"My" last ACT

Lauren and I were up at 5:45am this morning and this was part of our reward.  A beautiful sunrise with amazing clouds!

This morning Lauren took her last ACT test in preparation for her college applications.  She did not use the same test preparation tutor, Dawn, that a few of other kids used, but we did use Dawn's test day secrets.  First secret, wake up at 5:45am and go for a mile run.  Then wear a business dress and then eat a very specific meal before and during the test break.

Lauren was very prepared for the test, unfortunatly, the testing center was not as prepared.  This is the first time the ACT was given in the shorter length.  Also, the Science section and writing portion are both optional.  This meant there were 3 groups of kids taking the test and the testing center them all mixed up.  So they had to rearrange kids accoridng to their needs.  This made the test start late and I’m sure make some kids more antsy.  Her friend, Elsa Nunley, brought her home after the test.  

Currently, the Honda Civic has been making some funny noises over the last few weeks and so we took it into the mechanic to see if they can figure out what is making all those noises.  

Chloë spent the morning with a new old friend. This is someone she has known for a while, but it’s never done anything with her on the weekend. It was fun to hear about Chloë‘s little adventure with her friend. They went to Ulta makeup store to find some concealer and contour make up. When Chloë got home we watched a 20 minute video on how to apply contour. It was very informative!

Later this afternoon, Tony and Christopher showed up. Christopher‘s dad is in a detox inpatient hospital. There was a little incident with him a few days ago and so I encouraged Daniel to reach out to Christopher‘s mom, Monika, to see if he and Tony would like to spend a few hours over here swimming. I figured Monika could use a little break. I hope she was able to do something for herself or get caught up at home.  She is such a kind, sweet lady. Currently she is a relief society president in the Camelback Branch.

Sam's college quilt

If you recall the lag time on baby quilts, the following story will make perfect sense.  My baby quilt post can be found on October 15, 2003

As Sam's senior year of high school was quickly passing me by I felt ZERO pressure to make Sam's quilt because I had 2 whole years while he was on his mission to work on it. Every now and again I would look at quilt patterns on Etsy until one day I saw the most adorable pattern! It was a mountain landscape. I fell in love with it and knew Sam would think it was pretty cool as well. Fast forward to April of 2025. Sam would be home from his mission in 4 months and I had not STARTED on his quilt. PANIC!  It took me four years and Daniel and Lauren's help to get Olivia's quilt ready for her to leave for college. At some people during Sam's mission I was thinking abotu his quilt because I had the genius idea to use his baby clothes to make up some on the squares of his quilt. After rummaging through baby clothes and a few visits to the fabric store here and in St. George, I had all my fabric picked out.  With  about 2 months to go I began to cut the fabric. Plus, to our great delight Seth and Katry were living with us for the month of July. Of course, during that time we had summer vacations, camps, and day to day comings and goings. Consequently, it was hard to make much progress. Fortunately, the quilt was coming together nicely, but by now I had less than 2 weeks till Sam was coming home.  Chloe and I mad a few more trips to the fabric store tweeking colors here and there. T-minus 2 days and the mountain scene of the quilt was finished thanks to a few late nights watching Crash Landing on You!  Now it was time to add the thick border that was make the quilt twin sized for his bed.  

I had worked so hard and spent a lot of emotional energy on it over the past few months, that as I pushed the fabric through the machine I began to consider whether Sam would love it as much as I did.  Then I began to look at the quilt from his perspective.  I knew he would love the symbolism in the baby clothing fabric and he would really love the math that went into creating the squares and triangles to make the mountain scene.  I had no doubt he would like it... but then I began to think about how it was coming together. The border was brightly colored and it started looking a bit juvenile. In a flash I knew I would not be giving Sam this quilt as his college quilt.  I would give it to him at a much more special time in his life. I felt really good about that choice. I am not very crafty and definitely not detail oriented which is a must when it comes to quilting. So this quilt is a gift of love more so than a gift of something to cover his bed. It has special meaning and I want the quilt to be given at the right time as well. 

