Message from Mom, Etc.

Dear Family,

Yes, February's been a short month...but that means there's only three months of school left! I never thought I'd survive this year teaching at Mojave High School, but I have to admit I've learned many lessons of wisdom. Impossible tasks become possible and even enjoyable once you face up to them, one day at a time. We can set our minds to accomplish anything under the sun. All it takes is faith, effort and a positive mind set. And when you gaze around at all your good works, the result can only produce satisfaction and pride, not to mention all the great experience you've gained. Sometimes kids at school "ax" me what's so great about teaching, and I answer that it's the kids. They crack me up day after day with their outlooks and impressions on life. They think with such freshness and creativity, even if they've been somewhat brainwashed by i-pods and video games. They have so much maturity, yet they love it when I mother them. Sometimes I actually consider staying another year...hey it can only get better. They're finally bringing me new computers for publications, and I have all kinds of good students signing up for yearbook next year. I've figured out who's who in the faculty, and they actually know who I am.

So I guess this is my message: I just want to share my new wisdom that you all need to set high goals for yourselves, then work positively toward them. As you raise your children, give it your best effort. Don't make excuses. You only get one shot at it, so do your very best. Help them realize the variety of talents they can develop, and the high goals they can reach. Nothing's too hard; they can truly touch the sky.

Also, Dad's been released from the High Council and called to be the new High Councilman mentor, we're now missionairies in the Spanish Branch, and Andy's giving me a new smile next week. Have a great March!

Love & prayers, Mom

Melanie & Andy

Is it March already?? I thought it was still January! We had a short February, as usual. Kambri turned 11! Kayla turned 7! Andy and I celebrated our 10-year anniversary. Our very thoughtful receptionist gave us tickets to see Shadowlands. It's a play about C. S. Lewis...I recommend the movie as one of my all-time favorites. We loved it! I don't know what I liked more: the play, the time with Andy, or the thought of Kambri at home babysitting for us...ah, the joys of older children. The kids enjoyed a late snow storm and a few very spring-like days. I broke an old birthday tradition, the one that says it is acceptable to celebrate at any point in the calendar month of the child/ husband's birthday. So we shall be having birthday parties for both girls well into March. Does that mean I can legally bump all March birthdays to April, thus bumping all April birthdays to May and postponing my 30th for one more month???? Please add these VIP's to your address book, they check email about once a day and really love getting mail, especially funny mail:

princesskambri@yahoo.com

darth_michael_atwood@yahoo.com

hiphopmckayla@yahoo.com

Love, Mel

PS If by some very slim chance I can find my camera cord, I will send very cute snow day pictures!

Martha & Jeremy

The highlight of this month was our trip to Tucson, AZ. Jeremy and I left the boys with their Grandma Tanner in Philadelphia, and we took a quick trip to check out Tucson. When Becca picked us up from the airport she commented on how cold the weather was. With her teeth chattering she said it was 50 degrees and freezing! Whatever! Jeremy and I couldn't stop laughing because the "freezing" weather felt so warm and refreshing to us. Becca played the perfect everything. She cooked yummy meals, played as our tour guide, realtor and food connoisseur. We spent the days in Tucson driving around and looking at areas. It looks like Tucson is the place for us to settle after the end of our Philly adventure. The trip was short, but we got a lot accomplished. Jeremy saw his first road runner. We had some great authentic Mexican food. We spent a lot of time just looking at the beautiful desert and mountains. While we were there I couldn't stop thinking about how I excited I was to move on with our life. Today is our first day back in Philly. Jeremy and I talked about all we still have to do here and all he still has to do before graduation. I hope we survive. Here's the final product of my Valentine picture taking attempts. I feel like how Hyrum looks in one of the first pictures when I think about what we still need to do here in Philly or try to figure out how we are going to make it until August.

