Book of Mormon Tender Mercies

 For 2024, our focus for Come Follow Me was studying the Book of Mormon. I've always loved the Book of Mormon and in my patriarchal blessing, it says that I should study all the scriptures but that the Book of Mormon will be a good guid in my life. I helped the Paige and Baylor read the Book of Mormon this year and it was incredible to see all the circles filled in at the end of the year. I read the children's version to Baylor every night. And honestly, I don't know how much she got out of it and I felt like she wasn't listening most of the time but she would always remind me to read to her every night. It may just have been so that she could color in a circle but it also showed her the importance of making reading the scriptures a habit. Paige read the entire Book of Mormon for the first time all by herself. I'm so proud of her in this accomplishment! She's pretty amazing!

I personally also read the Book of Mormon again and I always love studying it. This time around I felt like I got to see the character of God even more in the stories that I read. I saw God show up in their stories which shows me that He can show up in those way in my story. I got these free printable from Don't Miss This and Baylor loved to glue on a tender mercy each week from that week's reading of Come Follow Me. It was sweet to see the tender mercy is the stories and how the different ways the Lord shows up for us.

In my phone, whenever I think about it or notice the Lord's hand in my life, I have a document in my notes section and will write it down. I looked at the tender mercies that we learned about in the Book of Mormon and saw how the Lord showed up in similar ways in my own life with the stories that I wrote down. I truly cherish these moments when I see the Lord's fingerprints in my daily life.

1 Nephi 11:16-17: Here Nephi gets to see the vision of the tree of life and Nephi learns that God loves us so much that He sent His Son. Jesus Christ came down to Earth to experience life, go through the Atonement, be lifted up on the cross, and be resurrected for all for us. A tender mercy is that Christ came down for each of us so that we could be lifted up to heaven. I got to experience this tender mercy this year on October 8th.  “There’s been a lot on my mind with the passing of my cousin’s 15 year old son in a tragic accident. It makes you wonder why mortality can be so hard sometimes. It makes you really hold onto your belief of the gospel and the character of God. His funeral was today and though I cried during the entire thing, it was amazing to see the power and strength my cousin and her family have. You can see the love they have for Kelton, life, and the gospel shine through them. The stake president gave an amazing priesthood blessing over the pulpit to Amanda’s family. The promises that heaven is so close, that angels minister to us, and that the veil is thin were incredible to hear. I felt God’s love along with such heartbreak but the promise of recompensation even with our tears is one of the most amazing promises from God that I hold close.”

1 Nephi 16:16: Lehi and his family were given a tender mercy with the gift of the Liahona. They were led through the wilderness to the promised land. I experienced this tender mercy this year on January 14^th.  “Peyton gave his mission farewell talk today and shared a personal experience of how he read the Book of Mormon and how he knew it was true but really as he reflected back that he always knew, and it was little by little that he gained his testimony. It gave me such hope for the youth of the church and for my own children that they can recognize this in themselves. Peyton is a great kid and an amazing example and will be a great missionary.” God leads us little by little!

2 Nephi 1:30: Zoram was at first a stranger to Nephi but then became one of his closest friends. Christ can always be our true friend, but God also gives us the tender mercy of sending us friends in our lives which is an incredible tender mercy. I experienced this tender mercy this year on August 28^th. “It is the first day of school. There were tears, especially for Baylor. The nerves were really getting to her, but it was sweet to see how her teacher handled it and took her hand. She came home so happy and said she has the best class in the whole school. Paige was also a little nervous but so brave. It’s sweet to see people, especially friends in your kid’s lives where they feel love and appreciated.”

2 Nephi 5:27: The Nephites at this time were living after the pattern of happiness. Heavenly Father gave us the plan and things that will lead to happiness despite the circumstances of our lives. I experienced this tender mercy this year on October 13^th. “ We took advantage of our last 70 degree day for awhile and went and walked around Clark Lake. It was so beautiful, and the fall colors were in full effect. I was so overcome with gratitude for the beautiful girls that I have. I can’t believe they are mine sometimes. Also in the evening, Nate, McCall, and I walked over to Nona and Pop’s house and I got a glimpse of Baylor and Paige working on a project in the garage and again I was overcome with gratitude for the blessing that I have- my sweet family, a wonderful home to raise my girls in, and for the garage space that is great for crafts and projects in warm weather and when the rain comes. Heavenly Father gave us families and little moments of joy and gratitude that bring me such happiness.”

