Tender Mercies...

I felt impressed to share this experience and how it relates to this song:

I'm missing my dad something fierce today, tomorrow marks 5 months since his passing. I opened up Pandora, looking for solace through music, I typed in "The Mormon Tabernacle Choir" for a 'station' and hit enter. First song out of the gate was a song from the Messiah, one of my dad's favorites - I of course started crying like a baby. Each song played was one that meant SO much to me about my dad. I KNOW he was letting me know he was there (as I felt him standing by me), each song a testament of his love for me and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Best part and why?: The second song played was this one. As my dad suffered the last day of his life, hymns and songs of worship were one of the things that help sooth his suffering. Towards the end, as his body fought to stay with his spirit, he would get restless even on pain medication. The Hymns and other LDS music, helped to calm him. When his favorites were played, he'd deeply sigh as the Spirit (invited by these songs and the sacredness of one leaving this life) helped to soothe his soul, a peace and calmness falling over him. 

The Lord's Prayer is one of my mom's favorite songs, she would sing it, and my dad loved to hear her sing! We'd never heard this version, with Andrea Bocelli singing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. That day, I found this song - the way I found it, some may call an accident - it was anything but accidental. As I listed to this song, with my mom laying next to my dad holding his hand, we wept and were overcome by so many things: by the presence of the Spirit, of those on the other side waiting for my dad's return, the knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the sealing power of the Priesthood, the joy the plan of salvation brings, the knowledge that this was not the end, the peace brought by knowing this was the Lord's will and plan for my dad, and the tender mercies of the Lord that were given to us in the last months of my dad's life (and truly my entire life, IF I look for the hand of the Lord, I can see it daily). 

I'm in awe of the Gospel, my Savior, His suffering and sacrifice, His willingness and worthiness to offer Himself for my sake, of the plan of happiness and salvation, the intricate part if plays in my life, the plan the Lord has for each of us, how tailored our own lives are for each of us as individuals, how it teaches us, humbles us, helps us to become better instead of bitter (if we choose), and to "polish us" for the day we too are called home. I am eternally grateful for all I've been blessed with through birthright, trials, loss, defeat, and triumph through the Lord's hand - because all I have is acquired in debt to my Savior and Heavenly Father; the gift of repentance and redemption - the gift given to us all to turn weakness into strength. The more I learn, the more I'm humbled. It strengthens me and encourages me, so I too can say, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

I miss you Dad, thank you for your example, continued guidance, and always being there - even today!! I love you!!

I hope this song touches you the way it has touched me and enjoy the beautiful words...
"...Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." - Matthew 6:9-13

In Loving Memory

William Gerritt Vander Linden

For those that don't know, my dad passed away in April after battling Leukemia. He was my hero and was all things wonderful. He was everything a Father should be and I miss him so much. I will be posting some things I've written down over this experience, so they aren't lost or forgotten. Until then, I thought I would share his obituary:

William Gerritt Vander Linden 1952-2013, age 60

William Gerritt Vander Linden, loving and devoted brother, husband, father, and Opa, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2013, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with Leukemia. An inspirational role model to his family and countless others, Bill lived a life exemplified by love, duty to God and his country, integrity, and service. He was admired for his spiritual and physical strength, work ethic, and grounded values.

Born August 23, 1952, to Arthur and Ruth Naomi Van Seters Vander Linden in Salt Lake City, Utah, he learned the value of hard work by helping his father in the construction industry. After graduation from Olympus High School in 1970, he joined the Utah Army National Guard and completed his basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey and AIT at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland prior to serving his LDS mission in his beloved ancestral homeland of The Netherlands from January 1972 to January 1974. Upon returning from his mission, he enrolled in college at the University of Utah and soon after met his sweetheart, Kathleen Groesbeck. After a short courtship, they were sealed in the Ogden, Utah LDS Temple on July 18, 1974. He later graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics with an emphasis in Urban Planning.

