COVID-19 No School Day 2

 I woke up early and had high expectations for the day. Since I'm not wanting to go to the gym, I decided to do one of my old high school workout videos.  The kids were asleep when I finished so JD and I went for a 2 mile walk/run.  It felt amazing to be outside soaking up the sunshine!

The kids were still snoozing when we got home. It was only around 8:30 but I was ready for the day to begin.  The leprechaun stopped in for St. Pattys day. Britton was wondering why he didn't leave more treasures? Ashlynn thought it was funny when I explained they are on lockdown for a deadly virus. They were lucky to sneak this much stuff into our house:).  After breakfast I made Britton go running. I want him to stay caught up with everything he has been accomplishing in track. 

Our biggest news of the day was Daxon will be ending his mission a few months early due to the Corona virus.  We are excited to have him home. I have been washing his clothes all day and beginning to think of all the things I need to do to get ready for his return.  These missionaries coming home early have a somewhat pioneering situation. They will not be having a big get together right away, and depending on when church starts again, who knows when they will report?  

 We picked up homework from the school this morning. A total of 1 hour was accomplished, I hope.  When the child is happy and doing legos quietly, do you really want to keep disturbing that to argue and fight over homework?  

I listened to this book a lot today. I love books that make me think about something in a way I never have before. This book is fabulous, a must read or listen.

JD fixed the fence out back today and worked in the yard with Britton. For the most part we all were wanderers today, not sure what to do. We played some games, ate 3 meals together as a family (I can't remember the last time that happened) 

Tonight found us all somewhat restless, if we are going to survive this we need a purpose for the day. I'm going to make a schedule for tomorrow, one with a purpose for the day. 

Wish me luck!

COVID-19 No School: Day 1

I woke up this morning at 5:30 am and had an 

overwhelming desire to go buy a trampoline. 

I woke up JD to come with me. He was beyond excited!

 The goldfish in the pond survived the winter. Ashlynn enjoyed sitting on the 

bridge watching them all swim around while JD and Britton played cornhole.

JD was suppose to go to Wyoming today, but his trip was cancelled due to the virus. 

 I have a feeling that this cornhole game Grandpa Phippen (Gramps) made us for 

Christmas will be used daily during the upcoming weeks. 

 While on our excursion to buy the trampoline, we also decided 

to get sidewalk chalk and a kickball.

 The kickball was a fabulous purchase. 

We have always loved playing kickball together. 

 To my surprise, I found Ashlynn out by the pool reading a book. 

I am hopeful she finds herself bored enough to read a book everyday.

Day one was a success. 

I loved having all my family together and spending quality time together!

The FIRST group in Lehi's dream

We find four groups of people in Lehi's dream. The first group is found in 
1 Nephi 8:21-23, 
"21 And I saw numberless concourses of people, many of whom were pressing forward, that they might obtain the path which led unto the tree by which I stood.

22 And it came to pass that they did come forth, and commence in the path which led to the tree.

23 And it came to pass that there arose a mist of darkness; yea, even an exceedingly great mist of darkness, insomuch that they who had commenced in the path did lose their way, that they wandered off and were lost."

   In come follow me it states, "this group of people pressed forward and commenced in the path that led to the tree of life. However, as the people encountered the mist of darkness, which represents ‘the temptations of the devil’ (1 Nephi 12:17), they lost their way, wandered off, and were lost. Notice that no mention is made in these verses of the rod of iron. Those who ignore or treat lightly the word of God do not have access to that divine compass which points the way to the Savior.”

      As I was driving home the other day I could not stop thinking about this group. The rod of iron is the word of God and this group did not have it. The idea that "There were numberless concourses of people pressing forward that they might obtain the path which led unto the tree by which I stood" ruminated in my mind. The inkling came to me that this is the Gathering of Israel group.  In D&C 123:12 we read, "For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it"

            This group had commenced to the path, they desire to get to the tree. They are a group of regular people living wholesome lives and doing honorable things.  When the mist of darkness shows up, as it does in all of our lives and makes it impossible to see in front of you, this group has nothing to hold on to. The Iron rod is missing.  President Packer stated, "The mist of darkness will cover you at times so much that you will not be able to see your way even a short distance ahead. You will not be able to see clearly. But you can feel your way. with the Holy Ghost, you can feel your way ahead through life. Grasp the iron rod, and do not let go. through the power of the Holy Ghost, you can feel your way through life." 

