This I know, God answers prayers!

I love General Conference!  Elder D. Todd Christofferson is always one of my favorite speakers.  In his talk this morning he said (as best I can remember) "divine aid can be available to us every hour . . . but we must take responsibility and go to work, so there can be something for God to help us with."  I understand this principle.  I said the same thing to Jared last week when he was lying on the floor crying: "Will you help me clean my room?"  I answered:  "I'm not going to do it for you, and I can't help you until you get started."
But I want to record and share my testimony of this principle in action in my own life.

We've known for nearly two months that the renters in our Springville house would be moving out at the end of September.  I listed the house on KSL in August and received a lot of interest, but the folks I met and showed the house to were not anyone I would feel comfortable renting to.  After talking to a few Property Managers and hearing how they generally get a higher quality of clientele coming to them, knowing they will perform background and credit checks, etc., Ben and I decided to go ahead and hire one.  This alleviated my mind during the very busy month of September while we moved to Lindon, and worked on settling in, homeschooling, home-improvement projects, etc.
About once a week I would call this guy that we hired and ask how things were coming along.  His responses failed to assure me that he was doing everything he could, and he never initiated any contact with me.  In desperation, I fasted on September 28th, and felt it was best to discontinue working with him and pursue another route.  I prayed about it constantly, trying to decide whether we should keep trying to find our own renters or hire another property manager.  I talked to my brother, Matthew, interviewed several more agencies, and finally found a lady in Springville that I really connected with and felt would do a great job.  She met me at the rental house on Thursday (Oct. 2) and detailed what needed to be cleaned and prepared in order for her to take the listing.  Ben wanted to go this route, because he has so much on his plate at work and at home that he didn't want to have to worry about it.  I, on the other hand, was sad that it couldn't work out like it did with the Day family, where we felt clearly guided by the Spirit in offering to let them rent our house.  It worked out so beautifully with them and was a blessing for their family and ours.  Still, I hadn't received any promptings this time, even though I had done everything I could, so I was ready to sign up with this new manager and turn it over to her.  She didn't have a contract with her just then, so we agreed to meet Friday morning at her office.
Thursday evening Ben and I spent cleaning and preparing the Springville house, along with the Days and our friends, the Higbees.   The Days told us of a couple families they knew were looking for another place to rent.  I felt impressed to follow up with one of them, even though it was doubtful they would be able to pay what we knew was a fair going rate for the property.
All Friday morning I deliberated over what to do.  Should we go the "safer" route and use a property manager?  Or offer it to these neighbor friends?  I made a list of pros and cons.  I listed the costs either way.  And I prayed.  I prayed hard.   It didn't feel wrong to offer it to our friends, and it matched my desires.  I hoped it would work.  And I took the plunge.
Messaging back and forth on Facebook, I felt out the needs and desires of this friend and her family.  She told me her housing budget, and I thought it over.   There was no sense of entitlement from her whatsoever, only sincere gratitude that we would consider making this work for them.  I kept praying that God would let me know if this wasn't the best course before it went too far, but it felt right.  I felt really good.  Peaceful.  Grateful.  Sure that my Father had heard and answered my prayers.  And guess what?  She felt that way too.  She said that this offer to rent our house at their budgeted amount was an answer to her prayers.

I can't adequately express my joy and gratitude at receiving this special blessing.   For the second time, the Lord led us to find renters!  Another wonderful family who is happy to live in our home and will take good care of it.  What a relief this is for me!   I know God hears and answers our prayers.  I know He loves us!

This experience was a witness to me of the truthfulness of Elder Christofferson's teaching: "When we take responsibility, and go to work,  God will be there to help us."  I was moving forward, I was so close to signing that contract, but my last-minute God true to form, was there.

Speaking in Sacrament - a Family Affair

Our family had the opportunity to speak in church today, in our new ward in Lindon.  It was so much fun!  The kids seemed to enjoy sitting on the stand and looking out at the audience.  Everyone from Jared on up had a turn speaking.  Jared loves to give talks.  He walked right up and spoke without any sign of fear:  

"All Human Beings - male and female - were created in the image of God.  My name is Jared and I am 4 years old.  I'm growing up to be a missionary and a daddy.  Jesus is our Savior.  Heavenly Father and Jesus created this world for us because we are special to them.  I love my family."  Then he sang the song we made up for the family reunion, to the tune of Frozen's, do you wanna build a snowman: "Do you wanna build a family?  Father, mother, daughter, son.  I think a family is the way to show, how love can grow, you know it's lots of fun!  A family is a blessing, let us not forget.  Even though there are days we cry . . . Never give up on yours fam'ly, there's nothing better than a fam'ly!  Amen."

