"I Know the Scriptures are True"

Our primary theme for this year has been "I Know the Scriptures are True." My love for the scriptures has grown even more over the past year watching the children of my ward learn about the scriptures and seeing their faith grow has brought so much joy to me. After months of preparation our primary successfully had our program yesterday. The preparation is a little hectic. The weeks leading up you are worrying if the kids are going to know the songs and if they will sing loud enough, or will they behave when they are up there on the stand. I don't know why I worry because these children never cease to amaze me. I am often reminded of how close to the Savior these children really are. I love the spirit they can bring into a meeting without even knowing it. They have such great faith and they never waiver from it. Being in the Primary has definitely brought on a stronger meaning of the scripture "become as a little child." I know that as I become a mother I will see that even more as I go through each day with my children. Through the year that I have served in the Primary it has been a blessing to have the confirmation from the Spirit come to me through the children of the ward.

I was given the opportunity to play my violin while the children sang Praise to the Man. It is definitely one of my favorite hymns and holds a special place in my heart. It takes me back to the moment when I recieved my testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith. I love the opportunities I am given to play but they do come with a lot of anxiety. I tend to panic when I play in front of people. I love playing in the comfort of my own home, but I know that it is good for me to share my talent with others. My patriarchal blessing says that I will use my musical abilities as a way to share my testimony. I have found my violing to be a place of comfort. I am not good at speaking in front of people but I love it when I play a hymn and I can feel the Spirit come closer to me.

I love the gospel! I cannot imagine my life without it. It brings such joy and peace into my life. It is so comforting to know the purpose behind this life and know that I am never alone. I love reading from the scriptures and the new lessons I take away each time I read it. I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for everything he has given me and he continues to bless me each day.

Fun at the Fair

I love the Eastern Idaho State Fair! I have been craving the food ever since the very beginning of my pregnancy and Saturday and Monday that craving was finally fulfilled. We always have to go to the fair the first few days it starts because Tanner starts potato harvest at the end of the week. We went Saturday night with Devonee and Neal. That whole morning all I could thing about was the candy apples, chocolate covered strawberries, and the italian sodas. I took it easy because I knew we would be back but Tanner went for it in full swing. He was quite proud of himself. :) Devonee, Neal and Tanner braved one ride. The carnival workers always make me kind of skeptic about riding, but they survived. We watched the hypnotist show that night. We watch it every year. We always get a good kick out of the people who voulonteer to make fools of themselves :) Of course we had to stop by Grandpa Wally's restored tractors. We thought he would be there but he wasn't that night. My grandpa usually stands there so he can be sure to tell people that they are his and fill them in on their history. The picture is of me and Tanner infront of one of grandpa's friends restored combine. We tried to get pictures in front of my grandpa's but the lighting was horrible.
Monday we watched the horse races. Tanner got really into it. Ever since we saw the movie Secretariat he informed me that he wants to own a race horse once day... I did find the Indian relay races very entertaining. I can't believe that those boys can so fast on those horses riding bareback and not fall off. Of course we ate some more and that concluded our EISF experience for 2011. Maybe I will sneak over there another day with my mom? :) The fair is definitely one of my favorite things about this part of Idaho. You cannot beat the food. When I lived in Iowa, people would always tell us that their fair was ranked as one of the top in the nation. I will say that it had some cool things to see(a cow sculpted out of butter?), but the food at the EISF definitely beats all. Until next year...already can't wait for that funnel cake!