Love, the Tanners

Becca & Nick

I'm happy to report that it has been almost two weeks since any of my kids have been sick, and Jonathan learned how to throw up in the toilet the first time earlier this month. However Elissa has been doing some serious teething for the last few days, but I guess that doesn't count as being sick, does it? Well overall the month was pretty uneventful, that is until Marfa, Jeremy and Ewissabet came over. The kids are excited to go to their new house and watch the trains. They have a nice view of some tracks from their future balcony. And really all the exciting things that happened while they were here, I guess, are their news not mine! Hopefully I'll have more to share in next month's newsletter!

Love, the Bryces

McKay & Keresa

A couple weeks ago, Keresa tried Jackson at spoon feeding. He didn't have the muscle control or understanding yet, and most of it dribbled down his chin. Over the last 2 or 3 days, she has tried again, and now he is a champ. That means we will be able to get more food in there, and he will grow much faster. At their recent Dr.'s appointment, the kids were only 5lbs different, although they are 20 months different. So watch out "big" sis, your little bro might soon outweigh you!

Sydney scored this month. We thought about getting her a little plastic slide for Christmas, but couldn't justify it with all the other things we wanted to get her more. But last week we received a call that there was one up for grabs on our street...People who don't know about DI just leave their stuff out for the neighbors, and if no neighbors take it, the garbage man does. I hurried to pick it up before work, and since then Sydney has been sliding it up in the backyard. She climbs up and slides down all the day long.

Sydney has impressed us by saying whole thoughts, and we realize that she has a memory. She will describe how "Yessa-day, Kensey (a nursery kid) poke my eye, like 'dis. Poke! Owie!"

Keresa got moved from MiaMaid advisor to the YW 2nd counselor, so she is in Beehives now. She was also assigned to make a DVD slideshow of our recent Mt Charleston Youth retreat. She did a great job and now sees visions of making slideshow DVDs for all occasions (reunions?)

Speaking of reunions, is there an assignment for anyone for this summer yet?

The rumors are true, I have applied to law schools and am waiting back for acceptances. I should start hearing in the first part of May. I applied to Las Vegas of course, then four other schools that are less competitive so I might have a few "sure bets" for acceptance this fall. Among those are Albuquerque NM, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.

We will keep everyone posted.

MK KGW SRW JGW

Matthias

Querida Familia,

I didn't think this month contained anything really that significant. I mean there weren't any pictures of activities we did or goofy reasons to dress up or anything like that. So I was a little discouraged that I wouldn't have anything that exciting to send. But then I remembered that last month contained Valentine's day. So I guess that was pretty exciting.

For the special day, Dallin Durfy, a huge barbershop enthusiast that sang with me before my mission, recruited me and a few others to go and serenade girls all over the institute and Tucson. We made the obvious stops to Megan, and then other girlfriends of the group's members. Then we made a round to a few different gals that a few of us home teach. When we stopped at one of the girls' houses, she opened up the door but left us behind the partially opened screen. But we'd already started singing so we continued, "Let me call you sweetheart..." then we noticed that she was talking on her cell phone and crying. Then it started raining fairly hard. But we'd already started singing so we continued, "Keep the love light glowing...." Finally we finished, and we really didn't know how to react to everything. Apparently neither did the girl we were singing to because she just kind of stood there dumb and crying. Finally she said, "Thanks guys, that was nice. I'm sorry, that was my mom on the phone telling me that my dog died." Umm...awkward moment. Then she finally noticed we were getting rained on, so she let us in. And then we left. Valentine's day wasn't ruined though because that evening Megan and I had a nice dinner laid out on the picnic table next to the swimming pool at my apartment. I had ordered take out from a Greek restaurant and Eegee's drinks which were served to us by my roommates dressed up all goofy. One even brought out his violin while the other sang. It was a good Valentine's day.

So that accounts for one day out of the 28 last month. You may wonder what I've been doing the other 27 in February. Well let me sum it up by saying that I took a physics midterm today, a differential equations midterm yesterday, an opto-mechanics midterm and an optics midterm last week. Plus every class still demands ridiculous amounts of homework and I have two labs a week. I've gotten back my optics test which came out an 85% which means high B or low A. I don't know yet any of the others, but I suspect it all went well. But the good news on the second round of midterms is that it means I am truly mid term now!

