Washington D.C. Trip!

I'm such a dummo!  I totally forgot to blog about our PA/Virginia/Washington D.C. trip.  I started, but failed totally.  I did do a post about Hershey, PA, but that was it!

So.....here are a few highlights of our trip. Again, Jillian had to work at the amusement park, so she wasn't able to join us.  I really felt a bit off kilter without her there.  Someone was missing and it was noticable to all of us. :(   Next time I'm making her skip work and be with us.  Who knows how many trips we will have left with all of us together? Jillian is already almost 17 and soon will be off to college.

Ok, so here we go....

Remember, this trip was in August, so it was warm. I like summer, but don't love it. I do, however, love that I was able to spend time with my family even if we were dripping with sweat occassionally!

On our first full day in Fairfax, VA, we traveled a bit east to the Washington D.C. Temple in Kensington, MD.  We were sealed there 20 years ago, and we had not been back since.  It was a special experience seeing it again and it brought back many memories.  It also was super fantastic that we could show the kids where we were married so long ago. It was a beautiful day outside.

<<< Still sad about Jillian missing in this one.

<< Due to remodeling, they had to make the reflection pool smaller, but I didn't notice much of a difference. It's still as beautiful as ever.

<< There was a gorgeous Hubble Space Telescope photography exhibit in one of the rooms of the visitors center. You really had to see it for yourself to appreciate it. I really felt small compared to so many stars a many light years away.

<< Miss Ava. I pretty much cry every time I see the Christus.  How can you not?

<< Brycen at one of the interactive areas of the visitors center.  Push a button and hear the story of Lehi.

<< Molly with a replica of the golden plates.

<< Way up on the wall, there were many scriptures to help individuals & families remember why they are here and what we should be striviving for  eternally.

<< A sister missionary took our photo. I can't help but think there are a few of us missing. Perhaps 2 of them were there in spirit.

<< In the parking lot were many islands of grass. Right in the middle of the lot, surrounded by parking spaces was a sweet fawn!  It wouldn't let us get too close, but again, a reminder of the beauty of nature and what HF has given us.

<< About 20 mins away from the Temple, is Washington D.C. itself.  I have to admit that at first I was very frustrated with this place! It's so hard to navigate, people are everywhere and there is NO parking.  Ok, so yes, there IS parking, but it's usually very far away from where you want to actually be.  Trying to get around this place was taking it's toll. Tempers were flaring and exhaustion was high.  We did find some parking near the Jefferson Memorial (pictured), but it was a long walk to actually get there. I needed the exercise though right?  If it weren't so hot that day, it would've been much better.  The memorial was nice, but truthfully, I could've done without that one.  What might have been nice was the paddle boats seen in the water. It was only $4 a person for a 1/2 hour ride. Why didn't we do it? I don't know.

<< So after awhile of trying to find parking and figuring out where to go, we broke down and looked for a tour bus.  Why didn't we do this to begin with?!  It was heaven!  It didn't cost that much either. We settled on,  A Taste Of DC Tour. Since most of our day was taken up by aimlessly driving around, we were thrilled when we found this quick 2 hour tour. It started at Union Station which was awesome to be in! Huge and sooo many people! Fancy stores, eateries etc too. When the trolley tour started, we were able to drive by many many sights, hear an experienced driver tell us interesting facts (did you know you can't use your cell phone while driving in DC? I'm shocked we didn't get a ticket in the mail from one of the many cameras at the traffic signals!) and stop at the Capitol (pictured from our trolley) and the White House. We had plenty time to visit these places before hopping back on the trolley. It was sooo worth the money for this tour. Next time I will plan better and take a longer tour or maybe even a DC at night time tour.  They even have segway tours! But only for ages 16 and up.

<< Kids at the Capitol. If I'm not mistaken, the veranda above the kids is where President Obama was sworn in.

<< Wish I knew what they were thinking.

<< Throwing pennies & making wishes.  I love those trees in the backround.

