BABY HENRY MADE HIS DEBUT!!!
He was born on March 25th 2020 at 7:42pm in the St Luke's Meridian Hospital. Due to the Coronavirus, they were promptly released by noon the next morning stating that they'd be safer at home than in the hospital. No one was allowed in the Hospital with them so we anxiously waiting by our phones for updates! At one point, dad ran some food over to August (since the cafeteria was closed to any non admitted patients) and he was starving! The Snapchat announcing his birth finally came in and we all cheered! Once they were all back home safe and sound, dad and I were finally able to meet him. He was more precious than we could ever imagine and it's been hard with the virus and Stay at Home orders since we can't see him as much as we'd like! Hopefully soon! The Sunday before his birth (which happened on a Wednesday) I had done some Maternity pictures of McKendra and August at the park behind our house...
BEN'S 18TH BIRTHDAY!! On March 19th, we celebrated Ben's birthday.. He has been awaiting this day to become "an adult" for quite sometime. I think he was a bit bummed to realize that life was still going to be pretty much the same! Haha... Even with the Coronavirus escalating, we still wanted him to feel special! He requested French Bread Pizza, Hot Wings, Pie and Rocky Road Ice Cream - which we happily obliged to! August had to work but McKendra came over to help celebrate and of course Natalie did too :) He got some new clothes and Video Games but his BIG gift was 2 Concert Tickets to Breaking Benjamin that he and Natalie attended in February. Ben has always brought such a fun and bright feeling to our family. He is very conscious of others feelings and really tries to be a good brother. He has a burning testimony of Jesus Christ and His restored gospel. He plans to continue on with his education through BYUI's Pathways Program this fall and major in either Business or Marketing. His ultimate goal is to become a Seminary Teacher. He works at Marco's Pizza (along with August and Seth) and I'm sure keeps things interesting there! haha... We all just love our Benny!
St. Patricks Day!
The Girls really work hard on making each Holiday a special day for the family - and St. Patrick's Day was no different! They planned a yummy meal of waffles, French toast Bake and Scrambled eggs followed by decorating Leprechaun overalls and playing "Pin the Overalls on the Leprechaun". They also decorated the house for the occasion. I was bummed that I didn't get a picture of the delicious meal that they spent so much time on but here's us decorating the overalls!
EASTER!! We had a beautiful Easter Day! We had taken time each day of the week leading up to Sunday to study more of the life of Christ during his last week. The church had some really awesome resources with scriptures, songs and accompanying videos that we used. Then for our Easter Services we watched a compilation of Easter videos, songs and Talks that the church put out... we all enjoyed it! Then we got to participate in a Virtual Easter Program with the Carlson side of the family. Uncle Jared set up a Zoom meeting for us all to join and it was really fun and special to see everyone! Our entire family sang Gethsemane (with Aubrie accompanying us on the piano) for the opening song. Then I gave a short object lesson about the Atonement and how the Laws of Justice and Mercy fit into the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Then Lexi sang and original song she composed on the Ukelele about her Testimony of the First Vision (which I absolutely loved!). Then we moved onto JR's family where cute little Anders played us some songs he'd been practicing on the piano. Sehren and Hope did a musical number and Jared shared his thoughts on the Resurrection for their family. And then Leo sang a beautiful song for the Merrill Family! McKendra sang "I'm trying to Be Like Jesus" for the closing song. Afterwards we visited with everyone for a bit and it was just really nice to connect up! We got to introduce little baby Henry to everyone - and that was fun! In fact, Easter was the first day that Ben, Nathan, Aubrie and Lexi met Henry! The girls were just in love and couldn't get enough of holding him!
Easter Morning, brought baskets full of treats and goodies! (somehow Ben didn't get pictured with his basket! His is the 2nd from the right in the photo below)
Henry is 4 weeks old! After (home) church this last Sunday, Henry was relaxing on his blanket on the floor and the sun was shining in on him and I knew it'd make for some nice photos! Here he is at 4 weeks old...
Maggie is now 4 months and doing much better at being house broken... in fact, it's been quite a while since she's had any accidents (yay!) but she is still a puppy and can't be left alone very long unattended or else we have casualties (like shoes, books or cooking utensils!) She is Kennel trained and sleeps through the night (and has for quite some time so that's nice not to have to get up in the night with her) and it's not unusual for her to sleep in until 9 or so... She gets to go out on walks each day and loves seeing all of the ducks at the pond where we walk. It's been nice to have a motivator to get us out and exercising during the quarantine.
Tutoring with Grandma! One super HUGE blessing from the quarantine is that Grandma has started tutoring Nathan every day at 1pm for reading and writing. In the past 4 weeks since starting, he has grown LEAPS and BOUNDS and his CONFIDENCE has SOARED!! He LOVES his time with Grandma each day and we admire the effort Nathan has been putting into reading and the effort that Grandma has been putting in to take time out each day to help him. We really feel like Heavenly Father's hand is in this and is blessing both of their efforts!
