Serving For The Greater Good: 2012

Friday, December 28, 2012

The Change...

Our Family Mission Continues and goes deeper then ever before...

As of December 28th at 5:55 am the veil was thinned and Caleb ushered sweet Cumorah into our lives and into our eternal family.

We are in a new chapter, we have come to a new wave... a place that we have never before been or expected to come.

Caleb prepared the way for Cumorah by his perfect example and we will continue and serve with him on his loving mission in teaching of Jesus Christ. It is our joy and honor to have our own avatar to the spirit world, aka Corah.

So what is the purpose of a Mother? I have fully come to better understand the most important work and contribution we give to the world is in our children- Raising: Honest, Hard Working, God Fearing, Responsible citizens. There is nothing more needed or more valuable then this very thing... these attributes are a dying breed. And without these attributes being taught in our world, well it too will die as well.

And a Mother does not just raise her child or children, she is raising and setting the standard for each generation line through each child. This is an amazing responsibility and work given to us Mothers- to teach, to love, to serve these that are entrusted to our care.

So our Family Mission Continues and goes deeper then ever before....

We WELCOME Cumorah Rose to our Eternal Family!

Thank You Caleb for preparing Cumorah for her arrival, we will take over and add to what you have already shared.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Christmas With the Mathison's

Christmas Season is upon us all,

Tis the time to show our love both big or small.

We say 'Happy Days will come to you,'

Wishing we can push and chase away the blues.

Tis the season to think of the way,

That our Savior was born on Christmas Day.

Knowing that through his life we can be blessed,

With happiness, peace, and success in this test.

How Thankful our hearts are as we look upon him.

To grant us hope, strength even when things look dim.

We let our tears shine boldly in the lights,

Not being afriad for we know joy comes after the sleepless nights.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Eric's work in Everett is going well,

When he sings and smiles it is easy to tell.

Liahona is becoming quite the beautiful cowgirl,

In her horse ridding lessons she is shinning like a pearl.

Tamara is the queen of soccer moves all about,

As her legs, feet, and body are growing tall and stout.

Montey's speech is coming around rather well,

He wants to be a missionary like his brother to share and tell.

Tanya and Baby are growing closer to each other each day,

We are all praying for the day for her to come out and play.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

We are so thankful for our friends and family dear,

And wish you were all closer and near.

For us to let you know,

How much you mean to us so.

Merry Christmas,

Love The Mathison Family

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Fall Brings Falling Emotions...

Fall is Brown,

Fall is Cold,

Fall is everything new beginning to unfold.

Fall is all Around,

Fall is Future unknown,

Fall is time for more of us to moan.

Fall is Quiet,

Fall is Still,

Fall is wishing you were Here.

Trying to do the typical Fall traditions, it is easy to get depressed and to loose touch of reality and slip into my world of the past.... wanting, dreaming, longing anything but living in the present.

Last Sunday I was tremendously blessed with the humbling experience to lead my first discussion at church in the Relief Society with the sisters in my ward from the words of our Prophet Thomas S Monson, 'Consider the Blessings.'

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/consider-the-blessings?lang=eng

Our Prophet presented a good strategy for helping us 'Consider the Blessings' in our lives. Something that I have not been very good at doing these past 3 years.

This is what he said, "As I have reviewed the past 49 years, I have made some discoveries. One is that countless experiences I have had were not necessarily those one would consider extraordinary. In fact, at the time they transpired, they often seemed unremarkable and even ordinary. And yet, in retrospect, they enriched and blessed lives—not the least of which was my own. I would recommend this same exercise to you—namely, that you take an inventory of your life and look specifically for the blessings, large and small, you have received."

I decided to take on this challenge in this Reflection Exercise from our Prophet, to help improve my perspective in life during this difficult Fall Season. I have been trying to look for specific blessings both small or big that I have received lately. Trying to keep in mind that they may not be extraordinary but may be pretty plain and simple yet still enrich and bless my life.

. Crunching leaves under my feet make me feel like a kid.

. Bright color trees and leaves all around places a quick smile on my face.

