Happy Easter Week

Our Family LOVES not just Easter, but Easter Week!

Let us take you on our Easter Journey..... as we remember the Savior Jesus Christ in his last mortal days here on earth.

~~Day One~~

Sunday: Was The the Glorious 'Palm Sunday.'  

As Jesus entered in Jerusalem faithful believers waved palm branches and shouted Hosanna, as he rode on a donkey symbolizing Royalty. Read: Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11: 1-11 and Luke 19:28-44 to read about this specific Palm Sunday.

Click on this link to view a short video of this glorious Palm Sunday.

~~Day Two~~

Monday: Cleansing the Temple.

Jesus entered the house of God, the temple, the house of prayer, only to find thieves and moneychangers inside. He casted out the wicked and performed miracles of healing to the faithful. As what his atoning sacrifice can do for all of us, cleanses us and heals us with his all powerful and merciful hand.

Read: Matthew 21:12-18, Mark 11:12-19 and Luke 19:45-48 to read about this specific day.

~~Day Three~~
Tuesday: A Day filled with Teaching and Parables.
Why did Jesus teach in parables? If was to bring truth to those that were ready to hear the gospel and to with hold the truth from those that were not ready to receive it, for God will not be mocked. To read more about these wonderful teachings of Christ on this specific day read: Matthew 21: 19-26, Mark 11:20- 14:11 and Luke 20:1-22.
Our family's favorite parable can be found in Matthew 25:1-13, 'The Parable of the Ten Virgins.' Five Virgins were wise, five Virgins were foolish. The wise were faithful followers of Christ that kept a watch for the coming of their Lord Jesus Christ. It was not easy, it was hard work to always keep the commandments and be prepared physically and spiritually that they would not miss his coming and would be welcomed into the wedding. The five foolish knew of Christ and knew what they should do to prepare for their Lord's arrival, but they preferred the easiness of the world and thought they could always do those 'churchy things' later to be saved and welcomed into the wedding. But when their Lord, the bridegroom came at night, the 5 foolish virgins were not prepared, they did not have enough oil to follow their Lord to the wedding. The 5 wise were prepared, and they joyfully followed and were graciously welcomed into the wedding. The 5 foolish virgins failed to use their time wisely to prepare while they could, and they were cast out from the righteous that truly knew their Lord and took the time everyday to prepare.

For the scriptures say we know not the time nor the day of the coming of the Lord. Our family knows how important it is, to use everyday to prepare ourselves so that we will be ready when our Savior will come again. We are excited as we know the time is drawing closer with each day. We echo those faithful believers in Jerusalem, "HOSANNA to God in the Highest!"

Preparing for General Conference

THREE DAYS in counting! This is our paper chain, that started at 20 days and is now dwindling. It is something that we like to make every General Conference because it was something that our Caleb always did and it helps us to get in the mood. So it has now become a tradition which helps us to feel our Caleb's excitement and that he is nearby.

So you might be asking, "What is General Conference and why do you Mathison's LOVE it so much??"
Let me tell you!! It is a joyous time when members of The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all over the world gather together through Internet, Satellite, TV, Radio to hear the words from the Prophet in these latter days, Thomas S. Monson, and from the 12 Apostles. We believe in the same organization the existed in the original church that Jesus Christ himself introduced. What an honor to have a living Prophet today, Imagine a Moses living amongst us this very day... to guide us safely through the red sea of life. We know that God still communicates to us, that the heavens are indeed open, and that he speaks to the Prophet Thomas S. Monson. And that just like in times of old there are indeed 12 Apostles that have been called of God to be by his side to help sustain the church of Christ and to move the gospel of Jesus Christ forward. General Conference is a time for us, his children to feel of his love, and to know that he is indeed real, and that his son Jesus Christ is in fact our Savior and Redeemer.



Our family put together conference packets, with bingo charts, and treats to deliver to a couple of families. Hoping to better assist them and their children to enjoy this weekend, in being together and being edified by the Holy Spirit that testifies of all truth.

If you would like to download and print off your own packets and bingo cards go to our homschool blog at: mathisonfamilyfun.blogspot.com and scroll down and click on the links for General Conference Fun on the right side bar.

If you would like to know what God our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ want us to know today, come listen to the Prophet Thomas S. Monson, and feel for yourself the by the spirit, and pray to know if these things are true. For it is the spirit that burns in our hearts telling us that all good, and righteous things come from Him above.

Saturday Morning Conference 9-11am (PST)
Saturday Afternoon Conference 1-3pm
Priesthood Session 5-7pm

Sunday Morning Conference 9-11am
Saturday Afternoon Conference 1-3pm

Go to LDS.org to watch and listen to these sessions, or you are welcome to come to any of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint church buildings.

HAPPY GENERAL CONFERENCE WEEKEND!!!! LOVE THE MATHISON'S

What is St Patrick's Day all about?

Have you ever wondered, what brought about this Holiday and why we celebrate it?
Well it is all about SERVICE- Serving God and Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

A man named Patrick, who lived during the fifth century, was born in Scottland. He was kidnapped at the age of 16 and was brought to Ireland where he was sold into slavery. He later escaped, but returned to Ireland and was credited with bringing Christianity to its people. It is said that he used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the concept of the God Head: God the Father, his Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. March 17 is his angel anniversary. Which is why we celebrate St Patrick's Day on the 17th of March.

