WOW!

The first thing I heard when Jordan came up out of the waters of baptism was his brother Joshua shout, WOW! I couldn't agree more. What an awesome opportunity to be able to baptize your son. I looked out of the font and saw Julie, Joshua, and Jarom witnessing the baptism of their oldest brother/son. A snow storm and distance prevented any family or friends from being able to share this exceptional experience. Hopefully this blog will provide an opportunity for family to share in the experience. Jordan was then confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He received the Holy Ghost along with a special blessing about his ability to serve others and have his grandfathers spirit with him as he needs comfort and strength in overcoming trials. Jordan wanted to post his baptism pictures and his personal journal entry on this blog.
Here’s Jordan.

Here's Mom.
I awoke this morning and saw the world was blanketed with whiteness as if representing the purity that my son, Jordan, would experience today. I can’t express the feelings I have felt to see Jordan choose to follow Jesus Christ. I know that by his willingness and eagerness to do what is right, be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost will bless his life and lead him to a greater world here and in the one to come. His brothers, Josh and Jarom, loved being a part of today. Josh seeing his brother dressed in white and saying “Wow!” as Jordan came out of the water and Jarom, although very young, seemed to be taking it all in, his mind and spirit learning as if he was wiser and smarter than us all. I enjoyed it all even taking Josh to the bathroom twice, wrestling with the boys in the chapel to be still and quiet and finding a balance in dealing with Joshua’s stubbornness and determination to be himself and wanting to stand alone in the corner while Jordan was confirmed. I felt the Spirit as Jordan was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and given the Gift of the Holy Ghost. He was told that he has a great ability to love others, show great compassion and understanding that he will use in his life and as a missionary. He was promised that his deceased grandfather would be by his side guiding him to recognize the Holy Ghost and in making right choices in his life. I was reminded of the time just after Gary’s funeral. I was feeling such an overwhelming loss that Gary would not see his grandchildren grow up and my sons not able to know him. I began to hum a song over and over in my head as if someone had put it there “In the hollow of His hands as they grow from boy to man...” words from "In The Hollow of His Hands". I knew that Gary would be there to influence my children’s lives and he is. There were many members of our family that would have shared this day with Jordan if they could have, but the weather permitted otherwise. We love and missed them. We know they are proud of Jordan. I hope that Jordan will always remember this day and the Spirit that he felt. I am proud of him and his example to his friends and family, especially his brothers. I love him so much and the man he is growing up to be.

One good week.

This past week was a good one. The basketball team I coach got their first win of the season in their first game of the season, 61-28. The thanksgiving break and holiday provided an opportunity for all the Alversons in my family to get together. This doesn't happen that often. Therefor, I have provided a picture as visual evidence. We also went shopping for Jordan's baptism which is next Saturday. He got his white pants, shirt, tie, and socks. He also got a new set of scriptures with a scripture bag. He got a burgundy bag and a quad with his name printed on it. Just think, only eleven years and we'll be doing his missionary shopping.

Most Wonderful Time of the Year III

Julie made me delete the most wonderful time of the year II. I thinks she thought I was a little to self-deflating on myself after reading her comment. The holidays and extra work of coaching put our family into a pressure cooker and it's hard not to let off a little steam. I attacked myself and she rebuked me. Hey, is this our first blog fight? If so, let me be the first to say something positive. I think I'll go with a Star Wars quote.

"I'd rather kiss a wookie!"
"I can arrange that! You could use a good kiss!"

by Jeremy

"It's the most wonderful time of the year" Yeah, Bologna!

Don't get me wrong. I do love the feelings that Fall and the winter holidays bring, but for me it is the most busiest and stressful time of the year!! The Fall season allergens cause Jordan's asthma to act up and also Joshua's asthma and food allergies to be come more severe. I have two birthdays, our wedding anniversary, car registrations in November. School holiday parties to attend to to help out and keep my kids safe from common foods. Christmas is around the corner and money is getting tight. The dryer is not working well. Oh yeah, and basketball season has started! Jeremy's work day runs from about 12 to 18 hour days depending if its practice or a game. If Jeremy didn't love coaching so much it would be difficult to support him. I'm alone with 3 young boys and no time for myself. I can't seem to keep up on the house work. Then I've got to fit in time for UFAN (Utah Food Allergy Network)support meetings, board meetings, and keep up on my UFAN Secretary duties and R.S. Enrichment Meetings, planning meetings for Enrichment Nights and teach nursery on Sundays. So, Jeremy, I say Bologna to "It's the most wonderful time of the year", but a big THANKS for being so positive.

by Julie

Only Active One

Just had a birthday party (for Jordan and Jarom) with the Alverson side of the family. I was extreamly surprised to hear that according to my mom I am the only one of her kids that is still active in the church (out of 6 kids). I have my wonderful wife to thank for helping me stay active. How could I not. I look to the church/gospel to guide my life in both good and bad times. I would still be bitter that my dad died young of cancer almost two years ago if I didn't know I would see him again in the next life. Knowing that my marriage is eternal and has an extra spirit of promise to help it brings me great comfort. Jordan will be turning eight this week and I will get to baptize him in December. I can hardly wait. With my dad gone and my other siblings not going to church that puts the pressure on me to continue to be an example. I am up to the task. Only eleven years to go and Jordan will be ready to go on his mission.

In other news:

The high school basketball season begins this week and I can't wait. Starting a new season is so full of hope and optimism. Coaching takes a bunch of time away from my family and weekends are so nice to have with family. Church on Sunday is also a great renewal to my spirit. I keep telling myself how lucky I am to be able to influence the lives of young athletes. GO BUFFALOES. Hopefully as a way of decompressing I can post some thoughts on the upcoming season and how it is going. Sara your awesome. Dory thanks for the updates on your blog.

It's the most wonderful time of the year.

This time of the year really gets me going. It's high school football playoffs. High school basketball starts in a week. My ten year anniversary is next week. I have two boys with birthdays in November. Thanksgiving is just around the corner. For sure, it's the most wonderful time of the year.

It is also nice to be able to read the blogs of others who for better or worse I am related to. It is a nice quick way to be able to keep others in mind, and to share my thoughts and feelings. For example. It's nice to know that I am not alone in my struggles to feel as though I am more than just myself. I am important to others and would like to let others know that they are important to me. Sara, you are great and I will do what I can to convince you of this fact. We all have times when we are not our best. Just hope no one has a camera phone to share it with others. The Craven's would be a great addition to the state of Utah. Sara, Julie says hi. I also think of other relatives with young families in Kentucky/Ohio. I hope the best for you and Julie says hi.

I would be interested to hear from any male counterparts in my extended family. Get on and blog something about manly stuff. It seems I am always getting the female version of life outside of Utah. Let me define manly stuff so I don't get any unwanted information like how difficult is is to keep our wives happy. Manly stuff: Sports, occupations, sports, thoughts on church topics, sports, movies (no chick flick crap), sports, photography, sports (not soccer, that is an activity not a sport),any other suggested topics? Julie just informed me that the game I am watching is done with the half time show. Better go and catch the second half. Do I love sports too much? If/is that is even possible!?