. Smiles and hugs from my children each morning as they say, "Hi Mom, good morning."

. A comfortable and warm home as the cold weather approaches.

. Memories to review, to read and relive.

. My children praying on their own for the Coming of the Savior to be soon.

. Listening to talks new and old from Prophets and Apostles.

. Reading the words of God, and receiving Personal Guidance.

I hope that you can improve your Fall Perspective by taking a moment to do this Reflection Exercise too. That Fall can bring that added cheer to you and your family.

Happy Fall.

Love, The Mathison's

Saturday, September 22, 2012

The Piercing Pain of Reality

Our Nebraska Trip was one of several emotions at once. To pin point how it went??... Well that is almost near to impossible to put into words, however, the highlight of what meant the most to us was to see and visit with our Nebraska friends that we call Our Nebraska Family. It was such a joy and delight to go to a place of Friends; that have been an amazing support to us since the day we arrived to the unknown Midwest back in 2007. We tried to target our trip with visiting our favorite (positive) memories that we have with Caleb. However as we went to all these places almost ALL were under construction, that was very difficult to see. Didn't think within 2 years there would be so much change, not what we thought we would see, it was a piercing pain. Our hopes of visiting that past was slashed, and we are now living a painful reality that we can never go back, not even to Nebraska to find home. But we would still move back for the people... Oh how we love those Nebraskans!

Then

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Sunday, September 2, 2012

Boys Out Numbered

Liahona and I had the vote of the baby being a Boy.
Eric and Tamara had the vote of the baby being a Girl

For Eric's birthday, on the very day we had an ultrasound which was his only birthday gift. I walked in dragging my feet because I was the only one that didn't want to do this, Montey didn't really know what was going on so he could careless what we were doing. But ultimately I had to bring my physical body to the appointment for this birthday gift to be given... it took a lot from me emotionally to allow this.

Here we are at the appointment.

From this appointment Montey finally will answer, "Yes" when asked if there is a baby in my tummy, because prior he would always reply with "No".

Though I was slightly disappointed that we are not having our 2 boys and 2 girls that I am used to, and know how to do, I was yet slightly relieved that we are getting a girl. But I do not know how to raise 3 girls and 1 boy. This is completely weird to my mind, I am still having a hard time grasping this new change. I am hoping that by knowing the gender now that I will be more prepared when she comes in Dec to join our little family.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Successful Make A Difference Day

(Copied from calebmathison.blogspot.com)

We cannot thank you all enough for your teddy bear donations. Especially to you 21 families who were able to take the time to send a few our way. We received a total of 71 which was way over our hopeful goal of 50.
We are excited to deliver these to the children at the hospital.
For those of you who would have liked to donate teddy bears but were not able to this year and decided to do a family or individual service please feel free to share with us your success. Our hope is to touch as many lives as possible for good with the Love of Christ this Friday and Saturday the 24th and the 25th.

(Teddy Bears have been Delivered and Received, because of everyone's donations over 70 children will be blessed with cuddly animals to bring them warm fuzzies in their hearts and put smiles on their faces.)

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Half way there!!

26 Bears in Counting towards Our Make A Difference Goal of 50...
Thank you so much you wonderful families that have taken the time
to Help Our Family Make A Difference, we are grateful for the opportunity
to deliver these to the Children's Hospital here in Seattle next week.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

3rd Annual Make A Difference Day

Hi Our Wonderful Friends and Family,

Our 3rd Annual Make A Difference Day is coming up this month on the 24th and 25th, and we are wanting to do something different this year, but we are going to need your help if you can.

We are starting a Teddy Bear Drive, hoping to collect at least 50 new teddy bears to give to the Children's Hospital here in Seattle on Caleb's Angel Anniversary the 24th-25th.

I can imagine the added joy and smiles that these sweet cuddly teddy bears will bring to the children who are needing something to hug and squeeze to escape the unfun realities that they are facing at the hospital.

Here are the hospital guidelines with donations:

Restrictions

For safety and infection control reasons, please donate only new items that are washable, nontoxic, and not easily broken.

Then please mail them to us at our address, so we can deliver them all at once.