For 10 years Bill worked with his father and brothers in a family construction business as general contractors and later served as a zoning enforcement inspector, planner, building inspector, plans examiner, assistant building official, and building official for Salt Lake City Corp., Coalville City, and Summit County. While working for the various jurisdictions, Bill was an active member of the Utah Chapter of the ICC serving in many capacities including president. He continued his service in the Utah Army National Guard for twenty-six years, retiring in 1997 at the rank of Captain in the 142^nd Military Intelligence Battalion as a Dutch linguist. He loved his country and served it valiantly.

Bill enjoyed playing and watching athletic sports during his lifetime and spent many hours teaching his children, coaching them, playing sports with them, and traveling to many games returning in the wee hours of the morning. He was a devout fan of the University of Utah sports teams, the Green Bay Packers football team, and the San Francisco Giants baseball team.

His devotion to the doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was his life’s mission. He was true to the faith and was an example in word and deed. His loyalty to God and his family were paramount in all that he did. He was a constant support to his wife and children in all of their endeavors. He honored the priesthood and cherished his relationships with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He wants no empty chairs! “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)

Bill will be greatly missed and remembered by those surviving him, including his wife, Kathleen G. Vander Linden and their four children and spouses: William Gerritt (BJ) and Jennifer Vander Linden Jr. of South Jordan, Utah; April and Todd H. Schmidt and Catharina and Chad J. Lance of West Jordan, Utah, and Eric Spencer and Vanessa Vander Linden of Layton, Utah. Bill will greatly miss his thirteen precious grandchildren: Katija, Ethan, Gerritt, Jakob, Leah, Aunna, Joshua, Natalie, Neeltje, Eliza, Bradley, Caden and Megan.

Bill is also survived by his brother Scott B. (Ranae) Vander Linden; his sisters Tracy Otteson, Melanie (Wren) Fox, Joan (Brad) Herridge, Steffanie (Christopher) Staples, and sister-in-law Nola Vander Linden Carlson and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Christine, brother Arthur Vander Linden Jr., and brother-in-law Gregg D. Otteson.

Being 5 Is So Rough!

Caden had a rough morning. Well, he made it rough for all of us. The girls kept asking,"Why is Caden crying?" Because, really Caden isn't the crying type of child. Chad was on-call from yesterday at 8 AM to 8 AM this morning and was called out twice, the second time was around 3 AM. So, Chad got home around 7 AM this morning after being called out and woke Caden up. Free advice: Don't wake children up, let them wake themselves (at this age anyway).

First it was Caden's shirt, he was laying on the floor all floppy doll saying it was too hard (and he hadn't even tried one button), he was just flopping on the floor sighing and crying. Then I was helping with his belt and he was crying, standing there - he was acting like I'd asked him to do Algebra. I asked why he was crying and he started crying harder and said,"I don't KNOW!" Lol! I started laughing and that made him cry even more, so I told him he was going to take a nap! He was wailing in his room, for almost an hour.

I knew he was tired. Caden isn't like this unless he is so past tired, that there is no reasoning with him. So I did the one thing that always seems to work for Caden...I read. When I need Caden to nap...I read out loud from a book I'm reading. I told him to lay on my bed and I started reading out loud...BAM, one minute in and he was out. Being 5 is SO rough ;)

Eliza's New Look...

Eliza was playing outside and came in crying. She and Natalie were playing outside. Apparently from 'reports' Eliza ran into the frame of the tramp with her face! Hit both eyes and now has double black eyes. When asked how this happened Natalie informed me she fell into the tramp frame while playing the 'tripping' game. This delightful new game ...created by my own children - I couldn't be more proud :). This injury happened within days of Eliza loosing both of her top front teeth. She looks like she lost her teeth and got the black eyes by getting smacked around lol. So I call this photo 'The Boxer'. My cell camera cant do it justice without a flash. Hope it made you smile :)

Here is a funny video from our Washington State vacation that will make you laugh...

  So, I came across a video from our Washington State vacation... 

  The background behind this video is...Chad was teasing me by lowering my window as I was focused on the camera; I noticed a bit late!! We had just had a zebra bite our side window on our van and I was worried the Llama would be frustrated and take the same action. That is why I "scolded" Chad, I was in complete fear and not thinking clearly. State of survival I guess LOL :). Enjoy it, it was a fun experience and vacation ha ha :)!! Not to mention we were stuck in a pen with bison and was terrified of retaliation - in a state of fear to say the least!

