The Jensen Family.....

PROM - part 2

2011-04-30T18:50:00.010-07:00

It's Prom night. Kacee was so excited to go. It's sad she's not in the same group as her best friend. But they will meet up at the dance.

She got asked to go to a "Mormon Prom" that some of the Denver Stakes are putting on next weekend also. She's even more excited for that one.

Her Young Women's Pres. came over and did her hair. And it turned out amazing...

Here she is ready to go...

PROM - part 1

2011-04-30T18:28:00.003-07:00

Kacee got asked to prom. The boy that asked her sent her on an Easter Egg hunt. He sent the first egg to mutual with one of her girl friends and it had a letter in it. When we got home she had to find the others. Then she had to put the letters together and figure out what it all said and who asked her. It said, "Prom with John?"

So, to respond she sent her answer in the flour. Her girl friend delivered a fake flower with misc letters written on the pedals. About 5 min later they ding door ditched 3 bags of flour that had her answer in them. And he had to dig in the flour to find kacee's answer.

It's so fun to see how creative they can be with asking and responding for the dances.

2011-04-10T18:32:00.002-07:00

Oh my...it has been so long and lots has been going on. Thanksgiving was at our house - family and friends joined us. So much fun and a full house. Christmas came and went with family. Kacee turned 16. Her cousin Kortni flew in from Mesa to surprise her, we had a surprise bday party for her. Then on Monday night she was surprised with a date. She had a great weekend. And we were sad to say goodbye to Kortni. Eric turned 14 and decided not to go to his first stake dance so he could be with his cousins. Eric, Sara and family came to visit over New Years from Gilbert,Az. We loved having them and realized just how much we miss Kurt's family. My sister Stephanie and her husband LeVell had a baby boy in January. Baby Henry is the sweetest thing ever. He just melts my heart and I can never get enough of him. Kacee had a great swim season. She was glad when it was over and misses it now. We moved into a different house over the kids spring break. Glad that's over. And I know this isn't the last move for our family. Ugh..... Kacee was given the opportunity to go to Hawaii over spring break with her best friend and their family. What a trip of a life time for her. She had a great time and came home with the idea that our whole family needs to go. She must think that money grows on trees for us. :) Katie is 10 yrs old and is in the school play. "Alice in Wonderland" Can't wait to see it. She still likes to run the show in our house. Emmalee just turned 12yrs old. She has been so excited to leave primary. And I have been so sad at the thought of her leaving me. It has been so fun to be in primary with Emmy & Katie. But, I have to let her grow up. So, Emmy went to Young Women's for the first time today. I cried when she walked out the Primary doors with all the Beehives. Kacee was asked to Prom this week. The boy sent her on an Easter Egg Hunt after mutual Wednesday night. So to answer him... she sent him a message. She gave him some flowers and told him "the answer was in the flour." She had a friend take the flowers to the door with the note. Then about 5 min later they ding door ditched 3 bags of baking flour that had her answer in them. Pour boy had to dig in all the flour bags for the letters to unscramble. He told her he was covered in flour when he was all done. hahaha...Good thing we are friends with the family. I was released from being Primary Pres today. I thought I'd be excited about this....I really am going to miss those cuted kids. And, Kurt was called to be the 2nd Couns./Scout Master in Young Men's. He is going to be great and he loves those boys. He's already had most of them as 11yr old scouts. Well, that should be a fast catch up on our family for now.

Kacee went to Homecoming!!!

2010-10-10T20:36:00.006-07:00

Kacee is in student council and needed to be at Homecoming....so a few of her friends that aren't 16 yet got together and went. They got ready here at our house and ate dinner together then went to the dance. I'm not sure if I'm ready for the dating to start in about 1 1/2 months...

Here they are getting ready...

Here are the girls all ready and really can't wait till they are 16 and can add the boys to pictures....

They looked beautiful and had a great time.....

BYU FOOTBALL CAME TO TOWN.....

2010-09-11T21:08:00.001-07:00

We were so excited to get tickets for the Air Force v BYU game. The kids had never been to a BYU game and were all dressed in their BYU shirts and ready to go to cheer on their favorite team.

It was a beautiful day even if BYU lost the game. The half time show honored all the men and women that have and are serving our country. I'm so thankful for them and the work they do so unselfishly. After the game our friends came over for dinner and fun.

SURPRISE TRIP!!!

2010-09-06T21:28:00.009-07:00

Kurt & I have always wanted to go to Mt.Rushmore so when you only live 7hrs away why not go. Right?

We told the kids after church to pack an overnight bag and we were off. As we were driving into Denver we called Auntie Heather and picked her up.

Mt. Rushmore is an amazing place. Everyone should take their families there. Pictures just don't do it justice...

Towards the end of the pathway you come up on a bldg that had the tools and stuff that the workers used. There was a park worker in there that talked about why the work stopped and how the mountain was suppose to look had they been able to finish it.

It was a great trip. We all are still talking about it and can't wait to go back. There is so much up in that area to do.

We are soooo excited!!

2010-08-18T19:35:00.000-07:00

We are so excited for my brother Brian & snl Laci. The biggest Congrats to them and their cute family. The newest addition came to join their family yesterday. I get a little wet in the eyes just thinking about it. I'm dying to see him and wishing we lived so much closer. I'm so thankful for eternal families. It truely is a miracle when a new life is brought into this crazy world.
We love you - Brian & Laci!!! Congrats and hope everyone is adjusting well. Give that new little guy the biggest kisses and hugs for all of us.

COUNT DOWN.....

2010-06-20T22:01:00.000-07:00

10 days and counting till we leave for Mesa. We can't wait to go camping with family at the property and be back in our trailor. Then down to Mesa for some fast paced visits with friends and family. Lots of swimming, haircuts with our favorite hair dresser, and lots of visits to our favorite MEXICAN FOOD places. Can't wait for some good Mexican food. Oh how I miss good chips and Salsa.
Can't wait to see you all in Hot AZ.

Things never change...

2010-06-13T22:35:00.000-07:00

So, it's Sunday night and Kacee decided that we should watch Julie and Julia with her. Especially since I haven't seen it yet. And, I've really wanted to see it.
The part that never changes....is that Kacee has climbed up inbetween Kurt and I in bed to watch the movie. It's just like when she was little. I miss those days sometimes.

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-13T22:21:00.000-07:00

For Mother's Day we decided to fly Kurt's mom in to visit us. She has missed the kids and wanted to see where we moved to. We were so excited to have her come. The kids took her hiking and to Garden of the Gods. She also got to be here for the Dance Festival that the youth in our stake put on. They did a great job. And Grandma loved watching Kacee & Eric dance in it.

We loved having Grandma Jensen visit and really miss her and PaPa Bear.

Time flies...

2010-03-26T21:21:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been almost a year since I posted last. I really need to do alot of updating on our families events. Lots has happened. So, I guess it's time to start updating our blog again. Updates are coming soon......

Long time...

2009-09-25T09:06:00.001-07:00

Holy cow, I didn't realize how long it had been since I had posted anything. I couldn't even remember our blog address. That is so sad. Had to go to Kacee's blog to get to ours.
Lots has happened in our family's life. A move, a broken arm, and saying good bye to such dear sweet friends. We said good bye to Arizona last Thursday and said HELLO to beautiful Colorado on Friday. We are living in Colorado Springs now and just love it. We are very cold, they had a early winter storm come in. But it is suppose to warm up for the weekend. Hurray!!!

Summer fun...

2009-07-13T17:21:00.000-07:00

We have all had a fun summer so far. Lots going on. The kids have been busy. So the next couple updates are going to catch everything up. I haven't been the best at keeping updated.

Craziness, I tell you!!!

2009-07-01T17:26:00.000-07:00

I'm going CRAZY!!!!!!
The last couple of days have been nuts for us. Having to keep the house spotlessly clean, kids wanting friends over everyday, a teenage daughter who thinks we should shop everyday, is really taking its toll on me.. The kids hate me getting after them for every little thing. And I hate it to. It is to hot to go outside and play. And, being on edge every time the phone rings thinking it is a realtor is no fun. The house has only been on the market for 5 days and I'm done.
Sorry to complain, just need to vent.
We were getting ready for a little camping trip and then had our plans change. So, now the car needs a little TLC that wasn't in the plans. The kids are excited and can feel all my stress. I'm praying hard that our situation as far as finding a job and putting our lives back in order changes soon. I'm not sure if our lives will ever be totally in order.
We can't wait to see our new little cousin/niece. And, some of our other cousins. We are going to stay with our good friends and we can't wait. Big fireworks are in the plan along with some much needed cooler weather. HURRAY!!!!!

It is official

2009-06-25T20:18:00.001-07:00

So, it is official our house is up for sale!! Yes, you are seeing things right. It hasn't even been a year. Kurt found out about 3 weeks ago that his facility that he manages is going to be closed. So we are job hunting again. I can't believe it. We found out about it just 3 day before we left for our cruise that we had been planning for our 16th anniversary. (I'll post about that soon.) So I sat on my bed and cried for about an hour. I couldn't believe this was happening to us again in just less than 2ys. Then decided to tell the kids. They were in shock and then asking if we could move to Utah or back over to Mesa to our old neighborhood. So, how do you respond to that? My answer was we'll see. I'm not sure where we are going to go. But of course I want to say YES!!! So in the meantime the kids will start school over here, unless Kurt gets a job before school starts. And I'm going to still work at the school as an aide. I'm excited for that.

But, if anyone knows of any job openings let us know. haha. We'll keep everyone updated to what is happening with our family and where we are going. Say lots of prayers that it will all come together soon. I know that the Lord is in charge and that it will all come together in his time and good things are waiting for our family. I think we just all get impatient at times and want things to happen now. And the Lord doesn't work that way. Hope all is good for our friends and family. We love you all and pray for you all everyday.

Oh, a camping they will go!!!

2009-06-25T19:54:00.000-07:00

It's Girls Camp time. They left last Monday. And, Kacee and Brittany were so excited to be going, even though they weren't going to LoMia. (at least, that is what they wanted their mom's to think.) I know Kacee was. It was a little different this year for Kacee. I was suppose to go with our ward, but I decided about a week before everyone was to be going that I needed to stay home and get things ready for our house to go up for sale. I've been lucky to go with Kacee the last 2 yrs., and attend girls camp for 6yrs in a row. Saying things were a little different for our house is an understatement.
So, Sis.Eich was the lucky one to take my place. I'm so glad she got to go. She is our 1st coun. in yw. She never went to girls camp as a yw, so this brought all sorts of fun excitement for her and the girls. I'm sure some of the girls were wanting to show her all the things she missed as a youth. Like how to get your pants stuck on a fence as you are climbing back over it from going in the woods. haha!!
As a ward we decided to sew the famous backpacks that we have made in our old ward for girls camp. They really turned out cute. This picture doesn't do them justice. I was sewing 23 backpacks and Bishops gift from the girls till 2am on Sunday night before they all left. But, hey that is what we do. If I hadn't been sewing, I would have been packing till that late. Some things never change. The ward theme was LION KING.
Each girls and leader in YWs and Cabin moms decorated a square. Then I sewed material around them and put it together. It really turned out cute. I would love to someday learn how to get them all to square up. They were a little off. Hope our Bishop loved it.

Our Family Update....

2009-06-18T13:02:00.000-07:00

Well, the school year has ended. Summer has started and I'm already pulling my hair out some days. The phrase, "can I have _______ come over to play?" everyday, multiple times gets old. But, I love having the kids home.
Kacee graduated from 8th grade and is now an official Freshman in high school. YIKES!!! I'm feeling old. Kurt and I finally took our dream vacation for our 16 Anniversary - a cruise to the Bahamas. Still wish I was on that boat. It was os amazing. And, Kacee and Eric are off to girls camp and scout camp.
Kacee will be going to EFY and then is hoping to get to Utah in July to visit Uncle Brian, Auntie Laci and the girls. But really it boils down to Kacee just misses her cousin Cami so much. If we could live next door it wouldn't be close enough. What a blessing to have such great Uncles and Aunts that set good examples and love my kids for who they are.
But the hardest news for our family thus far - just before we left on our cruise Kurt was told his facility that he manages is going to be closed. The company that he works for was bought out in January and the new company doesn't want to keep the small facilities open. So as of the middle of July he will be out of work again. Two times in two years is so much fun. Not really. So, we are putting our house up for sale, and aren't sure where the Lord is going to take us next. But, we have faith it will all work out.
We are torn. We want to go back to Mesa to be closer to all of Kurt's family and our friends. But, we also want to go to Utah to be closer to Christine's family. Not to mention having four seasons, one of which has much cooler summers, sounds good too. Time will tell. Say lots of prayers for us.

Kacee graduated

2009-05-28T17:02:00.000-07:00

Yes, Kacee graduated from Junior High. This whole graduating ceremony thing from junior high is baffling to me. I never had a graduation ceremony when leaving 8th grade. We just left and were excited to be going to high school.

So, Kurt and I are feeling a little older today. But, very proud. Kacee received an award that all the teachers voted on who should receive it. One girl and one boy received this award. Along with the award was a gift card to Staples. She's not sure what they were thinking when they came up with that part of it. She would have rather of had cash. I told her not to complain, she can use it to buy supplies for the next school year and save me some money.

We are so proud of her. She is a great student. She just amazes us everyday at what she excels in.

Way to go Kacee. We love you!!! xoxoxoxox

Eric's Court of Honor

2009-05-05T12:49:00.000-07:00

It was Eric's first court of Honor in the ward. He was excited and nervous. He was helping with the flag ceremony and getting awards. He received his First Aide merit badge, Tenderfoot, and 2nd class. He had to get instruction from his scout leader so he didn't poke me. (I don't think they forget how to pin their mom's. They get lots of practice at it in cub scouts.) He was so cute about it and did a great job. And, he didn't poke me. I'm so proud of you Eric. You are doing such a great job in scouts. Keep up the good work.

Kacee, Eric and Verrado Track!

2009-04-29T12:26:00.000-07:00

These were long, hot afternoons.
We just loved watching Eric running against the big 7th and 8th graders. This was his first season. He always tried his hardest and that is what counts. He always would say, " I did my best".
Kacee couldn't decided if she wanted to do track again this year. She really was missing her friend and track buddy from last year - Lexi. I had to remind her that she lived on the other side of town. She finally decided to run and I was so excited. I just love to watch track. I had a great PE teacher in 7th grade that got me interested in running hurdles and ran them every spring till my Junior year.
Kacee had a great season. She ran the hurdles, 100m, long jump, and triple jump. She did so good. She made the semi finals, and alternate for the finals in long jump. This was the first year their school had a track team and the girls team took 1st at the finals. We were so proud of them.
Eric's good friend Colby Clifford ran also. So the other perk to the season was to be able to spend the time watching the kids run with such good friends and company. We all had many laughs and drinks from sonic. What could be better?!

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T17:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter! Today has been a great day. We did the whole Easter Bunny thing this morning, then quickly got ready for the day. Kurt's brother Eric blessed their new baby Mara in their home this morning. What a great way to start the day. And the blessing he gave was beautiful. Our kids were so excited to see their cousins, even if it was a short visit. Then we left to drive back over to our ward.

This was the first Sunday, of many, that we got to sit without Kurt. He has been called to be the 1st counselor in the Bishopric. So, now I'm a single parent again. I need to remember to have patience with my kids. But, I always feel like we're being watched and we are not perfect.

Anyways, I got to teach YW's today. I was asked to teach an Easter lesson. So, I decided to teach about the last 8 days of Christ's life. My good friend Heidi had given this lesson when we were serving in YW's together in SR1. It was such a neat lesson. Hopefully the girls liked it. I felt a little rushed, but it all turned out good.

So, the day is coming to a close and I was sitting and thinking about all the things that have happened and blessed our family since last Easter. I'm so thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who knows each of us. And blesses my family each and every day. And for our Savior Jesus Christ. What a specialy gift he has given each of us. I can't imagine the pain he must have felt that night in the garden and he knelt and prayed for each of us.

In our last stake we had the priveledge to attend a fireside given by Mark Mabry , "Reflections of Christ". It was on display at the Mesa, Arizona Temple's Visitor Center. It is a fireside I will never forget. So I thought it would be fitting to watch some of the pictures he took.

(if you have music linked, you will want to mute it.)

Happy Birthday to Emmalee!

2009-04-02T22:52:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to you!

