Merry Christmas

Well I have my laptop, but no cord to hook up my camera to it. I left the cord at home so I'll post pictures when we get back to Provo.

Can I just say that I LOVE ST. GEORGE!
I have had such an enjoyable vacation in the beautiful Southern Utah. I Love being home. I love being with my family. I love seeing old friends. I love the warm weather. I love the Red mountains, the Yellow sun and the Blue skies. The colors in this area are amazing!

Dave and I and the boys have been staying at my grams. I have been taking quite a few pictures, but like I said I have no way of posting them until we get home. Dave's sister Jacquie took some family pictures for us. That was fun :).

It has been too long since I last posted so I wanted to give a quick update. We are doing well, enjoying St. George. I'll post more Christmas details later.

I have felt close to the spirit of Christmas thanks to some neat Christmas programs and talented people. I loved reading Christmas books every night and watching Christmas movies daily. Now onto the New Year and some New Year goals. What are yours? I'll post about mine when I figure them out:).

Love ya all,

Marilla

12 days of Christmas Spirit...

Last year I attempted to do this,

12 days of Christmas to help get myself and my family more in the Christmas spirit. Each day I wanted to do something nice for someone else or some other activity to get us in the mood. I didn't do so well then, so I am trying again.

Here are some of my ideas, do any of you have others?

* Go caroling.

* Do secret service for each other in the house.

* Take gifts to the neighbors.

* Go see the temple grounds.

* Go look at Christmas lights.

* Read christmas stories, each night one.

* Help the boys buy gifts for each other.

* Write letters to missionary grandparents.

* Make bread dough ornaments for friends and teachers.

Well that is 9 and I need 12. I am open to other ideas. What do you all do to serve and get in the Christmas spirit? Things I can do with a 4 and 6 year old.

Christmas Blog

My friends ward in Las Vegas has this blog to give uplifting quotes and stories etc. each day before Christmas. If you wanna check it out click on the link.

http://www.ashadowcanyonchristmas.blogspot.com/

Good times...

My cousin Kaden came up this weekend, and sister Rose and nephew Helaman.

(Plus my Aunt Michele came and stayed Saturday night with Breeana Tia and Abby.)
Kaden and I took the boys on a picnic.
Lil' David was so cute. He started making the picnic all by himself. He got out brown paper sacks for each of us and wrote our names on them. Then he had one paper bag that he wrote "everyone" on to put some grapes, oranges and chips in for all of us to share.

I have decided to have mommy dates with my boys. I took David to Coldstone Ice cream place this weekend for our time together. Last week Joey and I went to the park and then I went to his school for a little while. It has been nice to spend some quality one on one time with both of them. I love these boys!!!

The Price We Pay...

Today as I prepared and taught the lesson to my primary class of 10 & 11 year olds, this came as an answer to prayers, a sort of ah-ha/reminder moment

.

Over two hundred members of the Willie and Martin handcart companies died before they could reach the Salt Lake Valley. None of the other handcart companies coming to the valley before or after them suffered so many problems.

Some years after the Martin company made their journey to Salt Lake City, a teacher in a Church class commented how foolish it was for the Martin company to come across the plains when it did. The teacher criticized the Church leaders for allowing a company to make such a journey without more supplies and protection.

An old man sitting in the classroom listened for a few moments and then spoke out, asking that the criticism be stopped. He said, “Mistake to send the Handcart Company out so late in the season? Yes. But I was in that company and my wife was in it. … We suffered beyond anything you can imagine and many died of exposure and starvation, but did you ever hear a survivor of that company utter a word of criticism? Not one of that company ever apostatized or left the Church, because everyone of us came through with the absolute knowledge that God lives for we became acquainted with him in our extremities [difficulties].

“I have pulled my handcart when I was so weak and weary from illness and lack of food that I could hardly put one foot ahead of the other. I have looked ahead and seen a patch of sand or a hill slope and I have said, I can go only that far and there I must give up, for I cannot pull the load through it. … I have gone on to that sand and when I reached it, the cart began pushing me. I have looked back many times to see who was pushing my cart, but my eyes saw no one. I knew then that the angels of God were there.

“Was I sorry that I chose to come by handcart? No. Neither then nor any minute of my life since. The price we paid to become acquainted with God was a privilege to pay, and I am thankful that I was privileged to come in the Martin Handcart Company” (quoted in David O. McKay, “Pioneer Women,” p. 8; emphasis in original).

So this post is to ask, what is the price we pay to become acquainted with God? What price do each of us pay to become acquainted with our Savior and His Love?

Doctrine and Covenants 24:8 says, Be patient in all thine afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days.

Right now I am thankful for the many answers and blessings I receive daily. More recently there have been times I have looked back to see who was "pushing my cart". I have told myself I will get that test done, that paper written, or those five loads of laundry folded and then I do not think I can go on any more, only to realize that through some miracle I keep going. There are many personal life situations I know of right now that can relate to this. Mine seems unimportant compared to others, yet I know He is there for me and for YOU. I know there are angels helping each of us through our many difficult life experiences and I am thankful for that!

Love, Marilla

These are a few of my favorite things...