Then Abish spoke.  Her talk was a little different every time we practiced it.  My name is Abish, I'm 6 years old.  I love my mom and dad and my 6 brothers.  I hope that someday I'll have a sister.  I'm happy to know that I am a child of God.   . . . I'm going to . . . get married.  (She was trying to remember: When I grow up, I will be married in the temple so my family will be sealed forever.)  I want to grow up to be a Mother, and I want to be a Grandma!
I want to go on a mission and bring the gospel to other people.  I . . . love Jesus . . . because he is so kind.   (Abish doesn't enjoy giving talks as much as Jared does.  She actually opted out when we spoke in the Elk Ridge Ward earlier this year, and had some evident stage fright today.  Still, she did a good job and was very pleased with herself.)

Nephi gave his talk from memory.  This past week he had considered what was special to him about each of his siblings.  He said:  My name is Nephi.  I'm 9 years old.  I love my family.  I love to play with my brothers.  They are good examples to me.  Ty is nice.  He solves fights.  When Mom is gone and he's taking care of us, he makes sure everyone is happy.  Kaden shares his things with us, like his legos, candy, and books.  Jared and I like to pretend we're cowboys.  Daniel means what he says.  (Isn't that hilarious?!  That's what he's observed about his 2 year old brother.  It's true too.  Daniel speaks his mind and is difficult to sway.)  God put us in families because He knew we needed them. 

After Nephi's talk our whole family (Ben was holding Nathan and I was holding Daniel who had a binkie in his mouth, a sippy in one hand and a container of cheerios in the other) came to the microphone and sang: The Family is of God

Kaden wrote his talk completely on his own, sharing his experiences from youth conference, expressing thanks to the leaders, and bearing his testimony.  I'm so proud of him!

"Hi.  My name is Kaden Saltzgiver for those of you who don't know me.  I would like to talk about my experience at youth conference.  When we got there we didn't want to help set up the tents and get everything ready, we were right by a big lake and we all wanted to go swimming.  After we set everything up and ate lunch, we went to a field and did a bunch of fun activities.  Then we had a big water fight with some other people.   It was way awesome!  Thanks, Leaders!  Then, later that night we all went to the Castle Valley Pageant.  Before the pageant we got to walk around the area where they would perform.  They had fun activities to do before it started.  The pageant was about the saints.  The prophet, Brigham Young, asked everyone if some of the saints would leave their nice home and go to Castle Valley and turn it into a city for other saints to come and live in.

Later, the next morning, we went back to where the pageant took place and cleared out all the big rocks so that when the actors came they could do everything smoothly.  Then we ate lunch, returned to our camp area, and swam for the rest of the day.  The leaders brought kayaks and rented paddle boards.  There was a big dock out in the water and we all got on the dock and tried to push each other off.  We called it: King of the Dock! Then we all got out and had a testimony meeting.  The spirit was so strong.  After that we watched The Blind Side.  It was great. 

In the morning we packed up and drove back.  I can't explain how much of a great time I had.  Thank you so much, Leaders.  You guys are awesome!

I would like to bear my testimony that I know this church is true.  I know that Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon, and I know that this church is the one and only true church of God.  I love my family and I know that they love me.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Ty was next:

About three weeks ago I got to go on the youth conference trip as my first activity with this ward.  I was a little nervous, because I didn't know anyone, but it was really nice because everyone was so friendly.   

We drove down to Southern Utah to see the Castle Valley Pageant.  It was about the generation after the pioneers who crossed the plains.  They were called by the prophet Brigham Young to settle Castle Valley.  They had to leave the comfort of their homes in an established town and start all over with basically a little dirt hut.   The prophet asked for volunteers to go and settle Castle Valley.  So the people who went, went trusting in the Lord and his prophet that they would be given the strength they needed to survive and establish a new town for other saints to come and settle in.  They sacrificed a lot and were blessed to know they were doing the Lord’s work.  I know that if I follow the Lord and his prophets, I’ll be blessed too.  

We also did a service project, moving big rocks off the trail that they use in the pageant.  Then we got to swim and play in the water.  

I’m glad I got to go to youth conference.  It was a lot of fun.  I’m thankful to the leaders for coming and helping to prepare everything.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Daniel was feeling extremely playful and Ben and I had to corner him in the stand.  A kind lady named Kris, who serves in the primary presidency, saw our plight and took Daniel to play in the nursery.  I was glad Ben got to stay and hear my talk.  It's the longest and probably the best talk I've ever given, because I actually wrote it from my own experiences instead of compiling notes from other people's talks.

We’re excited to be in this ward, and are thankful for the opportunity to speak.   A couple years ago, we started a private school and put a lot of time and money into it.  It was a great experience and we learned a lot.  I came away with a deeper appreciation for the opportunities this church offers our youth (and adults) to prepare talks and lessons, teach basic doctrines and share testimony.  This really is the highest form of learning, when we preparing to teach.

I was so uplifted by the talks and lessons I heard last week.   Thank you.  What a blessing it is to be able to come to church each week and be spiritually fed.  I love the topic we were asked to speak on today: defending the doctrine of the family.

