The Retiring Carpenter Story

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife, enjoying his extended family. He would miss his paycheck, but he needed to retire. He would get by.

The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career.

When the carpenter finished his work, the employer came to inspect the house. He handed the front door key to the carpenter. "This is your house," he said, "my gift to you." the carpenter was shocked! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently.

So it is with us. We build our lives a day at a time, often putting less than our best into the building. Then, with a shock, we realize we have to live in the house we have built. If we could do it over, we'd do it much differently, but we cannot go back. You are the carpenter. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board, erect a wall. "Life is a do-it-yourself project," someone has said. Your attitude and the choices you make today build the "house" you live in tomorrow.

Build wisely.

I read this and think it is so beautiful and true. Sometimes I am too tired after working all day to put my best with my family, which of course should be most important. A lot of times I feel like my home is chaotic, loud, and full of contention. I really want a home where people walk in and feel peace, love, and happiness... especially my kids. This is my new goal "to build my dream home." I know that it is going to take a lot of work on my part, but it is something that I am more than willing to do!

I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for the "home and all those in it" that He has blessed me with. I truly feel so blessed. I am also grateful for the Atonement and to know that I can go back and fix the mistakes in my home that I have made.

Easter

Every year for Easter we go up to Grandma Ball's house. She has a pasture on the family homestead and we do a massive Easter egg hunt... but this year it snowed... so we could not go. We were all really bummed. We ended up going swimming at Green Canyon. That was a lot of fun. The kids had a blast jumping off the diving board into Dad's arms! They have a fireplace there so we roasted hot dogs.

Sunday we woke up and the kids enjoyed their Easter baskets! Taiya and Ethan each got a new spring outfit. We tried to get as much conference in... but there were a lot of people... a lot of little kids... and a lot of noise. Haha. Everyone came over and had lunch. Mom is so amazing to have everyone over and feed us all! (There are a lot of us!) We were over visiting Brandon's dad and step mom when I got a call saying Ethan was throwing up... I hurry home and sure enough he was! He came downstairs and told Grandma that his head hurt and that he felt like he was going to throw up... then it came! I am figuring that he ate too much candy. Poor little guy. He was out for the rest of the night.

Sunday we played again and just hung out. We were going to leave Sunday night, but with Ethan throwing up and how late it was we decided to stay another night. (Plus our sister-in-law was begging us to stay!) We really had so much fun there. I enjoy spending time with all my sweet nieces and nephews (I only get to see them every once in a while).

As it is Easter, I love to reflect on how grateful I am for the Savior and for everything he has blessed me with. I have the most amazing husband, children, father, mother, step mom, Mother-in-law, brother, and sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, soon to be stepbrothers & sisters-in-law, Grandparents, cousins, nieces, and nephews. I have a beautiful house in an amazing area. You could not find a more beautiful place to live. Our Ward is spectacular and I have never felt so much love and kindness. Most important, I am grateful for the Atonement and the knowledge that my Heavenly Father loves me enough to send his Only Son to die for us so that we may return to live with Him again. I am so grateful for the Gospel in my life and to know of all the blessings that come with it.

I hope that you all had an amazing Easter as well. (Pictures to come soon!)

Last year in my 20's

On Friday I turned 29! Most people hate to think about turning 30, but I am actually excited. I made some really dumb decisions in my 20's and I am hoping that I will make amazing choices the whole time I am 30! Lol.

We had a really fun time for my birthday. My sweet sister-in-law Didgette came to babysit the kids while Brandon & I went on a date! It was so much fun to have alone time with my husband! First we went and saw Clash of the Titans! (I really liked this movie!) After dinner we went to the Buckle and got me a new pair of jeans! Then we went to Firehouse and had dinner. It was a great night and I am happy that I got to celebrate with my sweet little family! Thank you again Didge for watching the rascals! We sure do love you!

Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes! You are all fantastic.

We know we're getting old when the only thing we want for our birthday is not to be reminded of it. ~Author Unknown (I was really excited about mine... so I must not be getting old yet!) :)