Emmalee, I can't believe it was 10yrs ago

that you came into our lives.We knew you were suppose

to come and bless our lives. Your birth will be one

that will never be forgotten. Your Grandma McCune

still talks about it.Your first week here on this earth

was spent living in a motor home in front of Grandma &

Papa Jensen's house in Las Vegas. We were getting ready

to move to Provo, Utah so that Dad could go to school at BYU. You were such a sweet little baby and you are even sweeter now.

Today has been a little crazy with the track meet. Thanks for waiting for

us to celebrate your birthday and being patient.

Thank you for being such a good little helper.

I know I can always count on you.

Happy 10th Birthday, We love you so much!

Thunderbirds

2009-03-30T11:57:00.000-07:00

When I think about the memories from growing up in a little town called Lompoc, California, one that comes to mind is the Air show at Vandenberg Airforce Base. It was one of the most amazing things I saw as a child and still to this day is just as beautiful. So, one of the perks of living on the West side of Phoenix is being able to see the Thunderbirds from our backyard. On Friday night we watched fireworks being shot out of the backend of a Mig. (I think that was what kind of a plane it was) That was so cool. Then on Saturday we took the kids up to Luke Airforce Base for the show. I felt like a little girl again. The planes are so amazing, I can't imagine flying something so big and powerful. What amazing men and women the pilots are. Then the real treat came. The THUNDERBIRDS!!!

They are so beautiful to watch up in the sky. Eric, Emmalee, and Katie werejust glued to the sky the whole time. Watching the kids with eyes so big is so much fun. It is one of the joys of being a mom. We looked and looked for the Jobe family, but never saw them. Next year time we'll have to call and meet up with them.

Eric, Sarah and family came out and met us there. The cousins were so excited to see each other. It was fun to watch the 3 boys run around from plane to plane. Kurt took a video of the Thunderbirds flying over us. What a sight to see.

She is finally 8 and it's Baptism Day

2009-03-30T11:18:00.000-07:00

Katie is the newest member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. And, Katie's day could not have been any more perfect. We sure did miss all the family and friends that weren't able to make it. But want to say thank you to all those that came and supported Katie in her decision to be baptized. It was a beautiful day.

It was a weekend full of many events. Katie's baptism, our sweet Bishop was released and a new Bishopric was called - Kurt was called to be the 1st counselor in the Bishopric, and Kacee received her Young Women's medalion. Needless to say we were all exhausted by Sunday night. But what a great weekend. Full of precious memories.

Baptism Invitations....

2009-03-22T23:03:00.001-07:00

Okay, so for two weekends in a row we have tried to get a great picture of Katie at the temple. The first Saturday we were there she got a little frustrated with the whole process and told us enough was enough. I know, not Katie. If you have figured out Katie's personality yet, that is just how it goes and there is no talking her into more. So, I decided the next weekend while we were out in Mesa getting haircuts, we should stop and take some more. Well, with a little promising of a Sonic Oreo Blast it was a done deal. Except I just had to stop at a fabulous scrapbook store for supplies for my crazy idea to make Katie her own baptism book. (haven't even started it yet - YIKES!) While at the store she tells me her tummy isn't feeling good. I told her it was just because we haven't had anything for lunch and that she will be okay. And, that was the end of that.
Now, knowing my kids track record I should know better. And should have started for home with a very big cup in the car just in case. But no, I just had to stop and take pictures at the temple. So, that is just what we did. We got her in the dress and got one picture (which wasn't good at all) and start to walk over by the visitor center, when it happened. She started to put her hands to her mouth, I'm having flashes of Oreo all over this beautiful white dress, and I start to pull her hair back and the dress back. Now, it is Saturday at the Temple and there are Brides everywhere taking pictures. And, there is Katie chucking into a bush. So sorry Temple ground workers and brides.
The dress did okay until Katie decided she had to fling the stuff off her hands.
Dry cleaner here we come.
So, this is the picture we went with. With a little cropping it turned out pretty good. Wish I was made of money and could send one to everyone of our friends, but no such luck on that one. So, for all those who care Katie's baptism is this Saturday.
We are so excited. And, I'm having many emotions. This is my last one to be baptized. Time sure does go by fast. Next thing I know I'm going to have my oldest driving and dating. YIKES!- not ready for that one. But we love to tease Kacee about it and have told her who we would love to see her second date with. (Jolene we'll have to talk) The first date will be with her DAD!

Happy 8th Birthday

2009-03-08T22:51:00.000-07:00

Boy does time go by fast or what? I can't believe that our Katie "bug" is 8years old today. And that my baby girl is going to be baptized in about 3 weeks. We are so proud of you and all that you are accomplishing. You are such a joy in our lifes and always keep us on our toes.

We love you!!

xoxoxoxoxoxo

Sunday night

2009-01-20T16:09:00.000-07:00

Sunday night Kacee and I had the opportunity to go to a Stake fireside: "Commitment to Excellence". Our stake has made a commitment to each girl that if they complete the following list they will receive a special gift from the Stake Presidency and Stake YW presidnecy. The four items they must complete are:

1. completes 4 yrs of girls camp & gets her camper award
2. completes her personal progress and earns her medalian by graduation of High School
3. graduates from Seminary
4. is worthy and prepared for temple marriage ( interview with Bishop & Stake Pres.)

If a girl does this they will receive a Hope Chest and on the inside of the lid is a painted picture of the Mesa Arizona Temple. It was beautiful! Our Stake YW presidency and other sisters from our stake talked about what our spiritual items could and should be that go into our Hope Chests.

*goal setting
*leadership
*dedication
*knowledge
*journals
*individual worth
*faith
*testimony

Each of the ladies talked about the YW leaders that made such a difference in their lives. When we serve in a calling we don't think about what kind of a difference we are making. We just do our calling and do to the best of our ability. But Sunday night it just seem to hit home for me or hit me right between the eyes. I'm so thankful for all the YW leaders I had. And, the great Bishops I had. They all taught me something from that list above. I just hope I can and am doing the same for the girls I'm serving in our ward. Every YW in this great church is special and worth all the time and effort. It was such a great night and a great meeting.

So, what is in you spiritual "hope chest"?

Happy New Years

2008-12-31T15:49:00.000-07:00

Our family hasn't gotten our Christmas cards out and haven't even gotten a good picture for them. Every one we've taken, someone has a weird look on their face. So, hopefully we'll get a good picture for cards and a little note out soon.
Our family sure hopes that this year has been good to everyone. It has been good to us. Lots of changes for our family and new friends made along the way. We love you all, are grateful to have you in our lives, and hope you have a very Happy New Year!!

December

2008-12-30T21:54:00.000-07:00

December has been such a busy month for us. I'm just going to write a big update so our family can remember all that we did.
We had to have our house all decorated for Christmas before we left for our Knotts Berry Farm family reunion. The Young Women in our ward had their Christmas party at our house the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Then came the ever anticipated - Kacee's 14th birthday!! Hurray!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I felt a lot older that day. My oldest is 14 and can go to Stake Dances. Yikes - boys dancing with my little girl. I don't think I'm ready for that. She had 10 teenage friends come sleepover, and I watched 5 of my nieces & nephews the same weekend. I think by that night I had 19 kids in my house. Thank Heavens for DIET COKE!!!!
Then Eric's 12th birthday came 3 days later. And he and I were sick. Good thing we celebrated a day earlier. He was ordained a Deacon the following Sunday. My parents came out for it along with Kurt's parents and his sister's family. We are so thankful for all that made the trip to support Eric.
The next Sunday was so special. When you only have one son, you enjoy all the moments. Because they won't come again. So, I was an emotional wreck, and cried all through the passing of the sacrament. Eric you did such a great job passing the sacrament, and I'm so proud of you. Kurt was asked to pass that Sunday and they asked him to stand next to Eric. I know Kurt was very proud that day.
Then we had our Jensen family Christmas party and white elephant gift exchange. We really look forward to this party. My kids love going to the dollar store and buying their gifts. Kurt and I found good ones this year. I was on the hunt for a big ugly bra. But, instead we found KY warming jell, a dvd to learn how to belly dance, cds with romantic songs. And, who was the lucky one to get some of our items - My nephew who has been home off his mission for about 6 months. We all had a good laugh and loved watching his face turn 4 shades of red. But the best part was to have the surprise of Kurt's older sister Karne, her husband, and their son come down from Sedona for the party.
Our Winter break has gone by to fast and I'm not ready to go back to work. It has been a fun December.

Katie's long awaited trip at our home away from home

2008-12-30T21:32:00.000-07:00

Katie has waited a long time to be tall enough to ride some of the big roller coasters. And finally this trip was her time. And, she wanted as many pictures of her in front of them as I would take. So, the first picture is of her in front of Montezuma. This ride goes upside down and is fast. She loved it and Papa was so proud of her. That ride is one of his favorites and he rode with her. He has ridden on this ride with all my kids when it was their first time. Everyone loves it but Emmy. Some day she'll like it, I hope. Cause, she loves all the other rides. Then, she rode on the Jaguar. She would've stayed on this ride with her cousins all day. And, there is dad so proud that he has another kid that loves roller coasters!

More Knotts and a big THANK YOU!!!!

2008-12-30T21:11:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving day and Friday were such a blast. It is so fun to watch the faces on all my little nephews and nieces as they see all the big rides. And where do they even start? But it is even better when they got to see Snoopy! I think I was just as excited. I know, I'm adult.

Some of our group stayed in the little kid area, and some of us went for the bigger rides!!! aka: Kurt, Jared, and Jason. They decided it was time to try this crazy ride that just spins you around and around. I decided I wanted to enjoy the rest of the day and not feel my stomach turning.

It was so fun to be able to take some of my nieces on their first big roller coaster. Maybe, they have already been on one, but Auntie Christine likes to think she was the first to take them.We met back up with everyone to watch the "Snoopy on Ice" show and the wild west show. We got to watch amazing Ice Skaters, snow come falling out of the sky, and actors shooting guns and spraying water all over some of our group. (The kids didn't care if they got wet. Not I, to cold.)

The biggest Thank You to my parents for putting this all together. It was a great family reunion. They are special memories that will last forever. We love you Papa & Grandma up to the sky!!!

What a Happy Thanksgiving at Knotts Berry Farm

2008-12-30T20:58:00.000-07:00

Wednesday's Knotts Berry Farm Fun.....

2008-11-30T19:15:00.000-07:00

We finally made it. It rained all night on Tuesday. And, I was a little worried that we wouldn't be able to go into Knotts for some long awaited fun. But, Wednesday morning was beautiful. We started off our Knotts Berry Farm trip on Wednesday with some of our Utah cousins. The park was empty, just the way we like it, and we got to just walk onto rides. Here are a few pictures from that long, fun day.

It was such a great day! We left the park that evening to go meet up with the rest of our family that came into town on Wednesday. We all got to stay in the same hotel and on the same floor. The cousins were in heaven. There were 6 out of the 10 kids with the spouses there and 19 out of the 22 grandkids there. We really missed our Aunties, Uncles, and 3 cousins that couldn't make it.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-23T17:29:00.000-07:00

We are off for our Thanksgiving trip. It has been a long weekend getting everything ready - laundry, errands, packing, and trying to decorate for Christmas. Yes, I'm crazy. But, I have to have some of my Christmas stuff up before we leave. I have all the Young Women coming to my house for our Christmas party on the Tuesday after the break. Yikes - I'm going to go crazy!!!
Anyways, we are off to our family's favorite place - KNOTTS BERRY FARM!!!!!
We are have a family reunion with my side, 6 out of the 10 kids will be there with spouses and kids, and Papa and Grandma. We are so excited and counting down the hours to see everyone.
Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving.

Katie; Baptism; & Scriptures

2008-11-12T16:36:00.000-07:00

About two weeks ago our ward had their "Great to be 8" presentation, and Katie got to go. She was so excited. They talked to them about what is going to happen when they are baptized, and what it means for each of them. The kids were asked if any of them knew if they were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints or not?! Some of them answered yes, no, and some no answers as they looked at the parents. Over all it was a good night.
So, the reason for me telling you this is, as we were getting the kids all together to have family scriptures and prayer we asked Katie where her scriptures were. ( she has a blue Book of Mormon) She informed us that she has no scriptures because she was not a member of the church yet. We kept a straight face, and said are you sure. And she said, "Yes! I haven't been baptized like Emmy and Madi". (Madi is her cousin that was just baptized) We let her know that she was right.
I can't wait for her big day. Wait what am I saying, it's so sad that she is going to be my last child to be baptized. I can remember Kacee's like it was yesterday and saying "1 down 3 to go". Boy, time flies by to fast. We are getting excited about her baptism, she is already talking about having her baptism dress made by Grandma McCune, and her new scriptures she'll get. We'll have to see about the dress being made by Grandma, she has 4 girls being baptized next spring. The first one starts in Feb., then March, then April - that's Katie, then June (I think). It might be me - YIKES. Or a trip to the store. Lots of dresses and jewelry to be made. We can't wait!!!

2008-11-05T15:29:00.000-07:00

While we were in Cedar City over the weekend, my nieces wanted to know why our families can't live closer to each other. After trying to explain that there are no jobs for Uncle Kurt there, they told us that they were going to start job hunting on Monday after school. So here is the first job they came up with and it will tell you a lot about our families. So they decided that Uncle Kurt should get a job at: SONIC !!!!!!!
I laughed so hard. And when I shared it with Kurt he rolled his eyes and chuckled. Then said that is what they think of me? I'm sure not, they just love sonic drinks and stuff, and would love to have a relative working there. Maybe we'll be able to convince Kacee when she turns 16.

But, it was a great idea. I'm sure my sister n law,Laci, had the same idea as I did going through her mind. Discounts on drinks !!!!! Who could ask for more.
To bad Kurt didn't so much love that idea. He doesn't understand my love of Diet Coke and why I think it is the best from Sonic. If I could make room and convince him to get a ice machine that makes pebble ice I would have one. A girl can dream, right?
So, girls keep up the good work. If we can find a great job for Uncle Kurt in Cedar City I think it wouldn't be that hard to talk him into moving there. He loves Cedar City, UT.
Haylee, Madi, Izzy, & Cami - let me know what else you come up with.

What a fabulous weekend!!!

2008-11-02T21:53:00.000-07:00

What a fast and fabulous weekend!!! I wanted to get this up tonight before my week just slipped away from me.

My niece was suppose to have been baptized last month, but she became so very sick the weekend of her baptism. So they had to post pone it to November. Hurray for us, we got to go. My brother Jason and my sister Kim and her 3 kids came up from Vegas. It was so good to see them.

Our family decided it would be lots of fun to surprise my brother Brian and his family. Needless to say, my sister n law had a very hard week and my mom told her we were coming hoping that it would add some happiness into her week. Laci, I hope it helped. She kept it a secret from her girls and boy were they surprised on Saturday when they pulled into Papa & Grandma's driveway. I don't thing there were enough hugs given out when we all saw each other.

We started the day by getting to go watch my niece play soccer. That brought back so many fun memories of my soccer days. She is such a great player and even scored a goal. Her auntie was just a little excited. I'm sure all of St. George could hear me cheering. (that is what Kurt would say.) Her team won and she was very excited. I couldn't wait to give her a "high five".

Then we were all off to the baptism. My niece looked beautiful. Her Grandma Trudy made the dress and Auntie Christine sent the jewelry. (I'm so glad my sweet friend Deana shared her talent of jewelry making with me. So I could bling out my niece. Thanks Deana) She woke up Saturday morning not feeling so great, I'm sure someone was really trying to work hard against her, so she would have to wait longer. But, my niece did not want to do that. I'm so proud of her and her decision to be baptized. The baptism was perfect. Thanks Madison for letting us be a part of your special day and your life. I'm so lucky to have you as my niece. You are a great example to all of us. I love you.
The weather was just beautiful. I really didn't want to come back. We got the cool fall weather I've been praying for, and some rain last night and today driving home. I was truly in heaven. The thunder was so loud it woke me and all the kids up. Our visits with my brother Brian and his family never seems to be long enough. We sure do miss you already. My four cute nieces have said that they are going to start looking at jobs for Uncle Dirt (Kurt). This should be interesting. I'll have to post about what they come up with. We would love to move back to Utah and live closer to them and my parents. We all have dreams.

