Thinking of MY Missionaries!

 

Connor is serving in Titusville right now.
He has met a missionary from Brandon and Megan's ward (from Yucaipa California) - Elder Durham,

and a missionary from Bryan and Sherri's ward (Terry's sister in Idaho Falls, who's husband this elder refers to as Bishop Larson) - Elder Lovejoy.  It's so fun!

If I understand correctly, there are 3 elder companionships in Connor's district, and one of the elders in each of those companionships has a connection - Elder Hebdon would be one of those three.

It's so fun to meet someone who knows someone you know!   

 

Here is the site for Connor's mission -  Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Mission

It looks like they post once a month.  (but I often have problems getting into it)

 

Connor sent a photo with his email yesterday, taken by an eight year old boy preparing for baptism -

 

by the way - Connor just celebrated his 19th birthday on his mission.

 

I wish I had a recent photo of Chase, but don't, sorry!
He seems to be doing a lot of service while in Battle Mountain, and construction seems to be the theme for that service right now.
He and his companion have been helping a man with some home improvements - breaking out concrete and pouring more and building an awning, etc.  (It sounds like there may even be french doors to be installed sometime in the future.)
The ward mission leader had a birthday party for Chase - he just celebrated his 21st birthday.
Chase told us he got a package from a family here in Royal and enjoyed the surprise.  It was a balloon - blown up ..., with some great cookies inside.  Thanks for thinking of him!

You know how every once in a while we see or hear something that reminds us of something or someone we love?  Chase has had that happen recently.  Anyone who has been to Keith and Idris' home may remember a picture they had hanging in their kitchen of two little boys wearing overalls, walking down the road, and written on that picture were the words, "You been farming long?"  Someone there in Battle Mountain has one of those, and it has brought back loving memories for him.

I googled that picture and found it here.



 As I looked at that picture and read how it came to be, my mind went back to some earlier days reminding me of a cute photo I have of my two boys serving missions right now.  It is just a random photo I took while they were playing.

Here it is -


Connor and Chase - August 1997

This was not a pre-planned pose - and I couldn't have planned it better.  The smiles are sweet and the colors are perfect together ..., but no, I don't know why they thought they should put the wagon up on the steps in front of the door.  I'm sure it kept them busy though.

And, while I was searching for that photo, I came across this one that I just had to post - my two missionaries (see their ties) happily sharing their ties with some old friends.  Now they are out sharing the gospel with new found friends (who may soon be wearing ties if they are not now). 



Connor and Chase - July 1997

Here is another couple pictures that shows how Connor and Chase played very nicely together when they were younger.



Chase and Connor - December 1995

Yes, they played nicely together, even in the puddles!  But at least they came in the mudroom door.



Chase and Connor - September 1996

They had a lot of fun times, but sometimes their fun got them into mischief as this next photo proves (like we needed proof, right!).

 

Oh the joys of childhood!  (or do I really mean parenthood? - Yes, I did find joy, I suppose that's why there is a photo of this mess.  Can you see and feel the joy?  I'm smiling, are you?)

Thanks for sharing this little trip down memory lane with me.  I really had a great trip, and hope you enjoyed it too.  Maybe we'll do it again sometime. 

 

Great Advice

Tawnee shared this with me several days ago, and I was finally able to watch and download it this morning. (I'm trying to play catch up with some of my emails from the last few weeks.)
This is such a beautiful message...I'm sharing it with you!

Advice from Elder Busche

A Thought Shared!

“If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it”

(Found this in a shipping form of an order I had placed previously. I believe it!)

Washington Post

Great article!
As the tenth anniversary of the Sept. 11th attacks approached, On Faith reached out to some of the world’s most influential religious leaders and thinkers to ask about faith in a post-attack world. VIEW HERE

What To Do First

Priorities are hard to decide sometimes. I was going to do my best to get it straight this year but it seems that many things are always getting left undone. I have become accustomed to that and am learning to adjust. With a long list of things to do, which includes cleaning up after the passing year and preparing for the new year, I chose to take a look at the things we are thankful for.

A couple weeks before Thanksgiving our family decided to write down something we were thankful for each day for the rest of the year. Not everyone participated daily like I had hoped, but it was a fun read for me this morning as I looked at the things that were written.
Each paper was rolled up, put into a jar, and not looked at until I read them today. I tossed them in the garbage after I read them and then decided I should keep them for a little while longer.



