Jesus Christ IS the Prince of Peace.

Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace.  His peace is present in the temple, His Holy House. I know it because I’ve felt it. We're blessed with temples that dot the earth, filling the world with the peace of our Savior. I am grateful for the peace and joy I felt this week as I attended the Bountiful Temple. This temple is currently getting a few repairs to become stronger and leak proof. Inside the temple we too can be made stronger, repair our follies, restore peace, and fortify our leaks and weaknesses. Which is all possible because of our loving Savior, Jesus Christ who atoned, suffered, and died to make us better.

Bountiful, Utah Temple under repairs - April 2017

Recently I was reminded of another time I felt immense peace while at the temple.  It was when my grandmother died about 16 years ago.  I was sorrowful.  While she was older, it was still an unexpected death.  A day or two after her death, I had a strong feeling to go to the temple.  I needed some peace and if there is anywhere heavenly on earth, it is at the temple.  With a prayer in my heart, I went knowing I would feel better but was hopeful that I might feel my grandmother close to me too. 

My grandmother has always been an example to look to of temple service.  She and my grandpa served in the Manti Temple for years. Grandma also worked at Beehive Clothing (which is now the Church Distribution Center) where the temple garment and temple clothes could be purchased.  I was blessed to learn the importance of these sacred clothing items from both my mother and my grandmother.  Grandma personally made for me part of my temple clothing.  It’s awesome, because I always have a little bit of her with me whenever I go the temple. That day at the temple 16 years ago, the importance of this temple clothing gift was realized.  Peace and joy filled my soul as I recognized this tender mercy.

Another special thing that happened that day at the temple was one of the temple workers during the session I was attending looked so much like my grandma.  Even a few mannerisms were like grandma’s.  It was incredibly wonderful!  This tender mercy added to the peace I so desired.  In the Lord’s house, He was showing me that He was aware of my heartache.  He was making me stronger.  The Prince of Peace was helping to fortify me and help with my weeping and my own leaking. 

Because of Jesus Christ faithfully completing His life’s mission, my grandmother lives and will one day be resurrected and I will see her again. I know that.  I too will have this miraculous gift.  All of us will.  Oh, it is wonderful!  Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace!  He brings and restores peace to my life all the time. 

This Easter season I give thanks and praise to Jesus Christ!  As I have thought about Him and the Prince of Peace campaign, I was thinking there is no Easter music that plays over the radio for weeks like there is during Christmas time. To me, the world doesn’t seem to honor Jesus Christ or praise Him much during Easter.  It’s sad.  President Hinckley once said “There would be no Christmas if there had not been Easter. The babe Jesus of Bethlehem would be but another baby without the redeeming Christ of Gethsemane and Calvary, and the triumphant fact of the Resurrection.” I decided a few weeks ago to create playlist of Easter Music, music about the Savior.  It has been perfect for me and has added to my devotion to Jesus Christ and increased my understanding and awe of His atonement so much.  Worthy music helps me feel the spirit, understand and learn truth; it fills my soul with goodness and brings peace to my life. 

In my scripture reading this morning, verses that I have read numerous times before, today this particular verse seemed to jump off the page: "To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world." (D&C 46:13) I have been blessed with this gift!! I know He is God's Son!! Jesus Christ came to earth to do Heavenly Father's will. Jesus had a divine mission. He was crucified, but has resurrected, and lives! He lovingly, patiently, faithfully, and miraculously fulfilled that mission for you and me. Because of Jesus Christ, every one of us can be forgiven of our mistakes, have peace in our lives, be redeemed from sin, become stronger in our weaknesses, and one day have resurrected bodies like Jesus and be joined again with loved ones. Jesus Christ IS our Savior and Redeemer! 

How does Jesus Christ bring peace to my life?  He does so as I come unto Him through good music, being in His temple, praying with faith, reading His words in the scriptures, seeing His tender mercies in my life, and recognizing His sacrifice and wondrous gift of the atonement and resurrection.  All of this brings peace to my life.  Jesus Christ IS the Prince of Peace.  

Who is Jesus Christ?  Here is a 60-second video that will tell you about this miraculous man. To know learn more about the Prince of Peace, you can at mormon.org.  Happy Easter!  

