Jeffrey and Me

In my last college class I was required to write an essay on maintaining a relationship through communication. I chose to write about Jeffrey and me.


Jeffrey and Me

My son, Jeffrey Robert MacNeil, was born on 17 March 2008. He recently turned three years old and is now sleeping on my bed after an exhausting day of running, jumping, bouncing, hugging, wrestling, making messes, shouting, crying, laughing, talking, eating, and exploring. Jeffrey can do things that will wind me up with frustration and then have me laughing right along with him in the next moment with an unexpected comment or a look on his face. Like most fathers, I like to think that my son is within my small circle of best friends.

Conversion and Expression

When were you converted to Christ? The question caught me off guard. I had not been asked such a direct question before of this nature. It took me a thinking second to answer, but not because I had to recall a particular event or series of events. I had just not had someone phrase it so plainly before and I was amazed at the non-beguiling directness of the inquiry.

A friend had invited me to church while I was living in Texas. This new friend of mine had been an impressive specimen of living a values based life. We met in an ethics class where shortly after the guarding walls of meeting new people came down and candid answers began to circulate the room over questions of ethics and morals I was thoroughly unimpressed with most of my classmates. However, my friend talked honestly about himself and could not help but reveal that his values had been received from the church he attended. He never mentioned this directly, but hints about how he said things let me know where a great influence upon his thinking and reasoning had come from. I accepted an invitation from to attend one Sunday both on a part of our friendship and on wanting to know, what a church service was like that had so obviously had a lasting impression on him.

Before the meeting began, I was introduced to one of the pastors who asked me in our conversation how I had been converted to Christ. After I got my train of thought back on its tracks I rehearsed a short history of critically thinking about the gospel as a young man and coming to know the Savior for myself. I have remembered this scene of explaining how I had been converted to Christ and the words that shaped the question for ten years now.

Preach My Gospel states the purpose of a missionary is

To invite all people to come to Christ in order that they receive the Restored Gospel through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and his atonement, repentance, baptism, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and endure to the end.

As Latter-Day-Saints, we understand and accept that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints is in fact the Kingdom f God on earth. The very kingdom that Jesus referred to when he made the statement in his prayer, “. . . thy kingdom come . . .” We also know that our commitment to Christ is made acceptable through covenant making, such as baptism. Those covenants grant us entrance into the kingdom as well as protect and preserve us in that place. Knowing these and other doctrines well allow us to make a strong association between the kingdom, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints, with our commitment, conversion, association, relationship and love for Jesus.

Unfortunately, if one is not associated well with those doctrines nor the vernacular we are want to use when talking about our commitment to Jesus Christ, it can sound like Latter-Day-Saints are simply church oriented people (here church is used to denote an association of people who worship together). In other words, with all our talk about church and our commitment to it, it may sound as if we are more dedicated to a club of worshipers that to the Lord himself.

Think about often used questions and phrases as, when did you join the church, when meeting a new member. What do you think about what the missionaries have taught you? How long have you been a member of the church?

As a missionary, I was often asked by members of the church that I met when moving to a new area was, were you born in the church. Of course, the question really intends to ask if my parents are members of the church and if I began attending as a child in primary. I would respond to this question by saying that I had not been born in a church but in a hospital. I often received a confused look to my attempt at humor as the Spanish Saints thought I must have misunderstood their question.

The question of who has the best phraseology to represent their commitment and conversion to Christ is a mute one. The important point to keep in mind is how members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints represent their faith, commitment, and belief in Jesus Christ to those that are not familiar with the doctrines of the kingdom and our commonly used vernacular.

Still Out On Holiday

Adam and Vanya Porter had their open house at the Porter home up the street from the Brown home. We attended and had a great time. I was able to see some friends from the South Jordan ward as well as family from the Brown/Porter side of the family. The Brown/Porter families always have a good time and that night was no exception. After walking through the line to greet the bride, groom and parents along with a short sit to enjoy a plate of chocolate covered goodies from the chocolate fountain it was time to dance.

While Tricia competed in the Irish dance feis, I took Jeffrey to see both Grandma MacNeil and Grandma Jackman. He was nervous when we arrived at both homes. He did not want to leave the car and clung to me when we went inside. I am not sure what caused this, but after he found a flashlight at Grandma MacNeil’s and the collection of toy trucks at Grandma Jackman’s he opened up and had a great time. He ran around both homes looking for adventure and interacting with his grandmothers.

We spent our evening at the Wheeler Farm watching a local group of kids put on a sing and dance performance. A sherbet ice cream on the way home topped of the evening.

The Start of Our Vacation

I was more than ready for my 30 days of leave to begin. In order to save our money for our trip back to the big UT, we hung around home. It was nice to get some things done around the house we have been meaning to do for a long time but had not made time for. I had hours to hang out with my boy, Jeffrey. It was great to spend entire days with Tricia. Once we get back to work in a month there will be a lot to accomplish, so this is the time to take full advantage of time with family and not delay.

