Autumn to May. A song about fantasy and imagination, adventures and being carefree.
Oh once I had a little dog, his color it was brown
I taught him for to whistle, to sing and dance and run
His legs they were fourteen yards long, his ears so very wide
Around the world in half a day, upon him I could ride.
Sing Tarry-O Day, Sing, Autumn to May.
Oh once I had a little frog, he wore a vest of red
He'd lean upon his silver cane, a top hat on his head
He'd speak of far off places, of things to see and do,
Of all the Kings and Queens he'd met while sailing in a shoe.
Sing Tarry-O Day, Sing, Autumn to May.
Oh once I had a flock of sheep, they grazed upon a feather
I'd keep them in a music box from wind or rainy weather
And every day the sun would shine, they'd fly all through the town
To bring me back some golden rings, candy by the pound.
Sing Tarry-O Day, Sing, Autumn to May.
Oh once I had a downey swan, she was so very frail
She sat upon an oyster shell and hatched me out a snail
The snail had changed into a bird, the bird to butterfly
And he who tells a bigger tale would have to tell a lie.
Sing Tarry-O Day, Sing, Autumn to May.
Oh once I had a little dog, his color it was brown
I taught him for to whistle, to sing and dance and run
His legs they were fourteen yards long, his ears so very wide
Around the world in half a day, upon him I could ride.
Sing Tarry-O Day, Sing, Autumn to May.
Oh once I had a little frog, he wore a vest of red
He'd lean upon his silver cane, a top hat on his head
He'd speak of far off places, of things to see and do,
Of all the Kings and Queens he'd met while sailing in a shoe.
Sing Tarry-O Day, Sing, Autumn to May.
Oh once I had a flock of sheep, they grazed upon a feather
I'd keep them in a music box from wind or rainy weather
And every day the sun would shine, they'd fly all through the town
To bring me back some golden rings, candy by the pound.
Sing Tarry-O Day, Sing, Autumn to May.
Oh once I had a downey swan, she was so very frail
She sat upon an oyster shell and hatched me out a snail
The snail had changed into a bird, the bird to butterfly
And he who tells a bigger tale would have to tell a lie.
Sing Tarry-O Day, Sing, Autumn to May.
Thurs2/23/17 Hello Brandon, I sent you Tom’s talk yesterday and I decided to make a quiz for it. I sent him the quiz today. If you can remember the answers I will be so proud of you. I used 3.5 font so if you didn’t bother to read it I wouldn’t blame you. I did not even put in @ signs. :) But now you have a reason to! This went to my 3 Hometeachees as well: VarloD, BruceR, EricY. AndreaD did not get it because I do not have her email. @@Connie and Tom Schroath are in their 80’s and spoke on Sunday. They will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary this year! Connie is on Oxygen like Boyd K Packer was and Tom has no sensation in his legs from a stroke and walks like a high steppin’ strutter. How many more talks will we get from them? So see if you can hear Tom’s deep officious voice as you read his talk. Also, See if you can detect any gentleness and softness in him.
As you read his talk I would like you to make up three quiz questions and send them to me. I will make up 10 of my own and post them at the end and you can see if you picked up the answers as you read.
1- Which war did Tom participate in?
2- Where did Tom grow up?
3- Did he ever hear HF speaking to him?
4- When did he/Tom have his testimony tested?
5- Do you personally believe in baptism and priesthood authority? Bill Young, my next door neighbor doesn’t. He thinks it is optional.
6- I love the phrase, “no more disposition to do evil but to do righteousness continually” There was a time in my 50’s when I felt that way. Temptations had no power over me. Do you hope to feel that way some day?
7- I went to a Fathers n Sons’ outing on the Susquehanna River in 1969. I lived on a farm in NY. Bruce R McConkie n Boyd K Packer were there. My dad took home movies so I can remember. Did JS n OC get the priesthood by the laying on of hands?
8- How did JS get the idea to try and be baptized?
9- How many mormon’s were in his HS?
10- How long was Tom inactive?
11- What is this next paragraph?
Since that day, the Lord has greatly blessed my life. He has made His presence known to me almost daily. In spite of my weaknesses, He has heard my prayers and blessed the lives of my family and friends. As I reflect on my life, many changes have occurred. I am more able to control Satan’s strong desire to have me through the never ending bombardment of unwholesome music, TV, Picture shows, or other media. I have felt a desire to serve the Lord through serving others. Perhaps more important, I have been able to feel, and to recognize the Lord’s hand and revealed word in all I do. The scriptures have taken on new meaning and I know what I should do to find peace in this life.
12- T/F The trick is to shut out the din of this world and be able to hear it.
13- Quoting again from Elder Christofferson. He posed the same question I asked a few moments ago:
“Why doesn’t this mighty change happen more quickly with me? … For most of us, the changes are more gradual and occur over time. Being born again, unlike our physical birth, is more a process than an event. And engaging in that process is the central purpose of mortality.”
Does this mean there is a purpose to our long life?-v
14- That is the key! That is what will tell us if we are on the path of spiritual rebirth. What is the key?