(If you do not have our address you can either email us at mathisonfamily@gmail.com or you can send us a friend request on facebook and we will send it to you.)

We would be more than appreciated if you could help us out. If you are unable to financially at this time, that is okay. Instead, we ask if you could do some sort of service to just help Make A Difference with us on the 24th-25th.

Thanks again everyone for supporting us and helping us out again this year... It's a tough knot to swallow this year, but then again when is it not!?

**Please forward this along to your friends and family. All help, Any help would be so appreciated.**

=) Love The Mathison's

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

A Push From the Lord

Our family has been praying for Peace and Contentment, and I went to the doctors to get more tests and ultrasounds done- to get some kind of peace of mind from the immense stomach pains, and terrible aches these past 5 months... it's not a cyst or cancer but a little baby. So, we are pregnant and are 4 months along, with a due date of December 31. WOW!!

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Recap of: May Day, Mother's Day, Memorial Day

May Day popped out of no where. I was having a rather downer day that morning, when a friend came to my door with a cookie bouquet to wish our family a Happy May Day. I almost broke down into tears. This is a very special day that we learned about in Nebraska. The kids in the neighborhood would ring each other's door bells, and before they ran away they would leave a goodie basket. At first I thought this was a very silly kid day, but once my kids wanted to do it too, it soon became the new thing to look forward too each May 1st. I had forgotten this year. As I was standing at the front door floods of memories came to my mind and I was refreshed with motivation to get our May Day baskets of goodies put together to deliver that very evening. The kids and I had a very fun May Day after all, and we hope you too had a Good May Day.

Mother's Day was a lump swallowing day. The kids sang with their church Primary a couple songs to us mothers, and this would have been the year that all my kids would be up on the stand singing away. Though I could only see 3, I know that there was 4. Sunday talks were on Mothers. There was one talk specifically that was I think made for me. I was a blubbery mess throughout the whole talk. What was mentioned was the exact same thing that I have recently learned about birthdays. Birthdays are not so much for the individual but for everyone else, because it is a day that is given for those that love the individual to shower and show their love and appreciation for them. I have greatly learned that it is SO SO SO much easier to tell that person that you love them when they are here in person. It is so difficult to know just how and what to do for them to show them that you love them when they are gone. This was the same perspective that was taught about how Mother's Day should be looked at. Mother's Day is not so much for the Mother, because we only see how terrible our flaws are and how we have failed to be the best mother. But Mother's Day is for everyone else to shower and show their love for that individual, for it is easier to do this in person then when they are not with us anymore. So, I set aside my judge-mental self thinking that I am not worth such pampering and allowed my family to serve me: foot massage, nails and toes paints, hair done, back massage, dinner and dessert served to first and I did not need to clean up....

It was a life changing Mother's Day for me, to see this difficult holiday in a very different perspective, something that I have been greatly needing for a long time. We hope all you Mother's had a very special Mother's Day!

Memorial Day was special, we visited Caleb, and Eric's sister Carmen, and left them flowers and walked around to show our respect to those who have fought so valiantly for our country. We have many military crosses in our small little heaven on earth. What an honor to continue to be touched by their service which they have done so selflessly. To fight for our homes, our families, our freedoms of liberty, and yet sadly to say so many of our rights are being taken away. After all that they have done, and those suited up today to serve and fight for our country. We will never know the inner struggles and difficulties that they suffered so that we can be a free country, but I am touched not just every year, but every time I see a man or woman in uniform. I tip my hat to them and say proudly, "Thank You for serving!" They do so much for us, what and honor, what a blessing they are.

Thank you all you wonderful people that have and are serving our country, and for you amazing families standing behind your soldiers, God Bless every one of you!!

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Tamara turned the BIG 8

Tamara had made the choice for herself to be baptized on her 8th birthday. Her and I experienced MUCH emotion before her big birthday/baptism day. It was difficult for her to come to terms of reality of what this would mean. For it meant that she would physically in age catch up to her older brother. She mentioned many times in the past that she never wanted to turn 8 and become older then her big brother Caleb. I explained several times that I didn't want things to chance either, but told her that whether or not we felt that we were ready it would come just the same. I knew that this special 'emotional' event would be a difficult one for me and our family. SO I called in my friends of faith; of family and friends nearby to come, support, cry and share in this moment with us.

