Quotes

My New Word
"Blesson"
It's when you're able to view painful lessons as Blessings
In other words......
A blesson is what happens when
 you see the blessing in the lesson 
that your challenge taught you

 "It has been said that history turns on small hinges, and so do our lives. Decisions determine destiny. But we are not left unaided in our decisions. If you want to see the light of heaven, if you want to feel the inspiration of Almighty God, if you want to have that feeling within your bosom that your Heavenly Father is guiding you, then follow the prophets of God. When you follow the prophets, you will be in safe territory."

—Thomas S. Monson

""The great test of life is obedience to God. “We will prove them herewith,” said the Lord, “to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them” (Abr. 3:25). The great task of life is to learn the will of the Lord and then do it. The great commandment of life is to love the Lord."" —Ezra Taft Benson

"We cannot truly love God if we do not love our fellow travelers on this mortal journey. Likewise, we cannot fully love our fellowmen if we do not love God, the Father of us all. The Apostle John tells us, “This commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.” We are all spirit children of our Heavenly Father and, as such, are brothers and sisters. As we keep this truth in mind, loving all of God’s children will become easier." —Thomas S. Monson The love of Jesus Christ must be our guide if we are to become aware of the needs of those we can help in some way. The teachings of our Lord, Jesus Christ, show us the way. And that is how our personal ministry begins: discovering needs, then tending to them." —Hugo E. Martinzez, "We cannot foresee what the Lord has in mind for us. Our only course of action is to be prepared and worthy for whatever he requires. We must govern our actions every day with our future in mind." —M. Russell Ballard "It isn’t until you come to a spiritual understanding of who you are that you can begin to take control of yourself. As you learn to control yourself, you will get control of your life. If you want to move the world, you first have to move yourself." —Dieter F. Uchtdorf "Discernment is so much more than recognizing right from wrong. It helps us distinguish the relevant from the irrelevant, the important from the unimportant, and the necessary from that which is merely nice." —David A. Bednar "A pivotal spiritual attribute is that of self-mastery—the strength to place reason over appetite. Self-mastery builds a strong conscience. And your conscience determines your moral responses in difficult, tempting, and trying situations." —Russell M. Nelson "Each day is a day of decision, and our decisions determine our destiny." —Russell M. Nelson "We cannot force God’s children to choose the way to happiness. God cannot do that because of the agency He has given us." —Henry B. Eyring "Many of you have loved ones who are wandering off the path to eternal life. You wonder what more you can do to bring them back. You can depend on the Lord to draw closer to them as you serve Him in faith. You remember the Lord’s promise to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon when they were away from their families on His errands: ‘My friends Sidney and Joseph, your families are well; they are in mine hands, and I will do with them as seemeth me good; for in me there is all power.’" —Henry B. Eyring,

Struggles

"In the Lord's service the path is not always easy. It often requires sacrifices, and we will likely experience adversity. But in serving Him, we discover that His hand is truly over us,...The Lord expects us to be as faithful, as devoted, as courageous as those who went before us. They were called to give their lives for the gospel. We are called to live our lives for the same purpose."

Robert D. Hales

I get daily quotes in my email. This was today's! The Lord knows me. I have had three very hard experiences pop up these past few weeks. One of the experiences, has really made me want to be released from my calling. I am being asked to do some really hard things and frankly I don't want to do them. I know this life is full of trials and tests and in the end, we will be rewarded for our struggles but for today I am floundering. I have the most amazing life.  My life is filled with friends and family who I can count on at the drop of a dime. I am so blessed but at the same time I am so so lonely. I have been given a large trial to bear. I am grateful for the knowledge that my Heavenly Father is constantly looking out for me and he loves me. At times, this life will be hard, even too much, but in the end I will be triumphant because the Lord is on my side.

Dropped Teesh off at the MTC today. A portion of my heart stayed at the MTC today. I love Leticia so much. I am so proud of her. I was lucky enough to have her around for the past 8 months. We spent most everyday together. She worked a lot but she was home and my side kick a lot. I loved it! I loved our conversations. I loved her company. I loved her sense of humor. I loved how she softened me. I loved her insight on topics. I loved her smile. I loved her kind demeanor. Leticia is amazing! As I sit here, bawling my eyes out, because I miss her so I wouldn't want her anywhere else but serving the Lord. It is Teesh's time to spread her wings and fly. I miss her like you have no understanding but it is time to let her grow into the next phase of HER life. She is going to be such an positive influence to all that are near her. So today I mourn her but I rejoice her as well. Go get 'em Teesh and I will be your biggest fan cheering and supporting you along the way. I love you to the moon and back!

 

MTC

Today is a bittersweet day. 

We woke up and I made breakfast burritos per Teesh's request. We had a slow morning of finalizing packing and getting tears out(so I thought anyway). Grandma and Grandpa Ellis spent the night and enjoyed the morning with us.

While I was doing other prep, Dad, the seamstress was doing a fix it job. What a good Dad.

Headed to Provo. 

