Mary Ruth's Baptism

Grandma had attended the Seventh Day Adventist church with her daughters for years. When she moved in with us, she continued to go with the Riegers to the Seventh Day Adventist church. We completely supported her in her desire to attend church with Nic and Craige and her family. I would even get up early on Saturday mornings to get her ready to attend church with them.

Sunday morning would come along, and we would get ready to go to our church. On a couple of occasions, I noticed her giving me a "longing look" that she gives me when she wants something. I inquired if she would like to attend church with us. She jumped at the opportunity. So, we began to bring her along to church with us as well. Her weekends attending church on both days, exhausted her...but she really looked forward to them and seemed to enjoy it.

After the first week of bringing her to church, and seeing "things" through a new person's eyes...I realized that there was a lot about our religion that could be quite confusing. Therefore, I thought it might be nice to have the Sister Missionaries come over and teach Grandma the basic principles of the church...this way she might understand what was being taught to her at church. Sister Hunt and Sister Zirker came over weekly teaching Grandma different principles. After a couple of months, Sister Zirker was transferred to Bowling Green and Sister Hunt joined Sister Hansen.

The teaching continued and the more Grandma learned. The more she seemed to accept what she was being taught. She didn't even seem to question it. She and I attempted to read from the scriptures daily. She continued to come to church with us. She continued to have the Sisters and eventually the Elders over to teach her. One week in early December, Sister Hansen and Sister Hunt were over to have supper with us and to teach Grandma regarding the principle of "Baptism". When the lesson finished, Sister Hunt looked at Grandma and asked "Would you like to be baptized?" Grandma looked at her and surprisingly said "Yes."

I was completely shocked! It hadn't ever been my intention to have Grandma be baptized as a member of our church. Not that I didn't want her too, but I didn't think first of all that she would want to and secondly, I didn't want any of her children to feel like we were "pushing" our religion on her. I told Jonathan what Grandma had said, and he was concerned that with all of her confusion "she might not understand what she was agreeing to."

We decided to just let it go and see what happened. A couple of weeks later when the sisters were over, Grandma asked "So, when am I going to be baptized?" I was astonished! I inquired "You really want to be baptized?" Grandma affirmed once again. We set a date for baptism and continued teaching her.

Grandma never wavered in her decision to be baptized. We asked her on numerous occasions if this was indeed something she wished to do and whether she understood the commitment she would be making, and each and every time she confirmed that "Yes, she wanted to be baptized."

Mary Ruth Knicely's Baptism

January 31st, 2009 at 10 am

located at the Eastgate Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

in Toledo Ohio.

Grandma ready to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Jonathan and Grandma together

We believe in baptism by immersion. Jonathan was concerned with being able to immerse Grandma safely with the herniation in his back. Therefore, we had Elder Ralphs in the water as well to assist in the baptism.

Before coming to church this morning, we presented Grandma with her own set of scriptures in large print for her to use. (The same gift we presented to each of our children when they were baptized.) She was tickled pink!

Elder Marshal Ralphs, Jonathan, Grandma and Elder Carlos Puerto

(There were several missionaries who participated in teaching Grandma. It started out with Sister Hansen and Sister Zurker, then there was Sister Hansen and Sister Hunt, then Elder Jones and Elder Ralphs, and then finally Elder Ralphs and Elder Puerto.

Grandma and Jonathan

After Grandma was immersed in the water, and she was pulled back up...she immediately said her famous line "Now what?" That seemed like an appropriate statement at the time. "Now what?" We follow the Savior and His teachings!

Maria and Jonathan with Grandma

(she was having a difficult time keeping her balance)

After Grandma was baptized she was confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and given the gift of the Holy Ghost.

This is the people who stood in her Confirmation circle...

(back) Elder Ralphs, Bishop Mike Benner, Jonathan Simons, and Jeffrey Lake

(front) Elder Puerto, Mary Ruth Knicely and Elder Fernandez

We followed the baptism with a light luncheon. There were many friends there who showed their support to Grandma on this blessed day! It was a great day for her and meant a great deal to her to have those of you there with her.