The Family is ordained of God.  Families are central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.  They are the very purpose for which this world was created.  “He sent each one of us to earth, through birth, to live and learn here in fam’lys.”  In the premortal realm we shouted for joy at the prospect of becoming like our Heavenly Parents!

          When I went off to college at the ripe old age of 18, I was acutely aware of my parents faults and planned to do a much better job with my own family.   Now, 17 years later, with a family of my own, I think: my parents did a pretty good job!   I wonder if I was cocky as a spirit daughter too.  “Heavenly Father, I’m ready to go!  I can handle any experience that  physical body holds for me!”  Now I’m like “Fast . . .  for 24 hours?!  But I’m so hungry! . . .”  Trying to wake up at 6:00 . . “just 5 more minutes . . .zzzzz.”  My parents accredit the success they’ve experienced in their family to “following the Lord’s program!”  I want to share a little bit about them.

I’m the 7th of 11 children.  I was born in Missoula Montana in 1979.      My parents were also born in Missoula, although my Dad grew up in Idaho.  He returned to Missoula in his late teens where he met and married my Mom.  Although neither of my parents had the gospel of Jesus Christ when they were growing up, they did have parents who stayed together, loved their children as best they could, and taught them to believe the Bible.  I was even more fortunate, because 8 years before I was born, my parents were taught the gospel by two young LDS missionaries and joined the Church in 1971.  At the time they were just newly married and had two small children.  They had no plans for a large family.  My mom, by her own confession, "doesn't like babies", but she believed that following the prophets would bring happiness, so she obeyed in faith and let the children come.  Her example on this account speaks volumes to me!  She didn’t have children because they are cute or fun, or because she had easy pregnancies (she didn’t).  She had children in order to keep the commandment to multiply and replenish the earth.  As her 7th child, I am SO glad she did! :) I shudder to think of where I would be without my family, without the gospel!

Dad was a conductor for the Burlington Northern railroad and his job frequently kept him away from home for days at a time, but when he was home he played with us, took us camping, and involved us in all his home improvement projects.  He also baptized each of us children and provided special father's blessings. I'm thankful for my wonderful parents!

My Dad worked hard and provided well.  He built us a large, beautiful home on 40 acres.  I grew up with farm animals - horses, pigs, chickens, ducks, dogs, cats, peacocks, goats, and cows. I climbed trees, played in tree houses, and had lots of room to run and play.  (It's a dream come true to buy this house here in Lindon and extend similar opportunities to my own children.) My mom kept us busy (at least that's how I felt as a child - that she was keeping us busy - heh, heh) growing a large garden, taking care of animals (and younger siblings), doing laundry, and cleaning the house.    She  taught us the gospel through daily family scripture study, weekly family home evenings, and her own example.  She accepted callings, went visiting teaching, and made semi-annual General Conference a family event.   

While my parents and family are not perfect, living the gospel has blessed us tremendously and brought great happiness.  They are serving a mission in Wisconsin right now and their examples continue to bless my life and the lives of my children.  Earlier this month we had a family reunion at Bear Lake.  My parent’ mission president encouraged them to come home for this special event.  Nine of eleven siblings and their spouses camped for three days and enjoyed swimming, games, running, crafts, and testimony sharing.  44 out of 55 cousins came together for  a great time.   It was wonderful, hard to say good-bye and return to our separate homes, and yet, it was impressed on my mind how strong a parent’s love is for a child.  It’s stronger than an Aunt’s, stronger than a Grandmother’s.  Parents love children enough to do the difficult work of enforcing rules.   I think this helps us understand our Heavenly Father a little more.  He isn’t a Heavenly Grandfather.    

“Too often we confuse God’s love with human kindness. We want, in fact, not so much a Father in Heaven as a grandfather in heaven—a senile benevolence who, as they say, ‘liked to see young people enjoying themselves’ and whose plan for the universe was simply that it might be truly said at the end of the day, ‘a good time was had by all.’”

But that is not God’s plan for us. He wants us to become like Him. He wants us to experience the fullness of joy He enjoys—eternal joy, not merely temporary contentedness. And He loves us enough that He will do whatever it takes for us to reach that goal, including allowing us to experience things that are difficult and soul-stretching. And He does it not because He doesn’t love us, but precisely because He does.

But even when we have to learn things from our extremities in order to fulfill God’s plan for us, His love will be there to sustain us… especially when we need His love the most. …So let us not sell God’s love short by confusing it with mere human kindness. His love is much deeper than that.” (Kevin J. Worthen, “It Was as If a Blanket of Love Was Flowing Over Me”, May 2, 2013, BYU Women’s Conference)  

I knew from my youth that having the gospel at the center of my home was important to me.  I graduated from Rick’s College (now BYU-I) with a degree in Nursing, and married a returned missionary in the temple.  Beginning my own family is where I feel my education really began.   My whole life so far had been looking forward to and preparing for this!  Now here I was, and sharing my life with a husband was a lot harder than I thought it would be!  I grew much closer to Heavenly Father through sincere prayer as I struggled in that marriage.  We had two precious little boys, but sadly, that marriage ended in divorce.  For two years I supported myself and my children as a single mother, and was very grateful for my nursing degree.  