<< On the Capitol lawn taking a rest.  It sure was hot that day. Look at that poor lady in the background! Hot & tired I assume.

<< A zoomed in photo of the White House thru the fence. We weren't able to get close at all. A person can't even drive near it. The street is closed off. We had to walk from a different area. Police are all over. Some people were reprimanded for getting off the sidewalk. Security seemed really tight to me. 

<< Not a very appealing view behind Macie, but this is all you get when you visit the White House.  Heck, the squirrels can get closer than we can.  Walking around the entrance gets us closer, but trees block the view, so there is no real good view.

<<  The fence around the White House has this pretty iron finial every few feet. I love it.  I wish it were a better photo so I could cut it out and digiscrap with it as an element. Time to get the Canon fixed!

Well, that does it for our first full day in D.C.  When I get a chance, I'll blog a little bit about our Virgina stay. Fairfax was only about 20 minutes from D.C. to the west.  Lots to do in this area!

I need to remind myself to blog sooner because I've forgotten some things, so this post wasn't as good as it could've been. Next vacation (in April!) will be documented sooner!

5 Things

I totally love Megan's frames! Thanks Megan!

There are so many things I am thankful for that there wouldn't be enough shabby frames to cover them all! So I've decided to just narrow it down to 5 (but squeezing my family of 7 into 3) and then maybe, just maybe add more and occasionally post them.

For now, my 5 are (not in any order at all since I love all of my family equally of course...)

1. My beautiful girls
2. My cute as can be son
3. My patient, loving, hardworking hubby
4. The blessings that the Temple gives me. Because without that and the Gospel, I wouldn't be able to keep #1,2 and 3 forever.

And a random #5. I have really been soaking up the beauty of nature this past year. I've been trying to take time to appreciate all that Heavenly Father has given me to view, smell and feel in each of the seasons. One of my greatest pleasures is to look up at the night sky and enjoy each star. Another is to breathe in the smells of nature and concentrate on the smallest things that are so intricate and complicated, yet to some, so insignificant. Have you ever just sat and looked at a spider web? I can't get enough of a beautiful sunset or a rainbow. Sappy and cheesy? Maybe. But now that I'm older, I guess something is telling me to dig deep and really pay attention to the world that Heavenly Father has given me. I'll never know when He might just call me home and I want to have appreciated as best I can, what He has given me today.

Nursery Rocks!

I think the nursery in our church totally rocks. Probably more so than other ward nurseries if I do say so myself! We have a wonderful nursery leader that goes out of her way to make it an enjoyable class for the littlest primary kids in the ward.

She has a really cute bulletin board up with all the children's photos and she always teaches them lessons that, as a parent, I would want my child to learn. Look at this cute crown she made for all the kids! It's durable too! Just what a 2 year old needs. And it's an sweet reminder that she is a child of God.

I love that our leader gives the kids handouts that will help reinforce what they have been taught. They bring home things that they can either play with or look at to remind them.

We also have a fabulous music leader that sings each week with the children. I can hear them when I'm next door teaching my own lessons to the older kids. They sing and then Ava comes home and sings them for me and with me. So fun!

Many thanks to all the primary teachers and leaders in my Ward!!! Oh, and the presidency isn't too bad either....*wink*

A Brand New Year

The 2010 Mutual theme for LDS youth is......

“Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:9)."

Each ward will receive a dvd entitled, " A Brand New Year: 2010 Youth Celebration"

The DVD is a special resource being prepared to strengthen youth and enhance Young Men and Young Women activities planned for 2010. I believe it's mostly youth speaking and testifying about what they have learned and how following the standards have strengthened them. Learn more about the dvd here.

I love this! I wish we had special DVD's to introduce the theme when I was a leader in YW. Sometimes I think the youth need to see that a lot of effort and prayer goes in to the themes. After all, it's what the Lord wants the youth to know, study and live right? What they learn is an armour of sort. Things to protect them inside and out throughout their lives. This theme will help them realize that everywhere they go, Heavenly Father goes with them and will not abandon them. I hope they listen to this counsel, because at one time or another, we all feel alone. It helps to know that we don't actually have to feel that way.

