Ask me again after Isaiah

September 2, 2026

I have taught five full days of early morning seminary, and I think I’m going to survive.

Maybe even settle in—but I don’t want to jinx it. Also, the next week I teach we are starting Isaiah...so there’s that.

I don’t think I’ve ever talked to someone who taught early morning seminary who didn’t love it. I’m not sure exactly why, but whenever I mention that I’m teaching seminary, former teachers get huge grins on their faces.

“I LOVED teaching seminary.”

“The kids are the best.”

“You’re so lucky.”

That is what I've heard over and over again.

I honestly have a some good memories from teaching seminary 25 years ago, but this time around, my terror of actually getting started overshadowed most of them. There was so much to prepare and remember and figure out that it was hard to imagine getting to the point where I would just enjoy it.

But after a week, I’m starting to understand those big grins a little more.

I already think about our 20 students a lot. I pray for them every night. I want to connect more with each of them, although right now it feels more like a group connection than an individual one. There just isn’t much time during class for one-on-one conversations, and there really isn’t a time outside of class either.

We’ll see how that develops.

I am starting to make my way around to the different groups when they have a group assignment and interact with them that way. This is definite progress because the first few days I would give them an assignment and then immediately and frantically scan my notes to figure out what I was supposed to do next.

Baby steps.

I’m also just really impressed with these students. Their days are FULL. They have school, extracurricular activities, Wednesday night church activities, temple trips, home responsibilites and some of them have part-time jobs. And somehow they are getting up ridiculously early and coming to seminary too.

They are kind to each other. They are smart. They participate (at times, and sometimes with candy bribes, but I’ll take it). And they have already given some amazing devotionals. I genuinely enjoy being with them.

Last week I had an impression about callings sometimes being tender mercies in our lives. And that reminder itself felt like a tender mercy to me.

I’m only one week in, so I certainly don’t know yet what this seminary year will look like. But I am grateful for the opportunity to serve, learn, stretch, connect, and grow.

And maybe—just maybe—I’m beginning to understand why former seminary teachers get those huge grins on their faces.

Ask me again after Isaiah.

Apparently I Needed Something to Do

August 28, 2026

Just one more thing about seminary and ChatGPT. (Well—to be honest, there will probably be lots more things about seminary.)

I guess God was preparing me because I have had way too much time on my hands this past year. I quit helping with my mom so I could be available to help with Kaide while Erin is in nursing school. Her schedule fluctuates from week to week, and I have only had him about 3 to maybe 10 hours a week. (Which has been AMAZING/so much fun/we do all sorts of things together—but I digress.)

I have been bored. Too much time on my hands.

At one point in June, I actually sat down and scratched out some ideas of things I could do with my time. After I wrote this, I started doing more RS visits (my current calling was 1st Counselor in Relief Society), and I really loved it. It was wonderful to think and pray about who might need a visit and then just go do it.

I didn't really do a deeper dive into the other things before our Colorado trip pulled my attention away...but all this being said, the fact that I would actually write out and admit that maybe I should volunteer for Seminary (I knew our ward needed new teachers) shows just how much I knew I needed something more in my life. (I did not volunteer.)

And apparently God knew what that “something more” was going to be. 😂

Also—back to ChatGPT—look at this cute printable it made from my messy notes! I did have to ask it to correct a few things a couple of times...but in less than three minutes total it made this. Incredible.

I'm sure this kind of thing will become more and more commonplace, and someday I'll look back at this and laugh that I was so amazed by it. But for 2026, I am in awe.

One Day Down

August 18, 2026

I was asked to teach Seminary in the middle of July.

Stressed. Overwhelmed. Intimidated. Drinking from a firehose. Those are probably the best words to describe the last month.

I have spent the past month training, pondering, preparing, ignoring it for a little while, stressing some more, and then preparing again. 

There have been MANY hours of online and in-person training. I have also spent a lot of time working with my team teacher. We will be teaching Monday through Thursday from 6:30–7:30 a.m. and alternating weeks. Thank goodness for a team teacher!

