I believe in Jesus Christ.

Recently we had a lesson in Relief Society about a talk given by M. Russell Ballard entitled Sharing the Gospel Using the Internet. In his talk Elder Ballard encourages members of the church to use the Internet as a tool to share our message about the gospel with others and to be a positive voice amid the critics. After that lesson I contemplated putting my testimony on my blog but for some reason never quite got around to doing so. Then today I gave a lesson on establishing Zion. Part of what I gained from the lesson was a greater sense of responsibility to do missionary work and to share the gospel with others. I decided that one way I can do that is to post my testimony on my blog and hope that it might make a difference for someone else.

I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe that he was crucified thousands of years ago by a wicked group of people but that he was resurrected and lives again. I believe that through his resurrection he has made it possible for us all to be resurrected and live again after our time on this earth comes to an end. I also believe that during his time on the earth he atoned for our sins. This makes it possible for us to seek forgiveness for times when we error thus freeing us from the pain that sin can cause.

I believe that we are here on this earth to be tested, to learn and to grow and become better people so that when the time comes we will hopefully be worthy and able to be in his presence again.

I believe that He restored His church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, through a young man named Joseph Smith. I also believe that he continues to lead the church through a living prophet, Thomas S. Monson, who receives modern day revelation from God for our benefit.

I am grateful to have these beliefs because they help me to know why I am here and what my purpose is. Through his teachings I know what I must do to have peace and happiness in this life that at times can be overwhelmingly difficult and scary. He loves me, and it is this knowledge that gives me strength when I am weak.

I testify of these things in His name, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Lillian's blessing

Lillian was blessed at church on Sunday and behaved just like an angel. She was awake for the actual blessing but didn't make a sound. Then when Peter sat back down with her she laid in his arms smiling up at him for about 15 minutes and then fell asleep. It was so sweet.

Peter gave her a beautiful blessing. (well what I could hear of it was nice but Ayva was making it hard to listen) I missed having Peter's family there but it was nice to have my family finally make it to one. Lillian even wore the same dress that Bella and Ayva both wore.

We followed the blessing up with a nice brunch at our house and Lillian continued to behave herself all day. It's like she knew it was a special day all for her and she just enjoyed it. She is such a sweet girl and we love her very much.

For Sale

We are trying to sell our dining table and chairs for $900. If anyone is interested let me know. We have only had them for about a year and a half but I have decided I want a different style table. Everything is still in great condition.

Catching up

We have had some fun this past week and it all started with a visit from Aunt Emily. Peter's sister Emily flew in from Seattle last Friday and stayed with us through to Sunday. It was so nice to have her here and the girls were thrilled with all the extra attention. We went to the farmers market, played at the swimming pool, enjoyed lots of adult conversation and had some delicious food. I only wish she could have stayed longer. Hopefully next time.

Then Peter took this past week off to help with potty training Ayva. We procrastinated a bit and waited until Tuesday to start. She did great Tuesday morning but then had a couple of accidents in the afternoon. We were all set to have a better day Wednesday but then Ayva woke up sick. She had thrown up during the night and continued to throw up all morning. Needless to say that brought the potty training to a halt. Hopefully we will be able to get back to it today.

I have included some pictures below from our week. First I have some pictures of my Lillies. I grew them myself. (hahaha) Next are a series of pictures from Monday when Peter decided to run through the sprinklers with the girls. He is such an awesome dad! And finally a picture of me with 2/3 of my girls. (Lilly was sleeping and I wasn't about to wake her up for a casual picture)

It's hard to tell from the picture below but the girls have ganged up on Peter and are trying to squirt him with the sprinkler.