Katherine

I took this picture in 2013 shortly after Jared was called as Bishop.  I wanted him to have something to hang in his office so I had this printed on a canvas. 

Since Colton started preschool I have been able to attend the temple on a more consistent basis.  It has been such a blessing to me.  On Wednesday I was able to attend a session, on Thursday I was able to do initiatory and Friday I took Addie, her cousin Drake and good friend Macie to do baptisms.

Each ordinance performed this week was done in behalf of family members I have found doing family history.  That is, all except one- Katherine Janovetz.

Before I tell you about my experience with Katherine, I have to set the stage.

Meet Sister Martha.

I met Sister Martha in January 2001.  I was attending BYU and living in the Joseph Smith Academy, formerly St. Mary's Academy.  The students of BYU were living in one half to he building and the nuns were living in the other half while waiting for their new monastery to be completed in Rock Island, IL.  

One evening the students hosted the nuns for dinner and a program.  My roommate, Cami, and I were "assigned" to Sister Martha.  We became fast friends with her and would visit her throughout the semester. After I left Nauvoo I stayed in contact with her until about 2006-2007.  She passed away in 2008.

During my friendship with her, she shared key pieces of her childhood that I didn't know would be so helpful in the future.  Those nuggets included the age she entered the sisterhood, that her mother had passed away when she was a toddler, that she was raised by her father while living with his parents and that she had a brother.

In late February/early March of 2010 I had a strong impression that I should complete her temple work.  That was odd because I didn't even know if she had passed away!  And I didn't know her given name!  I said said a prayer telling Heavenly Father that if she really did want her work to be done that I would need help finding these two things out.  I sat down at my computer, googled her sister name and last known residence and BAM!  Her obituary popped up!  It had so much important information- her birth and death dates, her given name and the names of close family members!  It was an instant answer to my prayer!

I got to work and within a few days completed her work.  It was one of the greatest experiences I have ever had in the temple and one that I will never forget.  I have been able to work complete the work for several of her family members as well.  

One part of the puzzle that I was not able to piece together concerned her biological mother.  I promise you, that lady did not want to be found!  It took several years but in 2015 it all came together and her work was able to be finished!  That also opened doors to more names, including that of Katherine Janovetz.

Since Sister Martha's mother had passed away when Frances was just a toddler, her father was later remarried to Katherine.  It took prayer, the help of a professional genealogist and quite a bit of research to put this all together!  

On Wednesday as I sat in the temple I could feel Katherine there with me and had a clear impression that she was accepting the work that was being done.  My heart was so full!  All of the hard work and persistence was paying off!

In my Patriarchal Blessing it says that the books will be opened to me as I work on family history.  Boy, is that true!  I am so thankful for each name I find and truly hope they all choose to accept the work that is being done on their behalf.  Even if they don't it's all worth it to me.

slow down

I hate being late so I'm generally always in a hurry. This rolls over into most aspects of my life; I fidget, I get nervous, I drive fast too often, I rush through tasks and I'm inpatient- especially when I have to wait on other people.  When it comes to being somewhere at an appointed time my motto is, five minutes early is ten minutes late!

I had to laugh at myself two weeks ago when my "punctuality"backfired.  I was headed to the temple for the 10:30 session.  I rushed myself out the door, drove too fast to Briana's to drop off Colton then to the temple, practically ran up the stairs in the parking lot and finally entered the temple doors at 10:10.  I was so frazzled!  I hurried upstairs after showing my recommend and when I turned the corner towards the dressing room noticed that the door to the ordinance room was shut.

I entered the dressing room and the lady assigned me a locker.  The dressing room was empty!  I was puzzled!  I finally asked a worker what time the session was.  It was at 11:00.  I had a whole 45 minutes to wait!  But, if you have to wait, what better place than in the temple, right?  It worked out great, I ended up doing some initiatory and having some quiet time to think.

Last week while at the temple I learned a good lesson form a sweet worker.  I wasn't running late but I was in a hurry, like I always am.  I was at the recommend desk and couldn't find my recommend.  I was fumbling through my bag when one of the men said in the sweetest tone, "now don't hurry."

