ON OUR WAY HOME

Hey everyone - It's been a year since the Schneiders all met to celebrate Christmas and the New Year. This year, it was great to have the Aberdeen, Edmonton and one of the LA contingents of the family visit over the holidays. After New Year's we had an FHE focused on OMWH (On My Way Home). Just to refresh everyone's memory, this is an attempt to focus on the essential activities we need to navigate the treacherous shoals of life and lead us to safe harbor with Heavenly Father. These include daily scripture study, daily prayer, and regular temple attendance.

For our FHE, we decided to focus on scripture study, since this is the most essential part of individual worship. We thought that the discipline needed to continue scripture study daily would lead to discipline and strength in other areas of our lives.
Nano related how daily scripture study builds up reservoirs of peace and calm and that these reservoirs can be drawn upon in times of stress or turmoil. She related how her friend, DiAnn Hirsche, taught her this, as she needed to draw on this reservoir at the time of the death of a loved one. Our spirits need to be nourished just as our physical bodies need to be nourished, and one of the best ways to nourish our spirits is through scripture study. The word has great power and the words of the prophets, revealed through the Holy Ghost, have the greatest power of all.

During our discussion, Gramps made the observation that the only two times that would work for consistent long term daily scripture study were first thing in the morning or last thing at night. The middle part of the day was just too variable and unpredictable. Jordan observed that the morning worked best for him because it allowed him to ponder the scripture during the day and filled his mind with uplifting thoughts.

Nano made the comment that scripture study was like an investment that grows over time and pays big dividends down the road. Char noted that using different approaches helped to maintain interest in the study, and Rach said she sometimes used the topical guide to study different gospel topics.

We decided that the best way is to try different approaches and find what works best for you. It is a marathon, not a sprint. Tryyour new approach for a month, or even a week, and see what a difference it makes in your spiritual well-being. This will have beneficial effects on all areas of your life. This is our challenge and this is our testimony.

Luv to all,
Nano and Gramps

The Diva returns

So my voice is again being heard in this dusty apartment.  I decided to warm up the old vocal chords today and see what they can do.  It was great to try out some new repertoire here in my living room.  I started with a simple Handel piece, and we'll build up from there.   No sense singing the childrens songs they're having me do at Gymboree without throwing in a little operatic flair, eh?  So, yea, the technique is coming back.  Just as I was getting warmed up, our neighbor upstairs began to stir around, so I knew I had at least one in the audience. I had not noticed she was home until I started to sing.  I sure enjoy music, and hopefully she'll convert to it too!  At this point, she doesn't have a choice!

Santa Cruz Christmas

We had such a great time in Santa Cruz for Christmas! Aside from the boys' colds everyone had a super time. Sorry we didn't get to spend time with you guys, but it was great talking to you all and Elder Schneider on Christmas Day! Had to share the picture we took with Santa at the Santa Cruz lighthouse. Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the new year!

'24' and Jack Bauer have nothing on me

I love taking the boys to the park mostly because they seem to love it, they shout and laugh as they climb and play, and they come home with big appetites and solid naps. But it is definitely not a casual, relaxing sort of event. I must have my mommy senses on high alert, my reflexes nimble as a kitty's. About half the time I'm there I feel like I'm training for some kind of combat mission, carefully positioning myself halfway between my active little dudes until my mommy-radar whirs into action- OH NO, JULIAN'S CHANCES OF TAKING A NOSEDIVE OFF THAT STEP STOOL PLAY THING ARE REGISTERING AT 75%, BUT CALEB'S PROBABILITY OF TUMBLING DOWN THE SLIDE ONTO ASPHALT IS AT 65% AND RISING- in an instant I calculate the angles, the content of materials they're about to come into contact with, the potential damage: SLIDE IS ONLY A FEW FEET LONG, POSSIBLY HEADED NOGGIN FIRST vs. STEPY STOOL PLAY THING'S ANGLE IS WILL POSITION JULIAN FOR A BACKWARD SOMMERSAULT ROLL INTO NASTY CORNER OF STRUCTURE. I like to think that I've somehow received superpowers for my mommy mission- in a flash I dive towards Julian and break his fall with my outstretched hand, then, heart pounding, adrenaline flushing, I use my leg to whir myself around and catch Caleb with my foot. Phewsh, saved the day again. Does someone want to set aside the key to the city for me?


While at times I miss and one of the kids biffs it and smacks their head, so far no one has had to call 911 for me, like we did for another parent the other day when their kid fell onto the sidewalk and got a blood gush they'll never forget (we hung around for awhile, luckily the kid seemed to be OK). Who needs '24' and Jack Bauer, just hang out with me at the playground, you'll get your fill of action. Except maybe you wouldn't mind giving me a hand, things are far less eventful when I've got a 1:1 ratio. Then again, I need to get my workout in somehow ;)

Thank you!!!!!!

I LOVED all the posts! You guys made my day. And a very merry un-birthday to all of you!

Happy Birthday

Hi Char! Have the greatest birthday ever! Hope you're staying warm in Scotland.
Happy 3- 0. We're so glad you've graced our family with your presence.
Love Gramps

Charla!!

Charla it's your big day!!  We are so proud of you for making it this far.  We love your spirit and spunk and everything you add to our family.  I am so excited to spend another Christmas with you- it's going to be the best!  I can't wait to sing Christmas carols together.  What does little Oliver say to his mommy today on her special day!?  How wonderful that you can spend it with him and Jord!

Sure love you,

Linds