15- What would Tom like to hear at the end of his life?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Next, I raved about this little book but it is not online. So I had to use Dragon Speak to dictate these special parts. These are parts meant for me and not for you. I think they are very advanced. And since I am here in the autumn of my life these are things I can work on. Remember only one letter comes back from Omner. The last one when he is left behind the City of Enoch and it can’t be delivered. Mihijah his good friend writes him a letter every decade or two. Remember they lived l o n g l o n g in those days. It took 360 years for Enoch to get his city to heaven, and people were translated up even after it left for about 100 years! Fascinating! Enoch’s son was Methuselah who lived 970 years, if I remember right.
OF ONE HEART by Neal a Maxwell page 28
You rightly asked, Omner, if our emerging unity carries us farther forward than each man might go himself, and if so, if such progress is real. Each is blessed according to his keeping of the commandments; none is finally blessed solely because of the obedience of another. But, Omner, this level and wondrous efficiency of righteous unity is found in the manner in which it moves each man to do more than he ever imagined, or even wanted, to do himself. Seeing others pass a supposed breaking point without breaking, going a second mile with the burden they are only required to carry one-mile, witnessing those falsely accused persist in sweet patience – there is a clear contagion in such things, Omner. One is simply inspired to do more, and his performances sanctified for the welfare of his soul.
The helping graces involve all manner of quiet goodness. By noticing but ignoring the petulance of another, the gentle onlooker can indicate his awareness that the offender not only knows better, but will momentarily do better. The offender comes more quickly to his senses, whereas the way of the world causes a man to defend his wrong even though for one brief moment he is prepared to apologize. Thus the balm of brotherhood not alone keeps us from picking at scabs of our errors, but lessens the making of such errors.
Page 42. You wrote some time past of the ostracism that is coming to you. It can be a blessing when men separate you from their company, Omner, for their reproaching of you is not friendship lost, but opportunity gained to see them in their true character.
Page 47. More than once I have witnessed those here who were once of rank in the world give way gladly to make place at a feast for those whom they might once have scoffed at because of their loneliness of station. Those who have in the past pushed others in order that they might further their own ambitions are now not only civil, but willingly differential. This can be so because among the things we also have in common is the sweet knowledge that we are all children of God, our father. Given that glad reality, there is no need to prove anything to anybody after the manner of the world.
The sense of eternity that likewise pervades this place lessons those of our anxieties which are rooted in the thing we men call “time”. Here busyness, in order to be seen of men, calls forth only knowing smiles, not plaudits.
Page 51. Prayer keeps us ever mindful of our dependence on God. It is so easy to forget our present blessings as we pursue new blessings. In our meetings we recount our own blessings, and as we hear the blessings of others, we both feel and see the accumulations of the affection from God to his people.… Omner, many times in the year spent in this city I have been moved to tears, sometimes from sadness over a similar line, or more often because of the indescribable joy that washes over me again and again. Miracles moved me to tears, but when I we most fervently, it is because of the goodness of God when the mighty change of heart occurs in one of his children.… There has been a man of particular mark and sway among us who was nearly consumed in his desire for praise. He partook deeply of the praise of the world while get out in the world. His ways thus vexed his companions here almost daily, though they bore up admirably. Having not seen him for several seasons, I last saw him in a setting where in achievement of worth pertaining to our harvest was being celebrated. A good measure of what had been done was done by him (for he is possessed of many talents), but no notice was being taken of his contribution nor even his presence. None was sought by him, either. Then I saw him rejoice quietly over the achievement the blessed so many. Tears ran down his face, unnoticed except by me. He gloried not in himself, but in what had been done. Then I wept. When I pondered upon what had brought him to this new point and how he must have struggled to make quiet determination to do differently, I marveled at the ways of God. Then when I saw him slip away quietly from the group, having received no praise whatsoever, yet having true joy in his heart, I wept again. Page 53.
You rightly asked, Omner, if our emerging unity carries us farther forward than each man might go himself, and if so, if such progress is real. Each is blessed according to his keeping of the commandments; none is finally blessed solely because of the obedience of another. But, Omner, this level and wondrous efficiency of righteous unity is found in the manner in which it moves each man to do more than he ever imagined, or even wanted, to do himself. Seeing others pass a supposed breaking point without breaking, going a second mile with the burden they are only required to carry one-mile, witnessing those falsely accused persist in sweet patience – there is a clear contagion in such things, Omner. One is simply inspired to do more, and his performances sanctified for the welfare of his soul.
The helping graces involve all manner of quiet goodness. By noticing but ignoring the petulance of another, the gentle onlooker can indicate his awareness that the offender not only knows better, but will momentarily do better. The offender comes more quickly to his senses, whereas the way of the world causes a man to defend his wrong even though for one brief moment he is prepared to apologize. Thus the balm of brotherhood not alone keeps us from picking at scabs of our errors, but lessens the making of such errors.
Page 42. You wrote some time past of the ostracism that is coming to you. It can be a blessing when men separate you from their company, Omner, for their reproaching of you is not friendship lost, but opportunity gained to see them in their true character.
