Brandon and Jennifer: Zeke is 9 Days Old

Zeke is 9 Days Old

I went to Salt Lake to visit Angela today. She has good days with lots of sleep and bad days with none. I cooked them dinner at her apartment... soup, salad, and breadsticks, and made one of their favorite deserts... peanutbutter bars... yummy.

Zeke is 9 days old and still totally handsome!

I finally got to hold him! I didn't get the chance in the hospital last week.

I cleaned while I was there to try to help Ang out, but 9 o'clock came quick and I had to hurry home to get the twins from Mary, and Brandon took Willie with him to bail hay and was probably ready for bed.

It was so nice having no kids of my own and just being able to help someone else for a change. I felt refreshed after leaving Ang's apartment and I loved spending time with my sister.

Jul 12, 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.