Remodel Your Home Into a Center of Gospel Learning

"The new home-centered, Church-supported integrated curriculum has the potential to unleash the power of families, as each family follows through conscientiously and carefully to transform their home into a sanctuary of faith. I promise that as you diligently work to remodel your home into a center of gospel learning, over time your Sabbath days will truly be a delight. Your children will be excited to learn and to live the Savior’s teachings, and the influence of the adversary in your life and in your home will decrease. Changes in your family will be dramatic and sustaining." -President Russell M. Nelson, "Becoming Exemplary Latter-day Saints," October 2018 closing remarks 

These words of President Nelson had a really deep impact on me when I heard them.  I knew he did not mean "remodel" in only one way, but I felt impressed that we needed to make our living room a beautiful space.  I was literally thinking of the temple and how it is not just a spiritually uplifting atmosphere--it is also a physically beautiful space.  

This thought persisted, and those two phrases "transform your home into a sanctuary of faith" and "remodel your home into a center of gospel learning" kept playing in my mind for months.  I talked about it a lot with Allen and we decided to save up to "remodel" our main living area, about a year after this talk was given in November of 2019.  

We replaced our broken front door, installed new flooring (with generous help and instruction from our brother Rich!), and purchased a pretty, white shelving unit that fit perfectly, making better use of our small space.

Look how small that room is!

We could never have done it without Rich--he came for three
days and taught Allen how to install flooring.  It was so kind!

Fast forward four months from when our "remodel" was complete.

We were sitting in our "new," peaceful living room, as Truman and Brigham blessed and passed the sacrament, during the beginning days of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

I felt an overpowering, confirming witness that our Father in Heaven had guided us to "remodel" our home--and that physical, temporal spaces and spiritual, holy spaces can actually be one and the same.  We did not go into debt for this remodel, and we took our time and performed the labor ourselves--to transform our living room into a living ordinance room . . . without ever guessing that we would be partaking of the sacrament and renewing covenants for many months in that very space.

We bought this end table at a thrift store and
Allen sanded and repainted it.  It ended up
becoming our sacrament table.

Allen preparing the sacrament.  Truman is 18 and Brigham 15

Our Father in Heaven speaks to us so subtly, so personally.  I am grateful that I allowed the words of the prophet to pierce my understanding and sink into my heart, leading to a course of action that I never would have thought could even come from heaven.

Remember when Oliver Cowdery said "Here were days never to be forgotten" about those early days of translating the Book of Mormon?  That's how I feel about those sacred Sundays during the pandemic--they were "truly a delight" as President Nelson promised.  As awful and scary and serious and unsettling as that time was--we felt peace each week as we worshipped together at home, and not only on Sundays.

Reflecting on this experience fills my heart with such gratitude!  It also reminds me, five years later, that I need to care for my physical space and clear out clutter, because "all things unto [God] are spiritual" (Doctrine & Covenants 29:34).  

I am so grateful for prophets on the earth.  Listening to their words, with my ears and with my spirit and with my heart, continues to bless my life and help me to feel peace, even in the middle of such a tumultuous world.

January 2020
New floors, rugs, shelving, and TV.  Couch, chairs, 
basket, lamp, tables and curtains from the thrift store

February 8th, 2025

Fifty-Two Dresses

I didn't wear a dress #9 on the intended day, because church was CANCELED due to SO MUCH SNOW on March 5th.  It was a much-needed day of rest at home.

Dress # 8, no pockets, $4 at D.I.
Knox Rose, knee-length wraparound with spaghetti straps
GAP jean jacket to the rescue on this snowy day

Dress #7 with POCKETS--$8 at Savers
Another Reborn J dress, short sleeve, with pleats at the waist
Beautiful spring colors: mint, cream, lemon, and peach
Forever 21, long cream cardigan: $5 at Savers
Mollie's dress is from Cori! 
Brand: "Stitch District," long-sleeve and floor-length, with
plenty of ruffles.  GAP jean jacket Becca has had forever

Dress #7 WITH POCKETS, $6 at Savers
Brand: Reborn J, knee length, long sleeves
Jason Maxwell Rusty Orange cardigan
Mollie's Dress: Mimi+Daphne $8 at Savers (found by Cori)
(Mollie's favorite for playing the organ because it's wide)
Exhilaration Navy blue cardigan $4
Ricky Baker's dress: $4 bag of doll clothes at DI

Six More Weeks of Winter

I can handle that.  But Winter sure as heck better leave in the middle of March, because that will be the one-year mark of the pandemic.  One year of figurative winter is long enough, Punxsutawney Phil.

In the mean time, INDOOR PROJECTS.  Nothing makes my heart go pitter-pat quite like a before-and-after photo.  Especially when it's something from my own home.

Since this coat closet also serves as my office and sewing room, it's like I cleaned THREE things instead of one.  I am hoping to post befores-and-afters of my laundry room next.

I filled up a tote with donations while I decluttered and organized, because Georgia and I had planned a quick, moms-only, thrifting excursion!  We left early Saturday morning, masked up, and went to four huge thrift stores south of the Idaho border.  We both found things we were looking for, and things we didn't even know we were looking for.  Georgia scored some super nice bar chairs, and of course tons of children's books--she also left each children's book section more organized and clean than she found it!