2 Nephi 12:2-3: This is scripture from Isaiah that is talking about the temple. Truly the temple is a tender mercy that the Lord has given us. I got to experience this tender mercy this year on January 6^th. “Paige got to go inside the temple today for the first time and do baptisms for the dead with Nate and I and Pops. It was the sweetest experience, and it is incredible watching your own child go through the temple for the first time. The temple worker giving her the jump suit said she had the first time glow and that we like the suits big so there is room for your testimony. There were other families there with their first timers and it was so sweet to witness. Paige got to witness with another tiny first timer. They were both so tiny but doing great work. I loved being a witness to Paige being baptized by Nate for other people and for family names (first time bringing my own). I got to be confirmed for the family names. It was the sweetest experience where I felt so close to God, my family, and for people on the other side of the veil.”

Jacob 1:17: Here is where Jacob talks about his errand from the Lord and how he teaches the gospel to others. Each of us has our own errand from the Lord and it is a tender mercy that the Lord uses each of us to do His work. I got to experience this tender mercy so many times this year with my errand from the Lord with being a mother to my children. On Jan 1st,  “When I was making breakfast this morning, McCall was ready to eat so she stood next to me,  folder her little arms, said some of her own words that only she could understand, and then said, “Amen!” She knew that a prayer was said for food, and she was hungry. It was so cute! I love the gospel learning and growing close to her Savior is starting at a young age.”

Words of Mormon 1:7: Here Mormon is sharing how the Lord works in people to do His work. Mormon had a great work as he complied the stories of the Book of Mormon. The Lord works in each of us, in our own little sphere of influence. I got to experience this tender mercy on January 7^th. “Today I had new beginnings with the young women and for Paige. My class presidency did most of the presenting about the program and I was blown away. They did the most incredible job, and it made me realize my purpose as a leader a little more. I’ve always struggled with delegating and how best to get the girl’s to lead and take hold of their program. I texted the girls with ideas and advice and thoughts I had about each of the different areas of the program but then they took it, made it their own, bore testimony, were loving and welcoming, included the other young women and it was incredible. My role (and the Lord works in me through this calling) is to support and encourage the young women in our ward and let them shine. I want to show them the love the gospel brings and it’s about loving each other as He would and I got a glimpse of it today.”

Mosiah 2:14: King Benjamin was an amazing example of service. He taught his people to serve and that when we serve others, we serve God. Service is truly a tender mercy since when we serve others, we truly feel God’s love. I have experienced this tender mercy so often this year, but one particular time was on November 21^st. “A big windstorm hit our area. There were SO many trees down and hundreds of thousands of people were without power. I’m so grateful that we were in the tiny bubble where we got to keep our power. I got to be a blessing to someone I minister to and her family where they came over one morning and were able to cook some breakfast and have some hot showers, her kids played with my girls, and we were able to visit. It was sweet to be a blessing to someone else!”

Mosiah 23:27: Alma started off as a wicked priest to King Noah and then was taught the gospel by Abinadi. A tender mercy is that we can be delivered from wickedness. Alma taught his people that the Lord promises to deliver us in His time and in His way. I got to experience this tender mercy on January 12^th. “Baylor, then me, and now McCall are sick with a cold, and it was a sweet tender mercy that Paige was delivered from sickness so she could compete in her varsity gymnastics meet today.”