Page 47. More than once I have witnessed those here who were once of rank in the world give way gladly to make place at a feast for those whom they might once have scoffed at because of their loneliness of station. Those who have in the past pushed others in order that they might further their own ambitions are now not only civil, but willingly differential. This can be so because among the things we also have in common is the sweet knowledge that we are all children of God, our father. Given that glad reality, there is no need to prove anything to anybody after the manner of the world.
The sense of eternity that likewise pervades this place lessons those of our anxieties which are rooted in the thing we men call “time”. Here busyness, in order to be seen of men, calls forth only knowing smiles, not plaudits.
Page 51. Prayer keeps us ever mindful of our dependence on God. It is so easy to forget our present blessings as we pursue new blessings. In our meetings we recount our own blessings, and as we hear the blessings of others, we both feel and see the accumulations of the affection from God to his people.… Omner, many times in the year spent in this city I have been moved to tears, sometimes from sadness over a similar line, or more often because of the indescribable joy that washes over me again and again. Miracles moved me to tears, but when I we most fervently, it is because of the goodness of God when the mighty change of heart occurs in one of his children.… There has been a man of particular mark and sway among us who was nearly consumed in his desire for praise. He partook deeply of the praise of the world while get out in the world. His ways thus vexed his companions here almost daily, though they bore up admirably. Having not seen him for several seasons, I last saw him in a setting where in achievement of worth pertaining to our harvest was being celebrated. A good measure of what had been done was done by him (for he is possessed of many talents), but no notice was being taken of his contribution nor even his presence. None was sought by him, either. Then I saw him rejoice quietly over the achievement the blessed so many. Tears ran down his face, unnoticed except by me. He gloried not in himself, but in what had been done. Then I wept. When I pondered upon what had brought him to this new point and how he must have struggled to make quiet determination to do differently, I marveled at the ways of God. Then when I saw him slip away quietly from the group, having received no praise whatsoever, yet having true joy in his heart, I wept again. Page 53.
~~
I walked Molly at noon today. The sun was out. There was a brisk gusting breeze at times but as I walked I kept warm enough even with just 2 T-shirts n shorts on. It was snowing in Jerome, ID as I talked to Adrian’60 where he was picking up a load of cheese. I worked at the Tupperware plant in Jerome the Spring and Summer of leaving for my mission.’74 That was my Family’s crazy escape from the ‘end of the world’ in SLC. Bob Salter on KSL radio was a doom’s dayer who convinced my father it was time to abandon civilization and become self sufficient in a farming community in ID. Cooper owned a bunch of land in Dietrich ID and he subdivided it so the people of Enoch could go there and live in harmony. But one problem. If my dad was there he would abuse all the children and lead the Satan worship cult. My sister Camille’63 spent weeks and months in that cellar healing from his beatings/ abuses. The teachers came out from the tiny school to visit her and see how she was doing. They were not allowed to see her of course. I was away in Guatemala but all my younger siblings were still at home. That 18mo was awful for them. @ On to brighter things. I am reading Feist again. Rift world series is really good. I can hardly put it down at night. I have two wonderful authors right now: Modesitt n Feist.@ Sunday 2/26/17 5:23 Hello again, I just got back from Choir practice. Allen Hilton attended today so my 4 week streak was broken! I came home from church both grumbling and cheering today. Mixed. As you may remember FS -round -Debbie questioned me about how JS knew this was the only true and living church on the face of the earth. My response was JC told him. She did not respond further. As a church we offend others when we say that. Jesse Bird, SSteacher, served in Southern States: Tennessee, Arkansas etc. and they had issues with people accepting that they needed to be baptized. They had already been baptized. In those states and religions, if you are baptized in one church that is acceptable and perfectly fine for the next church. Once is good enough. They have a free exchange of baptisms. And then there is my BillY who says baptism is optional. So today I loved it when Jesse made us study the idea of one true church. We often tip toe around it when talking to non members, he emphasized that a number of times. Vaun Bethers wanted to hurry up and end that topic by saying our prophets invite everyone to bring their truths from every other religion and see what we can add to it. I like it when I see hard, difficult -to -avoid statements in the scriptures. For example: 19 I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong. . . Woah! Is that strong and clear enough! Yikes. We dare to stand behind that? Some class members wanted to emphasize, that just because we are the only true, does not mean we can afford to be snobs/ stuck up/ better than thou. Beau Barney, seminary teacher, made a number of comments. Here are 2: The other churches are dead. They worship a dead Christ on the cross and there is no more revelation. We are the only living church. Second, he quoted this: I think if people were just open-minded, it wouldn’t be so hard for them to know where to find the truth. Of course, we take the Bible as our guide to help us in our search for the truth. I have always been greatly impressed by the experience that Elder Orson F. Whitney had. He was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, and he related this in one of our conferences. I would like to read it to you. He said:
“Many years ago a learned man, a member of the Roman Catholic Church, came to Utah and spoke from the stand of the Salt Lake Tabernacle. I became well-acquainted with him, and we conversed freely and frankly. A great scholar, with perhaps a dozen languages at his tongue’s end, he seemed to know all about theology, law, literature, science and philosophy. One day he said to me: ‘You Mormons are all ignoramuses. You don’t even know the strength of your own position. It is so strong that there is only one other tenable in the whole Christian world, and that is the position of the Catholic Church. The issue is between Catholicism and Mormonism. If we are right, you are wrong; if you are right, we are wrong; and that’s all there is to it. The Protestants haven’t a leg to stand on. For, if we are wrong, they are wrong with us, since they were a part of us and went out from us; while if we are right, they are apostates whom we cut off long ago. If we have the apostolic succession from St. Peter, as we claim, there is no need of Joseph Smith and Mormonism; but if we have not that succession, then such a man as Joseph Smith was necessary, and Mormonism’s attitude is the only consistent one. It is either the perpetuation of the gospel from ancient times, or the restoration of the gospel in latter days.’” (LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder [Deseret Book Co., 1950], pp. 3–4.)
