I've been reflecting on much lately. First, my oldest son, Cameron has submitted his mission paperwork to the Bishop for his final interview, and then it will go on to the Stake. To see the wonderful young man that Cameron has become makes me proud and feel the spirit on so many levels. As a parent, you try to do the right things, to raise your children to be strong, responsible, capable, righteous human beings. But, ultimately, we all fall short. I am not a perfect mom and always worry that my weaknesses will negatively affect my children. But, my constant prayer is that Heavenly Father will make up the difference. And I look at Cameron, and I know that Heavenly Father has truly made up the difference. Cameron has such a strong, unwavering testimony of the gospel and he will be a great instrument in the Lord's hands as he serves his mission. Yes, at times I'm sad that he'll leave me... I love him so much! But, this is what we've raised him to do. And to see him start to fulfill his spiritual goals, is an irreplaceable feeling as a mother.

I've also thought a lot about Mike being Bishop over the last 2 1/2 years. When Mike was first called, many people offered their condolences, jokingly of course. And while his calling has been busy for our family, it is an experience I would not soon trade. The time Mike spends being Bishop, has actually made our family closer as we cherish the times more that we have together. I feel its good for the kids to see us serving and giving our all to building up the Lord's kingdom and in return, again, I have felt that the Lord has made up the difference in our family. I have felt like this with many callings Mike has held over the years. When he was first called to be Elder's Quorum President, many years ago, he was set apart with special blessings given for our family and I truly felt lifted up during that period of time. I feel that now. I am grateful for this opportunity that has stretched our family and helped us to grow. And I'm grateful for the man my husband is and who he is becoming. I know few husband's who work all day, spend time on their calling, and then come home and start doing dishes, or start cleaning the house, and then help kids with homework. He is a man of tireless service and spiritual insights and I'm grateful for him.

I've also been reflecting on some goals I personally set and that we set as a family, about 2 years ago. With few exceptions, we attend the temple every month. As a family, we've all started doing more family history work and Cameron, Errolyn, Mike & I, have all taken names to the temple this last year. We're reading the Book of Mormon more consistently as a family and discussing it more frequently. Our dinner time has turned into one of reflection, where we return and report what we're thankful for each day, how we've served someone that day, and how we in turn recognize and are thankful for a service we received that day. Our Ward is paired with the Spanish Branch, but a year ago it was a Spanish Group within our ward, and Mike and I both studied Spanish each evening so we could better communicate with the members. We haven't missed a Family Home Evening in over 11 years, but we've been trying to bring the Spirit in more and make sure the lessons and discussions are better and more thought out. We've been praying morning and evening as a family and encouraging our kids to really talk with the Lord as they pray. We've been eating healthier as a family and all joined a gym this last year to exercise more frequently. I've been reading my personal scriptures more consistently and have received many insights and promptings from reading them. As a family we made a goal to be kinder and softer spoken, and I've seen the difference its made. I remember when we set most of these goals, they all seemed so daunting. Some of these things we already did, but we wanted to do them better or more consistently. And its so nice after a couple of years to look back and see that we're doing it! To see the progress we've made as a family! We're not perfect by far, and still have a long road of progression, but I am grateful for the help Heavenly Father has given us through our journey so far.

Mike and I went to the temple a few days ago, and these things and many others have been flowing through my mind and I just feel grateful; so very grateful for the blessings the Lord has seen fit to bestow upon my family. I wish that every family could come to know of the Spirit that we feel. (Which uncoincidentally are some of the goals we're working on as a family for this coming year.)

The other kids are doing well. Errolyn reads her patriarchal blessing each Sunday and as I watch her blossom, I am more and more feeling the Spirit through her. She is a beautiful young women inside and out and I'm grateful she is choosing the good path. Logan is starting to come into his own. He's definitely knowledgeable about the scriptures and if he can use the endless energy he has for good as he grows older, he will be an unstoppable force for good. It's so fun to see him make good choices and desire to serve others and to receive the Priesthood later this year. Emma is still as sweet spirited as ever and will be baptized next month. She has 2 articles of faith left to memorize before she's baptized and she already has developed a strong testimony of being Christ-like and helping others. And Allie, is our little sweet heart. She's kind-hearted, helpful, and rarely anything but happy. I'm so grateful for my family!