Noteworthy November

Usually the first couple of weeks in November tend to be a little chill, but not this year! We had fun and meaningful events to start off our month of gratitude...events that helped me remember some key things I'm thankful for, namely my faith, my family, and this incredible country! We started off the month by celebrating Camden's decision to be baptized. I am so grateful that Jonas has Camden (and Nolan and Lincoln) to grow up with. These are such awesome boys! They are good kids who desire to do good things. Camden could have every reason to feel like God is picking on him (because of his Marfan's), but he is just a happy kid who has faith that everything works out for a reason. It was so rewarding to be asked to speak on baptism at his baptism. It helped me reflect on my own and even Jonas's recent baptism. It helped me remember the promises I made to God and be reminded of His promises to me. After the baptism, I got to hang out with my family for the day. We didn't do anything specific; we just spent time together. We missed Mikey though!

Pretty typical of all our personalities! Just trying to get close to get a picture. Haha!

The week after the baptism, my parents came to stay with me. It has been fun to have them up here for these events. Jonas has never had a Halloween with them...or a Veteran's Day. Now normally that wouldn't be a big deal, but when your grandpa is a Veteran...it's a big deal! This year, Dad got to participate in the Veteran's Day Parade in Payson. This was my first year attending the parade as well, and I was blown away at all the support and respect shown to these incredible men and women. Dad served in the Vietnam War. Upon his return, he was not well-liked for his service. It had been a very controversial war and many prominent Americans voiced their distaste for what occurred and our involvement in it. Because of that, many veterans were cursed at or even spit upon. Dad didn't even like to acknowledge his service for quite some time. So when Dad was gifted a handful of homemade cards from local elementary school kids to thank him for his service, he just began to cry. The tears continued to flow as we drove past all the public schools in Payson - elementary, middle, junior high, and high school. The kids were out in droves to cheer on our Veterans. Dad said his arm got tired from waving so much. Even local residents came out of their houses to honor these brave men and women. It was fun to see how excited Jonas got when we passed his school. He is definitely proud of his papa. After the parade, Mom and I escorted Dad up to Camden's school where he got to have lunch with Camden. That evening, Jonas and I treated Dad to a dinner of his choice, which meant breakfast at Cracker Barrel. It was an incredible day to celebrate another incredible individual.

Rounding out the first couple of weeks, Jeff and I invited our kids (and grandkids) to join us on a tour of the Orem temple. I was so excited to be able to take Jonas into another temple. I am grateful that we live in a time where so many temples are being built. I'm thankful to have so many so close to us as well. Jonas was more engaged as we wandered the sacred halls. He wanted to know what takes place in each of the rooms. Carter even felt something different. As we entered the baptismal room, he wanted to know where Everly was. He was insistent that he needed to give her a hug. He was overcome with love for his sister and his parents. In his own childlike way, he was feeling the Spirit and was expressing it the only way he knew how. I am grateful for temples. I am grateful for the covenants I have made therein. I am thankful for the faith that sustains me from day to day. It may not have been much, but I am grateful that November started off in such a humble way to allow me to reflect on the myriad of things I am thankful for.