Do you have issues with this Brandon? Are you OK with the church of jesus christ of latter day saints being the only true and living church on the earth? I don’t have issues with it. In fact if feels reassuring to me. I am grateful for JS and JC having the confidence to declare that. Love it. @ AS I was praying this afternoon I couldn’t help but be grateful for how HF takes the weak things of the earth to declare his gospel. Missionaries, both elders and sisters are young and inexperienced. Enoch, Moses and Joseph Smith all felt like they couldn’t talk worth a darn. But after a while the saints got used to them and their manner of speaking. It is not the sound but the meaning behind the words that warms our hearts and convinces our souls. M Russell Ballard was awesome last conference. I listened to him again this week and I thrilled with his teachings. He sounded so good too. But the guy after him had a high squeaky voice and I almost turned it off. Yuck, his voice was awful. But as I listened the message started coming through. By the end I thought, is this still the same guy whose voice I couldn’t stand? It was. Do you remember this part of his talk?
"As the meeting progressed, I observed various members in the congregation. They had an almost heavenly expression, an attitude of reverence and peace. Something about them warmed my heart. The experience they were having that Sunday was something quite extraordinary.
They were worshipping.
They were experiencing heaven.
I could see it in their countenances.
And I rejoiced and worshipped with them. And as I did so, the Spirit spoke to my heart. And on that day, I learned something about myself, about God, and about the role of true worship in our lives."
I have only begun to understand about worship. How can you keep the Sabbath holy without worshipping? Do you need to worship the whole day? All 12 or 24 hours? Is that even possible? We can’t get anyone out to choir practice at 4:10 in the afternoon. It is too inconvenient. But what if everyone in the ward was looking for a way to fill their day with worship? Are we worshipping when we sing the hymns? How many different ways of worshipping are there? What are you supposed to fill that day of worship with? What if we were to pretend we had a companion with us on that day? What if we were to pretend JC was our companion for every minute of that day? How would we fill it? What would we do? TUESDAY2/28,8:54PM Hey, How’s it goin’? I just got back from a half hour visit to the PoGP class being held in the Chocolate brick chapel at 5th E 7th South. Dr Ken Peterson is teaching it and the class members were happily participating. Not like Wayne Brickey’s lectures with 100+ people in attendance. Only 20 there tonight. So now I have a Tuesday night social available! So glad I went to discover it and be sure. Sister Erickson/ Sister Redneck was there. She calls me Vinny, Vin, Vincent. All as one word. I am known as Vincenzo at FS. She is the director on Wednesdays at FS. @@ So do you have a soft spot in your heart for AUTISM? I DO. I can’t believe my autistic/savant brother Adrian’60 can support a family of 3 autistics without being married, and that he has done it for 10 years in Boise, ID. I imagine that you have a soft place in your mind and heart for people with mental disabilities simply because you had/ have to deal with your processing speed at the 10 percentile level and having been in resource all your school years. I believe not only that none of us are perfect but also that none of us are perfect! Yep. I said that the way I wanted. HF sends us to earth to learn. Have you ever been in a 3 legged race? Your knee and ankle are tied to the person next to you and you try to win. Did Jesus have a perfect body and mind before he was resurrected? How could he suffer the pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind with a perfect body and mind? I suspect he was handicapped in every way at some time in his life. @How does HF choose who will be autistic? How does he choose which mother they will have? Autism, like many other mental and emotional disorders affects everyone around the afflicted. But I did not know Adrian was autistic as he grew up as my little brother. I did know how to trigger him into a meltdown. As the oldest brother/sibling in a totally chaotic and abusive family I practiced melting down my siblings. Where did that meanness come from?. @ The book, “Shadow of a Dark Queen”, I am reading by Feist has Erik the protagonist asking himself how he can get so angry and lose control and want to kill others when they abuse women. [wiki:The novel starts by introducing best friends Erik Von Darkmoor, an apprentice blacksmith and bastard son of the local baron, and Roo Avery, a local trouble maker. Erik's half-brother Stefan Von Darkmoor, heir to his father's title, who resents Erik's claim to the Darkmoor name, rapes Erik's close friend Rosalyn in an attempt to force Erik into a fight. Erik and Roo find Stefan, and in a rage, Erik holds Stefan down while Roo delivers the killing blow, but Erik is injured during the fight. Now wanted for Stefan's murder, the two realize they must flee, and set out for Krondor.] He is eventually trained as a mercenary and he has to kill over and over again. But later in the book he ends up barfing and pooping his guts out after losing his temper/killing rage, towards scoundrels killing and torturing and raping 2 women. One wise magician tries to reassure him after it is all over, that he is not perverted in his appetites and that emptying his guts and bowels was his body’s way of telling him he isn’t a sadist. Somehow I had a kind gentle light inside and abusing others emotionally was not an addiction. @ So back on target/ subject, I have a physical deformity that was mocked and ridiculed by the boys in HS. I believe it has helped shape my life. I believe most of us have weaknesses like that, unique to us that help