What Have I Done For Someone Today?

President Thomas S. Monson

Conference Talk October 2009

Tonight for Family Home Evening, we reviewed a talk from our Prophet, President Monson, entitled "What Have I Done For Someone Today?" A story is told of a prominant physician who came from humble beginnings to accomplish great things in the world of medicine. However he attributed much of his great character to his father who taught him to serve. Each day at dinner his father asked his children "what have you done for someone today?" Thus instilling in them a desire to reach out to others on a daily basis.

We have taken this to heart as a family and have decided to adopt this dinner time question.

It's really about the little things isn't it?? Conference Talk Link

Grandma Pond

My Grandma Pond passed away last week, and we held her funeral yesterday. Our little family traveled to Oregon to be with our family and to celebrate grandma's life. She was my mom's mom, and the last of my grandparents. I never lived close to her, and didn't know her as well as I would have liked, but I sure enjoyed her company when we were together. A few years ago she came to Utah and we took her to Payson Lakes for a day trip. She and I escaped and took a walk around the lake and just talked. She was a good listener and a thinker, with much wisdom to impart. I was always surprised at the things she noticed about me and my family, she observed everything and was generous with her compliments of me. I loved that about her. She will be missed, however she was old and frail, and ready to go, so it really was a celebration for her I'm sure.

She was a true lady, always dressed up, wearing heels and beautiful, classy jewelry. She dyed her hair to the very end. :) Would you believe this was her 90th b-day party?

4 generations, a priceless picture.

All of my siblings attended except for Allyson who wasn't able to make the trip. All of us grandkids sang "Nearer My God to Thee" at the funeral, it was an honor.

The 4 children: (L-R) My mom, her twin sister Carol, Uncle Vernon, and Uncle Bob. (arrived a little late)

This is my favorite cousin Kari. She and I have been very close friends forever, and I love her very much!

Boy talk

My pantry used to be so organized!! What happened? Next project I suppose:)

Taylor: "so whatdoya want for a snack?"

Joseph: "doya have a graham cracker? I sure love those!!"


Tay: "yup." He proceeds to climb the pantry and get some crackers, then leisurely swing from the pantry pole like a monkey.


Joseph: (thinkin' outloud, probably eyeing Taylors get-up) "I don't know what I want to be for Halloween. Maybe a ninja or a clone."


Tay: "Oh! Be a NINJA!!! Remember we're gonna to do stuff like flips and cartwheels and stuff?"


Joseph: "but a clone has a GUN!"


Tay, giving a knowing look and nod: "well, you could just borrow a gun from us if you want."


Joseph: "OK".


Off they went enjoying their graham crackers, only to further discuss cool weaponry and the like. I could just follow them around all day...natural antidepressants!!

October Conference

I sincerely hope when I get to the other side, and the time comes for me to account for how I taught my kids the gospel, that I'll get tons of mercy and at least a "well, you had good intentions anyway..sure liked that idea you had for conference, sorry it didn't work out..."

The week prior to General Conference we had a nice little family home evening on what conference is about, who speaks etc. Since we have some fairly new General Authorities (church leaders) that my kids aren't familiar with, I decided to print off bios on all the GA's and start reviewing the newest ones. Oh my plan was so wonderful and would have provided an extra sense of spiritual connection to conference I just know it!

However, it didn't quite go as planned. (So unlike us...yeah right!)

We did review the three newest ones in FHE, with the plan to add a couple more each night with our scripture study. Well guess what??? Did we even have scriptures last week? Oh, maybe one day...we fell apart!! I tried to tape more pics up on our fireplace, hoping the kids would at least look at them, however I don't even think they noticed. Maybe next time...

Ironically we really did have a good weekend together listening to and watching General Conference, so all is not lost I suppose. (Sigh)

The pics and bios of some of the General Authorities. The rest of them are in a pile on the mantel...

On Saturday we all worked out in the back yard, clearing out the garden. It's amazing how much we fit into that little truck!! Great stomping guys!


General Conference was blaring out from our CD player, hope the neighbors didn't mind...heck it's good for 'em right??

Parker went to his first Priesthood Session of General Conference with Karl! I was so proud, I could burst! When they came home we had lots of ice cream, and they told us about the meeting. Great day!!