Letter - Christmas Spectacular, Disneyland, Deacon's Quorum Secretary

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Wow today was a busy day!!!  I am so glad to have it over with.  It was our ward choir Christmas program and I accompanied a couple of difficult songs that I got at the last minute so I was pretty worried about performing them.  They went well enough.  Besides those numbers that worried me, I had several other commitments today so it’s been an all-around busy day.  I’m relieved to be relaxing at home in my pajamas as I type this.

Tuesday, Dec. 9^th Marlee had her kindergarten Christmas concert.  It was PERFECT.  It lasted less than 20 minutes.  After the concert was over, I went to mutual.  The YM in our ward made and served the YW dinner since the YW won our ward’s indexing competition.  The YM and their leaders did such a great job.  The young men all dressed up in nice clothes, no jeans or shorts and had to have collared shirts.  They were very polite and genuinely happy to serve us. 

Wednesday Dec. 10^th Spencer had a basketball game against a Salt River Indian community charter school team.  Spencer’s team won.  That evening I practiced a song for our ward’s RS Christmas dinner.  We sang an old song called Behold Thy Handmaiden.  I had never heard it before.  It was beautiful.

Thursday, Dec. 11^th I watched my friend’s boys while she volunteered at the school.  Spencer had a basketball game against a really good Christian charter school.  The game started late and my girls were throwing major fits so I left after the first quarter.  I also had to get back for our RS dinner so I could sing.  Spencer’s team ended up getting slaughtered. 

Chad took off work on Friday, Dec. 12^th so we could go up to Snowflake to be a part of the Jake Flake Family act in the Snowflake Christmas Spectacular.  My mom was asked to have our family perform the finale of the whole show.  When I found out about this I was not excited at all to be a part of it.  I did it out of duty … but it ended up being a lot of fun!!  My kids really had a lot of fun performing too.  The other acts were comical and my kids keep retelling the funny parts.  For our performance my nephew Ray sang a George Strait song call “Christmas Cookies” while the rest of the family did a line dance.  Then we did a parody of the song “Merry Christmas from the Family” and we had a funny slide show with the new words and some of our family pictures.  I had never attended a Snowflake Spectacular before because they started the tradition after I moved away from home.  I hope Penny and Dean and Crystal can get our performance on YouTube soon so I can see how we did.  When they do I’ll post access to the video.  We had performances on Friday and Saturday nights.  We got a lot of nice complements on our performance.  We didn’t do a whole lot other than the performances while in Snowflake.  We had fun visiting and playing with our family up there.  Kari and Alden and their children live with my Mom right now so it was fun to visit with them and their cute kids. 

Tilly and Raya waiting for the Spectacular to start.

Sunday we drove home after attending Travis and Teresa’s ward at 9:00am.  We got home around 4 pm then Karalee and I packed up again so we could leave at 6pm to catch a flight with Brenda, Jennie and Malia to California for Karalee’s and Malia’s special 8 year old Disneyland trip with their Grammy (Brenda).  It is such a fun tradition.  I am so thankful for Brenda for doing that for my children.  This year Jennie and I decided to get in on the fun and go too.  We stayed at my sister Kayla’s home.  Thank you again Kayla for letting us stay there.  We didn’t spend very much time there though because we got in late and then woke up to make it to the park when they opened at 8:00am.  We had a blast at Disneyland and the lines weren’t long.  We packed in a lot that day.  We never had to wait longer than 30 minutes.  However, we did skip the new Cars Land ride because it had an hour and a half wait.  Karalee’s favorite ride was Soarin’ over California.  It was my favorite too.  You can see pictures of our trip HERE.  I really enjoyed spending time with Jennie, Brenda, Malia and Karalee.  I sure love them!!  We flew back into Phoenix around 11pm Monday night and didn’t get home until midnight.  I was thankful Chad waited up for us.  I missed him and wished he could have been there with us.  I’ve been trying to recover from that busy weekend all week this week, but it was all worth it!

Tuesday Dec. 16^th I let Karalee sleep in and go to school late since we were up so late but I had to wake up for a doctor’s appointment.  I had to go get a physical in order to get lower health insurance premiums next year.  My blood work was all normal except I have slightly elevated cholesterol.  My total was 204; normal cholesterol is under 200 so I’m not too concerned about those 4 points.  I can do better at eating less junk food though that’s for sure.  For mutual that evening we took the laurels to go see the Mesa temple lights. 

Wednesday I don’t remember much except going to the church to practice the organ.  I was asked accompany the choir on the organ for part of one of their songs.  It was pretty hard because I am not really an organist.  I can play the hymns fine now since I only have to copy the bass line with my feet, but this song had a separate bass and pedal part.  I had to have the choir pianist play a big section of the pedal line on the piano because I couldn’t do it.  It ended up sounding awesome though.

Thursday Spencer had a basketball against ALA.  They got killed.  ALA is coached by Chad’s cousin Brennan and he does a fantastic job coaching.  I wish Spencer’s school coach was that good!  That evening I practiced with Brother Del Bianco because I was asked to accompany his solo in our Christmas program too.

Friday I got to go help with Marlee’s class party.  While I went to help, Tilly went to play at my friend Riki’s home since her daughter Emma is Tilly age.  They got along well so I plan to start inviting Emma over to our home to play with Tilly while the other kids are all school.  Friday evening was our ward Christmas party.  The stake center was decorated beautifully!!  It was fun to visit and spend time with our ward family. 

Karalee's been learning to fix her own hair!

Both girls wanted to sit on Spencer's lap during the program at the ward party.  He's a great brother.

Yesterday we had a special choir practice at 8am then we attended the baptism of Karalee’s good friend Sammy Washburn.  That evening Chad and I attended the temple with Chad’s friend Eddie.  Chad met Eddie at Saturday morning basketball.  Eddie was baptized a little over a year ago and went through the temple for the first time Saturday.  It was neat to be there with him.  After that we attended Bob and Niki Hick’s, our neighbors, annual Christmas party.  As always it was a great time.  I just love this time of year because people make the effort to get together and do nice things for each other, I know that it is the spirit of Christ that touches people’s hearts and helps them reach out and show love.

