Here is just a little more of that talk by Susan Tanner. I love this:

"Our own little grandchildren are also learning at this point in their lives to love the scriptures. We are so delighted in their responses. For instance, three-year-old Joshua, who loves heroes in all stories, used to blurt out at the climax of each scripture story: “And then, who saves the day? Jesus saves the day!” Joshua was learning an important lesson: that Jesus really is our Savior. Even His name means “save.” Now in his prayers he prays about the characters that he has met on a daily basis. Once he prayed that Peter would not sink again, and then he prayed that the swine would not drown when they ran into the sea. Another time he prayed that Laman and Lemuel would be nice to Nephi. And we’ve even heard him pray for Jesus’ daddy, who is Heavenly Father. Joshua recently received his own real copy of the Book of Mormon from his nursery leader in Primary. He no longer wants his mommy to read from the Book of Mormon reader. He told her he likes the real words the best.
Another grandson, Tanner, who is six, took swimming lessons this summer. At first he was really quite fearful of the water. On the day they were finally supposed to jump into the deep end all on their own, the family apparently had not read scriptures at breakfast time as they usually do. Although he was nervous, Tanner made the jump into the deep water. But when he got out, he made sure that his mother knew that he was upset. He said, “If we had remembered to read scriptures this morning, I wouldn’t have been so scared to jump in.” Our daughter felt reprimanded but also pleased that her little son placed such value on the Spirit and the strength that the scriptures bring into his life. Scripture study can give us strength to jump into the deep water that we too are sometimes called to swim in (see D&C 127:2). "

may be hard to find in my day. But I have been trying really hard to squeeze in my scripture study as much as I can get it. Tonight I was reading a talk by Susan Tanner given at BYU- and really enjoyed this little exerpt:

"On a visit he made to a mission president and his family in Russia, Elder Maxwell sat down with the five young daughters in the family one morning to converse. The first thing he asked them was what scripture they had been pondering that day. The question took the girls by surprise. But think about it. Elder Maxwell just assumed that the scriptures were as precious as gold and sweeter than honey to them as they were to him. If we did as he suggested and always had a scripture in mind, scripture study would be happening as we walked between classes, drove to appointments, or cleaned our houses. It would begin early in our lives and be ongoing and constant. We would be continually feasting, averting personal famine and spiritual hunger. The words of God would be “written . . . not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of [our] heart[s]” (2 Corinthians 3:3). "

We had a knock on the door tonight about 9:45pm. After all those years of living in California, Warren and I were a little nervous to answer it. You can imagine how surprised we were to open it up to find no one was there, just an anonymous plate of yummy treats, along with a plain yellow envelope, filled with $300 cash. Wow. We are so overwhelmed with gratitude. Thank you, wherever and whoever you are!!

I think Hallie thought we were singing Happy Birthday to her. She was getting so excited during all the singing! :)

We are so excited that Jakey is 3 years old! 2 years old felt like a long year, we are so happy to be onto a more cheerful age. He had a great day, we kept hearing over and over, "This is so awesome!" Love you, Jakey!! The top picture is classic- He always does this when he's excited accompanied by, "Hooray! Hooray!"

Cade reads so well now. It's so fun to hear him reading to Jake with the different inflections in his voice. Jake loves it!

Hallie's still a little wobbly, but she's working really hard at sitting up all by herself! She is growing up WAY too fast! (BTW- LOVE this dress, Heidi!)

As I was eating my oatmeal a couple days ago, I notice Hallie staring at me intently. It dawned on me she really wanted to have some of her own! So here she is- trying out some gruel of her own! She doesn't seem to know if she likes it not yet, though.

We have been overwhelmed by the comforting and helpul response from our loved ones, at this time of Warren's job loss. We have had flowers, cookies, chocolates, lotions, cards, finanicial assistance, emails, phone calls, texts, job leads, and so much more showered upon us. The last couple weeks have been very difficult, but followed up with so much love. We have definitely been buoyed up by all of you. We have already seen many tender mercies from the Lord. Thank you for being miracles in our lives. We still have a long road ahead of us, but hopefully we will find something sooner than later!

"Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." Joshua 1:9

This year we have Kindergarten, 2nd and 5th grades. These kids are growing up WAY too fast! Everyone had a great first day. Including Jake, Hallie and I at home. I detailed the car (scrubbed the summer grime off the leather seats, etc!), Jake did playdough, rode the scooter, had a recurring panic attack over a fishing lure he thought was a snake in the garage, went swimming with friends (and me and Hallie), and took a great nap. After school we had a full afternoon of piano lessons, dinner and baths. Back to going bananas!

She reminds me of a pink marshmallow peep in this dress. I could eat her up!!

Potty training always creates interesting clothing combinations. This is one of my favorites. Jake has been awesome keeping his pants dry at church. At home....depends on the day.

Cade had the big Jamboree game- a scrimmage- to kick off football season. It was quite the job getting Cade into his uniform. You can see Warren working on the belt and pads. It took about a full 20-30 minutes of combined efforts to get him dressed and ready. It was a hot and sweaty one of 103 degrees. I'm sooooo ready for fall!

My little Luke is growing up WAY too fast! Here he is at Kindergarten Bootcamp. I'm sure going to miss him!

All last week we practiced getting ready for school. The kids even practiced walking to the school crosswalk a couple times. Jake will be really sad to stay home tomorrow when he doesn't get to walk with them. He was insistent on carrying a lunch box. I think that one may not even have any food in it. I think it's full of Hallie's diapers. :)