Neither Tricia nor I could sleep well. We set out on our journey to UT extra early. Just a few miles down the road we heard a sudden noise under our hood. I pulled over and found a serious tear in the engine belt. We were able to make it home safely and waited until Midas opened up a few hours later. Because we had taken our car in for repair just a few days ago and no one noticed this deficiency, Midas replaced the part and performed the service for free.

Soon we were on the road and made the 600 mile trip in one day. Having gotten a late start the trip seemed all that much longer. Jeffrey still traveled well despite his begging need for a bag of pretzel. We arrived at Scott and Jen’s home in time for his birthday party. Scott showed us around their amazing house and took us to our digs down stairs. Wow, what a home this is.

We did not do much to celebrate out anniversary back in May. We decided at the time to save our money for this trip and take a day just for ourselves. We left Jeffrey with Sugar and Po and spent a morning at the Jordan River Temple. We had intended to have lunch at Tuscany, but arrived too late. We diverted our plans and ate up town at the Thai Foon. After an afternoon nap we went to the University Of Utah Theater where we had reserved seats for the Beauty and the Beast ballet dance recital.

The next morning we had breakfast at the Nauvoo Café and attended a session of the Salt Lake Temple. Just after noon we were back to pick up Jeffrey of whom we received a favorable report from Sugar and Po.

Zenfolio for Photo Ordering

I have begun my photography business and have already served my first client. Part of my business expense was to join Zenfolio. This is a service which I use to share my photo with my clients and allow them to order prints online. Since I am already paying to use this site for my customers I thought I might as well make a gallery for family and friends that may be interested in having a print or two featuring our own family. The website is secure, so not just anyone can surf the web and find our photos. If you would like an invitation to the gallery just respond to this post with the email address you would like it sent to.

Follow this link if you would like a gallery preview of the contents so far.

Things that make us laugh!

Jeffrey makes me laugh! That kid has got something about him that is just funny to watch, even when he's grumpy. He found these glasses or "woggle goggles" at loooooooooves wearing them. (He also loves red juice can you tell?)

He also thinks the Staples commercial is the funniest thing he's ever seen.

Here's the original...


Here's his version...

Sunday Thoughts

Last Sunday I met someone at church I did not know before. I noticed the book The Biblical Roots of Mormonism laying next to him. I found out that he is the author and I asked a few questions about how he did his research. I was surprised to find that the book is the result of two years of daily study of the Holy Bible. As he read from Genesis through Revelations he kept notes on references supporting LDS doctrines. Eric then related how Saul was a Pharisee and knew the Old Testament books very well. His denunciation of Christianity was based upon his thorough knowledge of those ancient texts. After the vision of the Savior that came to him his perspective changed. Now, writing to New Testament times saints, he referred often and heavily to the Old Testament prophets and their words to teach about Jesus Christ. Paul’s experience with the Savior gave him a whole new view of the books he thought he knew so well.

I have finished another class at the University of Phoenix. That is three down and many more to go. After my 30 day leave period is over I will begin another. The classes cost $1,400, but I only have to pay $85 as a book fee. Thanks for paying for college, Uncle Sam.

After dropping off Tricia at dance I took Jeffrey further into Denver to visit the capitol building. He must have had a good time because for the last few days he has asked to go back to the capitol. We had a simple good time together walking to the capitol, playing on the cannons at the footsteps and walking back when the sun began to go down.

Tricia has been enjoying her I Love Lucy on DVD. Jeffrey asks once in a while to watch his Lucy. I recall watching that show when I was growing up. It is a fun series to watch and I have found myself enjoying a few episodes with Tricia over dinner or after work.

We have a nice set of speakers hooked up to our desktop computer. I have been searching through the iTunes Radio channels and have found a great variety of channels to choose from at no cost. This gets me into listening to music I would not have otherwise had I made a purchase. Big band, jazz, house, and the best of the 50’s.

Thankful

So I've had my share of emotional stress the last three years and learned a lot about myself in the process. I'm not done being pruned though, I'm a currant bush that needs lots of work. Sometimes I get pretty frustrated and I feel like I should have the chance to be a big fruit tree, but I know that the Lord has other plans for me. But I'm trying to be happy as the currant bush that I am and not compare myself to the other plants in the garden.

But I am grateful that I have a wonderful husband who stands by me (even if he doesn't always understand why I'm crying or why I can't see to get things together). I was so lucky that I met, fell head over heels in love with, and married Cory. (And I owe a great deal to Wilma Shepherd and Paige for pushing him in the right direction again!) I am thankful that he honors his priesthood and in my moments of greatest need that he can give me a blessing of comfort and peace. I wouldn't trade that for anything.

I am also so glad that Jeffrey came into our lives. He has got such personality and excitement for life that it has taken me from the edge of tears or frustration to laughter in seconds. I know that he was sent to me first so that he could be there for me when Cory couldn't be. He has been my battle buddy several times and he's exactly what I need.

I am so happy that we are a family and that we're going to be a family forever. You can't imagine the joy in Jeffrey's eyes when Cory rings the doorbell for him to answer after work. He can't get enough of being daddy's best friend.

