Tonight I was working on preparing a lesson for YW next Sunday on repentance.  I don't think I've meant to, but I think sometimes during these topics that are taught time after time that I space out and I don't really let it sink in. 

Tonight these phrases pierced my heart and I found myself in tears:

"Divine forgiveness is one of the sweetest fruits of the gospel, removing guilt and pain from our hearts and replacing them with joy and peace of conscience. Jesus declares, “Will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?" “Repent … That I May Heal You” Neil L. Andersen

He's already there waiting for me and He wants so badly to heal me from all that I do wrong.  I can hear him pleading like a loving parent "won't you come, please?"


"For most, repentance is more a journey than a one-time event. It is not easy. To change is difficult. It requires running into the wind, swimming upstream. Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.”¹⁸ Repentance is turning away from some things, such as dishonesty, pride, anger, and impure thoughts, and turning toward other things, such as kindness, unselfishness, patience, and spirituality. It is “re-turning” toward God."
“Repent … That I May Heal You” Neil L. Andersen                         

I love the re-turning.  It's a constant task of turning again and again toward God; not just once but multiple times.  I am swimming upstream, but I'm not alone and I can change.  I can be better.

I'm grateful for my Savior and for his atoning sacrifice so that I can repent, so I can feel peace and joy in my heart. I'm grateful for the opportunity to change for the better.

Moab + Friends = Fun

Over Presidents Day we went to Moab with some good friends.  We rented a condo and then enjoyed.  We went 4 wheeling, hiking, eating and just relaxed. We saw some wind caves, sandy roads, large rock escarpments that were amazing, awesome arches and we hiked along snow and ice covered rock and ridges.  It was a lovely weekend.

We rode out to an obscure tunnel in the rock one day.  We had to hike in about 500 feet.  Steph and I were ahead of our husbands.  We came to a place where we had to crawl over some rocks when we heard a strange "gurgle gurgle blurp" sound coming from above us. Neither of us had ever heard the sound before.  We paused to listen. . . "gurgle gurgle blurp."  Just as we decided it was ok to keep going, we saw the bush where the sound was coming from start to shake.  We paused again . . . "gurgle gurgle blup," louder this time.  We decided not to go further. Then the bush started shaking harder and we could hear footsteps!  What animal was up there?!  It sounded huge!  My heart was thumping, my imagination running.  I imagined a large type of rodent . . . no, that sounded more like . . .  a raptor!  There was raptor in the bush and it was going to attack us and then. . .

Our husbands came around the bend and it was their footsteps we heard.  My heartbeat slowed and Steph and I laughed at ourselves.  When we got up to the offending bush and critter we found it was a raven making the odd noise.  I had never heard Ravens make that noise before.  I am much more accustomed to the obnoxious "Caw! Caw!"  Anyway,  we gave ourselves a good scare and a good laugh (my imagination jumped to a raptor since I was reading Jurassic Park on our trip).

Riding Day - there was apocalyptic mud.  I think I gained thirty pounds in mud walking between the truck and the 4 wheeler

In the wind caves

Our resident opera singer

In Arches National Park by Balancing Rock

Forever Friends

The vacation crew

Landscape Arch

Our shadow shot

amazing view

More fabulous Shadows

Determination Towers

California Trip

Waiting in line for the Toy Story ride

 In December we had a chance to go to California with Ryan's family the week before Christmas.  We went to Disneyland, Sea World, the San Diego Safari Park and the San Diego Zoo.  It was a busy week, but really fun. 

 By the Tractor ride in Cars Land.  This was by far Andrew's favorite ride we went on.  He still asks to go on the Tractors.  That's his favorite part in the movie as well.

 Another of Andrew's favorites- the Carousel

 Here we are at Mater's petting zoo.

 Playing on the nets at Sesame Street Land in Sea World.  Andrew would have staying there all day.

 Petting the Manta Rays- this was a favorite too.  He would get so excited when his fingers touched one- then he jerk his hand back away from it and then put it back in again.

 Taking a look at the sharks.  Ariana thought it was pretty cool.

Is this not the most gargantuan bath tub you have ever seen?  This was in the condo where we stayed.  It was the size of a regular hot tub or larger.  We about had to climb in with the kids to give them baths.

 We bought Andrew popcorn ( one of his most requested treats).  We put him in the stroller with it.  He was so tired that he fell asleep still trying to put popcorn in his mouth.  I think there was popcorn in his mouth when he fell asleep.

 Visiting Toon Town- here we are all together.  We didn't get nearly enough with Ari out of the stroller.

 Andrew loved seeing the characters until we got near them.  At that point he would shut his eyes and pretend they weren't there. Silly kid.

Ariana spent a lot of time bundled up sleeping in the stroller, so we had to document her carriage ride.

It was such a fun trip.  We are glad we were able to go and enjoy spending some quality time together with family. 

Mostly Pictures

 

 Uncle Trevor came to visit one more time just before leaving on his mission, so we got a picture with him and the kids to hang on the fridge so they can remember him better while he's gone.  We'll miss you Uncle Trevor.  (We took lots of pictures, this is the most cooperative Andrew got)

 Ariana and Ryan playing together.  She loves her Daddy.

 Mmm Mmm Good.  Time for food.

 Happy Birthday Deanna!

 Both of the kiddos together.  They love being together.

 Our baby girl growing up.  So adorable.

 He's sitting in a bucket if you can't tell and now he's stuck and asking for help.  I had to get a picture.

 Sleepy heads.  Andrew was so sick.  He just laid on the couch for days. 

 Andrew and I went out and played in the mounds of snow for a few minutes while Ari took a nap.  I taught him to make a snow angel.  If you look close, you can see our two angels next to each other, wings almost touching.

 Chowing on the teething ring- so delicious.  She turned 5 months old last week.  I can't believe how fast it's gone!

Hanging out in his pj's.  He would wear them all day every day if I would let him.  Every time we go in his room he either asks or informs that it's "jammie time."