In 2004, I agreed to go on a blind date set up by a little known acquaintance.  Boy, was that a good idea!  Ben had actually been married and divorced himself, which seems like it should have been a red-flag - warning - danger -, but it turned out that we had a lot to talk about and understood each other really well.   We both wanted to put the Lord first in our marriage, and support one another in keeping the commandments.  We were married in the Provo Temple and in a couple weeks we’ll celebrate our 10th Anniversary!    

What a joy it is to be in a peaceful, secure marriage! I wonder if I would have appreciated it this much if I had never experienced the opposite?  We have been blessed with 7 wonderful children, whom we hope and pray will marry well and find joy in their own families.  

In 2 Nephi 2:22 Nephi is teaching about the fall of Adam and Eve: “If Adam had not transgressed, he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden.  And all things which were created must have remained in the same state in which they were after they were created; and they would have remained forever, and had no end.”  

This is essentially describing life without opposition.   You would clean the house and it would it would stay clean! Whatever you like to build or create, imagine it lasting forever without becoming old or ruined.  Sounds nice, right? But could it do so while fulfilling the measure of it’s creation?   Adam and Eve chose to leave the garden paradise, void of weeds, hunger, thirst, or fatigue in order to fill the measure of their creation and become PARENTS.   We should reflect often on the great privilege it is to be a father or a mother.  

Not that it’s easy.  Verse 23 says: and they would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good for they knew no sin.”  It’s true, children help us experience both joy and misery.  Ben asked me the other night if I’d ever had the kids cry for more than 20 minutes in the car?  He said he was ready to pull his hair out!  I said I would have pulled over, or turned the music up so loud that they would have to stop crying in order to ask me turn it down. ;)

I usually snuggle with my 2 year old at nap time.  We put our foreheads together and sometimes the shoelace from his pacifier (you see, his pacifier is tied to his bed - best idea ever!) sometimes the end of that shoelace tickles my face and makes me rub my nose like crazy.  Daniel breaks out in a belly laugh that is so contagious I can’t help myself and we laugh and laugh together.  That’s part of the joy.  So is eating delicious breakfasts made by my  14 year old, morning after morning.  Or having lotion rubbed on my feet by tiny hands, eager to return the favor.  Receiving countless hand-drawn pictures and lego creations.  Deciphering little love notes left by a child just learning to write.  And seeing a 12 year old lose himself in serving his younger siblings.  These are a few of my favorite things.  They more than compensate for the less favorite things, like toothpaste in the carpet, soiled underwear, morning sickness, piles of laundry, squabbling siblings, chaotic meals, and . . . crying (them and me).

Home is truly a laboratory of learning.

Ensign, March 1979 Laboratory of Love

Where the home is, there love should be. The home is the laboratory of love, and in it resides the most important unit of the Church and of society—the family. Recently I was interviewed by a representative of a national magazine who expressed keen interest in a photograph on my desk of Sister Nelson and me with our family. He asked if we had any problems with rebellious youth, drug abuse, and morals among such a large family. When I replied in the negative, his interest seemed to become more intense.

                   

Then he said, “When did you and your wife start to plan for your family and give them such emphasis in your lives?”

                   

I simply replied, “Before we were ever married.” Then I continued, “You see, we believe that our major goal in life is to strengthen our family. Service in the Church, the community, continuing education, and our occupational endeavors all are undertaken to provide development for our family.”

                   

He seemed surprised. He countered; “But earlier in our interview you said you and your wife had always tried to obey the scripture, ‘Seek ye first the kingdom of God.’ (Matt. 6:33.) Now you tell me the family comes first.”

                   

He thought he had me. But I  . .  said, “I cannot seek the kingdom of God without loving and honoring first that family he has given to me. I cannot honor that family without loving and caring first for my wife!”

Our families provide the perfect training ground for us to “seek first the kingdom of God, by learning and practicing Christ-like qualities.

The RS lesson last Sunday, from the Joseph Fielding Smith manual taught:  “The importance of family unity - love and consideration for one another in the family - cannot be overemphasized.  Spiritual solidarity in family relationships is the sure foundation upon which the church and society itself will flourish.”  Satan knows this very well and is using every clever device, influence, and power within his control to undermine and destroy this eternal institution.  “Only the gospel of Jesus Christ applied in family relationships will thwart this devilish destructiveness.”

In order to preserve love and unity in our homes we must guard against contention.

