This week in the Ricks Clan

I am going to try and do a better job at recording the things that  happen weekly in our family.  I am hoping for two things: 1) a recorded picture record of our family over the years and 2) the ability to see changes and growth easier.  Since I don’t have time to keep my other blog up I will also be recording more of my thoughts here as well. 

This week was busier than most for me.  I usually don’t have much that takes me away from home once I get home at 5:30 or 6:00 from work but this week I had more going on.  We had normal things happening like Scouts, school, activity days, church meetings, doctor appointments, etc.  We are able to do all of those things and deal with the unexpected because we are blessed with good friends and family nearby. 

Tuesday night Dallas, Beth and I were able to go to the temple.  Kris Alley (who will be working for us soon) took out her endowment that night and was married on Friday!  We were supposed to make that session but didn’t make it in time for a variety of reasons.  Instead we were blessed to participate in family sealings.  Sister Auble had done a bit of work and we were able to seal those families together forever!  The night was amazing and the Spirit was so strong.  The sealer had time to just sit and talk as we waited for some people and taught us about the blessings and teachings of the temple.  Wow – that was amazing!  I came away feeling a great sense of peace and comfort and it lasted the entire week, what a blessing.  I honesty can’t imagine living my life without the gospel.  So glad that I have friends that will be coming with me each month.

Wednesday Marlissa turned 2.  Anyone that spends any time with her knows she was acting two for some time but we got to celebrate with pizza and cupcakes (two of her favorites).  Then she opened  cards and got her presents from us.  She got a shopping cart and a tent with a crawling tube.  Both were big hits.  On Saturday Grandma and Grandpa gave her princess gear – a princess dress up dress, purse, shoes and head wear!  She loves them – I will have to get a picture and post it soon!  Thanks everyone that called or sent presents!       

Thursday Marlissa celebrated being two by getting sick and visiting the doctor – I would have perferred another version of celebration but you know how stubborn two year olds are! I had board meeting for RS.  I hadn’t been to a board meeting in a while and it was nice to sit and talk about my calling and learn how to do it better.  I really love teaching the gospel and helping others to feel and recognize the Spirit.  So grateful I get to teach from the living prophets.  We talked about living the gospel and helping others to get more of the lessons by being prepared ourselves and by setting goals for our teaching.  I will be honest I have never set a goal for my teaching so that should be a new thing for me. 

Friday was a little crazy for us but we survived.  I had training I was giving for work – which took about 2 months to prepare for.  It seemed to go well.  We are excited to move forward with the other aspects of the grant and see the actual implementation of it.  As usual there is tons to do in the next few months and lots in the next couple of weeks.  I feel that we have been so blessed to be able to juggle everything so far.  I really love the work I am doing and have wonderful people to work with and that is such a blessing. 

This weekend has been relaxing.  We got all of the normal things done, the kids got to go play with friends, we made it out to the farm to get the hitch on the truck and ate some yummy chicken.  Sunday we had three missionaries give their farewell talks to the ward.  Two of them (Anna and Benjamin Lefler) I used to babysit.  They will be awesome and the Lefler family will be blessed.  While trying to take a nap (that never really happened) I watched my baby reaching for the ivy on the other side of the window.   I was thinking about how so many times in my life I have reached and reached for things that seemed so important and were just outside my reach.  In the end the Lords timing was so much better and I was so much more blessed for the wait. 

As Rob and I have prayed to know the best way to parent the kids we have had some success and other failures (failures mainly when we aren’t listening as well as we should or at least me – can’t talk for Rob).  but this week I did get some answers as I thought and prayed and I am grateful to know that our Heavenly Father listened and helped me. 

   I love when my kids read to each other!