Last night I was looking at some old pictures with Joey and we were having so much fun.

Those were the days.
I am sure someday I'll look back and say that about today, but for today these pics were the day!

Look at those BIG Brown Eyes! and those sweet lil cheeks!David and his BIG Brown Eyes!
They loved reading then and they love reading now.
I love these two. Sharing posicles is what they do...

Like Father, Like son... so handsome!

I love the mountains in Cedar and the fall colors in the leaves.

Joey's first Birthday, in the tub.

David's first birthday, in Palmyra NY.

Handsome boys!!!!

Best buddies!

In the Jacuzzi in our old backyard. Man I miss that place! That time! Those were the days I'll never forget!

Giving thanks!

Today I am thankful for the chance to be able to relax.

I was able to finish writing a paper that is due on Tuesday. I was able to prepare half of a nice Thanksgiving dinner and my sister-in-law Julie did the other half.

I had a nice day!

Today I am thankful to know that our Heavenly Father has a plan for us.

I am grateful to know I can count on our Father in Heaven. I am grateful He is dependable and allows us to learn.

I know He is bound by laws and because of those laws He can not interfere with our agency, unless we allow Him to.

(I hope this makes sense, it is a newer concept to me so I am not as eloquent with the words as I'd like to be.)

If we want the Holy Spirit in our lives and if we want God in our lives we have to invite them. I am so thankful for them in my life. I pray for them daily!

I am thankful for good parents who taught me well and raised me in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am thankful for a living prophet and apostles on the earth.

I am thankful for the restored gospel, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

I am thankful for wonderful examples and righteous people I interact with daily who love and serve others.

I learn from them.

I learn how to be a better person, how to serve my fellowman, how to be humble and teachable.

I learn how to be grateful for the things I have and not take them for granted.

I have a lot to learn and a long ways to go, but for today these are the things I am learning and thankful for!

Thanksgiving

Today at my internship during morning meditation the idea was suggested, if today was your last day what would you do? who would you call? who would you forgive? I think that theme goes along with the theme of the month, Thanksgiving.

These are some of the things I am thankful for.
Having a close family.
This is a large group of people I would want to spend my last days with.

This is some of us years ago with my maternal grandparents.

ADORABLE! I would definitely want to be with these two tired boys!
I am thankful for my freedom! This is at the tomb of the unknown soldier.

I am thankful for the Temple. Iam thankful for forever families! I am thankful for travelling(on a scholarship, nonetheless.) I am thankful for Terrific In-Laws!

I am thankful for classsmates who have made getting an education fun, uplifting and inspiring. This is after a flag gootball game some of us played the 2nd years against the 1st years.

I am thankful for the man I married.

I am thankful for my husband. Even though we do not have the "perfect marriage", I love him. I learn so much from him and would want to spend my last day(s) with him. I would hope he knows how much I love and care about him!

A thought...

I would go into more detail, but I don't have time. I want to go to bed, but someone shared a thought that I heard today and I wanted to share it with those of you who care enough and have time to read my blog...

It goes like this, "maybe God does give us more than we can handle, otherwise why would we need Him?"

Then I thought hmmm maybe that is true... Maybe he gives us more than we can handle to humble us and help us draw closer to Him. (Just a thought.) I am greatful for all the help He gives to me!

Last weekend...

First of all I got to meet little Eddie Rockwell, born Halloween day 2009. Glad I got to see Lyndy, Jon and Matix too.

Then I got to go to Mesa and hang out with my family.

This is a picture of my cousin Daniel. A few of us went to a mall in Mesa. It was fun. I have the best cousins/family ever!!! We were just being silly.

The boys were able to go to a Jazz game with some good friends while I was gone.

David lost his second tooth.

And most importantly I gained an Uncle and some neices (cousins) for Eternity! Love you Dran and Doug, Lilly and Layla! Thanks for letting me be a part of that BEAUTIFUL experience.

Halloween

The boys
Incredible Hulk and Wolverine

(Check out the moon)

The boys were so fun to trick-or-treat with.
Joey kept telling people he was "Wovrine, with claws". They were both so polite saying thank you and happy halloween most of the time.

Me and My Sis
She was a type of butterfly and I was a cowgirl of some sort.

I don't have pics of daddy Dave, but he wore a creepy werewolf (sp?) mask.

Nightmare Before Christmas

We went to a Halloween Carnival tonight.

It was fun!

I love being with my boys!

Joey has been getting mad/grumpy with me a lot lately.

When Dave drops him off at school he goes inside excited to be there and lets daddy go. When I drop him off he clings to me and doesn't want me to leave. I get very sad!

Today after I got home and we had been hanging out for a bit, Joey said "mom, I miss you when you're gone." I miss him too!

I am grateful for times like tonight when we can spend a lot FuN, qUALiTY time together!

Words to the song...

For my Dad. I miss you old man!

Hunting season brings with it many memories of my dad, as well as this last birthday.

St. George Sunrise
For Joseph Arthur Terry Sr.
written and composed by Kathy Rogers

1st verse
Hello old friend,
Its always good to see you.
I’ve needed your smile,
I’ve longed for your touch.
Our precious time
Together goes so quickly.
You haven’t long to stay.
Lets share this perfect day.