A friend recently posted on fb: Nothing gets you out of bed faster than when your three year old hands you a toilet brush.  True right?  We can picture that.  Now if we could be like Nephi and shake at the appearance of sin, then contention would be as appalling to us as a toilet brush and elicit a similar response:  “Noooo, keep it away from me!”

Elder Nelson also taught:  As we dread any disease that undermines the health of the body, so should we deplore contention, which is a corroding canker of the spirit.”

 Abraham Lincoln said:

“Quarrel not at all. No man resolved to make the most of himself can spare time for personal contention. … Better give your path to a dog than be bitten by him.” (Letter to J. M. Cutts, 26 Oct. 1863, in Concise Lincoln Dictionary of Thoughts and Statements, comp. and arr. Ralph B. Winn, New York: New York Philosophical Library, 1959, p. 107.)

Contention destroys peace by driving away the Spirit of the Lord.    “The Lord God hath commanded men  . . . that they should not contend one with another.” (2 Ne. 26:32.)

How can we make preserving unity and peace a family goal?   

A couple things we have tried are: Sing a hymn, “I’m trying to be like Jesus”.  Whisper the code words: soft hearts, quoting scripture:  a soft answer turneth away wrath. :) He that is slow to anger is stronger than the mighty, and he that controlleth his tongue, than he that taketh a city.  :)  Or just exercising a quiet patience - simple, profound belief that things will get better.

As we consistently work at it and follow the prophetic counsel to have daily family scripture study, family prayers, weekly family home evenings, and make family mealtimes a priority, we will begin to reap the benefits recorded in 3rd Nephi:

And there was no contention in all the land because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the of the people.

My children frequently amaze me by the patience and long suffering they show toward me and with each other.  I’m so proud of them and humbled to be their mother.  I’m grateful for the help we receive from wonderful nursery, primary, and youth leaders.  I’m so thankful for my membership in this church.  I know it contains the fulness of the everlasting gospel!

I know God lives.  I have felt Him near me during times of happiness as well as during the most difficult times of my life.  He helped me through my divorce and gave me the confidence I needed to marry again.  He is our Heavenly Father and He loves us.  I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer.  

I’m so grateful for my family, past, present and future.  I love them so much.   I’m grateful for the opportunities given to me daily for me to learn to get along with others, to forgive, to be patient, to help me become like Heavenly Mother. I’m thankful for our prophet, President Thomas S. Monson. I know he has been called of God and leads this church as the Savior would have him do. I know that if I continue doing my best to follow the teachings and example of our Savior, eliminating the spirit of contention in my life, that my home, family, and the world will be blessed.   In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Several kind people told us they enjoyed our talks.  One man said he felt hope upon hearing that ours was a blended family, that we have both survived divorce.  His wife left him earlier this year.   Another man said he was filled with "holy envy" to hear that we had a daughter named Abish.  He said he has always wanted to give one of his daughters that name!   

I'm so proud of my kids for preparing and giving such great talks, and I'm glad it's over!  :)

Oh, and Ben shared excerpts from Julie Beck's talk: Teaching the doctrine of the family.  As the last speaker he usually has lots of time that he has to fill, but not today!  He only had about 7 minutes.  My favorite part of his talk was: "I love my wife!"  :)

Nathan's Birth

Contractions had been regular and strong for days.  April 1, 2014, Ty and Kaden announced that they wanted to home-school instead of finishing out the year at Liberty Academy.   I was delighted!  Ty stayed home that day and watched the younger children, while Kaden and I went shopping for groceries at Sam's Club.  He pushed that large cart along, adding what I pointed to (along with several of his own selections - pickles, granola bars, and cheese cake - "Don't you want to celebrate our first day of homeschool?") until the cart was loaded to capacity and overflowing.  A few contractions were so strong that I had to stop and lean against a shelf until they concluded.  The mucous plug also passed that day, an encouraging sign that my body was preparing for birth!  Meanwhile, we had the cub scout den meeting at our house that afternoon, so there was plenty of hustling and bustling enthusiasm.  

With every preceding birth, from the moment I felt my first contraction, it was less than 12 hours later that the baby was born.  These contractions didn't "hurt" they were just a lot of pressure, which is how I've heard many women describe their labor.  Although it was really different for me to have these kind of contractions for several days before the birth,  I think it helped me to perceive them as "pressure" instead of "pain" much later as my labor progressed.

I had been praying for weeks that this baby would be born just as soon as he was prepared for life outside the womb.  I really hate the last few weeks of pregnancy and I am seriously grumpy when I go past 40 weeks.  April 13 was our 40 week mark.  I tried to mentally prepare myself for going to April 19th - my brother Joshua's birthday - because his middle name is Nathan, but I REALLY wanted to have the baby before General Conference, and I thought 4-4-14 would be a cool birthday.  Still, I didn't want to wait even that long, and since Ben really wanted an April baby, I mentally gave my body permission and coaxed Nathan to be born every day after April 1.  I had all the birthing supplies, baby clothes, blankets, and bassinet prepared.  The children all looked forward to meeting Nathan, and with Ty and Kaden home, it just seemed like the time was right.