Karalee and Sammy

Bryant, Karalee and Marlee wanted to sleep by the Christmas tree last night.  So cute.

Today Spencer was called as the Deacon’s quorum secretary.  He was given a beautiful blessing when he was set apart.  Among some of the nice things that were said, was that he was foreordained to this calling in the pre-existence and that he is compassionate and that will help him in his calling.  Spencer does have such a tender, compassionate heart.  He is serving in the presidency with several of his buddies.  In my mind’s eye I can picture them in the pre-existence together while they were getting foreordained to serve in this presidency together. 

Spencer's b-day at Grammy Sanders

All the little cousins love Spencer.  He's a good sport.

Bryant loves Rummy Cube.  This is Chad and Bryant's tie breaker game.  Bryant beat me twice this afternoon.  Then this evening he beat Chad, Spencer and me.  Then Chad beat us and so they had to have a play off.  Chad ended up winning.  We don't take it easy on the kids in our house.  We play to win.  (I think its kind of funny that Chad looks like Shawn Spencer from the TV show Psych in this picture.)   

My quote for today is from Pres. Kimball.  “The more we serve our fellow men in appropriate ways, the more substance there is to our souls.”  Such a beautiful promise!!

Love,

Mindy

Christmas Card, Letter and Little Gift

Merry Christmas!!  We are so excited for Christmas in our home.  It is my favorite holiday.  I especially love sending and receiving Christmas cards.  Here is our card and family letter this year.

Among the greatest of gifts is the gift of love.

With 2014 drawing to an end, we pause to reflect on the year’s events and realize that we have been given much love throughout the year.   

Spencer:  On March 1^st I was in the Gilbert Temple Cultural Celebration.  I got to do the fire dance.  It was a really good experience and I enjoyed it a lot.  It rained a ton, but I still had fun dancing.  Now I am in the 7^th grade.  Junior high is harder than elementary school, but I’m managing.  Sometimes I have a lot of homework, but most of the time I don’t have that much.  Computers is one of my favorite classes.  We work on a lot of cool projects.  I made the flag football team.  We lost all but two of our games.  We got to go to Mexico during fall break.  I got to go snorkeling with my Dad.  We saw lots of sting rays and an angel shark.  I’m currently on the basketball team.  I like it when I come home from my games and my dad teaches me cool basketball skills to help me with my game. 

I felt love this year when… I was in the cultural celebration.   

Bryant:  This year has been pretty fun.  For spring break we got to go to Lego Land with my Uncle Aaron and Aunt Shannon and their family.  We got to go on some pretty fun rides.  In the summer, we got to go to California for a family reunion.  It was fun because we got to play with our cousins on the beach a lot.  A couple of weeks after that we got to go to Snowflake for the Flake Rodeo and the parade.  During soccer season I didn’t want to play so decided to learn how to cook instead.  My mom is my teacher.  I’ve made stuff like waffles, cookies, pie, and pancakes.  In November I took 5^th place in the half mile school turkey trot. 

I felt love this year when… Grandma and Aunt Shannon came to my turkey trot to cheer for me. 

Karalee:  I am 8 years old.  My birthday is on November 1^st.  My baptism was on November 15^th.  I am in 2^nd grade.  I do a lot of math.  I like math.  I like recess too.  Christmas is coming up.  I am going to be happy.  I am in soccer.  On my birthday I scored a goal.  Mostly I play defense.  In January I am going to learn cursive.  I am excited. 

            I felt love this year when… I got baptized.

Marlee:  I am 5 years old.  I like to color.  I am in kindergarten.  My favorite things to do at school are art and recess.  I love learning how to read books.  I love it when my mom reads to me.  I got to play soccer this year.  I was the only girl on my team.  My favorite color is blue.  My favorite food is chicken nuggets and French fries. 

            I felt love this year when… I was loving my Momma.

Tilly:  I just turned 3 years old.  I talk a lot.  I love books.  One of my favorite books is The Three Little Pigs.  I like to “make a tower” out of my books.  I love to color and watch movies.  My favorite movies are “Despicable Me 2”, “Frozen”, “Incredibles”, “Up” and “How to Train Your Dragon 2”.

            I felt love this year when … I went to Grandma Days.     

Chad and Mindy are still holding down the fort at our home in Gilbert.  We enjoy keeping up with our children’s activities…we also enjoy our weekly date night for a little alone time.  Chad serves in the Elder’s Quorum Presidency at church and uses his talents in his “basketball ministry” assignment.  In January Mindy was called to serve in the Young Women’s at church.  She is so grateful to teach and be taught by the amazing young women in our ward.  She was excited to help with the Gilbert Temple Cultural Celebration and to sing in the Cornerstone Choir for the temple dedication.

We felt love this year… when we spent time with our family.

We love you and hope the gift of love reaches your hearts and home,

The Sanders

And for my gift to you this year, click HERE for a cookbook that I put together with our favorite family recipes.  It is designed to go in a 3 ring binder.  Enjoy!!

Letter - Lie Monster, 2 Birthdays, The Lord helps us do hard things

Sunday, December 07, 2014

I just realized that today is the anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attacks that started World War II.  Chad and I were able to visit the Pearl Harbor Memorial when my mom took us to Hawaii a few years ago.  I can only imagine the horror the people must have gone through and the long hard years of war that followed.  I am so thankful I have not had to go through war like that.  I pray that those who are living in countries that are at war can find peace and that I can be an instrument in the hand of the Lord in spreading peace in my sphere of influence.

We’ve had a fun couple of weeks.  Last Monday November the 24^th one of my visiting teachers came to visit me.  I love the visiting teaching program.  I love to have my visiting teachers visit me and I love to visit others.  That evening Chad gave us a good FHE lesson about honesty.  Lately, we’ve had some trouble with one of our children telling a lot of lies.  My friend told me about this great lesson called the Lie Monster.  Chad used most of the lesson, however, he didn’t tell a lie at the beginning of the lesson like it suggested.  Instead he told everyone to get in the car and after we all got buckled in he said, “How would you like it if we all went out for ice cream?”  Then he drove around the cul-de-sac and back into the garage and asked the kids if they were disappointed that we didn’t go and came in and taught the lesson.    