So while I may not have planned to have the problems that I do have, I have the best support team in the world to help me through and I know that the Gardener is in control. That he knows what kind of currant bush I should be and that he can help me reach my full potential.

And Thanks Po for sharing the Currant bush story with me when I was in your Sunday School class. It's stuck with me all these years!

Beware of Cynic

So in a relationship it's good if the couple balances each other out right? Well Cory is a fairly trusting person and doesn't like to think someone might be taking advantage of you. I however grew up in a house with the master cynic (and his apprentice) and so I'm a little more wary when it comes to trusting people. When Jeffrey dipped the camera (canon G10) in the dog's water bowl earlier this year I almost lost my mind. But I called a few photo places and they recommended Forster's in Salt Lake. So it took it in and asked them to make the repairs to the lens (there were water spots on the lens and I wanted them gone, camera was functioning fine when I took it in, just had the water spots).

A Month later they called to tell me the whole lens would have to be replaced. Parts and Labor $200. (at this point she told me it might just be cheaper to buy a new camera and they would be happy to "dispose" of my camera free of charge, read=fix it and sell it for twice as much as they would have charged me.)

An additional month later they called to say that the flash was "totally corroded" and would also have to be replaced. Parts and Labor $280. (again I was reminded it might be cheaper to buy a new camera and they would "dispose" of mine free of charge)

An additional month later they called to say that neither part worked, that the entire main board needed to be replaced and they would have to send it to Canon for repairs. Labor $85.00 to them plus whatever Canon charged.

So my cynical side stepped in and said, "Hmmm...something doesn't add up, Jeffrey only dipped the lens in the water...why don't I believe them?" I sent Po in to pick it up which he did (Thanks Po!), Cory then called Canon and asked if they could take a look at it which they did. End of story, Canon did the repair for half the price and in 1/3 of the time. Will I call Forster's again? Nope!

I Love to See the Temple

On Saturday morning Tricia and I attended a session at the Denver Temple. We had a wonderful experience together. Our motivation to attend and make a goal of regular attendance came from a talk by Elder Scott from last year’s General Conference which we listened to as we traveled from Germany to Colorado. When we first arrived we saw what looked to be a field trip for a primary. Groups of children and a few adults were gathered together and seemed to be traveling from station to station as temple workers spoke to each group about some aspect of the temple and its purpose.

When we picked Jeffrey up from the Waite home he had been running and playing all day and was visibly tired. Tricia had purchased a box of rolls of which Jeffrey wanted one, but he was so tired that he fell asleep on the chair before we could get it to him on a napkin.

After he awoke we finished the Alice In Wonderland movie we had begun the night before. I had fallen asleep and needed to see the end again. When we returned the movie to King Supers we allowed Jeffrey to ride the penny horse. He shouted ye haw at the top of his lungs and Tricia could hear him in the back of the store. Several men paying for their items at a near check out joined in with his yells and whoops.

Memorial Day Activity

I spent the morning of Memorial day with my friend Ed. He met me at the house to go out with me and Jeffrey for a morning of geo cache searching. Ed filled me in on a few things I had missed out on when I left Afghanistan as part of the ADVON. Poppy eradication had just kicked off when I left and he fill me in on what happened to the Afghan Army during that time. I was also filled in on what 101 was doing in our old area.

I went to dance with Tricia to watch Jeffrey. It gave Tricia and I a good time to talk in the car on the hour drive to and from dance. I used to try and read a book or do homework while I watched Jeffrey, but he takes so much attention to ensure he is not getting into things he should not I decided it was better just to give him my full attention and enjoy some time with him. We played for a few minutes inside with the toys at the studio and spent the remainder of the night outside running between the bushes, climbing on rocks and playing in the car. It was a wonderful evening to spend with Jeffrey watching him play. I started to think about how my life, priorities and goals have changed since 6 September of last year when I was injured in Afghanistan. Everything has been better since that night. I am more focused than ever on what I really want, and that is my family. Many good changes have come out of that incident. I had a lot of time to think while at the WTU in Texas. That time to think is paying off now.

Imagination and Paper

So I didn't have the energy or time to devote to stamping like I wanted to while Cory was gone. But now he's back and I've got my energy and creativity back. Visit my Stampin' blog and check out the new projects I made as well as the last chance lists from Stampin' Up! You only have until June 30th to order!

And Check out the contest I'm holding this month! It's great! Don't you hate it when a good thing has to come to an end? It's that time in the Stampin' Up! calendar when we have to say goodbye to some of the old stamp sets and colors to make room for the exciting new products in July. So I'll post the list so you can see what you need to get before it's gone. Remember that in July Stampin' Up is updating their color families and if there's one color you just can't live without, you'd better get it quick!

Why should you order now? Well, I'm going to enter everyone who places an order in June into a drawing, the first place winner gets a $15 gift certificate towards a future order, the second and third place winners will get to choose a stamp set from my stash of new unused stamp sets.