Building our Testimonies

“Personal, sincere involvement in the scriptures produces faith, hope, and solutions to our daily challenges. Frequently reading, pondering, and applying the lessons of the scriptures, combined with prayer, become an irreplaceable part of gaining and sustaining a strong, vibrant testimony.”

Elder Donald L. Staheli, formerly of the Seventy, “Securing Our Testimonies,” Ensign, Nov. 2004, 39.

Another Priesthood Holder

Well, Colin has finally turned his 12. My parents came for a few days last week, to help celebrate his birthday and be there for his priesthood ordination. We have quite a large Deacons quorum and I was a little taken aback as they all stood up for my mom and I as we walked into the room. The leaders are really teaching these young men how to be polite and courteous. It was very sweet.

Jon was able to perform the ordination and my dad was able to be included in the circle. Connor was also present, since he will still be a deacon for two more months. The spirit was so strong there. It brought tears to my eyes. We now have three priesthood holders in our home. It is such a wonderful feeling. I hope that I can be the kind of mother to my sons that the Stripling Warriors mothers were to them.

I hope that Colin and Connor know how much I love them and am proud of the choices they have made this far in their lives to become worthy priesthood holders...and I look forward to seeing Colin passing the sacrament for the first time next week along side his brother. They are such good examples to their little brothers. I am very blessed to have them as part of our family.

I was trying to find a recent picture of Colin and stumbled across these, which were taken when we went to Tombstone this spring. I thought since after all the talking of Colin's good choices and example, these were a little humorous. I will post a picture soon of Colin in his new Sunday clothes he got for his birthday. :)

Homeschooling

For those of you who don't know yet...I have decided to try homeschooling my kids this year. It's not that they were in horrible schools and the original plan was just to homeschool my two middle school age kids; but the other two decided that they wanted to be as well. I couldn't say no.

So, this past week was the first week of our new adventure. I wish I had pictures to share but, I/m sure all you would see is complete chaos. I think this will be a good thing for our family, it will just take a few weeks until we get a good schedule down that is best for our family.

I am using the k12 curriculum. It is available in several states. K12 is considered a home-based charter school, so the state pays for the materials and even a computer. You also have a teacher assigned to your children, so that should you need help, they are there. One of the best things that I like about it, is that since it is considered "public" school at home, Connor does not lose his special education services. That was a big hold up for me in deciding to take him out if school...he has wanted to be homeschooled for years and now I have found a way that he can without messing up his IEP.

The kids can also work at their own pace. They move move forward as fast as they want or take a little time on something and not feel so rushed. Whenever, they complete a subject early, the school will send next years materials and they can get started early.

Other than the initial craziness, we are all excited to have this opportunity. I'm looking forward to keeping everyone updated on our adventures in schooling.