Lots of happy tears...

I can't begin to tell you what a happy day it has been for my family. My mommy got married today.  We kept it simple with just close family. My mom had her kids there (all seven of us) and all of here siblings. We also believe  her parents were there with us too. There are not enough words to completely describe how completely happy we are for our Mom. After 18 years of being single she has found a man who is amazing in every sense of the word. We all love him dearly, not only because of who he is, but how he treats our mom.  Today our family received  major blessings.
 There were a lot of happy happy tears shed today.

(thanks Teresa for the great pic)
 But most importantly were the cheers expressed in Heaven. 

There are some moments.

you know those moments after watching the news on devastating storms whether it be tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis,etc. And you go on with your life. You run your errands and while out your see signs for "aide" give for those who lost.
It all becomes a little surreal when those signs become aid for your own community.While at Costco on Saturday I saw a few of those signs and my immediate thought went to those in Joplin. and then after exiting the store I thought wow that for us.
Last week a Tornado touched down in a few surrounding communities. One being near the chapel where we go to church. I had Ryszard drive me around a little bit after church on Sunday to see things up close. He pointed out buildings that had become piles of ruble, massive trees that were uprooted and laying on their side now being cleared away.

I personally was unaffected. But after our quick drive around taking a few pictures and Hearing the Testimony of a few members that LIVED through the sights and sounds of the Tornado and came out with stronger faith in God.  My heart is full.  I was sent messages on facebook , phone calls from friends and family asking if we were okay.
I am blessed.

I Love To See The Temple.

Part of the nightly bedtime routine includes me singing a few songs to the boys. I just start sing mostly songs form the children's song book we use in church. One of the songs, "I Love to see the Temple" is sung almost nightly. A few nights ago Brock actually sang the words with me. Well not all the words but the important ones. It was a very melt my heart, bring tears to my eyes moment. Brock recognizes quite a few songs, but this was the first time he actually sang with me.
What joy filled my soul knowing that he really is listening.

Yesterday while he was playing in the front room, he went and got his building blocks and said "pemple". {temple}
"You want to build a temple?" I asked
"Yeah!"
So we built a temple out of our blocks. I then asked him a few questions, not really expecting an answer.
"Brock what do we do in the temple?"
B: "Paay!" {pray} {this was the first time he'd said the word pray too!}
M: "Who do we go to the temple to be closer to?"
B:"geeges" {Jesus}
M: "That's right!, who taught you so much about the temple?"
B: "Mom!"

I can not even tell you just how happy that made me. Knowing that he is listening and learning. Oh the joy!

Temple Dedication and Baby Tyler's Blessing Day

After My Mom and I attended the dedication session for the Oqirrh Mountian Utah Temple, {where we heard and felt so many great stories of faith, one of which including a man born with clubfoot that wasn't corrected until he was 24 years old. (Can you just imagine my fellow clubfoot mommies?) Which after a nudge from Mom reminded me of how blessed we truly are for the medical advances we now have}
Brock and I had the great opportunity {along with the rest of the family} to see baby Tyler blessed by uncle Matt today. My sister April wanted me to be here for it and that makes me feel so special. Uncle Matt did a wonderful job. I was able to meet some of Aprils neighbors and friends and after the blessing we had a very yummy lunch prepared By Tyler's daddy Sergio. He made Carne Asada for all of us and I was in heaven, it was muy bueno! Brock ate almost half of my food and was a very good boy. After lunch we had a little water balloon fight for the kids, but Sergio decided to kick that off by spraying me with the kitchen hose. {I am now planning my revenge!} It was a great day. I absolute love spending time with my family, and I love that Brock has so many cousins to play with.
Just a few pictures to share:
Tyler Joel Balandran
The Balandran Family {Sergio, Riley, Tyler and April}





{Temple pic taken by: Jonh Neff}

Torpedo Brock

With Ryszard being down in Alabama this weekend for a football game, I have had Brock all to myself. So needless to say I became a little tired of chasing him during Church. So during Closing exercises in Primary, I just let him crawl around. The minute I put him down he was off. A boy in primary Austin mentioned he had warp drive because he'd be on one side on the room one second and the next he's on the completely opposite side. After circling the room about a dozen times during our 10 minutes of closing exercises I was happy to get Brock into the car, and even happier that he konked out before I even left the parking lot. He is now slepping softly and I'm enjoying a minute or two of relaxation!
We're off to pick up Ryszard later tonight, hopefully my invisible tattoo won't reappear! {check my previous post for the story behind this one!}