us learn while we are being tested on this earth. You may have heard the saying that if we could put all our problems in a suitcase and then compare suitcases with everyone else, we would still pick our own suitcase. I have to believe that our tests in this life are individualized and designed to strengthen us and bless us and our families. I have to believe That we were chosen to come to earth in this last dispensation, And that we are richly blessed to have the fullness of the gospel here and a part of our lives. @. Do you think you could empathize enough to learn from a blog being created by Sister Jennifer Barney about their experiences discovering and raising an autistic son? If not/NOT then you will have to tell me no-thank-you, because Just like I value what I write to you enough to post it on my blog, I also value this/their experience. @Brother Beau Barney is a seminary teacher and they were thrilled to be allowed to move to Saint George so their son could receive better care/ life style. Beau and his sister Shannon Jensen who live in our ward have very round faces. Jennifer doesn’t. In my opinion it is difficult to look like a model when you have a very round face. As I have put on weight my face has gotten rounder and rounder. JS had a protruding nose. When I see my face from the side I am surprised at how much my nose protrudes. My ears are big. Thank heavens they don’t protrude as much as my nose! @JenniferB uses an elementary style font where the letters don’t line up, and it is in medium blue. It is difficult to read for me. So it will be nice to change it so it will be easier for me. @ Beau used a masterful technique when introducing his family to our ward in his sacrament meeting talk a few years ago. (see I still remember) He told of living in Santa Clara or a neighborhood that had a big honkin’ diaper wearing teen autistic. He told of his feelings. Then he told us how surprised they were to have a baby of their own who has grown and is now the same way. His approach was gentle and sweet for sharing their situation with us.
@
Why “Autism: Piece By Piece”?
February 9, 2017Autism Piece By Piece, Faith, Our Story
I am typically a shy person who just likes to be in the background, but for months I have had a strong impression that I needed to document and share my family’s journey with autism. I do not know the reasons I have felt so strongly about sharing (because I am not an expert and I still have a lot to learn), but I do know that if anything it will help me realize just how far we have come in the last 12 years from when Braxton was first diagnosed with autism. I don’t know how many people will actually read this but I hope those that do can benefit from this blog.
About “Autism: Piece By Piece
February 9, 2017Autism Piece By Piece, Faith, Our Story
I am typically a shy person who just likes to be in the background, but for months I have had a strong impression that I needed to document and share my family’s journey with autism. I do not know the reasons I have felt so strongly about sharing (because I am not an expert and I still have a lot to learn), but I do know that if anything it will help me realize just how far we have come in the last 12 years from when Braxton was first diagnosed with autism. I don’t know how many people will actually read this but I hope those that do can benefit from this blog.
About “Autism: Piece By Piece
*Because our faith in Heavenly Father and in His Son, Jesus Christ, is what keeps us going as a family in this journey, I like to share a scripture and quote with each post that I write to remind us where the true power comes from. Even though the journey may feel lonely a lot of the time you truly are never alone! (There is a link after each quote with the full talk if you would like to read it)
Scripture
Alma 26:12 “I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things.”
Quote
“Is it possible to be happy when life is hard? To feel peace amid uncertainty and hope in the midst of cynicism? Is it possible to change, to shake off old habits and become new again? Is it possible to live with integrity and purity in a world that no longer values the virtues that distinguish the followers of Christ? Yes. The answer is yes because of Jesus Christ, whose Atonement ensures that we need not bear the burdens of mortality alone. …” (Sheri L. Dew, “Our Only Chance” April 1999 General Conference)
Scripture
Alma 26:12 “I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things.”
Quote
“Is it possible to be happy when life is hard? To feel peace amid uncertainty and hope in the midst of cynicism? Is it possible to change, to shake off old habits and become new again? Is it possible to live with integrity and purity in a world that no longer values the virtues that distinguish the followers of Christ? Yes. The answer is yes because of Jesus Christ, whose Atonement ensures that we need not bear the burdens of mortality alone. …” (Sheri L. Dew, “Our Only Chance” April 1999 General Conference)
Tender Mercy
February 10, 2017Autism Piece By Piece, Faith, Our Story
While Beau and I sat in our newly purchased home with our 2 little kids, Macie and Braxton, we heard a loud banging on our side door. We looked at each other and then Beau went and unlocked the door. Standing there was a teenage boy wearing only a T-shirt and diaper. He walked right in, went straight to our t.v. and started looking through all of our movies. Beau and I looked at each other a little surprised and concerned because we had no idea who this boy was (we had just moved in and didn’t know anyone yet). He wouldn’t look at us or talk to us. Not too long after, his mom came knocking on our door looking for her son. She told us that her son had escaped the backyard without her knowing. She figured he was here because the people we bought the house from loved having him over to watch movies. She was so embarrassed and apologized a million times.
