Halloween & Other Updates

AnaBelle was Snow White for Halloween.  If she had her way, everyone else would have been Snow White also.

Vanessa went as Tinkerbell.  We called her "Stinkerbell."

This Halloween was a little different than we have done in the past.  The kids went to the ward party and got plenty of candy there.  Halloween was on a Sunday.  Around here, everyone did their trick or treating on Saturday night.  There was a big storm that dumped a lot of hail and rain on us that night, so we didn't take the kids out trick or treating.

They enjoyed handing out candy to the kids that braved the storm.

 

 Before Halloween, we took the kids to the pumpkin patch.  There, they got a free hay ride.  There was also a straw bale maze for them to run through.  The kids enjoyed it.  They also loved spending time with their cousins Aubrey and Sarah. 

 

New Pages
In case you have not noticed, I have been busy creating new pages for the blog.  Above, you will find several new pages.

• Our Fairy Tale - Adapted from a previous post.  Here you may learn about how Ritchell and I met.
• Our Faith - A summary of our beliefs as Latter-day Saints
• The Plan of Our Heavenly Father - A little more detail on what we know and believe about God and his plan for all of us.
• Our Invitation to All - Our invitation to everyone to learn more about and read The Book of Mormon.
• His Gospel - A little more detail on what we know and believe about Jesus Christ and His gospel 
• The Restoration - A little more detail on the beginnings of the Mormon church

In the future, I will be adding a more detailed "About Us" page, as well as some more details on our faith.

Why?
Why have I suddenly become so "preachy?"  Several experiences in my life have prompted me to share what I know and believe to be true with everyone.  If anything, I hope that you will read and at least broaden your knowledge of the Mormon church and get to know us.  I am saddened by recent attacks by the media and others against my faith and feel the need to let the truth be known. 

I have been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints my entire life.  I have seen and felt the difference it has made in my own life and the lives of hundreds, maybe even thousands of others I know personally.  My faith has brought me a lot of happiness in my life and I want to share that.  I have never been taught at church to hate others.  I have never been taught at church to belittle others because of their faith, race, sexual preference, misdeeds or bad habits.  I have also never heard a sermon at church condemning another religion.  I have always been taught what Jesus Christ taught.  Love one another.  Do good to them that despise you.  Is it easy?  No.  Am I a perfect follower?  No.  I don't know anyone that has followed 100% the gospel of Jesus Christ, but I try.  

Do I expect everyone reading my blog to convert to the Mormon faith because of me?  Certainly not.  I just hope that something you read on this blog will bring greater understanding of the Mormon faith and what we believe. 

I will continue to post about our lives and what we are up to.  I will also continue to share with you our beliefs.

I appreciate all of the comments and words of encouragement from all of you.