Latter-Day Saint

MOSES LAKE, Washington
Disclaimer: I do not know much about this Moses Lake of which I write. But what I do know, and what I have experienced is memorable and sweet. My grandparents moved to Moses Lake, Washington after I had already grown. As such, I do not have memories of childhood visits to Gramma and Grampa at …

RUNNING WITH ANGELS, Utah
Upon our move to Utah, our family was invited to participate in the annual Running With Angels 5K at Thanksgiving Point, Lehi, Utah. The race is run in memory of children who have passed away, and is hosted by Intermountain Utah Valley Hospital, and Pamela Hansen, who featured Matthew’s story on her blog this past Spring. As a …

FAMILY LIVING, Thanksgiving Trees
The children were adorable. And hilarious. This Thanksgiving Day project took A LOT of thought, on their part. Apparently we are not as comfortable listing things we are grateful for as we are listing things we want for Christmas. But, once they got started, their trees filled up brilliantly! WHAT IF YOU WOKE UP …

FAMILY LIVING, Lock-Down
Yesterday, while I was volunteering in the classroom, the elementary school had a lock-down drill. A lock-down drill, if you haven’t experienced one, is a drill run by the school, to prepare students/staff in the case of intruders. Students were locked in their classrooms. Each hid in a corner of the room, silent, with either …

FAMILY LIVING, Sunday Night Street
When I phoned the audiologist at NYU for an appointment to have my son’s hearing tested, the receptionist on the other end of the line took down our information: “And, what is your street address?” “106 E 79th Street.” “Thank you for calling. We look forward to seeing your son next week. Have a nice day.” …

WASHINGTON, dc
Guest Blogger: E Blanchard is an accomplished author, violinist, artist, runner, and an award winning scientist – first place in the 4th Grade science fair. And she is currently working on her portfolio as a photographer. Enjoy this, and future excerpts from her travel journal, via guest appearances on Livingandtravelingwithkids.com. Our family …

MADRID, Spain
While in the car, nearing Madrid, L called from the backseat, “Is this our destiny?” I do not know that Madrid’s our “destiny”, but it was our destination that evening, and where we spent just a short time as a family. Our Spanish flat was located above a city bakery. Score! TOP TEN in MADRID: Teleferico de Madrid. …

FAMILY LIVING, Ode To a Boy
He went bra shopping with me. He was trying to be helpful. Looking around the shop, he began, “So, what kind of breasts do you want, Mom?” I had planned this outing before I knew L was coming along. But I would take that boy anywhere, any day! ODE TO A BOY: When you were born, my …

FAMILY LIVING, Pull Ups
Bry decided that, though our children are good at short term goals, they have not been invited frequently enough to set “long” term goals. So, for Family Home Evening last week, he asked each child to set a difficult 4-month goal for themselves. We were hoping they would set some unique, out-of-their-comfort-zone goals. Maybe running …

FAMILY LIVING, Trailing Clouds of Glory
The children came to the hospital yesterday for a visit. They’re so big compared to her. They are growing up. And seeing this, made me feel melancholy, even on such a blessed day. E couldn’t keep her hands off the baby. And, when L took a turn, she climbed into the hospital bed with me. …