Callings to Serve the Lord

"And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me." Moroni 7:33 ... It's always extremely moving to me when I see Jon set apart for each ward or stake calling for which he has been called to serve in within the church. The power of the Priesthood resonates throughout the world bringing incredible blessings into all of the lives who believe in Christ and seek to follow him; obviously serving in what ever capacity in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is just one way to further serve the Lord by helping to care for God’s children on this earth.

Though older but wiser this 3rd time around serving in a bishopric I know this man’s heart and soul; and he loves the gospel of Jesus Christ, he loves his family and the people he serves & his cheerful attitude as always will be contagious. Though Brother Wilson is a hard act to follow (we love you Paul & Lindsey!!) Jon will do all in his power to be a strong support & influence to all :) ... now if I can just convince him (in his spare time, yeah right lol) to bake some brownies I will really be a happy camper! (grin)

Talent

Link to Ashley's birthday album

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2275764424500.128106.1560405052&l=61f150317d&type=1

Sorry folks, I can't get the link to work; please cut & paste it into your search bar/box to view Ashely's birthday album :)

Star light, star bright ...

Twenty one years ago our beautiful, precious daughter was born! The tail end of a remarkable story beginning many years prior to her birth is that our son, her darling five year old brother, insisted that we needed to wish on a star for his baby sister. He was adamant as he had just watched the Flintstones cartoon program on TV and Barny and Betty Rubble wished on a star and baby Bam-Bam was awaiting their surprise discovery on their doorstep the following day.

We did, indeed, wish on a star that evening but more so to humor our sweet son; after all what could it hurt?! (grin) ... guess what ... literally two days later we received a call from our adoption agency asking if we would like to come and bring our new baby daughter home; we were totally surprised and in a great deal of shock!!!! Of course a little fasting and prayer (actually a lot) did not hurt either :) How blessed our family has been to have our incredible daughter bless our lives! Heavenly Father gets the correct spirit to the correct home one way or another!

Now twenty-one years later, our incredibly intelligent, talented, inquisitive, spiritual, beautiful, kind, loving, devoted, comical co-ed continues to brighten the lives of all in whom she comes to know. A breath of fresh air, living at the speed of light she continues to leave her unique mark on life. We are excited to see what lies in store for her in the years to come; we know what ever challenges and joys await her she will be up to the task of living a life worthy of the experiences, tests, and blessings our Heavenly Father will continue to bestow upon her.

Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight ... I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight. We wished on a star and our Ashley babe came true! We are definitely a family who will forever believe in the magic of wishing on stars! Happy birthday sweetheart! xoxo

And by the way - our son and daughter continue to share a most delightful, loving, brother-sister relationship to this day; they are the very best of friends!

The Quilting Bee

For all of you quilters out there ... Dear friends designed and created these exquisite quilts for Ashley and I. My friend Gayle, living in Utah, surprised me with the lovely soft pastel pink and brown quilt; her talent and artistic ability are incredible! She recently surprised Ashley with the fun pink and black artsy, more youthful design perfect for a college co-ed which simply delighted Ash as well. The third equally beautiful quilt, red and blue rooster design, was recently given to me by our circle of talented quilters in our Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Latter-day Saint ward.

The art of quilting has been passed down from generation to generation tied to my Mormon pioneer heritage. I remember my fraternal grandmother always working on a quilt or other piece of handiwork; friends and family often participated adding stitches here and there amid laughter and discussion. I in turn learned to quilt, tough I never became expert at it, as a young girl in my Pleasant Grove, Utah ward. My mother taught me to cross stitch and to crochet afghans, with a large hook, the hairpin lace design being my favorite!

Old fashioned quilting bees are great fun! It amazes me the designs created by so many quilters throughout the world, its such a labor intensive art form but greatly admired and appreciated by our family! Ashley and I will treasure our works of art for many years to come - thank you everyone!

Pre-birthday mania :)

It was such fun having our lovely daughter home for a visit prior to returning out west for college! (She excitedly decided to transfer from PSU to wrap up her degree) There is nothing like hosting parties, sleep overs, birthday outings, hair appointment chit chat ... LOVE her east coast friends be-bopping in and out of our home :) But what I loved the most was peeking into her childhood bedroom at night and seeing her cuddled up in her bed fast asleep, safe and sound. Life goes on but memories last forever! We are so blessed to have two precious children in whom we absolutely adore - and now can't wait for Cameron's fall return as well! ... Only a couple of months and I'll see you in Salt Lake baby doll :)