I have such an incredible love for my amazing friends of faith. Regardless of what physical church we choose to attend too, they came to support and give us strength through the love of our Savior Jesus Christ. It is such an amazing source of strength that I draw from these friends of faith. And I received an amazing sense of ONE-NESS. It is the same God that we worship, the same Jesus Christ that we love and look to for a perfect example and follow in baptism. Regardless of the way that we choose to worship- it is the same God Head that we love together, and this is what unifies us as ONE. And our Heavenly Father has given us a bigger family of faith then what we really think. I rejoice with all my friends of faith, it is an honor to be there for them as they are and have been here for me and my family. It gives me much courage within to be able to stand as ONE, as I am reminded that it is only ourselves that divide our ONE of faith. Our friendship is not one of judgement or of offense, it is a very special friendship- of unconditional love, mutual respect, and support through the spirit and love of Jesus Christ. We do not feel the need or pressure to convert or to feel that we are trying to be converted, because know that we all have already been converted to Jesus Christ in our personal lives, and that it is only the spirit of God that is given that role to convert. And for us, our role is to only reach out in unconditional love, mutual respect, and support each other as friends in faith... helping our God to unify his children as ONE.

We would personally like to thank our special family and friends of faith for being here for us on this emotional birthday baptism day. You will never know how much your support, love and prayers have meant to us during this monumental step forward our family has taken.

=)LOVE, The Mathison Family

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Jesus is Risen!

Day 7:
Saturday- Jewish Sabbath Day.

.It was a day of mourning, and much prayer.
.Jesus was placed in the sepulchre of Joseph Arimathaea, a disciple of Christ, the eve before the dawn of the sabbath day.

Day 8:
SUNDAY- He is Risen!

.Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Jesus left early to be with Jesus at the sepulchre , to place the prepared spieces on their Lord.
.The stone was rolled away, and an angel told them, "He is not here, for he is risen."
.They left to tell the 12 Apsotles.
.John and Peter with Mary Magdalene when back to the tomb.
.The didn't know what happened to there Lord.
.John and Peter when back home, Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping.
.She heard someone ask, "Woman why weepest thou?" She knew not it was the Lord. And this person called her by name, and she turned and said, "Master."

HAPPY GLORIOUS EASTER RESURRECTION DAY!
We know that our Lord and Master Lives.
What a JOY this is to our broken and aching hearts.
Happy Easter to you all our wonderful Friends and Family!

=)Love The Mathison's

Friday, April 6, 2012

The Savior Suffers in Gethsemane and Dies on the Cross

DAY 4:Wednesday- Resting in Bethany

Christ knew how important family and friends were and took the time to be with them as he continued teaching and using parables. This day was when Judas one of the 12 Apostles, had set a trap to betray Jesus in setting a deal with the Pharisees for the price of 30pieces of silver.You can read more about the specifics of this day Matthew 26: 14-6, Luke 22: 3-6

DAY 5:Thursday-The Last Supper

Christ gathered with this apostles and friends to observe the Passover. And introduced the sacrament, bread representing the sacrifice of his body dying for them, and wine (grape juice) for his blood that would be spilt for them in The Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross. Jesus reminds his apostles to serve one another, as he washed their feet. Judas leaves the feast when Christ says I know what you are planning to do, so do it fast. Christ and the apostles leave the feast and go to The Garden of Gethsemane.
Click the link to watch a short video

Day 6: Friday- Jesus Trial and Crucifixion

Jesus was then was lead to Pilate and many others to be decided on Christ's fate, which the cries of the people said to Pilate "Crucify him, crucify him" he gave in and did as they wanted, fearing the angry mobs more than God. After many grueling days with no rest, Christ was too weak to carry his own cross. A man named Simeon from Cyrene was chosen to help carry the weight of the beam for Christ. I often ask myself, would I have been so willing? Am I willing to do so now? I pray for strength that I will always be able to answer YES!