Just my 2 cents :)

I Heart This

My daughter, Jillian, left this comment on the Nauvoo Temple Facebook page.




Jill Weihl >>>Nauvoo Temple: Our stake went to Nauvoo for our Youth Conference..I went already twice before..but this time was soo much more spiritual.We got to go into the temple, as our "familes"--youth and a married couple.For being Sixteen, i never felt a more spirtual experience, it was like I was in the jail while the prophet was murdered..I love being a member, although I have trials, I know that pioneers made the temple for a reason..-Jillian. Muskegon,MI.
Yesterday at 11:04pm · Comment · Like

Sometimes I really heart Facebook.

Pursue the Steady Course

Word art by Sugardoodle.net

"While standards generally may totter, we of the Church are without excuse if we
drift in the same manner. We have standards—sure, tested, and effective. To the
extent that we observe them, we shall go forward. To the extent that we neglect
them, we shall hinder our own progress and bring embarrassment to the work
of the Lord. These standards have come from Him. Some of them may appear a
little out-of-date in our society, but this does not detract from their validity
nor diminish the virtue of their application. The subtle reasoning of men, no
matter how clever, no matter how plausible it may sound, cannot abridge the
declared wisdom of God."

--President Gordon B Hinckley, "Pursue the Steady Course", Ensign, Jan. 2005, 5

Leanne's thoughts: I really think ALL of the youth of the church need to read this quote. Heck, some adults do too. Maybe it should be read out loud in a statement kind of way. I don't mean in a lesson (although that is still a great idea), but as a message all by itself to be pondered over. Sometimes we need a 'to the point' message that has a tinge of bluntness in order for it to hit home. Saying that neglecting the standards can bring embarrassment to the work of the Lord, is quite to-the-point don't you think?

I think most youth would try harder to honor the standards if they really took a moment to sit down and think about the reason behind the purpose of those standards. It's so easy to get caught up in what is 'cool' and let some things slide. I like an 'in-your-face' approach sometimes. Of course a touch of love would be added so as to not offend. I think Pres. Hinckley's quote was a perfect blend of both.

I know that when teachings were put in my head strongly as a youth, I listened and thought about it that much more. That's why I really enjoyed going to stake youth activities. They always seemed to be well planned with a purpose. Now, as an adult, I need to make more of an effort to attend the adult stake events. What am I thinking by not attending some of these?! As parents we expect our youth to attend their youth activities so why wouldn't I want the same for myself?! Hypocrisy? Ugh. I vow to get better!!!

For the strength of youth and adults!!

Molly's First Temple Trip

I just had to share how excited I am that Molly was able to go on her first Temple trip last Saturday!

She turned 12 in January. This was the first scheduled Temple trip that the youth of our Ward went on to the Detroit Temple. She was thrilled to be able to baptize those who have gone on before us. It was a fabulous experience for her and I'm really proud that she chose to go.

She is my third daughter to go on Temple trips with the youth. Brycen is turning 11 tomorrow, so one more year and I'll have 4 kids in YM/YW! Wow. When they all go on the same day, it will be a lot of baptisms that my family performs for others. Around 40 in one day. What a blessing.

Jillian didn't take her camera, so this photo was taken with her cell phone. I'm just glad we have a little something to document the special moment.

Temples Dotting The Earth

I'd love to show this to our Primary kids in the ward, but not sure how to get in on dvd. Isn't it great? And so uplifting in the midst of all the negativity I've been hearing lately.

Vote YES on prop 8

The Church released this updated statement on 16 October 2008:

As the Proposition 8 campaign in support of traditional marriage enters its last two weeks, the Protect Marriage Coalition is encouraging its members to make phone calls in support of the measure. The Church is participating with the Coalition in support of this endeavor.