A few days after Sam came home from his mission I told him about the process of making his quilt and told him I would give it to him down the road some day. And just like that we took a trip to Pottery Barn, where he could find the perfect quilt for his bed at this time in his life. 

Stay tuned to see the completed quilt. The picture below is not in its current condition.  You can't see the sky or border. 

How to help?

This morning I got a phone call from Maddie Huested asking if I could make dinner for one of my primary student’s family because his mother passed away last night. I couldn’t believe it. Jaxxon’s mom had lung cancer, but she had mostly recovered and back to work. Apparently, last night she had some internal bleeding and died. So sad. I am so sorry for Jaxxon, the first and last conversation I had with Jaxxon’s mom was about Jaxxon and what a great kid he is. She said he had a pure heart and is seeking to learn what is good. He would bring her scriptures he found on his phone and share them with her. I am glad I could hear her say all those nice things about Jaxxon. This way I can remind him of how much his mom loved him.

Lauren found out about this at YW activity tonight and wanted to help in someway. She was saddened and shocked by this news and wanted to know as much as she could so she could understand. I think that is a normal reaction. Lauren likes to understand and then help in whatever way is best for the one that needs help.

This morning I also planted a rose bush I bought for my mom. I accidentally bought the wrong color rose bushes. So I tried to exchange them, but couldn’t for this one. The other 2 bare root roses came today. We will plant them tomorrow, hopefully. I love these David Austin roses and I hope they flourish here.

This morning my dad came into the kitchen mildly worried about my mom. Since November her memory has been failing her. She often forgets what she needs to do for the day and other short term memory items. Today, she and my dad went to the airport to pick up Leslie. Then they came here to pick up Pico and then they dropped Leslie off at home. A few hours later my mom asked my dad if they needed to go pick up Leslie today or tomorrow. She had completely forgotten that she already picked Leslie up. My dad and I are pretty worried, but it doesn’t seem there is anything my mom wants to do about this. We made her get an MRI, but it didn’t show any damage from a stroke. With her memory going we have had to streamline her finances. She had over 8 credit cards all for different purposes. Now she has 3, soon to be 2 bc my dad is closing accounts left and right. There is no way any of us can understand the way she does her finiances, so my dad is changing her system of 60 years. It is a bit painful, but she knows she can’t keep track of things the way they are.

Sam is huffing and puffing right now. About a year ago he started exercising. He is very lean and muscular, but so skinny you would never know unless you feel his arms, which he would never let you do. Anyway at school they have a PowderBuff volleyball game, Senior vs. Juniors. The kids take it very seriously. He is ‘training’ about 3 times a week with the other boys and 3 girls from the volleyball team. I love his friends and Chloë loves his friends. She says that a few times a day. “Mommy, I LOVE Sammy’s friends.” That is what I hear all day everyday. Anyway, Sam has a great little routine that really has paid off. He is very strong.

Sam's 18

Today is Sam’s 18th birthday. He is such a great kid. I invited some of his friend’s over for cake after his volleyball practice was over. He was so happy with his friends. It makes my heart happy. He turned in his mission papers about a week ago. I can’t wait to see what happens to him on his mission. 

 I know Olivia is having a hard time. The language is so hard and she is always so worried about what people think of her. So I think she is being very hard on herself and yet, maybe she isn’t hard enough. It is hard to say... I really don’t know what she is thinking or feeling. All I can do is pray for her... I love her and want her to be the best person she can be. I pray she is preparing herself to be a good mother and wife. 

 Lauren stayed home from school today bc she was having allergies and then she didn't wake up in time for school. They are doing state testing. If she goes to school late it would have been in the middle of testing and that would mean she would have to stay after and get caught up. Where as if she doesn't go at all she would just never take the test. Consequently, I put her to work at home and she said she is never staying home again. I love all my kids and pray for their testimonies. I have started telling them they have to be good parents and very direct about their testimonies and when teaching their children.  