Trunk or Treat

2008-10-29T15:51:00.000-07:00

kacee and her friend shelby

The YW in action:

jessica, shelby, Sis. Montgomery, kacee, & brittney

Last night was our wards Trunk or Treat. Sad to say that I only got pictures of Kacee and her friends, and our YW Pres. She's the one dressed up as, I think she was, Pipi Longstocking. Good turn out, free hotdog dinner and lots of candy. Who could pass that up.

I'm being a grouch this year about Halloween. I don't want to spend a bunch of money on costumes that we don't wear later. So I told the kids to be creative and find something from around the house.

Kacee decided to be a smartie pants. (that's easy only have to buy a bag a smarties.)

Eric wanted to be a ghost. (easy too, only had to buy a sheet)

Em decided to be a PJ girl. (even easier, have the shirt and cape from girls camp and Em bought her own slippers.)

Katie was a cowgirl. (only had to buy the boots, we had the hat)

They did a pretty good job on the costumes. And the night was a lot of fun! Thanks guys for being such good sports.

WORKING! ugh..

2008-10-20T16:10:00.000-07:00

Started work last Monday at an Elementary school out here working with Autistic kids. They are so cute, but what a long week it was. It is so hard to get use to that life again after having the summer off. Even though the summer was nothing normal for our family. My house seems to be more cluttered and I feel a little more blonde these days. haha! But it will all come back together soon. So my posts will most likely be far and few between, but we are going to try to keep up on them.
So, funny story from school last week:
We had our kids out at recess with all the kinders when a little girl started having a conversation with me and another aide. She asked us our names and she told us hers. Then she told us that she had been sick during fall break. I told her I was sorry to hear that, and asked if she had had the flu. She said, "No, but my nose was sick." And I said, "Oh, your nose was sick?" She said, "Yes, my nose was sick with boogies!"
I thought it was pretty funny and just wanted to share it. Kids will say and share the most interesting stories. Hope everyone has a great week...

the weekly update - "Diamond is Forever"!!

2008-10-17T20:32:00.000-07:00

Last week was fall break for my kidos. My parents came into town on Tuesday from St. George and 2 of my sisters came from Denver on Friday morning. It was such a fun time. My kids got the guitar hero out to play with Papa & Grandma, and that was so much fun. To bad they played while Kacee and I were at mutual and I didn't get any pictures. Maybe over Thanksgiving with everyone! The kids said they needed to practice, so they could beat Auntie Heather & Auntie Steph at guitar hero. I didn't have the heart to tell them that their Aunties have never played it. They are into the Wii. But, now that they have played they want it for the Wii. (Merry Christmas to them) We shopped, cleaned out our still in boxes garage, shopped some more with just the girls, picked up Courtney Ridd for Kacee to hang out with, went to the awesome concert, got very sad news that my nieces were very sick and one of them was suppose to be baptized on Saturday and it wasn't going to happen. So, the baptism will be rescheduled, and maybe we'll get to go and surprise them. Over all the week and weekend was very busy and so fun, full of great memories.

Okay! The Neil Diamond concert was the best. He's going to Salt Lake and I want to go so bad. I have to tell you how sad I was when my sisters told me that I wasn't going to be able to take my camera. So I have no pictures from the concert. Does that tell you how long it has been since I went to a concert. It's been way to long. I guess that is what happens when you are in baby mode. (Don't worry Amy, you'll be out and about soon.) And, I didn't even think to use my phone camera. My mom and I just sang our little hearts out. It brought back such great memories of my childhood. I even called brothers late in the night to share the concert with them. I know how much they appreciated it. Brian, I wanted to call you and Lac so bad. But, knew you both had your hands full with very sick little girls.

Neil can still rock the house. I want to buy the "Jazz Singer" and watch it. What a dork I am!

Concert Time...

2008-10-10T18:41:00.000-07:00

The night is finally here. Neil here we come.
I'll post about tomorrow. Hopefully, with pictures.

Handbags - the more the merrier!!

2008-10-02T22:14:00.000-07:00

I was reading one of my friend's blog, Jolene, from my old ward and she had this great link. She knew of a website that is having a handbag contest. So, I went to check it out. There are some really cute bags on there. So, go check them out at: http://www.handbagplanet.com/
Enjoy!! Thanks Jolene for the info, I didn't click on the green one. But, it is really really cute!

Jazz Singer...

2008-10-01T21:43:00.000-07:00

We are on the count down to concert time!! 9 days and counting!!!! I can't wait.
My sisters' called a couple of months ago and asked if Kurt and I would like to go to a concert with them. First I had to ask who they wanted to see, because the last time I went to a concert with them I was so lucky to get to see METALICA. I left that concert with ears not working very well and the people around us were all smoking dope. So needless to say I was feeling a little funny. And I not only had my sisters with me but also my cousin. How I got myself into that one, I'm still trying to figure out.
Anyways, when they told me it was the one and only: NEIL DIAMOND. How do you pass that up?! I love his music. I know it probably sounds funny. But I grew up listening to the: Beach Boys, John Denver, and Neil Diamond.
My parents are coming for it too. It is going to be a fun fall break. Hopefully I'll be able to get some good pictures. I can't wait. Thanks Heather and Stephanie this will be a fun night and bring back lots of memories.
I'm going to have to go rent the Jazz Singer.

More Summer pictures

2008-10-01T21:04:00.000-07:00

I wanted to get the rest of our summer pictures on. It is a little late, but I want to remember this night. We were in St. George at my parents home for the 4th of July. It was so fun being with Papa, Grandma, Aunts, Uncles, and lots of cousins. What more could you ask for? Kurt would say lots of fireworks. I was so excited to be in Utah this year, because you can lite of fireworks. So, down to the store the dad's went to get all the fireworks. If Kurt had his way we would have all went down to the Indian Res. to light off all the illegal ones. But, the kids were tired and it's a little bit of a drive. So, we just stayed close to home. Kacee and Eric remember being able to do sparklers and stuff on the 4th from living in Provo for 4 yrs. But Emmy was to young and Katie was a baby when we moved from Provo to Queen Creek, Az. So this 4th of July was a first for the two of them and they weren't quite sure what to do. But once they saw a sparkler lit and how fun they were, we couldn't light them fast enough. It was such a fun day: swimming, shopping, eating, eating, and fireworks. It doesn't get better than that.

The next day we went out to the lake on Papa and Grandma's boat and jet ski. We were all so excited. And everyone had a great time, till the dark clouds rolled in and it started to rain. So we left and went back to the house to play the Wii instead - bowling upstairs and Mario cart down stairs in the theater. And nap time for some of the parents. ha! And swimming lots of swimming at my parents community pool. It was a great weekend and we loved being with so much family. But missed those that weren't with us.

Crazy Hair Anyone??

2008-10-01T20:39:00.000-07:00

How do you go from this:

to this?

The junior high had spirit week last week, and yes I'm a little late in getting this posted. Eric at the last minute decided he wanted to do something for crazy hair day, but couldn't come up with anything that would only take a minute to do. It was 7:45am and we leave the house @ 7:50am. So, he left the house not very happy and Kacee didn't really care. So, I drop them off at the bus stop and travel on to the elementary school to drop off Em and Katie. As I come back by the bus stop I pull up to see my friend from the ward and her sister spray painting Kacee's hair pink so she could match the girls at the bus stop. It was so nice of them and Kacee thought it was so cool. Kacee and her bf Sarah have been wanting to die a piece of the underpart of their hair for a long time and Kacee got a taste of it. Only it was all over. It was so sad that Eric didn't get to do anything, but once he saw that none of the other boys did anything I think he was okay. I had a dream that night that Kacee came home and told us that she was really loving the color and wanted to go get it done that color at the hair dressers. I woke up in a panic and quickly ran to her room to check and make sure her hair was still its normal color. It really was a crazy hair day!!

School Days:

2008-09-26T15:31:00.001-07:00

Everyday after school I ask the kids about their day. Today Emmalee and Katie gave me some fun answers, that just made me laugh. They really pick up on some interesting things.

Our conversation :

Me: Girls how was your day?

Katie: Um, good. I got a 4 with no "time outs".

Me: That is so good. I'm really proud of you, you've gone 3 weeks with all 4's.(We've had a rocky start this yr with Katie. I keep telling myself that it is just because we've moved and she is checking out the new school/teacher to see how much she can get away with. But really I know it is just Katie being Katie.)

So, tell me something you heard today. And, what was your favorite thing you did today.

Katie: I heard lots of things today mom.

Me: Like what?

Katie: Like, kids screaming and singing. Like this...... (then at the top of her lungs she lets us hear what she heard. And, we were in the car driving. Oh, and it was right by my ear. I think I'm deaf now!)

Me: Why were kids screaming and singing?

Katie: Mom, da. We were at recess. There were lots of kids screaming and me and my friends were singing jump rope songs.

Me: Oh. Well, singing jump rope songs sounds like lots of fun. Do you like to jump rope more than play on the monkey bars?

Katie: Yeah. And, my favorite thing we did today was Math.

Me: Good. I'm so glad you like to learn math.

Me: Emmy, what about you?

Emmy: I heard car alarms and I don't know what my favorite thing was today.

Me: Why car alarms? That is kinda weird.

Emmy: Mom, my class is not far from the parking lot.

Me: Oh, I now that. (Da, I guess I'm not all that with it.)

It will be interesting/scary to hear how Kacee and Eric would answer these questions. I might not be able to post them. I'm sure they hear things that they know I don't want to hear. I feel so bad for them.

THE BIG "40" !!!

2008-09-26T09:24:00.000-07:00

Happy "40" Birthday!!

Happy Birthday!! I can't believe that you are actually 40yrs old. Now, as you put it, you are over the hill & half way through your life.

We've always joked around about getting to this point in our lives, but I guess I just don't see you being that age. We are both suppose to be still in our 20's and running after our little ones. Now we get to be in our 40's and 30's (I couldn't handle being 40 yet, I'm still adjusting to 36) and running after our teenage daughter and watching the other 3 not far behind her.

Kurt, just like his dad, is not into all the fuss. So, I hope my sweet and loving Hubby has a great day. Life is so good, and we are so blessed. I love you and happy bday!!!!

Camping, Rain, and TANERITE!!

2008-09-04T08:24:00.000-07:00

We left for a fun much needed cooler weather camping trip to the north. We pulled out of town on Friday morning and headed for Ashfork, AZ. The weather guy said we had chances of rain till Tuesday and I don't like to camp in the rain. Especially when we camp in a tent. But we went anyways and had a beautiful day up on my Brother and Sister n laws property. Then the lightening and thunder came about 2am on Sat. The lightening was so bright it felt like someone was standing over you with a camera flash and making it go off. Kurt and I didn't sleep the rest of the night, and neither did the kids. And, then the rain came. "Oh great! Have we sealed this tent? Umm, I don't think we have. Should we move sleeping bags & luggage away from the sides of the tent? If you really want to." Then we hear "drip, drip, drip". "Mom, I'm getting water on my face. " Whispering to Kurt so the kids don't hear cuz then they would want to go, "Should we make a run for the suburban?" It was a long night, but we only got a couple of drips on us and we were blessed with staying dry in the tent. Thanks heavens!!

Saturday morning was a little wet but so beautiful. We decided to go for a hike while waiting for Kurt's sisters family to come. Then more very dark clouds started to come it. So we headed back for camp. Still no sister, so we left with lunch to go seek a covered patio at my brother-n-law's Uncle and Aunt's property just down the road. We weren't there 5 minutes and the hail came in the size of quarters. It came down for 5 minutes, I wish I hadn't left my camera in the car. The ground was white. Then it rained for a while and hard. The rest of our family finally arrived and we were so excited to see them. It finally felt like a Labor Day weekend camping trip. The rain didn't stop much that night. We couldn't even sit out by the camp fire, even though Kurt kept it going. What a man, he loves a good camp fire! Thanks to our family, we kept dry. They let us sleep in the extra trailer. By then our tent was pretty wet.

Sunday brought a dry morning. We hurried and made breakfast and got the fun going. The quads were out,running and getting covered in mud and the kids were done with those. So the Dad's brought out all the guns. Now some fun was coming. Katie shot Kacee's gun for the first time and did pretty good. It looks like she can just hold it. She loved it.

Then the TANERITE came out. (thank you Brian Sachez & George Foster for introducing Kurt to this wonderful stuff!) Kacee, my niece Kortni, and her friend Kayla started shooting Kurt's big gun. That is the one that blows the tanerite up. And here we go, everyone plug their ears!! That darn gun is so loud. Kayla shot the tanerite and so did Kacee. They did a great job and blew it up. I got Kacee's shot and kaboom on video.

It rained some more Sunday. The gun show was short lived. But we got a beautiful night to have a great camp fire that us girls built. Thank you "Girls camp". We do learn things there. Some might think we go to GC to go on "sonic" runs, laugh at our crazy nicknames, hide the camp directors megaphone, or string rubber chickens up the flagpole late at night (hehehe-SR1!!).
The guys left and went to look for coyotes. They even got some Dove hunting in before we left.
Over all it was a good weekend. Just a little different camping trip up there this time. It was not the norm. But it was good memories. We missed you - Bitter family. We'll plan another trip and go.

Air, I Need Air!!!

2008-08-25T15:52:00.000-07:00

Okay, update of my total frustration. The stupid A/C is still not fixed!!!

They send a guy (the same guy) out to fix it again. He tells me that all the freon is still in and the pressure is good, so it must be a relay that has gone bad. Didn't even go up into the attic to check it out. Are you kidding me? So, he came back the next day with the new relay and put it in. And of course it works for him. Only because it had been off for days. But, what happens 2 days later, it stops working. Kurt get up in the attic to find ice on the unit(or what ever it is called). Can I just say, FRUSTRATION!! is my word for that moment. So, we get the ice off and it starts working. Yeah, a cold good night sleep. But in the morning after the kids are off to school, I have turn the A/C off so we can sleep at night. I can not keep doing this, it has to get fixed - I'm hot. So, I get a hold of the owner this morning to inform him of what is going on and he is sending someone out again to hopefully fix it tomorrow. I'm so tired of this, Say lots of prayers for us.

Oh, I forgot. To add to all of this, I was washing some clothes and my washer isn't working. The water won't drain. When it rains, it pours!! I think I'm going to check out. The only thing I can do at this point is just LAUGH.

Olympic sadness..

2008-08-25T15:29:00.000-07:00

We are so sad , the Olympics are over! Well, I think/I know I'm the only one that is sad. The kids will be glad to be able to watch their shows again. I couldn't leave the TV for the last 2 weeks - I took over. And, all though I do love sports, I don't really love to watch them on TV. And, for sure not all the time. Kurt was saying the other day that he is so glad I'm not glued to the TV when football, baseball, or basketball is on. But I have to admit - if I can catch a BYU football / volleyball game or a Lakers basketball game on, I'll sit down to watch.

So, I've gotten nothing done the last 2wks and I'm so behind. Oh well, 2wks of Olympics was worth it. I just could not get enough of it. We lived in Provo, UT when the games were in SLC and it was so much fun to go to down town SLC. But, I have to say, getting the kids up early to go watch the torch run by was the ultimate. Kacee and Eric still remember. I got to see it run through the little town of Lompoc, CA were I grew up when the games were in LA- 1984 and I'll never forget that. Maybe some day my kids will love to watch the Olympics with me?!

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it's off to mutual I go!!

2008-08-19T16:48:00.000-07:00

Hurray, I get to serve in Young Women's again! It is my love. I love the girls, the program & what it teaches them, and GIRLS CAMP!!! We have a small group and lets us do lots of fun activities. Can't wait to get going in it. I'm the 2nd counselor and get to be with Kacee. I wasn't sure how she was going to feel about that, but she is fine. If she wasn't, it wouldn't have stopped me from accepting the calling. So, Tues nights are going to be really busy, UGH. Scouts, Activities Days, and Mutual. They do it all at the Church. It's so smart 6pm for scouts & act days. Then 7pm for mutual. I'm hoping Kurt will get to start serving in a calling soon too. He's got so much to share and offer. We are really liking our new ward and can't wait to get to know more people.

HOT,HOT,HOT!!!!