Jesus Has Risen

Friday night I taught a song in ASL to the primary kids at our Easter Activity, entitled Jesus Has Risen.
This song has such a sweet simple message:
"Jesus has risen, Jesus our friend. Joy fills our hearts; He lives again.
Praises we sing to him, this Easter times. Jesus has risen, Savior divine. Jesus has risen, Savior divine"
What a great feeling it is to me not just to believe, but to know that my Savior, my Redeemer does live!
Wishing you all a Happy Easter!


* picture by Mark Mabry for more from this artist click here!*

A Blessed Day

What a blessed day it has been. I don't exactly know when it started but Sunday is my absolute favorite day of the week! I was actual somewhat prepared for singing time in Primary today, {I know I should be prepared every week, but I never fully am. Maybe I should just pretend that everything I do is exactly what I planned on doing!} Ryszard, Brock and I also stayed after church to attend the baptism of the Matthieu's. {Brock is now at a stage where he knows he can get around on his own, so keeping him from roaming around is a little more work, I ended up taking him out into the hall just as the baptism program was starting. But we ended up right in front of the baptismal font.} Anyway Joshua was baptized first as it was happening I was watching Brock stare so intently at the font, and right when Joshua came out of the water Brock smiled so big, from ear to ear and gave a little cheer! I'm not afraid to admit that it made me start to cry. Not only of the joy I felt knowing the great things that the gospel of Jesus Christ will bring to this young family,
but seeing Brock so excited and letting everyone know it. During Stephanie's turn in the water Brock wasn't as vocal but again he watched wide-eyed and for a moment I could see tears in his eyes right before he started smiling again!
Watching Brock take this all in really made me feel completely blessed for the knowledge I have of Eternal Families and the amazing love of our Father in Heaven, of his son Jesus Christ, and the amazing blessing of having the Holy Ghost as a daily companion.
See it was a blessed Day!
{If you like the photos I used in this post go Here to see more!}

New Calling

I was just called as the Primary Music leader in my ward. For some reason I'm a little nervous about the whole thing. It's been quite a while since I sang most of these songs. {I'm thinking I may have to start playing the cd in my car to refresh my memory!} I also want to make it fun for everyone, there lies the challenge! Hopefully I can find a fun way to introduce new songs and make music time fun for all the the kids.

Up All Night.

I received my conference issue of the Ensign this past week.
WOW! Even though I watch conference and took notes, there's only so much you can really hear when you're tending to a 4 month old baby.
I've been reading talks that were given, underlining key phrases and really reflecting on the words that were expressed. Sometimes it has kept me up all night, while I do more reading, searching for more.
I love being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I love knowing that there is a living prophet in the world today. I love being able to read and reflect upon the words that our prophets and apostles share with us.
What better way is there to spend a sleepless night?

Goodbye... Hello!

My baby brother Mark enters the MTC {Missionary Training Center} today, to begin his 2-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Mark will be serving his Mission in Kennewick, Washington.
While we were in Utah, a few weeks ago, we had the opportunity to hear him speak in church. It was very touching. I am so grateful to have a brother like Mark who I know will strive to be the best missionary he can be. He knows who he is and what he believes, and I love that he has chosen to take 2 years of his life, and serve the Lord. I know he has prayed earnestly for this opportunity, and is now entering an incredible journey. He will make an amazing missionary.
Ryszard was also able to share some fun stories with Mark about his own mission/ mission life, I know Mark really enjoyed hearing those stories, and I think they helped him realize that every missionary is different. They all come from different situations, but they are all there for one purpose.
Mark has requested that we not send any pictures of his nieces or nephews while he's on his mission. {I guess he wants to be surprised at how much they've grown for when he gets home.}
So here are a few pictures we have of Mark & Brock from our visit to Utah!
And for my favorite:{Very typical Mark, he has always fallen asleep in the weirdest positions. } We love you Mark and are so proud of you! I'm so glad Brock has an Uncle like you to look up to. Can't wait to hear about your awesome adventures.
*{check out my Mom's blog for Mark's "rundown" of the last 24 hours}*

Kolob Canyon.