Tuesday, Nov. 25^th Spencer had a basketball game.  His team won that game.  They are now 3 and 3 in their season.  They are improving and are fun to watch. 

Wednesday the 26^th I went in to my chiropractors office for a massage.  I had been having some bad pain that was really worrying me.  I had some really tight muscles in the upper left part of my back that I think were causing it.  The massage helped and the pain has finally left.  I am very relieved.  I get so worried about getting cancer.  I really, really worry about it anytime I have an unusual pain.  Luckily I can usually keep myself calm enough to watch things for a week or two to give them time to heal before I go running to the doctor.  But inside I’m a nervous wreck until the pain goes away.  I’ve noticed that most of my random pains come from tight muscles in my back or neck which come very quickly if I don’t stay on top of my stretches and exercises.  That’s why I have to go to the chiropractor so regularly.

Thursday the 27^th was Thanksgiving Day.  We had a nice Dinner at Brenda’s and our traditional snow ball fight.  I didn’t go out shopping for any Black Friday deals on the 28^th, however that night I did buy a few things online.  We had a nice day at home.  That evening several of my brothers and sisters came over to visit and to have nachos and pie and ice cream.  My mom even surprised us and drove down to join the party!  It was so nice to have her.  We practiced for our act in the Snowflake Spectacular that we’ve been asked to be a part of.

Saturday, November 29^th was Tilly’s birthday.  She is three.  She is a joy.  She is spunky.  She opened presents then Bryant and I made her pancakes.  For lunch we took Tilly out to eat at Chick-fil-a.  We came back home to play and put up Christmas decorations per Tilly’s request.  Later that evening Tilly blew out the candles on her donuts and then we watched the Snowflake Lobos state football game online.  It was a very exciting game, but the Lobos came up short.  It was fun to be a Lobo football fan again. 

Last Sunday I took a nap after church!!!  It was SO wonderful to actually have a successful attempt at taking a nap.  I can hardly ever fall asleep when I try to take a nap even if I’m very tired because my mind won’t shut off.  I always think of something else to be doing.  When I woke up it was time to go to tithing settlement then we came home and sat and relaxed in the living room with the lights on the Christmas tree.  It was a nice evening.

Last Monday was laundry day as usual.  I also paid bills, and watched my friend’s three little boys while she volunteered at the school.  We trade babysitting for each other so we can both volunteer every once in a while.  Spencer gave us a FHE lesson on how the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion.

Tuesday I watched Brandon and Jen’s kids for a while.  I sure loved having their little boys here.  They are so good and fun to have around.  That afternoon Spencer had a basketball game in Mesa.  They played a team with GIANT 8^th graders.  Some of the boys were a foot taller than Spencer.  Spencer didn’t stand a chance on the opening jump. 

Wednesday Bryant and Karalee had their school choral Christmas concert.  I love our school’s concerts.  They are always short and sweet, never more than an hour.  I need to write a letter to the school thanking them for that!!

Thursday I got to help in Marlee’s class for small group time I read the kids a book about rain since it was such a rainy day.  Spencer had a basketball game that afternoon and they beat the team that killed them a couple weeks ago!!  It was a great game.  That evening the laurel advisor and I took one of our laurels out for a visit and a treat.

Friday afternoon I put together the gift I’m giving out to neighbors and family with our Christmas card instead of goodie plates this year.  When Spencer got home from school he and I went Christmas shopping so he could get a gift for his cousin Jake.  I got Chad a few presents too.  That evening Chad and I hired a babysitter so we could take Spencer on our date with us since it was almost his birthday.  We went to eat at YC’s Mongolian grill and then saw Mockingjay part 1.  Spencer loved YC’s.  So did we.  The movie was pretty good. 

Yesterday was Spencer’s 13^th birthday.  Here is the tribute I wrote about him on Facebook: Spencer is THIRTEEN!! Thirteen years ago I woke up in the middle of the night because my water had broken. Chad had to get up and write a paper for his class that was due that day before we could go to the hospital. Luckily I was not having any pain. When Spencer was born later that afternoon the nurses exclaimed, he has red hair! I was shocked. I have loved showing him and his red hair off ever since then. Spencer is diligent and dependable. He has a kind heart and loves everyone. He is the best babysitter. He helped me out with Tilly when she was a baby and could get her to quiet down and go to sleep while I made dinner. He has a strong testimony and loves The Lord. Having him to take care of got me through some very sad days after my son Joseph died. He is such a joy and a blessing to me. 

To celebrate Spencer’s birthday yesterday we went to Kneaders for a late breakfast then we came home and got ready for his party.  We took several boys to the Freestone recreation center.  They climbed the rock wall, played wallyball, racquetball and wall ball.  It was FUN!!  Spencer shares a birthday with his good friend Tyson so after his party got over he went to Tyson’s birthday party.

Today I was asked to sub gospel doctrine.  It was my first time ever teaching gospel doctrine.  I was SO nervous.  I’ve had several people tell me my lesson went well though and I feel good about how it went.  The lesson had a couple good activities where I could ask other people to share experiences so that was helpful.  We didn’t have any YM or YW’s today because the stake came in and gave a presentation on JustServe.org a new initiative the church is starting.  I guess California has piloted the program for a while and now Arizona is also getting the opportunity to do it.  The YM and YW taught senior primary sharing time and junior primary lessons so all the adults could attend the presentation.  I’m excited about JustServe.org.  I think it will be great.

My quote for today is from the sacrament meeting talk that Sis. Miller, a lady who recently moved into our ward, gave last Sunday.  She and her husband recently moved from northern Nevada where they had been managing a ranch for several years.  They had been temple workers in the Salt Lake Temple and twice a month they would drive for 5 hours to Salt Lake on a Friday afternoon.  Wake up the next day at 4:30am to work in the temple then drive 5 hours back home.  After sharing this experience she said, “Don’t you love the feeling you get when you’re doing something a little bit hard and you feel the Lord helping you and inspiring you.” I love that!!  She is right.  When you are doing something hard the Lord is there guiding you and helping you get through it.

