Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Prophets

As we've anticipated conference, we've been talking a lot to Josh about how excited we were to be able to listen to the prophet's and apostles. Josh's primary teacher has been doing the same. Conference was wonderful as usual and when we got home Sunday night, Josh's teacher had dropped him off his weekly treat that had a Hand on it that said "Testimony on the fingers of one hand." In each of the Fingers it had a different point on it.
1. The Living Prophet is Thomas S. Monson.
2. I know that God is our Father in Heaven and that He loves us.
3.Jesus Christ is His Son, our Savior and Redeemer.
4. Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God. He translated the Book of Mormon by the gift and power of God.
5. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's Church on the earth today.

After reading it I decided it would make a great FHE lesson for Monday night. Jason had asked me to conduct FHE and I told him that I wanted Josh to give the lesson with his help. So Jason helped Josh give this great little lesson and then at the end encouraged Josh to share his own testimony, without help. This is what he said...

"I know that President Monson is the living prophet and I know that I can be a prohet too..."

Whoa, wait a minute, let's back up! We then lovingly re-explained how Prophet's are called by the Lord, that we can't just decide we can be a prophet too. He, in his 5 year old attitude, "nuh uh! I can be a prophet!" "I'm sorry Josh, Prophets are called by the Lord, by Prophecy and by the Laying on of hands...(continuing the 5th Article of Faith). That seemed to resolve it. But then this morning as I was taking him to school he says to me
"Mom, I really wish the Lord would call me to be the prophet."
"Really, Josh? Why do you want to be a prophet?"
"Because I want to teach Heavenly Father."
"Well, we don't teach Him, He teaches us."
"Yeah well I really want to be a prophet."
"Hmmm...???"

So, its given me some things to think about. I know that we don't aspire to callings in the church. I do know that as we live righteously, we're put in positions to influence others for good and to grow our talents. I'm not thinking that Josh in his innocence is predicting the future, but the thought just occurred to me, "I wonder if Pres. Monson's Mother, knew she was raising a prophet?" "If I knew I was raising a prophet would I do things differently?" But it occurs to me right now, that mentioned in this very conference that we just witnessed, it was said that we are raising the next generation of the church's leadership. I will leave my mark on the world, by the influence of good I have on my children and the contributions they leave will be in part because of how I taught them as their mother. Hmm..definitely some points for me to ponder. I'm so grateful that I can take baby steps...however small...to keep improving on my weaknesses and growing my talents to be an instrument in His hands.

Aliya's Baby Blessing

We blessed Aliya on July 16th. It was a beautiful blessing and we were very appreciative of all that showed up and also helped with the dinner after. We had a REALLY big circle. 17 Actually. We know that its not recommended, but dang it, we don't have many kids and don't know how many more we'll be blessed with so we invited a lot. Its pretty amazing though, that we have that many in our family that CAN be a part of it. :D

This is me and Aliya with my Dad and Grandpa. I wanted a 4 generation picture with them. Both were able to be in the circle. This picture was taken the next day at Ashley's Wedding reception.




David was able to take some family pictures of us, I especially love the one below!
Here's a picture of a portion of the cousin's Josh has. He has 38 First Cousin's Currently. HOLY COW!! They were having a blast though! It was a VERY hot day and they stayed inside to play!

Friday, October 2, 2009

Silly Faces of Aliya

When I was at my family reunion, I had Aliya laying on her blanket on the floor. She was just babbling and cooing. She was making some really funny faces and I happened to capture a few. Hope they make you smile as much as they do for me! :D



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Family Reunion Aug 09 (LONG PIC POST)

The Pugmire Family Reunion was fantastic! We made crazy hats and spray painted shirts and played games, we ate great food, and had our awesome dance party where I taught the 'Hoedown, Throwdown'. My nephews even indulged me in a run from the lodge to the canyon road and back. ( They of course kicked my hiney...but it got me moving! ;D) After the reunion we stayed overnight at Grandpa Jr.'s and went to the lake with the Selk's and my dad. We also got to have FHE with the Stringham's and swim in their pool. It was wonderful to be able to extend the visit a little. This year was just me and the kids, we missed Jason dearly, but we were glad that he got to learn a lot in CA -and have a BLAST! ;D


Great Grandpa Junior with Baby Aliya. So cute!
One of our favorite Cousins!!! Gordon!
I love this pic of me and my big bro! Love you Darrell!
Bro Dave Stringham and his adopted Granddaughter :D

The Kids having fun in the pool!
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Having some fun at the Lake...it was a little cold but they didn't care!



Josh and Ethan in their dingy


Troy Carrying
Chandler and Ethan back to the car so they could keep their feet clean!


Miss Mariah was my built in babysitter for Aliya at the reunion! She's so great!

Aunt Jane working on her hat


Sitting around telling funny stories

Games and Good Company, what more could you ask for?








The Hat and Shirt Parade...to show off our work!








Cousins, Cousins and more Cousins!






New Faces at the Reunion this year! Wahoo! ;D


These cubby holes were a great new addition to the Lodge!! Made great spaces for the kids to climb in!


A glimpse of us doing the Macarena!


So fun playing with cousins!