Mr & Mrs Smith

Our last lesson in Sunday School in 2017 surrounded the concept of mental illness in the context of how, as parents, do we handle this issue in our families. Most seem to agree that mental illness has gotten more prevelant over the years & connect that to the effects of technology, which was the topic of the last 5th Sunday lesson. I didn't have any strong thoughts to share then, but as I pondered it a bit more, I feel like I do have something to offer parents of teenagers, and I think in turn I have to take those suggestions and apply them now with even my littles. Wherever we are in life, there is a roll you can play to be an influence for good. Understanding mental illness is good for everyone, and learning how to assist where possible is essential too. 1. Parents need to be more open. Not about everything, but I remember wanting to feel like an adult in the sense that my thoughts or feelings were trusted & valued. There are things parents can do to widen the door ...

I have the worst memory, otherwise you'd think I'd know my baby stuff by now. I know to ask more questions than just assume stranger doc knows best, but two kids and no Mr Smith easily has me flustered. It was supposed to be a quick first apt. Just tell me there is a heartbeat. It's the best part, right? Well, I didn't expect to have to deal with a cervix / internal uterus check with two kids today. It completely flustered me more as she walked out of the room matter of factly. Why didn't I just say no, I don't think that's necessary? Because I didn't want to tick a doctor off today? She already ticked me off when she wouldn't believe me when I said I was 12 weeks pregnant, not 14 weeks. I tried explaining that my periods were 40 days apart and I actually tracked this one, "we'll see" at the 20 week apt, but what I should have said was "you mean 18 weeks?". I'm ready to switch offices, at least physicians. The other d...

Although I want to say this to all of our immediate family (and we have in various ways on a number of occasions), the truth is people do as they wish and make excuses until they give it an honest thought. This primarily goes out to my children. Perhaps it will make more sense to you for the waiting period may be over by then, but at least you can understand our beliefs in the matter at hand. Our goal will always be to encourage you to have faith and be believing in all things pertaining to the gospel because you want to .  Not because you have to earn His grace , but because His grace should become your motivation in this life.  Some of the gospel principles we've been taught surround self sufficiency in our temporal needs. It will surprise you how many people live day to day or paycheck to paycheck and don't really understand what being self sufficient means and it hurts worse when they don't care or feel entitled to the opposite - especially when America truly is a ...

There is a talk by President Spencer W Kimball of the church back in 1976 on Family Preparedness .  He covers just about every aspect including the year supply of food. His emphasis leans toward developing a strong work ethic. Sometimes I feel like I'm ready to give up this part-time work to focus on my family more - so that I can do more fun things with Lexi and work on home projects. And while I think there is time to make quality time with the family, society today has distorted what quality time should be. I fell for it. When I do stay home full-time with the second child, I have to move past the elaborate craft projects and museum trips, when in reality those aren't the necessary norms in order for my children to grow and develop into hard working, intelligent adults. I think it is great that we put forth all this effort in accomplishing all these pre-school and home school goals. I think it's good to stay busy, but sometimes a nd now I dare think most days , we c...

I could see it. I could see the government  the majority of society allowing the government to ruin the establishment of religion. You think that's extreme, but it's already happening.  However, my husband reminded me that it isn't all about our country or society worldwide rolling in inequity that makes destruction imminent. Society is there! It is slow-moving, stiff-necked Zion that isn't righteous enough to combat the evils and receive Christ at His Second Coming. Perhaps the destruction will be to humble those who think they are followers of Christ and to fortify those on the right track. Our goal in life should involve becoming our best selves. There is still so much hope and joy to be found in the world when we play a better part. The redefinition of marriage is a big thing that happened recently, but so are a lot of things. It is good that we talk about equality and love. Even if the first is relative. However, much of the world is still living day to day fig...

 I put off packing until the last minute because it's so daunting these days. I just didn't want to accept reality, but nonetheless we did it, traveled the distance and came back safety. Thank goodness.    I drove down listening to "The Wedding" which surprisingly made the trip go by pretty quick. Lexi fell asleep 5 minutes into the car (around 6) but we stopped around 730 when she woke and was cranky enough to get gas and let her stretch her legs. She slept off and on until around 10 when she finally crashed. We arrived around 1AM. Happily uneventful. I'll write some thoughts from the ride (it was a long ride): My marriage and family class at BYU taught me that there are three main things that couples fight over and, therefore, divorce over. And the divorce rate is at least 50%!  Finance. Sex. In-laws.  For some, maybe it is all or none, but as much as I thought our first year of marriage was a piece of cake (when they tell you it wo...

So I have been sitting on this post for awhile, which isn't like me. I normally post and go back and edit later. (That's the impatient side of me). I had something to say, but was afraid people would read too much into it. Basically, I didn't want people assuming I have marriage problems. We do, but they are probably like yours. I.e. relationships and understanding another person as completely as your spouse is hard. So, once I read this post , I decided that was the equal sentiment that gave me the push to share. …………………………………………………………………………. "Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose." We are all trying to understand that identity and purpose. We are trying to understand how we can balance the divine nature and destiny within us all. "Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ."  - To wives who don't want to ...

I for one am done reading anything regarding ordain women. I'm so over it & don't want to give them one more page view. I feel most want to be over it. However, I don't think we are over it. Because it's only another stepping stone. Enemies of the church have existed and still exist and will ever more exist so long as Satan has influence. Whatever your stance may be regarding Priesthood ordination, I think this media frenzy surrounding Kate and whoever else are fueling their fire. The media loves contention. And Satan loves it. I don't appreciate it. I don't support bullies. I don't support people bashing on either side, but especially when it comes to place shame where it doesn't belong. Especially when those people do it under a mask of self righteousness. The church itself will not be affected by such. But there is still a plea that goes out for the saints to take control of their actions. ……………………………………………………. Alexis, and hopefully other c...