Here is a sampling of what was written on our papers, but not in any order, because they were dumped out and scrambled. Some were written more than once in our jar, but are listed only once here (hopefully :):

family history
warm blankets
nativities
postal service
automobiles
bandages
Christmas
puzzles
general conference
families
bishopric
decorations
fireplace
our farm
teeth
books
pots and pans
living prophet/Pres. Monson
relief society
cookies
school
children
scriptures
clothes
lights
grandparents
communication / words / etc.
grandchildren
internet
pretty wrapping paper
life
shoes
orthodontist
game consoles
support from everyone
brains
missionaries
money
newsletters
muscle
dentists
names
indoor plumbing
home
friends old & new
doctors
bed
peace & happiness
snow
wife
sweaters
blankets
the Holy Ghost / Comforter
trees
food
cameras
socks
my husband
The Hebdon's
Alma
paper
Book of Mormon
phones
movies
animals
pen
body
photos
what Christ did for us / how He died for us
blogging
water
Bishop Allred
technology
chocolate
chicken
visiting teachers
mom
gifts / giving
scrapbooking
insulation
church
sports
testimony
Jesus Christ
tables
parents
cooking utensils
holidays
patriarchal blessings
warm house
braces
patriarchal blessing from grandpa
fire
each member of our family was listed individually, including some aunts and uncles and cousins

The bishopric gave each family a gratitude book for Christmas. I'm going to write this list in that and we'll continue to add to it. We'll also add some stories or experiences that help us realize how grateful we are for ... whatever we are thankful for. Surely it will be a great year if we are trying to be aware of our many blessings and recognize whom they all come from.

I am surely grateful that we had a safe trip to and from Rexburg, for the family we saw there (and left there) and for BYU-I .... I am grateful that all was well when we arrived home again.
This is Chase's first day of college and I surely hope to be grateful that it was a good one! We love you Chase!
Now on with my list of things to do .... I'll get them done - eventually!

30 Years Celebration!

We are celebrating 30 years of marriage today.

What do we have to show for it? (other than a few extra pounds :) I'll tell you a few -

A loving and eternal relationship, 8 handsome sons, 1 beautiful daughter, 3 great daughters in law, 3 awesome grandchildren (and one more on the way), a beautiful and comfortable home, a strengthening testimony of the gospel, many great friends, several great life experiences ....

The written list could continue, but we are mostly grateful that we have each other and our family, whom we will enjoy for eternity if we live worthy. We find joy in the written and the unwritten list, and we look forward with excitement to so much more to come.

Last year we celebrated our 29th anniversary in the chemo room and it felt kind of strange to celebrate in such a way, but it felt good because it was part of what is making it possible for us to still have each other here on earth. Though it felt strange, it seemed like a perfect place to be, and this year I was almost disappointed that we didn't get to celebrate there again. (Weird huh! but it represents life and love to me now.) Terry is still having chemo treatments this year, but it was last week, so we get our special day free from treatments, but not so free from the side effects that come because of it.

We are happy to be celebrating 30 years together, especially the together part. Surely there are some difficult roads that lie ahead of us, but our loving Heavenly Father will help us travel them so that we can reach our eternal destination. There may be stones that cause us to stumble or streams that cause discomfort as we cross them, there may be lakes and rivers that stand in our way, but the Lord will help us build bridges, making it possible for us to reach the other side as long as we remain diligent - "more diligent and concerned at home as we are more faithful in learning, living, and loving the restored gospel of Jesus Christ" as Elder Bednar encouraged us all in General Conference last fall. As we do we will certainly find joy and satisfaction, and many eternal rewards that we can not even imagine.

We will keep the faith!

It is expedient that we should be diligent that thereby we might win the prize. (D&C 10:4 and Mosiah 4:27)

All victory and glory is brought unto you through your diligence, faithfulness, and prayers of faith. (D&C103:36)

Happy Father's Day!

Fathers are so special. I love my father. I love him for being the father he is and for being an awesome grandfather for my children. Each of my children feel loved by their grandfather, and that is a special thing.We have lots of memories to cherish forever and we have some traditions that we will continue to look forward to, like the m&m tosses.

I must now take the opportunity to express my love and appreciation for other fathers that are important in my life. I am grateful for Terry's father, he is a good man. He has surely played a large roll in helping Terry become the man he is, and I am grateful for that.

One more father - the father of my children. I love Terry so much and feel so blessed that he is part of my life. I wanted to write of him each day too, but held back because it was father's day, not husbands day or best friend day. I'll find an opportunity to do something similar for him sometime in the future.