Love,

Mindy

Letter - basketball, stake youth conference

November 23, 2014

Hello.  How are you?  I hope life is going well for you.  My last letter was on Nov. 11^th so I’ll start from the 12^th.

On Wednesday, Nov. 12 we had stake yw’s kickball.  It was bishopric night so our ward yw leaders and the bishopric played against our young women.  It was fun.  My competitive nature was dying though because it was all just for fun.  Now I really want to play something competitive. 

On Thursday the 13^th Marlee, Tilly and I went to Spencer’s school and had lunch with him.  His lunch hour starts at 10:00am since he has the first lunch shift.  (His school starts at 7:25.)  He requested Panda Express but it wasn’t even open yet.  So we drove over to McDonalds and it was still serving breakfast so since we couldn’t get any burgers we got breakfast sandwiches.  That evening Spencer had his first basketball game.  He made a 3 pointer!  Later that evening I attended our ward’s RS meeting. 

Friday the 14^th I was able to go help in Marlee’s class.  I spent the rest of the day cleaning and getting ready for Karalee’s baptism brunch.

Karalee was baptized on Saturday, November 15^th.  It was a beautiful baptism.  It was fun to be able to help her get dried off and changed.  Since she is my first daughter, this is the first time I’ve got to have more of a part in the baptism process.  After the baptism we hosted a brunch at our home.  It was nice to have family over to visit.  That afternoon Marlee and Karalee had soccer games and then that evening we watched the phoenix temple cultural celebration.  I couldn’t help but feel relieved that I wasn’t part of it as we watched.  It was a special experience to be part of the Gilbert Temple Cultural Celebration, but it was a LOT of work.  I guess it’s kind of the same feeling as when you see someone about to have a new baby and your baby is just a few months old so you’re glad you don’t have to go through that again so soon.   

Last Sunday was the Phoenix Temple Dedication.  It was beautiful.  That evening we had our ward’s YW in excellence.  It was a nice evening.  Our YW are AMAZING!

On Monday of this week Marlee had her soccer party and got her first soccer trophy.  Karalee had soccer practice that evening and then we had FHE.

Tuesday Spencer had a basketball game in Globe.  He hit another 3 pointer!  Since mutual was canceled due to youth conference the kids and I went to go watch him.  It was an exciting fast paced game against a scrappy reservation team; Spencer’s team won by 2 points.  After the game we got some Burger House burritos for dinner and then headed home.  It was a nice little trip.

Wednesday the little girls had Grammy days.  It was Chad’s sister Shannon’s birthday.  She is a wonderful sister.

Thursday night Spencer had a basketball game.  They lost.  In this league several of the teams don’t have separate 7^th  and 8^th grade teams so Spencer’s 7^th grade team plays against 8^th graders a lot and is at a disadvantage.

Friday night was the start of our stake youth conference.  The stake had a lady from the area named Sis. Potter speak and then they had games and refreshments.  Sis. Potter was such a fun speaker to listen to.  She is originally from England and she joined the church when she was around 19 years old.  She is the youngest of 16 children; there were 4 sets of twins.  She grew up in an abusive home and had several major trials, but has risen above them with the help of the Lord.  She had several amazing life experiences that she shared with us.

Saturday we had youth conference all day long.  They served us a nice breakfast then we rotated to different classes and activities.  Then after lunch we all listened to an lds artist Howard Lion speak.  He painted the murals in the Gilbert Temple.  He was a fascinating speaker.  He showed us several of his paintings and the meaning and story behind the paintings.  I especially loved his explanation of his painting From Fear to Faith.  There is a video of him explaining it on that link.  After the speaker we went to Williamsfield high school for a service project.  We scraped gum off the sidewalks and did a lot of painting in their gym.  I can’t believe how much gum was on the sidewalk.  It was gross and is just so rude.  Later than evening there was a dance.  I asked Chad to chaperone with me for our date night so none of my other leaders would have to go.  He lovingly came along. 

Today has been a nice Sabbath day.  I love the opportunity to go to church to renew my covenants and to have my testimony strengthened and to participate, teach and share my testimony with other. 

My quote today is about forgiveness.  I know I am commanded to forgive others.  But how can I know if I’ve truly forgiven someone?  I haven’t had much luck finding answers to that on lds.org, but I found an article called The 10 Things That Show you Have Really Forgiven Someone that I really like.  Here’s a quote from that article.   “It really is so true that when we can find our way to forgiving someone, I mean really forgiving them, we are enlarging our future and opening ourselves to all the good things that are there waiting for us. It is so important to not allow any negativity to linger in your mind, and sometimes that can be hard -especially if you don’t realize it’s there because you think you have forgiven someone.” I don’t want any negativity left lingering in my mind.  I want it clear so it can be filled with love, light and knowledge from God.

Love,

Mindy

The Covenant Path to Come Unto Christ - Young Women in Excellence

Tonight I help put on our ward's young women in excellence.  It turned out really nice.  Our theme was "The Covenant Path to Come Unto Christ".  We had set up a path that led to the temple and the Savior decorated with mini Christmas trees to make it look like a path in the forest.  Then for dessert we had a trail mix bar with a several non-traditional items for a trail mix.  We also made the girls a picture of Christ with their name to take home and as a name tag to mark the items being displayed.  I am not much for decorating so thank goodness for counselors and advisers who can help me out with that!!  I thought it was a wonderful evening and that the spirit was present.  Here are a few pictures of the decorations.

One of our yw advisers had access to this giant canvas of the Gilbert temple.

Our covenant path

The sign says, "make your own trail mix for your journey".  Item for the trail mix were:  Golden Graham cereal, mini marshmallow, frosted cheerios, goldfish crackers, white chocolate covered pretzels, regular pretzels, m&m's, peanut butter chips, granola, and  raisins.

Tables where the girls displayed the things they worked on in personal progress this year.

Our program

   

Here's my talk that I gave.  