Con Amor, Matthias

The last snoozer, I've been reprieved, I mean released.

President Gordon B. Hinckley told us, "Faith, which is of the very essence of personal conviction, has always been, and always must be, at the root of religious practice and endeavor." What is faith?

The world's definition from the dictionary says faith is, "belief and trust in and loyalty to God; ... firm belief in something for which there is no proof." Explained further from the Bible dictionary. We believe that "faith is to hope for things which are not seen, but which are true..., and must be centered in Jesus Christ."

There is another simple explanation of faith found in the Children's Songbook. The song is titled "Faith." Faith is knowing the sun will rise, lighting each new day. Faith is knowing the Lord will hear my prayers each time I pray. Faith is like a little seed; If planted, it will grow. Faith is swelling within my heart. When I do right, I know.

Is faith important to us as Latter-day Saints? From the fourth Article of Faith, We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the gospel are: first, Faith in Jesus Christ. Faith in Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel. "Those who walk in faith will understand and know things that others cannot. Let's look in Hebrews chapter 11, to the apostle Paul's explanation of faith.

1. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2. For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

You might be thinking, "Yeah, that's fine for then, but now days life is tougher and more confusing than before. Having faith is not so cut and dry. Why wasn't I born when life was simpler?"

Turn to D&C 138: 55 & 56.

55. I observed that they were also among the noble and great ones who were chosen in the beginning to be rulers in the Church of God. 56. Even before they were born, they, with many others, received their first lessons in his vineyard for the salvation of the souls of men.

You are here now, in these unsteady times, prepared to be here more than at any other time. We are here now by design. If you still doubt whether you can gain and use faith, turn to 1 Nephi 3:7

7. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commands unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.

We have been commanded to live by faith and we receive no commandments beyond our abilities. We live in uncertain times. We are living through turbulent times. A great storm of evil has come upon the earth. The winds of wickedness howl about us.

Look in 2 Timothy 3:1-8. Paul wrote to Timothy:

1. This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3. Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent (lacking self-restraint), fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4. Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7. Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

Do we know anyone who this describes? Do we ever see on TV or hear in the news those who might fit part of this description? Speaking of the news, have you noticed anything about war recently? All the evil that swirls around and threatens to overcome us is, at times, unbearable. On the surface life goes on but at the same time there is an undercurrent of fear. Will we be able to afford gas to go to work? Will our children survive school and if they do make it to adulthood, how will they afford housing?

Yesterday I was working on replacing a old weathered beam in our carport that was sagging. The wood was rough and splintery. I jammed one of those splinters under my fingernail on my right hand. I couldn't get it out with my left so I went whining to my bride for sympathy and help. When I told her I had a splinter under my fingernail, she serenely asked, "Oh, were you scratching your head?"

In what is our faith based? Turn to John 6:69 "And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God". He is our primogenitor. Primogenitor is the firstborn in a family. He is our firstborn older brother. Let's look in D&C 93:21. And now, verily I say unto you, I was in the beginning with the Father, and am the Firstborn; Go on to verse 23. Ye were also in the beginning with the Father; that which is Spirit, even the Spirit of truth. We need to base our faith in Christ.

After teaching the multitude, Jesus and His disciples set sail for the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. It was night and the Savior rested asleep near the stern. In time "there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship." Terrified, the disciples awakened Him: "Master, carest thou not that we perish?" His answer was characteristically calm: "Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?" Is the Master talking through the ages to us? "And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." He will do the same for us.

You know, my bride teaches at Mohave High in Las Vegas now, a school known to be rough and tough. She was telling my Uncle Vern that the other day and he said, "You work in that madhouse? You must have a lot of patience." She rejoindered, "I prefer to call them students."