Last night as I was talking to my Mom on the phone, she mentioned that on her way back, {or was it to?} St. George. She took a little side trip to show my brother Mark, Kolob Canyon.
What is Kolob Canyon you may ask?
There's a little town named New Harmony, located about 5 miles off of I-15 in Utah just before Cedar City, {That is if you are traveling south from Orem like my mom and brother were doing.} When you turn around you will not believe the view! A finger of Zion's Canyon can be seen from that little town, and like my mom says, it is breath taking. It is called Kolob Canyon.
The interesting thing is, as you approach the freeway, these mountains seem to sink until they are no longer in sight.
Most drivers never see this view and just drive right on by. I think the only reason my family even knows about this beautiful site is because of the story my Grandma Margaret told us about her grandfather settling New Harmony. I am so grateful to her for sharing that story {and many others} with my family. In part that's why I blog, to share my stories with others but mainly to have a record of my own that I hope will be passed down to my children and my children's children.

I love the way my Mom said it when she stated: "I wonder what other beauties we miss in life because we just drive by or can't see it because obstacles are in our way."
I hope I will always remember to take the time, and perhaps a little side step, to share and enjoy the beautiful things this world has to offer, with my children. {Thanks Mommy for sharing your story with me, and for the great pictures!}

Spreading the news!

The Relief Society lesson we had today really made me think. We spoke all about planting seeds and sharing the gospel. I've never been one to "preach" my religion. I've always tried to share my beliefs with others by example. I don't claim to be perfect, or that I have it all together. For me it starts with a morning prayer of Courage and Strength to do the things that need to be done. And a prayer before bed of Gratitude for the blessings I have been given, and of comfort in knowing that one day, with hard work and FAITH in Christ I can be perfected.

I've been blessed to be surrounded by some great examples in my life. My Grandma Margaret was an amazing example to me. In the 16 years of memories I have of her, not once did I see her without crutches, a walker, or in a wheel chair. But whenever we would visit her, there was always a worn out area in the carpet next to her bed. She would kneel in prayer every morning and every night. {I hope I can remember to pray so often that the floor boards start to creak in that very spot.} My mother has also been a huge example in my life. Even more so now that I have become a mother. I loved having her with us for a visit last month and hearing her tell me what a good "mommy" I am to Brock, and how I seem so comfortable in my new role. {I'm only as good as the example you have given me?} I can't imagine how it must have been to take care of all 7 of us kids, but you did it. Almost completely on your own. You are "SUPERMOM!"

My sister's are also great examples to me. Karilyn, I love how pretty you always made me feel when you would style my hair for school pictures. {I'm sure you just liked the practice it gave you, but it always made me feel special.} April, I love looking through old family snapshots and seeing you right there next to me in the pictures. it's like we knew back then that we would always be each others favorite sister {I know it sounds mean but it's true} I love being able to talk to you for hours about everything. I love how through my years as a nanny, how often you would call me up to say hello, or fill me in on the latest news, and how you would send me cute emails, or letters just because. Thanks for always being there for me. Tammy, you always seemed to have fun no matter where you were or what you were doing. I was always afraid to try new things, and watching you made it easier to get out there and do it. And hey why not have fun while you're at it. { I am so excited for you and Cameron} Julie, your decision to be married in the temple made a real impact on me. I remember watching you on your wedding day and seeing you sooooooooooooo happy. I knew I wanted that for myself. {Granted a lot of that happiness was because of Travis. Travis, What can I say, you rock! My niece Julia is also a great example. {She was able to visit us last month too!} I love how cuddly she is with Brock. Most eight year olds can't sit still very long. But Julia was more then willing to sit and hold Brock all day long, and give him sweet little kisses. {What a great mommy she'll be one day.}
My brothers hold a very special place in my heart as well. I love seeing the changes that have taken place in my brother Matthew as he became a husband and father. I love seeing him play with his little boys, and how much they look up to him. My brother Mark has also been through some very interesting experiences. I'm so excited about the example he will be to our family as he prepares to serve a 2 year mission for the Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-Day Saints.
{you make us all very proud!}
When I was little I loved singing a song that goes like this: "I belong to the Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter- Day Saints. I know who I am. I know God's plan . I'll follow Him in Faith." What an amazing blessing this religion has been to me. I love knowing who I am and What I stand for. I love learning not only of Christ and his disciples, but of the Prophets and Apostles we have on earth today. I often wonder why it may be hard for others to "believe". Maybe they get too caught up in the "stories" that are told. That makes it hard to get down to the truth and actually put faith to the test.
I know that there will always be trials in my life. I know that I will be tested along the way. But I also know that because of the amazing examples around me, and because of the example I strive to be for my own little family. I will never have to doubt the truth of this amazing gospel.

