great job too. I just couldn't stand the thought that his embarrassment (for trying to do the right thing) might deter him from ever sharing his testimony again.

When the meeting ended I got up and went to say something, but before I opened my mouth another lady interrupted. So, I waited for her to go first.

This is what she said:

"Are you the boy that said your testimony about the five dollars? That man you talked about is my husband. You're right, he isn't a Mormon. I haven't been to church in over ten years, but after you came to my house this morning I realized it was time I came back. So, thank you."

Then she walked away.

I no longer felt the need to say anything at all. I mainly just wanted to cry. Okay, I did cry...just a little.

Crawling

Pics

We finally got some pictures of the little man taken. He refused to smile and only lasted a few minutes before breaking out in sobs.

Go HERE if you want to see more...they are incredibly cute.











Photo by Brianne Serrano Photography

8 Months and Counting...

Cody's Birthday

Unfortunately for Cody, his birthday is right next to a major holiday. So, we put a big effort into separating them.

Friday night, as usual, we headed out for a steak dinner. That was one of Cody's requests when we got married. We went to Texas Roadhouse, a favorite of ours. We showed up around 730 and by 830 we still hadn't even made it on the list. We even tried the calling in technique, but they were just too busy. So, Cody sacrificed his desire for bulky meat and we headed to Cafe Rio instead, where there were no lines or crowds. Plus, who doesn't love their pork?













Saturday morning, Cody headed to Snowbird with some buddies. While he was gone I set up a tent, borrowed a fire pit and got things ready for his return. He got back just in time for the sun to go down. So, we started a fire, roasted some hot dogs and marshmallows, then watched a movie in the tent. It started raining a bit, which made the whole experience THAT much better. There is nothing like camping, with the rain lightly hitting the top of the tent, and snuggling with someone you love.













I think the night turned out perfect, besides the fact that the boy woke up screaming and then wouldn't go back to sleep. He has been so naughty lately.



Happy birthday Cody!

Bath Time

One day I will learn to take pictures with my camera and not my phone (or I'll just get a better phone), but until then...












How can anyone resist that face?

The Boy and His Walker

This is what follows me around all day, ramming into my heels every 30 seconds. Today he even shut me into the pantry.

I love him so much.

Smiths

Highlight of the day:

The checker at the grocery store gave me a lecture on customer service and a big, loud high five for being a bargain shopper. This all happened after I handed her a bunch of coupons, with an apologetic look on my face.

I love people. They make leaving the house worth it.

Viviana

This morning while doing my hair (and just before the boy face planted it into the bathroom sick) I was thinking back to my mission (yep, here comes another mission post).

Last night Cody and I borrowed 500 Days of Summer from Holly and Kris. This movie, plus listening to Garth Brooks song "Unanswered Prayers" while defusing my curls, got my mind spinning.

The memory that came up on top was of my second day in the mission field. It was the last appointment of the day and, by that time of night, my brain was fried. Not understanding a language yet hearing it all day non-stop really works wonders (and not the good kind) on your concentration, focus, energy, motivation, drive...the list goes on.

We sat down with a woman named Viviana. It was her second time with the missionaries, the first being at her front door for about 2 minutes. My companion began the first lesson (if you didn't know, its about Joseph Smith). While she talked, I dozed in the corner.

Then, out of nowhere, I got the impression to stop my companion and tell her to teach about something entirely different. So, I did what any new missionary with no experience in teaching and the language does, I ignored it. But, as most people know, some impressions cannot be stopped and eventually you MUST listen. And, like a good girl I did.

I poked my companion in the arm and said,"I think you should teach her about families." My companion informed me that is what they talked about last time. But, this particular missionary (who I love dearly), listened to silly old me anyway and changed her lesson on the spot.

I once again, began to doze in the corner. Later, in the car on the way home, I was informed that after the lesson Viviana confessed that she initially wasn't interested, especially about prophets and scripture. But, when we talk about families something sparked, and she wanted to know more. Four months later she was baptised. And, to this day I hear from her and love her more than I can express.

This experience (and countless others) happened because I decided to serve a mission. Had I made other choices in my life I would not have been there, in that moment, to make that suggestion. A suggestion which changed her life, and mine, forever. Had I made other choices, I would not have met my husband and, subsequently, would not have my beautiful baby boy.

I have come to learn that I don't always understand why things happen the way they do until much later. I don't always (if ever) see the big picture. But, oh how grateful I am to know that my father in heaven does. And that when all is said and done, everything lines up just the way it should.

Today...

This is us. Playing with stuffed animals on the floor.

I would rather be here with him than anywhere else in the world.




p.s. excuse the fuzzy image, its just another bad camera phone photo.

My New Car

This is my new car.













Cody is in love with Subarus. I never knew much about them, but found myself convinced that they were something I should look into. Then I got hooked.

So, here I am driving a Forester, and, to be honest, I really like it.

Although, I am much more timid with a manual; which could be a good thing. I guess we'll see.

Teeth

His newest achievement...

And it only took him 7 months.

Our Anniversary

This year Cody was in charge.
He made me breakfast.

















And he gave me flowers.














Then we headed out on a date, but had to stop for gas.












Then we ate our family favorite, Thai food.
















Then we went to a movie.
(this picture makes me look old and wrinkly)














Then we came home.














(Why is my tongue always out?)














Then we went to bed, and under my pillow were two red roses. One for each year.

Happy Anniversary. I love you a lot.

p.s. Thank you Clarke for babysitting.

Binky

As we were driving by our crash site yesterday Cody noticed something on the side of the road, the binky! Mystery solved (if you don't know what I'm talking about, look through Cody's drawing of the car accident again).

It must have flown out the window during the accident and landed in the grass a ways from our car. Now that the snow has melted a bit, we were able to find it.

It really isn't great to live 30 seconds away from where you totalled your car. Now every time we go anywhere we have to pass the spot and relive the moment.

We also had our two year anniversary on the 18. It was wonderful. I have some pictures that I'll try to post soon, along with a few of our new car. We got a 2000 Subaru Forester. So far, I love it.

Blue = Us