Happy Mother's Day!!!

Mom, you're the greatest!!

Happy Mother's Day!

Margaret Webb Downs

Today's my mom's birthday. Happy Birthday MOM!!!

My mom is such a great lady. She's taught me so many things--more than can be numbered! I'm lucky to be her daughter. I love you!!!

Snow and Faith

I drove from Soda Springs to Logan last night in snow. It was pretty consistent the entire time and it made me a near-nervous-wreck. As I was driving though, I thought about my journey and how it relates to faith:The road we travel on in life is just like the road I drove last night. It can be clear of obstacles, and completely dry which makes for a smooth trip. Other times it can be covered in slush, water, or snow with the chance of deer bounding across very real. We're not always going to be able to choose the road we have to travel on but with faith, we'll make it safely home. There were times when I had a hard time seeing beyond what was right in front of me and I had to rely on my headlights to guide me. Those are the times in life when we have to rely on the Holy Ghost to guide us because we can't do it alone. Each time I tried to look farther than what was illuminated, I was only met with disappointment. We'll face these trials now and again and we just have to keep moving forward, knowing that as we do, we'll receive just enough light to keep us going.
Before we set off, my brother warned me of dangers that would be on the road. I also had my dad in the passenger seat, working as my "navigator". As members of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we know that we'll be given heavenly help to guide us on the path of life. We have an Elder Brother who has traveled the road before and can help us reach our destination in safety, and we have revelation from our Father who can also watch over us and caution us when we need it.
How greatful I am for little teaching moments in life to help me remember what's important. I'm also greatful that I had the "eyes to see" last night and learn what I needed to learn!

The 12 Apostles

On our way home from Heath's birthday dinner last night, Dylan shared this little story that he and his Deacon's quorum made up in church on Sunday. We thought it was quite clever!

President Monson, President Eyring, and President Uchtdorf put on their Packer jerseys and went to Perry to visit the Nelson’s. On their way there they saw an Oak tree with a Ballard in it. Then it started to Hales and they said, “Great Scott lets go to Holland!” But they got tired on their way there so they went to Bednar. They were hungry in the morning so they Cook(ed) up some fried Christofferson(s) and fed it to Andersen.

Heath

Today's my brother Heath's birthday!!!

Heath's the oldest of us kids and ten years older than me. He's the husband of Sheila and the father of Dylan, Hailey, Hanna, and Hadley. If you happen to be driving through Caribou County, ID, make sure to mind your business or you might be facing a ticket issued by Deputy Downs. Though there's a ten year age difference between us, there'll always be a special connection between Heath and myself. He was the one to baptize me and it's a special memory for me. I love you Heath! Happy Birthday!!!!

Ogden Temple

Yesterday, Monica and I went to Ogden to do a session in the Ogden Temple. It'll be closing 1 April to undergo extensive renovation and Monica wanted to make sure she saw it before everything changed. Of course I agreed to accompany her! We arrived and found a large number of people everywhere in the temple. They all seemed to have the same idea as us. We ended up in the 9:40 session, just as Monica had predicted we would. There were 8 people receiving their own endowments in our session. I think only 2 of them were young men preparing for missions and one of them was an elderly gentleman who was going to be sealed to his wife following the session. It was pretty cool. As if that wasn't cool enough, Elder Kikuchi was there too. He is the Elder Kikuchi of this post: What an incredible weekend I had . Monica thought I should go up to him and tell him I was the one who made him the delicious cookies. I however, didn't get a chance as the session ran late and he appeared to be in quite a hurry to leave. Those 70s must be pretty busy!After the temple we went to El Matador for lunch, per my friend Meggan's suggestion. It was quite delicious and I'd eat there again. We had a great time together and I feel so blessed to have not only the opportunity to attend the temple but to have so many temples within a relatively close driving distance.

Landon Dean

Today’s my nephew Landon’s Birthday. Happy 7^th Birthday dude!

Landon is a stud. He’ll tell you he’s the smartest kid in his class and that one day he’ll be class president. Not an ounce of humility in him! Ha, just kidding. He really is a pistol. I wish my brother didn’t live so far away and that we could get together for the birthday of our “little Jared”.  I guess we’ll have to settle for a phone call and hopefully some pictures, *hint, hint. Love ya Landoney!!!