We moved in with my parents October of 2020. I love living with them for many reasons. Just now we had Sam’s friends over for cake on his bday. My parents joined in teh celebration. I love that my parents are a part of my kids lives. I love that we have space in their big house. I love that we have a fire pit. I love that i can help my parents and my kids see me helping my parents. I love that my parents can help me. I love that Daniel is less stressed over money. We pay rent, but it is different than having a mortgage and being responsible for home repairs and such. I love the sunny warm weather and I love that we are so close to a temple. I am so blessed. I love my life... even though there are some things I wish I could change, I love where I am in life.  

 

General Conference

Nelson- go on a mission

Ballard- go on a mission

Reyna Aburto- branch ready to embrace her after her baptism. Church exists to support us as we follow Jesus. RS is covenant women of the church who serve and have compassion. Bring them hither to the Lord and he will heal them. We have need of being healed.

Saturday Afternoon

Elder Holland-

Happiness comes from the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are his most precious possession.

The cross some have to bare.

Jirus’s daughter that died.

Fear Not. Believe only. Light of Christ gives life to all.

Run to the aid of those thinking of giving up. Listen.

Elder Keaton-

You might feel like you are in the middle of a disaster. You will make it out of your survival story. You are not alone. Jesus is with you. He is a God Justice and Mercy. Sinner and those offended. He came to undo the done. He is perfect at it.

Elder Aidukatis-

Preach my Gospel

Serve a mission

His thought are not our thoughts.

With His help we can do hard things.

Elder Gong-

What is your story? We each matter.

A. Ochoa

Use your faith

Immediately ask Jesus for help

When we struggle that is when we need the plan. That doesn’t mean the plan isn’t working.

Be humble

Kevin Hamilton-

Men and Women can change

Change=repentance

Humble themselves

Faith in Jesus

Elder Cook-

Is Jesus the Savior of mankind?

Is the Book of Mormon true?

Is Joseph Smith prophet of restoration?

Women’s session

Elder Oaks-

Susan Porter-

Past and present don’t define us. Life isn’t turning out like planned. Salt. Levin. Light

A little maid had faith allowed Naman to be healed.

Sister Becky Craven-

Doing the gospel of Jesus Christ

“It mattereth Not”. So something’s must matter

What distracts us from doing what matters most?

Stepping up and standing out

Sister Jean Bingham-

Trust GOD

Elder Renlund-

Young Women theme topics

Diverting our focus

Divine Nature

Eternal destiny

Prayer Journal

I have done a lot of thinking about prayer lately. Daniel and I have been talking about me and what I can do to not worry so much about him and his happiness. I spend too much energy worrying about whether or not he is sad or mad or tired or ... needs more attention or just everything. But this is not something I have control over so why am I letting it control me so much. I really have exhausted myself over the years trying to make him happy when the truth is, my actions may not influence him and even if they do, it might not be for the same reason I was intending. I have been praying all day for more than a week (really I have been praying about this for years) and I know I will continue to pray that I will not worry myself over his choices. This has brought me to an honest discussion with myself about prayer. I have been trying to pray Daniel into the behavior I want.

The summer of 2019 I took my family to visit Leslie and her girls while she was working in Washington DC. One Sunday we attended a ward in DC. The teacher gave the most interesting lesson on Prayer. Now, how many lessons have I heard on prayer? How many lessons have I given on prayer? TOO MANY!!! But this lesson struck me in a very different way. The teacher taught me what it really means to put God’s will first. For example, instead of praying for my daughter to go on a mission, I should be praying that my daughter has a testimony of missionary work. Her point was that I cannot will someone to do something or will God to do something. Our prayers should be such that it is centered on what I can do.

