Oh Where oh Where have my children gone?

This past weekend all of my children were here. And my eleven grandchildren. This doesn't seem to happen often anymore as they are all grown with children and famlilies of their own ...with the exception of Chelsea who is living the life of a young single adult....but no longer living home.

The last time we were all together was for Chelsea's farewell before she left on a mission ot the Marshall Islands....three years ago....so it was an occaision for taking pics. After getting a pic of all of us....we were sitting around and I asked Erin's husband Graham to take her camera and for the siblings to all go out to the back yard and take a picture together...there were a few gripes( mostly from Craig..lol) but they wanted to make their mother happy( I think) and did as requested....resulting in the following incredibly beautiful pic...( thanks Graham and Erin)

As much as I love this pic, and I have known for a long time that my children have grown and left the nest( sort of) it made me just a little sad. Sad that my children are gone. so I decided to post a few of their pics of years past....just to compare and to reminisce just a little . Don't get me wrong I don't wish for them to be back home or little again......but after all this blog is called Michelle's Memories....and today I just wish to remember a little....I love you guys so very very much....you have made my life a wonderful journey!!! Thank you.....

All I can say is it is good we took pics at christmas or I may not have any....lol

Reflections of Christ

A few weeks ago our Stake had the privilege of hosting this exhibit....Refections of Christ by Mark Mabry. It is a series of photographs depicting the life of Christ. Alan and I were asked to host a shift or two. The first shift we took together was on a Sunday evening and we were posted at the front entry to direct people. Before we started our shift we walked through the exhibit but didn't have time to watch a video that went with it....regarding the making of the photographs.

We really enjoyed the exhibit and the spirit we felt there....we had a good time hosting and meeting and greeting those who came.

On tuesday I went to do a two hour shift on my own. I went early so I could watch the video about the how the photography was done. which was absolutely amazing! Then I was posted inside the exhibit by a table with a guest book.

So for two hours I sat and stood amongst these wonderful photos depicting the Savior listening to the uplifting music that went with it. I watched the faces of people as they came through and listened to comments. No where were people asked to whisper but the conversation was always in hushed tones, almost like the exhibit itself demanded reverence. Even the little children whispered and asked their parents many thoughtful questions. Most people came through several times...not wanting to leave the spirit they felt there.

At the end of the two hours I was reluctant to leave. I had felt the spirit soft and gentle for the whole time I was there. I found myself wishing I could come home and sell everything and just go and serve the Savior full time. I thought alot about the trappings of the world that encumber us. I thought about my old bishop and his favorite saying " We get so caught up in the thick of thin things" I don't know if that was his saying or not but it is sooooo very true. I found myself thinking over and over again" This is what it is all about....This is what is real and true". Then I thought about my first thought when asked to host...if I am being honest I would say the very first thought was " I am too busy".but because it was my dear friend Patti asking me I said of course I can help. What if I had said I was too busy I would have missed this spiritual feast. For what? Then I found myself wondering what other opportunities to serve have I missed out on?

Maybe a serious attitude adjustment is needed on my part....

But alas I did have to leave and the realities of this life do come to pass.... but I still find myself wondering what I can do to keep those feelings. How do I serve so that I feel that part of my heart and soul being filled? Truly what would the Savior have me do? My testimony of the Savior and His divine role was once again strengthened and my prayer is that I can strive to have His spirit with me always.

I have posted this video so you can feel a little of the spirit I felt during this two hour period..and if you have the opportunity to visit the exhibit....TAKE IT! It may change your life.