I returned from a business trip a few weeks ago to find that my son had grown some while I was gone. He looked bigger. I told him it made me sad, and asked him to please stop. He said “I can’t.” Then, sensing a teaching opportunity, he gave me a sad, sympathetic smile and […]

My 4th pregnancy was rough. Life threatening at times and when the doctor advised that this be my last child I was ready. We would have 4 daughters, a beautiful and full family. I had been promised a posterity of sons and daughters and I was okay with the sons coming later in the form […]

 My sister Wendy, before my time. My only sister is ten years older than me. She left home at a young age, so during most of my childhood I described myself as an only child. I wasn’t disowning her or anything, that’s just how life felt. Growing up, my mother assumed the ten year gap […]

Several weeks ago my ninety year old Mexican grandfather was admitted to the hospital. His body began to shut down. Those that were able went to visit him and say their goodbyes. My grandfather started planning his funeral. We were all coming to grips with the fact that he would not be with us for […]

I am grateful for the opportunity that I have to share my thoughts and feelings about this important modern day revelation, The Family: A Proclamation to the World. Families are a wonderful gift from our Heavenly Father and an important detail of the Plan of Happiness. This Proclamation confirms to the world the vital role […]

When we were first married we were very poor and very pregnant. I remember one night how excited we were when we found thirty-three cents in our couch cushions. This allowed us to walk to McDonalds and buy an ice cream cone, an almost decadent extravagance. Poor Meredith was pregnant and having cravings. She wanted […]

(A Childhood Idyll by William-Adolphe Bouguereau) When I first was asked to write an essay to help celebrate this great month my thoughts immediately went to the scripture that is quoted in the Proclamation which reads, “Children are an heritage of the Lord.” (Ps 127:3) As I continued to ponder about this assignment I kept experimenting […]

Today I was reminded that one of my favourite things is to hold The Mr’s hand. Sometimes it can be a long time between hand holding. My hands are often so full of other things. When we go out as a family, I have small little hands nestled in mine, or a pram to push. […]

Occasionally my children say something that is accidentally so funny, I cackle out loud. Today was Grant’s turn. We were on our way home from church, and he was telling us about his primary teacher, “My teacher has a baby in her belly. She’s having a baby boy.” I replied, “Oh yeah, you’re right. She’s […]

The first time I was sealed was like a dream. Ours was a story of youthful love, dreams, desires, and faith. I don’t remember much of what was said that day, but I do remember the supernal happiness and peace I felt as I joined the man I love in a covenant with the Lord. […]

Wowie, kazowie, wow! We’ve had a great first week celebrating family, haven’t we? If you ever want to go back and read past posts just type in family proclamation right there in the search box. The blog hop theme this week is a photo essay. Just show us several photos of your family with captions […]

“The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.”~The Family: A Proclamation to the World~ This was the best day of my life.Beautiful.Perfect. […]

In The Family: A Proclamation to the World it states: …All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny…. …In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as […]

written by Misfit Cygnet All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny….Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. Several years ago, when I was eight months pregnant with […]