family!!

over the last month or so i have been thinking about what a wonderful blessing my family is in my life. i remember thinking this as i had a fun lunch chatting and laughing with my sister-in-law kari a month or so ago, when my brother-in-law mark had a last minute trip to denver and we got to spend an evening with him at my parent's house, when my brother ryan came into town for general conference weekend (and dave learned firsthand how the todd's can talk...and talk...late into the night and early into the morning...and we didn't even have all the girls here!) and this past weekend as dave's sister, erin and her husband, john came into town for a visit.

me and ry

during general conference i was touched by a talk given by cheryl c. lant about righteous family traditions. i was overwhelmed with gratitude for the righteous traditions that have been taught/passed onto me by "goodly parents." my parents have always been an example to me and i feel like the quote below describes the way they have always tried to parent and the traditions they tried to instill in their kids; and the traditions i hope to pass onto my kids one day.

"I would invite all of us to take a moment to reflect on the traditions in our lives and how they might be affecting our families. Our traditions of Sabbath day observance, family prayer, family scripture study, service and activity in the Church, as well as patterns of respect and loyalty in the home, will have a great effect on our children and on their future. If our parenting is based on the teachings of the scriptures and of the latter-day prophets, we cannot go wrong. If every time there is a challenge our hearts turn first and always to our Father in Heaven for direction, we will be in a safe place. If our children know where we stand and we always stand on the Lord’s side, we know we are where we need to be."

thanks mom and dad. i love you!