Talk for Young Women in Excellence – November 16, 2014

Welcome to Young Women in Excellence!!  Tonight is a celebration of Personal Progress.  Our theme for the evening is The Covenant Path to Come unto Christ.  Along with leading us back to Christ, covenants gather us into the Lord’s kingdom.  They also bring us wonderful blessings.  Sister Jean A. Stevens said, “Covenants with God help us to know who we really are.  They connect us to Him in a personal way through which we come to feel our value in His sight and our place in His kingdom.  His desire is that we will choose the path that will bring us home to Him” (Covenant Daughters of God).  I love that, we will know who we are and feel valued as we make covenants.

Each of you young women started on the covenant path when you were baptized.  Sister Stevens goes on to say, “As essential and significant as the covenant of baptism is, it is only the beginning—the gate that puts us on the path to eternal life.  Ahead on our journey are temple covenants to be made and priesthood ordinances to receive. … ‘As we stand in the waters of baptism, we look to the temple’” (Covenant Daughters of God).  Baptism is the starting point on our covenant path.  It leads us to the temple where we can receive our endowments and be married to our spouse for time and all eternity.  Prayer, scriptures study, and personal progress are tools that will help us stay on the covenant path.  I would like to talk a little bit about personal progress since that is your current point on the covenant path.

I love personal progress because it helps you young women work on specific goals that keep you on the covenant path.  In our recent stake conference Pres. Derek talked a lot about making sure that returned missionaries stay anxiously engaged on fertile ground.  I think it is also important for you young women cultivate fertile ground and avoid barren ground.  Personal progress = fertile ground.  It will prepare you for the rigors of college life, the blessings of the temple, a mission if you so choose, marriage and motherhood. 

Personal progress takes away the curse of idleness from your lives.  It is ok to have some “downtime”, but it would be good if you young women could prayerfully counsel with the Lord and with your parents to set some personal limits on how much time you spend on “downtime” activities.  Then after you've set some limits you will be able to use the time that has opened up to set, work on and accomplish specific goals to improve yourself.  When you set a specific goal with a deadline it will improve your chances for success.  It will bless your lives.  It will keep your feet planted on the covenant path. 

I would like to share a personal example of how I set a specific goal this year and how it has blessed my life.  Since we have a temple so close now, I made a specific goal regarding the number of times I wanted to attend the temple this year.  In order to make sure I could achieve this goal, I wrote down my goal and placed it in an area where I would see it often.  I also figured out how many times I would need to go each month and I have kept track of my progress.  Going to the temple more often has blessed my life in ways that I have never imagined.  I feel greater confidence before the Lord.  I feel guidance and peace in my life more strongly than before.  I have learned more about the ordinances, sealings and blessings in the temple in this year than I have in the other 13 years that I’ve been endowed combined. Plus, now two of the sealers in the temple have become like Grandpa’s to me.  They ask about my family, they love and care and look out for me.  The temple has brought the power of God into my life in a way that can’t be denied.  I want these same blessings for each of you young women and your families.  They can be yours.  I hope you will stay on the covenant path that leads to the temple.  It is worth any sacrifice.  

I love each of you young women.  I’m excited to be a part of your special evening and to see the things you’ve accomplished this year.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Karalee's baptism

Karalee was baptized yesterday.  It was a wonderful baptism and we had a fun brunch at our home afterwards to celebrate.  Thanks to all who were able to make it!!

My Testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith

Nov. 12, 2014

There has been a lot of talk and news about this article recently published by the church regarding Joseph Smith and plural marriage: https://www.lds.org/topics/plural-marriage-in-kirtland-and-nauvoo?lang=eng

I read the article and a lot of the information in it was new to me. I always kind of figured Joseph Smith probably practiced plural marriage but did not know there were "eternity only" sealings or that he was sealed to women who were already married. However, the article does not shake my faith regarding his validity as a prophet. I do not think he ever led the church astray. I feel he was doing his best to implement and live a very difficult commandment.

I love that in the most recent general conference, before these articles were released, we were given a challenge by Elder Andersen to find out whether or not Joseph Smith truly was a prophet:

"To the youth listening today or reading these words in the days ahead, I give a specific challenge: Gain a personal witness of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Let your voice help fulfill Moroni’s prophetic words to speak good of the Prophet. Here are two ideas: First, find scriptures in the Book of Mormon that you feel and know are absolutely true. Then share them with family and friends in family home evening, seminary, and your Young Men and Young Women classes, acknowledging that Joseph was an instrument in God’s hands. Next, read the testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith in the Pearl of Great Price or in this pamphlet, now in 158 languages. You can find it online at LDS.org or with the missionaries. This is Joseph’s own testimony of what actually occurred. Read it often. Consider recording the testimony of Joseph Smith in your own voice, listening to it regularly, and sharing it with friends. Listening to the Prophet’s testimony in your own voice will help bring the witness you seek" (https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/joseph-smith?lang=eng)

I know that Joseph Smith restored the Church of Jesus Christ. I know he translated the Book of Mormon and that it is the world's most correct book. I have read it several times. I have put into practice the teachings contained in it, and they have brought me joy and peace. Even though I don't feel like my faith has been shaken, I plan to take the challenge given by Elder Andersen. I know that when you accept a challenge or counsel from the Lord's Apostles and prophets you will be blessed greater than you can even imagine. If your faith in the prophet Joseph Smith has been shaken, or if you've never gained a witness that Joseph Smith was a prophet, or even if your faith is strong, take Elder Andersen's challenge. Find out for yourself. I know it will bless your life.

-Mindy F. Sanders

Letter - I Love the Temple, Hope

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Happy Veteran’s Day!  I am so very, very thankful for the soldiers and their families, who have fought, are fighting and will fight for my freedoms.  I am thankful to be able to worship and raise my family as I choose in a safe place.  We’ve had a nice day celebrating Veteran’s Day today.  The bank is closed so Chad didn’t have to work and the kids didn’t have school so we went to see Big Hero 6 this afternoon after a leisurely morning at home.  It was very cute and made us all laugh.  I plan to buy it when it comes out on DVD. 

