Some Family History

Last week for my ward FHE, the lesson was based off of Quentin L. Cook's talk "Hope Ya Know, We Had a Hard Time" from November's General Conference. Our teacher related a story in the article about Helen Mar Whitney. I thought to myself, 'my grandmother's name is Helen Mar, I wonder if we're related.' So tonight I checked some family group records, and lo and behold, Helen Mar Whitney's maiden name is Kimball, daughter of Heber and Vilate. Which makes her our great-great-great aunt. I thought this was pretty interesting so I'd thought I'd share it will you.

Here is the excerpt from the article:

Even with their common faith, the Saints had experienced much hardship and approached the evacuation of Nauvoo with very different expectations. Some looked forward with optimism, others with concern. Two excellent examples are presented by Helen Mar Whitney and Bathsheba Smith. Both have left compelling records of their feelings.
Sister Whitney recorded her expectations upon leaving Nauvoo: “I will pack away all my little ribbons, collars and laces, etc., for we are going where we cannot purchase them. We are going out from the world to live beyond the Rocky Mountains where none others will wish to go. There will be neither rich nor poor among us, and we will have none but the honest and virtuous.”10 Sister Whitney’s words resonate with an idealistic optimism....

Both of these LDS pioneer women remained strong in the gospel throughout their lives and provided wonderful service in building Zion, but they faced many additional trials and hardships, which they both faithfully endured.12 Despite Sister Whitney’s optimism, her first three children died at or near birth—two of them during her extended exodus from Nauvoo to Salt Lake.13 Sister Whitney has blessed us with her writings in defense of our faith and was the mother of the Apostle Orson F. Whitney.

Visit to Idaho and Utah

I was feeling a bit cooped up in Colorado, and I wanted to get out to see some family and friends, so I decided to take a quick trip to Utah and Idaho. First I went to Provo, saw some friends, then Rosanne and I drove to Idaho to see Kevin's family and Staci. I also got to see an old roommate who had a baby a few months ago, so the trip was well worth it. I am also trying to decide whether or not I want to move back to Provo, so I can be closer to my wonderful sisters:)

Staci, me and Wes
Wes is so cute!

Me and Staci trying to play the Wii, Kyle beat me in tennis every time

cute little wes

It was so fun watching owen try to play the wii

Staci and Wes

It was fun to be all together again for the weekend, I haven't seen Staci since her wedding reception.

This house had a cool Christmas light show in Kevin's neighborhood, it was pretty sweet.

Chillin' in Laura's Room: Kimball and Simon's Fav Activity

Simon was a bit sleepy

Kimball and Simon love to terrorize me while I am trying to work. They love snuggling and

playing with my blankets and messing up my bed and bringing their toys in my room. Here they are watching a movie.

Kimball's New CTR Ring

Kimball wearing his new church clothes from his wonderful Aunt Laura, and modeling his new CTR ring. Kimball of course has a goofy smile and who knows what Simon is doing.

Happy Birthday Dad !!!

Happy Birthday to the best dad in the world!!!

Thanks Dad for all the things you do for me and all the support you have given me throughout my life. Thanks for all the support and counsel you have given me with my music, education, and service missions. I couldn't have asked for a better dad. I love you!

I wish I could be there to celebrate your birthday with you! I hope you have a great day!

Sleeping Eleanor

Snuggling with Aunt Rosanne

Kimball was happy to have his other aunt around for the holidays.

Hat Hair

After taking a walk and playing at the park, Simon and some crazy hair!

Fun at the Park with Grandpa

Sarah and Simon

Aaron and Kimball digging a tunnel.

Simon had to go down the slide on my lap, it was a tight squeeze.

We took a nice walk to the park on morning while Mom and Dad were still here. Kimball enjoyed being pushed on the swing by Grandpa.

pics stolen from Rosanne's Blog of Christmas 2008

Me with Eleanor and Simon, and Kimball playing on the computer

Simon and Eleanor

Me and Eleanor

Me and Toby :)

Me reading a book they got for Christmas to Kimball and Simon

I stole these pics from Rosanne's blog because I don't have very many pictures of myself on my own blog.