Brandon and Jennifer: Grandma's Birthday

Grandma's Birthday

It's Grandma Mary Ann's 72 nd Birthday today. Please forgive me Grandma for posting your age, but all of us hope we're as beautiful as you are at 72! :) Her party was at Lana's house and I love Lana... she always makes me laugh... she didn't have a #7 candle so she used a #5 instead. I'm sure Grandma didn't mind that her cake said she was 52.

Family....

...and more family. Love every one of them to death!

Grandma is opening her presents with Emmy and Connor.

Grandma is helping Emmy practice eating birthday cake for her 1st birthday... which is next month.

Paisley is waiting for me to finish feeding her dinner.

Abbee gave Grandma a birthday card.

Happy Birthday Grandma!

You do so much for so many people... you're amazing and deserve to have a wonderful birthday.

You're the best!

Jul 30, 2012

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.