Pageant in the Rain

We saw the forecast. Ken asked: should we still go? I said yes, it doesn't rain on pageant. We were going to leave at 11, we left just after noon. We drove for an hour, then we had lunch. Then we drove for another hour and stopped at Canadian Tire to get rain ponchos 'just in case'. Then to the border and to Hill Cumorah.

We went to pageant two years ago. Fiona was four, she doesn't remember. Alice was six, she fell asleep. Kate was eight, and I thought she remembered but it turns out she didn't really remember it. When we went two years ago we barely made it in time to see the pageant, but we made it. This year we made it to the hill before 6. (Fiona does remember the Nauvoo Pageant last year, as does everyone, and we all remembered the bug bites - this year we used LOTS of bug spray!)

After putting a blanket across five chairs, we went to the visitors centre first. We sat for the presentation by the Christus. And I thought one of the sister missionaries looked familiar. Turns out that she was the same missionary that gave us a tour in March when we were at the Joseph Smith farm so that was awesome. She took a selfie with us, and I was a little sad I didn't take one too.

After wandering around the visitors centre and watching a short film, we went to the tent run by the Lion's Club and had dinner. Then we took turns sitting, going to the bathroom, meeting cast members and taking pictures.

 Alice and Samuel the Lamanite.

Kate and Alice with King Noah.

Then it was time for the show to start. Just before the show was about to start, the heavens opened. We scrambled to put the ponchos on. It poured. And then the music started, "The Spirit of God" and the rain stopped and the blue sky shone through and it seemed like a miracle. It doesn't rain on pageant!

And we watched pageant and it rained, it poured, not the entire time, but it rained, a lot. Because it does rain on pageant sometimes. Even when you are doing good things, and making good choices, it rains. And the lessons and learning is how you react, and how prepared you are for the rain.

We laughed, we shivered, and we still enjoyed pageant. The girls spirits were fed, pageant was wonderful, in spite of the rain. And we will have a memory.

I'll also remember getting stuck in the mud, trying to get out of the field, and lots of people walking around helping push people out of the mud. I'll remember sharing a blanket with the people from Utah sitting next to us. I'll remember the spirit I felt when I watched Jesus visiting the Nephites, blessing them and serving them and loving them. I'm so grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and I'm so grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ, and His sacrifice for me.

Temple Thoughts and Mothers

On Saturday in the temple I had three thoughts. This summer I should organize my house and keep up with my blog. I also felt like Kate and I should learn about the mothers of the prophets of the restoration. Kate asks lots of questions about gender roles. She wants to know why we don't hear about women in the Book of Mormon. She wants to know why women don't hold the priesthood. She wants to know why we don't hear more about Heavenly Mother.

When she asks these questions, I think. I ponder. I try to find answers for her, and point her towards answers. I want her to ask questions and then pray to her Heavenly Father and look to good sources for answers. I want her search for understanding of the world around her to be motivated with love, not anger.

On Sunday afternoon we learned about the lives of the prophets' mothers. I read and Kate wrote down their names and a few ideas. The information came from the manuals "Teachings of Presidents of the Church". Some biographical information was more thorough than others. Reading stories about the lives of faithful men and women is so inspiring. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with all of this information, but here it is.

1. Joseph Smith
Mother: Lucy Mack Smith
From an article in the December 1973 New Era by Richard Lloyd Anderson: Joseph Smith’s lifelong sensitiveness to his mother is a mark of her powerful influence in molding his early character. He could call her “one of the noblest and the best of all women” for her sacrifices and the excellence of her example. Careful study shows that both parents labored to teach high ideals to their children. The Prophet said so at the peak of his career: “Words and language are inadequate to express the gratitude that I owe to God for having given me so honorable a parentage.” This comment tells much about the parents but also much about Joseph Smith himself. They were God-fearing and strictly honest, and he loved them because he treasured their characteristics in his own life. Such parents furnish profound insights into the true character of their son who proclaimed revelations from God.

2. Brigham Young
Mother: Abigail “Nabby” Howe Young
From a Deseret News article, June 28, 2011 by Susan Evans McCloud
She taught him to honour Jesus and Heavenly Father. She told him to read the Bible and live by its teachings, to take care of people in need, and to not let anger arise in his heart.

3. John Taylor

Mother: Agnes Taylor

He was taught to pray at an early age.

4. Wilford Woodruff

Mother: Beulah Thompson (She died when he was 15 months old)
Stepmother: Azubah Hart Woodruff

His step mother’s gospel teachings helped lead him to seek the Lord’s true church.

5. Lorenzo Snow

Mother: Rosetta Leonora Pettibone

His parents treated him with care and tenderness. They taught him to work hard, to be honest and to have intergrity. They taught their children to learn about other religions.

6. Joseph F. Smith

Mother: Mary Fielding Smith

His mother taught him to face challenges with faith.

7. Heber J. Grant

Mother: Rachel Ridgeway Ivins Grant

She taught him persistence, integrity, faith, inspiration. Heber’s father died when he was nine days old. She worked hard to provide for her son. They lived in poverty because she would not deny her faith, her wealthy brothers promised to take care of her financially if she denied her faith.

