The Holy Light of Freedom...

We believe that all men are bound to sustain and uphold the respective governments in which they reside, while protected in their inherent and inalienable rights by the laws of such governments; and that sedition and rebellion are unbecoming every citizen thus protected, and should be punished accordingly; and that all governments have a right to enact such laws as in their own judgments are best calculated to secure the public interest; at the same time, however, holding sacred the freedom of conscience. ~ D&C 134:5

It is part of our civic duty to be moral in our conduct toward all people. There is no place in responsible citizenship for dishonesty or deceit or for willful law breaking of any kind. We believe with the author of Proverbs that "righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people." (Proverbs 14:34.) The personal righteousness of citizens will strengthen a nation more than the force of its arms.

The single word that best describes a fulfillment of the duties of civic virtue is patriotism. Citizens should be patriotic. My favorite prescription for patriotism is that of Adlai Stevenson:

"What do we mean by patriotism in the context of our times? ... A patriotism that puts country ahead of self; a patriotism which is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime."

I close with a poetic prayer. It is familiar to everyone in the United States, because U.S. citizens sing it in one of their loveliest hymns. It expresses gratitude to God for liberty, and it voices a prayer that he will continue to bless them with the holy light of freedom:

Our fathers' God, to thee,
Author of liberty,
To thee we sing;
Long may our land be bright
With freedom's holy light.
Protect us by thy might,
Great God, our King!

The Divinely Inspired Constitution | Elder Dallin H. Oaks
February 1992

Caring and nurturing...

Colby and I went to Harmon's the other day. We saw this flower and almost at the same time we both thought Grey would like it. He was learning about hydroponics and this plant was a good example of growing plants without soil. 

Colby sent this picture to me and said, "Grey has been caring and nurturing the flower and it's almost blooming." That made me happy and it's also fun to text with Colby!

The flower is beautiful and has a nice fragrance, almost like lilacs. I think it's a hyacinth.

This and that...

Winter decided to show up but only for a day.

Mark, Colby, and Grahm made smores in the canyon and were heading back just before the winds picked up, and it started snowing.

Contrast that with the beautiful flowers that Chris sees in the Philippines this time of year.

You can have a lot of fun with plastic cups and Nerf guns!

Grandpa didn't have a chance arm wrestling with Grey and Grahm.

I like a song that Iam Tongi wrote for his Mom call "Sunshine." He won American Idol a few years ago and I got to meet him. His cousin and aunt work at my school. I've played the song a few times for Grey and Grahm. Grahm always sings along. The song has a positive message. I love hearing Grahm sing and recorded him singing this song today.

Let your sunshine shine
Let the music play
Don't you let no fool
Rain on your parade
Let your spirit rise
Chase them clouds away
Let your sunshine shine
Today

Grahm does let his sunshine shine!

For almost 20 years Holley has been a SPED aide at Lincoln Academy. For 13 of those years I have had the pleasure of working with her. Holley is a hard worker and has made difference. She leaves a legacy of devotion and so much joy.

With Hillary Weeks...

I will miss her but she will have more time to be with her family, and do some things she's been wanting to do.

All the best to Holley in this new chapter.

Forever and a day with my Grandsons...

Grahm got a handsome haircut. Tiffani always does a good job. And  that dimple!

Another unseasonably warm winter day and lots of bubbles.

Grahm showed me step by step how he makes Top Ramen. It was very sweet.

Cutest Leprechaun ever!

Always popcorn and a movie!

So strong!

My favorite burritos!

I'm so thankful Grey and Grahm have each other. They get along so well almost all the time. 

Grahm's strategy was to hide in the bathroom! Grey patiently goes along with his shenanigans.

Grahm made this funny face and it reminded me of Colby! A few days later I asked Colby and Grahm to make the face so I could get a picture. They are so fun and make me smile.

Colby was trying not to laugh.

Grey impresses me often with his engineering skills!

I may not be able to slow down time but I can soak up every hug, every laugh, every Grandma Day, and sleepover along the way. I hope my grandsons will always know how much I love being with them... forever and a day!