Daily Tender Mercies

We had our tithing settlement this morning. I was glad that Bishop took a moment to try to teach Gracie about tithing. He also said some kind words to us as today was our last day at church.

After chruch we had to take some things to Rachel’s grandparents. Once we got there we were invited to stay for dinner. It was a fun evening. It was a bit challenging managing Nolan since their house is in no way child proof. I might possibly have eaten too much pumpkin and pinapple cream pie, I’m still a bit full.

When we got home, Gracie wanted to give us a family home evening lesson. I had a picture of the Savior washing the apostles feet after the last supper in the cover of my binder. I took it out and a few notes and gave the binder to Bryan this morning. So gracie found that picture in the car and wanted to read it to us. Then she had some other things planned, like watching Gehrig put Optimus Prime’s head back on and other entertaining things. It was very cute.

This morning as I was downstairs with the kids, Gracie asked what time it was. After I told he she walked out of the room and came back with this sheet of paper.

Gracie

She came an stook in front of me. He back was to me so she was looking at the clock. I could hear her talking to herself quietly and seriously.

“8:12 Bed time, 12:12 Lunch time, 11:12 Snack time, 3:30 Coloring time, 8:11 Go outside time, 11:12 Play time, 12:31 Wii Game, 11:13 Brielle is coming for a sleepover!”

Gehrig also overheard her and when he heard sleepover he said, “No Brigham! It’s my turn for a sleep-over. That’s not fair!”

I said, “You know what guys. I don’t even like sleep-overs” (Not that it mattered much because none of this was happening anyway)

Gehrig then said to me, “Well then maybe you can just go hide in your work!”

Oh, I love my kids

We had the missionaries over for dinner tonight. Since we’ve packed half our stuff, it was pretty simple. Laura send us home with a lot of left over turkey. So we had some turkey sandwiches and chips. I don’t know the last time we had missionaries over for dinner. It was fun and even though the kids were acting pretty shy, I think they enjoyed it. It was nice to have them in our home.

Today was a fun relaxing day. We went to Alpine to Rachel’s parents house. All here family was there including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and a few cousins. We also went to the house we are going to buy and took some more photos and measurements to get an idea of things we want to update before or shortly after we move in. Of course the food was divine as it usually is when Laura cooks. I probaby ate a bit too much of everything

Since I’ve started working at home, I’ve definitely eaten better. Over the past month and a half or so I’ve lost about 15 lbs. I played Ultimate today and I could really feel the difference as I could go longer without getting so tired. Overall I just feel better.

Since we have announced to the ward that we have sold our house, we had a number of comments. People have been telling us how much they will miss us and telling us how much we have improved the home and property while we’ve been here. It’s nice to feel appreciated. We will certainly miss this ward. We’ve been extremely pleased with everyone. When appraisors come to value a home they have no way to gauge how great neighbors are, and I think that is the best part about this area.

Nolan is at that learning stage that makes me smile. We seem to have this ritual… When he sees me, he runs to me with his arms up and starts grunting for me to pick him up. Once on do, he pats me on the back a few times. I’ll then stick out my hand and say “give me 5″ which then then does. Then I say, “Show me your cheeser!” And leans his head back and give me a big goofy grin and kiss his chin.

This morning I had stake priesthood leadership meeting. When I arrived, President Tindall and President Dunkley were outside waiting for Elder Hinckley to arrive. I went and shook their hands and said good morning. President Tindall asked if I was loosing weight. He said I looked more “cut”. I have lost about 10-15 lbs the past couple months. It is nice that it is noticible. 

Leadership meeting and stake conference were great. It’s interesting that I always seem to enjoy President Tindall’s talks more than the visiting authorities. President Tindall only spoke in the general session this time though. I think the overall theme was preparing for rough times ahead. I’m so grateful that we spent the past few years getting out of debt. With medical bills and a few other things we have about $1700 to pay off right now, but we plan on paying all that off after the sale of our house. Then we will be back to just having our mortgage to pay off.

Today was a big day in Utah. It was the BYU vs Utah football game. I don’t think the game has ever been as big with both teams being in the top 25 (Utah #7, BYU #14). Utah is undefeated, and BYU has only lost one. Originally I had a stake priesthood leadership meeting, but it was rescheduled for tomorrow morning. But we still had adult seesion tonight at 7:00. So I got to watch the first half at least. I left when it was BYU 24, Utah 27. During conference session, Elder Richard G. Hinckley spoke to us. The first thing he said was, “A little bird just wispered in my ear the final score of the game was BYU 24, Utah 48.” I thought it was funny that he would bring it up. He must have received a text message or had an iPhone or something. Because I don’t know how else he would have known. I’m glad I missed the rest of the game though – even though I wanted Utah to win and remain undefeated and get a good Bowl game and help the conference and all.

The adult session of conference was great as usual. That session is always my favorite. It is more casual (or the general authorities that speak are a bit more casual I should say) than the general session and we don’t have to worry about entertaining our kids. The spirit was strong as he spoke of remaining cheerful though we may have difficult times ahead of us.

Today my parents dropped by for a visit. It was a pleasant surprise. It was their anniversary so they decided to drive out and spend the day in Salt Lake shopping and hanging out. They didn’t stay too long, but just long enought to chat and drop off a Christmas gift.