After they left Beau and I talked about how hard it would be to raise a child with special needs and we both verbalized that we could never do it. What we didn’t know was that Heavenly Father knew differently. Sitting in the same room with us was our son with autism! He was probably only about 8 months old at the time so of course we didn’t know. What we also didn’t know was that we would go through a similar experience with Braxton! (I will be sharing that in a later post) As you have read we really didn’t know a lot. Heavenly Father really does know each of us and gives us experiences to help us through this life. I truly feel that is was a tender mercy to have this experience and He has given us so many more throughout this journey. [v- Sort of like a warning shot!]
Scripture
1 Nephi 1:20 “…I, Nephi,will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom He hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.” [v- David Bednar taught the saints this concept. It seems as popular to me as the word pride was not after ETB!]
Quote
“…Through personal study, observation, pondering, and prayer, I believe I have come to better understand that the Lord’s tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindness, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ.” (David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “The Tender Mercies of the Lord” April 2005 General Conference) [v-aha! Here it is. DAB]
February 10, 2017Autism Piece By Piece, Faith, Our Story
While Beau and I sat in our newly purchased home with our 2 little kids, Macie and Braxton, we heard a loud banging on our side door. We looked at each other and then Beau went and unlocked the door. Standing there was a teenage boy wearing only a T-shirt and diaper. He walked right in, went straight to our t.v. and started looking through all of our movies. Beau and I looked at each other a little surprised and concerned because we had no idea who this boy was (we had just moved in and didn’t know anyone yet). He wouldn’t look at us or talk to us. Not too long after, his mom came knocking on our door looking for her son. She told us that her son had escaped the backyard without her knowing. She figured he was here because the people we bought the house from loved having him over to watch movies. She was so embarrassed and apologized a million times.
After they left Beau and I talked about how hard it would be to raise a child with special needs and we both verbalized that we could never do it. What we didn’t know was that Heavenly Father knew differently. Sitting in the same room with us was our son with autism! He was probably only about 8 months old at the time so of course we didn’t know. What we also didn’t know was that we would go through a similar experience with Braxton! (I will be sharing that in a later post) As you have read we really didn’t know a lot. Heavenly Father really does know each of us and gives us experiences to help us through this life. I truly feel that is was a tender mercy to have this experience and He has given us so many more throughout this journey. [v- Sort of like a warning shot!]
Scripture
1 Nephi 1:20 “…I, Nephi,will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom He hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.” [v- David Bednar taught the saints this concept. It seems as popular to me as the word pride was not after ETB!]
Quote
“…Through personal study, observation, pondering, and prayer, I believe I have come to better understand that the Lord’s tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindness, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ.” (David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “The Tender Mercies of the Lord” April 2005 General Conference) [v-aha! Here it is. DAB]
The Beginning
February 15, 2017Autism Piece By Piece, Faith, Our Story
Macie was 16 months old when Braxton was born in the summer of 2002. Braxton would only fall asleep on us or in his bouncer chair and hated sleeping in the bassinet. He refused to nurse and his stomach could only handle soy formula. As he got older he wasn’t hitting the milestones at the same rate his sister did. He loved to just sit in front of the t.v. and play with his toys and never really needed my attention the way Macie did. I thought that he was an easy kid. (What was I thinking!!!) [v-so cute!] We weren’t concerned about it because all kids are different and so many people told us that boys usually are slower at hitting the milestones.
As Braxton hit one he still wasn’t walking or talking and he wouldn’t answer us when we called his name. Beau and I really didn’t know what to think because we hadn’t ever really been around people with special needs. I had siblings that peer tutored in high school and my sister Chrissy [v-C has been giving some good encouragement in the comment section of this blog.] was concerned he may have special needs (I can’t remember if she specifically said autism because I didn’t even know what autism was). We then went to visit Beau’s parents while they were on their mission. His mom had mentioned to us that she thought that Braxton might have autism because she had known a child in their ward and Braxton had similar mannerisms. It was really hard to comprehend because I didn’t even know what that meant.
Braxton finally walked at 15 months but still wasn’t talking. We took him to his 18 month well child visit and told our pediatrician our concerns. He just told us he didn’t think there was anything to be concerned about and to just schedule his 2 year old check-up and see how he is progressing then. (At this time I had another son, Brooks who was 5 months old and was hitting milestones quicker than Braxton did). We were concerned and had a hearing test and assessment done. He wasn’t deaf but definitely was delayed. Not too long after the assessment Beau got a new job and we moved to a small town.
When he was 27 months old he had an all day long assessment and the official diagnosis came back as Braxton having severe autism. (At this point I was 2 months away from having my 4th child, Jake) Even though we knew he had autism, hearing a specialist tell us was really devastating. I cried a lot! Like I said before, we had no idea what autism was and what it was going to mean for our family. This was not the plan we had when we started our family. Yet, we knew this was the will of God and through His grace we could do all things. It hasn’t been an easy journey and we know that we would have never gotten this far without God!