Alma 2:28: Throughout many of the chapters in the book of Alma, there are a lot of times of war. A tender mercy is that the Lord strengthens us. He can strengthen us whenever we need it and be our strength when we are weak. I experienced this tender mercy on November 22^nd. “I had a really hard afternoon with the kids. I felt like I was constantly telling them to stop bickering, being so loud, and just snapping and being short with them. It all came boiling over at dinner and I had a meltdown when we were eating. I went to my room and had a good cry. After some time, Paige quietly comes into my room with McCall, and she asks what’s wrong and I said I just had a rough day. Then all three of my girls were soon laying next to me all cuddling up around me and I felt such love for them and also for my Father in Heaven who gave me these sweet girls to raise, learn from, and love on.” They often strengthen me, and I know there have been so many times that I have relied on Christ’s strength to get through the challenges of life.

Alma 7:11-13: Christ suffered every pain, affliction, and temptation. He suffered things of every kind for each of us so that He knows what we are going through as we navigate mortality. What a wonderful tender mercy! I experienced this tender mercy on May 3^rd. “I had a complete emotional breakdown today. I just feel like I can never quite stay on top of everything that is required of me with the high expectations I have for myself. I feel like I’m trying so hard and it’s never quite enough. There were lots of tears in the morning and Paige saw me crying and asked if I was okay and gave me the sweetest hug. When Nate got home from work, he just wrapped me in his arms and listened to me spill out. He didn’t say anything but just held me. They both were angels today and I felt God’s love through them.”

Alma 15:4: Zeezrom was one that questioned Alma and Amulek and then realized that the words they spoke were true. Zeezrom was kicked out of the city and feared that Alma and Amulek were killed. He was so sick with guilt and took courage when he heard that Alma and Amulek were alive and in the same city he was in. A tender mercy is that the Lord gives us courage to face anything life throws at us. I experienced this tender mercy on March 31^st. “Amy and her girls have been visiting for their spring break which has been amazing. Today we went out to lunch and while we were there, a bunch of police cars surrounded a car with guns drawn. We were very close but fortunately we were around the corner so we were safe. I never felt unsafe and felt calm the whole time. It is amazing when in intense situations like this where you can feel calm, peace, and courage.”

Alma 27:17: Ammon after being on his mission to the Lamanites and telling of his stories and hearing the successful stories of his brothers, he is swallowed up in  joy. A tender mercy from the Lord is that we get to experience joy. I experienced this tender mercy so many times this year but one was on December 10^th. “When I was driving Paige to school today, we went around the roundabout and the way the sun rays were coming through the trees left us in awe. Both Paige and I  immediately said “wow” when we saw it. It was a little fingerprint from Heavenly Father to  brighten our day.”

Alma 30:44:Alma teaches that all things on the Earth are a testimony that God is real. I know I experience this often. When I am out in nature, it is soul soothing, and I feel so close to God and that He created such a beautiful world to live in. The details in a single flower, shows how real God is. One time I experienced this tender mercy was during our Spring Break. “We went to California with Nona and Pops, and it was the best vacation ever! I felt close to God during it as we explored this beautiful world. As I listened to the waves and observed the vastness of the ocean, and time spent with my sweet family experiencing life and joy together. Life is so good!”

Alma 33:5: Alma tells of Zenos belief in prayer. A tender mercy is that Heavenly Father hears our prayer. I experienced this tender mercy on February 28^th. “Nate is at resource management school all week and has a big presentation tomorrow. He said he prayed that he would get a certain part in the presentation that he really wanted. He even ended up picking last and got the part he wanted, and it was a simple answer to prayer.”

Alma 46:31: Captain Moroni gathered together his people and used the title of liberty to stir a cause and give his people purpose. It is amazing that we have so many times to gather together and how our testimonies grow as we gather and share, especially as members of the Church. I got to experience this tender mercy in the best way from June 19th-22^nd at Girl’s Camp. “I saw so much love and encouragement from the YCLs to the campers and those first years that were unsure about it. They helped each other and encouraged and cheered each other on as they did skits. I had the most incredible cabin mates where we shared our stories with each other. I saw the young women work together to do a great work and do a service project to make 60 blankets to give to foster children. There were so many times of gathering for devotionals, being taught by the stake young women presidency, and just with my little cabin that were so sweet as we shared the gospel, testimony, and love. The young women got to do an amazing race where I got to see so much love, encouragement, cheering on, making sure no one was left behind, and utilizing each other’s strength to accomplish the challenges. I loved seeing the unveiling of the Christ picture that each of these sweet young women did a piece of. It was truly the sweetest as all these young women gathered together to share their testimonies of the gospel.”