April 2, 2014 Wednesday.
Ben got up and went to work as usual.  I had breakfast and scripture reading with the children, then decided to go through some new math materials that came from Richard and Donae's storage unit to see if I wanted to use them for home-school.  I was watching the math video with Abish and Jared, just sitting on the floor, when I realized that my contractions were very regular, and about 5 minutes apart.  Still no pain at all, but kind of uncomfortable.  I wouldn't have wanted to be far from home.  By lunch time, Ty had finished his morning habits, household chores and personal school goals, so he was eligible for screen time and chose to play Minecraft.  The house was clean, the kitchen and refrigerator were stocked with food, and the children were all dressed and getting along well, so I didn't mind that they all gathered around and watched Ty play.  I was preparing chicken and vegetable enchiladas for lunch and kind of keeping my eye on the clock to see how far apart the contractions were.  They were about 3-5 minutes apart and sometimes so strong that I felt I should go lie down.  I didn't mention anything to the kids, but about 12:30 I put the enchiladas in the oven but didn't turn it on because I wasn't sure I'd be around to take take them out.  The kids had been snacking on fresh fruit and weren't that hungry anyway.  I took a belly picture in the bathroom mirror to remember this pregnancy and maybe someday put in Nathan's baby book.

I weighed 168 pounds and my tummy was 45" around.  Yikes!
Took a nice warm bath, then got out into my big green pajama gown and climbed into bed.  Propped with pillows and and lying as comfortably as I could on my side, the contractions were still very regular and strong.  I guessed the baby would be born within a couple of hours, so texted Ben at work: I think this is the real thing.   He came home as soon as he could - arriving about 2:00.  The kids were still completely captivated by watching Ty play Minecraft and hadn't noticed that I'd gone missing.  They were surprised to have Papa come home in the middle of the day.   When he told them I was having the baby they all came running into my bedroom expecting, I think, to see the new baby.  I told them he would probably be born by dinner time.  Daniel climbed into bed with me and took a nap.  Ben rubbed my back a little bit, but at this point the contractions cut way back in frequency and intensity.  I encouraged Ben to go out and spend time with the kids who were so excited to have him home and I napped with Daniel.  Later I put on a bathrobe and watched a movie with Ben and the kids.  Ben kept looking over at me and asking if I was feeling anything.   It was such a different labor!  I was glad he was there and lending emotional support.  It was nice to have him home, even if I wasn't progressing as quickly as we expected.  I was still having contractions, but they were far enough apart for me to easily stay relaxed through, and kept us wondering exactly when this baby would arrive.

We ate the enchiladas for dinner and Ty and Kaden stayed home from Scouts.  I was excited to be in labor and so grateful to have our whole family together.  We put the children to bed, promising to wake them up after the baby was born.  Kaden (age 12) slept on the couch in our room.  He wanted to see the birth and cut the umbilical cord.  We all went to bed, and it felt good to lay down, but I didn't really sleep.  Ben had mentioned that he was really tired, so I tried to let him get as much rest as possible.  At 11:00 I felt that a hot bath would be helpful.  I was beginning to feel like this wasn't very much fun, but was still excited to be so near to meeting Nathan.  I thanked Heavenly Father for granting me so many of my hearts desires.  The peaceful assurances of another natural home birth without complications, the blessing of another child in our family, and now, skipping out on the last 10 days of pregnancy! YES!!!!  I had experienced complete confidence and peace through out the entire pregnancy each time I thought and prayed about the birth, so there was never any worry or fear.    The warm water and hymns playing on my iPod had a strengthening and soothing effect as I labored, taking the contractions one at a time and communing with Heavenly Father in grateful prayer.   This line from a hymn made me smile: "These little afflictions, though painful at present, er long with the righteous in glory shall end." (pg. 266 The Time is Far Spent)

April 3, 2014 Thursday
Shortly after 12:00 a.m. I got out of the tub and made my way back to the bed.  The contractions were  hurting now and I moaned through them.  With some difficulty, I woke Ben up, and he immediately came around to my side of the bed to help with counter pressure.  He was wearing a company t-shirt that said Quality Support 24/7.  I smiled to myself.  How fitting.  Ben is really a terrific labor companion.  He is completely attentive and does everything he can to help:  suggestion I change positions, pushing on my back, offering sips of water, etc.  He pulled my knees against his chest and pulled in on the small of my back.  This helped a little bit, but not as well as at other times. After a few contractions he encouraged me to move back to the tub.