What an honor it is to be a Christian and to have holidays like this to continue showing our love to God the Eternal Father, his Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost by serving others.

Our family plans to get several bunches of chocolate coins, and attaching a 3 leaf shamrock tag saying on the steam, "You are worth more than gold," And on the leaves: Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Then passing them out to neighbors and friends.

We would like to challenge you wonderful friends and family to help keep the legacy of St Patrick's hard work of Service alive;
To either join us in this shamrock service or to do one of your own.

Please feel free to post your ideas and successes here on our family service blog.
God Speed your Services of Love.

New Year, New Outlook, New Blog

This is the year for Miracles! This is the year of Missionary Work!
This blog will be dedicated to our family's service projects and hard work serving with Caleb as he works so valiantly on the other side of the veil.
If any additional personal posts are added it will only be for building and strengthening the gospel of Jesus Christ- to move the Lord's work forward. Time is getting closer to the coming of our Savior, and we want to do all that we can to help be ready and to help all individuals and families that come and view our family blog to feel more ready also.

Many Blessings to everyone.
And come back to view our service ideas and accomplishments soon!

Surprise, Backwards, Coming Back Day

Eric came home from a 24 hour OB shift and surprised everyone with Valentine candies and flowers. It was a nice surprise, probably seeing that we haven't had live flowers in our home since last year. There is just something about flowers that is so theraputic and peaceful. I used to work in a flower shop, and worked off all my wedding flowers and it was so relaxing, I LOVE the smell of flowers....





Kids opening a Valentine's package from their special great Aunt Phyllis. She sure knows how to spoil kids. They get more from her then they do from us for Valentine's day.


Backwards Dinner day. Usually, in the past, I was always known for making dessert before starting dinner. This was one of those days coming back into our lives again.
Here the kids are eating their brownie dinner for Valentine's Day.


And here are the kids eating their pot sticker and rice dessert.


Earlier that day we played Settlers of Catan, which was one of Caleb's favorites. Another something we haven't done in a long time that is coming back into our lives.


(By the way incase you noticed that all the kids are wearing different clothes in each picture for our Valentine's Party, it is because we had to spread out the love over the week.)

Family Weekend of Love -Happy Valentine's Day

Last Year I felt that we needed to start a new tradition to have a family getaway of love each year. A special time set aside just for our family to be together to spend together, which are the weeks around Valentine's Day, with being flexible with Eric's schedule of course. Last year it was a very emotionally difficult trip to Disneyland, something that we promised the kids for years that we would do once their father got done with school.
This year it was just as emotionally difficult, we went to the Great Wolf Lodge. Something that we had made official plans to do right before the car accident. Just like our trip to Disneyland, I am glad it is OVER and done, and that we don't have to go again...PHEW!!

Nebraska Snow Day

Nothing like a nice Nebraska Snow Day (minus the wind.)

With there being no wind like in Nebraska the kids played ALL day after school out in the snow and by passed dinner time and didn't come in til 6:00 pm for dinner.

Our house, we got over 6"and it's still snowing right now!


This is Saddie our Doggie and she LOVES the snow.


Honi doing a funny pose.


Tammie eating the HUGE snowflakes.


And Monety being that boy and throwing a snow ball at me....' I got you mom.'

Blessed Tuesday

Today is a Glorious and Blessed Tuesday!
This is the year of miracles!
With the help of fasting and praying unto our Father above all things are truly possible!

Our most cherished and beloved Nebraska Family, and dear friends; The Rasmussen Family has been given a beautiful gift from above. Today many are praying and fasting for Trent's health, with their family; Including the first Presidency of our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Our prophet Thomas S Monson and his two counselors Dieter F Uchtdorf and Henry B Eyring. Trent's name has been put on The First Presidencies prayer roll list and will be specifically prayed for.
I would like to invite everyone and anyone who reads this to join with us on this Blessed Tuesday!

Trent has under gone 19 rounds of chemo therapy plus more to battle sarcoma cancer .
They are an ever devoted faith filled and focused family on the gospel of Jesus Christ. They continue to be a valiant and shinning example to many and all who meet them; in teaching what it truly means to stay true to the faith.

Our family is more than honored to have been blessed with the opportunity to not only know them, but to have a deep friendship with them as well. A friendship that runs deep through our Savior Jesus Christ, through his atoning sacrifice for us; making all to become possible.

Thank you, You Wonderful Rasmussen family for being that beacon of light to us all.
Today is your Blessed Tuesday!
We are and as you know will always be here for you.
=)The Mathison's

If you would like to read more about their journey please stop by their blog at: lookingupandkneelingdown.blogspot.com

Battle in Seattle

A super fun family outing with extended family, minus the weird music and music videos on the play screen at half time. Pratically had to cover my own eyes...
Gonzaga VS Arizona game was in the Key Arena in Seattle on December 17th.

Christmas Festivities

Gingerbread House Making.



Getting Our Christmas Tree at Farmer Brown's.


Christmas See's Candy Chocolate Making.

Christmas Day!




Favorite Gifts.