1 down, 11 to go

I finished my 1st book on my summer reading list - Standing For Something by Gordon B. Hinckley.

Let me share with you how I read books - I have a highlighter in one hand and a pencil in the other. I wasn't always like this. In fact there was a day that I couldn't imagine marking up a book. It took time to get over that and realize that my books were for me - to use, to read, to learn, and it didn't matter if they looked brand new forever. Well I wore out my highlighter with this one. This book is for everybody. I am reading it to my children now and I hope that when they get older they will read it to themselves and then over and over again. I loved this book!

Among the many many quotes I love from this book one says, " Our lives are the only meaningful expression of what we believe and in Whom we believe. And the only real wealth, for any of us, lies in our faith." Gordon Hinckley describes us, women and parents, as keepers of the home and guardians of virtue! He also says, "Emerson was once asked which, of all the books he had read, had most affected his life. His response was that he could no more remember the books he had read than he could remember the meals he had eaten, but they had made him. All of us are the products of the elements to which we are exposed."

I have always wanted my home to look beautiful, but more importantly I have always wanted my home to FEEL beautiful, of this he says, "I believe that there is no adequate substitution for the practice of kneeling together, morning and evening, as a family in prayer. This, more than fine carpets or the latest in window coverings, will make for better and more beautiful homes. Can we make our homes more beautiful? Yes, through addressing ourselves, as families, to the Source of all true beauty."

We do kneel in prayer morning and night as a family, but from now on I will remember these words and never allow myself to get discouraged when someone is noisy or late in coming or uncooperative. I will always remember that I am beautifying my family, my home and myself as we kneel in unity and give thanks to our God and ask for His help, guidance and direction in our lives.

READ THIS BOOK! Mine is well marked, but it's here if you would like to read it. This is a family classic. I will refer to this book for the rest of my parenting years and beyond!

In the Works

The other night Darren brought home a surprise for me....all the supplies for the pergola! He spent Saturday working on it and it looks great. Hopefully it will be dry this Saturday and we will be able to paint it.

Father's Day

"Fathers have the basic and inescapable responsibility to stand as the head of the family. He becomes the provider, the defender, the counselor, the friend who will listen and give support when needed. That does not carry with it any implication of dictatorship or unrighteous dominion. It confers the mandate to provide for the needs of their families. Those needs are more than food, clothing, and shelter. Those needs include righteous direction and the teaching, by example as well as precept, of basic principles of honesty, integrity, service, respect for the rights of others, and an understanding that we are accountable, not only to one another but also to God, for that which we do in this life. He [the father] becomes the provider, the defender, the counselor, the friend who will listen and give support when needed. It is at home that we come to determine what we will stand for." Gordon B. Hinckley

We were able to spend father's day with my dad, Darren's dad and my Grandfather. My grandpa came all the way from Ontario to spend the summer with us. It is such a treat to have him here. I hope that everyone had a great father's day and that the father's in my life realize how important they are to us.

First, my dad - He is one of the hardest workers I know. He taught me so much simply by his example. Thank you dad for everything you have done for me and the example you continue to set for my children.

Second, my grandpa - I have the BEST childhood memories of visiting my grandparents. We went fishing, boating, camping, and they always had a fridge full of pop (one of those really cool vintage ones with the metal handle, the kind that scared every parent because of the possibility that you could get stuck inside..... but it was cool, and we never did) So thank you grandpa for the memories that I will have with me forever.

Next, my father-in-law - this is the man that, by example, taught my husband how to be a father and a marriage companion. He would give you the shirt off his back. He would do anything for his children, family and friends. Thank you for the influence you have had in all our lives.

Lastly, my husband - If you are lucky enough to know my husband well, you will know that he is the VERY best of men. He gives everything he has and more. He works tirelessly for his family. He follows the Savior's example in all he does. He never gives up, he never quits. He is always there when you need him. His name is Darren, the Irish meaning of which is great and he is, a mighty and great man. Thank you for sharing your life with me, for being the father of our 5 most precious children, for being my best friend. Happy Father's Day!