3 Nephi 17:9: Jesus Christ visited the people in the Book of Mormon and healed them every one. A tender mercy is that we can be healed of everything and that is a promise we can hope and hold onto with everything we have. I experienced this tender mercy on September 9^th. “The last couple of school mornings Baylor has been in tears complaining of a stomachache and being tired. I know that she is feeling anxious about school. Today I didn’t want to fight it, and it is SO hard on my mama heart when I have to force them to go to school while they are in tears. I’ve done it so many times and it doesn’t get any easier. I told Baylor that as soon as we got home from taking Paige to school that she had to nap (which she did) and no technology and no playing with friends after school. She promised to go to the rest of this school week. I still felt at a loss about what to do. While we were eating lunch, Baylor asked to listen to primary songs. We were listening to Gethsemane and tears came to my eyes with the line “this was done by Jesus. The fight was won by Jesus.” I was overcome with gratitude knowing that Jesus knows how my girls feel with their anxious thoughts and feelings. Let Him fight their battles. I asked Baylor if she thought listening to primary songs might help her in the mornings. She said yes so we’ll try it out.” (We have been doing this every morning and is has been wonderful and helped so much.)

Mormon 9:11: Moroni tells of all the miracles from his forefathers like Abraham and Moses. We know that God is a God of miracles, and this is such a tender mercy that we still have miracles today. I experienced this tender mercy on March 28^th. “McCall has been sick the past few days and she was struggling taking a nap with a stuffy nose. I got to rock her to sleep and hold her while she napped. I haven’t done that in a while, and I felt such love for her and for the Lord that I was given this sweet miracle baby. The smile she gave me when she woke up completely melted me.”

Moroni 10:18: Heavenly Father has given us all gifts. We have all been blessed with gifts and talents that we can share. It is such a tender mercy that every good gift comes from God and that our gifts and talents allow us to bless other people and help in God’s work. I experienced this tender mercy on February 23^rd. “Paige, McCall, and I got to go to Boise to watch Charlotte in her state dance competition. I was overcome with joy and emotion as I watched her dance. It was amazing to see her confidence when in normal life she deals with some anxiety. I loved watching these girls share their talents and express themselves in such a beautiful way. I love that Heavenly Father gave us talents and strengths to bless other people’s lives and that my life is blessed because of other people's talents.”

It was a joy to read the Book of Mormon this year! Now onto the Doctrine & Covenants and I'm excited for 2025 and what it will bring.

Thanksgiving

Baylor has been couting down the days until Thanksgiving because it meant cousin time. And it did not disappoint with almost all of the Smith side gathered together for a couple of days.

We started Thanskgiving day off with some time at Kent Bowl because on Thanksgiving you bowl for free. We had so much fun though we did have quite a few per lane so it took a bit longer than expected.

McCall kept busy the majority of the time "driving" with different cousins.

Paige was great at helping Baylor out and at the end when Baylor was done, she even helped McCall out. They all had lots of fun.

I'm so grateful that I married into such an amazing family!

Then the girls spent the afternoon with cousins while I made pies and deviled eggs at our house. We went a couple of hours before dinner was ready and it was so fun just to visit with everyone. There were lots of laughs and one of my favorite things with my little girls is that her tall boy cousins try to make them laugh and play with them especically McCall. At one point I looked over at her, and there for 3 or 4 of her older boy cousins sitting around her and playing with her. It is the sweetest! Then it was time for the feast!

I love the little girl table! It brought back lots of fond memories for me.

After more time and visiting and letting all the food settle, then we enjoyed some delcious pies! Paige made her cookies and cream ice cream pie and it was by far the favorite and was gone first. We had pumpkin pie, pumpkin roll, dutch apple pie (my favorite), Edward's chocolate cream pie, blackberry pie, and lemon meringue pie. It was such a wonderful day and meal spent with family!

The next day Baylor and McCall got to play with Myla for a bit before they left for home. Then we spent the majority of the day decorating for Christmas.