This will be the last time I will look back and see these 5 smiling faces. I am seriously so blessed to have these spirits in my life. I love each of them with all that I have to offer. Even when Ada won't cooperate and Bria is silly. They have no idea was is about to happen ;(

Grandpa Ellis suggested Creamery on 9th East before getting to the MTC. Good suggestion grandpa. We were all impressed with the yumminess.

My three lovelies

We went to the Provo Temple grounds before hitting the MTC. This is where the reality of the experience started to hit. It was so hard to take these photos.

Teesh, you are amazing. You are so amazing. Do you hear me? You are a Daughter of our Loving Heavenly Father. He will watch out for you. I wish I could sneak in your suitcase and witness first hand the transformation that will take place. I miss you already and you are still in my arms.

These two have no idea what blessings they will experience due to Teesh serving our Lord. They all three share such a great relationship and due to Teesh being absent for the next 18 months that relationship will change but they will always remain close and have the rest of their lives to develop a new better relationship.

Teesh will enter the Provo Temple on her P-Day to complete our goal of hitting all Utah Temples.

And we round the corner to see this......missionaries directing us to the dreaded departure. My heart is so heavy!

Bria worked on hard to complete her portrait of Teesh. It melted all our hearts as Teesh shed tears upon receiving it. Oh Bria you are such a sweet sweet soul just like Teesh. So many similar qualities these two share. UGH!....sniff sniff

Time to get the luggage

The last hug session, so hard!!!!

I have to admit. This moment felt like a dull ice pic stabbing my heart 5 times. No one prepared me for how hard this would be. I naturally knew it would be hard but the magnitude was indescribable. Wow! How can a heart be so happy and breaking at the same time.

The sweet missionary that patiently waited while we said our goodbyes turned to Teesh when she was ready and said,"Are you Ready?" Teesh shook her head and he said very enthusiastically, "Put a Smile on your face and let's get going!" And just like that she was gone.

Sister Leticia Hansen, you will do amazing things in the mission field. I am selfish and don't want to share you, but the Lord personally asked you to serve and I must let go. I can't wait for the first email stating how great you are doing. I love you. We all love you. Our family will miss you but we will see you soon. Very Very Soon. The field is ready for harvest, go find those souls searching for the gospel.

Farewell/Setting Apart

Teesh wanted Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Chips, Salad and Cookies for her farewell gathering. With the weather having a chill in the air, I knew our home would not support 100+ so we reserved a building weeks in advance. Well, as it would happen days before the event, we were informed we could no longer use that building. UGH! Serious, we have the invites sent out, we have the decorations bought, good thing Corby can come up with Plan B at the drop of a hat. We were able to rent the Town Home Clubhouse with just days to the celebration.

Leticia gave a talk I will always remember. She amazes me at every turn. She spoke with such poise and articulation. She remained composed and did a fantastic job. Most of Corby and I's siblings were in attendance and then we were showered with lots of love from friends. I was busy keeping things running that Clarissa was left in the car but Teesh snapped a few shots at the end so here is a few glimpses of the beautiful day.

Bria noticed a lot of cards with money were being handed to Teesh. Such a sweetie that Bria and Ada are they both raided their piggy banks and gave Teesh ALL they had in there. Bria gave Teesh $5.00. Bria said, "I want to help Teesh out on her mission." How many times can a heart break in few short days?

After the farewell gathering ended, the party after the party began. A few loved ones came back to the house and we ate, played games and enjoyed the last Sunday as a family.

Rod, is Sierra's friend, came over to hang as well. I like to tease him and take pictures because of all the selfies him and Sierra post

Ada insists on doing her own hair. She actually does a pretty decent job. She wanted me to document this latest hair style

Ada also gave all she had in her piggy bank. $1.00 to the mission fund. Teesh said to me later, I really don't want to take all their money mom. I told her I would take care of the situation. Isn't that just the sweetest little memory. $6.00 isn't much towards a mission expense but the idea that they will give all they have to Teesh. I love my family!

Just a few shots of some of my favorite people. Jaren in middle always provides my heart with laughter and love. He is so good to know me and offer a laugh.

Kylar was being a typical 16 year old and kept interfering with my photography. Kylar is a chip off the ole block.

Malia and Arianna. It was a pleasant surprise for Arianna and her family to visit. Arianna's father is Troy who is Corby's oldest brother

The next day my parents came to stay. My Dad woke up not feeling the best. Ada took great care of him while he fell asleep during his journal entry. Poor Grandpa Ellis!

Teesh invited a few close family members to witness her setting apart. Jaren, Talia, and Kaylen came. Grandpa and Grandma Ellis and Grandma Hansen and then our family. We met at the Stake Center at 9:00PM. President Schulte spoke to Teesh privately for a bit while the gang slid star blankie across the large high council table. It was refreshing to take my mind off what was about to happen.

After the setting apart took place, we came back home and Teesh had everyone in attendance tell her what they remembered in her setting apart. She recorded the memories in her mission journal. I made brownies and ice cream sun daes for everyone.

Teesh was given such great counsel in her blessing. Many tears were shed and it is an evening we will all remember. My last night with my family as I  know it. So happy and so so sad at the same time.