2008-08-18T17:42:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have to post twice today. It is to hot. I'm so tired of this heat. When will it ever end? The weekend that we moved into the house our A/C stopped working. UGH!! Thank heavens for home warranties. We went that weekend without it and the company came to fix it on Monday. It works, Yeah! Well, that only lasted till last Friday. 2 1/2 weeks, how can that be. I was getting ready to go the the temple last Friday and man was it hot. I look at the temp thingie for the house and it's 97 inside. So, we try to call and get another repair guy Sat morning and they have 12 other calls that day and told us they can't get to us. So, we went all weekend without air. HOT,HOT, HOT I tell you. No one should have to go through this.
So, they told me they would be out first thing Monday. They lied. When they hadn't showed up at Noon today, I called. They had no record of the warranty call from Sat. And even better, they couldn't find our other paper work from coming 2 1/2 wks ago. What the holy crap!!!! So a phone call to the warranty company and I'm told the company can't come till Tues morning between 7-730am. I'm right in the middle of getting everyone ready for school, scriptures and prayer, how am I going to do this. But fine I really need air.
Then the owner calls me direct. His office new I wasn't happy. For 15 min he's trying to figure out who I was, & why he couldn't find paper work on my house. I told him I have copies of the repair invoices and I need this fixed today like I was told on Sat. I've got young kids & this isn't okay. I shouldn't have to call his company back. I got a repair guy this afternoon, but it still isn't fixed. It's kinda blowing cold air, hopefully we'll get some sleep tonight. Now he thinks its a frozen relay in the air handler in the attic. Lucky him. I'm not sure he really knows what he's talking about. So, the saga goes on. Kacee and Emmalee told me that this wouldn't have happened if we had stayed in the old house. They love to just remind me that they want to move back, even though they are slowly adjusting.

Our Crazy Summer Vacation

2008-08-18T15:46:00.000-07:00

This is a summer that will be talked about for many years in our house. We did some fun things. Got to go to Papa & Grandma McCune's in St.George, UT and on the way home we visited the Grand Canyon's North Rim (first time @ the Grand Canyon for Christine and the kids),

Don't look at me to close, I look gross from traveling.
Kacee wasn't to excited to have her sleep interupted. And, she wasn't happy about not going home to the old house and all her friends. But she came around once her mom took her into the gift shop. We love to shop together.

What a beautiful place. It's so amazing that Heavenly Father created such a beuatiful world.

So, when it's 110 outside and the morning just seems to drag on and on - what to do? My kids and their cousins decided to be totally silly and put unused swimming diapers on their heads and run around the house. We were still at the Jensen cousin's house when they did this. We all still laugh at this picture. Poor Lilly, she had to wear a unused diaper. And, Emmalee was so kind to pose for a silly picture. Thanks Em, you're the best.