So in my last letter I wondered which one of my first cousins was closest to me in age.  I found out my cousin Martha Skouson Taylor is the closest in age.  I sure love her.  We’ve become close in the last few years through our letters and Facebook for which I am so thankful.  She is a wonderful friend and example to me.

I’ve spent a lot of time over the last two weeks working on projects for Christmas.  I can hardly wait to give them out to my family and friends.  I also got some online shopping done for several people a couple weeks ago.  I love online shopping! 

Spencer's tried out for the 7th grade basketball team Oct. 27 – 29.  Chad and I were so nervous and anxious for him.  He came home from the first day of tryouts very nervous about his chances of making the team; 37 boys tried out, only 12 would make the team.  He found out Thursday Oct. 30^th that he made the team.  We are so happy for him! 

Karalee turned eight years old on Nov. 1^st.  She had a soccer game bright and early at 8:00am on her birthday.  On the way there she told me she wanted to score a goal.  She played so well.  She was so aggressive on defense, which is her specialty, and made a lot of good stops.  When she got a turn on offense she got her goal!!  She’s very determined and talented.  We look forward to her baptism on November 15^th.  I still haven’t heard from several family members if they will be able to make it to the luncheon afterwards.  Please let me know.  We would really love to have you come, but will understand if you can’t make it.

We also had the adult session of Stake conference on Karalee’s birthday.  I was a bit nervous to play for the special musical number that night, but it went well, except for when the violinist’s music blew off their stand.  One of the violinists was able to manage to keep going while the other one picked up the music so they recovered well.  I still feel like we were able to bring the Spirit into the meeting.  The adult session was very nice.  The Sunday morning session was so frustrating it almost brought me to tears.  It was a statewide stake conference broadcast.  Chad and Spencer sang in the choir so I had the rest of the kids by myself.  Tilly lasted through our stake president’s talk before the broadcast began, but as soon as the broadcast started she was done.  I took her out to the hall to quiet her down 3-4 times before I stayed out there for good.  I was so sad I couldn’t hear the talks.  I really wanted to hear them and knew I wouldn’t get the chance to hear them again.  (Unless there is a way to see it again on lds.org, I’ll have to look.)  Anyway at one point I noticed a couple of adults sitting on the couches without small children who were busy on their phones and I judged them and resented them for not listening, but I quickly repented of that.  I don’t know their story.  I know I could have been more prepared with snacks and quiet activities to keep Tilly quiet so I could listen.  I’ll have to do better next time.

Bryant had a band concert on Nov. 6^th.  It was a very nice, short concert.  He likes band and says he wants to play again next year and through jr. high and high school.  I know he can become a talented trumpet player if he sticks with it.  He’s a quick study at just about everything he tries to do.

Sunday afternoon Chad’s brother Jace took some new family pictures for us.  A couple weeks ago I got the girls matching Christmas dresses at Costco and have been saving them in my closet.  I realized they would be perfect for family pictures and so I set it up.  It was so nice of Jace to take them for us.  He’s a good brother.  I’ll share the pictures after I send out our Christmas cards. 

Yesterday we had quite a few sickies in our house.  Marlee had a fever and sore throat.  I got a terrible, terrible headache, probably the worst I’ve ever had.  Chad had a headache too and worked from home all day.  We are all glad to be feeling better today.

The last couple of weeks the other young women leaders and I have been planning our ward’s Young Women Evening in Excellence.  There have been some differences of vision about how we should decorate and it has been stressful for me as I’ve tried to make sure everyone feels appreciated and that their ideas have been heard.  No one has gotten mad or anything and everyone has been flexible and there haven’t been any hard feelings, but there has been tension because the ideas that we’ve been working on don’t seem together very well.  Yesterday morning after making a few calls to the leaders we figured out a way to tie everyone’s ideas together and we’re moving forward.  I do not like tension.  It stresses me out.  In the future I have figured out that I need to plan these types of activities with my presidency instead of with my whole YW board that way there will be less opinions and it will go more smoothly.

My quote for today is about the temple.  “In addition to the closeness we feel to the Lord when we are in the temple, we can continue to receive blessings even after we have returned to our everyday lives. Attending the temple gives us a clearer perspective and a sense of purpose and peace” (https://www.lds.org/church/temples/why-we-build-temples/blessings-of-the-temple?lang=eng).  My love for the temple has grown so much this year.  Since we have a temple so close now and since I don’t have a tiny baby anymore, I made a specific goal regarding the number of times I wanted to attend the temple this year.  It has blessed my life in ways that I have never imagined.  I feel greater confidence before the Lord.  I feel guidance and peace in my life more strongly than before.  I have learned more about the ordinances and blessings in the temple in this year than I have in the other 13 years that I’ve been endowed combined.  In the past I’ve heard my Mom and Brenda (my MIL) and another lady in my ward speak about the temple and how they miss it when the temple is closed and they can’t attend every week.  I kind of wondered why they felt so strongly about it, but now I know.  I guess I’ve finally exercised enough faith in regards to temple attendance to receive a witness of the power of the temple. (Ether 12:6)  The temple has brought the power of God into my life in a way that can’t be denied.  I will set a similar goal regarding temple attendance next year so I don’t lose these blessings that I’ve been given this year.  When I was talking to my mom about these feelings last week she said that’s how she felt when she started reading the scriptures every day.  She grew to love them so much that she could feel it when she missed a day.  It is an eternal principle that you have to live a principle in order to gain a testimony of it; you have to experiment on the word. (Alma 32)

Love,

Mindy

P.S.  The other day while I was reading in the Book of Mormon a particular verse stood out to me that I had never noticed before.  “I conclude this record, declaring that I have written according to the best of my knowledge, by saying that the time passed away with us, and also our lives passed away like as it were unto us a dream, we being a lonesome and a solemn people, wanderers, cast out from Jerusalem, born in tribulation, in a wilderness, and hated of our brethren, which caused wars and contentions; wherefore, we did mourn out our days” (Jacob 7:26).  Jacob sounds so depressed here.  I never pictured in my mind how hard it must have been for him to have his brothers and their families hate him so much that they tried to kill him. He had difficult circumstances his whole life, yet his words that are recorded in the Book of Mormon are so full of hope.  I hope I can leave a record of hope even when I struggle.