Faith...

Over the years, getting older and all :), I would really ponder what scripture study was. I've read the scriptures, I know the stories. But I'm not one who knows exact books, chapters, and verses of where to exactly find a reference. So in the past, maybe 3 years...wow it might be 4! I've discovered something that really works for me. 

I really wanted to know what 'scripture study' really was and what the prophets meant. I know we are at different stages in our lives, but for me at that point I felt like I was missing something obvious to everyone else. I even asked the question outright in Gospel Doctrine. The teacher didn't think I was serious, so I said, "No, really what IS it to study your scriptures? I know we're to read them and I do, but what is it to really 'study' and 'search' the scriptures?" No one answered, I didn't know if it was because they too were in the same boat as me or if it was too simple a question that no one thought needed answered. I read the scriptures, but felt like only reading the scriptures in order, over and over; was like saying a prayer using vain repetitions and not getting what I wanted or needed out of it. So I ended up getting the student and teachers manuals for the gospel doctrine classes AND then went on to get the student or teacher manuals for certain institute courses. I used the outlines to guide my study so I felt like I was researching or 'studying' the scriptures. I've found this to be a great blessing in my life.

So, now after the initial start of doing this, it's turned into going off on tangents or something LOL. I will start reading a story from the scriptures and usually the story is focused on a specific topic, like a 'moral' to the story if you will. So I will then be researching or studying about Faith, Repentance, The Atonement, Selfishness, Sacrifice, Tolerance, Kindness, Judging Others etc... there are so many topics to choose from! 

With the launch of the new www.lds.org site ( www.new.lds.org ), it has been WONDERFUL!! You can do your scripture study online. You can read articles then click the scripture referenced and it pulls it right up and you can read all the verses. I love how you can highlight and mark notes to what you're reading etc, AND you can keep a journal online too!! I'm loving it and think it is amazing. Now you can have your scriptures at your fingertips almost anywhere. You just log into your account anywhere you are and pick up where you left off. 

With the Journal option, I love this idea! I don't have to worry about my kids scribbling in it, loosing it, or getting the hand cramp from writing like I do. My journal entries can be lengthy (who ME, no way...shut the front door!), so typing is so much faster for me.

So, the reason the title of this post is 'Faith...' is because that is what I'm studying right now. The more I study the more I realize why Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the first principle of the Gospel. It always comes back to faith and I LOVE that!

I've read the book 'Living by the Power of Faith' by Gene Cook at least 3 times all the way through and parts of it more than I can count. In this book it references scriptures and it referenced 'Articles of Faith' by James E Talmage. I'd heard of the book and knew of it, but hadn't read it. I realized I had that very book given to me by my Grandma and Grandpa when I graduated High School. I started reading it and was HOOKED! In 'Articles of Faith' it referenced 'Lectures on Faith'. So when I was at Deseret Book getting Natalie her scripture bag I saw it for only $6.95! I totally bought it and have only read a little bit and it's AMAZING! I highly recommend ALL three of these books. Starting with, 'Living by the Power of Faith' would be the best bet and my suggestion. It has changed my life and they are all books that I don't want to be without in my Scriptural Library. 'Living by the Power of Faith' is good for the starter/jump starter; it's out of print but you can find it used for a great deal and is a wonderful book just to have by itself. Okay there is my soapbox moment!

Jealous much?!!

Check out the snow fall in our neck of the woods! It snowed approx 8-12 inches on Sunday to Monday alone. There is so much we're running out of places to stack it while shoveling! We don't have parkways so it's between the sidewalk and roadway - AWESOME!

Okay so I should be sleeping but the insomnia bug has hit again. I mean I'm all for being up WITH energy; if you're going to be awake, might as well make good use of it. Sadly that is not the case.
It's more constant lists of things you want to do, but can't, going through your head-works wonders on my anxiety! Realizing I have a chronic illness & can't control my on & off days, just adds to my feelings of being lazy/useless. I'm trying with all that is in me to pace myself. That is really hard to do when you're ... well ...ME! It is a constant work in progress. I will succeed, I'll figure it out eventually. Right? Or at least figure out all the ways that don't work - that is still progress and I'll take it in any way!

