Not a Second Thought

It has been interesting, the things I have heard since General Conference last week. I always look so forward to General Conference. Waking up, eating a fantastic breakfast together (which doesn't ever happen on Sunday due to early church meetings), and watching Conference, hearing the wonderful instruction and thoughts of our dear church leaders. This past Conference, when I heard Boyd K. Packer's talk, I can honsetly say I didn't think too much about it. Not a second thought. It was a great talk. I, being a member my entire life, was not at all shocked at the words he spoke. Then, later on in the week Greg informed me of some opposition to his words out in Utah. This saddened me, but I again didn't dwell on it too long. THEN, while talking to my wonderful sister-in-law tonight, America (who really is so wonderful-I am thankful all the time that my brother married such a great woman) she asked me if there had been any backlash in our ward because of that certain talk. I answered, "No, I haven't heard a single thing." She then went on to tell me how sad she was that there were a few people in her ward that were apparently shocked by what Elder Packer said. Huh? She went on to say that a few of them were so torn up about it that they were questioning the church and "couldn't even read their scriptures" because of their personal turmoil. I was completely surprised by this. Can I just say, I DON'T GET IT?! I don't mean to be insensitive at all, but if you are a church member is this really shocking? If you have been through the temple, how can you be surprised by this? As we talked, America told me that those she spoke with honestly thought the church would eventually change their opinion on this subject. Oh, wow! She went on to say that one of the women who was saying this is a YW leader and is now unsure of what to think. Some are even beginning to read anti-mormon websites. It breaks my heart that people are questioning our church leaders. I always look so forward to hearing them speak to us and I KNOW that what they say is so true. As a YW leader myself (and especially a mother of a young child that will have to endure far more in this world than I did), I cannot begin to think about what would happen if we as leaders to the youth would all begin to doubt and falter in our testimonies. Now is the time to hold onto your testimony as tight as you can! Hold on for dear life! My heart hurts right now for those that do not know that this IS the true church. And especially for those that once knew and are letting their testimonies slip through their fingers! Now is the time to stand and be courageous against the things of this world. What does the future hold for us and for the youth of this Church if we don't? If we let the world dictate what we do and what we think all because we don't want to offend others? The Church will NOT ever change it's teachings, and we shouldn't want it to change.

Choose Your Cupcake Wisely

Last night for YW we had a discussion on chastity. We had two great speakers come in and talk to the girls about the importance of remaining chaste. While planning this activity, I came across this great idea on Sugardoodle and decided to end the night with it. I asked the girls to choose between the two types of cupcakes I had brought for them-the first, unbaked, and the second, baked, filled, iced, and beautiful. The girls caught on quick that I was referencing back the chastity message. We discussed how if you eat the raw batter, (break the law of chastity) it can make you sick and you can lose your appetite and it would feel like something is missing. However, if you are patient and wait for the cupcake to bake (wait for marriage), it is so much better and worth it.

I loved this object lesson as soon as I read it, so I wanted to make the cupcakes absolutely irresistible looking. I spent the afternoon making these beauties with my sister. I made chocolate cupcakes with a ganache filled center (which was so yummy), topped with swiss meringue buttercream and a white shimmery fondant flower. I wasn't too impressed with the taste of frosting by itself...but it wasn't bad with the cupcake. I think they turned out fantastic looking!

(Here's the heartbreak of the night...While on my way to the church, the young woman I had picked up was carefully holding my precious cupcakes on her lap when the car in front of me slammed on his/her breaks! All our hard work was now smashed together in a blue mess. There were only 6 cupcakes that were not harmed. I WAS DEVASTATED!! There went my whole thought!! I am so grateful for the women I serve with. They quickly calmed me down when I got to church and all went to work right away to make them presentable again. When I handed them out at the end of the night, they weren't the most perfect looking cupcakes...but I think the YW still got the message!)

The Naughty Spot

I don't think I need to explain this picture. I will say this might be one of my favorite pictures to date and says a lot about our little Lochlan!

Perrysburg

Lochlan and I took a trip without dad to Ohio. Greg's sister, Alysia, was coming into Ohio and everyone wanted us to come up so Lochlan could spend time with his Utah cousins. Greg, unfortunately couldn't go. July is his busiest time of the year at work AND he had to stay back to close on our house! So, Lochlan and I took the journey on our own. I would like to publicly apologize to the poor lady that had to sit next to us on the way up-Lochlan was not on his best behavior. We had a blast with the family. Lochlan LOVED all his cousins, I think by the end of the week he thought he was 4 1/2 too, like the triplets. We got to do tons of fun things while we were up there, here's a little of what we did!
Lots of fun in Nana and Grandpa's backyard.

We went to the "Butterfly House." Which, was so fun!
We also went on the boat on the Maumee River. Lochlan had his very first tubing experience. I'm not sure what he thought about it, because he fell asleep on the boat!

(Savannah-our niece-let Lochlan borrow her pink life jacket...I don't think Greg would have approved if he'd been there.)

Carol, my amazing mother-in-law, took us to this adorable old farm house called the 577 Foundation. They had community gardens which smelled incredible. It inspired me to try to start a garden at our new house-it will take a lot of work, seeing how I kill most green things...but I am always up for learning something new!

At the end of the very fun week, we headed back home to Greg, who was so happy to have us back!

The BIG 3-0! (Not me, Greg)

Happy 30th Birthday Greg! Love you!

Happy 6 Years

Greg and I have been married for six years as of 7/31! I can't believe it has been six years! We were so busy with the new house that we weren't able to really celebrate it until the following week. We went on a little getaway up to St Augustine-Greg had never been there before. Unfortunately, we forgot our camera...fortunately, we each had our phones!