There was also a lot to do just to get ready for the year. We cleaned out the Seminary bags and closet up at the church and made new bags for each student with scriptures, pens, red pencils, whiteboards, and other supplies.

One of my favorite parts of preparing was getting to know the students before we ever met for class. We made home visits and met individually with all of the new students and their parents to explain Seminary and personally invite them. We also met with many of the returning students and parents, made treat bags for them, and held a Back-to-Seminary pool party.

All of that helped. The more I got to know the students, the less stressed I started to feel. I also knew my family and some friends were praying for me, which meant a lot.

We have about 20 students, and they seem GREAT. I am really excited to get to know them better.

Of course, getting ready to actually teach them was a whole different story.

I am glad I have Britney and my dad to rely on. They are both seminary teaching pros. I ask them random questions every day. I have also used ChatGPT more times than I can count this past month. 😂 I have asked for help with object lessons, class expectations and classroom control, icebreakers, Doctrinal Mastery games, student questionnaires, inexpensive birthday treats, Google Slides, presenter notes, and probably 100 other things I have already forgotten.

I spent over an HOUR preparing a TEN-MINUTE devotional for our first day on Monday. Thankfully, my team teacher taught the actual lesson that morning. Bless her.

On the first day of seminary, I woke up to this sweet message from Aubrey...it made my day. Tanner also called that evening to see how things went. 

Then it was my turn to prepare Tuesday's lesson. I don't even know how many hours that took-probably over five.

I literally wore my mouthpiece while preparing because apparently I have been clenching my teeth without even realizing it.  I think that gives a pretty accurate picture of my stress level.

The format of Seminary is different from anything I have taught in so long, and right now it is hard to know where to start, what to include, what to leave out, and how to fit it all together. (Mostly, I am trying to remember how to engage youth and incorporate the digital world more.)

Meanwhile, my house has looked like Seminary exploded inside it. Student supplies, questionnaires, scriptures, lesson materials, papers, and teaching prep have taken over my kitchen counters and tables.

Last night I decided I needed to get out of the house and clear my head. It was a blazing 97 degrees at 7:00 p.m., so I went to the mall to walk. I somehow ended up stopping for a 25 minute massage from the Chinese massage place.

SO WORTH IT. 

I keep reminding myself that this will come line upon line. I will eventually figure out what works and get into a flow. And most importantly, with God all things are possible.

Then came my first day actually teaching.

I was pretty proud of myself when I got up at 5:15 and was out the door by 5:35. That might be a personal record.

I got to the church extra early because I wanted to try out my slideshow.

It was working...except my presenter notes were showing on the big TV for the entire class to see.

Not ideal.

I messed with it for a while until I managed to make it even worse, and then it wouldn't display on the big screen AT ALL.

Ugh.

So I left that mess for a minute, went into the Relief Society room to set up our Doctrinal Mastery game, and then spotted Bishop Bird walking into the building. I flagged him down and asked for help. He got the slideshow working well enough, and at that point there was nothing left to do but—

GO FOR IT.

And you know what? It went well.

Our opening song wouldn't play correctly from my phone, so one of the students sat down at the piano and played it for us with absolutely no preparation. Many of the students had also come prepared to share their favorite hymns about Jesus Christ, and it was beautiful listening to the songs they had chosen and why they loved them.

We got into the scriptures. We talked about how to find Psalms and other books of scripture and how to use footnotes and cross-references. These are little things, but I loved seeing them actually opening their scriptures and learning how to use them.

And I was glad we played our Doctrinal Mastery game—"Bloody Knuckles." We divided into teams, asked questions, and had them race to the middle to grab dry-erase markers worth different points. A little friendly competition at 6:30 in the morning never hurts. 

One day down. Whew!

I know it is going to get easier with time. Right now, Seminary feels pretty all-consuming. There is so much to learn, so much to prepare, and so much I want to do well.

But a month ago, I mostly felt intimidated and overwhelmed. Today, after actually standing in front of those students and teaching them, I feel a little different.

I don't have to know exactly how to do all of this yet, but hopefully, somewhere along the way, I'll stop needing the mouthpiece. 

