Palmyra- Part 1

Bright and early Wednesday a.m., we piled the kids in our trusty minivan and headed west to Palmyra, NY, a significant historical site for our church. During the drive we reviewed with the kids some of the places we'd visit so that while we were there we could do less talking and more taking it all in. Thomas and Christina are studying the D&C in Sunday School, and while we live fairly close, we thought it would be a good time to offer them a real visualization of where many events of church history took place.

We arrived in Palmyra at about 10 a.m. and started the day with a walk through the Sacred Grove. We've been to Palmyra in July, August, and May, and each time the foliage has been full and lush like you see in most pictures and paintings of the Sacred Grove. It's beautiful. This time we were visiting much closer to the time of year when Joseph Smith knelt in prayer and experienced the First Vision; the commencement of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I marveled as we walked through the grove and could see clear through since the trees were bare with the exception of early spring's tiny buds. For much of our time we were alone as a family in the grove; an experience I will never forget. At one point we gathered on one of the many wood benches along one of the many paths, and Wayne quietly recounted JSH 1:11-17. We all felt on some level that we were in fact in a sacred and holy place.

A sweet surprise for me was spotting a beautiful yellow daffodil {my mom's favorite flower} as we were walking along the far path. I had no idea there were daffodils growing in the middle of the Sacred Grove. I felt my mom close by as we continued on the path. How thankful I am to know that death does not have to break the bonds of family!

Leaving the Sacred Grove, Grace spied the Palmyra temple through the trees.

Can you see it too?

Wesley enjoyed INDEPENDENTLY walking---I don't believe we'll have many photos of hand-in-hand walks with Wesley for a while. In fact at this point when we called his name he instinctively grabbed his hands in front of him or behind his back and said, "No!" All of our kids were like this at Wesley's age, and we simply "go with it" while we're touring historical sites... Wayne & I trade off touring with the older kids and walking with the tot. Since we live fairly close to these sites, our attitude is that we can always come back, and we do.

While I am thankful to be able to do "day trips" to such sites, I am even more thankful to know that KNOWING the reality of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ does not require a trip to Palmyra. Knowing only requires time spent learning about the gospel, praying with real intent, and recognizing the simple witness of the Holy Ghost. This is "...milk and honey, without money and without price."

PS. These photos are privately stored via Flickr, but if you'd like a copy of the first photo, "The Sacred Grove," I'd be happy to freely share that with you....think sacrament quiet books, framed, photo clip-art, etc.

rebecca {at} menzie {dot} org

Spa Day for MOM

You may not be trained in aromatherapy, Shiatsu, Swedish or deep tissue massage techniques, but when you're not driving me bonkers, your hugs, kisses, kindness (ESP. to each other!), handmade works of love, giggles, extra best efforts, prayers, words of child-like wisdom, helping hands, forgiving hearts, & yes, even your mommy massages lift my spirits and help me get on with my favorite work....being YOUR mom.

I love each of you more.... Thomas too, who was behind the camera!

60 Seconds

Each Monday evening before we have Family Home Evening, we have what we call "60 Seconds." Each child gets 60 seconds (more or less since we've never actually set a timer) of the rest of the family's undivided attention. Our kids have used their 60 seconds to sing, dance, pantomime, tell knock-knock jokes, play the piano, etc. After everyone has had their 60 seconds, Wayne and I get the kids' undivided attention for FHE. It's a great arrangement we've got, and to say our kids look forward to FHE and their 60 seconds is a huge understatement. Here's a peak at last Monday night's 60 seconds.

Primary Idol

Our primary recently had a terrific quarterly activity...Primary Idol. They had the American Idol theme music playing as they introduced Aaron "Seacrest" our host and all of the amazing primary children who were there to share a talent in front of their friends and family. First, Sis. H. told the parable of the talents found in Matthew 25. She invited the children to share there talents... we heard original piano composition, a mini harp, a trumpet, dog info, knock-knock jokes, and we saw tree climbing (1 handed!), artwork, gymnastics, hopscotch, etc. We have some great budding talent! Here's what our 3 primary kids shared....

The Red Sea Place

A friend recently shared this with me....

The Red Sea Place

Have you come to the Red Sea place in your life,

Where in spite of all you can do,

There is no way out, there is no way back,

There is no other way but through?

Then wait on the Lord with a trust serene

Till the night of your fear is gone;

He will send the wind, He will heap the floods,

When He says to your soul, “Go on.”

And His hand will lead you through–clear through–

Ere the watery walls roll down,

No foe can reach you, no wave can touch,

No mightiest sea can drown;

The tossing billows may rear their crests,

Their foam at your feet may break,

But over their bed you shall walk dry shod

In the path that your Lord will make.

In the morning watch, ‘neath the lifted cloud

You shall see but the Lord alone,

When He leads you on from the place of the sea

To a land that you have not known;

And your fears shall pass as your foes have passed

You shall be no more afraid;

You shall sing His praise in a better place,

A place that His hand has made.

-Annie Johnson Flint

The Haymarket (said with a Boston accent) & the cannoli debate

Last Friday my friend, Allison & I made the trek into Boston to load up on fruits, veggies & herbs at the Boston Haymarket.

Feeling carnivorous?

We got some great deals & had fun rewarding ourselves with cannolis from Mike's Pastry (LOVED the one with the peanut brittle shell) & Modern Pastry (filled fresh- YUM!)...both shops are found on Hanover St. nearly across the street from each other. Allison & I felt obligated to do a taste test to compare cannolis from each pastry shop so we can add our 2 cents to the "which is better, Mike's or Modern?" debate. According to our "expert" opinion, the ricotta fillings were quite similar....both were excellent...very helpful, I know! I still say a cannoli from either place is better than birthday cake. What do you think...Mike's or Modern? Not in Boston? Where do you go for a good Italian Pastry?