He was right!  Why do I always hurry?  Why do I always feel like I might be late for something?  His simple phrase reminded me of two things: first of all, I was in the temple.  Time doesn't matter when you're in the House of the Lord.  And second, I need to take time to enjoy the journey of getting to point a and point b more often.  Whether that is driving, completing a task, traveling a long distance or just enjoying a moment with my kids.

Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured. -Gordon B. Hinkely

whatever it takes

I have been apprehensive about who Kimber's fifth grade teacher would be since the end of last year.  She thrives with a good teacher (which she has always had!) and is an excellent student.  Last year she had straight A+'s all year!  She was one of the few students who made the Superintendent's List for that accomplishment!  Who knew there was something better than Principal's List?

After the events of the summer and helping Kimber work through some struggles I felt strongly that she would need to be assigned to a good fifth grade teacher- which wasn't any of the current ones.  I called the principal during the summer and forced (no, I'm serious!) her to tell me who Kimber had been assigned to.  Just my luck- it was my least favorite option.  I discussed my concerns with her and told her I would have to think about things and would let her know if I would request a change.  The principal didn't like the idea of making change, but who can blame her.  I was firm in my opinions and so was she.

I felt like I needed to give Ms. Thatcher a try but I continued to have concerns.  I can't really explain it more than I just felt "unsettled" with things.  I attended parent night hoping I would feel better after seeing her in action yet I felt so "blah."  Certainly she is a good person but didn't feel like she was a match for Kimber.  I don't think I have ever prayed so hard about my kids and school!

The first day of school came and went.  Things were going okay for Kimber.  Not only were all of her friends were in her class but they all sat in the same group!  She would occasionally come home with some type of complaint about Ms. Thatcher but nothing too serious- except that she was a yeller which really bothered Kimber.  Personally, I felt like Ms. Thatcher's approach to teaching (the whole gamut!  Reward system, discipline, homework, etc) was pretty sloppy.  That is what bothered me the most!

After having a long talk with Kimber about the yelling on Thursday evening and how that was effecting her, I decided I better make a decision as to whether or not I would leave Kimber in that class.  I didn't want her to get too much further into the year then make a switch.  I prayed about it that night and felt like a switch needed to be made, and I knew which teacher she needed, Mrs. Pitts.  I felt confident in my decision until I talked to Jared.  He sort of persuaded me to not switch and he had very valid reasons!  I then decided I would give it one more week then reevaluate things.

The next day it weighed heavy on my mind.  My visiting teachers came over and we talked about it.  One of them actually has a son in the same class and she shared my same concerns.  The other partner happens to be taking education classes and is writing a paper on parent involvement in schools.  She said that if I didn't feel comfortable with the teacher, I needed to get involved and do something about it!  After they left the spirit really moved me!  And by moved, I mean that almost literally!  I felt like it was pushing me out the door!  I suddenly felt overcome by the feeling that I needed to have Kimber switched, and now!  Within a few minutes I was in the car and headed towards the school- unannounced.

I tracked the principal down and asked to speak with her.  I told her why I was there and expressed my desire to have Kimber moved to another class.  She wasn't happy, but I was there for Kimber, not for her.  She said, "well, I can have her moved to Mrs. Pitts but you have to know that she has never been in a classroom.  She is coming from the work field, she is taking education classes, she has kids, she has a lot going on."  I think she was trying to scare me so I took her by surprise when i said, "I feel like she needs to be in Mrs. Pitts class!  That is exactly where I want her!"  Mrs. Pitts is an engineer and has never been a teacher. The principal seems leery of her but I'm not worried!  

We talked about all the ins and outs.  She was sure to tell me that it could cause problems for her because other parents could request a switch but I didn't care!  Again, I was there for Kimber and to make sure she get what she needs.  I could care less about what helps the school out!  Isn't that why she gets paid the big bucks? :)

I had done all of this without Kimber knowing.  I thought about the fact that I was taking her from her friends and how much she hates change.  I thought about how hard it would be for her to be the "new kid" and how she hates to be noticed.  

I also thought about how I have felt like she was needed by a new friend, or a new friend needed her. I thought about how well she does when she has the right teacher.  I thought about how good I felt about Mrs. Pitts when I saw her for the first time, even if it was for less than one second.

