Running in Circles

Last night for family night we had our little lesson and scripture reading and decided to try playing a matching game with Hazel.

 Brice got out the skip-bo cards and explained to Hazel how it worked.

 She loved it. 

the pictures are blurry and taken on my phone real quick but when you see that little smile it really just doesn't matter!

our family home evenings are sometimes quick and casual but I've really been trying hard to prepare a lesson and activity before Monday comes around. In the last few months Hazel has been catching me off guard asking thoughtful questions about our Heavenly Father and about scripture stories and it just makes me want to be better and better at the things we've been commanded to do. I know a happy family life can be possible when we are obedient to those simple things that prophets have asked us to do. family scriptures, family prayer, and family night. 

i feel like i should say amen ;)

We blessed Henry this last Sunday in our ward here in Dallas.  It was a thoughtful blessing and made me all the more grateful to be living the gospel and to be married to a man who holds the priesthood honorably. We had our home teachers and Ryan Taylor in the blessing circle.

Heavenly Father we come before thee by the power and authority of the Holy Melchizedek Priesthood to give this baby a name and a blessing. The name in which he should be known by the records of the church is Henry Brice Johnson. 

At this time Henry we desire to give thee a blessing. We bless you that faith will come easily to you and you will be able to choose the right easily. We bless you that you will be able to see the end from the beginning and for you to understand that this life is just a temporary state and just a time for you to learn and to grow to become more like your Savior, Jesus Christ. It is a great blessing for you Henry to be born in the church and we bless you that you will be able to take advantage of that in your life and apply the blessings and teachings you will learn both for your own benefit and also for all those you come in contact with.

We give you this blessing Henry, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. 

“The Lord's tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ” 

(David A. Bednar, April 2005 general conference).

It's only Tuesday but this week has already been full of small, tender mercies from the Lord. 

1. We have really enjoyed moving to Dallas but are still having a hard time making friends that we just click with. Well on Sunday we returned to church after our vacation and two friends and their husbands we knew from Provo are now members of our ward! They're both only here for summer internships but I was so happy to have familiar faces and catch up with friends.

2.  One of those dear friends, Liz, watched Hazel so I could go run an important errand and then picked me so I didn't have to walk home. I know that is such a simple thing, but the original plan involved me taking Hazel and then walking the 4 miles home with her. We probably would have made the walk just fine, but it was a tender mercy to me to have a ride/babysitter.

3. And now, the Jetta. After moving to Texas we knew we would have to re-register our car, get new licenses, etc.. but our dumb check engine light turned on a few weeks ago again. We looked up the code and its not a serious thing but it is expensive to repair. I was dreading the costs of repairs because without them we wouldn't pass the safety & emissions tests. 

Plus, Brice needs the car to get to work everyday so when we could actually get the repairs done was stressing me out as well. 

...Starting today through the rest of the week, Brice has a company-wide training and was able to carpool with a neighbor friend. They don't usually work at the same location but it worked out this week. Well guess what?!? The check engine light was off last night so I told Brice I'd take it in first thing today. Hazel and I waited anxiously in the lobby of the mechanic and guess what it passed! Woo-hoo! 

I started to realize how big of a deal I was making out of a little thing and was kinda getting frustrated with myself for doing that, but then... two miles on the road after the inspection and that dumb light showed right up! 

I couldn't help but cry immediately, because i know its no coincidence. This is the second time in the last two years that we have prayed for that light to turn off just to pass safety & emissions  and it does- and then after the inspection it turns right back on.

4. Last of all, because of Brice's company training and carpooling dealio- I get the car this week! It has been so much harder for me to be at home all day without a car than I had anticipated, so this is such a blessing! Hazel and I got the inspection, registration, and grocery shopping done this morning and we have play dates and splash-pads to visit the rest of the week!

1. This last week has been a busy one. 

We're so glad its Brice's last week of college classes! 

He's doing great in his classes and on all of his projects but he is so ready to be done and you know what-I I don't blame him at all.

2. We really enjoyed General Conference and I especially loved THIS talk by President Uchtdorf. 

Hazel napped entirely through the second session on Sunday so Brice and I accidentally did some napping too. We'll have to start re-watching that session for FHE .

3. I am starting to get a little nostalgic about moving (don't worry we're all excited too) and feeling a little left out here in Provo so emotionally this week has been kinda hard. I quickly started re-reading my FAVORITE memoir by Stephanie Nielsen. This is like the 4th time I've read her book but it really reminds me of the joys I feel and strive for each day.

“Happiness was my choice, and though it is hard-won, I am the only person who can stand in the way of it.” 
― Stephanie Nielson, Heaven Is Here: An Incredible Story of Hope, Triumph, and Everyday Joy

4. Last night, Brice bit the bullet and posted his motorcycle for sale and within an hour we had cash in our hands. We did not expect it to sell so quickly but now it's another thing I can cross of my list of to-dos. 

5. The sun has been shining the last few days and it is amazing what it does for my soul to feel the warmth on my skin. I am glad we're moving to Texas and not Seattle.

6. The last little while with Hazel has been wonderful. We enjoy one another's company and rely on each other so much throughout the day. She is so chatty and silly and loving. I love being a mom-her mom! There are times when I lose my patience or am tired of reading the same books to her- but I feel blessed to have her and blessed to have given birth to her.

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