Changing direction

For quite some time now, I have been feeling prompted to take advantage of so called “social networking” to share and record my testimony as I study various gospel principles. And, for quite some time, I’ve been dragging my feet, unsure of how to do it and what to say, among other “I don’t have time” excuses. Well, today is the day. From now on, my blog will be devoted to the gospel and what He wants me to use it for (I know my kids are cute, but you can see them on Facebook). The Lord has been patient with me and I also know He will give me guidance. I don’t even come close to knowing everything, so please comment, share, ask questions and join me on this journey.

It’s been tough to decide what my first topic will be. I’ve been studying grace and patience a lot lately (I’m guessing I’m not the only mom in need of those), but I want to take on a broader subject first, a saying really: to be in the world and not of the world. It’s a phrase I’m familiar with, but I actually didn’t know exactly where it came from…embarrassing, right? Nah, I’m not perfect and I learn something new every day. In John 17: 14-15 as Christ gives the intercessory prayer, He prays for His apostles and the saints: “…and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.” As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I know what it’s like for my beliefs to be hated as I’m sure others of different religions may have felt too. I don’t think I, as a person have been hated, but my faith has definitely been hated. I can see how it could be easy to fall away and become “of the world.” Society as a whole doesn’t look on faith, charity and godliness as good traits, let alone prayer or accountability to God (among a loooong list of other qualities). We have to be in this world, we were sent here to learn, grow and be found worthy, but we do not have to be of the world. The question is, how do we do this? My answer is that we absolutely cannot do it without our Savior Jesus Christ. Every single day, I need to get on my knees and ask for His help. I’ll admit there are times I’m not good about this and boy do I notice a difference. When I ask for the Lord to help me, life is still difficult at times, but the burden is lighter. I recently heard this phrase, “Right choices, lead to more right choices.” It is never too late to make a good choice, just one good choice can lead to many more. When I am doing what’s right, I feel the Spirit swell in my heart reminding me who I am, why I'm here and where I am going and it really does get easier to be in the world and not of the world.

Scripture references:

John 17:14-17

John 1:10

April

April was really good to us (besides the crummy weather). We enjoyed Easter with great friends and everyone grew another month older. I really do feel like I'm handling motherhood well right now. 4 is VERY busy, but I've actually caught myself smiling for no good reason and this is no small thing for me. I've struggled with depression on and off since I was a teenager, but a few years ago it hit me really hard to the point where I didn't even know how to feel happy anymore. Medication was the answer to my prayer and I was very nervous to go off of it while I was pregnant and even more nervous to see what would happen after baby arrived. Two months later, it has not gone unnoticed that I feel great joy in my calling as mommy to these kiddos sent to me from my Father above. I have decided this is a tender mercy from Him and words cannot describe how grateful I am.





Tay stuck in her curtain...maybe you had to be there, but I laughed hard!
Luke is a happy, calm baby...a necessity as child #4
He is 12 pounds and though you can't tell in the pic, his eyes are still blue!
I'm crossing my fingers they'll stay that way as it is my only hope to
ever hear, "he has your eyes." Cuz we all know who all my kids get
everything else from.
Blackmail picture?
Brooklyn loves to help with baby Luke.

Spring Break

Last week, my favorite sister and her family DROVE from Michigan to come visit us! We had a spectacular time together and introduced Luke to the world; we went to a different place each day. We miss them and look forward to another visit...thanks Hemingways for making the long trek to Idaho! Here are some highlights: We met Scott Glenn...at PF Chang's...in BOISE! We were pretty funny, the four of us passing around the IPOD and whispering ever so discreetly to decide if it really was him and what movies we knew him from. He was sitting right next to us and we're sure he knew he was our dinner conversation. As we were leaving, I knew I couldn't walk out without saying something...."Excuse me, we're wondering if you're Scott Glenn?" To which he replied "Guilty." And proceeded to talk about Skiing in Sun Valley, where Nat and Tadj were headed. No, we didn't ask for an autograph or picture, I just wasn't that brave and didn't want to pester the poor man. We were star struck and even went home to watch Vertical Limit. Onto the awesome family stuff..... We had movie night

We got our think on at the Discovery Center

We won a crap load of useless toys at PoJos

We loved on the baby

more baby lovin'

and yet some more

We dirt biked

and Go-Karted

more...

more...

more..

more...

even more...

And more!

I spent much needed time with my sis. I always love how easy our relationship is.

Then, Brooklyn sobbed when we had to say goodbye....and so did I.

Loving baby Luke

It amazes me how a new baby can turn your world upside down in an instant! Even though I'm not new at the mommy bit, I really did forget just how demanding they can be; sleepless nights, fussy tummies, constant nursing, constantly wanting to be held. Then there's the issue of juggling; whose turn it is to hold him, protecting him from the three year old, when did I last feed him? It's a wonder I am still standing.

However, there is a big difference I've noticed in becoming mom the fourth (and last) time around...I am savoring every single moment. Don't get me wrong, I'm praying for the sandman to work his magic , but it's easier this time to remind myself that in seemingly no time at all he will be walking, talking and starting school. He won't be so small that he can lay sleeping in my lap while I blog. He will grow up and I think I'll be a little sad. So, until then, I am going to drink in all the newborn goodness and enjoy this most dependent stage of life (while I also beg Mr. Sandman to visit at 3 AM).



Luke and Grandma Price

Big sister Brooklyn giving Luke a good cuddle

Taylee and Luke chilling in their jammies

Luke with big brother Treygan

Precious baby

There is nothing sweeter than a baby sleeping on daddy

Can't believe I'm doing this

I'm only posting this picture hoping it will send good labor vibes my way. I don't dare post it on Facebook and I'm not sure anyone looks at the blog anymore so I should be safe. This is me 2 weeks from the due date feeling chubby and crummy. Come on baby boy, we're ready for you!

Price Family Testimony-2010

This year, I decided to do something different for our Christmas letter. We all sat down together and wrote our testimonies of Jesus Christ (Taylee of course told me what to write), in hopes of keeping the true meaning of Christmas in our hearts and sharing it with all the people we love:

The Price Family testimony of Jesus Christ 2010

Justin- I know that Christ is the Savior of the world and that He suffered for our sins. Because of this I can be forgiven for the mistakes I make. Christ was crucified and three days later rose from the dead. This makes it possible for all to be resurrected. I know that it is only through Christ that we can return to live with our Heavenly Father. I am grateful for Jesus. I know that He loves all of us and only wants what is best for us.

Treygan (7 years old) - Jesus had a last supper before He died for us.

Brooklyn (6 years old) - Jesus died for us and I know the scriptures are true. I can feel the spirit everyday and I love Jesus. I can follow His ways and I know that He loves me and I love my family. I know Jesus is our Savior and I know Jesus said love everyone and I know I will live with Him again.

Taylee (3 years old) - He’s born. He died for us.

Rachel- Over the past few months, I have been studying the Atonement of Jesus Christ. So far, I am learning what a great sacrifice this truly was and that Christ indeed felt anything I ever have or ever will. This has helped me keep perspective in my daily life and better be able to turn my burdens over to Him. The least I can do to show how much I appreciate His sacrifice for me is to live as closely to Him as possible. I know He wants me to succeed and someday return to Heavenly Father’s presence. Words can hardly express my love and gratitude for my Savior Jesus Christ.

At this special time of year as we reflect on the birth and life of our Savior, I pray that you will feel His light as our family has and know that He lives and loves us.

With Love from the Price Family, Justin, Rachel, Treygan, Brooklyn and Taylee