Letter - Making Connections, Woven Into the Body

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Happy birthday to my dear cousin Kent!!  He is the closest cousin to my same age on the Flake side of the family.  Maybe on both sides--Martha when is your birthday?  I always think of Kent during the month of October.  He was and is a dear friend to me.  I love my cousins so much.  They were my best friends growing up.  I am so grateful to have grown up alongside so many of them, working on the ranch and playing in the neighborhood together.

The last two weeks have gone well.  I’ve missed being at the beach and having a relaxed fall break schedule, but I love being at home too.  I love our house, our neighborhood, our ward, our community. 

On Thursday Oct. 16^th I got to go help in Marlee’s kindergarten class during small group time.  It was fun.  I love teaching young children.

On Friday the 17^th Karalee had a soccer game at 6:30pm then Chad and I went on a date.  We went out to eat and then walked around Discovery Park. 

I snapped this picture of the Gilbert temple on our walk around Discovery Park.  I love seeing the temple all light up at night.

On Saturday morning the 18^th Marlee had a soccer game.  That evening Chad and I attended the baptism of Dennis Chamberlain, a new convert in our ward.  Dennis is a decorated officer in the US Army.  He is currently serves in the Reserves.  His baptism was amazing.  There was a member of the quorum of the seventy from Utah that came and presided, Elder Wilford W. Andersen.  Dennis met Elder Andersen on the side of the road when Elder Anderson got a flat tire while vacationing in Arizona.  Dennis stopped to help him and Elder Andersen gave him his card and told Dennis that if he could ever return the favor to give him a call.  Dennis later started investigating the church and a week before his baptism he called Elder Andersen and asked him if he’d return the favor by attending his baptism.  So Elder Andersen flew back to AZ to attend.  Elder Andersen bore a powerful testimony of Jesus Christ that I hope never to forget.  It was incredible to be present.  Dennis also bore a powerful testimony.  He will be speaking at our adult session of stake conference this Saturday night.  Two of his daughters joined the church a few months ago and attend our ward periodically.  One of them is my young woman.  They go to their mom’s ward when they aren’t in our ward.

Marlee and I went on a little date last Saturday night after the baptism.  She decided to go to McDonald's

On Monday of last week Spencer finished up his cooking merit badge and turned in his blue card.  He only has five merit badges left towards his Eagle.  Karalee and Marlee had soccer practice that evening.  Then we had FHE.  Bryant gave us a good lesson about the qualities of Jesus.

Tuesday Marlee invited her friend Chloe come over to play in the morning and then we took her to kindergarten with our carpool since they are in the same class.  I also had a practice with two ladies from my stake that morning.  I will be accompanying them as they play a violin duet at our adult session of stake conference this weekend.  Bryant had pack meeting that night.  He got the aquanaut and scholar activity badges.  We had a combined YW’s that night for mutual and the beehives were in charge.  They planned a great activity.  We had four stations that we rotated through – writing letters to the missionaries serving from our ward, making a cute Halloween treat, indexing, and helping one of our YW make a Mormon messages video.

Wednesday the little girls had Grammy days.  Chad had to attend a work dinner with several other managers and a regional manager or a mortgage CEO or something that evening and didn’t get home until around 9pm.  I sure missed him that evening.

Thursday morning we attended an assembly at the grade school to watch Bryant perform a square dance with several other 5 graders.  He did a great job.  The little girls and I loved the assembly.

Friday Spencer had a Deacon’s overnighter.  They went up to Show Low to stay in the cabin of one of his advisors.  Since Spencer was gone, we hired one of my young women to come babysit, while Chad and I went out on a date.  We had planned to go see the movie, “The Good Lie”, but it isn’t playing anymore.  We ended up going out to eat, then shopping at Walmart, then getting custard for dessert and then renting a movie from redbox.  We rented “Million Dollar Arm”.  It was a good movie.  I recommend it. 

Yesterday was jam packed busy.  I donated blood, Marlee and Karalee each had soccer games then we went straight to their school carnival for a few hours, then we came home and I made a pot of chili and we went to our ward chili cook-off/trunk-or-treat.  It was a fun, exhausting day.  It was also really hot this weekend, in the mid 90’s.  Thankfully next week it is supposed to cool down.

The school carnival had a photo booth.  Karalee wanted to take pictures all by herself.  Oh boy, look at those poses!  I better watch out.  She's 7 going on 17.  She's a cutie.

I love these type of photos!!  They are so fun.

Tilly's is such a cute Pooh Bear!

This is how I felt at the end of the day too!  It was a long, but fun day.

Today has been a wonderful Sabbath Day.  I was thankful to partake of the sacrament so I could be cleansed of my sins and mistakes from the past week.  I have noticed the Savior’s hand in my life as he’s enabled me to be more patient with my children.  But I have also lost my patience several times too.  I’m doing my best to try to do a little better each day.  I accompanied Bro. Del Bianco’s vocal solo in my ward’s Sacrament meeting today.  He has a very nice voice.  One of my former young women also played the cello.  Our number turned out very nice.  I really liked the song.  It is called Shards of Glass by Sally Deford.

The kids are enjoying our winter grass.  It came it better than we've ever done before.  There are still a few sparse spots though so we still have room for improvement.

Today I have contemplated how I can make better connections with my laurels.  I don’t feel like I’ve made really good connections with several of them yet.  I really felt connected to two of my girls that graduated back in May, but they have moved on now.  I felt prompted that I need to make personal visits to them with the laurel advisor.  I decided that it would be fun to make it like “the dates” I do with my kids.  I told them that Sis. Wilcox and I will pick one of them up and they get to pick what we do--go on a walk, go get a treat, go talk, etc.  I told them it has to cost $5 or less and I would like it to last about 30-45 minutes.  They seemed pretty excited about it.  We plan to do these visits every other Thursday.  It will take us a few months to visit each girl.  On the first visit with each girl we are going to go over where they are at with their personal progress and see where they need to focus in order to finish if they haven’t already finished.