     As Members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have the gifts that help us hold the rod even when we cannot see it. We have an obligation to this first group.  Robert D Hales wisely declared, "As Lehi studied the scriptures he learned what all of us learn by studying the scriptures. Who we are. What we can become. Prophecies for us and for our posterity. The commandments, laws, ordinances, and covenants we must live by to obtain eternal life. And how we must live to endure to the end and return to our Heavenly Father with honor. So essential are these truths that Heavenly Father gave both Lehi and Nephi visions vividly representing the word of God as a rod of iron. Both father and son learned that holding to this strong, unbending, utterly reliable guide is the only way to stay on that straight and narrow path that leads to our Savior."

     Nephi is asked, "what desirest thou?" As we study the Book of Mormon may our desire to live the principles we learn to shine bright. Bright enough to light the way for those who need to see their way when the mist becomes too thick for a time.  May we desire to share it and the divine compass that it is with those who do not have it. I know that the promises of that extraordinary book will come into our lives and the lives of those we love as we do. We will learn the truths that it holds, those truths will give us the vigor we need to hold to the rod even when we cannot see where we are going. It will confirm to us the truthfulness of who we are and our potential as a Child of God. I feel fortunate to have the Rod of Iron in my life. I am thankful for my son Daxon and other missionaries who share the Book of Mormon and its beautiful message of the Savior with the world.  I know with all my heart that it is true.

Hawthorn Home

Dear Hawthorn Home,

            When we met twelve years ago, I felt you were inadequate and unworthy of my affection. You were located far away from individuals my heart holds dear. This fact alone made me feel an ache in my heart and overwhelming fear. Dreadful chicken wallpaper (with sliding door curtains that matched) was only the foundation of a long list of criticisms I had regarding the inside of your walls.  It was a sticky, hot, and humid Iowa day when my family moved in. As we observed your crispy dead lawn, wild forest of shrubberies, and tall sunflowers in the most random places, we weren't sure whether to weep or laugh out loud.

            Almost twelve years have passed since the day we met you. Today, one of the many things I love about you the most is that you never let these feelings of mine get in the way of how you treated me.  As I sign you over to someone else, unmanageable sobs keep showing up as unwelcomed visitors. I think that is so impolite. The thought of leaving you behind brings an ache to my heart. Every inch of your surroundings carries with it a memory that I want to bottle up and take with me.  The wild forest has been replaced with manicured landscaping and recollections of little children playing sports with dad in the street.  Your backyard occupied our Sundays with family kickball games and bonfires. Last year, we spent hours painting your porch for Daxon's graduation party. You looked so happy when the project was complete. If I would have known it would make such a difference on your personality to have that one feature taken care of, I would have accomplished it sooner.  The thought of leaving your swing set and shed causes my heart to twinge. I remember how mad I was the day I found out my husband payed for you to have that insanely large swing set built in the corner of the yard. I wanted nothing to do with it. I find myself in a drastically different position today. I would not trade the memories made during hours of play on that set for any amount of money today.

            Hawthorn, you allowed our family to have a place to call home.  Ashlynn and I loved the way you kept us warm as we sat on a blanket eating taco soup in front of the fireplace on frigid winter nights. You carried us through deployments, helped us welcome home baby numbed five, and managed to bring us through many late teenage nights. You continually rose to the occasion for last minute parties as we sent missionaries out and welcomed them home.  You never protested when every square inch of you was covered in glitter and wedding decor for months in 2016. I felt an all-embracing joy as I entered your walls with Daxon following his brain surgery.

            Over the last twelve years together, we have done too many DIY projects to count. Three of our children have left your walls to venture out into the world, yet apiece of each of them is what I have come to love so much about you. I see them in you. Hawthorn, how dearly I have grown to love you. You are close to so many of those I now love and hold dear to my heart. You really could not have chosen better neighbors.  As I prepare to leave, I want to thank you for being a safe-haven all of these years. It has been a cherished journey together.

All my love and admiration,

Lori