Missionary Moment

I am in denial that Ally, Hermana Pack, is actually headed for the mission field today. She has grown into a dedicated, loving missionary during the few weeks she spent in the Mexico City Missionary Training Center.  On Christmas Day we were able to call her and were touched when she said her favorite thing about a mission is the opportunity to wear a name tag with the name of Jesus Christ on it.  She will represent him well, I have no doubt.  

The CCM (pronounced: seh, seh, eh-may)

District 9C with companions Hermana Brey and Morgan

Benji is full swing into college at BYU-Idaho.  He's determined to get a degree in the Neurosciences.  He doesn't get the smart gene from me, mind you.  That would be from the Pack side.  I can tell that "adulting" isn't his favorite thing but he is taking it in stride.  I love having him around the house still (he commutes back an forth from home). He says it makes his social life less complicated. Haha.

In addition to two heroic examples of children growing up I'd have to say that another motherly milestone was to have my last child be ordained a deacon in the Aaronic priesthood.  He has already had the privilege of helping with the sacred ordinance of the sacrament at church on Sunday.  He looked anxious but fulfilled his duty perfectly (even when distracted by someone fainting at the chapel doors).  I see changes in him already as he becomes a more contemplative tween.  It has come all to soon yet I know it will be an incredible blessing to him and our family.

Hyrum (11)

I love the new curriculum offered in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints called Come Follow Me.  Our family has had multiple, spiritually-stirring conversations.  Seeing my children express their testimonies and share their insights melts my mama heart.  I have even seen a change in myself.  My personal scripture study feels more like a moment with heaven instead of the more typical rushed reading session.  We have been promised by a prophet of God, Russell M. Nelson, "The new home-centered, Church-supported integrated curriculum has the potential to unleash the power of families...to transform their home in to a sanctuary of faith."  I think I can safely say I have been given the encouragement to be super-mom now.  But instead of in the ways of the world, in the ways of the kingdom of God.   In turn my children will have the opportunity to become super-disciples of Christ.

The blessings are innumerable. The prophet continues on, "as you diligently work to remodel your home into a center of gospel learning, over time your Sabbath days will truly be a delight. Your children will be excited to learn and to live the Savior's teachings, and the influence of the adversary in your life and in your home will decrease. Changes in your family will be dramatic and sustaining." The gospel surely is the good news!

Fresh New Year

I'm back!  I decided a few days ago to go off social media for as long as my daughter Hermana Ally Pack is on her mission.  I said my goodbyes and determined that I could still keep others up to date on my family's life through this blog (that has sat dormant ever since social media became popular). I look forward to being able to share our journey with you again.

Someone asked me why I would go off social media entirely when I could just limit how long or how many friends I follow.  I told her that no matter the amount of limiting I try to do, I still find myself being sucked into an alternate world. Most of the groups and people I followed were my close friends, family and church groups. I didn't feel bogged down by any negative media, just the opposite. I loved following the comings and goings of so many beloved people.  I loved reading the uplifting thoughts and quotes by admired church leaders.  I didn't want to miss the opportunity to stay caught up with so many dear friends' lives. But then I read one post about someone's recent accomplishment and wondered, "If I had spent the same amount of time dedicating myself to that same goal instead looking at social media, could I have posted the same result? Could I have strengthened a relationship?" That's when I decided it won't be the end of the world if I stop spending so much time on social media.  Instead I want to spend my time communicating, really communicating with others.  I want to stop comparing my world to someone else's. I want to connect with those who are on my mind, instead of with those who happened to post that day.

I made a similar goal when Benji went on his mission.  I committed to reading Preach My Gospel every day while he served his mission in the California Irvine Mission.  I changed my goal the last summer to reading the Book of Mormon to fulfill the plea and challenge of a prophet of God, but I still felt a connection to Benji.  He read daily from both books and was continually strengthened by them.  I was blessed similarly with peace and a clear mind and heart. So here I go with mission challenge number two.  I'm excited to see what blessings will come into my life.

Gratitude fills my heart for the sacrifice my children have made to serve missions.  I can't even count the blessings that have come from their service. They are my heroes.  I'd have to add that all of my children give me reasons every day to call them my heroes.