Riflery Merit Badge

Boy Scout Riflery Merit Badge
A brother in our ward is an instructor in Firearms and safety.
The troop was offered the opportunity to take Riflery classes to earn their merit badge
They went every Saturday for 5 weeks
But as you could probably expect...it wasn't much of a sacrifice.
They all loved it...including Jonathan

Class Instruction

The boys learning to shoot

Jonathan's Target--He scored 192

Dylan working on becoming a Sharp Shooter

Kyle working on becoming a Marksman

Kyle's Target--He scored 181
Jonathan, Dylan and Kyle all earned the "Expert" classification
Way to go!

25 random things about Maria

Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you.

1. I have moved 28 times in my life (maybe more).
2. I attended 10 different schools before I graduated from high school.
3. I went to Kindergarten and 1st grade in Germany. (My dad was in the Air Force).
4. I have always wanted to have a sister!
5. I am so grateful for my testimony of Jesus Christ. This simple knowledge has provided me with so much contentment, security, and direction in my life.
6. I wanted to have 8-10 kids when I grew up...including daughters in that picture.
7. I am living my dream jobs...wife, mother and OB nurse :)
8. I hate hurting other people more than anything else in the world.
9. When I was a kid (and even as an adult)...my mom could try to beat me to death, and that never affected me like knowing I had disappointed her. (Unfortunately, that didn't keep me from doing my fair share of disappointing her.)
10. If I had the time and the money to invest in a hobby right now...it would be photography. I want to learn how to do "it" right. I just love catching memories in photographs.
11. I am completely and unequivocally in love with my husband. He is exactly what I need.
12. There isn't anyone in this world that I love more than my children.
13. I would have more children if I could (and could stay at home with them).
14. I wish I could be thinner, but as long as I remain healthy (by living a healthy lifestyle and exercising)...I'm okay with the way that I look.
15. It is important to me to have others feel special on their birthday.
16. Some of the most powerful words in this world are "Thank you" "I'm sorry" and "I care".
17. (I hate to admit this out loud...afraid it might jinx me.) I've never had a speeding ticket. (I know mom will find this fact surprising)
18. I love to read, scrapbook, blogging, and Facebook. I have been reunited with more of my old friends whom I had lost touch with over the years. What a wonderful opportunity and a beautiful creation!
19. I believe everyone comes in to our lives for a reason and they leave their mark...no matter how small.
20. We need to enjoy the journey...not just endure it!
21. If you can learn something from the trials and experiences we have...than no choice we ever make should be regretted.
22. I love to be around people who enjoy laughing :))
23. The most meaningful thing I can do as a friend is to dance in the rain with them during the storms of life.
24. I hate cleaning bathrooms more than any other job in the house.
25. I never bake! I don't like it. If any baking takes place in our home...it is Jon's efforts not mine.
There did you learn anything new?

25 random things about Jonathan

1. My favorite all time car is a Porsche 911.
2. I used to be a Michael Jackson fan, but he has just gotten too weird for me. Now I enjoy country music...something I never thought I would ever say.
3. I enjoy building things with my hands.
4. Getting up and having to speak in front of people absolutely terrifies me.
5. The hardest part of life is losing people we love.
6. I own a 1986 Monte Carlo SS Hot rod...I've never had so many strangers come up and make conversation with me and offer to buy my car, as when I am in my car.
7. I like collecting trains as a hobby.
8. My dream job is to be a conductor/engineer of a train.
9. I am the oldest of two brothers, but I was raised as the youngest of 13.
10. I HATED having red hair when I was a kid! Nothing ticked me off more than being called "Red", "Richie Cunningham" or "Johnny".
11. I like playing sports...especially basketball, but I don't like watching them much.
12. I enjoy roller coasters, cliff jumping, and would like to bungee jump. All things I can't do with a bad back :(.
13. I've only ever been in love one time...unless you count my boys.
14. I like the outdoors and camping. My favorite childhood memories were camping in Canada with my family and the week long camp with Lake James Christian Assembly
15. One of the hardest jobs I've ever done is being a good dad.
16. My best friend is my wife...she gets everything about me.
17. I play video games at night to relax before bed.
18. I have worked in Assembly most of my adult life...although, my favorite position was as a fork lift operator.
19. I enjoy working out...lifting weights, running, boxing.
20. I like reading scriptures with my boys right before they go to bed. It helps me feel close to them.
21. I like being involved with my boys...some of my best memories with them has been when I helped build their Pinewood Derby Cars, serve as a Cub Scout leader, coached their basketball teams, went on Scout camping trips, etc...
22. I once biked from Sylvania to downtown Toledo, just to see Maria at work (back when we were dating).
23. I like watching movies, especially in the theatres with surround sound and theatre seating.
24. I would like to travel more.
25. I would love to learn how to fly a plane.

