Brandon and Jennifer: Dinner at Julie's

Dinner at Julie's

We met Brandon's mom and her side of the family at Aunt Julie's house for dinner. Troy is an awesome cook and made some great prime rib! After dinner we hung out together, opened presents from Russ & Mitzi, and had dessert.

This is Hillary at every party... haha, she loves to sleep.

Heather, Gavin and Beau

Mitzi is very very giving, and totally spoiled us rotten!

Jess & Kristin

When ever we're at Julie's house William likes to play with Zach's old car set.

Grandpa Bob & Grandma Dixie

Will was cracking everyone up about how excited he was over his new clothes from Grandma Mitzi.

Mitzi put on his pajama shirt... Mitzi, Russ, and Zach

Gavin, Kristin, Jess, and Zach are playing the Wii.

My sister-in-laws... Kristin and Heather.

It's the girls turn to play the Wii. Mitzi, me, Julie, and Kristin. I've never played the Wii before, so I lost at everything with my panicked moves. haha.

Willie found an old controller to play with.

Merry Christmas Everybody!

Dec 25, 2010

My Favorite Ensign Quotes

"I have found that implementing these five patterns-going to a private place to pray, kneeling, praying vocally, expressing gratitude, and praying for others-has helped me to pause and ponder on what I say in my prayers and has made the experience more meaningful. The Book of Mormon teaches other patterns of prayer as well, including being consistent and giving sufficient time to prayer and meditation. The Savior's prayers in the Book of Mormon include all of these five patterns."

-Patterns of Prayer in the Book of Mormon, October Ensign 2012

My thoughts: I want to make my own prayers more meaningful lately. As I read these patterns I could see what my prayers lacked. When I was pregnant it was very uncomfortable to kneel and pray, so I got in the habit of not kneeling. As President Thomas S. Monson stated, "Kneel to pray." I will follow his counsel and kneel to pray. I know praying vocally will help also.

"First on your "to do" list, put the word prayer. Most of the time, your prayers will be silent. You can think a prayer. You can always have a direct line of communication with your Father in Heaven. Do not allow the adversary to convince you that no one is listening on the other end. Your prayers are always heard. You are never alone!"

-How to Survive in Enemy Territory, October Ensign 2012

My thoughts: Half way through my day, I often realize that I haven't said a prayer yet. I'm so busy with kids and household chores that its hard to find quiet alone time to pause and kneel for a prayer. For some reason I've thought that that's what I must do for my prayers to be heard. I loved reading this quote by President Packer to set me straight! I can think a prayer and they will always be heard.