Girls Camp 2008 - spiritual night script

2008-08-13T23:12:00.000-07:00

Iron Rod Experience
On the first day of camp, the girls will be given study guides to use during the specified Scripture Reading/Journal Time. The study guide will help them to research the scriptures to learn of Lehi's Dream of the Tree of Life. It will also give journal prompts to encourage the girls to write down the thoughts and inspirations they receive during study time.Four devotionals will be given to give the girls a deeper understanding of the symbols of the dream:Devotional #1: "Sariah" speaking on the Tree of Life Devotional#2: "Sam" speaking on the Mist of Darkness/World Devotional#3: "Zoram's Wife" speaking on the Rod of IronDevotional #4: "Nephi's Wife" speaking on the Great and Spacious Building1. The girls will all meet in the sacred grove. The Opening Script will be read to set the tone and invite the Spirit. The quotes by the apostles will enable the girls to experience the thoughts of the preeexistence and their importance in it and the challenges they face in the world today. After the reading, one ward will leave at a time. Others will remain in the grove with soft music playing until it is their time to depart on their journey.2. The girls will leave the Sacred Grove in single file, without any words or noise through thedarkness, each carrying their own flashlight to guide their footsteps. Following a cleared path, the girls will be encouraged forward by people portraying family members and leaders to show that we are not alone on our journey--we are surrounded by those who desire us to be happy.4. The girls will pass by the leader portraying "Sariah," who will whisper to the girls: "You arebeginning your journey to the Tree of Life. Please hold on tight to the rod so you can make it all the way to the Tree of Life. Remember what I said ..5. Next they will approach the river of filthy water. There will be priesthood men there to help the girls cross over the river. They will be whispering words of encouragement such as: "Great job!" "You can do this, just stay to the marked path and hold on."6. After crossing the river, they will climb up the embankment and at the top will be the mist ofdarkness. "Sam" will be there to remind them of the words from his devotional. "Remember, what I told you about the temptations of the devil in my father's dream. When times are hard, hold tight to the rod and you will find your way. Laman and Lemuel chose to follow the enticements of the world. I followed my brother Nephi and we were guided to the Tree of Life. Choose to follow the right path and look away from sin."7. There will be a rod going through the mist of darkness and across the center of a large field. This large field will represent the world and the large and spacious building. There will be different areas set up on the left side ofthe rod portraying the worldliness of today."The Iron Rod" 3 Group Two - they will be gathered around a camp pit talking and can be overheard saying: "Are you sure you don't just want to try it?" "Everyone is doing it." "Come on, it's the cool thing to do." "It doesn't take much"Group Three - may be in the dark with a strobe light and music and chaos. The group will be laughing and dressed in dark clothes. Some will bumping into each other, imitating dancing. This group will be acting as if they are loud and chaotic with their music and not need to say anything.Group Four - two people will be sitting in front of the TV, playing the video games. On the table behind them, a set a scriptures is sitting, neglected.Group Five - a girl alone in her bedroom standing in front of a mirror by the side of her bed. She is holding a modest dress up to see how it looks. She lays it done and picks up an immodest dress up to see how it looks. May also be wearing an i-pod. This represents the choices of music and modesty.On the other side of the rod, interspersed to be several feet away from each other will be people dressed in white. These will represent the angels of influence mentioned in the Opening Narrative. They will be whispering words of encouragement as the girls walk by them and will be beckoning them forward and away from the images of the world being portrayed on the left of the rod. The Angels will be heard saying:"If you hold to the rod, you can feel your way forward with the gift of the Holy Ghost." "You are daughters of a living God who loves you, you are not alone.""Have faith in your heart and you will return home with joy and honor.""By following Christ, and keeping the commandments, you have power to chase darkness from your midst and come to the fullness of light.""Cling to the rod and you will arrive home safely.""The Holy Ghost will help you recognize truth"6. Once through the mist and field of darkness, the rod will lead them in silence to the bridge, which will be lit up with soft white lights as the final steps of the strait and narrow path. Each Bishop will take the girls by the hand as they step off the bridge. They will gather quietly together.7. The Bishop will lead his group of girls to their designated place. This area will have a large picture of a tree displayed, to represent arriving and partaking of the Tree of Life. The Bishop will share his thoughts and testimony of the importance of partaking of the fruit of the Tree of Life, and explain its symbolism of coming to Christ and feeling His love for them. (Each Bishop will be given, in advance, quotes from the apostles so that they may prepare remarks that will be an appropriate ending to the Faith walk.) The remainder of the time will be the Bishops' for testimonies and Bishop's Night activities.Character- SariahProps: basket of fruits and nuts and seeds"We [have] gathered seeds of every kind, both of grain of every kind, and also of the seeds of fruit of every kind." (2 Nephi 8: 1) As a mother I want to make sure we have sufficient food for our journey and the potential for food in whatever places the Lord leads us. These seeds mean life. "I listened while my husband, Lehi, read from the plates of brass about the two trees in the Garden of Eden. They were both beautiful fruit bearing trees. Adam and Eve were free to eat of the Tree of Life and taste the Joy of God's Love, but were forbidden to taste of the Tree of Knowledge if they wanted to remain in the Garden. My husband also taught us about the law of opposition; that to taste the sweet we must also taste the bitter (2 Ne. 2: 15) - that to know joy we must also know sorrow. So God placed these two trees in opposition to each other giving Adam and Eve the gift of choice. " ... Man could not act for himself save it should be that he was enticed by the one or the other." (2Ne.2: 16)God warned Adam and Eve saying that "in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die."Partaking of the fruit of the Tree of knowledge would mean mortality and eventual death. Then that Satan sought to beguile Eve, for he knew not the mind of God, wherefore he sought to destroy the world and the agency of man, wanting all men to be miserable like himself (2 Ne. 2:18), and thwart God's plan, enticed Eve to partake ofthe forbidden fruit. He lied saying "you shall not surely die (TODAY), but shall be as the gods, knowing good and evil. (Moses 4:3.4, 12,23,29) (Moses 4:10-11)"And when [Eve] saw that the tree was good for food, and that it became pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make her wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and also gave unto her husband with her, and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they had been naked. And they sewed fig-leaves together and made themselves aprons. (Moses 4:12-13) It is interesting to me that they used the green leaves of a tree to cover themselves. To me, green represents growth and new life. If they had not partaken of the fruit of the tree of knowledge they would never have had children as they would have remained in a state of innocence. (2 Ne. 2:23) You and I would not be here. Adam and Eve were taught the plan of redemption and Eve rejoiced saying "were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption and the etemallife which God giveth unto all the obedient." In a way Adam and Eve became like trees of life to their descendants. (Moses 5: 11)"The Iron Rod" 5Of course, they were driven out of the Garden and kept from eating of the tree oflife after theyhad transgressed. "And God placed at the east of the Garden of Eden, cherubim and a flaming sword, which turned every way to keep the way of the tree oflife." Moses 4:31. If Adam and Eve had partaken of the Tree of Life after they had transgressed they would have lived forever in their sins becoming immortal but never redeemed from the fall and never receiving eternal life, or returning to live with Heavenly Father.My Son Nephi learned that the Tree of Life my husband saw in his vision represents the Love of God in the gift of His Son. When Nephi was shown the Tree he immediately saw the birth and Life of the Savior of the World, who would give life everlasting to those who would partake of the fruit of the atonement. It was planned this way from the beginning. "But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things. Adam fell that men might be and men are that they might have joy. And the Messiah cometh in the fullness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon", ... 2 Nephi 2: 22-26As I watch my own seed, Laman and Lemuel, and their children turn from the gospel truths and reject God's love, I feel great sorrow. It would be so easy for them to partake, but they harden their hearts and reject the words of their father and brother ... and the Lord. You have the same gift of choice. I urge you to use it wisely, that you like our mother Eve will rejoice in the atonement of Christ and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient."Character -SamProp - bow and arrow or other weapon (symbolizing the contention with his brothers)I didn't actually see my father's dream, or Nephi's vision. But like my brother Jacob said:... the time passed away with us, and also our lives passed away like as it were unto us a dream, we being a lonesome and a solemn people, wanderers, cast out from Jerusalem, born in tribulation, in a wilderness, and hated of our brethren, ... ; wherefore, we did mourn out our days. (Jacob 7: 26)I didn't see, but I believed, and I listened carefully. I've seen some of the scenes they saw in vision; beautiful green valleys with refreshing little rivers of clean water, I've seen the raging muddy rivers flow during the rainy season carrying debris from homes and villages, dead animals, and filth of all kinds. I know it's deadly to wander off the main road.But perhaps worst of all are the mists of darkness. There are suffocating sand storms that can last for hours, and times when the fog is so thick you can't see the person next to you. There is a narrow canyon about four miles long with rock walls 2,000 feet high on either side. As the path gets near the sea the mists becomes so thick you have to walk along the rock walls feeling the sides as you go. The canyon empties out onto a short beach. The shallow waters are only a few feet out and then the coral reef drops suddenly several hundred feet deep into the ocean. If the mists continue out onto the beach it is impossible to judge where the water begins and it is easy for people to wander out in the shallow water only to drown when the ocean floor vanishes. If you don't have something or someone to hold on to it is easy to get separated ... and lost ... forever.I hold on to the words of God from the plates of brass, and the words of my father and brother as if they were a rod of iron in the wilderness. Nephi says the mists of darkness in his vision are the temptations of the deviL I've thought about the hard times in my life; times when it seems that the Spirit is gone and we are wandering in the dark.Ever since we left Jerusalem it has been just our family and Ishmael's family. You would think that in such a small group things would go ok. But ... it's so easy to succumb to feelings of hopelessness and aloneness. I've had some pretty tough times with my brothers. When we went back to get the Brass plates, you know, we tried a couple oftimes that didn't work and my older brothers became so enraged that they beat us until an Angel, yeah, it took an Angel to stop them, and even after the angel left they still were so negative. The difficulty of the situation even got to my parents when it took so long for us to get back that they thought we were dead, and they began to doubt my father's inspiration, and began to mourn our loss."The Iron Rod" 7Amazingly Nephi got the plates and we made it back. We even were able to bring Laban's servant with us and he ended up marrying Ishmael's oldest daughter. Although when we went back to get Ishmael's family part of our group were, again, so angry with Nephi that they tied him up and wanted to leave him in the desert to die. Only after Ishmael's wife and son and daughter pleaded with them did they soften their hearts and act sorry.But every time things started to get bad our older brothers just made things worse. It's like they never' got it', you know, that just keeping the commandments and having faith and things really do work out. Take for instance, when it came time to build the ship, they called Nephi a fool and complained, and didn't want to do the work. Nephi got discouraged, and that made Laman and Lemuel gloat, and then they really let Nephi have it about how much better they would have been if we'd stayed in Jerusalem and that the people in Jerusalem were really good people. Nephi reminded them how good the Lord has been to the children of men and became so filled with God's spirit that when he touched Laman and Lemuel the Lord shook them. They were humble and obedient. .. for a while.Then once we got on the ocean some of the group began to party and it was getting out of control, so Nephi asked them to stop and that made them furious. They tied him up and were absolutely cruel to him. Of course the Liahona quit working, and for three days we were driven back in a terrible storm. My parents tried to reason with them, but they threatened anyone who spoke up for Nephi to the point that my parents were down sick. Our little brothers, Jacob and Joseph, and Nephi's wife and children all prayed and cried but it was only when they thought we might die in the storm that Laman and Lemuel and the others untied Nephi. He was in bad shape, his wrists and ankles were severely swollen, but he didn't complain. They kind of repented and Nephi prayed and we were able to make it to the Promised Land.Things were never really good between everyone. There was always a part of the group that resented being here and always had something to complain about. As long as our father was alive we stayed together, but soon after he died, Nephi was warned in a dream that anyone who would go with us should flee into the wilderness. It was the only way we could live the gospel in peace. "Salvation is and always has been a family affair. .. [But] in the event of conflict between family and the principles of salvation, our loyalty and responsibility must be first to God." McConkie, Joseph Fielding, Gospel Symbolism. (Salt Lake City UT: Bookcraft Inc., 1985),23. So for me, the mists of darkness or the temptations of the devil have always been the negative attitudes, hopelessness, lack of faith, anger, meanness, physical abuse, and disobedience ... of my own family. You will face challenges and temptation in your life, and suffer the consequences of others who succumb to temptation. Some of the mists of darkness are unavoidable in this life. But it is possible to push through the mist by holding on to the word of God as if it were a rod of iron, until you see the end of the path leading to the tree of life.Character - Zoram's wifeProps - plates of brass, plates of gold and Quad- all lying on a table.As the oldest daughter of Ishmael I was mercifully blessed to become the wife of Zoram. My husband has always had a special interest in the Words of God. He was Laban's servant, more like a private secretary. It was an honorable position. He had the keys to Laban's treasury; Laban being the keeper of the plates of brass which contained a record of the Jews and a genealogy of our forefathers. On that fateful night that forever changed our lives, he followed Nephi, supposing it was Laban, carrying the plates and speaking many times concerning the elders of the Jews. When Zoram reached the edge ofthe city he realized that Nephi was not Laban and he began to tremble and was about to flee and return to Jerusalem. But Nephi, thinking to spare Zoram and avoid giving alarm, made a solemn oath with him that he would have a home with Lehi's family and be forever a free man. Zoram was not forced into it, but was talked into it, softened and persuaded by Nephi's words that the Lord had commanded them to do this thing, and Nephi invited Zoram to be diligent in keeping the commandments of the Lord. That was the beginning of a true friendship between Nephi and Zoram, and an example of Zoram's willingness to be obedient to God's word whether from Scripture or a living prophet, as Nephi surely was. (l Ne. 3, 4) (Portrait of Laban (the case ofZoram, the oath of power, and transferred by loyalty) from An Approach to the Book of Mormon by Hugh W. Nibley pp. 120-31)Father Lehi took the plates of brass and searched them from the beginning. We were thrilled to learn of all of God's dealings with the children of men from the beginning; from the creation of the world and also Adam and Eve, who were our first parents, even down to the reign of our present king. We also heard of the prophecies of the holy prophets from the beginning. We found the records to be very desirable, and of great worth especially because we could preserve the commandments ofthe Lord for our children. (1 Ne. 5) That we may persuade them to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and be saved. (l Ne. 6) Nephi read many things to us from the books of Moses that we might more fully believe in the Lord our Redeemer and he helped us to liken all scriptures unto ourselves that they might be for our profit and learning. (1 Ne. 19:23)The Lord revealed to Nephi the interpretation of the rod of iron in Lehi's dream as the word of God. When I think of how important the commandments of the Lord are in following the path that leads to the tree of God's love I rejoice in the amazing events that brought the plates of brass to us. It is a miracle that we have them to read and refer to whenever we want. Father Lehi was filled with the Spirit after reading them and prophesied that these plates of brass should go forth unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people ... He said that these plates of brass should never perish; neither should they be "The Iron Rod" 9 dimmed any more by time. (1 Ne. 5) Nephi also wrote upon plates of gold the history of our people and the things pleasing to God, sacred things to be kept for the knowledge of our people. (1 Ne 19:5) I remember hearing of the prophecy of Ezekiel that the words of the house of Judah (the plates of brass) and the words of the house of Joseph (the plates of gold) would become joined together. (Ezekiel 37:16617) What a great and marvelous day when all the words of the Lord are bound together in one, and blessed be the sons and daughters who read them!Character - Nephi's wifeProp - a piece of fine cloth (folding it and handling it as if to say I'll never use this out here)My sweet husband Nephi has always been completely devoted to the Lord. He has the strongest faith of anyone I have ever known. When he has a question, he goes directly to the Lord in full faith that he will receive an answer. When he didn't understand father Lehi's dream of the Tree of Life, he asked the Lord directly and received an amazing interpretation. I love sitting at his feet and listening to the revelation and inspiration he receives. I was particularly interested in his explanation of the large and spacious building. Since we have been in the desert we have lived in tents, having left our beautiful homes in Jerusalem and all of our valuable possessions. I don't think I ever imagined that I would spend my married life traveling. I always dreamed of having a beautiful home of my own someday. A girl spends her youth preparing for marriage, home and family. Our families are quite wealthy and we just left all that behind.I can't deny the twinge oflonging I have felt as we have passed the tall desert palaces with their windows alight on dark nights. For protection from raiders there are no windows in the palaces below twenty feet, and the buildings can be as tall as twelve or thirteen stories, so at night it appears as if the building is standing in the air. It's rather an amazing sight. We can see the lights flickering in the windows and hear the merriment going on inside, but we just keep moving on. It appears in the dream that many multitudes of people are drawn to the large and spacious building. It is bright and appealing and filled with beautiful people dressed in gorgeous clothes thoroughly enjoying themselves. And they draw people to them by mocking and ridiculing any who choose a better path; so much so that people flock to the building. Many drown trying to cross the river of filthy water to get there. Once inside they also join in and mock the true believers.Traveling as our family has these many years it is not uncommon for us to encounter other travelers. Because of our cultural and religious differences we have at times experienced snide comments, rude remarks, rejection, and hostility. Sometimes we are invited and enticed to participate in practices against our beliefs. We have experienced some of the behaviors depicted in the great and spacious building, but as Nephi said about the true believers in the dream "we heeded them not."Unfortunately we experience some of the behaviors from the great and spacious building in our own family. It almost seems as if we are living IN the great and spacious building. Nephi said the interpretation of the building is the pride of the world. The pride of the world can exist inside individuals. Pride is an interesting vice. It goes both ways. A person can have pride by looking down on someone for"The Iron Rod" 11 not having or doing whatever, or a person can have pride by looking up at someone or something wishingfor or coveting what they don't have.( Ezra Taft Benson, "Beware of Pride," Ensign, May 1989,4)I have also noticed that those in our group that struggle the most with pride are those who also resent the commandments, and resent being reminded to keep them. (2 Ne 9:40) ... "the guilty taketh the truth to be hard for it cutteth them to the very center". (1 Ne 16:2) We step out of the building when we "cease to find fault with one another"( D&C 88: 124),and and "above all things, clothe [ourselves] with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace"(D&C 88:125)As Nephi expounded on the scriptures he has said some interesting things that I think have to do with living without pride in my life. Once he said, "Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy .... And come unto the Holy One of Israel and feast upon that which peri sheth not, neither can be corrupted and let your soul delight in fatness." (2 Ne. 9:51) This thought has helped me realize that we left Jerusalem and all our treasures to follow Christ. None of those things would have brought us the happiness and satisfaction that the knowledge from the plates of brass has, or the knowledge of our rescue from the fall and destruction of Jerusalem. We have faced serious hardship, but we have been blessed with all the things we need, especially health and strength. Although my life has taken a path I never expected I "give thanks to him continually and rejoice in his holy name." (2 Ne 9:52) I expect my path to end, with my sweet husband and family, at the fountain of living waters and that beautiful tree of life whose fruit is delicious to the soul.Opening Script(to be read in the Sacred Grove at the beginning of the Faith Walk)"For each of us, life is a journey. Heavenly Father designed it for us out oflove. Each of us has unique experiences and characteristics, but our journey began in the same place before we were born into this world. We all were taught by Elohim, the Father of our spirits. We loved Him and wanted to be like Him and to be with Him forever. He told us plainly what it would require for us to have that joy. We would have to receive a physical body, with all of the trials that would bring. We would be subject to illness and have within our bodies the processes which would finally lead to death. And our bodies would have in them powerful cravings for physical satisfaction.Heavenly Father explained to us what it would take to make the journey from where we were then to be with Him forever and live the life that He lives. We would make the journey through life without a memory of our time with Him in the spirit world. And the only way back to Him would be for us to overcome physical death and the effects of sin which would come from our breaking commandments. He told us that we could not overcome the effects of either death or sin by ourselves-without our having a Savior who would break the bands of death and provide a way for us to be washed clean from the sin which we would surely commit.You know from the scriptures revealed by God through prophets that there was a rebellion in the spirit world when the plan for our journey was offered to us. Those who rebelled did not want to accept and to depend upon a Savior nor run any risk that they might not return again to Heavenly Father. Every one of you was among the brave, the faithful, and the true in that conflict. You accepted the Savior and the plan for this journey to return to the joy of our Heavenly Father's presence.You are remarkable, even among those who chose right in the contest in the spirit world. You qualified to come into mortality and to make this journey at a time when the gospel of Jesus Christ was on the earth. And among the billions of Heavenly Father's children now living, you were privileged to find the gospel of Jesus Christ and His true Church. Even more than that, the fact that you are listening tonight means that you have chosen to make the journey of life walking in the light.Every child of Heavenly Father born in the world is given at birth, as a free gift, the Light of Christ. You have felt that. It is the sense of what is right and what is wrong and what is true and what is false. That has been with you since your journey in life began. The fact that you were baptized and received the Holy Ghost is evidence that you chose to walk in the Light of Christ.When you were confirmed a member of the Church, you were given the right to have the Holy Ghost as your companion. The Holy Ghost is a powerful source oflight to recognize truth, to follow and love the Lord Jesus Christ, and to find your way back to God after this life.But the spirit who led the rebellion in the world before still opposes the plan and wants you to be miserable. He wants you never to find your way home again. That enemy of your soul knows you and your goodness. He knows that if he can turn you away from walking in the light, he can both capture you and stop you from helping others along the journey. He knows how good you are and your power to teach and influence hundreds of Heavenly Father's children in this life-and thousands over the generations that"The Iron Rod" 13 will follow your path. If he can get you to wander away from the light on your journey, he can do harm and bring misery to many."(Eyring, 2008)"You ... live in a time of war, the spiritual war that will never end. War itself now dominates the affairs of mankind. Your world at war has lost its innocence. There is nothing, however crude or unworthy, that is not deemed acceptable for movies or plays or music or conversation. The world seems to be turned upside down. (See 2 Peter 2:1-22.)Formality, respect for authority, dignity, and nobility are mocked. Modesty and neatness yield to slouchiness and shabbiness in dress and grooming. The rules of honesty and integrity and basic morality are now ignored. Conversation is laced with profanity. You see that in art and literature, in drama and entertainment. Instead of being refined, they become coarse. (See 1 Timothy 4:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:1-9.)You have decisions almost every day as to whether you will follow those trends. You have many tests ahead ...You may think that Lehi' s dream or vision has no special meaning for you, but it does. You are in it; all of us are in it. Nephi said, "[All scripture is likened] unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning" (l Nephi 19:23). Lehi's dream or vision ofthe iron rod has in it everything a young Latter-day Saint needs to understand the test of life. Lehi saw:A great and spacious building (see 1 Nephi 11:35-36; 12:18), A path following a river (see 1 Nephi 8:19-22),A mist of darkness (see 1 Nephi 12:16-17),An iron rod which led through the mist of darkness (see 1 Nephi 11 :24-25),The tree oflife, "whose fruit was desirable to make one happy" (l Nephi 8:10; see 1 Nephi 11 :889,21-24).If you hold to the rod, you can feel your way forward with the gift of the Holy Ghost, conferred upon you at the time you were confirmed a member of the Church. The Holy Ghost will comfort you. You will be able to feel the influence ofthe angels, as Nephi did, and feel your way through life.All of the symbolism in Lehi's dream was explained to his son Nephi, and Nephi wrote about it. At your baptism and confirmation, you took hold of the iron rod. But you are never safe. It is after you have partaken of that fruit that your test will come.Largely because of television, instead of looking over into that spacious building, we are, in effect, living inside of it. That is your fate in this generation. You are living in that great and spacious building.The mist of darkness will cover you at times so much that you will not be able to see your way even a short distance ahead. You will not be able to see clearly. But you canfeel your way. With the gift of the Holy Ghost, you canfeel your way ahead through life. Grasp the iron rod, and do not let go. Through the power of the Holy Ghost, you canfeel your way through life. (See 3 Nephi 18:25; D&C 9:8.)You who are young will see many things that will try your courage and test your faith. You live in an interesting generation where trials will be constant in your life. Learn to follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost. It is to be a shield and a protection and a teacher for you. Never be ashamed or embarrassed about the doctrines of the gospel or about the standards that we teach in the Church. You always, if you"The Iron Rod" 14 are faithful in the Church, will be that much different from the world at large. You have the advantage of being assured that you can be inspired in all of your decisions." (Packer, 2007)"I pray with all my heart that your faith will be increased that you are a daughter of a loving God. I testify to you that you have been one of the valiant ones to reach the point where you now are in this journey of life. Just as you are marked as a target by the enemy of righteousness, you have been protected and watched over by your Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. They know you. They know all of the forces and individuals around you. They know what is ahead of you. And so They know which of the choices you make, which of the desires you decide to satisfy, and which of the circumstances around you will make the most difference in keeping you walking in the light. . .. [B]y the Spirit of Christ and by the Holy Ghost, you may walk confidently in whatever difficulties will come. Because you are so valuable, some of your trials may be severe. You need never be discouraged or afraid. The way through difficulties has always been prepared for you, and you will find it if you exercise faith (in the Lord Jesus Christ)." (Eyring, 2008)It is now time for you to find your way forward on the straight and narrow path. Hold tight to the Iron Rod and have faith in your heart and you will return home with joy and honor.Packer, B. K. (2007, January 16). Lehi's Dream and You. Retrieved April 4, 2008, from http://speeches.byu.edu/reader/reader.php?id= 11528&x=52&y=5Before Bishop's night begins, the girls will experience a Faith Walk in which they will gain a greater understanding ofthe symbols in Lehi's dream. As the final part of this experience, they will walk with you to a designated place. At each place a representation of the Tree of Life will be displayed. We would like to ask you to prepare remarks about the meaning of symbol of the Tree of Life, in particular the idea of coming to know our Savior as we hold on to the Rod of Iron, and the importance of "partaking of the fruit," or in other words, feeling His love in a personal, meaningful way. We have selected scriptures and quotes to aid in this endeavor. We would ask that you follow your inspiration as to your remarks so that they will be personal to your girls' needs and situations. This will be a lead-in for your time together at Bishop's night. Our hope is that this experience will help the girls feel the Spirit in a powerful, life-changing way.Thank you,The Dream Team Staff"Yea, he saith: Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life; yea, ye shall eat and drink of the bread and the waters of life freely;"Alma 5:34Selection from:"Beauty for Ashes: The Atonement of Jesus Christ" by Elder Bruce C. Hafen"In his dream of the tree of life, Lehi found himself in a dark and dreary wasteland and saw others surrounded by a great mist of darkness. The pathway home from this darkness was the way to the tree of life-the same tree, I suppose, as the one from which Adam and Eve were barred until they, too, had walked the trail Lehi took. The path was marked by the iron rod, the word of God (see 1 Ne. 8:7-30). Holding fast to this rod in the mists of darkness, we, as did Lehi, grope and move our way homeward. As we do, we are likely to find that the cold rod of iron will begin to feel in our hands as the warm, firm, loving hand of him who literally pulls us along the way. We find that hand strong enough to rescue us, warm enough to assure us that home is not far away; and we summon our deepest resources to reciprocate, until we are again embraced in the arms of the Lord.It is so important for us to be on the Lord's side. But we should never forget that the Lord is also on our side.Each of us will taste the bitter ashes of life, from sin and neglect to sorrow and disappointment. But the atonement of Christ can lift us up in beauty from our ashes on the wings of a sure promise of immortality and etemallife. He will thus lift us up, not only at the end oflife, but in each day of our lives."Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God ... giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. . .. They that wait upon the Lord shall ... mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" (Isa. 40:28-31)."Lehi's great visionary dream came soon after he had searched the brass plates. (See 1 Ne. 8.) In the dream Lehi saw a tree which produced a fruit which was exceedingly white, very sweet to the taste, and desirable above all other fruit. He saw a path leading to the tree and a rod of iron along the path. He saw mists of darkness on the path, which caused some to lose their way and wander off Others reached the tree by holding to the rod, but then became ashamed, let go of the rod of iron, and fell away. According to the vision, the only way to reach the tree and become a permanent partaker of the fruit was to "continually [hold] fast" to the iron rod. (l Ne. 8:30.)What was the rod of iron? Nephi defined it as the "word of God"-the words of the living prophets and the scriptures, which point people to Christ. Nephi further stated that those who hearkened and held fast to the word of God would never perish. (See 1 Ne. 15:24.)The tree in the dream is the tree oflife, which represents God's love for us as expressed in the condescension ofthe Father and the Son. (See 1 Ne. 11.) Holding fast to the iron rod builds faith in Christ and his work.The prophet Alma, living five hundred years after Lehi, was strongly impacted by Lehi's vision of the tree of life. Alma, however, changes the imagery in an interesting way~ He likens the word of God to a seed which is planted in the heart and then nourished. He states that if people will no more than desire to believe in Christ, the seed will sprout and grow, and they will feel a swelling inside as the seed enlarges the soul. The desire to believe, coupled with obedience, eventually turns to faith in Jesus Christ.Alma states that continued nourishment will cause the seed to grow into the tree of life with fruit that is exceedingly white, sweet, and pure-"a tree springing up unto everlasting life." (Alma 32:26--42.) In Alma's example, the tree oflife grows within each person to change his or her heart and soul. Holding fast to the iron rod in Lehi's dream is the equivalent.Alma's explanation of the tree growing within and changing people's hearts gives light to an earlier set of questions that he asked Church members. The questions were: "Have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?" (Alma 5:14.) Changes in the heart and soul occur as a result of planting and nourishing the seed. Scripture study, prayer, obedience, and service are key elements in building faith in Christ.President Benson, in the April 1986 general conference, expressed these thoughts: "However diligent we may be in other areas, certain blessings are to be found only in the scriptures, only in coming to the word of the Lord and holding fast to it as we make our way through the mists of darkness to the tree oflife."There is great humility and timidity in my soul as I presume to discuss coming to a personal knowledge of God, the Eternal Father, and Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of the world and the Son of God."The Iron Rod" 17Some time ago in South America, a seasoned group of outstanding missionaries was asked, "What is the greatest need in the world?" One wisely responded, "Is not the greatest need in all ofthe world for every person to have a personal, ongoing, daily, continuing relationship with Deity?" Having such a relationship can unchain the divinity within us, and nothing can make a greater difference in our lives as we come to know and understand our divine relationship with God and His Beloved Son, our Master. As Jesus said in the great Intercessory Prayer, "This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (John 17:3).We should earnestly seek not just to know about the Master, but to strive, as He invited, to be one with Him (see John 17:21), to "be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man" (Eph. 3:16). We may not feel a closeness with Him because we think of Him as being far away, or our relationship may not be sanctifying because we do not think of Him as a real person.How can we receive the personal blessing of the Master's divine and exalting influence in our own lives? Since our own feelings are sacred to us and cannot be disputed by others, let us begin with those quiet assurances which occasionally can come to all of us and which we know are true. We cannot always prove these verities to others, yet they come as a form of knowledge. Is this part of the divine that ferments within us, reaching to its source? Is it not like a personal witness of truth flowing through the thin curtain that separates this world from another? Is there not a yearning to understand in your mind what is in your heart, a feeling that you cannot give utterance to because it is so unspeakably personal? In answer, the Master said that quiet reality can "speak peace to your mind concerning the matter" (D&C 6:23).May I suggest five beginning, essential measures that will greatly clear the channel for a daily flow of "living water" from the very source of the spring (see John 4:7-15).First, a daily communion involving prayer. A fervent, sincere prayer is a two-way communication that will do much to bring the Spirit flowing like healing water to help with the trials, hardships, aches, and pains we all face. What is the quality of our secret prayers? As we pray, we should think of our Heavenly Father as being close by; full of knowledge, understanding, love, and compassion; the essence of power; and having great expectations of each of us.Second, a daily selfless service to another. The followers of the divine Christ have to be weighed on the scales of what their actions are rather than on solemn professions of belief. The true measure is found in Matthew: "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these ... , ye have done it unto me" (Matt. 25 :40). A wise man observed, "The man who lives by himself and for himself is apt to be corrupted by the company he keeps" (Charles Henry Parkhurst, quoted in The International Dictionary of Thoughts [1969], 659).Third, a daily striving for an increased obedience and perfection in our lives. "What manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am," said the Savior (3 Ne. 27:27). Because of the perfect Atonement of Jesus, we may be made perfect (see D&C 76:69).Fourth, a daily acknowledgment of His divinity. To have a daily, personal relationship with the Master, we must be His disciples. "For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?" (Mosiah 5: 13).Fifth, a daily study of the scriptures. President Spencer W. Kimball said: "I find that when I get casual in my relationships with divinity and when it seems that no divine ear is listening and no divine voice is"The Iron Rod" 18 speaking, that I am far, far away. If I immerse myself in the scriptures the distance narrows and the spirituality returns" (The Teachings o/Spencer W Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [1982], 135) .... . . It is my testimony that we are facing difficult times. We must be courageously obedient. My witness is that we will be called upon to prove our spiritual stamina, for the days ahead will be filled with affliction and difficulty. But with the assuring comfort of a personal relationship with God, we will be given a calming courage. From the Divine so near we will receive the quiet assurance:"And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes" (D&C 121:7-8).I have a certain knowledge that Jesus of Nazareth is our divine Savior. I know that He lives. From my earliest recollection I have had a sure perception of this. As long as I have lived, I have had a simple faith that has never doubted. I have not always understood, yet I have known through a knowledge that is so sacred to me that I cannot give utterance to it. I know and I testify with an absolute awareness in every fiber and innermost recess of my being that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the Divine Redeemer, and the Son of God. May we ever be obedient to His wish, "Come unto me thy Savior" (D&C 19:41)."

