What a busy year...

The Journey:

The first seven months of 2015 were somewhat turbulent, but we were blessed with a roof over our heads, the chance for buddy-boy and grandma to bond, time to discover which part of town was best suited for our family, tons of house-hunting opportunities, with daddy living in Fresno, and mommy and boy living in Prunedale.

June: Discovering The Home

Daddy and I had scrounged up a long list of homes we wanted to see, and dwindled that list to 10.  We visited most of these homes, not quite happy with what we saw.  When little boy and I made it home, I found a house that I was very interested in.  It sat within the triangle of high schools I was interested in. It was in a gated community.  The backyard was beautifully landscaped.

 Settling In:

With help from daddy's shop group, we were able to unpack the moving truck in a matter of hours.  It would take about a week to have the house set up the way we liked it.  There are still rooms that are needing boxes unpacked.  Due to the drought, water restrictions, and triple digit temperatures, the poor grass became brown, and little boy was not too thrilled to play on it.  Our new Ward gave us callings right away, and soon became our new extended family.  We love teaching our 13-year old Sunday School class.  I've gotten back into running, and completed my 10K goal before the end of 2015.  I had set a goal to run 10-miles by Valentines Day, but due to illness, have had to extend the deadline.  Little boy will be turning 2 in 12 days.  We are very excited for that. 

181st Semi-Annual General Conference

Six months have come and passed since the last General Conference.  A lot has happened since April!  The friday before Conference, I finished reading The Book Of Mormon.  This summer, Young Women's Camp was held on a Ward-level rather than a Stake-level, and the Clovis YW Presidency and I managed to create a successful camp!  I've been a Sun-Beam Teacher and Nursery Teacher, to now have been released from both.  I have started a small business that seems to be growing slowly but surely!  I'm continuing to learn as I go, continuing to challenge myself everyday, and include my husband within this business with me!  My husband came with me to Wyoming to visit family for the first time since we married three-and-a-half years ago. 

One particular talk that was given that struck me, was one that was VERY similar to her original one she gave during the Young Women General Broadcast this Spring.  And the one thing she said that struck me the most was:

"The greatest thing a father can do for his daughter is to love her mother."

Elaine S. Dalton (General Auxiliary, President of Young Women Presidency) had given a talk this spring titled "Guardians of Virtue," a talk I later used with our Young Women at Camp, and in a personal Testimony following Camp.  In her "Guardians of Virtues" talk, she explained that the Young Women needed to "protect, shield, and defend moral purity because the power to create mortal life is a sacred and exalted power and must be safeguarded until you are married. Virtue is a requirement to have the companionship and guidance of the Holy Ghost."  With her talk this past Saturday Morning Session, she emphasized that our Young Women need to look to their fathers and how THEY love their spouse and Eternal Companion as an example for the life they should live and set goals toward.  Father's set examples for their daughters, assisting them to prepare for Temple and all the blessings that come with entering their doors.  She stated that Father's are the Guardians of their families.  She then explained that these Father's are the Guardians of Virtue, being Priesthood Holders, and need to practice Virtue, eliminating anything that would lead them away from being Virtuous. 

Personal Purity = True Love

Having been witness of many families (the majority of them having more d than sons), I have seen daughters watch their fathers in admiration as they show love and charity toward their wives.  I have seen how much of a Super-Hero their father is to them.  And, in time, I hope and pray that Mistah and I will have the ability to share these moments.

"Brethren, Fathers, Young Men...  How do you raise a girl?  Love her mother.  Lead your family to the Temple.  Be Guardians of Virtue, and magnify your Priesthood.  You have been entrusted with Heavenly Father's Royal Daughters.  They are Virtuous and Elect."