Almost Hermana Pack and recently returned Elder Pack

Caramel Popcorn

6 quarts of popped popcorn (usually eyeball by almost filling my large Tupperware bowl; leaving room to stir popcorn with caramel sauce)

2 2/3 cup brown sugar

1 cup light corn syrup

1/2 cup butter

1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk

Popcorn has been popped and is set aside in a large bowl.  

Place brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter in a medium sauce pan. Stir over medium heat until sugar has dissolved and mixture is boiling.  Add sweetened condensed milk and cook five minutes, stirring constantly.  

Pour caramel over the popped popcorn and stir until it is well-coated. You can eat it right out of the bowl, just don't forget to share. OR you can spread on a nonstick surface to cool and then place in an airtight container. OR you can form into popcorn balls and wrap individually.

Chewable goodness....ENJOY!

Ohio or Bust (Part V)

Ohio with the Thomsons is more than just "home"...it's more like a dream vacation:

Theater room/Wii extraordinaire

(I intentionally left the red eyes since there is the danger they may exit as zoombie-children.)

 Sprinkler parks close by

 Perfect neighborhood walk and park

 

 

(Cousin Kenneth and Neal)  

Minutes away from the United States Air Force Museum and Memorial Park

(Cousin Alison)

(Cousin Brent)

Indoor Spa facilities

and the best restaurant in town

(okay, so this picture is P.M. pizza, but they can make some awesome vittles)!

(Cousin Gregory)

Popcorn and the Prophet

You are probably wondering what these two things have in common.  Well, today as I contemplated sitting together as a family for the First Presidency's Christmas Devotional (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) the memories came flooding back of complaining or disruptive children as we've tried listening to the same fireside in years past.  Then I thought, hey, we could start a new Christmas tradition!  Why don't we string popcorn for our "Mr. Krueger's" tree while we listen.  

I quickly popped four batches of popcorn in my WhirleyPop and we got down to business!  "Did it work?" you ask.  Yes, it did!  We all got to listen to the messages without a single complaint.  (Oh, and I must let you in on a discovery...my six-year-old [in pink] was the most dedicated to the project.)   

 All of us stringing popcorn

Benji and Ally getting into the festivities

Here is our finished Mr. Krueger's tree

(The candy canes have to be out of Hyrum's reach.)

I couldn't end this entry without telling you about our tree.  For several years now we have cut down a tree from our backyard "tree farm" (that was planted from seedlings by the previous owners).  This year's tree is sparse in quite a few places (note the popcorn swags).  I didn't feel like whipping out all the usual ornaments with no place to put them.  Over the next few days I contemplated what to do.  Our good friend walked into our home not long after and noted how simple and quaint our tree looked with only one strand of lights (we could only find one strand working).  "It's the 'in' thing this year," she explained.  Well, okay, if you say so, I thought.  Without much further ado, we left it with one strand of lights and, just today, put our few candy canes and strands of popcorn on it.  

It reminded me of Mr. Krueger's tree in it's simple splendor.  I believe that it will also be a poignant reminder of our new priorities this year--make it meaningful, make it about family,  make it about the Savior and finding room for Him in our hearts.

As the First Presidency so eloquently expressed, Christmas isn't about the material things or even the decorations, lights and parties.  It's about our Savior and His eternal gift.  It's about showing others His love.

Family...It's about time!

We spent an amazing day at This is the Place Heritage Park for the John Pack Family Reunion. His descendants must be in the thousands and we met just over 100 Saturday. This is the Place is turning into an incredible pioneer, early settler, and even Native American experience. Our kids thought boredom would overtake them at first, but once they saw the fun they could have, they soon forgot their woes.

Panning for gold (you can even trade in your "dust" for a sweet treat)

Horsey ride

Mini-train ride around the mini-reservoir

Oh, and by the way, Ben was named as the newest President to the John Pack Family Association.

Reflection

Just thought I'd share...

I was thinking about what today signifies...one year without a job.

One year of change for my husband and I.

One year of family funs, mostly free.

One year of anxiousness, wondering where life will lead.

One year added to the age of each child.

Hyrum's almost potty trained. (I'm "losing" my baby.)

Benji is going into Junior High.

One year's growth on our newly planted trees. (Yay! Our yard is finished.)

One year of ups and downs--high hopes and dashed dreams.

One year learning how to be on the receiving end of service.

One year feeling blessed...

Wee Bit of Scottish in Us

(I'm repenting! After talking to some of my friends, I've decided to no longer neglect my blog. Facebook keeps me in the loop with a lot of people, but I'm unable to really say everything that's in my little brain. Oh, and more importantly, share pictures of our families' events.)