FHE - The Topic, 2016 Mutual Theme

FHE Discussion Tonight will be on the 2016 Mutual Theme.

“Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life” (2 Nephi 31:20).

1.  Pick a scripture phrase BELOW that you would like to teach about at FHE and let Mom know.  “First come, first serve.”

2.  Study and Ponder this scripture phrase and what it means to you.  

3.  At FHE tonight, teach us about this and what ways we can better live this principle. 

4.  Explain why we would want to live it. 

5.  You can use other scriptures, words from prophets and apostles, stories or personal experiences, a church Hymn, etc., to help with your FHE teaching.  Consider bearing your testimony of the principle too.  Please plan to take 3 to 5 minutes. 

Thank you in advance!  Looking forward to what you will all share as well as enjoying yummy FHE treats with you. J  I’m refreshments too.  Please also check on what your assignment is for the 3rd week and come to FHE prepared. 

·         Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope

·         Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ,…. and a love of God and of all men.

·         Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ,

·         Wherefore, if ye shall press forward,… and endure to the end

·         Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, …., behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life

Fresh, Picked Raspberries and What the Berries Teach Me

It sure is gratifying to be able to pick raspberries so fresh and yummy from my own garden. Plus, the raspberries have taught me a few things over the years....  Often the really red, biggest, and sweeter berries are safely hidden and growing under the safety of the leaves and not out so all can see. What's not red and ripe today might be perfectly ready tomorrow. Sometimes it's best to take a step back and take a look at a different angle to find those hidden berries. And, raspberries are a lot easier to take care of manage than our cherry trees. Raspberries, I like you more.

Another Graduation and Thanks to Windridge Elementary!

Another graduation today! Yesterday was Abbey’s HS graduation; today Eliza graduated from 6th grade, elementary school. I wasn’t planning to be emotional but I couldn’t hold back the tears sitting in that room with a lot of parents and a whole lot of 6th graders. I’m sure having Abbey graduate yesterday and also sending Emily off for her 10-week summer internship played into those emotions too. But really, my tears were not so much about sadness.  Instead, I was overcome with feelings of gratitude. Gratitude for having all of my children attend what I feel is the best elementary school ever! Which, I really have no merit in professing that; because it is the only elementary school my children have ever attended. 

Eliza's 6th grade graduation day from Windridge Elementary school.
LtoR - Lance, Eliza, LuAnn (teary eyes), and Andrew (allergy eyes)

In 2000 Lance and I were looking for our first home.  It was a struggle.  Nothing seemed right or felt right in the locations we were looking.  We were separating from military activity duty and time was running short.  We needed to find a home quick.  One particular day, when we began our home search, I prayed that God would lead us to a neighborhood that would be good for our children, a place where they would have good friends and go to good schools.  I know that prayer has been answered many times. But today, during a 6th grade graduation, ending our 16 years at Windridge elementary school, I was easily reminded of how blessed my children and entire family have been by the plea of that prayer.

Our family moved into our home on 500 East just a few months before Emily, our first child, would begin Kindergarten.  Memories of Windridge Elementary school just flooded my mind during today’s graduation.

Memories of the 1st grade Christmas program, 2nd grade Patriotic assembly, the Utah 4th grade program, and the 5th grade program all about our wonderful American History.  Those were touching programs for me and I appreciate the teachers that helped my children learn the songs that have been forever engrained in their minds, helping to give my children their own sense of pride and gratitude for our country and state. 

I thought about all the great teachers my children have had over the years.  We’ve had our favorites and those not so favorite.  But each one of those teachers was the right one for my child at that time.  When it would come time to begin a new school year, I would pray that my children would get the teacher that was right for them.  I never felt a need to ask or request a teacher.  My children and I would hope, but in the end we trusted in God and the decision.  Sometimes we would have to grit through the disappointment when “friends” were not in the same class. In the end, it all worked out and I believe we’ve all been better because of it.  Windridge has some amazing teachers!  They go above and beyond in so many ways.  As the 6th grade teachers spoke today, I was overcome with gratitude for them.  I could feel the love, care, and concern these teachers have for their students.  It wasn’t just today I felt that, but it seems to have been my experience at every 6th grade graduation.  I really love and admire these teachers and how they’ve loved, taught, pushed, provided wonderful opportunities for my children, and helped prepare them for the next step – junior high.  Teachers at Windridge continue to be a support and example to all of my children. 