I wasn't very chatty by now.   I was doing my best not to furrow my brow.  (It's incredible.  If my brow is relaxed, my body is relaxed and my thoughts are positive.  If my brow is wrinkled I'm sure to be tense somewhere else as well and not thinking happy thoughts.)  With Ben's help I managed to walk back to the bathtub where I sank down onto my hands and knees and rested my head on a towel on the edge of the tub.  The contractions seemed to last forever.   Ben counted out loud with each contraction to give me encouragement and some sense of time.  The 1:00 hour came and went.

I don't remember if we had music playing anymore.  Perhaps that would have helped me remember my Savior's sacrifice, as I had intended to keep that uppermost in my mind.  I'm ashamed to say that my cheerful, grateful attitude started a downward slide.  I couldn't focus on anything but the pain and began to feel sorry for myself.  My thoughts went from: Whew.  There now, that wasn't so bad. to
I do not like this!
How much longer?
I am definitely NOT doing this again.  7 children is plenty!

Around 2:00 a.m. I was feeling so tired.  I had tried every position I could think of in the tub.  I had a towel under my knees in the water to make them more stable and comfortable.  I asked Ben to climb into the tub with me to support my back, which he immediately did.  (He's so good!)  I got up into a squat and leaned back against him, laying my head on his shoulder.  It was nice to have him close but I still felt pretty miserable and desperate.  The contractions were so long, strong, and close together that I had great difficulty coping with them.  I said grumpily to Ben, "Why did I feel like this birth was going to go so well? He responded, "It is going well."
I took offense at that.  Easy for him to say!
He gave me a priesthood blessing of strength and comfort, thanking Heavenly Father for the gift of another child and asked that he come quickly.  I was far more grumpy than humble, after this blessing.  I wasn't worried that anything would go wrong, I just wanted to have it over with.   When Ben tried to encourage me with words like, "You're doing great." You're almost there."  I gave him a terse "Shhh!"  What would he know?  Don't go making promises that you have no control over!
(I felt bad later for being rude to Ben and apologized.  He said he didn't think anything of it, except that it encouraged him to know I was in the stage of transition and the birth was very near.  He saw it as a positive mile marker!)
Realizing that there was nothing more that Ben or I could do to ease my suffering, I cried out, "Please, Father! Please deliver me!  I can't endure this any more!"
Ben then suggested that I get into more of an upright position.  I wimpered, "I can't", but he helped me move into a forward leaning squat and we heard the welcoming POP as my bag of waters broke.  I knew then that I was almost done.  I could see the finish line ahead, but felt ready to drop.   I pressed on, because there was no other option.
Drawing from everything I had, I got up onto my knees and felt the baby moving down the birth canal.  Recognizing that familiar "ring of fire" and feeling every bit like a mighty lioness, I opened my mouth in a ferocious, "Aaaahhhhhhgg!!!"
His head emerged beneath the water, but stopped there.  I noticed that Kaden had entered the room, looking apprehensive.  I felt Nathan's head and face with my hand.  Ben was calm and allowed me to wait for the next contraction, when with another ROAR, my body finished the birthing of our 7th child!  Whew!  Indescribable Relief!
I lifted his little head above the water and Father, Mother, and big brother watched with loving adoration as he took his first breath.  Kaden called out the time: 2:37 a.m.  Nathan opened his eyes and we saw some subconjunctival hemorrhaging - evidence that his journey through the birth canal wasn't a picnic for him either.  His hands and face were a dark red, almost purple.  That really worried Kaden, but as he was breathing well, Ben and I assured Kaden that he was fine.  Kaden handed me the receiving blankets that I had set beside the tub, and Ben quickly got out and changed into clean, dry garments.  When it came right down to it, Kaden was kind of grossed out and didn't want to hold the baby until he'd been cleaned up.  And there was "NO WAY!" he was going to cut the cord!  So While Ben held Nathan, I cut the cord, and with a very gentle tug, the placenta came right out.  (Ben was upset because I've told him before that you should never pull on the cord to remove the placenta, as it could tear the placenta away prematurely, resulting in pieces of retained placenta which could lead to hemorrhaging, etc. etc.  But this was me, giving just a tiny bit of traction to my own cord, and it was obviously already detached, because out it slid, into my hands, kerplop!)  We double bagged it and put it in the garbage, and that was about it for clean up.  Ben took Nathan into the bedroom and dried him off, weighed him (only 5 lbs, 12 oz!) then dressed him in his first diaper and a comfortable little jammie and hat that I had prepared.  I rinsed off, dried off, put on a big pad and climbed into bed to nurse Nathan.  At 3:00 a.m.  Ben woke up the rest of the children (except Daniel - age 2) who hurried happily to our bed to see and hold their new baby brother.  
Heaven.  On.  Earth.
I took a couple of Motrin to help with the after-birth pains and repented for ever suggesting that Donae go off pain meds.   After a few minutes everyone went back to bed.  Not a bad night's work.  Ben was right.  The birth had gone well.  I guess I had assumed that all those peaceful assurances had meant that it would be easy.  But as Thomas Paine said, "Heaven knows how to put a proper price on her goods . . ." it would be strange indeed if such a thing as human life were obtained too easily.
My prayer now was infinitely more humble.  I had felt my absolute dependence on Heavenly Father and knew first hand of his infinite love and mercy.  Through the Atonement of His son, Jesus Christ, He did deliver me, and He always will.  I wish I could always remember these feelings and truly live in thanksgiving daily.  Our God is so good, so kind, and loves us with a love beyond measure.
Marriage and family are gifts of infinite worth.  I'm so grateful for my Savior and his willing sacrifice on my behalf.  "Although in agony he hung, no murmuring word escaped his tongue."  No murmuring thoughts furrowed his brow.  Greater love hath no man than this . . .  
What a privilege it is to assist the Lord in His work.  What a comfort to know that we are in his constant care.