It was a fun day with my cute friend--it's always nice to spend time on a drive in good conversation.  And when you both love Maverik drinks and food from The Old Grist Mill?  A match made in heaven, I tell you!

What a fun trip!  We laughed all day long.  I love my Jojajo!

My favorite find: five bags of Schleich animals for $20!

Georgia went through all the children's books 
and found a new Night Before Christmas I can
add to my collection!  It's so cute I can't stand it!

This pop-up book is so cool, each page is fabulous

The Rosie Project had been on my Amazon wishlist,
and I have heard good things about Snow Flower
and the Secret Fan

Back to the home front: It's nice having Jacob back!  He turned thirteen last week, but thankfully without the drama of most thirteen-year-olds.  He has been loving playing outside every day after school, which is a new development, and so fun.  Yesterday he and Mollie played for a long time together and came in with rosy cheeks, snowy coats, and big grins.  The two best teenagers I've ever seen!  

Nobody gives hugs like Jacob--they are so full of love!

I let Calvin stay home from school after a dentist's appointment--he had a great day working on his map of "Nivena," researching all the biomes on the computer so he could include each one in his world.  He has grown so mature this year, and I can't believe he is nine!  I love having conversations with this kid.

And finally, Twyla has found a new, cozy hiding pace where she is free from being tormented by Zuko: the winter clothes totes.  I don't know how she figured out how to jump up and into a bag, but it is always hilarious to glimpse her snuggled up with the hats and gloves.  These bags hang right above a heating vent in the bathroom . . . Twyla is no dummy.

What's Keeping Me Sane Right Now

See Allen and Calvin shoveling in the background?

Winter in Idaho at 6000 feet above sea level (okay, 5,960--but close enough) is not for the faint of heart.  Add in a global pandemic, new expenses that accompany college and missions and busy teenagers, and just regular old trials and tribs . . . it's sometimes a tough time.

I am having a tough time.

But I am trying to focus on the things that bring me joy and help me feel good, instead of enumerating all the not-so-nice things.

1- It doesn't always happen that I feel like cooking when I am in a funk, but thankfully and weirdly, I feel motivated to try new recipes right now.  Not necessarily healthy recipes, January goals notwithstanding, just anything new.  I am sick of the same old stuff, and find that it's been easier to cook when I am venturing out of my wheelhouse a little.  I made this linguini with clam sauce on Monday night and it was a hit.

Chicken stock in place of white wine, broccoli in place of 
broccoli rabe, and fettucine in place of linguine

Too bad I couldn't smell this . . . I didn't know I couldn't smell
it until everyone kept asking, "What smells so good?"

2- Speaking of new recipes, Calvin has been strangely obsessed with making a red velvet cake.  He begged to make one for about two weeks, and Allen bought all the ingredients (including two entire bottles of red food coloring) on Saturday night and they made it together on Sunday.  Calvin was in heaven.  It was pretty delicious . . . but still not chocolate.

He really is the best dad

It was perfectly cooked and yummy!

Three lucky kids got the leftovers after school on Monday

The cutest part is that Calvin was so effusive in his praise and gratitude.  "Dad, you're the best dad in the world to make this cake with me!  I just love cooking with you, Dad.  I love the way you teach me how to cook!"  My sweet kids are my biggest blessing.  They bring so much joy into my life.  Even when they'd rather cook with Dad (just another blessing, actually).

3- READING: books, magazines, audiobooks, scriptures, conference talks, and listening to a podcast about reading.  January might be a dreary month, but it's the BEST month for getting cozy on the couch with a good book.

4- Exercise.  Not quite six days a week, but usually four or five.  I walk with Brenda, go to the gym with Brigham, and I've gone ice skating with Mollie three times (with the bruises on my knees and elbows to prove it).  Even though I have to force myself to go to the gym with Brigham, it helps me feel pretty good for the rest of the day.

We have walked outside more than inside this month!

Whooooooooo's cold?
One of my favorite garden decorations from Brenda

Don't forget SHOVELING SNOW.  Getting outside always soothes me, so I'm grateful that caring for my chickens and rabbits forces me to venture into the frozen hinterlands of my yard.  

Allen is in charge of shoveling snow for church--he spent two
hours there on Saturday after we got DUMPED ON. 
Luckily the church has this amazing snowblower.

5- Thrift stores.  Buying books, ice skates, toys, clothes--things I want and need . . . and things I never knew I wanted or needed.  I love the fun of shopping without price-tag guilt.

Jacob loves this "tent" even more than Jackson

I bought this fold-up tent for TWO DOLLARS at the D.I. and
it has been the perfect toy to get out for my two extra kiddos

6- Date night.  Where would I be without it?  It's a mini vacation, every week.  I love Allen and I so appreciate how hard he works for our family.  He is my biggest blessing, and spending time with him always helps me feel better.

7- Making this list.  I feel better already.  It's one thing to think about your blessings--but quite another to get those thoughts out of your head and on to paper (er, blog).  Just the tactile act of typing these things down and looking at photos of this month makes them more permanent and real in my world.