Appreciation and thanks filled me too as I looked around the room to see parents that I’ve seen at the school countless times, helping in so many good ways, giving hours and hours of service for our children, my children.  PTA presidents, PTA board members, room mothers, parent classroom volunteers and more!  Windridge elementary, the school tucked safely within the neighborhood, has the most amazing and supportive parents!  It’s been a wonder to be a part of!  Because of these parents and many of them are my friends, they have also been a blessing in my life and my children’s lives over the years.  Thank you!

I was also filled with gratitude for the experience Eliza has had serving as a student council member this year and the unique opportunity that has been for her.  She has learned some great leadership skills, made some lasting friendships, participated in some wonderful service opportunities, and has been on the side to see what hard work and planning goes into events.  All of these things I was grateful she got to experience as I sat there honoring her today. Thank you, Mrs. Harris. 

Thank you everyone!  From the awesome principals over the years, the kind secretaries and custodial help, to the ground duty for helping my children learn some of the hard-knock lessons and some growing pains at recess, to the friendly crossing guard, and the many others who’ve helped and been influential at Windridge Elementary and in my children’s lives.  You are a blessing! 

I could go on, as there are many more memories in my mind and my heart.  My soul really is filled with gratitude and yet, perhaps a little sad as I close a chapter on our families’ elementary years.  For now though, the tears have stopped and I feel better expressing myself AND I can talk now without blubbering. :)

Mrs. Williams, Eliza's 6th grade teacher - 2016

Andrew's 6th grade graduation with his teachers, Mrs. Carlile and Mrs. Workman - 2012

Working on finding Abbey's picture with Mrs. Carlile and Mrs. Workman

when she graduated from 6th grade in 2010. 

Emily's 6th grade graduation with her teacher, Ms. Schultz - 2007

Years of Campaigning for School Class Officer

I'm so proud of my children! Never, would I have had the courage to run for class or student body officer when I was in school 30 years ago. A few times I did help friends with their campaigns by making posters and mass assembling little papers, which would announce the candidate to vote for and attaching some type of trinket or little goodies on it. Only to have hours of hard work cluttering the hallways at school. I was too afraid to run and did not want to put myself out there like that. Besides, candidates were required to do a speech or a skit, which could possibly be complete and ultimate humiliation. So yes, I'm proud of my children for even wanting to "run" for a class officer position.  

Abbey was the first child to run in the end of her 6th grade year for a spot as an officer at Farmington Junior High for 7th grade. Only one person from each of the elementary schools would be elected to go on and represent the 7th graders. Abbey's slogan on her 1 poster was "Don't be Crabby, vote for Abbey". She did so well!  Lance and I were thrilled she did this. So was her older sister, who really encouraged Abbey, because Emily regretted not running for officer herself. Abbey came soooo close! She lost by 1 vote to Elijah McKay.  

Then there was Andrew, he also ran in 6th grade for 7th grade class officer at KJH (our school boundaries changed in the middle of Abbey's 8th grade year). His slogan - "Got Andrew". It was pretty clever. He too lost by only a few votes to Brandon Lee.  

Andrew choose not to run for 8th grade officer, not sure or cannot remember why. He tried again for 9th grade officer. Andrew was so brave and not embarrassed at all with this campaign using Depends underwear! He didn't win. Parker, Ryan, and Jacee did. Not to be stopped, he ran for 9th grade appointed officer. Still, he did not make that either. However, at the last half of the school year, he was a TA (teacher's assistant) for his French teacher, Madame Clarke. Madame was the teacher adviser over the class officers during 7th period and it ended up that Andrew was the TA for that period so he got in on the action and ended up helping a lot. He really enjoyed it.  

Andrew did not try running for 10th grade, instead his sister, Abbey, convinced him to be an FCCLA officer - vice president of public relations. Abbey, and her friend, Abby were the presidents of the club. This was exciting at first, especially as he started high school. He got to participate in extra activities, made even more friends, and had the opportunity to participate with Abbey in FCCLA Star Events last month and did very well.  