So I am trying to do that with my feelings towards Daniel. I have to pray my feelings and my heart to change. And if I am worried about how the kids are going to react to Daniel’s behavior, I have to pray that I will teach them ...something or I will be an example of ...something.... I am not exactly sure. I am still working on how to implement this obvious epiphany. Anyway it is an amazing concept and I now have a love hate relationship with prayer. I forgot to mention that I love praying. I really believe God is up in heaven just waiting to hear from me...really. He wants to hear my thoughts and help me. I totally believe if I ask for something I really need He will answer me.

What was one of the most profound moments of your life?

Lauren at age 11 said: (note from the author, me, Lindsay. Lauren's Auntie Evie met a man online about a year and a half ago and were married about 6 months later.)  Here is Lauren'most profound moment.  Eve’s wedding. I just felt like she was getting married to someone else and how would I feel if I was one of their kids. Then I felt like it was going to be ok because everyone is wonderful and kind. I felt something different there.

Olivia:  The time I was walking down the English hallway at Mountain View high school and I realized what my teachers meant when they asked me to write a rhetorical essay!!

Are there any words of wisdom you'd like to pass along?

Lauren’s words of wisdom : Don’t make Olivia upset. She freaks out too much. You know in the movies? She is like the chicken you wake up in the morning by a goat. The chicken nugget. Sun glasses are utterly despised by Lauren.

Chloë: Don’t have too many crushes. It will make you confused. I did NOT write that, my real words of wisdom are that you need to stay connected to your friends.

Olivia’s words of wisdom: Don’t procrastinate eating because you will regret it. Actually don’t procrastinate anything at all because you will regret that and you never end up feeling good.

Sam’s words of wisdom (as he plays his Jewish harp): I don’t have any.... busy with my rc car. Ok for real. If you are a cow don’t be a cow.

Note: We had so much fun writing and reading this prompt. Laughed so hard our bellies ached!

Are there any words of wisdom you'd like to pass along?

Lauren’s words of wisdom : Don’t make Olivia upset. She freaks out too much. You know in the movies? She is like the chicken you wake up in the morning by a goat. The chicken nugget. Sun glasses are utterly despised by Lauren.




Chloë: Don’t have too many crushes. It will make you confused. I did NOT write that, my real words of wisdom are that you need to stay connected to your friends.



Olivia’s words of wisdom: Don’t procrastinate eating because you will regret it. Actually don’t procrastinate anything at all because you will regret that and you never end up feeling good.



Sam’s words of wisdom: I don’t have any.... busy with my rc car. Ok for real. If you are a cow don’t be a cow.




Note: We had so much fun writing and reading this prompt. Laughed so hard our bellies ached!

Have you ever planted a tree?

I have planted many trees. The first significant tree I planted was at girls camp in 2016. On the second to last day of camp we always do a service project. That year our service project was to plant trees in one of the campgrounds that was very sunny. It has been fun to go back to camp Lehi over the years and see those small trees that have grown. They’re still small now but I can’t wait to see them years down the road.

The other tree that I am think about right now I am much more excited about.  I planted an apricot tree in our backyard. Every year, our neighbor who lived kitty korner to us on Jefferson Drive would bring us a BUNCH of apricots. Last year they told us they were moving and asked us if we wanted that apricot tree. I knew they were renting their house, but I thought that was a strange question. How were we supposed to uproot a tree in their yard and bring it to our yard?  And further more, should they give a tree to someone else before they moved? I thought the apricot tree went with the rental property! It turns out the apricot tree was in a pot that they bought it from Costco 15 years ago. Daniel and Sam tried to pick up the pot and carry it home, but it seemed stuck to the ground. After getting a shovel and digging around the roots, it appeared to have grown through the pot and the main root ball was in the ground. If we had known how hard it was going to be to get the tree from the pot in the ground, we probably wouldn’t have done it. But I am happy we did! Now we have a beautiful apricot tree in our backyard with a fun history.

As a side note, I asked my girls this question and they all shared the same apricot tree story. But first, Olivia remembered the girls camp story. So fun that our memories were the same!