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Happy Easter Week

Our Family LOVES not just Easter, but Easter Week!

Let us take you on our Easter Journey..... as we remember the Savior Jesus Christ in his last mortal days here on earth.

~~Day One~~

Sunday: Was The the Glorious 'Palm Sunday.'

As Jesus entered in Jerusalem faithful believers waved palm branches and shouted Hosanna, as he rode on a donkey symbolizing Royalty. Read: Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11: 1-11 and Luke 19:28-44 to read about this specific Palm Sunday.

Click on this link to view a short video of this glorious Palm Sunday.

~~Day Two~~

Monday: Cleansing the Temple.

Jesus entered the house of God, the temple, the house of prayer, only to find thieves and moneychangers inside. He casted out the wicked and performed miracles of healing to the faithful. As what his atoning sacrifice can do for all of us, cleanses us and heals us with his all powerful and merciful hand.

Read: Matthew 21:12-18, Mark 11:12-19 and Luke 19:45-48 to read about this specific day.

~~Day Three~~
Tuesday: A Day filled with Teaching and Parables.
Why did Jesus teach in parables? If was to bring truth to those that were ready to hear the gospel and to with hold the truth from those that were not ready to receive it, for God will not be mocked. To read more about these wonderful teachings of Christ on this specific day read: Matthew 21: 19-26, Mark 11:20- 14:11 and Luke 20:1-22.
Our family's favorite parable can be found in Matthew 25:1-13, 'The Parable of the Ten Virgins.' Five Virgins were wise, five Virgins were foolish. The wise were faithful followers of Christ that kept a watch for the coming of their Lord Jesus Christ. It was not easy, it was hard work to always keep the commandments and be prepared physically and spiritually that they would not miss his coming and would be welcomed into the wedding. The five foolish knew of Christ and knew what they should do to prepare for their Lord's arrival, but they preferred the easiness of the world and thought they could always do those 'churchy things' later to be saved and welcomed into the wedding. But when their Lord, the bridegroom came at night, the 5 foolish virgins were not prepared, they did not have enough oil to follow their Lord to the wedding. The 5 wise were prepared, and they joyfully followed and were graciously welcomed into the wedding. The 5 foolish virgins failed to use their time wisely to prepare while they could, and they were cast out from the righteous that truly knew their Lord and took the time everyday to prepare.

For the scriptures say we know not the time nor the day of the coming of the Lord. Our family knows how important it is, to use everyday to prepare ourselves so that we will be ready when our Savior will come again. We are excited as we know the time is drawing closer with each day. We echo those faithful believers in Jerusalem, "HOSANNA to God in the Highest!"

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Preparing for General Conference

THREE DAYS in counting! This is our paper chain, that started at 20 days and is now dwindling. It is something that we like to make every General Conference because it was something that our Caleb always did and it helps us to get in the mood. So it has now become a tradition which helps us to feel our Caleb's excitement and that he is nearby.

So you might be asking, "What is General Conference and why do you Mathison's LOVE it so much??"
Let me tell you!! It is a joyous time when members of The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all over the world gather together through Internet, Satellite, TV, Radio to hear the words from the Prophet in these latter days, Thomas S. Monson, and from the 12 Apostles. We believe in the same organization the existed in the original church that Jesus Christ himself introduced. What an honor to have a living Prophet today, Imagine a Moses living amongst us this very day... to guide us safely through the red sea of life. We know that God still communicates to us, that the heavens are indeed open, and that he speaks to the Prophet Thomas S. Monson. And that just like in times of old there are indeed 12 Apostles that have been called of God to be by his side to help sustain the church of Christ and to move the gospel of Jesus Christ forward. General Conference is a time for us, his children to feel of his love, and to know that he is indeed real, and that his son Jesus Christ is in fact our Savior and Redeemer.

Our family put together conference packets, with bingo charts, and treats to deliver to a couple of families. Hoping to better assist them and their children to enjoy this weekend, in being together and being edified by the Holy Spirit that testifies of all truth.