Scripture
2 Nephi 10:24 “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, reconcile yourselves to the will of God…and remember, after ye are reconciled unto God, that it is only in and through the grace of God that ye are saved.”
Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
February 15, 2017Autism Piece By Piece, Faith, Our Story
Macie was 16 months old when Braxton was born in the summer of 2002. Braxton would only fall asleep on us or in his bouncer chair and hated sleeping in the bassinet. He refused to nurse and his stomach could only handle soy formula. As he got older he wasn’t hitting the milestones at the same rate his sister did. He loved to just sit in front of the t.v. and play with his toys and never really needed my attention the way Macie did. I thought that he was an easy kid. (What was I thinking!!!) [v-so cute!] We weren’t concerned about it because all kids are different and so many people told us that boys usually are slower at hitting the milestones.
As Braxton hit one he still wasn’t walking or talking and he wouldn’t answer us when we called his name. Beau and I really didn’t know what to think because we hadn’t ever really been around people with special needs. I had siblings that peer tutored in high school and my sister Chrissy [v-C has been giving some good encouragement in the comment section of this blog.] was concerned he may have special needs (I can’t remember if she specifically said autism because I didn’t even know what autism was). We then went to visit Beau’s parents while they were on their mission. His mom had mentioned to us that she thought that Braxton might have autism because she had known a child in their ward and Braxton had similar mannerisms. It was really hard to comprehend because I didn’t even know what that meant.
Braxton finally walked at 15 months but still wasn’t talking. We took him to his 18 month well child visit and told our pediatrician our concerns. He just told us he didn’t think there was anything to be concerned about and to just schedule his 2 year old check-up and see how he is progressing then. (At this time I had another son, Brooks who was 5 months old and was hitting milestones quicker than Braxton did). We were concerned and had a hearing test and assessment done. He wasn’t deaf but definitely was delayed. Not too long after the assessment Beau got a new job and we moved to a small town.
When he was 27 months old he had an all day long assessment and the official diagnosis came back as Braxton having severe autism. (At this point I was 2 months away from having my 4th child, Jake) Even though we knew he had autism, hearing a specialist tell us was really devastating. I cried a lot! Like I said before, we had no idea what autism was and what it was going to mean for our family. This was not the plan we had when we started our family. Yet, we knew this was the will of God and through His grace we could do all things. It hasn’t been an easy journey and we know that we would have never gotten this far without God!
Scripture
2 Nephi 10:24 “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, reconcile yourselves to the will of God…and remember, after ye are reconciled unto God, that it is only in and through the grace of God that ye are saved.”
Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Faith
February 22, 2017Autism Piece By Piece, Faith, Our Story
On Sunday we had a wonderful lesson in Relief Society about the great faith the pioneers had. To further discuss faith the instructor shared a clip of Elder Holland’s talk “Lord, I Believe.” I just wanted to share a small portion in this post.
I shared in Relief Society that this is the life of my family and we can exclaim these same words, “Our whole family is pleading. Our struggle never ceases. We are exhausted. Our son falls into the water. He falls into the fire. He is continually in danger, and we are continually afraid.” Instead of Braxton falling in water and fire he has disappeared many times, he hurts himself by banging his head on the ground and walls and at times tries to hurt others. He is in constant need of our attention and supervision. It is both physically and mentally exhausting. [v- can you imagine?]
We pleaded with our Heavenly Father to help us just as this father did. At the beginning all we ever prayed for was for Braxton to be healed. [v- go for the gold!] There were times that I felt alone and that prayers weren’t being answered. I thought that maybe I didn’t have enough faith for Braxton to be healed. [v- Crud, I put my faith to the test and it didn’t happen. What does that say about my faith?] It was a very difficult and lonely time. It wasn’t until years later that Beau and I both came to realize that it was not the will of the Lord to heal him. We pleaded that we would have the faith and strength we needed to endure and do our best to help Braxton have the best possible life. [v- Check out that first word in that sentence. We. This is a husband and wife team working together! ] It is really hard watching him suffer and have no way of knowing how to help him. [v- Braxton was suffering!] It wasn’t until we submitted to the Lord’s will that we started to see a change in ourselves. The circumstances didn’t change but the way we handled it did. We have seen the partial blessings, glimmers of hope and some small lifting of the burdens carried by our whole family. We have learned so much through this journey that we have been given. We wouldn’t change it for anything. [v-WHAT? Are you crazy?!] Braxton has been such a blessing to us and has really taught us what unconditional love is. I’m grateful I get to be his mom. What a blessing it is to have faith in a loving Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. [v- l o v e .]