Chad has a business trip to Dallas this week.  Luckily it is for only one night.  Of course that is one of the places in the US that has had an Ebola outbreak.  I sure

hope he doesn’t get Ebola!

I have two quotes to share today.  The first quote is from Pres. Uchtdorf and was shared as a spiritual thought in ward council this morning.  “Patience is not passive resignation, nor is it failing to act because of our fears. Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can—working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well!” (Continue in Patience)  I love this quote.  I love that even when we are waiting for something we should be actively waiting and progressing.

The second quote is about the Holy Ghost and is from Gospel Principals.  (Chad and I attend that class with Puring.)  “President Joseph Fielding Smith said: ‘When a man has the manifestation from the Holy Ghost, it leaves an indelible impression on his soul, one that is not easily erased. It is Spirit speaking to spirit, and it comes with convincing force. A manifestation of an angel, or even of the Son of God himself, would impress the eye and mind, and eventually become dimmed, but the impressions of the Holy Ghost sink deeper into the soul and are more difficult to erase.’  President Smith also said, ‘Through the Holy Ghost the truth is woven into the very fibre and sinews of the body so that it cannot be forgotten’” (Gospel Principles Chapter 7: The Holy Ghost).  I love this.  I have felt this in my life.  There are times where I have felt the Holy Ghost teach me in such a powerful way that it is woven into my body so much that I can’t forget it.  I hope that I can stay worthy to have more such experiences throughout my whole life. 

Love,

Mindy

Letter - Fall Break, Rocky Point, Magnum Opus, Phoenix Temple Open House

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Dear Family and Friends,

Today is the last day of Fall Break.  My kids have all finished there chores and are in watching Monster’s Inc. as I type this.  We’ve had a wonderful break.

We started last week out getting ready for our trip to Mexico.  On Monday I did some shopping for our vacation meals and snacks.  Tuesday we packed and got everything ready to leave.  Karalee got to go play at her friend Sammy’s house most of the day.  I had the laurels come over for mutual and we did indexing since we are in competition with the young men.

Wednesday we left for Rocky Point in a rain storm.  Our drive was a little more adventurous because of several washes that ran across the road, but they weren’t too deep and we were able to cross each one if we slowed down enough.  The storm cleared as we neared Mexico and the sun came out once we got there and we were able to play on the beach.  We had a lot of fun on our vacation.  Some highlights are learning how to paddleboard--It was SO MUCH FUN!!; finding and catching a starfish while snorkeling; catching a big blue crab; visiting, playing, and eating dinner each night with our friends who vacationed with us; seeing lots of sting rays--Chad found a 3 ft. skinny tent pole and would poke them to get them to move.  I do not think that was a very smart idea.  He says it’s fine.  We got home from our vacation on Saturday afternoon.  We felt very safe while in Mexico and had no trouble. 

Wednesday night we drove into town to eat out for dinner.  We stopped to get some street tacos, at a little taco stand.  It was set up in the dirt and had large picnic tables.  I was a little nervous eating there and I asked Chad who would take care of us if we all got sick from the food.  He assured me that he was immune from getting sick because of his mission experiences.  It turns out that none of us got sick.  The tacos and quesadillas were AMAZING!  This picture is Chad ordering our dinner in Spanish.

Beach FUN!!

Marlee and her little Mexican friend.  Just kidding, it's Karalee. She got really tan.

Bryant

 I caught Bryant just as he started to dive for a shell!  Ha ha.

Chad and Spencer spent a lot of time snorkeling together.  Bryant snorkeled with them a lot too, but he liked to stay closer to shore when they went way out.

I caught Chad with a funny look as he tried to get the salt water off his face!

Bryant, Chad and Spencer snorkeling

There were lots of little fish

In this picture you can see Chad about to poke that sting ray with the pole.  He's crazy... I love him.

A sting ray

One pretty little bright blue fish

Karalee trying on a cute pink hat at the dirt mall in Mexico.

Saturday night Chad and I went to go see “Meet the Mormons” for our date night.  I thought it was great.

Sunday I taught the lesson to our ward’s young women that I’ve been worrying about for the last month or so.  I feel like it is “my magnum opus, my great work” for this month.  (Charlotte’s Web)  If you are interested, you can read my lesson plan on my blog.  Sunday afternoon we drove over to my sister Celeste’s home for a family dinner.  Her daughter Shelby had her homecoming report in their ward, but since I had to teach we missed her report.  I’m glad we got to go to the dinner to visit though.  It was fun to see pictures of Celeste’s, Jeff’s, and Cooper’s trip to Brazil when they picked Shelby up.

Since Chad still had another day off yesterday, we dressed up nicely and took a family outing over to Glendale to the Phoenix Temple open house.  It is a beautiful temple.  I really felt the spirit strongly in the Celestial room and in the sealing rooms.  I can always feel the closest to heaven in those rooms.

This morning Brenda had a special fall break Grammy Days at Peter Piper Pizza.  We had so much fun.  I love watching my kids play with their cousins.

In Pres. Uchtdorf’s recent talk in Woman’s conference he shared a quote that really explains Charity and how God loves us.  He said, “God loves you this very day and always.  He is not waiting to love you until you have overcome your weaknesses and bad habits.  He loves you today with a full understanding of your struggles. … He loves you for extending yourself to others.  He loves you for reaching out and helping others bear their heavy burdens—even when you are struggling with your own.  He knows everything about you.  He sees you clearly—He knows you as you really are.  And He loves you—today and always!  Do you suppose it matters to our Heavenly Father whether your makeup, clothes, hair and nails are perfect?  … Do you think outward attractiveness, your dress size, or popularity make the slightest difference in your worth to the One who created the universe?  He loves you not only for who you are this very day but also for the person of glory and light you have the potential and the desire to become” (Living the Gospel Joyful).  Isn’t it wonderful how God loves us?  God wants me to love others in that same way.

Love,

Mindy

P.S.  Here are some before and after pictures from when I cut Karalee's hair a couple of weeks ago.