Five

Five years ago, you came into my life.

You changed everything.

I would not be who I am today if it weren't for you.

You never cease to make me smile.

I love to watch you grow and learn,

And through doing so, I grow and learn as well.

Thank you for the lessons you've taught me

And for the love you've so freely given.

Your life is a gift.

Every day with you is a blessing.

Thank you for the endless laughs,

Adventures, and tender hugs.

Most of all,

Thank you for always loving me.

Happy birthday, Baby Girl!

God made you my sister, and you will always be my best friend.

Follow the Prophet

I love primary. Want to know why? For the past month, Diva's favorite song (which was of course quickly picked up by Meka) has been "Follow the Prophet" from the Primary Children's Songboook. I love this song, especially when it is sung by the world's two most adorable children, complete with hand actions and a little sassy hip movement on the line "don't go astray." But more than that, I love the eternal truth that is taught in this song: Follow the Prophet, he knows the way.

What a great song to have filling our house during Conference weekend. In our house, General Conference is almost as much of a celebration as Christmas. It is filled with family and wonderful food, but most importantly, it is filled with inspired words from living prophets who act as God's mouthpiece to the world.

I watched the final session of Conference* (for explanation, see below) with Diva in my mom's room. Coloring and doing puzzles and games in her new coloring book throughout the session, Diva wasn't really paying attention. Whenever President Eyring got up to announce the next section of the program, she would ask if it was over. When he got up and announced the final speaker to be followed by the closing song and prayer, I told Diva "The Prophet is going to talk, then they're going to sing a song and say a prayer and then it will be over." Satisfied by that, she went back to her coloring. But as soon as the Prophet got up to speak, she looked up at the TV screen and said excitedly, "Oh! That's President Monsonie!" I was surprised and touched that she recognized God's Prophet and knew exactly who he was. "Follow the Prophet" isn't just another song that she sings--it's a song with important meaning that she understands. I hope she will always continue to recognize the Prophet for who he is and always follow him.

Now we have a world where people are confused.

If you don't believe it, go and watch the news.

We can get direction all along our way,

If we heed the prophets -- follow what they say.

Follow the Prophet, follow the Prophet.

Follow the Prophet, don't go astray.

Follow the Prophet, follow the Prophet.

Follow the Prophet, he knows the way.

*Note: Twice a year, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints holds a General Conference which is broadcast to members all around the world. Each conference is divided into four two-hour sessions, two on Saturday and two on Sunday, with an additional two-hour session on Saturday evenings for priesthood holders. During these conferences, we are taught by general authorities and officers of the Church, or, in layman terms, the head haunchoes (the Mormon Prophet can be compared to the equivalent of the Catholic Pope when it comes to position in the church). We believe that their counsel and guidance comes directly from God as inspiration and we value the words taught in General Conference as scripture. To learn more about the LDS faith, General Conference, and what we believe, click here. Or to set up an appointment with the full-time missionaries in your area, click here or send me an email and I will be glad to help you set it up.

A Little Spring, a Little Birthday, and a Whole Lot of R&R

(Pretend I wrote this last week.)

Well, I waited all semester for this, and now spring break has come and gone. It wasn't particularly eventful (no beaches, swimming suits, or sand dunes), but it was still a break and that's all I wanted. (Okay lies. I'm not going to say that I didn't want to go to Mexico or California, but a trip to Kaysville was good enough for now.) The break started off with a trip to Hale Theatre with my daddy for a production of Fiddler on the Roof. Definitely a great father-daughter show. Trevor and Sherstin came up on Sunday evening and brought Grandpa for dinner and an early birthday celebration. The nineteen mismatched candles that were crammed into my New York style cheesecake were blown out by Makenna before I got a chance to make a wish. I think that's probably a bad omen for the year. Birthday presents included a new set of scriptures, a paper cutter, and a whole jar of chocolate covered raisins! Mmm..boy! I also got a crock pot from Trevor and Sherstin (Recycled wedding gift. I was there when they opened it.) and some homemade headbands from  Hilary.

Everyone else had school all week, so the rest of the break was spent playing at home with Diva and Miss Meka. Meka is in the middle of being potty trained, so I had my share of trips to the potty, handing out lifesavers, and changing wet pats. Days were spend playing, making mints with mom, looking for jobs, digging up the garden, and being completely and blissfully lazy. Evenings were spent going to movies, wandering the neighborhood with dad, visiting wonderful friends, playing games, and staying up late watching Cake Boss. The week concluded with a trip to Provo to see my bff Jon perform in BYU's production of As You Like It. The weekend didn't end up as planned, but the show was beautiful and playing with Tressa all weekend was a blast! I finished up a blissful spring break by modeling for Hilary and playing funny, crazy games with the family.

I may not have had my turn to get sunburned over the break, but I loved being able to spend some time with friends and family, especially with my best friend Mom. Maybe next year I'll be able to afford to go somewhere adventurous.