Okay, maybe I am speaking out of turn, but LDS General Conference is fantastic! I love it. My boys, for the first time in the 8 and 9 years, loved sitting and learning and watching as our beloved Prophet and Apostles spoke, with many others, including members of the Seventy and General Auxiliaries of the Church.
It was heart-wrenching this morning, watching President Thomas S. Monson go from standing at full stature, to sinking lower and lower as he finished his message to the members of the Church. He is an incredible man who has inspired and motivated members of the Church for decades. It is painful to see him in distress and discomfort.
It was amazing to hear the messages prepared for us, for our time, for our people, for our circumstances. I am reminded during Conference of the Savior's love for us and his concern for our well-being. I am so grateful for the wonderful men and women who lead and direct our Church according to the will of our Savior. I know that there is refuge from the storms of the adversary in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and I am eternally grateful for that.
One of our favorite talks from Conference today was delivered by Devin G Durrant (possible relative?). He shared two important ideas -- 1. Put a little money away for saving each week. 2. "Ponderize" one specific scripture each week.
The first will help us temporally, the second, spiritually. His words were uplifting and inspiring (just like the others) and he shared the blessings that would come from familiarizing ourselves with and MEMORIZING passages of scripture. I don't think I've memorized a Scripture since Seminary!
Tonight the kids and I sat down and talked about "Ponderizing" and decided that we would choose a scripture as a family. That may change as the years go by, but for now, we'll do it together. Mason insisted that we take a scripture from Moroni 10, because he already has memorized verse 5. He thought that would work. He was wrong. We took a scripture from Moroni 10, alright, but not verse 5. We chose verse 18. I love it. It reads "And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye remember that every good gift cometh of Christ." It is on our fridge and the boys are working hard at memorizing it. Me too.
Again, I am so grateful to be part of an amazing Church. I am grateful for the love, kindness, goodness, charity, and faith that is increased and strengthened in my life because of it and the people who serve within it. I wish everyone felt the way about the Church as I do and I hope that somewhere, someone will be interested and forever changed because of my ever-growing testimony.
If you would like to hear the talk referenced in this blog, please visit:
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch/2015/10?lang=eng&vid=4531487647001&cid=4
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Monday, August 24, 2015
Just Doing His Job
Happy Monday :)
Things here have been lots of fun recently. Summer has come and gone and the kids are back in school. We had a fun trip to Lagoon and did some Bowling to finish off the summer, and now the kids are ready to learn and grow and they have fantastic teachers to help them do it. One week in and we're still having fun. :)
John still works at the prison and still enjoys his job. They have been doing a lot of searches recently because someone stole a bag of needles from a Med-Tech and they have to find them. They don't know exactly how many were taken, so that has been SUPER fun. John assists in the searches and they have found a ton of potential weapons, drug paraphernalia, etc., but the search isn't over yet.
Last night during searches an inmate stole a baton from one of the Guards. Technically he was one of the SWAT guys (though they aren't called SWAT anymore). John was standing right there next to him when it happened and was able to take the guy down quickly without any injury to the inmate. The SWAT guy had no idea it happened. It is just a slight tug on the uniform -- hardly noticeable. It really could happen to anyone.
Sometimes I forget how dangerous John's job can be. I forget that, even though he works with them every day, these guys are ruthless. Maybe even BECAUSE he works with them every day, they would be willing to do some serious harm. I'm grateful that John has presence of mind to keep track, be observant, and be ready. I love him and I'm grateful for his training that keeps him, other guards, and yes, even inmates, safe. I know he doesn't think it's a big deal because he says he's "Just doing [his] job."
I'm proud of him.
-C
Things here have been lots of fun recently. Summer has come and gone and the kids are back in school. We had a fun trip to Lagoon and did some Bowling to finish off the summer, and now the kids are ready to learn and grow and they have fantastic teachers to help them do it. One week in and we're still having fun. :)
John still works at the prison and still enjoys his job. They have been doing a lot of searches recently because someone stole a bag of needles from a Med-Tech and they have to find them. They don't know exactly how many were taken, so that has been SUPER fun. John assists in the searches and they have found a ton of potential weapons, drug paraphernalia, etc., but the search isn't over yet.
Last night during searches an inmate stole a baton from one of the Guards. Technically he was one of the SWAT guys (though they aren't called SWAT anymore). John was standing right there next to him when it happened and was able to take the guy down quickly without any injury to the inmate. The SWAT guy had no idea it happened. It is just a slight tug on the uniform -- hardly noticeable. It really could happen to anyone.