Happy Father's Day to everyone, especially to my favorite fathers!

My Dad

Many men enjoy going out with the guys, hunting, fishing, watching the games, or whatever it be that the guys do when they get together. But this was not something I knew my father to do. He did have hobbies and activities that he liked to do, but they most always included my mothers company rather than a bunch of men.

My dad had many friends, but his best friend was and is my mother. They enjoy being together. Mom would ride with my dad in the farm equipment, they would enjoy a day snowmobiling in the mountains, spend hours antique shopping, working in the yard together, baking bread together, Christmas shopping, etc.

A couple years ago my mom and dad celebrated 50 years together and they still like being together. That is not very common now days, but I know it is because they have always tried to make each other happy. It is the selfless acts, instead of the selfish acts that bind two hearts together.

I was going to publish a post each day this week about my father, like I did for my mother the week before Mother's Day, but something went wrong. I just realized that Father's Day is Sunday and I haven't seen those posts on my blog like I should have. So I'm going to be playing some catch up now. I knew it was going to be a hard week with Michael leaving, so that is why I wrote them early and scheduled them to enter the blog each morning this week. I guess my train of thought was gone long before this week, because I messed up somehow. I think I must have saved instead of published and that means the posts didn't enter the blog on the day they were supposed to. They are saved in my list on the right day, but not published. I'm so sorry!
...
Meant for the 14th -
Thoughts of my father and my childhood came to my mind as I was at a funeral a few weeks ago and listened to one father's children share experiences they had with their father. My heart was filled and I felt blessed to have some equally memorable experiences with my dad.

Since Fathers day is coming up I will take the opportunity to write something about him everyday this week. He has a lot of great qualities and talents that make up the man he is. Some of those qualities and talents will be shared here this week. I am happy to call him my dad.

My father taught by precept and by example and I have learned much from him.
...
Meant for the 15th -

I grew up on a farm in Warden and watched my dad worked hard and for many long hours. This wasn't just because farm work is hard, it was because he is a hard worker.
After moving to Longview he continued to work hard in his new business; Chem-dry carpet cleaning and water and fire damage restoration, a business much different than farming. There was difficulty ahead just after this change, but he forged right through it and his business came out on top because of his determination and dedication to it.

Mom was at his side every step of the way on the farm and in the new business. Surely that has been a great strength to him. As important as that is, even more important is the fact that we must turn to our Heavenly Father for strength and support. My father knows this and does this so we have all been blessed because of it.

...

Meant for the 16th -

My dad is a great carpenter and I think he could build most anything. One of my favorite items that he built is a wooden train. Another favorite is his chicken condo. The grandkids have enjoyed both. He has done many house projects and has transformed many rooms into something much more beautiful and serviceable. He can repair and make better most any place. We have been encouraged to keep our part of the world clean and beautiful. I have seen throughout the years that my dad can do that well and finds joy in it.

...

Meant for the 17th -

As we were growing up dad was often going to meetings. There was never any question of his testimony, we could always feel his love for the gospel in the way he spoke and the way he lived. I always felt that he had a great knowledge and understanding of the gospel and I trusted his words. It is easy to see why he was called to serve in the callings he has been called to, which include: a counselor in the bishopric, a bishop, a high councilman, a counselor in the stake presidency, and now as stake patriarch. He truly desires to bless the lives of others as he serves, and he does. He has also blessed the lives of others with his beautiful voice. I love to hear him sing or speak. As I was growing up and attending stake meetings and activities there would always be someone that would come up to me and ask if I was Ron's daughter. They would then proceed to tell me of what a wonderful man he is. He is loved by many.

...

Meant for the 18th -

A man shows great strength when he is tender and kind. Darryl, Dad and I were out in the yard playing ball. Dad was trying to teach me how to use a mitt to catch a ball, like a real catcher. I was down and ready, with the mitt in front of me just like he said to hold it. He threw the ball to me and I missed it, but it didn't miss me. It hit me in the nose and I had a nose bleed that wouldn't stop, and the pain to go with it. I remember that he felt so terrible and sorry. The next thing I remember about it is that I was in my bed and dad was sitting beside me, expressing how sorry he was and how much he loved me and that he didn't mean to hurt me. I think I remember this experience not because of the pain, but because of the love that was shown to me in such a tender moment.

...