Desert Ridge Stake Girls Camp 2008

2008-08-13T15:30:00.000-07:00

Lehi 's Dream was the theme for our spiritual night. This is the script the 5 of us put together:

Iron Rod Experience

On the first day of camp, the girls will be given study guides to use during the specified Scripture Reading/Journal Time. The study guide will help them to research the scriptures to learn of Lehi's Dream of the Tree of Life. It will also give journal prompts to encourage the girls to write down the thoughts and inspirations they receive during study time.Four devotionals will be given to give the girls a deeper understanding of the symbols of the dream:
Devotional #1: "Sariah" speaking on the Tree of Life
Devotional#2: "Sam" speaking on the Mist of Darkness/World
Devotional#3: "Zoram's Wife" speaking on the Rod of Iron
Devotional #4: "Nephi's Wife" speaking on the Great and Spacious Building
1. The girls will all meet in the sacred grove. The Opening Script will be read to set the tone and invite the Spirit. The quotes by the apostles will enable the girls to experience the thoughts of the preeexistence and their importance in it and the challenges they face in the world today. After the reading, one ward will leave at a time. Others will remain in the grove with soft music playing until it is their time to depart on their journey.
2. The girls will leave the Sacred Grove in single file, without any words or noise through thedarkness, each carrying their own flashlight to guide their footsteps. Following a cleared path, the girls will be encouraged forward by people portraying family members and leaders to show that we are not alone on our journey--we are surrounded by those who desire us to be happy.
4. The girls will pass by the leader portraying "Sariah," who will whisper to the girls: "You arebeginning your journey to the Tree of Life. Please hold on tight to the rod so you can make it all the way to the Tree of Life. Remember what I said ..
5. Next they will approach the river of filthy water. There will be priesthood men there to help the girls cross over the river. They will be whispering words of encouragement such as: "Great job!" "You can do this, just stay to the marked path and hold on."
6. After crossing the river, they will climb up the embankment and at the top will be the mist ofdarkness. "Sam" will be there to remind them of the words from his devotional. "Remember, what I told you about the temptations of the devil in my father's dream. When times are hard, hold tight to the rod and you will find your way. Laman and Lemuel chose to follow the enticements of the world. I followed my brother Nephi and we were guided to the Tree of Life. Choose to follow the right path and look away from sin."
7. There will be a rod going through the mist of darkness and across the center of a large field. This large field will represent the world and the large and spacious building. There will be different areas set up on the left side ofthe rod portraying the worldliness of today."The Iron Rod"
3 Group Two - they will be gathered around a camp pit talking and can be overheard saying: "Are you sure you don't just want to try it?" "Everyone is doing it." "Come on, it's the cool thing to do." "It doesn't take much"
Group Three - may be in the dark with a strobe light and music and chaos. The group will be laughing and dressed in dark clothes. Some will bumping into each other, imitating dancing. This group will be acting as if they are loud and chaotic with their music and not need to say anything.
Group Four - two people will be sitting in front of the TV, playing the video games. On the table behind them, a set a scriptures is sitting, neglected.
Group Five - a girl alone in her bedroom standing in front of a mirror by the side of her bed. She is holding a modest dress up to see how it looks. She lays it done and picks up an immodest dress up to see how it looks. May also be wearing an i-pod. This represents the choices of music and modesty.
On the other side of the rod, interspersed to be several feet away from each other will be people dressed in white. These will represent the angels of influence mentioned in the Opening Narrative. They will be whispering words of encouragement as the girls walk by them and will be beckoning them forward and away from the images of the world being portrayed on the left of the rod. The Angels will be heard saying:"If you hold to the rod, you can feel your way forward with the gift of the Holy Ghost." "You are daughters of a living God who loves you, you are not alone.""Have faith in your heart and you will return home with joy and honor.""By following Christ, and keeping the commandments, you have power to chase darkness from your midst and come to the fullness of light.""Cling to the rod and you will arrive home safely.""The Holy Ghost will help you recognize truth"
6. Once through the mist and field of darkness, the rod will lead them in silence to the bridge, which will be lit up with soft white lights as the final steps of the strait and narrow path. Each Bishop will take the girls by the hand as they step off the bridge. They will gather quietly together.
7. The Bishop will lead his group of girls to their designated place. This area will have a large picture of a tree displayed, to represent arriving and partaking of the Tree of Life. The Bishop will share his thoughts and testimony of the importance of partaking of the fruit of the Tree of Life, and explain its symbolism of coming to Christ and feeling His love for them. (Each Bishop will be given, in advance, quotes from the apostles so that they may prepare remarks that will be an appropriate ending to the Faith walk.)
The remainder of the time will be the Bishops' for testimonies and Bishop's Night activities.

Character- SariahProps: basket of fruits and nuts and seeds
"We [have] gathered seeds of every kind, both of grain of every kind, and also of the seeds of fruit of every kind." (2 Nephi 8: 1) As a mother I want to make sure we have sufficient food for our journey and the potential for food in whatever places the Lord leads us. These seeds mean life. "I listened while my husband, Lehi, read from the plates of brass about the two trees in the Garden of Eden. They were both beautiful fruit bearing trees. Adam and Eve were free to eat of the Tree of Life and taste the Joy of God's Love, but were forbidden to taste of the Tree of Knowledge if they wanted to remain in the Garden. My husband also taught us about the law of opposition; that to taste the sweet we must also taste the bitter (2 Ne. 2: 15) - that to know joy we must also know sorrow. So God placed these two trees in opposition to each other giving Adam and Eve the gift of choice. " ... Man could not act for himself save it should be that he was enticed by the one or the other." (2Ne.2: 16)God warned Adam and Eve saying that "in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die."Partaking of the fruit of the Tree of knowledge would mean mortality and eventual death. Then that Satan sought to beguile Eve, for he knew not the mind of God, wherefore he sought to destroy the world and the agency of man, wanting all men to be miserable like himself (2 Ne. 2:18), and thwart God's plan, enticed Eve to partake ofthe forbidden fruit. He lied saying "you shall not surely die (TODAY), but shall be as the gods, knowing good and evil. (Moses 4:3.4, 12,23,29) (Moses 4:10-11)"And when [Eve] saw that the tree was good for food, and that it became pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make her wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and also gave unto her husband with her, and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they had been naked. And they sewed fig-leaves together and made themselves aprons. (Moses 4:12-13) It is interesting to me that they used the green leaves of a tree to cover themselves. To me, green represents growth and new life. If they had not partaken of the fruit of the tree of knowledge they would never have had children as they would have remained in a state of innocence. (2 Ne. 2:23) You and I would not be here. Adam and Eve were taught the plan of redemption and Eve rejoiced saying "were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption and the etemallife which God giveth unto all the obedient." In a way Adam and Eve became like trees of life to their descendants. (Moses 5: 11)"The Iron Rod" 5Of course, they were driven out of the Garden and kept from eating of the tree oflife after theyhad transgressed. "And God placed at the east of the Garden of Eden, cherubim and a flaming sword, which turned every way to keep the way of the tree oflife." Moses 4:31. If Adam and Eve had partaken of the Tree of Life after they had transgressed they would have lived forever in their sins becoming immortal but never redeemed from the fall and never receiving eternal life, or returning to live with Heavenly Father.My Son Nephi learned that the Tree of Life my husband saw in his vision represents the Love of God in the gift of His Son. When Nephi was shown the Tree he immediately saw the birth and Life of the Savior of the World, who would give life everlasting to those who would partake of the fruit of the atonement. It was planned this way from the beginning. "But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things. Adam fell that men might be and men are that they might have joy. And the Messiah cometh in the fullness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon", ... 2 Nephi 2: 22-26As I watch my own seed, Laman and Lemuel, and their children turn from the gospel truths and reject God's love, I feel great sorrow. It would be so easy for them to partake, but they harden their hearts and reject the words of their father and brother ... and the Lord. You have the same gift of choice. I urge you to use it wisely, that you like our mother Eve will rejoice in the atonement of Christ and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient."