This is a segment from a broadcast to Californian Church members addressing the Church’s doctrine of marriage and the Protect Marriage Coalition.


My sister in CA has had 3 Yes to prop #8 signs stolen from her yard. There are concerns that if same sex marriage is allowed, then it could possibly affect churches and temples who only perform heterosexual marriages. If bound by same sex marriage law, would the LDS church (and other religions) be forced to recognize same sex marriages? If the law passes in CA, it could pass in other places and directly affect the sacred ordinance of a temple marriage. I believe that Arizona could be the next state to address this issue through voting (but I'm not sure, so don't quote me on that).

I don't live in CA, so I cannot vote YES on this issue (I certainly would if I could), but I can do my part by helping others be aware of the issue. Check out this blog, prop8voterinfo. They have a wealth of information along with links to help a voter decide what to choose when voting.

For more information on what The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints believes, visit http://www.lds.org/. If you would like to read what the church specifically says about the same sex marriage issue, visit the LDS.org Newsroom here

Thomas S. Monson is the Prophet you know!

Now that I have a calling in Primary, I keep running across the cutest things. You have probably seen this before, but I hadn't until today. It's awesome!

Reflections of Christ Website and Slide show

Check out this beautiful slide show on the Reflections of Christ blog. I love the music. The whole thing is inspiring and spiritually uplifting. I especially enjoyed how they made Jesus Christ and John the Baptist smile while in the waters of baptism. I'm sure it was a joyous as well as a spiritual experience for them both.

Reflections of Christ is a traveling fine art photography exhibit. Currently, it's located at the Temple visitor center in Mesa, Arizona. This is a beautiful exhibit not only for LDS members, but for anyone who is Christian. Check it out!

P.S...Thank-you to my friend Nancy for sending me the link in the first place :)

To a tee...

These sentiments are exactly how I feel about Pres. Hinckley and his passing. I didn't really feel much sadness because I was so happy that he was reunited with his beloved wife. He was a great man and we can all be good examples as he was. We can just... "try a little harder to be a little better."

The New Prophet....President Thomas. S. Monson

From the LDS Newsroom:
Thomas S. Monson is the new president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it was announced today at a news conference in the Church Office Building. President Monson, 80, succeeds President Gordon B. Hinckley, who died 27 January.

The new world leader of the Church has called to serve with him in the First Presidency, the top governing body of the 13-million-member faith, President Henry B. Eyring, 74, first counselor, and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 67, second counselor.

President Boyd K. Packer, 83, is the new president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will be filled later.

My thoughts:
I'm really very moved and filled with happiness that our new prophet is someone whom I already admire and love. President Monson is only 80 years old. That might be the youngest prophet we have had in a very long time. My Dad is also 80 years old although I can't see our new prophet in my mind as being in a similar role as my own father. I still see President Monson in a more grandfatherly role. That's ok. My own father must be young looking for his 80 years!


It was nice to hear President Monson answering questions at the news conference today. He says he loves the color yellow. He loves it because it gives other colors their light. He says it's the quickest color to fade. He says he wants to find out why that is. I thought it was interesting that he puts such thought to a color. President Monson spoke of the color yellow today only about 1/2 hour ago. Don't ask me why, but I thought I had to research yellow right away. This is the very first thing that I found coming from a lady who specializes in gem stones:

*People who are blind to other colors can usually see yellow.

*Yellow is full of creative and intellectual energy.

*Yellow symbolizes wisdom.

*Yellow means joy and happiness.

*People of high intellect favor yellow.

*Yellow daffodils are a symbol of unrequited love


My own thoughts on the color yellow? Well, yellow is the color of sunshine. It represents warmth and light in my opinion. It's the "Jesus wants me for a sunbeam" type of yellow. President Monson got it right to love the color yellow. It represents in a way, the light of Christ. We are all yellow sunbeams that can set an example everywhere we go.
If people who are blind to other colors can possibly see yellow better, maybe it's because of people like President Monson who go around glowing with the light of Christ. Some people are just waiting for us to show them the way. It's our duty to share the gospel with them. We can be those little sunbeams that Jesus wants us to be right?

