The refiners fire

"We must not only be tolerant while others work on their individual illnesses; we must also be kind, patient, supportive, and understanding. As God encourages us to keep on trying, He expects us to also allow others the space to do the same, at their own pace. The Atonement will come into our lives in even greater measure. We will then recognize that regardless of perceived differences, all of us are in need of the same infinite Atonement."-Elder Dale G. Renlund 

Wow. What an amazing quote! This is just so good. It can be applied in so many different experiences and to so many different people we interact with: from those we love (especially our children), to strangers, and to those who hurt us.This little gem has really helped change my perspective. I have felt a shift in my feelings towards others, and I am so happy about it. And I am eager and excited about the refinement that I can feel is beginning to change within me.

"Some years ago a wonderful young man named Curtis was called to serve a mission. He was the kind of missionary every mission president prays for. He was focused and worked hard. At one point he was assigned a missionary companion who was immature, socially awkward, and not particularly enthusiastic about getting the work done.

      One day, while they were riding their bicycles, Curtis looked back and saw that his companion had inexplicably gotten off his bike and was walking. Silently, Curtis expressed his frustration to God; what a chore it was to be saddled with a companion he had to drag around in order to accomplish anything. Moments later, Curtis had a profound impression, as if God were saying to him, “You know, Curtis, compared to me, the two of you aren’t all that different.” Curtis learned that he needed to be patient with an imperfect companion who nonetheless was trying in his own way."

How many times have we done this in our lives? Put ourselves above another because we think we are not suffering from that same 'illness'? But really we are suffering from some other problem, different, but equal in value. I think this is something as human beings that we have to keep reminding ourselves. It is so easy to see the faults in others, but for some reason so hard to see the faults in ourselves. We put ourselves on a pedestal, when really we are equal in the eyes of God. Another good lesson I am continually trying to learn. 

funnies

From the mouth of Marlee:

"Mommy don't wash my hair it's pufect (perfect)/"

"Mommy don't wash razberries they're pufect (perfect)."

"I miss my friends toopah (cooper) and Easton."

Whenever she sees someone crying she says "she's so sad she wants her mommy/daddy."
I was sitting on the floor eating by Marlee, zoned out thinking about something, and out of the blue Marlee said, " mommy, mommy, mommy, mommy, I luf (love) you."
Today she was trying to hang on the oven handle but it opened and she fell on her back. I had told her a few times earlier not to hang on the handle. She giggled and said, "Oh, I haf (have) to be careful."

all the single babies

Drew's family had a talent show when we went down to Arizona a few weeks ago. And since Drew is such an amazing dancer, we decided we needed to showcase his talent. We were going to do it live, but then Drew thought Marlee would get embarassed; so we decided to make a family dancing video collage.

I love Marlee's hips in this. It all started about 2 months ago when I turned on "Single Ladies." I started teaching Marlee some of the dance moves to it, and my parents and I started laughing. My dad started shaking his hips and told Marlee to "shake her bacon," and the rest is history. Now the proper term for shaking your hips at our house is actually "shaking your bacon."

Marlee lives in her undies, and she always has accessories on. And We filmed the majority of Marlee dancing during the time she was potty training; hence the reason for all her undie dances.