2nd verse
Take hold of my hand,
Run with me in the red sand.
Capture the dunes
And be King of the hill.
Look out and see
The view is never ending.
The sandstone canyons call,
“Come scale the highest wall.”

Chorus
So goodbye for awhile
I’ll be seeing your smile,
When sunlight shines over the ridge.
To remind me, my friend
That our love never ends,
The St. George Sun will Rise.
In True Blue Dixie Skies.

3rd verse
Look at the Stars
Together we will name them.
Will you name one for me,
In Every Galaxy.
(there's a little more to this verse, Lyndy will get the rest to me later)

This song was written for my dad before he died. A very talented lady I know wrote it. My cousins, aunt and uncle sang it for him for the first time in their living room. It was also performed at his grave site and the St. George Relay for Life in 2001. I wish I could put the music on here with the words.
Maybe when Lyndy gets more time she can record this song like she has her other songs. And then I'll post the music.
Thanks Lynd!
(This was over three years ago at his grave.)
Love you Dad!

Birthday Time...

My talented husband made me this cake! It was huge, delicious and so CUTE. Thanks Dave.
I GOT to take two midterms for my birthday :)
And then we got some GoodWood.
(Don't be perverted, it was the restaurant we went out to eat at.)

Happy Birthday to me!
I feel a tender mercy from God happened the night before my birthday when a fellow staff member at my internship asked me how old I was turning. He said he was almost half my age and proceeded to tell me how old he was. I realized he could be my dad and then realized my dad would be twice my age this year if he were around. Isn't that cool? I am my dad's age when he had me! As soon as my cousin sends me some words to a song I'll do a post in honor of my dad. (since last year I did one in honor of my momma)

Happy Fall...

Carving pumpkins FHE

Daddy's Pumpkin

Mommy's pumpkin

David Jr's pumpkin

Joey's pumpkin

The boys!

Polly Anna with her pumpkin:)

Songs...

Each semester I have had a theme song.
For one reason or another these songs have manifest themselves in my life.

It's not like I have purposefully chosen them, they have come as answers to prayers or as help and reminders I have definitely needed.

Here they are...

I think I posted about the first one "You can make the pathway bright"(hymn 228).

The second semester was "I'll go where you want me to go" (hymn 270).

This semester the song is "Have I done any good in the world today?" (hymn 223).

The last song was sang in conference after President Monson talked. Honestly I think they have each been sung at the conference during the semester they were my theme song. It's amazing.

Definitely a Tender Mercy from our Heavenly Father showing His love to Me.

On a lighter note Little David's theme song for the semester is going to be ....

"All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth"

He lost his first tooth. I'll try and get a better photo. This one is from a phone camera at the BYU game. That is where he wiggled his tooth out.

Thankful....

There are many things I am thankful for... Right now I just wanted to name a few.

First of all a living Prophet. Apostles. Their guidance and direction.

I am Thankful for my FAMILY! Brothers, sister(s), Mom, Dad, Aunts, Uncles, CousinS, and Grandparents. Oh and did I mention In-laws (I have some pretty great ones!)

This is my sister and cousin Kaden at conference, Sunday Afternoon. POWERFUL. My mom was there too. and a few friends.

The reason for writing this post was to say

I am thankful for Agency.

I am thankful for the ability to choose.

I am thankful Heavenly Father allows me to make my own choices.

I am grateful to be able to think for myself and recieve answers to my prayers. I am grateful for the Holy Ghost, He will manifest the truth of all things to us.

What more can I say?

This weekend has been AMAZING so far...
Last weekend I went with my sister and her friend to the Relief Society broadcast.
That was wonderful!

I had no idea what this weekend held in store for me!
These first two sessions of conference have been amazing.
Maybe it is just my maturity level is greater, but I have never heard such amazing talks. EVERY. Single. One. of. Them.
I am so grateful for the words of the prophets, seers and revelators of God.
I am grateful for the love of our Savior Jesus Christ- and Our Loving Heavenly Father!
I am grateful for the Holy Spirit which guides and directs us if we will listen.
What amazing talks that have given us direction to listen to The Spirit.
The one that struck me the most was the one that talked about being humble and temperate. I need to work on this.
I am thankful for a loving God in heaven who provides these inspirational talks and influences in my life. Just wanted to share this with you all.

Coach

Dave just started coaching David's Jr Jazz basketball team.

It was so cute (and funny) to watch them play. Imagine a bunch of 6 year olds who have never played before. It was fun!

I like this shot of the two of them in the coaches huddle...For those of you who know Dave, you know this is his dream come true (sarcasm)!
He loves other people's kids.
Especially a bunch of "annoying" 6 year olds who sit down in the middle of the court in the middle of the game when they get tired, or run off the court to get a drink when they are thirsty!!! He said he now knows why Jerry Sloan is always so upset and swearing when he coaches ;).
I know there was some sarcasm there, but seriously Dave did awesome, and he does LOVE his son! All the boys and one girl were fun to watch. Go little David! He had a blast!!!