Goodbye Sweet Prophet

Gordon B. Hinckley
June 23, 1910–January 27, 2008

President Hinckley passed away tonight at about 7pm. My first thought after hearing of our loss was sadness followed by joy because I knew that he was now with his beloved wife. Can you imagine the grand reunion they must have had? I know he missed her dearly and now we will miss them both.

I'm grateful to have had such a wonderful spirit leading our church for the past 12 years. President Hinckley's son Clark was our Bishop many years ago. He even taught me how to do my tithing. I remember Pres. Hinckley coming to visit once and I was able to shake his hand. What a neat memory.

Feel free to read more about our prophet at the official church website, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

STANDING FOR SOMETHING

Originally I was going to post about how I never make New Year's resolutions. Why don't I make them each year? Because I don't believe in the once a year hoopla of tossing out the words and then actually tossing away the plan by the end of February or March. I am a FIRM believer that goals should be made continuously and worked on continuously. I don't wait until the New Year to start losing weight. I don't wait until the New Year to decide to be a better parent. I'm always making goals and working to achieve them. When and if I achieve one, I set a another and work on it along side other ones.

I'm not saying that I disagree with people who make New Year's resolutions. Not at all. More power to those people and I wish them the best of luck. I'm just saying that it's not something that works for me.

Anyway, the reason for the post subject change is that I felt inspired to set a new goal because of a speech given by Elder M. Russell Ballard at BYU Hawaii this past December about using "new media" to support the teachings of the church. Here is the link.

He says that he would urge us today to use the Internet — including blogs and other forms of “new media” — to contribute to a national conversation about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“We cannot stand on the sidelines while others, including our critics, attempt to define what the Church teaches,” he said.
He's sooo right. There are so many misconceptions about our religion. I am a frequent user of Google and Google images. When I google anything about the church, I always see the sites touting the problems with "mormonism" and lds bashing. If only people could understand that any site (in my opinion) that uses the word, "mormonism" is going to have negative things to say about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, they could stay away from it and go to the source of truth. If anyone reading this isn't a member of the church, but would like more information, accurate information...why not go to the official church website? Try this link to the site: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
If the link doesn't work, go to www.lds.org

The official church website is the best place to get accurate information. There is so much knowledge to be learned at the site.

Back to Elder Ballards speech....he goes on to say that there were too many conversations going on about the Church for Church representatives to respond to each individually, and that Church leaders “can’t answer every question, satisfy every inquiry and respond to every inaccuracy that exists.”

He said students should consider sharing their views on blogs, responding to online news reports and using the “new media” in other ways.

But he cautioned against arguing with others about their beliefs. “There is no need to become defensive or belligerent,” he said. Remember as the Proverb states that “a soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).

I can see how someone can be angered easily when they are provoked on a message board or something similar online. I do my best to stay away from those type of areas on the internet, but this is my own personal blog. I think it's about time that I stand for something loud and clear. I'll be adding more pictures, more views and more testimony of my beliefs in the coming posts. We live and learn by example. I want to set a good example and spread the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm a strong Christian woman who loves the Lord, my family, and the country that I live in. I can be a voice for the Lord or keep my views quiet and fade into the background. I love to blog and I'll stand tall in my beliefs on this blog.

Elder Ballard suggests that we make sure that the choices we make in the use of new media are choices that expand our minds, increase our opportunities, and feed our souls.
I love to read other blogs that uplift me, so thank you to the many other bloggers out there who contribute such wonderful examples in the blogging world! Just as Elder Ballard states, my position is solid; the Church is true. We simply need to have a conversation, as friends in the same room would have, always guided by the prompting of the Spirit. That is my continued goal.

Would you like to join me?