Sometimes I forget how dangerous John's job can be. I forget that, even though he works with them every day, these guys are ruthless. Maybe even BECAUSE he works with them every day, they would be willing to do some serious harm. I'm grateful that John has presence of mind to keep track, be observant, and be ready. I love him and I'm grateful for his training that keeps him, other guards, and yes, even inmates, safe. I know he doesn't think it's a big deal because he says he's "Just doing [his] job."
I'm proud of him.
-C
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
A Human Life
This week has been a bit eye-opening for me. Last Wednesday was one of tragedy, and yet, also hope, miracles and mercy.
Last Wednesday a head-on car crash shook our community in devastating ways. Three young people (in their 20s) were travelling on their way to business in Las Vegas, and were hit, head-on, on the freeway. An 18-year-old girl had too much to drink, entered the freeway going the wrong direction, and ran her car into their Honda Civic at extremely high speeds (I have been told upwards of 85 mph, but I have not verified that speed). The Honda Civic was completely obliterated, the driver and passenger in the back seat were ejected from the vehicle and killed instantly. The passenger in the front seat was found, still strapped to his seat, 30 yards from the wreckage. As his friend said "It looked as if he had been scooped up and set down away from the crash." He is expected to make a full and miraculous recovery. He had to undergo surgery, but had no broken legs or arms, just a couple of ribs. Obviously there are other complications, but he is on the mend. He has a wife and two children. The young woman who died in the crash was married with no children, and the driver was not married.
There were a lot of prayers and well-wishes sent out for all families and friends involved, and there were some hurtful words spoken about the young 18-year old girl who caused the accident. She was found pinned under the tires, with spinal and head trauma. She also lost both of her legs in the crash. She was air-lifted out to the hospital, later transferred to another facility, and died of cardiac arrest later that night. So sad. A friend of mine said it best when she said "The Lord shows so much mercy." What a blessing it is for her to not have to live her life with the guilt and the difficulty she would have had to face after all of this is said and done. It may never have been over for her.
The same day, on the same stretch of highway, an elderly Idaho couple died when they ran into an overpass.
But it doesn't stop there. Last night, while John was working an overtime shift in a different building than his normal work space, an inmate, who was a member of a gang, hung himself. John's comment was "That's one way out of the gang." Probably his only way out.
Each of these situations were so different. And yet, they are all the same. So the question is, what is the value of a human life? Does it matter if one is a young adult making poor choices, working adults headed out of town on business, elderly folks travelling home from a vacation with the kids, or a member of a gang, locked up in a prison cell, paying for poor decisions and violent crimes? I don't believe it matters who we are, where we come from, or what our personal situations are. I believe that what matters is that we are children of our Heavenly Father. A Father who loves us all, unconditionally, and is with us through everything. He is there when we fail. He picks us up when we fall. He dries our tears. He hurts when we hurt. He rejoices in our victories. He mourns when we mourn. He swells with pride when we succeed and recognize His hand in all things. These tragedies matter to Him and I can only imagine the heartache He must feel as He allows us to make choices when He knows exactly how each will play out.
As I have seen the miracles of recovery and the community pull together to surround others with love and hope, I have such a redeemed affirmation that the Lord loves each of us. I know that He never will leave us alone in our trials. I know that He understands all that we go through, all that we love and know and feel.
One thing that I was surprised by through all of this, was to know how much I sympathize with both sides of the tragedies. I was surprised that it didn't matter who was right and who was wrong -- but that lives are lost, people are hurting, worlds are rocked -- that made me so emotional. There is so much hurt all around, so much judgement and so much pain. Who advocates for the families of those at fault? Who comforts those who stand in the need of comfort?
My prayer is that we can all be those who are needed in times of distress and tragedy. I hope that we can help all of those who need love, support, and sympathy, rather than pointing fingers. A human life is worth so much more than just the mortal moment spent here on this earth. A child of our God resides in that body. And that soul deserves the same love, compassion and kindness as any other.
"Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." (D&C 18:10)
-- C
The same day, on the same stretch of highway, an elderly Idaho couple died when they ran into an overpass.
But it doesn't stop there. Last night, while John was working an overtime shift in a different building than his normal work space, an inmate, who was a member of a gang, hung himself. John's comment was "That's one way out of the gang." Probably his only way out.