**I don’t comment very often in class because I can never get my thoughts into words and I feel like I don’t make any sense. I hope on Sunday that I didn’t come across as complaining or wanting people to feel sorry for me because that was not my intention. This talk really is dear to my heart and it makes me emotional because I can really feel the pain of what these parents are going through. It is so real to me. I was trying to testify that with faith in our Savior our burdens can be lightened. Not taken away but lightened. The Lord knows each of us individually and has already gone through it all. [v- I had not read this bps when I introduced/prepared you for this blog reading. But look at that sentence. It is really what we believe!] He knows what we need in order to progress in this life. We just need to have faith and trust in Him and the plan. [v- Faith and trust. Two absolutely beautiful words!]
Scripture
1 Nephi 7:12 “Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him? Wherefore, let us be faithful to him.”
Quote
“Long ago I worked for one of our railroads whose tracks threaded the passes through [the] mountains. I frequently rode the trains. It was in the days when there were steam locomotives. Those great monsters of the rails were huge and fast and dangerous. I often wondered how the engineer dared the long journey through the night. Then I came to realize that it was not one long journey, but rather a constant continuation of a short journey. The engine had a powerful headlight that made bright the way for a distance of 400 or 500 yards. The engineer saw only that distance, and that was enough, because it was constantly before him all through the night into the dawn of the new day. …
And so it is with our eternal journey. We take one step at a time. In doing so we reach toward the unknown, but faith lights the way. If we will cultivate that faith, we shall never walk in darkness. …
The challenge which faces every member of this Church is to take the next step, to accept that responsibility to which he is called, even though he does not feel equal to it, and to do so in faith with the full expectation that the Lord will light the way before him.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church Gordon B. Hinckley, Chapter 25)
February 22, 2017Autism Piece By Piece, Faith, Our Story
On Sunday we had a wonderful lesson in Relief Society about the great faith the pioneers had. To further discuss faith the instructor shared a clip of Elder Holland’s talk “Lord, I Believe.” I just wanted to share a small portion in this post.
I shared in Relief Society that this is the life of my family and we can exclaim these same words, “Our whole family is pleading. Our struggle never ceases. We are exhausted. Our son falls into the water. He falls into the fire. He is continually in danger, and we are continually afraid.” Instead of Braxton falling in water and fire he has disappeared many times, he hurts himself by banging his head on the ground and walls and at times tries to hurt others. He is in constant need of our attention and supervision. It is both physically and mentally exhausting. [v- can you imagine?]
We pleaded with our Heavenly Father to help us just as this father did. At the beginning all we ever prayed for was for Braxton to be healed. [v- go for the gold!] There were times that I felt alone and that prayers weren’t being answered. I thought that maybe I didn’t have enough faith for Braxton to be healed. [v- Crud, I put my faith to the test and it didn’t happen. What does that say about my faith?] It was a very difficult and lonely time. It wasn’t until years later that Beau and I both came to realize that it was not the will of the Lord to heal him. We pleaded that we would have the faith and strength we needed to endure and do our best to help Braxton have the best possible life. [v- Check out that first word in that sentence. We. This is a husband and wife team working together! ] It is really hard watching him suffer and have no way of knowing how to help him. [v- Braxton was suffering!] It wasn’t until we submitted to the Lord’s will that we started to see a change in ourselves. The circumstances didn’t change but the way we handled it did. We have seen the partial blessings, glimmers of hope and some small lifting of the burdens carried by our whole family. We have learned so much through this journey that we have been given. We wouldn’t change it for anything. [v-WHAT? Are you crazy?!] Braxton has been such a blessing to us and has really taught us what unconditional love is. I’m grateful I get to be his mom. What a blessing it is to have faith in a loving Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. [v- l o v e .]
**I don’t comment very often in class because I can never get my thoughts into words and I feel like I don’t make any sense. I hope on Sunday that I didn’t come across as complaining or wanting people to feel sorry for me because that was not my intention. This talk really is dear to my heart and it makes me emotional because I can really feel the pain of what these parents are going through. It is so real to me. I was trying to testify that with faith in our Savior our burdens can be lightened. Not taken away but lightened. The Lord knows each of us individually and has already gone through it all. [v- I had not read this bps when I introduced/prepared you for this blog reading. But look at that sentence. It is really what we believe!] He knows what we need in order to progress in this life. We just need to have faith and trust in Him and the plan. [v- Faith and trust. Two absolutely beautiful words!]
Scripture
1 Nephi 7:12 “Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him? Wherefore, let us be faithful to him.”
Quote
“Long ago I worked for one of our railroads whose tracks threaded the passes through [the] mountains. I frequently rode the trains. It was in the days when there were steam locomotives. Those great monsters of the rails were huge and fast and dangerous. I often wondered how the engineer dared the long journey through the night. Then I came to realize that it was not one long journey, but rather a constant continuation of a short journey. The engine had a powerful headlight that made bright the way for a distance of 400 or 500 yards. The engineer saw only that distance, and that was enough, because it was constantly before him all through the night into the dawn of the new day. …
And so it is with our eternal journey. We take one step at a time. In doing so we reach toward the unknown, but faith lights the way. If we will cultivate that faith, we shall never walk in darkness. …
The challenge which faces every member of this Church is to take the next step, to accept that responsibility to which he is called, even though he does not feel equal to it, and to do so in faith with the full expectation that the Lord will light the way before him.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church Gordon B. Hinckley, Chapter 25)
