Luke 15:3-7

This has been on my mind this afternoon:

3 And [Jesus] spake this parable unto them, saying,
4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

--Kyle

First Day of School pics

Paul and Erica

Paul and Erica are playing together more and more. I enjoy watching them together. Sometimes they get in trouble together. A few days ago I was outside in the backyard for a few minutes. When I came back in, Paul and Erica were both in the kitchen. After listening to their explanations, I put together the story: Paul had climbed up onto the counter to get some crackers. He successfully got a package of crackers out of the cupboard above the stove, but he fell while getting down, hitting his head into Erica's. Every time they do something like that, I worry about them.

But there are also moments like the one I just witnessed that encourage me. They have been pushing around the toy shopping cart and stroller. Erica told Paul that she was hurt and pointed to her head. Paul said "I need to kiss it," and he did. Erica was satisfied and the two of them continued playing.

I am glad they are enjoying each other and building a good friendship.

August ?!

It's already August?! July flew by, and now we are preparing for school. Brittany has an orientation for intermediate school on Wednesday. We continue to pick up school supplies as they go on sale, and shopping for school clothes, shoes, and backpacks is done. I hope there will still be plenty of time for relaxation and fun before school starts. I will miss the full house as they go back to school.

There will be several milestones this year, as Josh starts Kindergarten and Brittany starts Intermediate school. I will have just Paul and Erica home. (Funny perspective - "just" 2 children home from school.) Speaking of milestones, Paul decided on Friday that he was ready to use the potty, and I went along with it. He is not doing great, but OK. I hope he gets it down faster than Josh did, but I don't have much control over that.

Before school starts, we will celebrate both Brittany's and Paul's birthdays, and Brittany will spend a week with Grandma - just her. She is very excited.

I have been working on reading the Book of Mormon. In July, the Young Women started a challenge to read the whole book by September 2nd. It was supposed to be 9 pages a day, but I started a week late and missed a few days. I now need to read 14 or 15 pages a day. So I have really been trying to read every day, and I have been reading for a longer time. Sometimes I have felt that I am just reading but not focusing very well or learning very much, but I have kept doing it. I have been more consistent than I have been for a long time, and I have seen a difference. The Book of Mormon is powerful. I have not struggled nearly so much with my temper. I have been better at staying calm and not yelling. All I have done differently is read The Book of Mormon, and it has made a huge difference. I think is because the Holy Ghost is better able to speak to me. I am grateful for The Book of Mormon.