Each of these situations were so different. And yet, they are all the same. So the question is, what is the value of a human life? Does it matter if one is a young adult making poor choices, working adults headed out of town on business, elderly folks travelling home from a vacation with the kids, or a member of a gang, locked up in a prison cell, paying for poor decisions and violent crimes? I don't believe it matters who we are, where we come from, or what our personal situations are. I believe that what matters is that we are children of our Heavenly Father. A Father who loves us all, unconditionally, and is with us through everything. He is there when we fail. He picks us up when we fall. He dries our tears. He hurts when we hurt. He rejoices in our victories. He mourns when we mourn. He swells with pride when we succeed and recognize His hand in all things. These tragedies matter to Him and I can only imagine the heartache He must feel as He allows us to make choices when He knows exactly how each will play out.
As I have seen the miracles of recovery and the community pull together to surround others with love and hope, I have such a redeemed affirmation that the Lord loves each of us. I know that He never will leave us alone in our trials. I know that He understands all that we go through, all that we love and know and feel.
One thing that I was surprised by through all of this, was to know how much I sympathize with both sides of the tragedies. I was surprised that it didn't matter who was right and who was wrong -- but that lives are lost, people are hurting, worlds are rocked -- that made me so emotional. There is so much hurt all around, so much judgement and so much pain. Who advocates for the families of those at fault? Who comforts those who stand in the need of comfort?
My prayer is that we can all be those who are needed in times of distress and tragedy. I hope that we can help all of those who need love, support, and sympathy, rather than pointing fingers. A human life is worth so much more than just the mortal moment spent here on this earth. A child of our God resides in that body. And that soul deserves the same love, compassion and kindness as any other.
"Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." (D&C 18:10)
-- C
Sunday, June 28, 2015
A New Day
Hi Friends and Family!
Summer is in full swing and that means that life is good and busy in our home these days.
School ended exactly one month ago and the kids have loved having their days free. Really they've loved having lots of time to play Nintendo and Pokemon while only having to complete a few minor chores each day. They are good kids and keep themselves relatively busy.
John started a new shift at work last April, which is less ideal for his sleep schedule, but he has more days off in a week and is able to complete all of his working hours in just 3 or 4 days each week. He seems to like it and with him home so much we haven't had a need for a sitter this year. That's a HUGE blessing for our family!!
I'm still working both jobs and teaching piano on the side. It's a fun thing for me to do and I really enjoy all of my activities, but sometimes I just need a break. :) For the most part, though, I enjoy being busy. The truth is that if I didn't have all of these things filling up my time, I would find other things to fill my life with. Such is life, I suppose.
Andrew is officially a 3rd grader. It's scary that he could possibly be old enough to be in 3rd grade (and really, he's old enough to be in 4th). He loves to read, play Pokemon, Minecraft, Halo (yes, I'm one of THOSE parents), and ride his bike. He likes to be with his friends and he is a little timid about taking risks. He's a sweet boy and has a good heart. He loves to tell jokes and always has something really funny to say. :)
Mason is moving on to 2nd grade. He's really super at math and loves to learn, though he doesn't seem to enjoy reading. He tends to want me to read to him, so now we read every other page. That seems to work. Mason is a rough and tumble kind of kid. If he crashes on his bike, he gets back up without a tear in his eye. He tends to look out for others and make sure that they are happy before worrying about what he wants. I love that about him. He's really sensitive to the needs of others. Lucky for me, he will still let me give him hugs, though kisses are totally out of the picture!
I always say I am going to try to be better about blogging on here, but the truth is that I'm really forgetful! I'll just do what I can.
-C
Summer is in full swing and that means that life is good and busy in our home these days.
School ended exactly one month ago and the kids have loved having their days free. Really they've loved having lots of time to play Nintendo and Pokemon while only having to complete a few minor chores each day. They are good kids and keep themselves relatively busy.
John started a new shift at work last April, which is less ideal for his sleep schedule, but he has more days off in a week and is able to complete all of his working hours in just 3 or 4 days each week. He seems to like it and with him home so much we haven't had a need for a sitter this year. That's a HUGE blessing for our family!!
I'm still working both jobs and teaching piano on the side. It's a fun thing for me to do and I really enjoy all of my activities, but sometimes I just need a break. :) For the most part, though, I enjoy being busy. The truth is that if I didn't have all of these things filling up my time, I would find other things to fill my life with. Such is life, I suppose.
