Alayna the "bucket head"

article on strengthening the family

This past spring two different bird families built nests in my yard. A small sparrow chose a rose tree on my patio for her nest. Time after time she flew back and forth, carrying blades of grass and small twigs in her beak. Carefully she manipulated her way through the rose thorns, depositing her building materials in the chosen spot. She worked without resting until the tiny nest was finished. I was amazed at how carefully the grasses were woven to make a strong and stable structure. I was almost moved to tears when I saw in the bottom of the nest four small pieces of cotton, placed in just the right spot to make a soft bed for her little ones.

The second bird, a robin, chose to build her nest in front of my house near the rain gutter, up high where ground predators could not reach it. Since she was larger, so was her nest, and in addition to being bigger, the outside of her nest was glued with mud, which kept the grasses and twigs together and held it in the crook of the rain gutter. Inside, single blades of grass were woven into a soft, cuplike shape that perfectly cradled the bird.

When the nests were completed, both birds laid their eggs and began the daily vigil of protecting and nurturing. Hour after hour, day after day these birds sat on their eggs. After the eggs hatched, the mothers worked full time to feed their hungry babies.

One particularly hot day I noticed the robin sitting on her nest, panting with her beak open. Obviously she was uncomfortable in the glare of the sun. I wondered why she stayed. Then I realized she was not sitting deep in the nest as she had when she was keeping her babies warm. Instead she was carefully stretched over the top of the nest, forming a protective shelter to keep her featherless babies from being sunburned.

I began to read about birds and the great pains they take to build homes for their families. Did you know that barn swallows make more than 1,200 mud-carrying trips in order to construct their nests? One single nest of a hooded oriole was found to contain 3,387 separate pieces of material. It seems to me that birds invest everything—their time, their energy, their means, their own comfort—to make a home and rear their young. It is not a priority that is given second place or avoided. It takes first place.

Since watching the birds in my yard, I have wondered who taught these birds what to do. How did they know how to build a nest and to shade their fledglings from the sun? Birds follow instincts to provide, protect, and nurture. These are God-given instincts, and pondering on them caused me, along with the Psalmist, to exclaim, “O Lord, how great are thy works!” (Ps. 92:5).

We are also blessed with God-given instincts. We instinctively want so much for those we love, and yet being human, we encounter many more problems than the birds I observed. In today’s society there are many who challenge the importance of the traditional home and family. Some think there are other uses of a woman’s time and talents that are more important than the family. But prophets have been relentless in declaring that the role of homemaker is one of the most sacred and meaningful pursuits possible to man or woman. Sisters in all life circumstances have opportunities to build and nurture others within their sphere of influence. As you and I learn more about Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation, we are assured that no matter the circumstances of our individual lives, creating a safe and nurturing environment for those we love is of the utmost importance.

April 26, 2006

April 26, 2006

I tell ya, April has been one very busy month. But I must say, one wonderful thing has been the gorgeous Spring weather we have had. We welcome it with open arms. Ours trees and flowers are blooming. It’s so exciting to spend the day in warmth and sunshine!

It was our 13th anniversary this week and Bob did the coolest thing. He actually planned a secret weekend away, but someone at church accidently spilled the beans. Anyway, he arranged for Hal and Corey to come watch the kids (Thank you so much for that!) Then he took me to a movie, out to dinner, out for dessert, and then to a hotel for the night. It was so relaxing and I was so impressed that he planned that all out for us. It’s incredible to think we have been married for 13 wonderful years. The time really does fly.

On Sunday, I spoke at Stake Conference. That is quite nerve-racking. Elder Orton came as the General Authority and I was able to meet him. I spoke on the Family and How to strengthen our homes. I think it went well? I did have dry mouth but just hoped and prayed no one could tell. I will post the story I used in th talk in case anyone is interested. That night, I taught the youth fireside on dating. I thought it was a huge success. The youth all had tons of questions that I was actually prepared to answer. It was a blast to teach and hopefully they learned something as well. They let Marisa come watch and it was so fun to have her there. I guess she will get to go to all the firesides from now on. So exciting!

On Monday night, we had the missionaries over for dinner along with the Herring’s family in our ward. We had a fun night making homemade tacos and of course, the chocolate fountain. The missionaries taught the lesson aimed at Tyler and the little boy, Joey, who will be getting baptized this year. It was a fun evening.

So, the last few days I have been a slug. Next month is full of lots of fun stuff as well, so I figured it would be ok to be sluggy! Until next week....

My "art" project. That is Kayla, Tyler and Alaynas feet. I just framed that picture and added stickers up top to make the words.

Kayla's new Easter outfit. sitting with Grandma Hart

ALaynas new easter dress

Tyler and Alayna Easter morning