Martin Luther King Day 2018

Although I didn’t have work off today, the kids did, so I played hooky from work and stayed home to be with the kids.  I still stayed on top of email and major work issues because my flights had still not been booked for Tuesday AM, but I still had some fun with the kids.  We had lunch at Red Robin then I took the family to see the new Star Wars movie: The Last Jedi —> everyone loved the movie and I really enjoyed having Jarrett sit on my lap.  He’s such a good boy and I really love him.  

Last night, for FHE, we spent evening discussing the Anti-Bullying fireside from Sunday.  It was a good discussion and for our family, it comes down to communication - we need to do a better job in our home.  I will try to do just that and communicate better.  I’m worried about Alyssa - she’s struggling right now, hates school and I’m worried about how to best help her.  She’s such a great little girl and I love her so much - I hope I can reach her somehow...

On Saturday, we took the Christmas lights and tree down - it took a good portion of the day, but it felt really good to have everything done and put away. We love the new 12’ Christmas Tree - but given the size and weight, we decided to use the lift in the garage to hold the tree from now on - its too heavy to put it somewhere else.  It retrospect, we can probably put it in the small garage somewhere if we want - but for now - its in a good place.

While we were putting down the lights, little Jarrett threw a huge rock at Jantzen - he was playing and didn’t know the consequences, but he quickly learned them.  It chipped one of Jantzen’s teeth again and I spanked little Jarrett twice.  I felt so bad afterwards and the cute little 3yr old forgave me immediately.  It was a good lesson for him to learn, but it also taught me why we are asked by God to be as little children.  Little Jarrett learned his lesson, has done better, but holds no grudge and only wants to please me even more.  When we are chastised of the Lord and given really tough tasks or trials, we too need to be like a little child - humble, meek, forgiving, teachable, loving, etc.  It was an eye-opening experience for me.

Ward Conference is over now and I’m very happy with the outcome.  I’m looking forward to hearing the results of the visits from the auxiliaries. We visited Jeanice Harrison and the Miller’s.  Jeanice is nearing the end, but is in great spirits and still fighting.  We will continue to pray for her and Monty. They are well taken care of as their grand-daughter Jessica was up with her new husband Joe to help them take down the Christmas lights.  The Millers are also doing well and we set some goals to have them bless little Josie in church and Phoenix at home.  Phoenix enjoyed playing with my iPad - photos below.