Character -SamProp - bow and arrow or other weapon (symbolizing the contention with his brothers)
I didn't actually see my father's dream, or Nephi's vision. But like my brother Jacob said:... the time passed away with us, and also our lives passed away like as it were unto us a dream, we being a lonesome and a solemn people, wanderers, cast out from Jerusalem, born in tribulation, in a wilderness, and hated of our brethren, ... ; wherefore, we did mourn out our days. (Jacob 7: 26)I didn't see, but I believed, and I listened carefully. I've seen some of the scenes they saw in vision; beautiful green valleys with refreshing little rivers of clean water, I've seen the raging muddy rivers flow during the rainy season carrying debris from homes and villages, dead animals, and filth of all kinds. I know it's deadly to wander off the main road.But perhaps worst of all are the mists of darkness. There are suffocating sand storms that can last for hours, and times when the fog is so thick you can't see the person next to you. There is a narrow canyon about four miles long with rock walls 2,000 feet high on either side. As the path gets near the sea the mists becomes so thick you have to walk along the rock walls feeling the sides as you go. The canyon empties out onto a short beach. The shallow waters are only a few feet out and then the coral reef drops suddenly several hundred feet deep into the ocean. If the mists continue out onto the beach it is impossible to judge where the water begins and it is easy for people to wander out in the shallow water only to drown when the ocean floor vanishes. If you don't have something or someone to hold on to it is easy to get separated ... and lost ... forever.I hold on to the words of God from the plates of brass, and the words of my father and brother as if they were a rod of iron in the wilderness. Nephi says the mists of darkness in his vision are the temptations of the deviL I've thought about the hard times in my life; times when it seems that the Spirit is gone and we are wandering in the dark.Ever since we left Jerusalem it has been just our family and Ishmael's family. You would think that in such a small group things would go ok. But ... it's so easy to succumb to feelings of hopelessness and aloneness. I've had some pretty tough times with my brothers. When we went back to get the Brass plates, you know, we tried a couple oftimes that didn't work and my older brothers became so enraged that they beat us until an Angel, yeah, it took an Angel to stop them, and even after the angel left they still were so negative. The difficulty of the situation even got to my parents when it took so long for us to get back that they thought we were dead, and they began to doubt my father's inspiration, and began to mourn our loss."The Iron Rod" 7Amazingly Nephi got the plates and we made it back. We even were able to bring Laban's servant with us and he ended up marrying Ishmael's oldest daughter. Although when we went back to get Ishmael's family part of our group were, again, so angry with Nephi that they tied him up and wanted to leave him in the desert to die. Only after Ishmael's wife and son and daughter pleaded with them did they soften their hearts and act sorry.But every time things started to get bad our older brothers just made things worse. It's like they never' got it', you know, that just keeping the commandments and having faith and things really do work out. Take for instance, when it came time to build the ship, they called Nephi a fool and complained, and didn't want to do the work. Nephi got discouraged, and that made Laman and Lemuel gloat, and then they really let Nephi have it about how much better they would have been if we'd stayed in Jerusalem and that the people in Jerusalem were really good people. Nephi reminded them how good the Lord has been to the children of men and became so filled with God's spirit that when he touched Laman and Lemuel the Lord shook them. They were humble and obedient. .. for a while.Then once we got on the ocean some of the group began to party and it was getting out of control, so Nephi asked them to stop and that made them furious. They tied him up and were absolutely cruel to him. Of course the Liahona quit working, and for three days we were driven back in a terrible storm. My parents tried to reason with them, but they threatened anyone who spoke up for Nephi to the point that my parents were down sick. Our little brothers, Jacob and Joseph, and Nephi's wife and children all prayed and cried but it was only when they thought we might die in the storm that Laman and Lemuel and the others untied Nephi. He was in bad shape, his wrists and ankles were severely swollen, but he didn't complain. They kind of repented and Nephi prayed and we were able to make it to the Promised Land.Things were never really good between everyone. There was always a part of the group that resented being here and always had something to complain about. As long as our father was alive we stayed together, but soon after he died, Nephi was warned in a dream that anyone who would go with us should flee into the wilderness. It was the only way we could live the gospel in peace. "Salvation is and always has been a family affair. .. [But] in the event of conflict between family and the principles of salvation, our loyalty and responsibility must be first to God." McConkie, Joseph Fielding, Gospel Symbolism. (Salt Lake City UT: Bookcraft Inc., 1985),23. So for me, the mists of darkness or the temptations of the devil have always been the negative attitudes, hopelessness, lack of faith, anger, meanness, physical abuse, and disobedience ... of my own family. You will face challenges and temptation in your life, and suffer the consequences of others who succumb to temptation. Some of the mists of darkness are unavoidable in this life. But it is possible to push through the mist by holding on to the word of God as if it were a rod of iron, until you see the end of the path leading to the tree of life.
Character - Zoram's wifeProps - plates of brass, plates of gold and Quad- all lying on a table.
As the oldest daughter of Ishmael I was mercifully blessed to become the wife of Zoram. My husband has always had a special interest in the Words of God. He was Laban's servant, more like a private secretary. It was an honorable position. He had the keys to Laban's treasury; Laban being the keeper of the plates of brass which contained a record of the Jews and a genealogy of our forefathers. On that fateful night that forever changed our lives, he followed Nephi, supposing it was Laban, carrying the plates and speaking many times concerning the elders of the Jews. When Zoram reached the edge ofthe city he realized that Nephi was not Laban and he began to tremble and was about to flee and return to Jerusalem. But Nephi, thinking to spare Zoram and avoid giving alarm, made a solemn oath with him that he would have a home with Lehi's family and be forever a free man. Zoram was not forced into it, but was talked into it, softened and persuaded by Nephi's words that the Lord had commanded them to do this thing, and Nephi invited Zoram to be diligent in keeping the commandments of the Lord. That was the beginning of a true friendship between Nephi and Zoram, and an example of Zoram's willingness to be obedient to God's word whether from Scripture or a living prophet, as Nephi surely was. (l Ne. 3, 4) (Portrait of Laban (the case ofZoram, the oath of power, and transferred by loyalty) from An Approach to the Book of Mormon by Hugh W. Nibley pp. 120-31)Father Lehi took the plates of brass and searched them from the beginning. We were thrilled to learn of all of God's dealings with the children of men from the beginning; from the creation of the world and also Adam and Eve, who were our first parents, even down to the reign of our present king. We also heard of the prophecies of the holy prophets from the beginning. We found the records to be very desirable, and of great worth especially because we could preserve the commandments ofthe Lord for our children. (1 Ne. 5) That we may persuade them to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and be saved. (l Ne. 6) Nephi read many things to us from the books of Moses that we might more fully believe in the Lord our Redeemer and he helped us to liken all scriptures unto ourselves that they might be for our profit and learning. (1 Ne. 19:23)The Lord revealed to Nephi the interpretation of the rod of iron in Lehi's dream as the word of God. When I think of how important the commandments of the Lord are in following the path that leads to the tree of God's love I rejoice in the amazing events that brought the plates of brass to us. It is a miracle that we have them to read and refer to whenever we want. Father Lehi was filled with the Spirit after reading them and prophesied that these plates of brass should go forth unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people ... He said that these plates of brass should never perish; neither should they be "The Iron Rod" 9 dimmed any more by time. (1 Ne. 5) Nephi also wrote upon plates of gold the history of our people and the things pleasing to God, sacred things to be kept for the knowledge of our people. (1 Ne 19:5) I remember hearing of the prophecy of Ezekiel that the words of the house of Judah (the plates of brass) and the words of the house of Joseph (the plates of gold) would become joined together. (Ezekiel 37:16617) What a great and marvelous day when all the words of the Lord are bound together in one, and blessed be the sons and daughters who read them!
Character - Nephi's wifeProp - a piece of fine cloth (folding it and handling it as if to say I'll never use this out here)
My sweet husband Nephi has always been completely devoted to the Lord. He has the strongest faith of anyone I have ever known. When he has a question, he goes directly to the Lord in full faith that he will receive an answer. When he didn't understand father Lehi's dream of the Tree of Life, he asked the Lord directly and received an amazing interpretation. I love sitting at his feet and listening to the revelation and inspiration he receives. I was particularly interested in his explanation of the large and spacious building. Since we have been in the desert we have lived in tents, having left our beautiful homes in Jerusalem and all of our valuable possessions. I don't think I ever imagined that I would spend my married life traveling. I always dreamed of having a beautiful home of my own someday. A girl spends her youth preparing for marriage, home and family. Our families are quite wealthy and we just left all that behind.I can't deny the twinge oflonging I have felt as we have passed the tall desert palaces with their windows alight on dark nights. For protection from raiders there are no windows in the palaces below twenty feet, and the buildings can be as tall as twelve or thirteen stories, so at night it appears as if the building is standing in the air. It's rather an amazing sight. We can see the lights flickering in the windows and hear the merriment going on inside, but we just keep moving on. It appears in the dream that many multitudes of people are drawn to the large and spacious building. It is bright and appealing and filled with beautiful people dressed in gorgeous clothes thoroughly enjoying themselves. And they draw people to them by mocking and ridiculing any who choose a better path; so much so that people flock to the building. Many drown trying to cross the river of filthy water to get there. Once inside they also join in and mock the true believers.Traveling as our family has these many years it is not uncommon for us to encounter other travelers. Because of our cultural and religious differences we have at times experienced snide comments, rude remarks, rejection, and hostility. Sometimes we are invited and enticed to participate in practices against our beliefs. We have experienced some of the behaviors depicted in the great and spacious building, but as Nephi said about the true believers in the dream "we heeded them not."Unfortunately we experience some of the behaviors from the great and spacious building in our own family. It almost seems as if we are living IN the great and spacious building. Nephi said the interpretation of the building is the pride of the world. The pride of the world can exist inside individuals. Pride is an interesting vice. It goes both ways. A person can have pride by looking down on someone for"The Iron Rod" 11 not having or doing whatever, or a person can have pride by looking up at someone or something wishingfor or coveting what they don't have.( Ezra Taft Benson, "Beware of Pride," Ensign, May 1989,4)I have also noticed that those in our group that struggle the most with pride are those who also resent the commandments, and resent being reminded to keep them. (2 Ne 9:40) ... "the guilty taketh the truth to be hard for it cutteth them to the very center". (1 Ne 16:2) We step out of the building when we "cease to find fault with one another"( D&C 88: 124),and and "above all things, clothe [ourselves] with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace"(D&C 88:125)As Nephi expounded on the scriptures he has said some interesting things that I think have to do with living without pride in my life. Once he said, "Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy .... And come unto the Holy One of Israel and feast upon that which peri sheth not, neither can be corrupted and let your soul delight in fatness." (2 Ne. 9:51) This thought has helped me realize that we left Jerusalem and all our treasures to follow Christ. None of those things would have brought us the happiness and satisfaction that the knowledge from the plates of brass has, or the knowledge of our rescue from the fall and destruction of Jerusalem. We have faced serious hardship, but we have been blessed with all the things we need, especially health and strength. Although my life has taken a path I never expected I "give thanks to him continually and rejoice in his holy name." (2 Ne 9:52) I expect my path to end, with my sweet husband and family, at the fountain of living waters and that beautiful tree of life whose fruit is delicious to the soul.Opening Script(to be read in the Sacred Grove at the beginning of the Faith Walk)"For each of us, life is a journey. Heavenly Father designed it for us out oflove. Each of us has unique experiences and characteristics, but our journey began in the same place before we were born into this world. We all were taught by Elohim, the Father of our spirits. We loved Him and wanted to be like Him and to be with Him forever. He told us plainly what it would require for us to have that joy. We would have to receive a physical body, with all of the trials that would bring. We would be subject to illness and have within our bodies the processes which would finally lead to death. And our bodies would have in them powerful cravings for physical satisfaction.Heavenly Father explained to us what it would take to make the journey from where we were then to be with Him forever and live the life that He lives. We would make the journey through life without a memory of our time with Him in the spirit world. And the only way back to Him would be for us to overcome physical death and the effects of sin which would come from our breaking commandments. He told us that we could not overcome the effects of either death or sin by ourselves-without our having a Savior who would break the bands of death and provide a way for us to be washed clean from the sin which we would surely commit.You know from the scriptures revealed by God through prophets that there was a rebellion in the spirit world when the plan for our journey was offered to us. Those who rebelled did not want to accept and to depend upon a Savior nor run any risk that they might not return again to Heavenly Father. Every one of you was among the brave, the faithful, and the true in that conflict. You accepted the Savior and the plan for this journey to return to the joy of our Heavenly Father's presence.You are remarkable, even among those who chose right in the contest in the spirit world. You qualified to come into mortality and to make this journey at a time when the gospel of Jesus Christ was on the earth. And among the billions of Heavenly Father's children now living, you were privileged to find the gospel of Jesus Christ and His true Church. Even more than that, the fact that you are listening tonight means that you have chosen to make the journey of life walking in the light.Every child of Heavenly Father born in the world is given at birth, as a free gift, the Light of Christ. You have felt that. It is the sense of what is right and what is wrong and what is true and what is false. That has been with you since your journey in life began. The fact that you were baptized and received the Holy Ghost is evidence that you chose to walk in the Light of Christ.When you were confirmed a member of the Church, you were given the right to have the Holy Ghost as your companion. The Holy Ghost is a powerful source oflight to recognize truth, to follow and love the Lord Jesus Christ, and to find your way back to God after this life.But the spirit who led the rebellion in the world before still opposes the plan and wants you to be miserable. He wants you never to find your way home again. That enemy of your soul knows you and your goodness. He knows that if he can turn you away from walking in the light, he can both capture you and stop you from helping others along the journey. He knows how good you are and your power to teach and influence hundreds of Heavenly Father's children in this life-and thousands over the generations that"The Iron Rod" 13 will follow your path. If he can get you to wander away from the light on your journey, he can do harm and bring misery to many."(Eyring, 2008)"You ... live in a time of war, the spiritual war that will never end. War itself now dominates the affairs of mankind. Your world at war has lost its innocence. There is nothing, however crude or unworthy, that is not deemed acceptable for movies or plays or music or conversation. The world seems to be turned upside down. (See 2 Peter 2:1-22.)Formality, respect for authority, dignity, and nobility are mocked. Modesty and neatness yield to slouchiness and shabbiness in dress and grooming. The rules of honesty and integrity and basic morality are now ignored. Conversation is laced with profanity. You see that in art and literature, in drama and entertainment. Instead of being refined, they become coarse. (See 1 Timothy 4:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:1-9.)You have decisions almost every day as to whether you will follow those trends. You have many tests ahead ...You may think that Lehi' s dream or vision has no special meaning for you, but it does. You are in it; all of us are in it. Nephi said, "[All scripture is likened] unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning" (l Nephi 19:23). Lehi's dream or vision ofthe iron rod has in it everything a young Latter-day Saint needs to understand the test of life. Lehi saw:A great and spacious building (see 1 Nephi 11:35-36; 12:18), A path following a river (see 1 Nephi 8:19-22),A mist of darkness (see 1 Nephi 12:16-17),An iron rod which led through the mist of darkness (see 1 Nephi 11 :24-25),The tree oflife, "whose fruit was desirable to make one happy" (l Nephi 8:10; see 1 Nephi 11 :889,21-24).If you hold to the rod, you can feel your way forward with the gift of the Holy Ghost, conferred upon you at the time you were confirmed a member of the Church. The Holy Ghost will comfort you. You will be able to feel the influence ofthe angels, as Nephi did, and feel your way through life.All of the symbolism in Lehi's dream was explained to his son Nephi, and Nephi wrote about it. At your baptism and confirmation, you took hold of the iron rod. But you are never safe. It is after you have partaken of that fruit that your test will come.Largely because of television, instead of looking over into that spacious building, we are, in effect, living inside of it. That is your fate in this generation. You are living in that great and spacious building.The mist of darkness will cover you at times so much that you will not be able to see your way even a short distance ahead. You will not be able to see clearly. But you canfeel your way. With the gift of the Holy Ghost, you canfeel your way ahead through life. Grasp the iron rod, and do not let go. Through the power of the Holy Ghost, you canfeel your way through life. (See 3 Nephi 18:25; D&C 9:8.)You who are young will see many things that will try your courage and test your faith. You live in an interesting generation where trials will be constant in your life. Learn to follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost. It is to be a shield and a protection and a teacher for you. Never be ashamed or embarrassed about the doctrines of the gospel or about the standards that we teach in the Church. You always, if you"The Iron Rod" 14 are faithful in the Church, will be that much different from the world at large. You have the advantage of being assured that you can be inspired in all of your decisions." (Packer, 2007)"I pray with all my heart that your faith will be increased that you are a daughter of a loving God. I testify to you that you have been one of the valiant ones to reach the point where you now are in this journey of life. Just as you are marked as a target by the enemy of righteousness, you have been protected and watched over by your Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. They know you. They know all of the forces and individuals around you. They know what is ahead of you. And so They know which of the choices you make, which of the desires you decide to satisfy, and which of the circumstances around you will make the most difference in keeping you walking in the light. . .. [B]y the Spirit of Christ and by the Holy Ghost, you may walk confidently in whatever difficulties will come. Because you are so valuable, some of your trials may be severe. You need never be discouraged or afraid. The way through difficulties has always been prepared for you, and you will find it if you exercise faith (in the Lord Jesus Christ)." (Eyring, 2008)It is now time for you to find your way forward on the straight and narrow path. Hold tight to the Iron Rod and have faith in your heart and you will return home with joy and honor.Packer, B. K. (2007, January 16). Lehi's Dream and You. Retrieved April 4, 2008, from http://speeches.byu.edu/reader/reader.php?id=528&x=52&y=5