Meant for the 19th -

Dad always tried to help us understand the importance of doing what we were told or what was expected of us. Obedience is important, no matter how simple the command or rule. One rule at the stake dances was that we should keep our shoes on. I apparently didn't think it was a very important rule at the time and would take my shoes off so that I wasn't so tall. I wore long dresses and thought it would not be noticeable, but my dad wanted to make sure that I was obedient none the less. He would make his way over to me and stand beside me and reach his foot over and tenderly step on my toes to see if I was wearing my shoes. Maybe he already knew that I wasn't, either way the message was the same, but it was done with a smile on his face and in a fun way, not to upset, but to lovingly correct and teach his daughter.

After I had written this, I was reading the talk that Elder Kevin W. Pearson gave in our General Conference in April 2009. He was speaking of Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. As I read parts of it I reflected on what I had said here about my father wishing for his children to obey no matter how simple the command, and realized that there is even more to it than that. As a parent I see how true it is, but have never really put it into these words, even though they are words I've heard before. I guess I had this experience in my mind and it just fit so well with it. Here is what he said;

"Faith requires an attitude of exact obedience, even in the small, simple things." and, "Desire, hope, and belief are forms of faith, but faith as a principle of power comes from a consistent pattern of obedient behavior and attitudes."

As I read this I recognized that my father was not only trying to teach me obedience, but also faith. And as I continued reading I recognized why.

"Faith is a gift from God, and one possessed of it can receive enormous spiritual power."

My father wanted us to be worthy of that enormous spiritual power to help us through our lives and back to our Heavenly Father to live for eternity in happiness and peace, and with our family forever.

I think I knew this all along, and I have this desire for my children, but I love the way Elder Pearson says it here, it touches my heart.

One of my favorite lines from this conference was uttered by our prophet, President Monson, when he said, "Your future is as bright as your faith." It fits quite well with this post.

I have posted these two messages in my "waiting patiently on the Lord" blog. Click here to read them if you wish. http://waitingpatientlyonthelord.blogspot.com/

Happy Mother's Day!

Why in the world
does the world
celebrate mothers?

Or, why in the world
does the world
honor them so much?

And, why in the world
does the world
devote them a Sunday?

It's because without them,
the world
wouldn't amount to much.

You see, the world,
without mothers
is desolate.

The beautiful earth
where we live
wouldn't be.

It takes moms
to give life
and preserve it,

To make it worth living
through time
and eternity.

Without moms
the world
and all in it

Would no doubt
completely
fall apart.

For if the world
was compared
to a body,

Then mothers
are definitely
the heart.
(Mother's Day poem Terry wrote in 1993)

I miss living close to my mother, my children wish to live closer to her, but we still enjoy our time together, whether short or long. We have a stash of wonderful memories that we enjoy adding to when we are together. Our hearts are drawn to her, no matter where we are. She is very much a part of us even though there are miles between us. "What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love becomes a part of us." Helen Keller

Much has been posted of my mother this week, but I must add something about Terry's mother. She has raised a son that has become my best friend and eternal companion. Even that alone would be reason to call her blessed. But that is not alone. She has been the best mother-in-law that one could hope for. She thinks I'm awesome, and treats me special. She gives encouragement, shows me love and respect and has always been there for us. She is always thinking of ways to serve us and make sure that we are comfortable and full. She loves her children, she loves me, and she loves my children. I love her and appreciate her goodness, her kindness, and her example to me.

Now, may I say, I just love being a mother. I fall short in many ways, but it is a wonderful blessing in life to have, and to be mothers. What an awesome plan our Heavenly Father has for us. And I love that His plan includes fathers and children, and eternity. I love my family!

At this date, and only if I counted correctly -

• My mother is a mother of 8, grandmother of 36, and great grandmother of 9.
• Terry's mother is a mother of 7, grandmother of 35, and great grandmother of 44 (there were 44 at the end of 2008, but I think a few have been added this year).
• I am a mother of 9, grandmother of 2+, and I have several years to go before becoming a great grandmother. Still so much to learn!

REFLECTIONS - My Mom

Mom has always enjoyed God's creations.

She and dad were always working on the yard. She had a lot of iris flowers in many assorted colors and other beautiful flowers and trees. When I see iris' I think of my mother. There was always a big veggie and fruit garden too. I remember lemon cucumbers that were unique and delicious, and raspberries that were the highlight of a family reunion we had at the house one year and the elderly gentleman really enjoyed picking and eating those berries. There was beauty all around our yard in flowers, trees, dirt mounds, lawn paths, and just the arrangement of it all.