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*Postscript

After reading my blog, my amazing 91 year young father-in-law, who taught seminary for over 30 years and is still teaching youth Sunday School sent me this message. I love it.: 

How lucky you are as I have always loved teaching Seminary and now they think I am too old!!!!! 

Things have changed I am sure but one thing is still the same!!! After a while you look on your class members as your kids! You want them to all go on missions, school and most of all like Captain Moroni you want the Devil to have no power over them. Love, Jerry

For History's Sake

August 2026

Every once in a while, I come across something from the past that I’m especially grateful was recorded. These two podcasts are definitely that. Several years ago, I was interviewed on the Love Like a Mamma Podcast, and it’s fun to go back and hear my thoughts and perspective from that time in my life. 

Even more of a treasure is an episode of The Silver Mind Podcast featuring my father-in-law, Jerry Gwilliam, talking about his life and experiences. It is pure gold! I wanted to make sure both of these recordings had a permanent home here on the blog—for history’s sake and for our family to always have.

Love Like a Mamma Podcast January 2021

Come meet Erin in today's episode. She's a wife and mom of four. Erin shares some beautiful insights into mothering and mentions these two books: "How To Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk" by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish, "Parenting Teens With Love And Logic" by Foster W Cline and Jim Fay.

And a glimpse of what our life looked like in the winter of 2021:

Lots of masks...Covid...and a goofy husband who was teasing me about this picture request.

Teens with personality!

Tanner (16), Sophomore at PHS

Parker (18), Senior Prom picture

Bryn (20), on her mission in Boise, ID

Aubrey (14), b-ball game, Nimitz Middle School

The Silver Mind Podcast October 2024

This episode features the insights and life story of Jerry Gwilliam, a father to seven, airforce veteran, and dentist whose practice in the San Francisco Bay Area spanned no less than five decades of dedicated service. Following an LDS mission to Norway, Jerry literally drew the short stick and was led into military service where, as you’ll hear, he actually had great experiences of sticking up for and living his beliefs when those around him were not. It was extremely apparent in talking to Jerry that he is a devout man of faith who has led a life full of service and characterized by family values.

This episode will be valuable for those who value the perspective of someone who has led a life of minimal regrets and strong family relationships. It also features stories of daring to be different and the good that can come from remaining true to your beliefs and convicions.

And a picture of Grandpa Gwilliam the summer he was interviewed. It was his 90th b-day celebration as well and there are lots more pictures here.

Aubrey's First Week in Argentina

July 2026

It was so great to hear from Aubrey this week. I was feeling somewhat anxious about my girl and how she was adjusting to her new missionary life in a foreign country. Her time in the MTC definitely spoiled us because of Father's Day and the Fourth of July holidays, we were able to talk with her twice each week. Going a full seven days without hearing her voice—or knowing how she was feeling—was much harder than I expected.

Argentina is two hours ahead of us, so I loved waking up Wednesday morning to find an email waiting in my inbox. She sounded happy, positive, and like she was settling into her new life just fine.

Later that day, we were able to video chat with her as well. Seeing her smile and hearing about her first week in Argentina put this mom's heart at ease.

Here are a few pictures from our video call, along with her very first letter from Argentina.

Everyone was able to pop on for at least a hot minute and say hello. (Erin Noel too...but no picture) It's going to be tricky for Brian to join group calls because he is working at a hospital outpatient clinic as a Physical Therapy Assistant. So, he is with clients from 8-12 and 1-5 everyday. Luckily, Aubrey had a pretty flexable p-day today and was able to call Brian and I in the evening to visit a bit more.

Here is her first letter from the field.

July 15, 2026

TRAVEL DAY

The last days of the CCM (Missionary Training Center) were so fun and busy. I miss my district so much, rip.

I got a combined 5 hours of sleep Monday and Tuesday night. The plane ride from Mexico to Argentina was 9 hours, and it was actually so fun; it flew by. We had movies, music, meals, and got to talk the whole time! But I had to say bye to the Salta missionaries from my district, and that was really sad. I miss them. When we landed, we got to stay in a super nice hotel and had such a good breakfast, but I was lowkey freaking out about actually being a missionary. The CCM was awesome but nothing like actual missionary work.