Quote of the Week!

I decided to start something new, in addition to chatting about my wonderful baby boy, and my "fabulous" life. I wanted to start sharing a quote each week. A little something to read, inspire, share or get you through the day! Enjoy!
"Strength isn't something you have, it's something you have to find"~ Emma Smith

What an amazing woman Emma Smith was! I'm sure a lot of us would have given up, maybe even walked away from the life and situations she faced. She had amazing strength, and lived an amazing life because she found it! {learn more about Emma Smith here}

Stolen Post.

I stole this post from my Mom's blog. Really because I thought it was cute, and my mom always has a fun way of putting things!

The Letter

Anticipated

Excitement

Anxious

Long awaited

It’s finally here!

Postmarked July 8

Received July 11

Not just any letter

But a letter from a Prophet

Touched and looked at for hours

Special position on piano as we wait

Family gathers

USA or Foreign?

Choose a state and country

Guesses placed on maps

Opened with anxious anticipation and some nervousness

Phone lines to Georgia and Massachusetts

Can everyone hear me?

Elder Mark Andersen Lunceford

You are called to serve

WASHINGTON KENNEWICK MISSION

October 1st

ExclamationWow!

Joy

Tears

People are waiting for your message

Greater joy and happiness await you

Called by a prophet

To serve the Lord

I’ll go where you want me to go

A letter can make all the difference.

As you can see my brother got his mission call. We are so excited! I voted for Boston MA mission, but that was more of just wishful thinking on my part. {What can I say I love my baby brother and want him to be closer to me!}

A Long, Good Post! with Exciting news!

Today is an exciting day! My Mom left a message on my phone last night saying "Jocelyn, you're not going anywhere tomorrow night are you? Seriously be home!" {okay weird!} so I tried calling her back....BUSY. Okay I'll try and be home, but why? I try calling her again....she answers! What's up? she tells me that Mark, my youngest brother, is expecting to get his mission call tomorrow night. {meaning tonight!} And that I needed to be home so they could do the whole conference call thing and we could all find out where he's going to serve his mission. {YEAH!}

But wait let me get you up to date on why we are SO EXCITED!

Mark is the youngest of 7 kids. {spoiled rotten!} and up until 7-8 months ago we didn't even think he would serve a mission {for the church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter Day Saints.}

I got a phone call from my husband Ryszard back in December , he told me to "sit down"

"okay Ryszard what is it I have things to do."
"sit down" so I sit. "your Brother Mark was in an accident at work. He's okay but he's at the hospital."

"Ryszard this isn't funny"

"I'm not joking, I wouldn't joke about this!"

Now it's not like I thought he would, but the story he was telling me was a little too familiar with an incident he had already told me about, where the guy ended up paralyzed. But Ryszard was mentioning real places, that he wouldn't have otherwise known. So now I was beginning to worry, I needed to talk to my sisters, my Mom, anyone out there in Utah who knew what was really going on. I tried my sister Karilyn- no answer. My mom- but she was working. My sister April- she answered! Do you know what's going on with Mark?? {This is how I first heard the story and I must warn you there will be some pretty yucky pictures coming up, so brace yourself!} Somehow while working on some strapping my brother had gotten into a fight with a nail gun. One of the framing nails had entered into his check and got stuck right up there in the bone. possibly in his brain.{ouch!}

My sister told me he was being transferred to another hospital for more test and then surgery, and that she'd call me later with more information. A little while later I got a call from .. Mark! what? "hello"

"Hey!"