6.5 Earthquake! I didn't even know that Earthquakes were a "thing" to worry about in Idaho but apparently they are! It was Tuesday, March 31, 2020 and the girls and I were in the kitchen working on dinner as it was just before 6 o'clock in the evening when we started hearing dad yell from the upstairs bedroom "Earthquake! Get into a doorway!!" The girls and I huddled into the doorframe of the bathroom on the main level and watched as the ceiling fan and window blinds swayed back and forth. The girls were quite frightened and were clinging tightly to me as we felt like we were back on the cruise ship since by now the entire house was swaying back and forth!
The girls are TWELVE! That's right - on Wednesday, April 29th, Aubrie and Lexi celebrated their 12th Birthday. They'd been planning this birthday party since January! Seriously! They had decided upon a Happy Potter themed birthday party with all of their new friends and their old friends from Nampa and friends from their Co-op. Then Covid 19 happened and the world shut down and all birthday plans got delayed. BUT that didn't stop them from having a great day! They wanted to make their own cake and so they spent time making a 4 layer (alternating white and chocolate cake layers). They requested donuts and Reeses Puff cereal for Breakfast and then wanted Marco's pizza for dinner - both wishes came true. Since everyone was still social distancing, they were surprised when the Hamiltons (a family they babysit for) came over with handmade cards from the kids and a cute little flower in a jar. They were surprised again when Grandma Vogt, Aunt Heidy, Aunt Chita and the cousins all came by and did a birthday parade with signs that they'd spent the morning making! And then they were surprised again when there was a knock at the door and a Crumble Cookie delivery for them was there! The surprises continued with a drop and run gift from their best friend, Lauren and then they weren't expecting any gifts since they have decided to give up Birthdays and Christmases for TWO years so they can go on an amazing adventure to France and Switzerland! So when family gifts from the brothers (and from each other) showed up, they were beyond thrilled! We spent the day looking at scrapbooks and photos of them and reminiscing about their life up until now! They sure have been nothing but joy and happiness to our family and we are soooo grateful that Heavenly Father blessed us to be the family that got to enjoy them in this life!
Continuing on with the Birthday report - the girls did request that we do a "Birthday Photo Shoot" and of course I had to oblige! We ventured out to the Park/Pond behind our house and took advantage of the gorgeous "Golden Hour" sunset and got some pretty great pictures! Here are some of our favorites!
COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS in numbers:
AS of April 30, 2020 here are the latest numbers of infected and fatalities.
In Idaho: 1,984 Confirmed Cases and 60 Deaths
In the USA: 1.13 Million Confirmed Cases and 65,435 Deaths
World Wide: 3.3 Million Confirmed Cases and 235,000 Deaths
For the kid's Social Studies/Current Events assignment I had them write down their thoughts of the Coronavirus. I thought it'd be a neat thing to include here in the blog to look back on!
Nathan:
When I first started hearing about the Coronavirus I did feel a little bit scared but now not so much and everything seems kind of normal. We are supposed to wear masks and keep social distancing of 6 feet. Since I was already home schooled, I still do all my work but I don’t go to co-op anymore and I miss that. We have church at home each Sunday and I like that but I miss my friends at church. We don't have youth activities anymore either but I've done some Zoom meetings with them where we all played games together. I've been in the house a long time and so I've played lots of video games too.
Lexi:
My thoughts on the coronavirus: We’ve been quarantined for about seven weeks, and it hasn’t changed too much for me but I do miss seeing my friends, going out to thrift stores and playing on the playground but I am glad that we can do our part of staying 6 feet away and always washing our hands. Things that we still can do is taking Maggie (our dog) on walks, we still get to do Home school and we are doing home church. some of the things that we like to do to pass the time is ride bikes, learn new songs on the piano, spend family time, call friends, and Aubrie and I just had her birthday so we like to play with some of the things that we got. Some of the things that have happened during Quarantine so far… An earthquake, my nephew Henry was born, my birthday, and Aubrie and I have started a YouTube channel (Aubrie & Lexi) but my overall thoughts on the coronavirus are... I hope this ends soon so we can go back to our normal every day/week lives and after this I will probably still be washing my hands every day and trying to stay extra germ free!
