The Life Changer (4 of 10)

I also learned more clearly and distinctly to love the scriptures. And I learned more than before that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. My favorite scripture to share with others was this one found in the book of Mosiah Chapter 2:41

41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and ^ahappy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are ^bblessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out ^cfaithful to the end they are received into ^dheaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.

The Lord blesses us and he will bless us. Not all blessings will come to us in this life, but his works are just and in his eternal time all things have a purpose and a season.

I love the Bible and appreciated the testimonies of many faithful Christians who read it frequently. The Bible has helped me to come unto Christ. I especially love the gospels. My favorite Bible story is the story of the Prodigal Son. The unfaithful son comes back to his father with nothing and says he would be happy to be a servant. The father instead gives him a feast and a ring and celebrates. Our father in heaven will also bless us temporarily and spiritually as we come unto him, repent, are baptized in his name, and follow him.

Recently we had General Conference for our Church. Here is a video of one of our apostles giving his testimony of the Book of Mormon.

http://broadcast.lds.org/genconf/2009/10/50/GC_2009_10_503_HollandJR___eng_.wmv

I give my testimony today, not half a world away, not on a small street, and not in a foreign tongue. But in the comfort of my own home and in my first language, that I know the scriptures are true. The Bible is a wonderful blessing brought about through great sacrifice and the Book of Mormon also came about just as Joseph Smith claimed it did. It is a divine witness of our Savior Jesus Christ.

The Life Changer (3 of 10)

Beautiful Curitiba

I learned a great deal about the city of Curitiba. It is a beautiful place. In fact, Josh agrees that he could imagine living there one day. They boast the largest economy is southern Brazil and the country's first university. They have lots of immigrants from WWII including Italians, Germans and Ukrainians. These cultures come out in language, festivals, and in the food and varying skin colors found.

Curitiba taught me all about buses.

They have an amazing transport system, and though there are over 2.2 million people, you can get around the city without a problem for very inexpensive.

I love the parks in Curitiba. Just picture me with a cheezy grin and some bad sister missionary clothes smiling at the camera in the above pictures. Oh, and I learned about the R.O.U.S.'s (Princess Bride) ya they exist right there in Parque Barigui (last shown). They are called Capybara and I had no idea that they were real!! These Rodents Of Unusual Size can stay under water for hours, but also wander around, they have webbed feet, strange faces and big teeth! I was half afraid of them. They can be the size of a large dog.

We would dare each other to see how close we could get a picture with one!

Another neat thing about this park is the shepherd and his sheep-they would come and eat the grass down so that no lawn mowers were used! Ingenious!

The Life Changer (2 of 10)

I learned patience. I say that tongue and cheek since I'm not sure we ever learn patience. I remember thinking, "I'm prepared because I've had to learn patience with my sisters and my brother." That was nothing. Patience with companions, patience with investigators, patience with the clock and calendar, patience with the mail, patience with the long walks, patience with the rice and beans still cooking, patience with the members. Patience for damp clothes that were hand washed and never quite dry in the humidity, patience for yourself and your ability to learn a language. Patience for prayers to be answered, promises to be kept, people to follow through on commitments. The art of waiting. And not getting stirred up about it.

How Heavenly Father must truly be patient with his children!!

This skill has helped

with my students

with my children

with my family (the one I'm from and the one I joined)

with my callings

with Ivan's cancer, speech delays, pregnancies, and potty-training,

with long hours of residents

with myself

I am thankful everyday for my mission. It helps me be a better person.

I wish there were pictures to post, but please exercise patience. I haven't been able to find the ones I have in digital form.

List

I'm making a list. I only do this when it is getting too long for my small brain. This is one of those times and I thought I might as well share with my friends and family

costumes to make or at least find

Halloween Ward Party to plan and have

2 kids school Fall Parties (one I'm home room mom for)

actual Halloween

I'll be an aunt again!

Ammon turns 3

Orlando turns 6

(both want parties)

Josh and I celebrate 8 years of marriage

Great-great Grandma turns 100 ( quick trip to AR later this week)

I'm taking 6 hours of online credits with a deadline of December

I have 40 more "seat" hours of professional development to bust out also by December

Thanksgiving (gobble, gobble.)

oh ya, and Christmas (which Josh and I may celebrate a different day due to his ridiculous schedule and a trip to TX)

ward Christmas Party to plan and carry out by the 5th (any ideas?)

Josh's birthday (also the 5th)

volunteering in classes for my boys regularly

Going to Dallas for a wedding by Jan. 2nd. -get tuxes for Josh and Lando

(and what the heck will I wear?!)

And then the "regular stuff"

ya know

homework assignments

Karate classes

laundry

meals

house to clean

etc....

Luau

The Luau and camp out went pretty well, though not without some last minute stress. My main food lady was attacked with gall bladder issues the day before-still she was SO organized stuff could be re-distributed quite easily. My bad things were a little salty. I didn't know Hawaiian Sea Salt is less Salty than Sea Salt. Hmm...well, I won't forget that lesson!

People came-phew. I always worry about turn out. I know activities don't meet every one's need, but I hope many will find it worth their time. We had dancing, great Hawaiian food, and of course campfires, perfect weather, and s'mores! Who could ask for anything more?

Well, I wish Josh had been there. But a special thanks to those who helped with my tent and my kids, food, decorations, etc. I really appreciate you, Worthington Ward!

Boo!

I was asked to teach a basic class on cake decorating. That is especially ironic since I don't know that much. Still, I love to decorate cakes for my kids birthdays and I've been wanting to work with fondant again, so I decided in the 7 minute power class (taught 5 times) I would show the ladies how to make a fondant ghost (or something of the sort).

It went pretty well. I learned more about fondant, like buying name brand IS important. (marshmallows and powdered sugar). I also learned how time consuming it is to make and color, plus you need a butter cream icing so it tastes decent.

Overall, I'd call is successful. Hopefully I'll get to work with it again soon!

Gym Top Ten

Top Ten Reasons to not quit the gym:
Pound #1
Pound #2
Pound #3
Pound #4
Pound#5
Pound #6
Pound #7
Pound #8
Pound #9
Pound #10

Top Ten Reasons To quit the gym
10. My kids always throw a fit and don't like it
9. I compare myself to others more
8. It is very commercial and gets old
7. I see videos and hear music I don't like
6. I worry less about what I eat in social settings and thus enjoy life more
5. less rush to get around, to get to school, to get anywhere
4. it saves money
3. more story time, longer bath time, homework time, down time
2. the boy's are actually watching less TV because we are doing things like board games and baking
1. Ammon has potty trained!

Yes, home is a beautiful place to spend some time. I spent a good part of last year going to the gym almost daily. It worked. Sort of. I eventually lost 10 pounds, but it took months and months, plus dieting. Now, I don't want to gain a bunch of weight and I don't want to be out of shape. But really it wasn't a balance. Spending over 2 hours (getting ready, going and coming, extra showers, etc). Plus even though there was childcare it was busy and hectic.

So, I have a cheapo (Craig's list 80 dollar) elliptical and I have my boys who are only going to be young a very short time and then next year it is full time school.
So, I have a few more pounds.
So, I think I'm getting a better perspective on what is important.
So, I might go back one day.
But for now...
I am content.