"hey yourself!" Mark called me and was talking, that's a good sign! But he was still waiting for surgery to remove the nail. {3 1/2 inch nail I might add! double ouch!} We talked for a little bit then I let him get some rest. {he needed it right!} He went on to have surgery. They thought they could just go in and slowly pull the nail out, but it was wedged in there good { must be all that yummy milk my brother drinks} So they ended up having to go in through the skull.

I talked with my Mom often, to see how Mark was doing. She told me how he was different. He was calm, quiet, and reflective. {Mark? that's so not Mark!} "He's just so different," she said," his spirit is shining through!" Mark recovered so well without an issues, or side affects {amazing} During the whole process, Mark never said, "Why me?" He always felt that the Lord had something for him to do. And he finally figured it out. A mission!

So hence all the EXCITEMENT! Ryszard and I are so proud of Mark for making the decision to serve a full time mission for the Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter Day Saint. We can't wait for all the great experiences we know he'll have. And what an amazing adventure it will be for him.

And YES! I will be waiting by the phone for that very special call when my brother becomes this:

A Missonary!

Testimonies

What an amazing Sunday it has been. I absolutely love the first Sunday of the month. Going to church and feeling such a wonderful spirit from all who gather. I find the bearing and sharing of testimonies so comforting. With all the amazing testimonies you hear it's hard not to believe. I often feel my own testimony shrinks in the light of those around me, and then there's that one person who comes up and says how grateful they are that I shared mine. And that makes every little tear I shed, {which I tend to always cry when I bear my testimony, something I'm sure I inherited from my Mom!} worth while.
That is one of the greatest parts of being a member of the Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter- Day Saints. We are able to share our own testimonies with each other, and we can build upon each others' testimonies. What an amazing feeling. I love knowing that I believe in a Heavenly Father, His son Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost. I love being able to teach my child {and future children} about the scriptures. What greater feeling can you have than to KNOW, what is right?
I love the words Joseph Smith used about seeing God and His son. He said; "I KNEW it! I knew that God knew it and I could not deny it." How easy it would have been for him to walk away, to take back what he said, to chalk it up to a silly fantasy. But he didn't! He knew what he had seen. And he shared that testimony with others. What an amazing life he lived because of the Truth of the gospel. I love learning and knowing of him.
I hope in my learning and sharing of the gospel, I'll always be able to Know, and testify of it.

Can One Hour Change Your Life?

I'm think about that very question a lot.
My life completely changed the minute I met Ryszard 4 1/2 years ago. It started with a simple IM, and then a phone call, and then finally meeting him. But could I really fall for someone in just one hour?
My life changed again the moment we looked at each other over the altar in the San Diego LDS Temple. When we were sealed for Time and ALL Eternity.
It was in that moment that I knew things could never be so perfect. Even now with our precious baby Brock. I know that he wouldn't be as perfect, if it were not for that moment spent kneeling at an altar, making an everlasting covenant not only to my husband, but with God. It is through that decision to be sealed together that made our eternal family possible. One that will be "Together Forever". {And it all took place in just about 1 hour}

I contemplate that now as my brother Matthew, and his family, are at this moment preparing to kneel down together, at that sacred altar. To make a special covenant, that will create their Eternal family. A family that will be "Together Forever"
I want them to know how proud and happy I am for them. For the steps they've taken to get here. I hope they know how much I wish I could be there with them.

So I ask the question again, Can one hour change your life?

On the Right Side!

My baby loves hanging out on my right side. He's always poking out there which makes it really uncomfortable. But today he tried something different. While I was on lunch break at work, he completely shifted sides. and although I felt it and wasn't that much affected by it. I had a friends who had at that moment looked at me tummy and saw the whole thing, she nearly fell off her chair. Which in turn just made me laugh. But baby apparently didn't like it there much cause about 3 minutes later he was back to poking out on the right side! I guess when the "choice is placed before him" baby likes to Choose the Right!

I Love~

To See the Temple!

Without a doubt, some of the most gorgeous places on this earth! I love the gentle spirit you feel , right when you walk through the door! The amazing work that takes place behind those doors. If only everyone knew How amazing these precious buildings are!