Aubrie:
So ever since March we have been quarantined and not able to go places. They have shut down church, co-op/school, and all diners. I've been missing all of my friends very much and having them over and going to youth activities. Mom, Lexi and I used to go to thrift stores a lot and we haven't for a long time. And Yesterday was Lexi and I’s birthday and we were going to have a birthday party but since we are social distancing we couldn't have one but lots of people still thought of us and came over with signs and drawing and put them on our doorstep and wished us a happy birthday. We also got a volleyball and we are going to play with it at the park, and we have still been able to call our friends, go on walks and ride our bikes around, and to keep us busy. Lexi and I started a YouTube channel called Aubrie & Lexi and we make videos to post on that and yeah, that's my thougths!
Henry turns ONE month old! We can't believe that little sweet Henry has been in our lives for an entire month now! On April 25th, he officially turned one month and of course we had to do a Photoshoot to commemorate the occasion! Here are some of our favorites...
"Had the opportunity last night to hear a lecture from Retired LTG H.R. McMaster, who was the National Security Advisor to President Trump. He was invited by Boise State’s Honors College as part of their Distinguished Lecture Series. I served under him in Iraq when he was a Colonel and commanded the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment - the same regiment that Patton commanded as a Colonel. We got to chat for a while after the lecture and rehashed the retaking of Tal Afar from the insurgents. Good times!"
Spiritually Speaking...
Well, I've had a lot of time to think and ponder on the Tender Mercies of the Lord. They come every day and if we are looking with our Spiritual eyes, we will see them. As I recently read, they can be seen in a set of misplaced keys being found quickly to a beautiful sunset. Here are a few that dad and I have noticed:
* The feeling of peace throughout this whole Pandemic that we've had.
* A loving and thoughtful Bishop who has reached out to each of the kids to chat with them and make sure they're feeling well
* Our overall health and safety
* Our Toilet Paper supply lasting WEEKS longer than I anticipated!
* The huge growth we've seen in Nathan and his reading
* Ben's mental health being more positive
* Seth being safe at BYUI before coming home and then once home, doing so exceptionally well in all of his classes that he finished them with ALL A's and another academic scholarship for next semester!
* The arrival of Baby Henry without any complications
* Having people think of the girls on their birthday and making them feel special even though we couldn't get together with anyone
* Having the Priesthood in our home and being able to partake of the Sacrament each week. It's pretty neat to see the older boys bless and Nathan pass. And while I have missed attending church in person, I have ABSOLUTELY LOVED having "At home Church"... we are able to cater the talks and lessons to exactly what we feel inspired to teach. There can be lots more interaction and all of the kids have mentioned that they love doing it and are able to get more from the talks and lessons.
* Both August and I were able to have video appointments with a Sleep Specialist and do our Sleep Studies at home (this made the process so convenient AND significantly cheaper!)
* Dad has still been able to work and we haven't had to add any financial hardships to the mix
* Going along dads work, he hasn't had to lay off any employees OR cut their hours
* We've been able to dedicate more time to Family History and Come, Follow Me
* Technology! We've been able to hear from our Prophet and Church leaders. We've also been able to stay connected (virtually) to family and friends during all of the quarantine time
* The beautiful spring blossoms and flowers! The world is bursting with beauty amidst the turmoil
* We have loved spending the extra time with each other
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We got to participate in the April General Conference of the church! Last October, President Nelson encouraged us all to take the next 6 months and study all that we could about Restoration of the gospel as it was the 200th anniversary of Joseph Smith's First Vision. I got a little bit of a late start but did take 3 months to study and prepare for this "Unique and unforgettable Conference" (which were the words the Prophet used last October to describe what this GC would be like!)... The kids and I spent many Enrichments studying about the Restoration and Joseph Smith. I came upon several 30 and 60 day Studies that people had compiled and found them to be very useful! As General Conference got closer, the church cancelled any gathering for it and stated that it would only be available digitally and that only the speakers giving talks during the session would even be present. When GC opened, it was obvious that the Brethren would be adhering to the social distancing protocol as all of their large, red velvety wing-backed chairs were all spaced 6 feet apart and they spoke to an empty room. Since the Tabernacle Choir couldn't meet for singing, they just played pre-recorded songs from previous sessions of General Conference.
As the conference started, I found myself writing down questions that were sparked by each speaker and then the Spirit whispered to me that I should take these questions to the Lord in my daily scripture study and dig further into them over the next 6 months until our next conference. I have had the practice of taking questions to the Lord during my personal scripture study for several years now and so to have MANY new questions posed to me during this weekend of upliftment, was pretty exciting! I wanted to have a place to compose my questions and thought the blog would be the perfect place - so then in the future I can also be reminded of the questions and possibly even ask them again! Plus, it might inspire some of my future posterity to do the same :)
SATURDAY MORNING:
President Nelson:
* How best can I fill up my Spiritual Reserves with Faith, Truth and Testimony?
* The Lord tells us that "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." How can I be better prepared both temporally and spiritually for the future?
* How can I "Hear Him"?