Parenting trials of Zoom classes

I'm no good at the parenting thing during pandemic schooling. I have been able to keep a happy face and good attitude most days. I do love having the kids home all day instead of at school.  I also am grateful that I actually get to see what their teachers are teaching them. However, Daniel hates how much they are on their computers, which puts me on edge about it. 

We don't have an option of the kids NOT being on zoom classes, so I am not sure what other choice we have.  Last Friday night I told them we needed a break from the computers. Then I asked them to tell me when they are going to be on or off the computer each morning, so that I know what to expect. Unfortunately, one of the kids got on the computer without telling me so I let them all know that not of them can get on the computers till 2pm tomorrow.  I shouldn't have said that because, unfortunately, they have to get on the computer. So know I have to figure out how to balance the kids doing what I ask and me setting up expectations that they can keep.  We will see how this turns out. 

I already know Chloe has 2 Zoom meetings tomorrow morning and so does Lauren. Sam and Olivia also have zoom calls with teachers.  The homework also has to be done and turned on in the computer. So Daniel might just have to figure out how to be alright with the amount of computer time during this crazy time of life.  Our kids are good and trustworthy, they are just learning to navigate this crazy routine of school on the computer. 

Anyway. Happy to be here, unhappy Daniel hates the computers so much.

love ya!

General Conference Notes

 

General Conference

Today we had a wonderful General Conference. I think this is the first time all 4 kids listened happily for all 5 session. It was beautiful.

April 4, 2020….Samś 15th birthday

Saturday morning

President Nelson- ...prophet...He did not know that when last conference he said this Conference would be very special that we would be meeting apart. After the conference we will give the Hosanna Shout as a global demontration of our unity in God’s love.

Elder M Russel Ballard- ...president of the 12 apostles...

The Smith family history and Joseph Smith history. Hyrum Smith, Joseph's brother, stood by his side throughout it all.

Their faithfulness should not be forgotten. Let us offer from our hearts an offerig such as the brother’s Hyrum and Joseph.

James Rashand- ...of the seventy….What is our Joy focused on? President Packer explains: “When the prophet Alma was young, he spent such a time ‘racked,’ as he said, ‘with eternal torment, [his] soul … harrowed up to the greatest degree’ [Alma 36:12; emphasis added].

“He even thought, ‘Oh, … that I could be banished and become extinct both soul and body’ [v. 15; emphasis added].

“But his mind caught hold of a thought. When he nurtured the thought and acted upon it, the morning of forgiveness came. …

“The thought that rescued Alma, when he acted upon it, is this: Restoring what you cannot restore, healing the wound you cannot heal, fixing that which you broke and you cannot fix is the very purpose of the atonement of Christ” (Ensign, Nov. 1995, 19–20).

We are accountable if we know. Peace comes when we are healed thru atonement. Savior will clear hurt and ignorance so that we all have a chance to choose. Have I limited my children’s joy or understanding? God promises them mercy and lifts our sins from him.

Joy D Jones- ….Primary President…. Women in the faith. You are now placed in a situation where you can act according to those sympathies which God has planted in your bosoms. If you live up to these principles how great and glorious!—if you live up to your privilege, the angels cannot be restrained from being your associates. … If you will be pure, nothing can hinder.-Joseph Smith

“The Lord loves effort. Effort brings rewards.” Pres. Nelson

Truths that inspire us to improves. “General Conference overwhelm” The spirit will help us know want to prioritize.

Neil L. Andreson- 7/12 apostle…. I knew that God knew and I could not deny it

This happens to not only Joseph Smith, but to each of us. It doesn’t have to be a big vision, just an answer to our prayer….done. :)

Douglas D Holms- 1st counselor Young Men’s… Let the youth do this! Don’t put it all on their shoulders, but give them all they need to succeed.

Elder Henry B Eyring- ...2nd counselor first presidency…. Our Part of the Restoration, prayer, our work to do to prepare for the 2nd coming.