Andrew is officially a 3rd grader. It's scary that he could possibly be old enough to be in 3rd grade (and really, he's old enough to be in 4th). He loves to read, play Pokemon, Minecraft, Halo (yes, I'm one of THOSE parents), and ride his bike. He likes to be with his friends and he is a little timid about taking risks. He's a sweet boy and has a good heart. He loves to tell jokes and always has something really funny to say. :)
Mason is moving on to 2nd grade. He's really super at math and loves to learn, though he doesn't seem to enjoy reading. He tends to want me to read to him, so now we read every other page. That seems to work. Mason is a rough and tumble kind of kid. If he crashes on his bike, he gets back up without a tear in his eye. He tends to look out for others and make sure that they are happy before worrying about what he wants. I love that about him. He's really sensitive to the needs of others. Lucky for me, he will still let me give him hugs, though kisses are totally out of the picture!
I always say I am going to try to be better about blogging on here, but the truth is that I'm really forgetful! I'll just do what I can.
-C
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Family Portraits
Well,
2013 is over! Can you believe it?! What a crazy year!
To celebrate the end of the year (and make Christmas just a little more special), Grammy and Grampy, John's parents, came to visit. We had a TON of fun!
While they were here, we had our family portraits taken. I had wanted to do them before we moved from Seattle so they would have some cute photos of all of us together, but it never worked out. So, while they were here, we hired our neighbor, Nicole, to take some photos of our crazy group. She did an AMAZING job and I am so thrilled by how well they turned out!
We hope you enjoy them! Happy New Year from the Cross family!
~C
Friday, December 27, 2013
Update
Well, it has been entirely too long since I logged on to share our latest happenings.
Cindy started the new job at Prudential as an Accounting Assistant. She also had an emergency appendectomy, which was awesome (ugh). Overall, she loves life and is always up for a new adventure!
John got on with the Corrections Department. He worked all through the Academy and graduated in November. Then he did his On-Job Training at the Prison and now he is working a full-time schedule there, swing shift. He loves it and that's been good for all of us.
Andrew is in 1st Grade. He LOVES it! He gets bored with the homework he has to do all the time. It's extremely repetitive and quite a bit below his level as far as academics go, but he does have fun. He loves to learn and he loves his teacher. He is learning and growing so fast!
Mason is in Kindergarten and loves every minute of it. He has really grown so much this year and we have seen him really develop in leaps and bounds so far. He lost two teeth over Thanksgiving break and is currently beating his brother, who has not lost any. Mason is bound and determined to save all of his baby teeth until the last one falls out and then get his tooth money in one lump sum. Crazy kid.
More later!
~C
Cindy started the new job at Prudential as an Accounting Assistant. She also had an emergency appendectomy, which was awesome (ugh). Overall, she loves life and is always up for a new adventure!
John got on with the Corrections Department. He worked all through the Academy and graduated in November. Then he did his On-Job Training at the Prison and now he is working a full-time schedule there, swing shift. He loves it and that's been good for all of us.
More later!
~C
Sunday, June 16, 2013
A.F. Adventure
Well, today is Father's Day.
I am so grateful to have such a wonderful husband who does his best to keep the kids happy. He works hard, he plays hard, and he spends almost all of his free time doing whatever I ask or whatever the kids apparently need from him at that moment. He's a wonderful father and I'm grateful to have him for my husband.
As a celebration today, we went up American Fork Canyon to take a drive and do a little exploring. It was a beautiful day -- 95* with a light breeze. The drive was GORGEOUS and the sunshine made an ethereal feeling spread through our family. It was so nice to just walk and discover. We got to the summit on the Alpine Loop Road and had to take a picture. John said to me "Thanks for letting me get high on Father's Day." haha. What a goof.
Here are a couple of pictures from the trip. Some didn't turn out too well, but I can't complain about the day as a whole. Hope you like them!
~C
I am so grateful to have such a wonderful husband who does his best to keep the kids happy. He works hard, he plays hard, and he spends almost all of his free time doing whatever I ask or whatever the kids apparently need from him at that moment. He's a wonderful father and I'm grateful to have him for my husband.
As a celebration today, we went up American Fork Canyon to take a drive and do a little exploring. It was a beautiful day -- 95* with a light breeze. The drive was GORGEOUS and the sunshine made an ethereal feeling spread through our family. It was so nice to just walk and discover. We got to the summit on the Alpine Loop Road and had to take a picture. John said to me "Thanks for letting me get high on Father's Day." haha. What a goof.
Here are a couple of pictures from the trip. Some didn't turn out too well, but I can't complain about the day as a whole. Hope you like them!
~C
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