ARGENTINA

We went to the mission home Wednesday and got to meet our trainers. My trainer is the absolute best ever. She is a grinder. She is so dedicated and a hard worker, and she has taught me so much. I feel so bad because I know barely any Spanish, so I am no help. She has been so patient and serves me every day. When I got here, she got me a basket and a welcome sign. She makes us food, she buys me facturas, and is so encouraging and answers my 1000+ Spanish questions. My favorite part about her is that she is bold and not ashamed. She will baja la cañe, no shame.

Updates

-The food is so good. I can't stop eating. The facturas, empanadas, bread, alfajores, mate, literally everything is so good. I genuinely eat wayyy too much.

-The sidewalks and roads are not smooth at all, and I keep tripping. The other day,we thought we would be time efficient and cross the railroads. We practically climbed a mountain and were tumbling down the side

- I went on an intercambio (where you switch companions for the day), and I was with a solo Spanish speaker. It was a long day of trying to come up with words I knew to talk to her. Shoutout to the EI test at the CCM for helping me have 1 minute responses about movies, family, books, etc

-On my first actual day, I started by saying "Podemos compartir una tarjeta de Jesucristo". It felt like such a big deal. Now, a week later, I am talking so much more. I help in lessons, try to add a new contacting line every day, testify, pray, etc. I want to learn so badly. Never in my life have I had such a desire to learn. I want so badly to share with the people where they can find joy and learn more about Jesus. It has been hard not understanding or being able to say what I want to say. I'd greatly appreciate prayers about me learning Spanish.

-I love all of our friends and members. I'll tell y'all about two of them.

Ramiro-He is a convert of 8 months and speaks English and is in his 20s. He is so willing to help and learn, and we are working with him on reading The Book of Mormon and going to the temple. The other day we made a bet that we would read more chapters of the BOM out loud in Spanish than him. This way we could get better at Spanish, and he could read more. The loser had to buy the other facturas. He stayed up all night and got so far. And then he slept through church, so it kinda backfired lol.

-We met Carlos on my first day here and stacked a fetcha with him. He has had us over for lessons twice, and it is so cute. He sets up a table with tea, crackers, facturas, and makes sure that his sister comes over so we can go in. Sometimes we have friends who are more interested in the company rather than the gospel which sucks, we might have to drop him (move on to find others more interested) if he doesn't come to church this week so 

Speaking of that, asistencias are the death of me. Pretty much we work hard and have so much hope and so many friends all week, but if they don't come to church we have to decide if we are dropping them. This week only 1 of our 5, CONFIRMED btw, friends came. It was really sad cause that sets the work back a lot. But it was a miracle. We woke up to everyone saying they weren't coming or ignoring us. It was really defeating. We said probably 10 prayers together before church at 10am, walked and knocked on their doors, and we walked into church and Ivan was there!!!! We were so surprised and happy. God hears prayers and answers them. My testimony on that has already grown so much.

Spiritual Thought

President Fewkes, my mission leader,  gave a fire message on our first day. He said there are two big questions as a missionary.

Are you willing to leave everything behind?

Are you willing to give everything?

He said y'all have already left your family and friends and life and country. Give everything. I love this so much. We have focused so much on consecrating our time and going to work. I have the unique opportunity to focus on others and serve them and my Savior for 18 months. I am grateful for that. I can't wait to give everything I have, forget myself, improve, and show others the love and joy this gospel brings.

Alma 26:12

12 Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever.

Love Y'all

Nos vemos pronto

Ps My p-day (preparation day) is Monday but got moved to today because of the World Cup semi-final game. Vamos Argentina

Idk if I want Argentina to win or lose. If they win, it will be hard to talk to anyone, especially with another game on Sunday. If they lose, we might have to stay in cause we are white, and there might be some chaos. So kinda a lose-lose situation. 

Hermana Naulder from Rupert, Idaho 

Her p-day will usually be on Monday, but her mission leaders moved it to Wednesday and gave them permission to gather as zones to watch the game. Argentina did win against England and the final game will be on Sunday against Spain. The missionaries had to gather 10 days of food so they would be prepared for chaos/unrest if Argentina lost. I'm sure they will need to do that this weekend as well.

