Manhattan Temple Trip...

When we moved out here to Long Island I got put in the Young Women's program.  I haven't been in Young Women's since I  was in Young Women's ten (+) years ago.  Its been fun and exciting, and so far I'm loving it.  One of my favorite things we've been able to do so far, is take a trip into the city to do baptisms for the dead at the Manhattan Temple.

We woke up bright and early, picked up our girls, and drove in.  It was such a beautiful morning, and there was an amazing spirit in the temple.  After, we walked across to Lincoln Center Farmer's Market and grabbed a quick bite.  We ate at the waffle truck, Waffles & Dinges and it was so yummy.  It was more like a thick donut than a waffle.  Some people got Biscoff spread on theirs (Mmmm!) but I settled on the traditional butter and syrup.  The young guy that served us was very interested in the temple.  He said he sees people dressed up nicely going inside all day long, and wondered what it was.  We told him to walk over and check it out - since the temple also serves as the Stake Center and Family History Center - and see for himself.

Its been nice being out here in the "Mission Field".  I'm not the type to shove my religion down people's throats, but with Romney running for President, and the Mormon Church in the headlines so often, its been a neat experience to be a spokesperson, per-say, and an example for what the church really stands for, and not just what the media makes us out to be.

Some quick facts I learned about the Manhattan temple: It is a building within a building, so it is extremely quiet.  You can't hear any car horns, sirens, people, etc.  Also, all the door handles are torches symbolizing the Statue of Liberty. Very beautiful detail, and a great tribute to the city of New York.

A Silly Story about Prayer...

As most of you know, we recently moved. When we moved we went through every box, every drawer, every thing! We put it all in a pile, had a garage sale, and what didn't sell went to Goodwill. So, when I realized my Garmin running watch was missing I got really discouraged. I had no idea where it could be. It was such an unsettling feeling. I'm usually really good at knowing where everything is, and putting everything back in its place. Plus, the watch was pretty expensive and I knew it wasn't something I'd be able to replace for some time. So, I prayed. I prayed that I'd be given help to locate it, and it wouldn't be lost only misplaced. After I prayed, I had a pretty good feeling it wasn't lost, which was a huge relief, but I still had no idea where it could be. I prayed multiple times for help to locate it. On my way out the door to run a few weeks ago I got an impression to look up on the shelf in our closet. I knew Mitch had put a bunch of electronics in bins up there, so I figured that must be where it was. I forgot to look when I got home, and then the next time I went running I'd remember I needed to go look up there, forget, etc, etc. Finally last night I needed something else out of the bins, so I got them all down and started to go through them. Nothing. Argh, I was so discouraged. I swear I had a feeling it was up there! I spotted my "Whole Foods" bag with my knitting stuff in it and thought, "Maybe I should look in there", but then quickly thought there was no way it would be in there. I put all the bins back up on the shelf and the bag caught my eye again. What could I lose by checking it out? It was probably the only place I hadn't looked at this point. So I got it down, looked inside, and nothing. Dang! I stuck my hand in between all the balls of yarn and knitting needles and felt something hard. Seriously?! There it was. My Garmin watch in my knitting bag of all places! I ran into the bathroom where Mitch was brushing his teeth and just held it up and grinned! Mitch looked relieved and said, "You'd better go say thanks!" He was right. I knelt down and thanked my Heavenly Father for helping me find my watch.

I know this is a silly story, but it was a testimony builder for me. I believe in the power of prayer, even if its used to find a running watch!

Speaking of prayers, two nights ago it was Finnley's turn to say the family prayer. She tends to peak through her eyelashes and thank Heavenly Father for everything she see's: her fish book, pink blanket, bunk bed, minnie doll, sparkly shoes, etc. After she listed off what she was thankful for, she told Heavenly Father that she loved her mommy and daddy and little baby brudder Dieter. Then she asked that he would stop playing with her toys. Gotta love kid's prayers!

Run for Virtue...

Sister Elaine Dalton, the General Young Women's President for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, was in Pasadena for a LA County Young Women's Conference. Being a runner, she wanted to get together with some of the youth from the area and run around the Rose Bowl. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to go and meet her and run the 3 mile loop with other LDS young women. (I'm young and I'm a woman....right?!)

There were about 100 of us running in our hot pink shirts with "Run for Virtue" printed on them. It was a great way to make people aware of our church, and what we stand for. After a short devotional and prayer, we were off.

It was a lot of fun, and I'm really glad I got to participate.

Sister Dalton is adorable. What a neat lady, and such a great idea!

To see the story in the Church News, click here.

What's in a Name?

My family is German - my dad was born in Hamburg, Germany - so, when looking for a name for our little guy I wanted to pull some Deutsch into it. When I came across the name Dieter I couldn't think of a better namesake than Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

Today a special package arrived from Mitch's aunt Leslie with a signed copy of President Uchtdorf's book "Sister Eternal". When she told Pres. Uchtdorf that there was a little baby named after him he wanted to write him a letter, and he did.

It reads:

Dear Dieter Mitchell Duckworth,

Welcome to this beautiful planet Earth!!
You have come to a great family and will be eternally cherished by them.
May God bless and help you as you grow up and fulfill the purpose of your creation.
God loves you and has a wonderful plan for you.
With love and best wishes,

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

What a special keepsake this will always be for our little Dieter. We know he has a special purpose on this earth as well. He has such a sweet and happy spirit that radiates from his little body. We love both Dieters, but especially our little one here at home!

Draper Temple...

My mom is Super Woman. She has been working non-stop since Christmas at the new Draper Temple Open House and now the Dedication. I have been out of the state, so I haven't really had the opportunity to experience her dawn-til-dusk schedule but have heard all about her "Don't Stop 'til you Drop" attitude/lifestyle from my dad and siblings. Well, yesterday I was able to wake up at 5am with her and drive in the dark to the temple to prepare breakfast and brunch for the First Presidency and other General Authorities inside the newly dedicated temple in our white aprons and white slippers. It was such a fun experience and I am really proud of my mom for all her hard work and the service she has given.

Corn Roast

We went to our first "Corn Roast" last night on Big Corona beach. It was a lot of fun. We brought down our own food to cook on the fire - KFC :) - and our ward provided the yummy corn and smores. The corn was so good and sweet...mmm...we loved it! Corn is Finnley favorite veggie right now too. About a week or so ago I got a little homesick and Mitch asked me what was wrong and I said, "I'm just in the mood to drive up the canyon and have a fire, and I can't really do that right now." Well, this totally satisfied my craving for the fire, smoke-smelling hair and clothes, smores, and just chilling outside on a cool evening.

We've met some really great people, and Finnley has made some cute friends! Unfortunatley (or fortunately - however you want to look at it) they are ALL boys! She is in a playgroup with six little boys and her. So fun! Davis Blake above, and cute Will Hadfield below are both in her playgroup.

What a blast...we can't wait for our next bon fire on the beach...any takers?!