Did you learn anything?

Pinewood Derby 2009

Annual Cub Scout Pinewood Derby races

Saturday, January 17th at 10 am

in Bowling Green at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints

Toledo 1st ward, Toledo 2nd ward, Perrysburg ward, and Bowling Green wards participating

Our Pack 213

(back) Jonathan Simons,Brandon Hamlin, Brandon Willis, Lisa Kijowski

(front) Nicholas Simons, Courage Amsbury, Zachary Jastal, and Cory Coursen

Jonathan and his boys

Nicholas vs. Parker

Nicholas shows off his awards

Luke vs. Nicholas

Luke and Kyle watch the races

Luke registering his car

Luke's car

Luke's car was modeled after this dad's Monte Carlo SS '02 Nicholas registering his car

Nicholas' car is modeled after his dad's '86 Monte Carlo SS

Pinewood Derby Line-up

Nicholas wins First Place Overall in the Pinewood Derby

Nicholas so proud of his prize winning car

Nicholas also won the award for "Best Speedster"

Luke was very excited to win the prize for Best Overall Design

The adults had their own race and Jonathan's car came in first place

Jonathan~ Master Pinewood Derby Car Creator

Wanna a kiss?

The celebratory cake had black frosting on it. The kids and some adults had a good time with it :)

Luke shows his black lips

Jeff shows off not only his black lips, but his black teeth too! Fun, Fun, Fun!

Tagged

I was tagged by Tiffany to answer these questions in 5's

5 things I was doing 10 years ago:

Starting my first set of Clinicals in Nursing School

Taking care of 3 little boys under the age of 4

I was a Stay-at-Home Mom

We only had one vehicle

I was still breastfeeding

5 things on my To-Do list today:

Get rid of this stinkin' headache!

Take a nap.

Go shopping with the family for shoes, books, jeans, etc...

Continue taking care of Grandma while she recovers from her surgery yesterday

I'd love to go on a date with my hunny! He needs a little TLC :)


5 snacks that I LOVE:

Turtle Cheesecake

Toffifay

TGIFriday's Potato Skins

Kettle Cooked Mesquite Bar-b-q chips with sour cream

Mexican Wedding Cookies

5 Things I would do if I were a Billionaire:

Quit work and stay at home with my kiddos

Go on lots of vacations

Donate money to different organizations (especially cancer research)

Build a huge house and fill it with more kiddos (girls...I would be able to have girls)

Buy houses for my family...so they don't have to worry about paying a mortgage

I TAG:

whoever would like to answer these questions

He never gives up

"Oh, it is wonderful to know that our Heavenly Father loves us — even with all our flaws! His love is such that even should we give up on ourselves, He never will."Joseph B. Wirthlin

I came across this quote and it has been on my mind ever since. What a miraculous experience it is for all of us to have a Heavenly Father who loves us more than we can even fathom. He is so patient and loving, knowing of each of our divine potentials. He will never give up on us...so why do we?

This knowledge has been a miracle in my life. I will never forget when the knowledge that I have a Heavenly Father who knows me, loves me and wants what is best for me happened. It was a moment that truly changed my entire life. Especially considering the fact that I had spent my entire life seeking after the concept of "unconditional father love."

Even with the knowledge that I have, it can become easy to begin forgetting. I have been struggling lately with the whisperings of the Adversary...making me feel unworthy of the beautiful relationship I can have with my Heavenly Father. Through diligent prayer, I am coming to find that these "whisperings" are far from what my Heavenly Father wants me to know or feel. He wants me to know of his complete love for me. He wants me to feel there is always a way. But the Adversary is cunning...and without hardly noticing, we can start following a completely different message and begin heading down a path that leads us away from our Heavenly Father instead of toward Him. Suddenly, you wake up one day and wonder how you could've possibly gotten so far away?

Therefore, we must constantly be diligent! Diligent in seeking after the Spirit...and then staying ever close to that Spirit. We have a Guidebook...we need to read it, know it, ponder it...and then follow its teachings. We need to listen. Are we willing to do what is hard? Do we believe? Do we have enough faith in our relationship with our Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ? Are we willing to give up our sins to know our God? Are we willing to do whatever He asks of us? Will we follow him no matter the cost? These are the questions that determine our discipleship and eventual salvation.