Russell Ballard:
* What offering will I give to the Lord?
* What can I/we do to increase our family unity?
James R Rasband:
* Where would I turn for peace without the gospel and Book of Mormon?
Joy D Jones:
* What is my divine errand from the Lord?
* What effort can I give/do to progress and bring eternal rewards?
* What is my individual role (given from God) that He is counting on me to fulfil?
* We wear many hats in life, but that doesn't mean we need to wear them all at the same time. With that in mind, Which work should I focus on today?
* How can I boldly declare my devotion to God and Christ?
Neil L Anderson:
* How does God want to reveal himself to me?
* What are MY spiritual defining moments?
* What message was Just For Me?
Douglas D Holmes:
* What goals should I focus on? (from the 4 areas of the Youth Curriculum)
* How does God see/view me?
* Goals are a toold that help us connect with Heaven. Which goals can I choose to help me become more like the Savior?
Henry B Erying:
* In what way is my part vital to the restoration?
* What continued revelation does the Lord have for me?
SATURDAY AFTERNOON
John A McCune:
* How can I stay focused on the Lord, Jesus Christ?
* How can I be a better example of trusting in the Lord to my family?
Gerald Causse:
* How am I showing my love for Christ?
* How can I more fully Come Unto Christ?
Dale G Renlund:
* How can I better show my gratitude to others and to the Lord?
* What does it take For Me to draw unto the Savior?
* What steps can I take to ensure raising my family in righteousness?
Benjamin M Z Tai:
* What adjustment(s) would my Spiritual Physician prescribe?
* How can I better study the Book of Mormon?
Gary E Stevenson:
* What spiritual renewal could I benefit from?
* (Taking inspiration from the SLC Temple updates) What are my foundations and how can I strengthen them?
SATURDAY EVENING:
Garrett W Gong:
* What deeper understanding of Easter can I gain?
* What has God prepared for me?
Enzo Petelo:
* How can I make our house more sacred?
* How can I be more careful (vs casual) in my worship and with my covenants?
* Is there anything keeping me away from progression?
Jean B Bingham:
* What can I do to strengthen my family?
* How can I fulfill my diving Potential?
Dallin H Oaks:
* How can I better seek the Truths of Eternity? What are these truths?
President Nelson:
* How can I best put my faith into practice?
SUNDAY MORNING:
Ronald A Rasband:
* What do I need to focus on to be prepared for the 2nd Coming?
Bonnie H Cordon:
* How can I be filled with the Light of Christ?
* How can I be more intentional with my generosity to others?
* What is the best way for me to Shine my light to others?
* Who needs the Light that I have but cannot see?
* Look and Pray for opportunities to Let my Light Shine
Jeffrey R Holland:
* How can I increase my devotion to the 2 great commandments?
* What are my Hopes?
David A Bednar:
* How can I honor my covenenats and ordinances more?
* How can I overcome my/any addictions?
Russell M Nelson:
* What good can I do during this Global upset?
* How can I open the Heavens to bless me and my family's lives?
* How can I increase my capacity for personal revelation?
* What will happen (or what will I see) when I Hearken, Heed and Hear Him? (This specific talk gave promises that we'd see!)
SUNDAY AFTERNOON
Quentin L Cook:
* How can I make our home a sacred sanctuary?
* How does the Lord communicate with me?
Richard Gimenez:
* Each of us will be faced with hard trials... How can I prepare now to be ready for them?
* Do I believe Christ knows all and He knows how to help me individually?
L Whitney Clayton:
* What is a "finest" home and How can I build one?
* What parts of my life (or house) need to be organized (spiritually)?
* What patterns of the Temple can I implement in my home?
* Does my "Spiritual Seismic Structure" need repair?
D Todd Christofferson:
* What will make my appeal to "Come and See" be more attractive?
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The Prophet introduced a new symbol to represent the church. In the future, I'm sure this will just seem absolutely "normal", but when it first flashed upon the screen, I felt joy and happiness. It was like it had always been and felt very familiar to my spirit. This is what the Prophet said about it as he introduced it to the world...
"This new emblem emphasizes the name of Jesus Christ and His central role in all the Church does. The name of the Church is contained within a rectangular shape that represents a cornerstone. This idea has biblical roots. The Apostle Paul, employing a construction metaphor in a letter to the first century Saints in Ephesus, wrote that the Church is built upon the foundation of apostles and prophets—Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone. The center of the symbol is a representation of Thorvaldsen’s marble statue, the Christus. Jesus stands under an arch as a reminder of His emergence from the tomb three days after His death.
“[The symbol] portrays the resurrected, living Lord reaching out to embrace all who will come unto Him,” President Nelson said. “This symbol should feel familiar to many, as we have long identified the restored gospel with the living, resurrected Christ.”
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