As soon as the switch was finalized, I instantly felt peace.  I knew I had done the right thing.  And I also witnessed the tender mercies that immediately followed.  A new girl to the school will be starting on Monday in the very same class!  Not only will Kimber not be the only new kid, but she already knows the ropes of the school. And as the principal went down the list of girls in the class I felt so good about it!  These are the girls Kimber needs to be with!

Later that day I told Kimber what I had done.  It didn't go over well for all the reasons I was afraid of for her.  But it didn't take long and the same sense of peace came to her too.  

She starts tomorrow.  I'm nervous for her but I know it won't take long to overcome that.  I'm sure of that because I know Heavenly Father had a hand in this.

an interview with addie

What is your favorite color?
Mom- Gold
Addie- Black, white and gold

What is your favorite food?
Mom- Bean and cheese burritos
Addie- Mashed potatoes and steak


What is your favorite treat?
Mom- Butterscotch bars
Addie- Ice Cream

What is your favorite subject in school?
Mom- Science
Addie- Math and yearbook

What is your favorite song?
Mom- Anything George Strait
Addie- Anything from the Wicked soundtrack

What is your favorite place to visit?
Mom- Colorado
Addie- Hawaii or New York City

Who is your best friend?
Mom- Macey and Jailee
Addie- Macey and Jailee

What is your favorite thing to do with Dad?
Mom- Go on adventures
Addie- Go on trips and adventures

What is your favorite thing to do with Mom?
Mom- Go shopping
Addie- To spend quality time together

What makes you nervous?
Mom- not much!
Addie- a lot of things!

What makes you happy?
Mom- Being with friends
Addie- Food, sleep, friends and family

What is something that you wish for?
Mom- Longer hair
Addie- A million dollars

Where do you think you'll get married?
Mom- Snowflake Temple
Addie- Snowflake Temple

What is one thing you want to learn how to do?
Mom- Hair
Addie- Draw

What is one of your greatest strengths?
Mom- Not being afraid of giving talks
Addie- Talking in church

an interview with kimber

What is your favorite color?
Mom- Black
Kimber- Black

What is your favorite food?
Mom- Any fruit or vegetable
Kimber- Parmasean Chicken

What is your favorite treat?
Mom- Puppy Chow
Kimber- Puppy Chow

What is your favorite subject in school?
Mom- Math
Kimber- Math

What is your favorite song?
Mom- Any church song
Kimber- The Spirit of God

What is your favorite place to visit?
Mom- Colorado
Kimber- Colorado

Who is your best friend?
Mom- Ivy
Kimber- Ivy

What is your favorite thing to do with Dad?
Mom- Jump on the trampoline
Kimber- Go to the Valley

What is your favorite thing to do with Mom?
Mom- Go to the store
Kimber- Go to the store

What makes you nervous?
Mom- Doing new things
Kimber- Things I have to do in public

What makes you happy?
Mom- Playing with Ivy
Kimber- Playing with my dolls

What is something that you wish for?
Mom- To be an only child
Kimber- That there was no such thing as fighting and everyone could be happy

Where do you think you'll get married?
Mom- Snowflake Temple
Kimber- Snowflake Temple

What is one thing you want to learn how to do?
Mom- Paint
Kimber-A backflip on the trampoline

What is one of your greatest strengths?
Mom- Being stubborn for the right reasons
Kimber- Fighting for things that I think are right

an interview with lucy

What is your favorite color?
Mom- Blue
Lucy- It doesn't matter, I love every color!

What is your favorite food?
Mom- Tacos
Lucy- Energy Bites

What is your favorite treat?
Mom- Puppy Chow
Lucy- Anything out of the Easy Bake Oven

What is your favorite subject in school?
Mom-- Recess
Lucy- Art

What is your favorite song?
Mom- Anything by George Strait
Lucy- Anything by Brooke White

What is your favorite place to visit?
Mom- Colorado
Lucy- Colorado

Who is your best friend?
Mom- Lacey
Lucy- Lacey

What is your favorite thing to do with Dad?
Mom- Go on rides (on bikes, the ranger, scooter, etc.)
Lucy- Go on four-wheeler rides

What is your favorite thing to do with Mom?
Mom-  Cook
Lucy- Go on rides

What makes you nervous?
Mom- Being in front of people
Lucy- Thinking about bears

What makes you happy?
Mom- Playing with cousins
Lucy- My blanket

What is something that you wish for?
Mom- To play with cousins everyday
Lucy- I wish I had a hoverboard