I can only begin to hope that I will be able to measure up to be the daughter of God...that He knows I am and can become.

New Year's Resolutions

Here are some tips that may bring in a beautiful life...

Take a 10-30 minute walk every day, and while you walk...SMILE :)

Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes every day

When you wake up in the morning, complete the following statement...
"My purpose is to.....today."

Live the 3 E's...Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy
and the 3 F's....Faith, Family, and Friends

Spend more time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of six

Dream more while you are awake.

Try to make at least three people smile each day.

Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn, pass all your tests.
Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like Algebra class,
but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

Smile and laugh more...It will keep the energy vampires away.

Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

Don't take yourself so seriously. Noone else does.

You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagreements.

Make peace with your past, so it won't mess up the present.

Don't compare your life with others...You have no idea what their journey is all about.

Burn the candles, use the nice sheets.
Don't save it for a special occasion.
Today is special!

Noone is in charge of your happiness except you.

Forgive EVERYONE for EVERYTHING.

What other people think of you is none of your business.

Time heals almost every thing.
Give time...time.

However good or bad a situation...it will change.

Your job won't take care of you when you are sick.
Your friends will stay in touch.

Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful, or joyful.

The best is yet to come.

No matter how you feel...
get up , dress up, and show up.

Do the right thing!

Call your family often.

Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements...
"I am thankful for...."
"Today I accomplished...."

Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

Enjoy the ride!
Remember that this is not Disney World,
and you certainly don't want a fast pass.
Make the most of it and enjoy the ride.

Reflections and New Beginnings

At this time of the New Year it is difficult not to reflect back on the last year we have just experienced. I have noticed in my communications, many others who have waved good-bye to this last year...relieved to have 2008 over with. I, on the other hand, feel quite differently.

2008 was a year of great change for our family. We started the year, having just relocated again from Utah to Toledo. Our marriage and family were hanging in the balance...and I couldn't see any other alternative in store for us, but the eventual dissolution of so many things that Jonathan and I had built up together in our marriage. Even though I was unable to see any other alternatives, there was one thing that I had become certain of. I had discovered that I didn't have all of the answers (2007 had definitely taught me that concept quite clearly) and I needed to trust the "One" who did.

In the beginning of the year, I began going through the motions of re-establishing employment at my old job, getting the kids settled back into their schools and lives here, and keeping myself open to the "messages" that might come my way. The road I thought I was on really began to change its direction. Before I knew it, healing was taking place in wounds I didn't think could be healed. As these wounds healed, my perspective began changing and the vision I once had began to change all together. I began to feel the true power of prayer all around me.

When I initially decided to return to Toledo, Jonathan's greatest hope was this might be the way toward reconciliation for us. I on the other hand, couldn't even begin to wrap my mind around even beginning to go down that road again. As my vision began to change...the possibilities of what I might be able to do, began to change along with it.

By the beginning of Spring, I was ready to give "us" another try. Terrifying as the prospect might be, I honestly believed that we had learned some very necessary lessons and just maybe we could let all of the past "yuck" go and begin moving forward. After all, our marriage and family deserved every attempt we could muster to make our lives together as a couple and family happy.

I was certainly skeptical at first, but it wasn't long in to reconciling, when I realized how much healing had truly taken place and how great Jonathan and I could be together. As time continues one, we have continued to grow closer together in strengthening our friendship and marriage. The ramifications of this choice has made for a much more peaceful and happier life for everyone in our household.

Children need both of their parents. They need their parents to love and respect one another. By so doing, it creates security and contentment in all those affected. "Contentment" has long been a concept difficult for me to come by. I can't remember a time when I haven't had difficulty finding contentment in my circumstances. It seems no matter what I had or where I was, I was always waiting for more or wanting what I didn't have. For the first time in my life...I have discovered contentment in my life and it feels really good.

This last year, we have had our share of challenges. But perspective has taught us that whatever challenges come our way...these challenges don't defeat us or define us. We have everything we need because we have our family. That's all that really matters.

So as we look forward to this 2009 New Year...we do so with eager anticipation. There are certainly goals that should be made to improve ourselves physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. There will be challenges that greet us. But we realize that our blessings are so abundant, that we can't help but anticipate another great year!

Happy New Year! We hope that this will ever be a happy, healthy and prosperous year for all.