Cooking

I would not consider myself a cook, in fact I would probably rather clean a bathroom than cook. I believe it's a Wasburn trait since not one of my sisters enjoys cooking. However, with that said, I do like it when I try my hand at something new and my family loves it. Tonight was one of those nights. I decided to try a new recipe for roasted sausage and potatoes. In an attempt to make it healthier I added a lot if extra vegetables. I was worried it wouldn't turn out, but it did and it was fabulous! It was nice to have so many compliments from my family, including picky little Gideon.
The best part of the night was when I was prepping and Lily said, "I like this Mom, we should do it more often." So new goal- cook more with Lily. :)

Because of Him

April19th-
Today Mom and I took the kids to the park across the street for a ward pancake breakfast and Easter egg hunt. Then Mom so kindly watched them for a few hours so that I could get some chores completed. Wes got home thuds afternoon and we went to out family dinner at Peter Piper Pizza. Afterwards we did a glow in the dark Easter egg hunt. The kids had a blast all day long and although it was busy it was worth every fun-filled minute.

April 20th-
Today is Easter. I have had a lot of thoughts go through my mind and the Spirit has been close to the surface for a week or so now. At the Easter pageant this week I watched the parable of the 10 virgins scene and thought to myself how hard it must have been for the 5 who had enough oil to leave behind the 5 who didn't. They were probably leaving friends and family, but they had to press forward, they could not wait and possibly lose their salvation. We have to do the same, we cannot let those who are not prepared keep us behind.
Then today as I watched the #BecauseofHum video on Mormon.org I was filled with so much awe and wonder and saw the atonement as I never have before. I would share those feelings, but they Are tender and everyone should see it themselves. The following is the link, happy Easter.

Because of Him

More Reminders

Things that I was reminded of today....
1) Never judge, we never know what others are going through. Sometimes even those we are closest to have trials we will never know of or understand.
2) Sometimes it requires every waking moment in order to focus on not yelling at your kids, and even then it's difficult.
3) Michael's and 4 children do not mix well. (Hence the previous comment.)
4) One on one time with a child is amazing and needs to occur more frequently in our home.
5) I miss my husband and do not sleep well when he's not home.
6) Love is something we need to consistently work at, it is not always something we say, it is something we do.
7) Perfectionism hurts and should not be forced on others.
8) Cleaning and organizing a closet while the kids play, means the other 95% of the house is trashed.
9) 5 Guys has delicious hamburgers and fries (and are better when eaten with friends) and Mi Amigos fajitas are fabulous (and are better when eaten with family).
10) The atonement is real and applies to all of us!!!!

Christ- His Last Days

This video explains the last days of Christ so well.

The Last Days

Christ- Was a Little Child

In the craziness of my evening I forgot complete todays Easter week activity with the kids, which was to read Luke 2:40 and 52 and sing "Jesus Once was a Little Child". It looks like tomorrow we'll be doing 2 of the 7 day activities.

However, I did read a few scriptures to the kids about being kind to our brothers that I found in 3 Nephi 12. Steele was shocked when I read him the part about those being angry with their brothers or calling others a "fool" will be in danger of "hell fire". We talked about the need to be kind to our siblings because that is what we are commanded to do by Christ and our Heavenly Father. I think the "hell fire" part might have scared him a little bit, hopefully he will think about it next time he calls Gideon a name or starts to pick on him. :)

I sure love these sweet, but crazy kids. I learn from them daily. I hope every day that I can help them to "increase in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man." Just as Christ did as a child and also to "[grow] and [wax] strong in spirit". This is my main focus in life in hopes that they will choose the right path and we can eventually be together for eternity with our Father and Jesus Christ.

Christ- Was Born

Tonight for FHE I utilized a link on lds.org that uses scriptures, pictures and songs teaches about Christ and the different stages of His life. Day 1 was "Heavenly Father sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to be born on earth." It also shares the scripture Luke 2:4-7 and recommends singing "He Sent His Son" from the Children's Song Book.

This was such a fun activity, even though it was short, to do with the kids. They love to sing and because the verses were short, we were able to go through and talk about each verse and what the mean. At the end I quizzed the kids a little on what we had learned. I am always amazed at what Steele is able to recall and how well he knows the gospel. I often wonder if he is listening to me, but then he surprises me by answering so many questions correctly. Hopefully as we continue to have FHE and as we continue to teach them each day, they will all obtain knowledge and develop their own testimonies. More than anything else in the life, I want my children to grow and be able to have their own individual testimony of the gospel and of Christ.

Here is the link to Seven Days of Easter. May it be as useful to your home as it was in mine tonight.

Christ- He Lives

In preparation for Easter Sunday, I thought I would dedicate all my blog entries this week to the true meaning of Easter which is Christ. My feelings concerning my Savior have been very close to the surface over the last few weeks. I have always known that He is the Redeemer of the world and has atoned for my sins, but recently my love for Him has grown.

This last week on 3 seperate occasions I have had a spiritual witness that He loves me! He knows me! He has accomplished all that needs to be accomplished for me to have eternal life! Something that I alone could never be worthy of obtaining. I have attended the Easter Pageant many times over the years, but this week as I watched them portray Christ's suffering both before and on the cross, my heart ached like never before. I felt a grief in my soul that I cannot describe. He is truly my Brother and I cried knowing that this man I love suffered for me, has overcome for me and wants me to return to Him again.

I may not know a lot, but this I do know, I...we...everyone has a Savior. He loves each of us. He knows us and He has atoned and overcome the bands of death so that we might live again, just as He lives now. May I do as our Sunday school teacher challenged us today, and that is to make the atonement a part of our lives each and every day. I know as I do this I will draw ever closer to this perfect Man of whom I love and respect with all my heart.

The following link is an excellent video. It is called He is Risen. May it speak to your spirit as it has to mine. Happy Sabbath.

He is Risen