Before Bishop's night begins, the girls will experience a Faith Walk in which they will gain a greater understanding ofthe symbols in Lehi's dream. As the final part of this experience, they will walk with you to a designated place. At each place a representation of the Tree of Life will be displayed. We would like to ask you to prepare remarks about the meaning of symbol of the Tree of Life, in particular the idea of coming to know our Savior as we hold on to the Rod of Iron, and the importance of "partaking of the fruit," or in other words, feeling His love in a personal, meaningful way. We have selected scriptures and quotes to aid in this endeavor. We would ask that you follow your inspiration as to your remarks so that they will be personal to your girls' needs and situations. This will be a lead-in for your time together at Bishop's night. Our hope is that this experience will help the girls feel the Spirit in a powerful, life-changing way.Thank you,The Dream Team Staff
"Yea, he saith: Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life; yea, ye shall eat and drink of the bread and the waters of life freely;"Alma 5:34
Selection from:"Beauty for Ashes: The Atonement of Jesus Christ" by Elder Bruce C. Hafen"In his dream of the tree of life, Lehi found himself in a dark and dreary wasteland and saw others surrounded by a great mist of darkness. The pathway home from this darkness was the way to the tree of life-the same tree, I suppose, as the one from which Adam and Eve were barred until they, too, had walked the trail Lehi took. The path was marked by the iron rod, the word of God (see 1 Ne. 8:7-30). Holding fast to this rod in the mists of darkness, we, as did Lehi, grope and move our way homeward. As we do, we are likely to find that the cold rod of iron will begin to feel in our hands as the warm, firm, loving hand of him who literally pulls us along the way. We find that hand strong enough to rescue us, warm enough to assure us that home is not far away; and we summon our deepest resources to reciprocate, until we are again embraced in the arms of the Lord.It is so important for us to be on the Lord's side. But we should never forget that the Lord is also on our side.Each of us will taste the bitter ashes of life, from sin and neglect to sorrow and disappointment. But the atonement of Christ can lift us up in beauty from our ashes on the wings of a sure promise of immortality and etemallife. He will thus lift us up, not only at the end oflife, but in each day of our lives."Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God ... giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. . .. They that wait upon the Lord shall ... mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" (Isa. 40:28-31)."Lehi's great visionary dream came soon after he had searched the brass plates. (See 1 Ne. 8.) In the dream Lehi saw a tree which produced a fruit which was exceedingly white, very sweet to the taste, and desirable above all other fruit. He saw a path leading to the tree and a rod of iron along the path. He saw mists of darkness on the path, which caused some to lose their way and wander off Others reached the tree by holding to the rod, but then became ashamed, let go of the rod of iron, and fell away. According to the vision, the only way to reach the tree and become a permanent partaker of the fruit was to "continually [hold] fast" to the iron rod. (l Ne. 8:30.)What was the rod of iron? Nephi defined it as the "word of God"-the words of the living prophets and the scriptures, which point people to Christ. Nephi further stated that those who hearkened and held fast to the word of God would never perish. (See 1 Ne. 15:24.)The tree in the dream is the tree oflife, which represents God's love for us as expressed in the condescension ofthe Father and the Son. (See 1 Ne. 11.) Holding fast to the iron rod builds faith in Christ and his work.The prophet Alma, living five hundred years after Lehi, was strongly impacted by Lehi's vision of the tree of life. Alma, however, changes the imagery in an interesting way~ He likens the word of God to a seed which is planted in the heart and then nourished. He states that if people will no more than desire to believe in Christ, the seed will sprout and grow, and they will feel a swelling inside as the seed enlarges the soul. The desire to believe, coupled with obedience, eventually turns to faith in Jesus Christ.Alma states that continued nourishment will cause the seed to grow into the tree of life with fruit that is exceedingly white, sweet, and pure-"a tree springing up unto everlasting life." (Alma 32:26--42.) In Alma's example, the tree oflife grows within each person to change his or her heart and soul. Holding fast to the iron rod in Lehi's dream is the equivalent.Alma's explanation of the tree growing within and changing people's hearts gives light to an earlier set of questions that he asked Church members. The questions were: "Have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?" (Alma 5:14.) Changes in the heart and soul occur as a result of planting and nourishing the seed. Scripture study, prayer, obedience, and service are key elements in building faith in Christ.President Benson, in the April 1986 general conference, expressed these thoughts: "However diligent we may be in other areas, certain blessings are to be found only in the scriptures, only in coming to the word of the Lord and holding fast to it as we make our way through the mists of darkness to the tree oflife."There is great humility and timidity in my soul as I presume to discuss coming to a personal knowledge of God, the Eternal Father, and Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of the world and the Son of God."The Iron Rod" 17Some time ago in South America, a seasoned group of outstanding missionaries was asked, "What is the greatest need in the world?" One wisely responded, "Is not the greatest need in all ofthe world for every person to have a personal, ongoing, daily, continuing relationship with Deity?" Having such a relationship can unchain the divinity within us, and nothing can make a greater difference in our lives as we come to know and understand our divine relationship with God and His Beloved Son, our Master. As Jesus said in the great Intercessory Prayer, "This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (John 17:3).We should earnestly seek not just to know about the Master, but to strive, as He invited, to be one with Him (see John 17:21), to "be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man" (Eph. 3:16). We may not feel a closeness with Him because we think of Him as being far away, or our relationship may not be sanctifying because we do not think of Him as a real person.How can we receive the personal blessing of the Master's divine and exalting influence in our own lives? Since our own feelings are sacred to us and cannot be disputed by others, let us begin with those quiet assurances which occasionally can come to all of us and which we know are true. We cannot always prove these verities to others, yet they come as a form of knowledge. Is this part of the divine that ferments within us, reaching to its source? Is it not like a personal witness of truth flowing through the thin curtain that separates this world from another? Is there not a yearning to understand in your mind what is in your heart, a feeling that you cannot give utterance to because it is so unspeakably personal? In answer, the Master said that quiet reality can "speak peace to your mind concerning the matter" (D&C 6:23).May I suggest five beginning, essential measures that will greatly clear the channel for a daily flow of "living water" from the very source of the spring (see John 4:7-15).First, a daily communion involving prayer. A fervent, sincere prayer is a two-way communication that will do much to bring the Spirit flowing like healing water to help with the trials, hardships, aches, and pains we all face. What is the quality of our secret prayers? As we pray, we should think of our Heavenly Father as being close by; full of knowledge, understanding, love, and compassion; the essence of power; and having great expectations of each of us.Second, a daily selfless service to another. The followers of the divine Christ have to be weighed on the scales of what their actions are rather than on solemn professions of belief. The true measure is found in Matthew: "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these ... , ye have done it unto me" (Matt. 25 :40). A wise man observed, "The man who lives by himself and for himself is apt to be corrupted by the company he keeps" (Charles Henry Parkhurst, quoted in The International Dictionary of Thoughts [1969], 659).Third, a daily striving for an increased obedience and perfection in our lives. "What manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am," said the Savior (3 Ne. 27:27). Because of the perfect Atonement of Jesus, we may be made perfect (see D&C 76:69).Fourth, a daily acknowledgment of His divinity. To have a daily, personal relationship with the Master, we must be His disciples. "For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?" (Mosiah 5: 13).Fifth, a daily study of the scriptures. President Spencer W. Kimball said: "I find that when I get casual in my relationships with divinity and when it seems that no divine ear is listening and no divine voice is"The Iron Rod" 18 speaking, that I am far, far away. If I immerse myself in the scriptures the distance narrows and the spirituality returns" (The Teachings o/Spencer W Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [1982], 135) .... . . It is my testimony that we are facing difficult times. We must be courageously obedient. My witness is that we will be called upon to prove our spiritual stamina, for the days ahead will be filled with affliction and difficulty. But with the assuring comfort of a personal relationship with God, we will be given a calming courage. From the Divine so near we will receive the quiet assurance:"And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes" (D&C 121:7-8).I have a certain knowledge that Jesus of Nazareth is our divine Savior. I know that He lives. From my earliest recollection I have had a sure perception of this. As long as I have lived, I have had a simple faith that has never doubted. I have not always understood, yet I have known through a knowledge that is so sacred to me that I cannot give utterance to it. I know and I testify with an absolute awareness in every fiber and innermost recess of my being that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the Divine Redeemer, and the Son of God. May we ever be obedient to His wish, "Come unto me thy Savior" (D&C 19:41)."

2008-08-13T12:06:00.000-07:00

The Spiritual Iron Rod Detailed Walk

The Dream Team! Creating and making Lehi's Dream happen in the wilderness was definitely a challenge! The hard work of these ladies and divine promptings and divine intervention made an amazing night to be remembered for years to come! Dream Team credits go to (From left to right in picture): Stephanie Underwood, Christine Jensen, Alayna Efnor, Sarinah Brooks and Jan Roach!
The walk begins after the reading of names in the pre-existence at the Grove meeting area. The girls have been taught about pre-existence and their importance in it and the challenges they face in the world today. After the reading, one group will depart at a time, leaders first. Others will remain in the Grove area with soft music playing until it is their time to depart on their journey.

(Go Jolene aka Sariah!)
The girls pass "Sariah" who whispers to the girls:"You are beginning your journey to the Tree of Life, please hold tight to the rod so you can make it all the way and she referenced things she said in her devotional. Then, they pass the rocks painted with "Faith In Jesus Christ" and "Repent" as they walk. Upon hitting the edge of the river, "The river of filthy water", Men are there to help them across and whisper words of encouragement. They said:"You're doing great!" "You can do this!" "Just stay on the marked path and hold on!" This was suppose to represent the waters of baptism. Upon crossing the river, and angel met them to encourage them saying "Come unto Christ and be perfected in him.".Go Lisa Swalger!
Then, the girls would pass some more rocks built up on logs that said "Still Small Voice" ad a little further up, "Gift of the Holy Ghost".
A little further up the inclining path, an angel was standing on a tall log. As each person approached, she would tell them "You are daughters of our Heavenly Father who loves you."Go Christine Jensen aka CJ Fresh!
Then they would be met by a person in normal clothing offering her hand and saying:"Heavenly Father loves you and doesn't want you to fall." Then, they had to go up on a very long and wide log that had been cut down and walk across it. The next person to assist then in the middle of the log outstretched her hands and said "This is the time to prepare to meet our Father in heaven." They would walk to the third person and she would outstretch her hands saying: "You're doing great, it gets a little rough here. (They'd have to get down off the rod and were assisted the whole time.) Once they were down and back to the path, the person would whisper "Stay on the path and hold to the rod." The girls would walk up the path and meet a sign that said
"Shortcut to the Big and Spacious Building."
It was amazing how many stopped and didn't know what to do. How they just waited, not wanting to take the shortcut. Once further up the trail, at the top where it leveled out, Nephi's wife was there with a lit up rock with "Testimony" on it. Nephi's wife encouraged the girls to hold on to the rod and directed them to the rod and where to go.
Leka, Debbie & Mitch - I.R. Rock Stars
At the rod, literally, an iron rod made from metal piping from Home Depot and secured into the ground. Extra thanks to the Dream Team Too - Leka, Debbie Tunei and Mitch Efnor!
This was suppose to represent the world and the large and spacious building. Different scenes were set up on the left side of the rod portraying the worldiness today. There were three scenes the girls passed by. Group one was a girl playing video games and the clock behind her spun the hours by and the scriptures off on a table alone.
Julie Olsen
Scene Two were two girls on the phone talking about how they can't date before age 16 but are still planning on meeting some boys at the movies.
Deana Bitter & friendScene three had a couple watching TV. The girl asks "Is is OK to drink Monster drinks?" The boys answers "I guess, it doesn't say anything in the word of wisdom not to." then the boys asks when her parents are suppose to be home?" The girls answers, "Not for a few hours" and he says "Sweet!" Then he cuddles into her.
Debbie & LekaTo the right of the rod, are different angels whispering words of encouragement to the girls. They are heard saying: "Cling to the rod and you will arrive home safely."The Holy Ghost will hep you recognize truth."
"If you hold to the rod, you can feel your way forward with the gift of the Holy Ghost."
"You are daughters of a living God who loves you, you are not alone."
"By following Christ and keeping the commandments, you have the power to chase darkness from your midst and come into the fullness of the light."
At the end of the first rod section, fog machines are running to create the mists of darkness.
Zoram's wife is beyond the Gulf of Misery and encouraging the girls to hold onto their sticks. (Scriptures)
They then passed a few rocks marked with "Search" "Ponder" "Pray" and met up with Sam.

Sam encouraged them to get back on the rod and reminded them what he talked about in his devotional about the mists of darkness. The fog was pretty thick here and the girls had to walk across a bridge with lights and fog coming up under it.
Once across the bridge, there were rocks with "Chastity" and "Modesty"on the ground as they passed by.
The next scene was a girl looking in a mirror on her dresser holding up and strapless dress. She is on the phone telling her friend she likes her shoulders and want to ditch the shoulder cover up her mother bought her to cover up and be modest. She is taking how she wants to get rid of it once she gets to the dance.Then they cross a wide path and the rod continues on the right.
To the right of that rod is another scene where a bunch of girls making fun of another girl.
Then, the girls loose the iron Rod and pass by Lehi. Lehi says encouraging words as they continue to walk a path with many painted rocks. The rocks say "Obey" ,"Words Of Wisdom", "Clean Language","Fast","Forgive", "Kindness", "Service","Fellowship","Honesty", "Press Forward", "Endure to the End".
At the end of the walk, they reach a lit bridge with white lights. On the other side of the bridge is the leaders and bishopric that welcome the girls by name and cheers them on as they walk across the bridge. Then, they all go together back to their designated "Tree of Life" where a tree is lit by white lights and a large pictures of Christ is placed in front of it for their bishop to tie all the things the girls have seen together, including the idea of coming to know the Saviour as we hold on to the Iron Rod and then go into a testimony meeting.
It ended being an amazing night! A lot of work but so worth it! Hope you liked the posting!

Junk, junk, & more junk!!!

2008-08-13T11:35:00.000-07:00

Okay, so bare with us. I wanted to get this summer on our blog. Cause it was one not so normal one for the Jensen Family. After much prayer, we decided to put our house up for sale in this crazy market. It went up the end of April and sold the end of May. Yes, 30 days. Crazy, I know. We were totally suppose to do this. I said when we had moved into the last house that I was done moving. We would stay there, but I guess Heavenly Father had other plans for us. We got the contract on the house while I was at Girls Camp. Yes, another year of going and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I just love going. The girls are so fun, and it is so neat to watch their testimonies grow during that time with their ward. No distractions to get in the way. And it is great girl time with all my friends. I'll have to post about it. It was an amazing year, I got to be on the Spiritual night program committee with my good friend Alayna (the golden one). That's the other fun part of camp, everyone gets nicknames. But, I won't share mine. So, home from camp to pack my house in 2weeks, fix a broken washer, and find a new house.
Nothing got sorted, just thrown into boxes. I'm so sorry to all that helped move the many, many boxes. But hey, at least I was ready that Saturday morning. We moved into Kurt's brother house with them. 4 adults, 9 kids, and 3 dogs. It was fun - always something going on. Thanks for having us Eric & Sara. It will always be a special memory for my kids.
We finally found a house!!! They were all starting to look the same. And we have sorta moved in. We are all starting to adjust to the West side. We are looking forward to getting new callings in our ward so that we can get to know people more. & we love the fact that we are now 1hour closer to Knott's Berry Farm. And, can't wait to be there for Thanksgiving with Christine's family.

Fun news

2008-08-04T15:53:00.000-07:00

I got an email last night from my "homie - Golden" letting me know that our dear sweet Bishop Jobe had been released. I'm sure the family is so excited to have him be around a little more. But what a sad day for the ward, even though we all new it was coming soon. We were so lucky to have been in that ward twice while he was Bishop. What an incredible man. But the new Bishopric that was called is going to be amazing. We are so excited for those families. Such special blessings are going to come into their lives and homes. I know they did for us while Kurt was serving in the bishopric.

Then, I heard that my incredibly talented friend Deana was called to be the 2nd coun. in the Stake RS. Hopefully I heard that right? She will be so amazing. I was so lucky to get to serve with her in RS. But, I know my friend is cursing my name right now. She (Breanna) the very talented girl was called to be the enrichment leader after me. Now she isn't serving with Deana at the ward level anymore. I'm sure she is wishing we were still living there so she could still be in Primary. Breanna, I know you're going to do an amazing job. And whoever is called to be the new RS 2nd coun will be great and fun to work with.

1st Day of School...UGH & Hurray!!

2008-08-04T14:04:00.000-07:00

So, today was the first day of school for everyone. I was excited and so sad to have them go. New area, new school. So, nervous for them all. So, I was never one of the moms that cried when their kid went off to Kindergarten. I was so excited for them, they were always ready to go. But today as they all left, and I walked Emmy to her class and said goodbye then did the same for Katie, I have to tell you that I had tears in my eyes. I just wanted to take them all back home with me. Plus now I have to take care of our 2 little dogs. UGH.. Can't wait to have them home to hear all about the day. Eric got to go to middle school. He was pretty nervous about having to change classrooms for every class and having to be up on campus with all the big 7th & 8th graders for 2 classes. Kurt got to drop Kacee and Eric off at the bus stop, he was so excited. He has never gotten to help take the kids to school. He's either been at school or working. So this will be fun for all to have Dad helping everyone get to school.

I have to say thanks to some great girls from my ward. I was invited to go to breakfast after everyone was in school. We ate IHOP!! - YUMMY It was so fun getting to know them, can't wait to do more with them. I really needed to get out with the girls! Fun times.

I'll have to post pictures later, not very savvy where that is concerned. Need Kacee for that. It's so sad that I need my daughter to show my how to do all this. Oh well, you live and you learn.

Father's blessings....

2008-08-03T17:21:00.000-07:00

Today after church Kurt gave all the kids there back to school Father's blessings. He started with Kacee and ended with sweet, never stop moving Katie. As each of the kids blessings ended they all gave Kurt a big hug - it was so sweet. Then they turned to look at me and said, "Mom why are you crying?" My answer being, "I don't know. I'm just not ready for you guys to be going back to school just yet. We really haven't had a normal summer." For those of you that know me well, that is not how I normally feel come this time of the year. I'm always ready for the kids to be going back to school. But not this year! Maybe it's because we are in a new house and I don't know anyone out here. I don't want to be alone on Monday!!!!!

Anyways, back to the blessing story. In Emmalee's blessing, she was blessed that she would be able to control her words better and be mindful of what she says to her family. Long story short, she was having a hard afternoon. She needed some time alone and about halfway up the stairs she turned and said, "I don't think the blessing is working" - so cute. Then we had a great teaching opportunity with Emmy about how blessings work. Hopefully she understood that she needs to do her part for it all to fall into place. She is such a blessing in our lives. What a sweet girl she is and a total blessing in my life. She always has a way of reminding me to just be in the moment and to always love being a mom. Thanks Em for just being you!!!

Here we are...

2008-08-02T20:50:00.000-07:00

Okay, I've joined the blog club! I said I'd get one up and going once we were all moved into our new house. Can't promise this will be very exciting to read. So here we go...

Well we're in but still have lots of unpacking and dejunking to do. Good thing the kids are starting back to school on Monday. Well, I'll miss them lots. We've had such a fun summer... living with Kurt's brother and his family while waiting for the new house to close escrow, going to lots of free movies, 2 visits to Utah- St.Geoge and Cedar City, playing with lots of cousins, and swimming, swimming, swimming. Oh and who new that Christine can actually get tan, she's not so "snow white". (Kurt and Eric that's for you)

Well, we are totally missing all our good good friends to the East. Change is never easy!! This is such a different place over here. But, I know once we start getting more involved in church with callings and school starts rocking-n-rolling things will change. Kacee would say - never. She is having the hardest time with the move. It's hard to leave such good, strong friends that have such strong testimonies in the gospel. Thanks girls for being such good friends and examples to everyone around you.