8. George Albert Smith

Mother: Sarah Farr Smith

He praised his mother for the sacrifices she made to raise her family in the gospel. His father served a mission when he was five and he never heard his mother complain. His mother taught him to pray and trust that God would answer.

9. David O. McKay

Mother Jeanette Evans McKay

His mother taught him to pray. She was loyal, patient, tender and in control of her emotions. When he was seven years old, His Dad served a mission. He was gone for two years and so David and his Mom took care of the house and farm, with help from family and friends they prospered.

10. Joseph Fielding Smith

Mother: Julina Lambson Smith

He helped his mother be a midwife by driving her in the horse cart to her appointments. His mother wanted a son and promised Heavenly Father she would raise him to be a credit to the Lord. She served as the second councselor in the Relief Society General presidency.

11. Harold B. Lee

Mother: Louisa Bingham

His mother taught him to play piano and love music. They were very poor but very happy. His mom drove him to school in the horse cart – she supported him in his education, driving him through all weather in the open, on rough rural roads.

12. Spencer W. Kimball

Mother: Olive Woolley

His mother taught him hi the importance of tithing. They were poor, but he didn’t know it. His mother died when he was eleven and it was very hard on him.

13. Ezra Taft Benson

Mother: Sarah Dunkley Benson

Lessons: Hard work, family, unity, service, gospel living. He father went on a mission when he was twelve.

14. Howard W. Hunter

Mother: Nellie Rasmussen

His mother was always faithful. His mother taught him the gospel and taught him to pray.

15. Gordon B. Hinckley

Mother: Ada Bitner

His Mom was optimistic. His parents helped their children grow and succeed. They read scriptures, they encouraged them to be their best. He was influenced by his parent’s faith.

16. Thomas S. Monson

Mother: Gladys Condie Monson

His mother often invited people who were hungry to dinner. His parents showed good will to their fellow man.

17. Russell M. Nelson

Mother: Edna Anderson Nelson

His mother taught him to pray. She would sing to him to comfort him. She was an accomplished musician. His parents put family first, and virtually every night was family night. His parents taught him to love and be concerned about other people.

The Summer Begins - June 28 - July 7

Friday June 28
The girls official last day of school was June 27. They all decided that they wanted to come with me on my last day, the 28th, so they did. I had meetings in the morning, and everyone brought a bag of activities. I think there was only one fight, so not so bad! We went to Wendy's for lunch, and then I finished packing up my room and then it was done! It was a great year this year. Good grade 8s, great staff, great year. This is one of the presents I was given at the end of the year. It made me cry!

 We went out to dinner and then we went on a quick walk down by the lake.

Saturday June 29
Today was going to be a nothing day because we needed to wait around for the carpet to be delivered, and then it turned out that the carpet got delivered first thing! So we were able to go to the movies after all. We went to see Toy Story 4, and we all loved it. We should have taken a picture in front of the movie poster that we went to see, but interactive movie posters are fun! After the movie we went out to dinner.

We also got rid of the "pink" couch. The mainfloor feels open and wonderful without it! I was excited because we were going to re-home the couch. We recently got elders in our ward, and they wanted a couch for their apartment. Sadly they couldn't get it downstairs. Ken then tried Salvation Army, but they wouldn't take it because of the stains - markers, so the couch went to the dump. I feel badly, but once it was out of my house I just didn't want it to come back!

Sunday June 30
Bike Day! Of course it was also church day. We went to church, came home, ate, changed, and then we went back to the church. Alice is a full fledged bike-rider now and Kate finally rode by herself. It was a struggle, a big struggle, lots of fears, lots of self-doubt. Kate was super negative, but with lots of patient encouragement, and a little impatient encouragement she did it!!! I should have taken a pic of Kate, but I only took video!

Monday, July 1
We sort of talked about doing a fair/festival, but only really half-heartedly. Mom wanted to come over, so she did, and we had a quiet day, just hanging out. The girls rode their bikes - Alice lots, Kate a little. Ken bbq'd. Crystal and Aleigha came over for smores. And then we went to watch the Ajax Downs fireworks, in the best spot - well, almost best. The traffic made it a little weird, but parked where we were, it really was great!

Tuesday, July 2
Today was a bit cuckoo. We started out in slow motion. We didn't have groceries so we went to Subway for lunch, and then set off for Grandma's. On the way to Grandma's at 1:45 we realized that Alice had a pinata party at 4 back in Ajax. BUT we were committed! So to Grandma's we continued. We went up to Grandma's, down to the pool, Alice and I had a short swim and we both showered, and Fiona and Kate had a longer swim and showered later. And we made it back to Ajax for 4:10. Kate and Fiona then had the pleasure of coming with me to Pier 1 while I ordered a chair and bought throw pillows. Then we went to have a treat at Tim Horton's, but when we realized it was dinner time we had Wendy's too. Then Ken joined us, then he went to get Alice, then we all went to check out bikes at Canadian Tire and Walmart. And then Ken and Alice went to Whitby to buy a second hand bike. It was kind of a funny, busy, not-busy day!

