Celebrating Goodness- Katelyn Jones is going on a mission!

"Most people carrying heavy loads begin to doubt themselves and their own worth. We lighten their loads as we are patient with their weaknesses and celebrate whatever goodness we can see in them. The Lord does that." Henry B. Eyring

When I read this quote on the Relief Society board, (See, I don't get all my quotes from facebook) I wanted it to become my new mantra. I'm going to become very good at "Celebrating goodness" I started my new life in a very fertile "goodness" soil. I spent the weekend with the Jeff and Mary Jones family where goodness and celebrating goodness are very well developed.

I was taken from the airport to the house by Jeff's lovely mother. It was wonderful to see her again. She even came into the airport to get me which is above and beyond the Stoker way. It's baggage drop pickup with all the love in our heart if you fly into Atlanta.

At the house, the youngest kids were in charge until their parents came home from Utah. It was just me so no one needed to worry, but can I say the house was sparkling? There were vacuum marks on the rug of the living room that looked like a magazine. (We learned that saying from my mom which obviously means that visual perfection has been attained.) The kitchen floor gleamed as did the counters. I was duly impressed, but it knocked my socks off when only-brother pulled dinner nachos out of the oven just in case anyone was hungry. That's some goodness right there. Oh, and he took the garbage out without being asked and answered the celebrating with, "It's my job." Impressive.

Daughter #3 gave up her awesome room and I enjoyed very good accommodations for the duration of my stay. I saw an excellent room decorating idea. She had lined her wall with little hand made signs of things she loved. I enjoyed reading them and getting to know more of her goodness. I want to make a wall like that and one of the first signs I'll put up is "Kristen."

Sunday morning was a special day. I learned about the goodness of daughter #2 when I looked over at her on the computer. I expected to see Facebook, but instead I saw Family Tree. This girl is on genealogy fire. She also contributed to family readiness by beautifully styling the hair of the littles. They looked fab and then she got herself ready and she looked fab.  But my favorite Anna goodness was when she made her missionary sister's favorite treat for the special day in her dress and heels.

The very prepared and insightful Katelyn spoke in church for the last time before going on her mission. It's clear that she has many gifts to dedicate to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm proud of her courage and faith. And she was very fun to be with. Even though it was a big day she remained calm, grateful and kind.

Daughter #4 set a great example for us in church. She was taking notes in her little church journal and commented that she felt the spirit during the meeting. I learned that she also writes very good songs.

Baby girl Jones is called "Lovey". She gives special hugs that warm my heart and help me know that God's love is real and good.

Throughout the day family and good friends came by to say "Goodbye" to Katelyn and give us a lot to celebrate.

Good luck, good Katelyn. Oxox and as Rebecca would say, "Go and do. The church is true!"

Janus and Ila Miller pictures

Axel Johnson, Donna Miller Johnson, Jeanene Miller Jaussi, Janus Miller, Ila Casto Miller, Milo Miller

Janus Miller

Ila Miller-school teacher in OR

Janus and Ila and Robert Wayne Nordmark in Nauvoo 1978

Robert Wayne Nordmark visiting Janus and Ila  in Missouri

Sam Miller, Janus and Ila

My perfect family.

So now that I've gathered all the memories(explanation here)I have been in sentimental heaven. I laid all the pictures on the coffee table and sorted them into piles. I read every letter and card, looked at every news clipping, and basked in my love for my family.  I have such fond memories of these people and cherish the time we've had together.

The thing about great families, and great anything for that matter, is that they are not without some not great parts. There were some not great hurtful words, some not great disobedience to parents, some not great losing of tempers, some not great selfishness, some not great lack of forgiveness, some not great pridefulness in our home. But God puts us in families so we can practice overcoming these weakness with people who won't leave us. Brothers and sisters don't quit each other. We tell each other to stop being annoying, say we're sorry and move on. And then we see what is great. Remember making up dance routines? Remember riding our bikes to town? Remember watching old movies? Remember building tent cities out of sheets? Remember playing kick ball in the yard?  Remember sleeping on the trampoline? Remember how funny, smart, kind, talented, good, athletic, beautiful, clever, and musical you are? Remember how I'll always love you?

Parents are wonderful not because they handle each situation perfectly, but because they give their all to help their children become the best, happiest people they can be. I happened to be blessed with very dedicated parents. The only thing more important than our family was God. Sometimes we gave them a run for their money. What could have prepared them for all that we presented them with?  Did they know they'd see illness, heartache, rebellion...? They never thought of turning back or bailing out. They kept feeding us and loving us and caring for us and giving us what they thought would benefit us the most. Sometimes that looked like withholding.

We didn't go on elaborate vacations. We visited relatives, camped and fished a bit,  and went to Disneyland, which with 10 kids is amazing.

 But we did build a kayak out of canvas, painted it and floated it on the canal. When we added on to the house and the slab was poured, we spent family night painting it with our names, messages, checkerboard, hopscotch, etc. and anticipated with glee the time capsule we were creating. We put on programs and rode the donkey and climbed the rafters in the barn. We had fancy New Year's Eve dinner and a Christmas full of tradition. We went fishing and crawdadding. We went on hayrides and had barn dances.We spent the summers doing chores and laying around so bored that we ended up reading and making up games and dressing up in costumes. We took piano lessons and practiced cheerleading or catching a football on the lawn.

 And we knew what our parents believed. We knew that they knew that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and we read from it every day. We knew that they wanted to serve God because we went to church every week and they dedicated their time and talents to strengthen the church in our area. We knew that they wanted to help their fellow man and we knew that honesty is important. And we knew where to find them. If they weren't at church they were home. Dad was in the garden or working on an art project. He welcomed company and was always available to talk, although he sometimes would give us a job which helped with crowd control.  Mom was taking care of the baby or learning to play the piano or listening to Barry Manilow and Englebert Humperdink, or just around where we needed her. And they loved us.

When I look back on my childhood I see a lot of important things that happened that have been a great gift to me. And I consider myself very blessed to have the family I do. Every single person in my family is human and perfect for me. And I want to be with them forever.