Reflection

Months ago (maybe even a year or more ago) a good friend of mine asked me why Mormons don't drink coffee. For some reason I have been thinking about her question lately and grew kind of ashamed of my pathetic answer. The original answer I gave her was about lactic acid and the physical reasons coffee is not good for you, but in actuality I don't give a darn about why its not good for me. I do plenty of things that are not physically good for me. I eat things that I shouldn't (which is why I had to have a weight loss surgery 2 years ago), I don't exercise enough, I bite my finger nails, and don't get enough sleep. Coffee not being good for me is not the reason I don't drink it. So why? Well, I believe that I am a member of the only true Church of Jesus Christ on this earth. I believe it is the same church established by Jesus Christ himself when He was on the earth. I believe it was restored to the earth by Jesus Christ through a modern day prophet, Joseph Smith and I believe it is led by a living prophet now, Thomas Monson. Before Joseph Smith was martyred he was given a commandment called the Word of Wisdom in which we were commanded not to drink coffee (or strong drink) along with other guidelines. I want to be worthy to enter the Holy Temple and I can't do that if I drink coffee. I need to be better about following the other health guidelines in the Word of Wisdom, my life would be better if I did. So there you go. That is why I have never drank coffee, alcohol, or tea or smoked a cigarette. I have never had even an inkling of a desire to try them. If anyone ever asks me again I will be brave enough to give an honest answer.

Family Pictures - My Funny Wesley

We went to take family pictures a few weekends ago. To say Wesley was in one of his "moods" would be an understatement!

Below are a few of the classics. Note: none of these will be put on the Christmas card!

 The afternoon started with me chasing Wesley down the railroad tracks in my friend's high  heel boots screaming threats.

 So he decided to growl, pout, or snarl for the next 40 minutes.

 Can't have a family photo shoot without beast mom wanting to strangle someone.

 These are the 2nd set of him about to run away. By this time at least he would smile when he thought he was being clever.

 All these zombie faces really wore him out...so he pretended to take a nap.

 And the zombie has returned.

And finally a keeper...he was so proud of himself funny kid!

Luckily we did get a few Christmas card worthy shots (to be shared later).

Disneyland 2013

On Thanksgiving this year we went to Disneyland  with the majority of both of our families (the Hulse & Percival clans) .  

 People kept telling us it was going to be so busy, but it wasn't. Johnny waited in the longest line (30 min) at Indiana Jones with Daniel and Jaxon (while I rode every ride in Fantasy Land with Garrett and Wesley). Daniel and Jaxon were excited to ride until the got up to the front of the line then chickened out! Ha! We used a front of the line pass they gave us to get on any other ride for Space Mountain as the last ride of the night.

 Most of Johnny's family went in a different direction than us but we stayed with my parent's and sister's.

 Going to Disneyland with kids is a totally different experience than going as a teenager. It felt less rushed to get everything in yet we still did everything we wanted (except Matterhorn which closed when we reached the front of the line, of course!). We even sat and watched a parade, which I had always avoided in the past. I had also planned to stay until close, but the kids were crashing so we left a little early.

 We had such a great day! I hope my kids have wonderful memories of going to Disneyland and the magic felt there.

 Luckily the rain held off and we had a perfect cool sunshiny day.

 Garrett passed out on my dad who was content to hold him. I was so happy to spend the day with family!

Next time I will bring an extra battery or some way to charge my phone so I can take more pictures! Also, we will have to stay a few days to do more of the little stuff and explore CA Adventure.

Daniel's Baptism

Our oldest son Daniel was baptized on Saturday the 30th. We really wanted to make sure Daniel understood the choice he was making so he took the missionary discussions the 6 weeks before the baptism. It was interesting to watch him during the discussions. As a parent I was so proud every time he would answer the questions correctly. I think I may have jumped up and cheered a few times. We have been teaching him about baptism and covenants his whole life. When he would not only answer the questions but add his thoughts or feelings to the standard answer I could hardly contain myself! What an amazing son we have!

 Johnny was so excited to baptize Danny. I have some memories of my baptism, mostly feelings I had, but Johnny remembers specific things about his father baptizing him and for him to baptize Daniel it was a very special opportunity. We actually requested special permission from the Stake Presidency to have the baptism a week early to make sure Johnny would be home from work. Usually he works Saturdays but was off this past weekend due to Thanksgiving.

 We had so many people in town for Thanksgiving and the baptism the weekend flew by in a little bit of a blur. We are just so grateful to everyone who made the effort to come and support Daniel on this very special day in his life. When I stood up at the end and looked out at all the friends and family who came (the room was packed) I really felt their love and support. Even Daniel and Jaxon's teachers came. It was a perfect day and Daniel is so excited he was finally old enough to be baptized and join the Church of Jesus Christ.