We had a great time exploring the historic little town...until it down poured on us!! Gotta love Florida-one minute sunny, the next soaking wet!

I love St Augustine! One of my favorite parts about the old city is that it was built out of coquina-which is a shellstone. You can see it in the wall in this picture. (Excuse me looking horrible-I had just been rained on!)

We had a such a great weekend! It's been a good 6 years, and I cannot wait for more!

Swim Lessons

At the beginning of May, Lochlan started going to swim lessons- the "Mom and Tot" class, so I get to paddle around with him. It's pretty much just singing funny songs and making them kick their feet, getting them used to swimming. Fun stuff. He is just finishing up his second month and LOVING it! Lochlan has always loved the water, and living in Florida, I think it is so important the kids learn to swim as soon as possible because there is water EVERYWHERE. We have really enjoyed going to swim lessons twice a week at the Palm Bay Aquatic Center. His favorite part by far is the free time at the end when he can go down the slide. On Wednesday, the instructor and one of the lifeguards there took pictures of all the little ones as they went under water. I think this shot is so funny because most kids keep their eyes open...but Lochlan closes his eyes and holds his breath before he goes all the way under! Always so aware of his surroundings. So here is a picture of Lochlan paddling around in the pool.

My Contribution to Sugar Doodle

I should start out by saying that most of my adult life has been spent serving in YW. A calling that I am most happy to fulfill. I LOVE serving in YW. Over the years, I have borrowed many handout ideas from Sugardoodle.net. So, this past week, when my advisor went out of town for her anniversary and didn't get back until Saturday, I told her that I would love to teach so she could enjoy her week and not have to worry about the lesson. I know, I'm super nice that way! As I read through the lesson on Missionary Work, I myself came up with MY OWN cute handout idea, so I just had to share it and will be sharing it with the readers of Sugardoodle. I read a one-liner quote, "Be ye fishers of men...you catch them, he'll clean them" and was inspired. I loved this quote so I attached it to a bag of sweedish fish, tied it closed with fishing line, and made a hook out of jewelry wire. The girls loved it! Here is how thy turned out. Let me know what you think!

Happy Dad's Day

Yesterday, being Father's Day, I wanted to wake up and make Greg a fabulous breakfast in bed...then I remembered that he gets up super early for meetings before church. Scratch that idea, I got up and made him fabulous Pillsbury Orange Rolls! I know, I really went out of my way on this (I thought is was kinda funny and sad, so I took a picture, which makes it even more sad). Greg appreciated that I even got up at 6 something to pop those in the oven. But the day was just beginning. I surprised him with a new tie and some other gifts- I made Lochlan and Greg matching ties for church. Special, right? I am so glad that I have a husband that humors me with my little creations-it obviously not being the type of high quality ties that he is so used to. Still, he wore it happily and matched our little boy for church!
So today I thought I would write about what a great guy I have. I love that my husband can make me laugh, sometimes when I don't feel like laughing. I do love and am so grateful for the fact that I have a craft room and still my stuff seems to trickle out and find itself all over the house and he's ok with it! I love that he gets up everyday to go to a job to take care of us, even though he'd probably rather be at the beach. I love that he comes home, changes from his khakis and polo into some play clothes and runs around with our son, wearing him out for the evening. And I especially love that at the very end of the day, when all the madness has settled, he grabs my hand, says a prayer, and tells me he loves me. I love you, Greg. Thanks for being a great dad and wonderful husband!!
It was also a special day because it was Lochlan's first day of nursery...which he didn't really enjoy. We'll have to work on it.

Finally, a post!

Ok, so I have completely come to the realization that I suck at blogging now. It's true. As my sister-in-law, Kim, put it, "Stephanie, your blog is just sad." So I am finally making time to post. Lochlan is in bed, Greg is at a softball game, and I have time. Yay, for me! So...here's my catch up, my baby is going to be 18 months tomorrow!! I cannot believe how time has flown, it makes me so happy and kinda sad...he'll be leaving on his mission in no time! Crazy. I have loved every second of being this little boy's mom. Here's a little info about Lochlan now that he's 1 1/2:

Lochlan LOVES to swim-we take swimming lessons, the "mom and tot" class is his favorite part of the day.

Lochlan is not a big talker. Or at least he hasn't been. At 12 months he was saying all kinds of things, like, mama, dada, uh-oh, thank you, light, chicken-yes, he said chicken. Then he kinda lost interest. The past few days though, he has been repeating everything and talking up a storm. It has been so enjoyable. I love his babbling, with the occasional word that I understand. Yesterday, (and this is one of the reasons I HAD to blog) he even said "mama, I love you"! (of course, there was some coaching involved, but all the same it was Awesome!)

Lochlan loves to hug and give big kisses. This, I LOVE. He is always so willing to lean over and give his dad or mom a big kiss.

Lochlan loves sports...just like dad. He already has an incredible arm on him. The other week he picked up something in church and chucked it a good three pews back...of course he hit someone square in the forehead which was not good, but all the same, we're pretty proud of his pitching skills and look forward to him taking care of us in our old age on his MLB salary.

Lochlan loves to say prayers at the end of the night. We announce that it's bedtime and he takes both Greg and I by the hand, walks into his room, plops down in front of his bed and folds his arms for prayer. So cute! My testimony grows every night just seeing this. It's like when he points to a painting in our house and tries to say Jesus. It's just amazing, how does a little 18 month KNOW this!!

What an incredible little boy we have!