I enjoy the chance to celebrate anything.  Really.  Anything.  Good grades, birthdays, anniversaries, the first day of (fill in the blank).  Holidays are like the cherry on top of an ice cream sunday.  They are to be celebrated because they are just that, a holiday! A break from the norm, humdrum of everyday stuff.


This past Saturday morning Valentine's Day, I had the opportunity to attend a lovely brunch with my oldest daughter, Isabella and many other awesome women ages 8 and up from our Zionsville branch.  We had a virtual smorgasborg of fruit, breakfast casseroles, muffins, and donuts. 


We were able to hear from 3 women (including youth speakers) who shared insights on how we individually feel and show love, how to show love to those we interact with on a daily basis (ie: family) and how to determine needs from wants and prioritize our time effectively on those thing that matter most.


The highlight of the morning was a fun team challenge competition which included a plank holding contest, singing a note for the longest in one breath, and more.  I had the best time and it was wonderful to see Isa interacting with all of the other girls and young women in our branch. 


We don’t need a holiday in order to celebrate those we love all year round. We have daily opportunities to adopt an attitude of gratitude, to be kind in all of our actions and not just say, "I love you," but SHOW how we love.

xoxo, Molly

We had a wonderful time the past 3 days.  We took a quick impromptu vacation with a friend and her children to Boyne Mountain, MI.  My older son was already there with the young men's group from our branch for their High Adventure trip.  We agreed that we wouldn't bother the older sibling as this was his "friend time" and of course didn't want to crimp the 14 yr old style. (hence the lack of photos of Logan in this post)  It was a short, but sweet little trip and we are ever so grateful to the Mangus family for inviting us to join them!






























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My little boy is, well, not so little anymore. Logan has turned 14. He will be a freshman this year.-in high school! He loves to check every day to see how much taller he is than me. And at the rate he is growing, it won't be long before he's looking above my head.


How I love this kid. I love that he's not too cool to give me a hug goodnight. That he still says, "I love you" when we end a phone call, even when his friends are around. He is such a big help with his brother and sisters. I also love that he holds the door open for everyone. And I love his ingenuity, curiosity and creativity.

I'm including a revised segment of a blog that I read to follow, only revised for relativity because there is no reason for reinventing the wheel, only updating it.

You don’t have to fit in. The world expects you to act a certain way. Culture demands it. But it’s okay to be a square peg in a round hole, to look different, and to be yourself. It’s alright to chart your course to God’s plan, even when others might not understand it. Yes, you might feel odd or weird, but that’s okay, most world changers do.

You don’t have to give in. You already know about the pressure–to talk, act or dress a certain way, to disrespect adults or girls, to be like those that do. But you possess the strength and character to walk away, the Holy Ghost will help you stand tall and provide direction. You don’t have to give in. But if you do…

You get second chances and a third and a fourth… You can start again. Every sunrise is a second chance to get it right, to say no, to say I’m sorry, to ask forgiveness, to make a new start. I want you to know that this is what the atonement is about. He wants to give you as many chances as it takes, just don’t every stop taking them.

You don’t have to be tough (all the time). Boys are supposed to be rough and tough. Maybe you’ve heard that “real men don’t cry” and always wear a stiff upper lip. But, I want you to know real men are tender, they care about others, and root for the underdog. They rush to open the door for elderly women and use their manners. They cry and hug and give kisses and when they grow up, they tuck their babies into bed.

You don’t need a girl (yet). Girls. They are everywhere and their influence can be intoxicating, you’ll discover that soon enough. I can’t wait to see the girl God brings into your life and I already pray for her. Become friends with Godly girls, but don’t be in a hurry to make them a girlfriend. That time will come, enjoy today.

You make me proud. If you didn’t do another thing, win another award, get another A, or another merit badge, I want you to know I am proud of the young man you’ve become. I love the way you love your sisters and brother (most days). I love the way you are a good friend and listener to others. I love the way you give generously. I am proud of you, son.

You are a success if you love God and others. I don’t know what you will be when you grow up.  Perhaps an engineer or surgeon, possibly a pilot or an artist. The sky is your limit and it’s your choice. But no matter what you accomplish or don’t, in my eyes, you’re successful if you love God first and others second. Always remember this is true success.

You have great men in your life. God has given you amazing men to shadow. It doesn’t get better than your father and grandfathers. They love God and their families more than themselves and if you aren’t sure where to step next, look for their footprints.

You can always come home. No matter what happens in this life, what you do or don’t do, you always have a place with us. We might make you want to leave with our rules or ask you to because of your actions, but we won’t stop you from coming home.

You are loved. No matter how long those legs grow or how high I have to look up to you, you will always be mine. I can still wipe your tears and listen to your heart. I can still ground you and make you say you're sorry. No matter what you do or what happens in this life, you are mine and nothing can change that. If you never hear another word I say or choose not to listen, you must believe that you are loved deeply by your parents. But even more than we love you, you are loved by a Heavenly Father who sent His son for you. Don’t ever doubt it. Believe it. This life might bring great joy or sorrow, great wealth or loss, but you can make it because you have love. Make sure you give it away. It’s the best way to receive it.

Logan, I love you more than you know. But one day when you have a son or daughter of your own, then you'll know. Happy Birthday, L. Love, Mom


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We woke up this morning to 8 inches of newly fallen snow.  So 1 week before Spring Break, the kids got to have 1 last snow day.  Yes, school was closed and River, Logan and Isabella were more than happy to get to sleep in and stay at home!  Quite a treat for them-one last adventure to Mulberry Park to go sledding and snowboarding.



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