In the school of life, the teacher is often pain and hard knocks, but the lessons are meant to refine and bless us and strengthen us, not to destroy us. If you think life is tough, so what? Continue on. Who among us has had trials more severe than the Prophet Joseph. Turn to D&C 121:7. While in Liberty Jail, the Lord said to faithful Joseph: "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment." In 122:7 The Lord continues. "And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good."

If Joseph Smith needed such experience how much more do we need it? There are times when it seems all that was described in verse 7 has been in our lives. When will this end? Look in Mark 13:7. "And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet."

In D&C 38:30 lies the key. "If ye are prepared ye shall not fear." Have patience and exercise faith. Let's turn to the scripture that so inspired the prophet Joseph, he began the last dispensation, James 1:3-6.

3. Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. You must have a lot of patience to work in that madhouse. I prefer to call them students. 4. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 5. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

The axiom "You get what you pay for" is true for spiritual growth as well. We get what we pay for in obedience, in faith in Jesus Christ, in diligent application of the truths that we learn. What we get is the molding of our character, with the capacity for growth, and the successful completion of our purpose here on earth -- to grow through being proven.

Why worry about future calamities or uncertainties over which we have no control? When challenges and testing do come, faith will lead us to solutions. This is why we need faith. To find solutions to everyday dilemmas. Peace of mind, answers to tough problems, our ultimate joy depends on our trust in Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Right will ultimately prevail. It will yield blessings now as we obey the commandments of God. There is an unfailing, continual, ever-present source of peace and comfort available to us. That is the certainty that our Father in Heaven loves us, no matter what our circumstance, no matter what trials, turmoil, or tribulations whirl about us. That certainty needs to stay strong. Our ability to access the support of our Heavenly Father depends on the strength of our faith in Him.

Here are the basic steps to build our faith given to us by Elder Richard G. Scott:

Trust in God and in His willingness to provide help when needed no matter how challenging the circumstance.

Obey His commandments and live to demonstrate that He can trust us.

Be sensitive to the quiet prompting of the Spirit.

Act courageously on that prompting.

Be patient and understanding when God lets us struggle to grow and answers come a piece at a time over an extended period.

Faith is centered in trust in the Lord and in His willingness to answer our needs. In Helaman 12:1 The prophet Nephi reminded his people "the Lord . . . doth bless and prosper those who put their trust in him." The consistent, willing exercise of faith increases our confidence and ability to employ the power of faith.

Do you say to yourself, "I've tried faith and it doesn't work?" Let's look in Ether 12:6. Moroni is looking to the future and speaking to us.

6. And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.

God has given us the need to exercise faith, that we may find peace, joy, and purpose in life. Faith must be founded on something. There is no more solid foundation than faith in the love Heavenly Father has for us, faith in His plan of happiness, and faith in the capacity and willingness of Jesus Christ to fulfill all of His promises. Perhaps our Heavenly Father’s greatest hope is that through our uncertainty we may choose to turn to him. The uncertainties of earth life can help to remind each of us that we are dependent on him. But that reminder is not automatic. It involves our free agency. We must choose to take our fears to him, choose to trust him, and choose to allow him to direct us. We must make these choices when what we feel most inclined to do is to rely more on our own frantic and often distorted thinking.

As we try to live his commandments, there are things he will direct us to do that will help calm our fears. These actions often require great courage and direction from the Holy Ghost. He will support us as we face our fears and try to do things that we have never done before.

Our homes need to be faith centered. As parents, we must teach the principles of faith to our children. Faith is certainly not part of the school curriculum. It is in the home our children find safety from school, peer pressure and other worldly influence. It is there, through family home evening and family prayer, the family is strengthen to the point of being prepared and fear can be replaced with trust. Alma spoke of such trust in Alma 36:3. We can replace the word trust with faith. "Whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day."

In these uncertain times there is some certainty. That we have the truth... God lives. Our older Brother has made it possible to progress beyond this life. We need only to have faith and act with that faith. We should trust and listen to the Holy Ghost. We must teach our children to have faith and be self-sufficient. Attend the temple often. Pray often. Listen to the direction of our prophet. My prayer today is that we have the strength to do what is right.