 With baby snuggled safely in my arms I drifted off to sleep beside my wonderful husband.

                                                           Daniel meets Nathan.

Oh and a little delight for Ben:
Now our Birthdays go like this: 3/12, 4/3, 5/4, 6/5, 7/6.   Pretty neat for a numbers guy. :)

On New Years Eve 2013, we reminisced about highlights and blessings from the year.  I wrote them down on a big posterboard and it's fun to look back on them and be grateful.  Here I can include pictures to complement the record.  What a wonderful, blessed year!

                                                                 January 2013

Ty was called to serve as secretary in his Deacon's Quorum.

Whiskers adopts Kaden.

Awesome Spirit Day learning about WWII with Marshall Matthews.

Mom gets back into gymnastics.

Ty advanced in Scouting - earning his Tenderfoot and First Class.  Brother Hoschouer is a terrific Scout Leader.



This stray cat slept on our porch and followed Kaden everywhere he went: sledding, shoveling for the neighbors, etc., Ben's heart was softened and the "no cat" ban was replaced with "outdoor cat only".  He even bought a cat house with a warmer, and Whiskers has never left.


Our whole family remained deeply involved with Kimber Academy - Springville.  The boys were blessed with wonderful teachers.
Feleni Siufanua taught Ty - Senior Class.
Pia Conners taught Kaden in Junior B, and Amy Eastmond taught Nephi in Junior A.  The KA families were close-knit.  I was down at the school every day.  It was very busy, but these were good times. 
            Ben encouraged me in my pursuit of excellence by watching the little kids every Saturday morning while the older boys came with me to Lowe's Extreme Air Sports in Provo for an hour.  They played while I had a private gymnastics lesson.  It was a lot of fun for all of us, and a great outlet for me, as running KA had it's stresses.  I picked back up where I left off at age 12 pretty quickly: roundoff-  back handspring - back lay-out, three back handsprings in a row - etc.   Nothing too fancy - but okay for a mommy of 6.  :)

Daniel turns a year old.

We're all grateful that Daniel lived through his adventure being life-flighted to Primary Children's a few months ago after aspirating a dry kidney bean.  He's back in the game, still puts everything in his mouth and likes to live dangerously.  Loves to climb, started walking this month.

Ben is really sad that we don't have any cake pictures for his or Daniel's birthdays this month.  But there wasn't any cake.  Too much sickness going around, and mom too busy.  :(   Sorry.   Papa turned 35 and Bluehost moved to a campus in North Orem.

Jared and Abish - crafting

Kaden wins "Flashiest Car" at Pinewood Derby

Jared started Primary and gave his first talk.  He loves being in Primary with the older kids.These two jumped in on the painting action when we had the supplies out for Kaden's Pinewood Derby car.  He did a great job of it, even glued some Lego pieces on to complete the windshield and lights.  It fits him, since Kaden loves legos. 
                                                  



                                                              

                                                            February 2013  
We got a lot of snow this winter and the children had lots of opportunities to go sledding, as well as shovel.

Heading up the mountain to sled.

Ty makes cookies nearly every Sunday afternoon.   Yummm!

Our Valentine's Day gift was meeting this wonderful, loving family: The Marbles.  Kimber Academy had a complete turn over in staff this month.  For one reason or another we lost our entire faculty and had to rebuild.  Miraculously, the families and students all came together and pulled through.  Melissa Bartell stepped up to the plate first and volunteered to be our Junior B teacher.  Then Rachelle McClellan came along and accepted the position of Dean.  Sorena Marble came everyday with her children and became our Administrator.  Her oldest daughter, Lexi became Junior A teacher and her father, Marlin Green, became Senior Class teacher.  They were truly heaven sent and we love them!

We also spent a lot of time painting and decorating the school for a fresh look and feel this month.  Andrea Anaya, Sorena's friend, donated the beautiful furniture for the front entry.  Just in time for our dedication on the 21st.  It was a special month.

With Hartman Rector Jr, and his wife, Connie, Dr. Glenn Kimber and us.  Notice the new wall color (used to be blue).