Where do you think you'll get married?
Mom- The Snowflake Temple
Lucy- The Mesa Temple

What is one thing you want to learn how to do?
Mom- How to do flips
Lucy- Magic

What is one of your greatest strengths?
Mom- Being the biggest lover!  Hugs and kisses all day from this girl!
Lucy- I am good at making people feel good

when things are hard

These last few weeks have been some of the most trying I've ever experienced.  I don't know how to explain it other than I feel like I'm being followed by a dark cloud.  Bad news comes and worse news follows.  I've spent many hours laying in my bed with the door shut, trying to close off the world.  I've spent much time on my knees asking my Heavenly Father to lighten my load and help me feel peace.

I won't write about the trials I am facing because my kids read this :)  But I will write some of the things I have done and currently do to find peace.

Turn to the scriptures-  The scriptures have always been a source of comfort and the first place I go when I need peace.  I've read a few scriptures over the past few weeks that have helped, but the one I read on Friday was the most helpful.

1 Nephi 8:24- "And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree."

Mentally, I broke it down like this:  "And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward (so many are going through difficult trials.  I am not alone), and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron (they turned to the Savior for comfort and direction); and they did press forward through the mist of darkness (when you feel that cloud of darkness, keep going!), clinging to the rod of iron  (cling, hold on for dear life, don't let go even when you feel like you are losing your grip), even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree.  (there is light at the end of the tunnel.  These hardships will not last forever.  You cannot get to the fruit without getting through the darkness)"

Pay close attention to that glimmer of light deep down inside-  It's easy to feel forgotten by Heavenly Father when your troubles seem to have taken over.  It's dark and lonely and feels like you will never come out of that season.  Remember, He will never leave you!  Even in your darkest hour, He is there.  Sometimes you have to dig deep to really focus to get any peace at all, but if you do that, you will find a little morsel of comfort.  Hold on to that and remind yourself of it each time you feel yourself backsliding into a  comfortless place.

Escape- In the spirit of full disclosure, I have spent more time watching Netflix these last two weeks than ever before.  I'm not a movie watcher normally, but I have found that tuning out of life and into a show or movie helps me forget my troubles for a little bit.  Although I feel like it's okay to escape, I do not feel like it's good to stay there for long!  I usually don't finish a whole movie in one sitting.  Take a little time to check out then pick yourself up, refocus and get going!

Attend the Temple-  No other place on earth will give you more peace, so go there!  Last week I wanted to attend the Temple so badly but it felt nearly impossible to get there.  Since I couldn't manage to get into the doors of the temple, I loaded up my girls and we spent time on the temple grounds.  It's amazing, all you have to do it be within the vicinity of the temple and suddenly your cares wash away and you feel His supreme love for you.

Acknowledge the fact that you have challenges-  I know people have trials that are far worse than the ones I have.  With all that is going on, my family has their health and no one has died, we have a home, my husband remains strong and my rock, the church is still the center of our lives and in the end, everything will be okay.  BUT, I am not of the mindset that just because someone is struggling worse than you are, that your trials aren't hard.  This is the place where Heavenly Father has put you and what he has asked you to experience.  You are going to have to stretch and it's probably going to hurt- so don't feel like you are doing something wrong because you are struggling.  

Be happy-  Friday was very hard.  I wanted to throw in the towel and call it quits!  It was hard to hide my emotions from my kids, it was hard to be patient with them, heck, it was hard to even listen to them as they rambled on like they usually do.  But, I did my best to set that aside and be a mom.  It was hard but I had to set my troubles aside and tune into my kids but I am thankful that I did.  This is not their cross to bear and they don't deserve to worry so it's important for me to put a smile on and keep going.

Runaway-  Sometimes you just have to jump in the car and get the heck out of there!  Change up your scenery and leave your troubles at home (because unfortunately, they will still be there when you get back!).  Even better than a ride in the car, get away-away!  I need to escape life for a minute so I'm packing up my kids and heading to California this week.  I spent almost two weeks in the Valley over Christmas in order to get away from work.  This summer I ran away to Colorado to get away.  I know this isn't practical for everyone but if you can, do it!  It's a sort of reset for life.