If you would like to download and print off your own packets and bingo cards go to our homschool blog at: mathisonfamilyfun.blogspot.com and scroll down and click on the links for General Conference Fun on the right side bar.

If you would like to know what God our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ want us to know today, come listen to the Prophet Thomas S. Monson, and feel for yourself the by the spirit, and pray to know if these things are true. For it is the spirit that burns in our hearts telling us that all good, and righteous things come from Him above.

Saturday Morning Conference 9-11am (PST)
Saturday Afternoon Conference 1-3pm
Priesthood Session 5-7pm

Sunday Morning Conference 9-11am
Saturday Afternoon Conference 1-3pm

Go to LDS.org to watch and listen to these sessions, or you are welcome to come to any of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint church buildings.

HAPPY GENERAL CONFERENCE WEEKEND!!!! LOVE THE MATHISON'S

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

What is St Patrick's Day all about?

Have you ever wondered, what brought about this Holiday and why we celebrate it?
Well it is all about SERVICE- Serving God and Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

A man named Patrick, who lived during the fifth century, was born in Scottland. He was kidnapped at the age of 16 and was brought to Ireland where he was sold into slavery. He later escaped, but returned to Ireland and was credited with bringing Christianity to its people. It is said that he used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the concept of the God Head: God the Father, his Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. March 17 is his angel anniversary. Which is why we celebrate St Patrick's Day on the 17th of March.

What an honor it is to be a Christian and to have holidays like this to continue showing our love to God the Eternal Father, his Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost by serving others.

Our family plans to get several bunches of chocolate coins, and attaching a 3 leaf shamrock tag saying on the steam, "You are worth more than gold," And on the leaves: Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Then passing them out to neighbors and friends.

We would like to challenge you wonderful friends and family to help keep the legacy of St Patrick's hard work of Service alive;
To either join us in this shamrock service or to do one of your own.

Please feel free to post your ideas and successes here on our family service blog.
God Speed your Services of Love.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

New Year, New Outlook, New Blog

This is the year for Miracles! This is the year of Missionary Work!
This blog will be dedicated to our family's service projects and hard work serving with Caleb as he works so valiantly on the other side of the veil.
If any additional personal posts are added it will only be for building and strengthening the gospel of Jesus Christ- to move the Lord's work forward. Time is getting closer to the coming of our Savior, and we want to do all that we can to help be ready and to help all individuals and families that come and view our family blog to feel more ready also.

Many Blessings to everyone.
And come back to view our service ideas and accomplishments soon!

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Surprise, Backwards, Coming Back Day

Eric came home from a 24 hour OB shift and surprised everyone with Valentine candies and flowers. It was a nice surprise, probably seeing that we haven't had live flowers in our home since last year. There is just something about flowers that is so theraputic and peaceful. I used to work in a flower shop, and worked off all my wedding flowers and it was so relaxing, I LOVE the smell of flowers....

Kids opening a Valentine's package from their special great Aunt Phyllis. She sure knows how to spoil kids. They get more from her then they do from us for Valentine's day.

Backwards Dinner day. Usually, in the past, I was always known for making dessert before starting dinner. This was one of those days coming back into our lives again.
Here the kids are eating their brownie dinner for Valentine's Day.

And here are the kids eating their pot sticker and rice dessert.

Earlier that day we played Settlers of Catan, which was one of Caleb's favorites. Another something we haven't done in a long time that is coming back into our lives.

(By the way incase you noticed that all the kids are wearing different clothes in each picture for our Valentine's Party, it is because we had to spread out the love over the week.)

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Family Weekend of Love -Happy Valentine's Day

Last Year I felt that we needed to start a new tradition to have a family getaway of love each year. A special time set aside just for our family to be together to spend together, which are the weeks around Valentine's Day, with being flexible with Eric's schedule of course. Last year it was a very emotionally difficult trip to Disneyland, something that we promised the kids for years that we would do once their father got done with school.
This year it was just as emotionally difficult, we went to the Great Wolf Lodge. Something that we had made official plans to do right before the car accident. Just like our trip to Disneyland, I am glad it is OVER and done, and that we don't have to go again...PHEW!!