She enjoyed animals on the farm. We had several different kinds of animals, but it seems to me that mom was especially fond of chickens and other types of birds/fowl. We had several different kinds of chickens. Some for eggs, some for meat, some for beauty and enjoyment. We also had ducks and geese. It was fun to see the mommas wandering the yard with their trail of chicks behind them. We also had guinni hens, (I don't know how to spell guinni) and it seems that I remember the elderly gentlemen, at that reunion I mentioned earlier, finding enjoyment in shooting at those ugly things. (oops, did I say ugly?)

After mom and dad moved to Longview they could no longer have the farm animals, but they did get some chickens and enjoyed them for several years. Now they too are gone, but mom puts out seeds for the birds and squirrels, and I think we've even seen a hummingbird or two. And the yard is still beautiful.

All of this enjoyment was not hers alone, but it was shared with my dad. They work together to create a place of beauty and enjoyment. They have always worked together, and they continue to do so today.

REFLECTIONS - My Mom

When I had a problem or concern as a child or teenager, and as a new mother, I could always count on my mom to listen and reply with a loving and helpful suggestion for me. Once a mom, always a mom, so I can still go to her and know that she will be willing to listen and help me in whatever way she can.

Long ago she taught us to pray to our Heavenly Father and seek His counsel and guidance, and that advice is among her best advice. So, I am able to vent my frustrations and ask for help from my loving mother, and I am also able to pray to our loving Heavenly Father and receive divine guidance and comfort. The two together can give great strength in time of need and I love and appreciate my mother for all of her teachings.

REFLECTIONS - My Mom

My mom could make a meal out of anything to feed our large family. We would often have extended family gatherings and enjoy moms homemade tortillas, tacos and enchiladas. Everyone loved them. Though she doesn't make the tortillas as often anymore, we do still enjoy her enchiladas at family reunions. It is a tradition that everyone wants to continue.

She has always created wonderful meals and she still sends great recipes my way.

She doesn't like to cook as much anymore, but certainly has her share of big meals to provide as we all gather for family gatherings, and they always include meals. There is always so much good food. It is true that a lot of memories center around the kitchen table or at least around the kitchen.

If ever there comes a time when mom might stop cooking we would miss it, but it wouldn't be too critical, because we know that "It's not so much what's on the table that matters, as what's on the chairs."

REFLECTIONS - My Mom

I remember the many hours of hard work my mom put into preserving food. I helped a bit, but I'm sure I learned it mostly from watching because she was always so fast and good at it. She liked to put the fruit in the jar so that it was laying just right to make it look pretty. I enjoy doing the same. I've often thought that it is almost like creating a masterpiece. Much like an artist might paint a picture then sit back and look at it and admire his/her work. I love to open my pantry and see the finished project lined up in the clear jars with the beautiful colors of peaches, pears, tomatoes, apricots, etc. It is a lot of work, but it feels and looks good, and tastes great. It also turns my heart back to my childhood days as I recall the rows of jars in our basement as I was growing up.

Something I do not do like she did is make bread. I wish I did, but it's just too hard on me to knead it, and I don't have a bread mixer. She would make a lot of bread and it was so delicious, which meant we would want to eat it, and it wouldn't last long, so she would have to make more. I do remember dad helping her too.

REFLECTIONS - My Mom

Mom has always been so very talented and creative. I remember her making a lot of different things as I was growing up. She has sewn quilts and costumes and created things to make one never believe she was not a professional seamstress. She has made unique crafts, assembled beautiful arrangements, and created some beautiful decorations. She can create and design, and make anything look beautiful - it just seems to come natural to her. She has taken up China painting the last several years and has painted some beautiful plates, vases, and lamps. She has always had a beautiful home and yard. Each room in her house is a work of art. Her Christmas trees are gorgeous. She creates beauty all around. There is beauty and grace in her very being. Creating is a big part of womanhood, and she does that so very well.

As I was writing this I was reminded of a Relief Society Broadcast last fall, when Elder Uchtdorf said, "Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before—colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter." My mother creates this way, and we are blessed because of it. He also said, "The more you trust and rely upon the Spirit, the greater your capacity to create. That is your opportunity in this life and your destiny in the life to come. Sisters, trust and rely on the Spirit. As you take the normal opportunities of your daily life and create something of beauty and helpfulness, you improve not only the world around you but also the world within you." I believe this because I have seen it through my mother.

