We enjoyed a nice, peaceful Independence Day at home this year.
The United States, Canada, and Mexico hosted the World Cup this year. We watched a lot of soccer in June and July. Douglas made the World Cup logo out of LEGO bricks.
Reading to the kids.
Layth fell asleep on my lap one evening while I was singing to him. How rude! 😀
Denali made this mask for Diana because she knows Diana loves foxes.
I told Penny and Diana they had to master the art of diaper changing in order to achieve the black belt in martial arts.
In the "Lazy River" at Cherry Hill, with Mercy (daughter of Stacie and Andrew).
Sam helped Diana and Penny make these cute flowers.
Douglas spent the last two days with his deacons quorum having fun at the Steadman Farm in Idaho.
They got to use the massive slip-and-slides.
Douglas and Conner Widdison, with Preston Davis and Robbie Jensen in the background.
Hanging out, eating, and playing games.
Douglas brought his chess board to the camp and the boys used it quite a bit.
Touring a nearby mechanical dairy.
I went up to Idaho today to bring Douglas back to attend Dad's wedding tomorrow. I stopped by the new Burley Idaho Temple and visited with Sam's aunt and uncle, Michelle and Garth, before going to the Steadman Farm to hang out with the boys. As it turned out, the leaders and boys all decided to come back tonight instead of spending another night at the camp. They were all worn out from too much fun in the sun. We arrived home around midnight.
This is the text of baby blessing I prepared for Layth (I used most, but not all of it during the blessing):
Heavenly Father, by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood, I give this child a name and a blessing. The name by which he will be known is Layth Ogden. Layth means “Lion” in Arabic. So, Layth, our little lion cub, I bless you to be like some famous lions.
Aslan (Chronicles of Narnia) - Aslan means “Lion” in Turkish. A lion is known for its strength, bravery, and power. Aslan embodies qualities such as courage, leadership, and protection. I bless you to be strong and brave in doing good. Protect others and lead them to Jesus Christ.
Mufasa (The Lion King) - “In African folklore and history, the name Mufasa is associated with kingship, leadership, and noble authority. It embodies qualities such as strength, wisdom, and a commanding presence, reflecting the ideals of African rulers throughout the ages.” - Ancestry.com
Simba - I bless you to be like young Simba. Yes, he ran away from his royal responsibilities. He made mistakes. But he repented, returned, and resumed his royal responsibilities. You have royal responsibilities, too! You are a son of God! So, I bless you that when you make mistakes, you will repent, return, and resume your royal responsibilities.
I bless you that you will be like the lions from the story of Daniel in the lions’ den. They wanted to eat Daniel! But when the angel came to shut their mouths, they obeyed, suppressing their carnal desires. So, I bless you that when God talks to you, which often happens through the Holy Ghost or one who speaks on His behalf, like the prophet, you will obey. Sometimes that will require you to set aside your own desires.
Yesterday we celebrated the 250th birthday of the United States of America. You will grow up to realize how blessed you are to live in this country. You can help keep this country strong and blessed by obeying the God of this land.
So, I bless you to be like one more lion. A lion often referred to as the Lamb. The “Lion of the tribe of Juda” mentioned in the book of Revelation, is Jesus Christ. He is the God of this land! Follow his example—the ultimate example of all things good—and you will be blessed. In the name of the Lion of the tribe of Juda, Jesus Christ, Amen.