Wednesday, July 3
Haircuts! Brushing the girls hair lately... ARGH! Fiona and Kate have been pretty awful, with Kate showing signs of maturity every once in a while. Alice is doing great, but it was agreed haircuts all around! They were able to cut all the girls hair, but we had to rush because one of the stylists called in sick. They discounted the price slightly and gave us a really nice bottle of leave-in conditioner. The girls were all happy, so who cares if no one had cute blow-dried!

After the haircuts we went to Southwood to find a shoe! Kate came home on the last day with only one indoor shoe, announcing that it didn't matter because the shoe didn't fit. Well, the shoes seemed in good condition still and I like to pass things on - re-use!! So, we went and had a stinky, stinky, yucky time going through the several lost and founds, and of course we didn't find it until we got to the last bin. Yuck! But we found it.

Then I had a relief society presidency meeting, then we were invited to swim at Janelle's. Janelle and I have been friends for many, many years, but didn't really become close until the last few years. Jon, her husband, was the bishop when we moved into the ward. I felt so comfortable moving into the ward because she was here. We didn't hang out nearly enough the last three years, but we did when we could. She and Jon and the boys are moving up to Ottawa to be close to Ben and Sone and the cousins. The boys are so excited. They're going to be on the same court as Ben and Sone. They move in two weeks. I'm going miss my friend. Today however, the girls had so much fun swimming and playing. Oh and Fiona decided she wants to marry Owen.

Fiona: Owen, I want to marry you.
Owen: Why are you talking about getting married?

We ended up staying for four hours and didn't leave until 7:30. They all played so well and had so much fun!

Thursday, June 4
Tokarev Day! I can't remember exactly when Michelle and I picked this day, but we were very excited to get together. We went to a play place over the Christmas break, and then haven't seen each other since. Sitting and chatting and the girls spending time together, it's so magical. I will never stop being thankful for Kindermusik and for Michelle and her family coming into our lives! The girls swam and played, we ate lunch and the girls swam and played some more and Michelle and I sat and chatted and chatted and chatted. It was a gorgeous day.

The only regret is that Michelle and I didn't take a selfie. We planned our next get together for August 6th and Michelle reminded me to be thankful that we were going to see each other twice this summer.

We picked up drive-thru in Newmarket and got home around 8p.m. I came in "freshened up" and then went to Olivia Jenner's to go to Janelle's farewell party. It was a fun night - minus getting bitten alive by bugs. I chatted to Debbie lots, and Laura and to everyone a bit.

Friday, July 5
Today had a "funny" start. The plan was to hang out with the Lim-Andersons, Emily and the kids were going to come over and bring their new puppy Bella. I messaged Emily in the morning asking what time she was coming, and, she was in Ottawa. She had meant the next Friday, but realized in our exchanges that it had sounded like we were getting together that day. We planned for next Tuesday instead, and then with a whole day staring in front of us, the girls and I thought about what to do.

Fiona and Alice had a little pocket-money to spend, so off we went to Walmart, then Michael's, then the library. While we were at the library we ran into one of Alice's teachers, and then I started thinking about luggage. We realized that there was a sale at the Bay, so instead of going home to eat lunch we went to the mall. We had lunch, and then started checking out luggage. We went to Bentley's and then the Bay. The girls all got their own carry-on approved bags. Alice and Fiona hardshells, pink and blue respectively, and Kate a softshell in blue. AND I found a quilt. I've wanted a summer quilt for a while, and the quilts were 50% off, so win win!

Oh and Kate's offense at all things fall and back to school, made for a very funny Facebook post!

Saturday, July 6
Today Mom agreed to watch the girls so Ken and I could go to the temple. We dropped the girls off with snacks and made it in time for the 1:30 session. After our session we went to Sweet Palace and had Indian food - so so yummy. We've gotten samosas from there a bunch of times, but we've never actually sat down to eat. We were not disappointed.

We went back to my Mom's and she ordered pizza for the girls, we all kind of spaced out watching tv and then went home. Mom bought these sweet little jewelry boxes for all the grand-girls. Such a sweet little keepsake. There's a little charm on each one with their name. Cute!

Sunday, July 7
Today at church it was Janelle's last week, so those of us still there after church took a picture together. They're are some really special women in my ward. And Kelly - Alice's aftercare teacher from this past year came to church with us. She's come a few times. She stayed for all of church this time.

From left to right - Debbie, Heidi, Me, Janelle, Holly, Crystal.

After dinner we forced the children to ride down to the lake. It was an interesting trial of patience. Kate is still not super confident in her bike riding, and I think Fiona was a little over tired. Alice rode back and forth and back and forth, going ahead of us, and then back to us again and again. We made it to the lake, and we made it home. It was a little buggy, and there might have been more crying than was necessary, but it was pretty by the lake!

I love the summer! I am so very thankful to be a teacher, to have my summer's off. I'm thankful to be the Mama to Kate, Alice and Fiona. And I'm thankful for all the adventures that lie in wait!