  

For the last few weeks, he has been running for Junior class officer.  I'm so proud of him for trying it again! He made the first round and went on this week to finish out the campaign. Abbey was his "campaign manager" and helped him with posters and banners and hanging them up too. While visiting Emily at college, we enlisted her help as well to write on a few posters. It's a good thing Abbey was the campaign manager because this mom was frowning on the "sexy", the tattoos, and Shakira's hips. Who would have thought that his dressing up as Redfoo (I don't even know who he is) at Halloween would come in so handy with his campaign (thanks, Aunt Nancy). Woot! Woot! Andrew was announced today as 1 of the 4 winners as a Junior class officer! His courage pleased me, as did his desire and willingness to try again and not to give up because of past disappointments. At home I felt he was was very "chill" with his campaign and did not try to overly influence others or go over the top with what he was doing, and maybe he was different at school, but I don't think so. His attitude was if he made it great, if not, that's okay too. Andrew has many friends and is a natural leader. I remember one of the mom's from his playgroup, when he was 3 or 4, saying that she wouldn't be surprised if he became president of the United States some day. As a side note, I WISH he were running for U.S. president right now. Out of all the candidates running for the 2017 presidential office, he would by far be my #1 choice. Take a look at some of the photos from Andrew's campaign.

 

 

  

Next candidate, Eliza. She too exhibited great bravery and courage. Last weekend was a busy one coming up with sayings and ideas and making posters for Andrew and Eliza. I was happy when my sister, Sherrie, helped Eliza create a 3-D type umbrella for her poster when the family was here for dinner. It turned out cute! Eliza's poster was hung up on Monday and we got to see it when we went to the school for the super science night. Candidates didn't do any campaigning this week but today was the day she delivered her speech. While she has become a good little writer, she had a hard time coming up with and writing a speech. She was frustrated. But at last, by 10 p.m. last night she had something really great down on paper. This morning, her older sister was home for the day from college so she curled Eliza's hair and Eliza was dressed up and looking sharp. Her speech was first thing this morning. Eliza told us she was second to last to give her speech. Choosing not to tell the joke, instead, to begin her speech loudly as she was walking down the isle to the front podium. She has such spunk!  Eliza excitedly involved her classmates right at the beginning with her speech. I wish I would have seen her in action, but she preferred me not to come. At the end of the school day, the candidates were called out to the hall and teachers let them know who the winner was. Once again, the Thaxton child comes up just a few votes short to win. This time, 3 votes shy and beat out by Jack Harris. Jack had a "super" campaign and Eliza really is happy that Jack will be representing them at KJH next year. I was well pleased with Eliza! She did a lot of hard things, hopefully proving to herself that she CAN do hard things. Eliza was feeling sad, of course, but was handling things real well when she came home. It was sweet to see the compassion and care extended to her by Abbey and Andrew, both who have been in the same position. Eliza has a great attitude! The 6th grade teachers commented on how great all of the speeches were, some of the best they've ever heard. I think this helped Eliza know that she did her very best. What helped a lot too is that all week we've been praying for both of our candidates that they could do their very best and trust in God and His will for them. "Come what may...."

 

How’s it going 6th grade? I can’t hear you! (Pause) That’s much better! 
Here’s a question. Can a kangaroo jump higher than the Empire State Building? Well of course it can, the Empire State Building can’t jump. 
Fellow friends and classmates, I can’t offer you a free trip around the world, a free Iphone6S, a doughnut, or any other bribe - but I can offer you my very best effort in representing you at KJH if elected to be your 7th grade class officer. 
I want to be a 7th grade class officer because I like to be involved and I have some good ideas. I am responsible, outgoing and friendly. As a student council member this year it has been an honor to be a part of this student group. I have enjoyed being involved with activities and events that have benefited YOU and our entire school. I have learned great leadership skills. I have actually seen and experienced how much effort, responsibility, and creativity go into planning school events. It takes everyone working together and following through with assignments. Being part of group that represents others can be hard work and is a BIG responsibility, but I feel I have what it takes to represent you – my friends, classmates, and soon to be Kaysville Knights.  
Give me a shout if you want to be the next Messi. Give me some love if you want to become the new Adele. Now hit me with your screams if you want to become the new Dr. Seuss or Steph Curry. Raise your voices if you want to be the next Jedi Master. Get loud if you just want to become your own individual and make your own history. Whatever it is, that you want to become, let me be the person to help you reach your full potential. 
Please vote Eliza Thaxton for 7th grade rep, She’s Got ‘Ya Covered!