One Tired Little Girl AND Momma!!

Okay so we've been dealing with a lot of things at once. One of those things is helping Eliza so she can function at school & primary! She is bright & funny, but very distractable. Last year I took her to be evaluated for an auditory processing disorder. This was a precaution taken because of her prematuritiy. Her Pediatrician wanted to rule it out before deciding on an adhd diagnosis. So off to the clinic we went only to find us back there for 2 more evaluations that had nothing to do with her hearing (which was perfect btw). Instead they involved Asperger's testing followed by an Autistic spectrum disorder diagnosis! We went from being cautious to just plain confused. You know when you get a diagnosis & it explains things & makes sense? Well this was the opposite. It was leaving confused, frustrated, angry, & exhausted. In May was her Kindergarten check up. Pedi sees her, disagrees &
wants a re-evaluation. FINALLY we had her appt today & after 2+ hrs it's ADHD like we thought.

Mormon Messages contd...

I like to think of these as a spiritual boost for the day, or a thought for the day. So here is something that can uplift your day and 'Listen to the Prophets' voice'. Hope you enjoy them as I have!

Parenting

Mormon Messages contd...

Voice-of-the-Spirit

Mormon Messages contd...

Continue-in-Patience

Mormon Messages...

LDS.org is my home page. I do this to remind myself to say my prayers and read my scriptures daily (more in the morning - I struggle to remember). So as I was reading the home page of LDS.org they have these Mormon messages that they post on youtube.com. You can also share them on facebook.com or other social networking sites. There are quite a few that I loved personally because they are taken from general authorities' talks and they just so happen to be my favorite talks, the ones I quote and use for daily reference. So I wanted to share some of them.

Motherhood:-An-Eternal-Partnership

Puppy Play...

Here are Otto and Pipp playing. They're funny. Otto is really patient it's really funny when Pipp is too hyper and Otto will put him in his place. Otto is helpful with training him. It's been nice.

City Of Lights?! Pretty Much...



Well this is us driving into Las Vegas. This is just a sliver of all the lights! The kids are awe struck by all the lights. I've never driven into Vegas. Chad and I went to Vegas for our honeymoon, but flew in. It is a massive sight.

Another Surgery...But It's NOT ME!!

Our puppy Pipp had eye surgery on Monday.  Let me first say that eye surgery is NOTHING like getting neutered!!  It's a lot more complicated and exhausting.  Pipp developed Cherry Eye .  We're not sure whether it was genetic or not, but neither parent had a problem with this condition.  It is only on his left eye and I hope it stays that way.  I think he got poked in the eye and the infection led to the Cherry Eye, it is said that can happen.  It's a complicated surgery and we went with the Pocket Technique, it has a better success rate.  OUCH right?!!  I couldn't imagine having that done to my eye.  I never thought I'd have this kind of complication with a pet.  It was a lot more stressful than I imagined.  We've grown so attached that there really was no other choice.  After only 4 days the glad started BLEEDING, having a puppy bleeding from their eye is traumatic!  The Cherry Eye swelled so badly that it was partially covering his pupil and effecting his vision.  He's so little and young they didn't know if they wanted to do the surgery, but with the bleeding and risk of damaging the tissue and gland they decided to do the surgery.  The veterinarian said if he handled the surgery well she would go ahead and neuter him so he wouldn't have to have another surgery.  He did great so she went ahead and neutered him, so at least that is done too.  I'm exhausted, I have to keep Otto our Pug away from him so they don't play too rough - the kids too, since they're off track.  It would be awful to have to have the surgery repeated!!

Pipp has a cone around his neck and the thing is as big as he is, so it's very awkward for him to get around.  He's figuring it out and is doing better with it today.  Vet looked at him today before we go to Vegas and said it looks good, so that was reassuring.  I've never prayed so much for an animal before.  I'll let you know how it goes.  I'll post a picture, with the swelling it makes him look sad all the time.  It makes me laugh, because when I take him to the vet, people will look at him and say, "Aww, He looks so sad!"

Meet Pipp Our New Puppy...

