Quentin L. Cook in October 2011 General Conference said:

"Among the most frequently asked questions of Church leaders are, Why does a just God allow bad things to happen, especially to good people? Why are those who are righteous and in the Lord’s service not immune from such tragedies?

While we do not know all the answers, we do know important principles that allow us to face tragedies with faith and confidence that there is a bright future planned for each of us. Some of the most important principles are:

First, we have a Father in Heaven, who knows and loves us personally and understands our suffering perfectly.

Second, His Son, Jesus Christ, is our Savior and Redeemer, whose Atonement not only provides for salvation and exaltation but also will compensate for all the unfairness of life.

Third, the Father’s plan of happiness for His children includes not only a premortal and mortal life but also an eternal life as well, including a great and glorious reunion with those we have lost. All wrongs will be righted, and we will see with perfect clarity and faultless perspective and understanding."

We look forward to reuniting with Korbin.

Thanksgiving in AZ

We had a week off at Thanksgiving this year, so we were able to drive down to Arizona. Kathy and Ken's family drove down from Utah so we were able to play with cousins and meet Korbin. We had a good time playing football (Josh's new passion), eating our favorite foods, looking at temple lights, going to the park, and shopping of course. Jake was a bit disappointed that Grandma and Grandpa don't have any superhero costumes, so we had to improvise with a pillowcase cape. But as soon as he had his powers back to save the world, he was having fun again.

Not in the what?

Scene: Jake is playing with Play-doh while I fold laundry. Jake is extremely grumpy and saying mean things.

Mom: What's wrong--why are you being so mean?
Jake: I'm just not in the nude, Mom.
Mom: (pause) Um, do you mean 'not in the mood'?
Jake: Yep.
Mom: Did you say "not in the nude?"
Jake: Yep.
Mom: Do you know what that means?
Jake: No.
Mom: Nude means naked.
Jake: (pause--then laughs hysterically)

Jake's Birthday

Jake turned 6 in November (and yes, I know the candle says 5--he insisted on having a glitter candle and we had 5 or 8. He chose 5 saying that we would remember it was really his 6th birthday). He went crazy for his cousin's remote control Big Foot a few weeks ago and wanted that for his birthday. Since that costs $100, I told him we couldn't get that. So, he asked for anything with a remote control. Trying to appeal to the remote control idea and the idea of a toy that walks and talks, I got him a RC car and Grandma and Grandpa Stott got him a moving and talking robot. Both have sat on the shelf these last few weeks, but apparently are quite special still because no one is allowed to play with them.

Halloween . . . finally

It's taken me a while, but here are the Halloween pictures! The boys had "Fictional Character Day" at school where they dress up as a character from a story in their core curriculum. Jacob was King Midas and Josh was Mars the god of war. But they didn't want to be that for the real Halloween, so we had to get two costumes of course. For trick-or-treating, we walked around the neighborhood because we finally live where that's possible! Jake was a ninja and Josh was Darth Vader. The boys were excited to pass out candy too, but we spent so much time out collecting that only a few groups came to our house. So, we have lots and lots of Sour Patch Kids and Swedish Fish leftover. Any takers?

Josh's birthday

The birthday boy mid-jump during the party

The cake for the football party

Josh and his special effects light saber

Such a cute picture of my boys!

Josh is 9!

Jake mid-jump and mid-toss

Josh had a good birthday and party the next weekend. He wanted a football theme, so we created an obstacle course in the backyard, had cake and ice cream, and then played a game on the grass. I had to jump in and start passing the ball. The boys complained that I was only throwing to certain people. I tried telling them my aim isn't that good--I couldn't throw to just one kid even if I wanted to!

Soccer Time!

Jacob decided to take a little break from karate and try out fall soccer. Turns out I LOVE fall soccer! The weather is so much better than spring soccer (which we tried with Josh). Perfect autumn afternoons for practice and warm Saturday mornings for games. He's having a lot of fun and I like that he's still too young for the coaches to keep score.
Jake likes the game, but he loves playing with his friends and cousin Suzi.


After I saw this picture, I'm wondering what his school pictures will look like . . .