Thinking about these campaigns gives me joy as I remember my children's experiences of having courage and wanting to participate. Having hopes of leading their classmates. Learning important life lessons along the way. I don't know how many more class campaign elections we will have, but I do want to record what we have done so we might always remember. 

As I come to the conclusion, I am recalling that I saw a photo of Lance's great grandfather, Andrew George Lavin, who was also a candidate once. I wonder if this where my kids get some of their political drive.  

You might also enjoy my other blog post about Andrew, "My Favorite Son, Andrew"

Happy 20th Anniversary! The Family: A Proclamation to the World

I was living in California, finally a mother, with an almost one-year old daughter, attending a General Relief Society meeting and heard this statement on the family. (https://www.lds.org/…/stand-strong-against-the-wiles-of-the…) I recall, as President Hinckley read it, that it wasn't new doctrine to me. Still, it was important and I could sense the urgency. As the months and years passed, I began to understand and truly see the wisdom and significance of "The Family: A Proclamation to the World". My testimony of prophets and apostles was strengthened as I would contemplate their foresight and prophecy in preparing and sharing this statement not only for church members but for the entire world! The family proclamation has been hanging on the wall of our home for years in different arrangements and it has always been a guide - helping me personally and in living my family life. It has given me strength to understand God's way of family when the world often tells me otherwise. The proclamation on the family continues to be a most prophetic, helpful and instructive guide in making myself and our family better and how to protect my marriage and family. I love my family! Goodness, we have our challenges and sometimes we quarrel. But despite it all, I am really grateful to be a wife and a mother and to have a loving and faithful companion by my side to work together raising our four terrific children. Happy 20th Anniversary to "The Family: A Proclamation to the World"!!!


For a bit more on this, see:
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865637432/LDS-Church-celebrates-20th-anniversary-of-The-Family-A-Proclamation-to-the-World.html?pg=all

An Evening With Andrew, Always to Remember

Last Thursday night was a memorable one with my son, Andrew.  

A few weeks ago Lance and I received an email that Andrew was going to be recognized and given an award.  A few days later, it was followed up by a special invitation sent in the mail, inviting us to attend the 9th grade Awards Night at Andrew's junior high.  It was a kind of a mystery to us of what the award could be.

Andrew decided to take me to dinner for this special occasion.  We decided to go before the event and both picked one of our favorite, yummy places - Olive Garden.  I drove us there but Andrew paid for our dinner.  Really.  Just He and I.  His dad was out of town but would be so proud of his son's kindness, Andrew even opened doors for me.  It was nice of Andrew and very enjoyable - the food was good but the company even better.  I felt so special that he would do this for me, his mother  Andrew was dressed up and looking handsome in his new, grey, 3-piece suit.

After dinner, it was off to the junior high for the awards night. We got there in plenty of time and avoided some rain in the process. It was funny how the award was presented, but Andrew was awarded an outstanding student award for foreign language.  He and a girl, were nominated and presented the award by Madame Clarke.  

There where many of Andrew's friends that he has grown up with that also received awards. It was awesome to see these kids awarded for their goodness and greatness and hear the kind and encouraging words said about them.  It's always nice to be praised and recognized. The youth awarded this night were no exception, many of the smiles were big when the teachers were speaking about them.  

L to R:  McKay Baker,  Alic Weltz, Porter VanDrimmlen, Andrew Thaxton, Isaac Crosby, Micheal Calvin, and Sam Layton

Thank you, Andrew, for a memorable evening and for the great kid and awesome son you are!  I love you!!!  

Side note... On Mother's Day, while lying on the couch using his phone, Andrew told me, "by the way mom, when I took you to dinner Thursday night, that was my Mother's Day gift to you."  :)