 

Here is our new puppy. His name is Pipp. He is a Chihuahua and 10 wks old.
He has a great temperament, he's wonderful with the kids, and is SO patient. He's very laid back when it comes to being kid handled and that's a bonus.
Our other dog Otto loves him and looks for him if he doesn't know where he is at that moment. The two dogs play great together and its funny to watch. He even loves playing with our cat Gilbert. Gilbert too is patient and tolerant of a puppy. He indulges Pipp and Otto by playing back with them.
Pipp is crate trained and slept over 8 hrs last night! It's the best way to help with house breaking.
He will walk on a leash and it's funny. He is only 2 1/2 lbs so he looks like a rat on a leash. Amazingly he does great, he follows and doesn't pull. He's very sweet. We're all in love with him- I think maybe even Chad is falling for him. He was laying with both dogs, snuggled under a blanket.

Feeling Better!!

Finally after 2 and 1/2 months I'm feeling better after my surgery. I had surgery #10 in June - I had an abdominal hysterectomy. Holy WOW, that is a hard surgery!! Now I can finally figure out my hormones AND thyroid levels. Apparently they feed off each other and don't do well when they work against eachother. I'll keep you posted as they work out a better Rx combo. I'm excited for the progress that has been made so far, it has been a long time, but in the last 4 months we've made the most progress in general.

I've been cleaning this week like crazy and I finally CAN!! I found my charger/USB cord for our new camera so I can add the photos that have been stuck on there. I took a picture last night of my clean kitchen, I know I'm a spaz! But it was quiet with children sleeping and it was clean - a welcomed difference!

We're going on vacation next week to Las Vegas to see my friend who moved there this past year. I'm so excited to see her, having her away from Utah has been so hard - I miss her SO much!! It will be fun to see her and her cute family. All the kids play great together and they're excited to see eachother too. We're driving, so...wish us luck :). After last years first vacation that consisted of DRIVING TO WASHINGTON STATE...I say, Veagas?...BRING IT ON!! 8 hrs or whatever it is, will feel like nothing after the drive to Washington State.

I hope to add some photos and update more later, hope all are well and happy.

Oh and on a last note...we got a new puppy!! How dumb am I?!! It is actually going well, the kids love him and he is great with them. He is a Chihuahua, almost 10 wks old, and only 2 1/2 pounds. I can't describe his coloring, it's unique. He is a short haired Chihuahua. Finally his name is Pipp, because he's a little Pip Squeak - lol. He's a cutie, I'll post pictures when I can.

Caden's 2 year Anniversary...

Monday, May 10th, was Caden's 2 year sealing anniversary. I can't believe it's been so long, but at the same time I almost forgot because it feels as though it's always been. I asked Chad if he knew what the 10th was, and he said, "Uh, D Day?". I told him of the date and he went, "Huh, that's right." Now don't misunderstand...Chad is IN LOVE with this boy! He just said what I felt, that he didn't remember because we both forget that I didn't carry him to term and deliver him. That it just IS and feels as though it has always been. I seriously forget, I find myself thinking when the kids ask about their deliveries, the details of Caden's; only to realize I wasn't pregnant with him. But, I can still say...He was my best pregnancy and delivery - plus our biggest baby, a whopping 8lbs 1oz! We love him dearly and are grateful the Lord allowed Caden to be a member of our family. He was definitely meant for our family and we will thankfully and gladly take him, whatever path he had to take to our family.

Their Performances...

The order is: Natalie, Leah, and Katija.

A Night of Music...

The three older girls are taking piano (all four coming soon). So, they had a recital tonight. Leah refused to play in the recital last Christmas, then said she didn't want to play piano at all. Later she said she wanted to take gymnastics, I told her if she wouldn't take piano lessons then no gymnastics. I told her she could never take piano lessons if she could find even 5 adults who either; wished they'd never learned to play piano or were glad they didn't ever learn to play piano. She couldn't find any at all, so she decided she'd start piano again. She played in the recital this time and did great. They all did great! They each chose a primary song, I'm glad they like primary songs though - nothing like announcing to all of Riverton Music..."WE'RE MORMONS!" lol. Katija picked the easiest one she could find she said. Next time I'm hoping they'll branch out.