This past weekend we went to one of the local Scottish Festivals. We preferred the "no-cost" aspect of Payson's Scottish Festival over Thanksgiving Point's version. Anyway, we loaded up the family and our Scottish expert--better known as Alison (my lovely mother-in-law)--and traversed I-15 to Payson. We made it in good time but were a little too late to see the bagpipe band extraordinaire. Luckily, we got a bit of it at the end.

We found the Highland Games intriguing. Though there wasn't much fast-paced action involved, the kids still seemed caught up in the activities--ball and chain throw (not pictured), dumbbell throw, and "hay" toss.

The best part was to see very robust men wearing kilts. (I guess that's why Ben is so hip on buying one for himself?)

I come from the Clan McAlister (MacAlisdair) and Ben's line from Clan Lamont (or Crawford--just discovered). They were not represented that day, but Roger and Melissa were successful in finding Melissa's Scottish Clan Matheson.

Oh, and we got to see Highland dancing. Grandma says she used to dance over swords too.

[What's an outdoor activity without a little bug sitting on your shoulder. Sammie is covering up the lady bug with her hand, but I thought it was a sweet shot of her face.]

Mothers, Fathers, Daughters, Sons

I noticed that my blog is a little devoid of pictures.  As I looked through my pictures today, I decided that I wanted to share some of my favorites.  (Not because the composition of the pictures are great, but because they capture some fond memories.)

Ben running with and encouraging Benji to finish the 3K race.
Hyrum copying his dad.  It's cool to have pockets!
Ally and I after the Mother/Daughter Fiesta.  Notice Ally's flower creation on the left!
Ben laughing with Mom as she recounts a family memory.  
Loving a precious moment with the last of the five snuggle bugs.  I'll miss it when they are too big to climb onto my lap. 

Waiting, Running, Contemplating

Have you been waiting long?  I haven't been blogging a lot lately.  There are no real excuses.  Just 'cause.  

A summary might be good...ummm...Ally just proudly announced that she finished my book club selection before me.  Benji not too proudly admitted that he feels short for his age.  (I must qualify that by saying that many of his classmates have extraordinarily tall parents.)  Kayla is getting way too excited for her field trip tomorrow.  Sammie is speechless since she fell asleep from exhaustion at about 5:30 p.m. (or maybe earlier, I can't remember).  

She ran the mini-K race at the elementary school today.  Surprisingly she never stopped running to catch her breath or anything.  Then towards the end of her race I caught her sprinting to the end in order to beat the boy next to her.  (All the kids did great today.)  Oh, Kayla said after the mini-K race was over, "Mom, can I do the 3K race now?"  Ugh! I barely made it walking and running her race let alone trying out the "real" one. 

Hyrum threw a temper tantrum today and even went to his room and "slammed" the door.  (I wonder who he learned that from?  You know, you really don't have to answer that.)   Wow!  Big boy has come to the Pack house.  

As for me, I must admit that I'm an American Idol fan. BUT after tonight I think I'm done with it.  The "if it weren't for that part" showed up in the middle and I'm convinced now that there is NO prime-time t.v. worth watching.  Okay so American Idol is the only prime-time show I watch.  "Super Why" and "Word World" don't count.  Ben, you can say, "I told you so.",  T.V. just isn't worth our precious time.  I should catch up on my reading anyway.

Now...reflection...Can I tell you how grateful I am for good school and church teachers?  I am glad that it is almost summer.  I thought I would dread having all my kids home, all day, everyday.  This year I'm actually looking forward to it.  They are all great helpers and I can't wait to be a part of their summer adventure.  

Cheers for a fantastic summer!  

  

Spring has Sprung out of town...

From the evidence of the snow falling outside my window, you wouldn't think that we celebrated Easter just four days ago.  In case you need a reminder, here is the evidence:

We are going on thirteen years this month.  What an exciting ride it's been!

Mini-Ben (Hyrum) sporting his Easter duds.

"Ehk?" Yep, Hyrum, that's an egg alright.  The pink is a little misleading.

Who says you can't have an Easter egg hunt when it's raining?  We cheated and hid the eggs around the house.

I'm not the best photographer but all of what I lack is made up for in the cuteness of the child.

 HAPPY SPRING!!