Back, Back, Back to Shool!

First day of School Pics.

Ashley's looking less than thrilled.....

There's a smile. 

Overall, I think the only one who actually looked forward to going back to school this year was Haley. I think she missed her friends. 

But they all had a good first day anyway. 

Hope we have a great year!

I choose to believe

I haven't put my thoughts to paper (or rather, keyboard?) lately. Thought I'd take a few minutes tonight to do so.

While driving to work today, I was musing about some facebook posts I've seen recently by friends or extended family members who consider themselves to be atheists.

I often think of the conversations we might have with each other if we were discussing my belief and their lack of belief.

They might ask me to prove to them that God exists, and I imagine them smirking when I tell them that I can't prove it to them.

I have no memory of God. And yet I believe.

I believe He is the father of my spirit. I believe He loves me.

Why do I believe this?

Maybe because of those feelings I get now and then.

Like the spring day when I was walking home from visiting a friend and I felt the warmth of the sun's rays on my shoulders and that warmth filled my heart and my soul as the thought came to me that my father was smiling down on me in that moment.

Like the overwhelming feeling of love I feel for others on odd occasions--and not just for my family members, but for perfect strangers at the four way stop on my drive to work. That feeling of love feels like it's ready to burst out of me and I just want to share that love with everyone I come into contact with. And I realize in that moment that it's the same feeling my Father has for every single one of His children.

Like the day when I was feeling so angry and sad all at the same time because my husband had stopped going to church after a very brief period of activity. And my bishop chose in his message that day to share with the congregation my husbands testimony to him during his baptismal interview--something I really needed to hear at that moment.


Does any of this prove that there is a God?
Maybe not to you.
But it's proof to me.
And I choose to believe.

last night

We had some spectacular thunder storms yesterday. 

I loved the way the clouds looked as dusk came on. 

Made for some very humid weather today.
I can't wait for fall.

Baptism Day

So my boys got baptized last weekend. 

Thought I'd just share the pics we took.

There was a rainbow outside when we left the church.

Pretty sweet!

When I am Baptized

I like to look for rainbows,
whenever there is rain.
And ponder on the beauty
of an earth made clean again.
I want my life to be as clean
as earth right after rain.
I want to be the best I can,
And live with God again.

I know when I am baptized,
My wrongs are washed away.
And I can be forgiven
And improve myself each day.
I want my life to be as clean
as earth right after rain.
I want to be the best I can,
And live with God again.
--Nita Dale Milner

They were baptized by their friend's dad. She was also getting bapitzed, so I figured since he would already be there in the water, why not ask.  Jason and Justin really like him a lot too, so I thought it was important for that trust to be there.

Our bishop confirmed them. He's also our home teacher, so it felt right to ask. 

Unfortunately, my parents couldn't make it up for the baptism, otherwise I would have asked my dad to confirm them. It turned out nicely regardless. 

:)