Saturday Afternoon

Ulysis Soares- ….12/12 apostle…

nd the truths such as atonement and staying firm with the church

Dale Renlund- .. 10/12 apostle….

Remember the captivity of your fathers. We come to know God during the trials in life. Our transformation can be profound. Reflect everyday on gifts we have received. Spiritual sensitivity. Don't take these things for granted. Salvation came at a great cost. Want to help without judging, love our kids, always rejoice… these are fruits of remembering Godś goodness and mercy…. Their goodness binds our hearts to them… we can be more compassionate.

The Savior loves to fix what we cannot fix.

Ben M.Z. Tai… seventy…

Know what we need to do and do what we know. The more we focus on what we do want to accomplish then the things we don´t want in our lives will disappear.

Gary E Stevenson- ...9/12 apostle…

Brigham Young found a place in Salt Lake Valley for the temple cornerstone. What makes my foundation? What are my spiritual and emotional character? Temple recommend questions. Have I witnessed more light or more darkness? Future may be unknow

What is your favorite genre of music?

This prompt is probably asking me about pop music and so hear! is that answer.  I like listening to music from my high school days.  I have a Spotify playlist called Linzmgl's soft 90's.  I don't like the heavy alternative music from my high school days, but the softer pieces. 

But, if you really want to know what I prefer to listen to on the radio than that would be NPR talk radio.  I like current even updates and marketplace news.  Most of the broadcast in Mountain View are more liberal than my way of thinking, but that is why I like listening to it.  I like hearing a different perspective.  

But, if we are not talking about pop culture.  I LOVE listening to my kids and nephews play the piano.  Even if the songs are very simple or it is my 6 round hearing the songs, because the Miner boys have also played them, I still like sitting down hearing what they want to play for me. 

Prayer Journal

Today was a hard day for me. I found out that one of my good friends daughter is bisexual and her son is addicted to pot. My friend and her husband are such good people and her kids are good too but they got caught in some snare. I am terrified that something is going to take my kids away from the gospel. How do I protect my family? Prayer is the only way and helping my kids get their own testimony. Please be kind my family please help them to be faithful please Help them to know for themselves that what we say is true. Help them to judge the gospel by its truth and not by our every action. How I want them to make it through high school without being fooled. Help them to make it in BYU and find friends that share their high Values. Please protect them and put a shield around them. Help me to never forget to pray for this and for Your help.

Prayer Journal

 

Getting enough sleep

Doesn’t get sick from Chloe

Gets good study habits for upcoming week

Does well in preparing for finals week

Olivia have determination to stay focused

Thank you Daniel for sitting by Sam to finish scout project!

Sam’s Eagle

Poor Daniel. Help him not to be afraid. Help him to continue to write stuff down. I don’t know what he is writing but he needs to brain storm. Brainstorm. Brainstorm. Give him strength to I’ve come fear. Talk to me about his thoughts let him let me help him.!! Help Olivia get into physics class. Get figure out cost maybe barb will pay for it? Help a client to find Daniel. Help good attorneys to find Daniel. Help me to love and enjoy Lauren. Help Chloë to have good self worth. Help me foster that.

Olivia's college quilt part 1

The story of Sam's college quilt begins in the summer of 2017.  Lauren needed to go to the fabric store to get some material for a sewing class she was taking. All five of us made a trip to the local JoAnn's Fabric store.  We were all perusign the aisles when suddenly Olivia found this great succulent fabric that she LOVED.  Lauren said, "Hey mom, I'll make Olivia a pillowcase out of this and you can make her a quilt for college!" We all laugh, but deep down inside we all knew Lauren was right.  I would need several years to make her quilt.  

Sam's first pinewood derby

My car got under 4th place every time it went down the track. It's best was 2 nd place.  It didn't look very cool, but it was pretty fast. In the end I got 2 nd place in all of the Bear 2- there were about 20 kids in all the Bear dens. The car was named Zipper. You can see it in the picture above. It is in the bottom row. The 5th car it. It has a green back, red side, yellow top.