G-McBabe's Baptism---July 9, 2011

I thought it was about time I started documenting our summer vacation.  It just seems like such a daunting task.  I hate digital cameras for that reason.  You just end up taking too many pictures.

Anyhow...I thought i would start with the highlight of our trip.  G-McBabe's Baptism.
G-McBabe was baptized (by his father) and confirmed (by his Grandpa G) a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on July 9, 2011.  It was a really exciting day not only because it was his baptism but his birthday as well.  He was surrounded by tons of family who love him and support him.  We are so proud of our G-McBabe for making such an amazing decision.  It just get's better from here.

Here are a few pics from the event....starting with my FAVORITE!

Typical G-McBabe--Mr. Silly Kung Fu guy

On the more serious side

Priesthood Holders

L to R: Uncle Andrew, Uncle David, Uncle Josh, Grandpa H

Daddy, G-McBabe, Grandpa G, Uncle Chad, Uncle Mario

The 4 Robert's

Robert L. (grandpa), Robert B. (dad), Robert O. (grandpa)

Robert G. (self)

 Our crazy little clan of Testosterone (and me)

Just the three of us

 Smoochy, Smoochy

(he looks terribly excited, yes?)

More typical G-McBabe

(this is generally the reaction we get when it's picture time.  He really was on his BEST behavior most of the time.)

that's why we love him so much.

My first baby is growing up WAY TOO FAST!

I can't believe he is 8.

 We love you!

Love,
Mom



Just one easy click!

Finding strength in the scriptures...

Life is hard.

I feel very "afflicted" as of late.

The stresses of life are getting me down and the adversary is working very hard on me...trying to thwart my every effort to stay positive and upbeat.

Our home is often filled with contention (screaming, yelling, fighting, hitting, unkind words, unkind deeds, stress, stress and more stress) and it's not just the children. Rob and I are RARELY on the same parenting page anymore. Who has time to keep the lines of relationship communication open let alone the lines of parenting? Seriously....

I'm tired....he's tired....we're both tired....physically, emotionally, spiritually.

Our home seems to be falling apart....AGAIN!

I feel like I am utterly and completely failing at my job (after all, the home (and the spirit in it) is my #1 responsibility, right?).

I can't go there.

I can't let our lives fall to pieces AGAIN and yet...

I feel worn out and uninspired.

That makes for difficult change implementation. Really difficult.

Fortunately this time around (probably because of the medication) there is a part of me...buried deep down...that surfaces every once and a while. A part that refuse to give up trying.

Today just happened to be a good day.

As I prayed this morning I asked Heavenly Father to help me feel the spirit and receive inspiration as I read my scriptures.

I was reading in the Book of Mormon. In Alma...chapter 31. I came across a passage where Alma is praying to the Lord for himself and his brothers/children as they head out to preach to the Zoramites.

His words truly hit home and I found myself offering up a similar prayer to the Lord on behalf of myself, my husband and my children.

31:31
O Lord, my heart is exceedingly sorrowful wilt thou comfort my soul in Christ. O Lord, wilt thou grant unto me that I may have strength, that I may suffer with patience these afflictions which [have and] shall come upon me...

31:32
O Lord, will thou comfort my soul, and give unto me success, and also my fellow laborer (Rob), who [is] with me...Yea, wilt thou comfort [his] souls in Christ.

31:33
Wilt thou grant unto [him] that [he] may have strength, that [he] may bear [the] afflictions which [have and] shall come upon [him]...

31:34
O Lord, wilt thou grant unto us that we may have success in bringing [our children] unto thee in Christ.

31:35
Behold, O Lord, their souls are precious...therefore give unto us, O Lord, power and wisdom that we may bring these, our [children],...unto thee.

And in answer to Alma's prayer...

31:38
And the Lord provided for them...He also gave them strength, that they should suffer no manner of affliction, save it were swallowed up in the JOY of Christ...and this because [they] prayed in faith.


As always...He answered my prayer.

This passage of scripture was the healing balm I needed today. It's not that we wont ever have adversity (life is FULL of adversity). But...the Lord will give us strength to bear our afflictions. And they may be hard but they can be SWALLOWED UP IN THE JOY OF CHRIST...if we but pray in faith (and never give up).

A true tender mercy of the Lord.

I know that I am not the only person struggling with "life".


Our Heavenly Father loves us. He wants us to succeed.


I hope by sharing this someone else can see the "glimmer of HOPE" I saw today.