Pioneer Day

In honor of the 24th of July, we had a special Family Home Evening. We talked to Julia about the pioneers and made the little handcart that they had in the Friend this month. I LOVE the Friend for FHE ideas and Julia loves it when we whip out the glue and scissors. Though I must say the next morning I found that Julia had decided to get the glue and scissors out herself and make a beautiful mess. I'm just glad that she didn't do too much damage and she is always very quick to confess. So, I usually don't post things like this on my blog, but I guess I was feeling a little inspired and wanted to share some of my feelings. I always am in awe this time of year for all that the pioneers went through. It is so amazing to me that they were willing to sacrifice so much and make such a journey for their faith. I think that having my new little baby Audrey and thinking about how difficult it would be to make that journey with her gives me an entirely new appreciation for what the pioneer women did (carrying the baby across the plains and the natural child birth that they endured). I cannot imagine the sacrifice of leaving your home and all of your belongings and setting out in a wilderness, completely on faith that things would work out. I cannot imagine the loss and sickness they endured along the way. It bring tears to my eyes to think of the mothers that lost little ones along the way, that had to care for sick children with no means of medical supplies, and to listen to the complaints of your child who's feet were so sore from walking for so long. I am SO thankful for all that they did so that we could have the greatest blessing of the gospel in our lives. So, if you took the time to read this, and you really want to be uplifted, I am including a link to one of my very favorite talks given by M. Russel Ballard. If you get a chance you really should read it, I promise you won't regret it. You can get it here
Have a great Pioneer Day! And don't mind my cheesy post or the cheesy grin Julia is giving. She kind of had a difficult time grasping the concept of the pioneers. We just told her that they had to go camping for a really long time. When I did singing time for the little ones I told them to imagine having to walk to their Grandma's in Utah and having to leave all of their toys behind. One little boy, very concerned, said, "Even my trucks!?" I'm sure some very stressed out kids came home that Sunday.