Paige got a hold of the camera for a bit and McCall was in such a goofy mood with her poses and faces.

All the girls loved helping decorate the Christmas tree especially Baylor.

All three of them had to put the star on top.

We ended the day back and Nona and Pop's for anothe family dinner and get together to celebrate Carly's birthday. There was more visiting and playing charades. I left early because McCall was pretty clingy and tired most of the evening. I got her to bed and about an hour later, I heard the horrible sound that no parents enjoys hearing, her throwing up. She threw up multiple times leading up to her falling asleep for the night. I slept on the couch with her last night and she woke up three times during the night to throw up more. Around 1 is when she finally fell asleep for the rest of the night. She napped on me today which was sweet but it's so sad to see her sick and she often complains and says "tummy hurt." Hopefully she is the only one that gets it. Not the best way to end our Thanksgiving break but we enjoyed all the time with family and we are so grateful that we have each other.

November Doings

Another month has flown by! November was busy with gymnastics, young women activities, school, and just life. Now that it is cold, we don't go on as many outings but we still find moments that we find joy in.

I had to get a cavity filled and I took McCall to Nate's work so she got to have fun with dad at work while I was having "fun" at the dentist. Nate said she was very busy and loud and had so much fun working on her own computer, drawing, and playing with cars.

At least once a week, if it wasn't rainy, then I would go walk at the park with McCall and a few times we fed the ducks which she loved.

The last two weeks, McCall has officially made it to the stage of no naps which of course leads to finding her in random places sound asleep while her little body still adjusts. 

Paige loves to do her sister's hair. So on the weekends McCall and Baylor have the cutest hair. It is something Paige enjoys and she does such a good job.

We had a big wind storm on a Tuesday night and it was pretty intense. It was scary as I was waiting to pick up Paige from practice as I watched the trees across from her school sway back and forth knowing at any minute, one of them could fall down towards me. With all the trees that fell, SO many people lost power and I'm extrememly grateful that we weren't one of them. The girls ended up not having school Wednesday to Friday because so many schools didn't have power and it took time to get roads cleared with trees falling on power lines and branches and debri everywhere. Nate worked overtime and was using a chainsaw for three to four days straight. 

Paige and I were able to go support some of her friends/young women from our ward and watch them perform in the Nutcracker. They did a wonderful job and it was fun to have a little Paige and mom time.

We are so excited for the Christmas season!

7 Years Old

Here's a post dedicated to our favorite 7 year old and all about her big day! She is pretty amazing and so funny. Happy birthday Baylor! 

Here's what Baylor is like at 7 years old:

• She went to the doctor today and is 43 pounds (14 percentile) and 3 feet 10.65 inches (29th percentile). She is so brave with shots and really always has been. She doesn't even flinch or cry. I also really appreciated today that when the doctor was asking her questions, she answered clearly and was so good with conversation.
• She is the perfect middle child and adds flair and sass to whatever she is doing.
• She says the funniest thing, has sacrasm down, and picks up on things so quick. She will often say something and I'll have to ask her where she learned that. Some funny things recently were me telling her not to say yucky when I tell her what is for dinner because it is rude and then she uses air quote with her fingers and says that it's "yummy". Then today on the radio a song said something about a cowboy and she says they should be called horseboys because they ride horses and not cows. :)
• She has the eye roll down but also does it with a twinkle in her eye and a little smirk. When she smiles, her entire being lights up. She has the most stunning brown eyes and the cutest little freckles.
• She is always quick to do what I ask of her. She will be the first to get up and go when I say it's time to do chores or go to bed. There may be a question of why but she is always quick to mind. She is also super helpful and always wants to help especially if I'm baking. She loves being my taste tester.
• She loves her accessories when getting dressed- headbands, necklaces, bracelets and anything sparkly. Though she hates her hair being brushed and is very dramatic every morning when I'm trying to do her hair for the day.
• She is my pickiest eater but will always try something and would never admit that she liked it but when she likes something she sure can eat. Her favorite dinner right now is chicken noodle soup in bread bowls.
• She is my snacker and loves sweets.
• She is my best sleeper. She falls asleep within about 5 minutes. She is also my earliest riser but knows how to turn the TV on and get to her own shows which is great for me. She is a morning person like her mama, ready to go as soon as she is up.
• She hardly ever cries but when she does it is the saddest thing in the world and she has the saddest puppy eyes.
• She loves to play games with anyone who is willing and loves to have stories read to her.
• She loves to be with friends and play with other kids. She doesn't like to be alone and whether at home or at school wants to have someone around. If she doesn't know a kid, she is shy but once she is comfortable or gets introduced then it's her best friend and she wants to have them over for a play date.
• She is excelling at school and loves math. She practices math problems at home on her own for fun. I have also been amazed at how much she has improved in her reading skills this school year.
• She is often the one pushing buttons or when her buttons get pushed, she is the loudest. She is SO loud all the time and really doesn't know the meaning of quiet unless she is at church then she is as quiet as a mouse and doens't show any expression besides serious.
• She loves to dance, twirl, or run everywhere around the house.
• She loves to build with legos, imagine while playing with dolls or babies, draw, or watch shows (favorites right now are Paw Patrol, Number Blocks and Gabby's Dollhouse).
• She loves the outdoors and is always up for an adventure. My favorite thing about hiking with her is she gets so excited for stairs. She's loves to find treasures when we go on adventures and she always wants me to keep that special shell or special rock safe for her.
• Bad or cold weather doesn't affect her. All the rest of us will be cold, and she's out in a swimsuit playing in the water. :) She hates wearing coats and it is a constant battle to get her to wear more than a jacket on rainy days. She is often hot and usually takes a small ice pack to bed with her because she is a hot sleeper.
• She is the perfect tease to a lot of her extended family and it's funny to watch her banter and tease with her older cousin, aunts & uncles, and esepcially Pops.
• She truly is the perfect middle child and I can't imagine our family without her!

A little trip down memory lane. As I looked through all these pictures, all I could think of is how Baylor's smile lights up her entire being and just makes me smile. She is full of fun, light, and joy.

She has always loved bubbles and running and dancing through them!

Look at that little miracle baby! Why does time fly when you have kids, but then it's this constant pull in your heart of wanting this little baby back in your arms and reflecting back on the past with such joy but also loving the stages of life your kids are going through in the moment. Of course, each stage has it hardships and rough patches, but it is such a joy to watch your kids grow, learn, and become. I love getting a front row seat in their lives.

Baylor wanted a Squishmallow birthday this year because first, she loves Squishmallows, but more importantly to her was that if she had a Squishmallow party then she would get more Squishmallows. Smart girl!

The party started and our house was filled with family and friends. I was planning on doing presents at the end, but Baylor was too excited so she wanted to do that first. She got Squishmallows and more and is so loved.

I loved watching her open presents! She gives the best facial expressions and shows so much joy and excitment for each gift.

The first game was pin the crown on the Squishmallow.

I helped Baylor know how to trace the Squishmallow on the poster so she did that all on her own and then she painted the red all on her own. I did the black lines and it turned out so cute. To start off her birthday, she woke up this morning to a big, new Squishmallow that looked just like this fox so of course that's the one she wanted to create for this game. Nona even got her gifts that were this fox and she was SO excited about it. 

Then we did Squishmallow Bingo. I created this one based off an idea found online. It turned out really cute and was a lot cheaper than buying one.

Paige made the most amazing Squishmallows out of clay for cake toppers. Baylor wanted Oreo fluff mostly but wanted something to put the cake toppers on. So I bought a small cake roll from Fred Meyer for the cake toppers and had cups filled the Oreo fluff with Squishmallows that I printed off and taped on toothpicks. So it was the perfect dessert to celebrate Baylor and Squishmallows.

Happy birthday sweet girl! It took her a little bit to get all her candles blown out but she did it and was so happy with how everything turned out.

She was spoiled and got so many amazing gifts.

These two tried out some of her new face masks before going to bed. They are so cute and love doing things together.

Happy birthday Baylor! Onto another great year of loving you!