Do you sometimes just wander what the future will hold. I know that sometimes I just want a crystal ball so I can see the future and just know that all will be well. I think that more and more as I get older, especially with my kids. In the last week a couple of people that I know either through work or from church were involved in some serious accidents. As a parent, it is somewhat easy to control your kids when they are young. You are usually where they are and so you feel like you can protect them.

Its this philosophy that makes me want to be the driver everytime we go anywhere. I figure that if something happens I can control the situation. But in reality once your children get older, they now make decisions and go places without you. You give up that basic control and hope that they will make the right decisions and be safe. I know, my oldest is only 11, but in a few short years he will be old enough to drive and then...wow..I better stop thinking...freaks me out a little! Anyway, I guess it just gives me small perspective of a much grander picture of life and eternity. And I guess that someday I will have my crystal ball and be able to see all things at once...but until then I will just have to make due with hope that all will be safe when I can't be there to protect them.

Here is a link to a photo album on facebook with some current photos..

Julia's Baptism

So last Saturday was indeed a special day in the Brownell House. My third child Julia was baptized. So far so good, 50% of my kids are now baptized, hopefully that becomes 100% followed by 100% married in the temple, etc. I am really in awe of my life as I look around and see my family accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for that I was able to go into the water and baptize her. But I think I am even more thankful for the opportunity I had to lay my hands on her head and give her the greatest gift that she will ever receive in mortality, the gift of the Holy Ghost. I was amazed at how I felt, and how the words of her blessing flowed from my lips. I am always in impressed by the beauty of the Lord's words as it flows from the lips of those ordained to bless. Indeed we live in a great time of world, a time of great darkness for some, but great light for others. Here are some more pictures of that day (this is for you Michelle and Brandon!)