REFLECTIONS - My Mom

I remember that my mother was always doing something for someone else. While I was a youth she was a Primary President and a Relief Society President, both callings gave her great responsibility and required much time and sacrifice on her behalf. Though I remember her feeling some frustration a time or two, I mostly remember her commitment to these callings and the people she served. She was always going the extra mile and making sure that her service in the Lord's church was what He would have her do. She has blessed the lives of so many through her loving, selfless, compassionate and cheerful service. She seemed to enjoy it all. Moving to new wards has made it so she has had those callings more than once, and she has always remained dedicated and stalwart. She has always been dependable - when my mom does something, it's not just done, it's well done. Surely the Lord can say to her "well done, thou good and faithful servant".

REFLECTIONS - My Mom

Since Mother's Day is next Sunday, I've decided to write a little something about my mother each day this week.

My mother is a wonderful woman. She worked hard in the house and the yard, with her family, and in her church callings. I'll share some of those things in my postings through the week. A lot of what I write will come from the years when I was a child at home, but they surely still apply, some 29 years later. I'll try to include some recent things too. I am so grateful for such a wonderful mother. She is an awesome person.
Her love and respect for my father has always been an example to me. I've never doubted their love for each other. It is a wonderful thing to grow up in a home where there is love and respect and where the children can count on the next day being the same, if not better. She has been the best example of wife, mother, and daughter that anyone could have. She truly understands the meaning of womanhood and motherhood.
She has always been loving and caring and tender with her children. She has taught us right from wrong and continues to encourage us to do and be good.

REFLECTIONS!

REFLECTIONS! - In a previous post I promised to consider the option of posting about some memories of my loved ones before having to share them at a funeral. Though I have been slow in doing so, I have thought and considered, and have decided that it will be a good thing. Today I came up with the title - Reflections. I'll be sharing some of those reflections in upcoming posts. Memories are a wonderful thing.

It seems silly to post about something I am going to post about later, but I didn't want to forget, and if I don't write it down while I'm thinking it might not get done.

KEEPING UP WITH THE JONES'!

I was just doing laundry and thinking about some things. I don't know what brought me to this thought of long ago, but I thought of a comment one of our children once said. "Now we are just like the Jones'!" (Name was changed of course.) I won't expound on the circumstances or the conditions of the moment that brought out that comment, but I will expound on my thoughts of this moment reflecting back upon that moment. (Wow, I think I said that right?!?!?!)
I ask that you keep a smile on your face as you continue, as I am afraid that it might sound more discouraging if you do not. I was rather encouraged as I was thinking, though I'm not sure if it comes across that way in writing.

For some, maybe even most, there is a desire to have what we don't have, and there is always someone else who seems to have it all. It is those who seem to have it all that we look at and think thoughts like "I wish I had one of those", "I want to be like that", "Why can't I go there or do that", or "They are so lucky", etc. It's a terrible game of keeping up with the Jones'.

Surely this happens some times in life a bit more than other times. I have felt those feelings and I worry that I am creating enough of the right and good teachings and experiences for my children without making them feel like they should have or do it all. It often seems that the grass is greener on the other side. The problem is, no matter what side we are on there is always another side. There is no satisfaction in that.

Unfortunately, when I see a fault of mine or my family, I might think that I wish I or my child was just like someone else who seems to be perfect in that way. But then, there are other times when I see another and think that I'm so glad that I'm not like that or that my child is not like that. Why would we all want to be like the Jones' anyway? Just think, if I were just like the Jones' or if the Jones' were just like me, what a boring world this would be. Remember, I do have..., well, maybe not me, but others out there have qualities that the Jones' don't have, and they are admirable qualities that are beneficial to the family and others around them. The Jones' have it, but we have it too. And, we all have faults, including the Jones'.

So what of the comment my child once made? I have only one more thing to say on that at the moment - I am not trying to keep up with the Jones'. I'd never get to my destination if I did. Honestly, do they really have it all anyway? I love our Heavenly Father who's plan of happiness this life is. I love Jesus Christ and the gospel of Jesus Christ. When I remember that, and as I try to live His gospel, I feel a calming peace and I feel like I am the one who has it all. So, let the Jones' be the Jones' - they can have and do as they wish. I am free to be me, and what a wonderful freedom that is.

Now back to my pile of laundry, ironing, and mending, and then fixing lunch, and... Oh bother, I'll bet the Jones' have a maid! ;)