The other missionary she went out with for a day.

Brian and I were laughing so hard listening to Aubrey talk about all the food she's been eating. Brian finally joked, "What have you done with my daughter?" 😂

Anyone who knows Aubrey knows she would have never tried a dish like the one above at home. Her list of foods she didn't like was always a mile long! But during our phone call this week, she excitedly told us about several foods she's discovered she loves—different meats, onions, sauces, and other things she would have completely avoided before. I'm happy to see her becoming more adventurous. I know when I served a mission and had members feed us dinner, I realized I actually liked a lot more variety than I thought.

I know mission life will stretch her in so many ways. I am glad she has a trainer she loves and had a good first week in the field.

Making Time for Friends

July 11, 2026

Tonight was our third game night together over the past several months, and I hope it's a tradition that continues. We used to gather with friends when our kids were little, and I think life got too busy during their teen years to keep it going. It's been fun to start up again. 

February gathering at the Winfreys: Kara & Ryan Thompson, Debbie Carlston, Natalia Winfrey, Dave C., Mike W., me and Brian

Our little group is made up of the Relief Society presidency and our spouses. It's one of those combinations where everyone just clicks. (We were a little surprised by that, to be honest. The ladies are friends— but not besties, and we didn't know it would work so well with our husbands.) 

Conversation is easy, laughter comes naturally, and nobody has to work hard to keep things going. We all happen to be about the same age, enjoy playing games, and have a lot of shared experiences, which makes getting together simple and fun.

We've played all sorts of games: Taboo, Compatability, The Newlywed Game, The Sock Game, Wavelink, Clairvoyance and more.

Everyone brings snacks to share (although one time we made it a dinner night), and we probably eat too much. Between the friendly competition, the stories, and the laughter, the evenings are a lot of fun--it's good for my soul.

I'm grateful for these couples. They make ordinary evenings memorable and remind me that it is important to make time for relationships. Here's to many more game nights

Home MTC: Zoom Life, Spanish and Spiritual Growth

May 27-June 10, 2026

All three of our kiddos who have served missions have had the Home MTC (Mission Training Center) experience, and each one has looked a little different.

Aubrey's was unique because she had the challenge (and opportunity) of learning Spanish in addition to the gospel study and teaching side of things. She was also home for two weeks rather than one.

Brian and I loved having the chance to be a part of the beginning of their missions. Here are a few things, from my perspective, that I want to remember about Aubrey's home MTC experience.

I witnessed her countenance soften as she began immersing herself in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I loved hearing her share parts of conference talks or firesides that impacted her. About 10 days into her training, she said something like, "I'm listening to conference talks for the first time, and they are good. I've also come to realize that Jeffrey R. Holland is really amazing."

(Sidenote: she's listened to conference talks all of her life... but I understood what she meant. Also, welcome to the President Holland fan club!)

Seven plus hours of Zoom a day is ROUGH....but she pushed through everyday. She also had about three more hours of personal gospel study, Spanish study and companionship study daily. Whew.

Not going to lie... there were some rough moments, especially when it came to Spanish class. 

Luke 13:28: "There shall be weeping (and wailing) and gnashing of teeth...." 

It was a three-hour class at the end of the day and didn't end until 10:00 p.m. She was mentally and emotionally worn out. From day one, the class was taught entirely in Spanish. It was a lot.

There were tears, pep talks, back rubs and late-night walks pretty much every night. 

But then she would be up early again the next day with renewed energy, determination, and a smile on her face. It was impressive.

I loved walking by her room and hearing her laugh and interact with her district. She loved them and couldn't wait to meet them in person at the Mexico MTC.

I tried to stay pretty available so when she popped out throughout the day for an eight-minute break, she had someone to talk to... and I wanted to hear everything she had to share.

Brian and I also spoiled her in one of her love languages: fast food. Her lunch or dinner wish was our command. (Well... we picked up food for her once a day — and sometimes Diet Coke or ice cream too.) She had short breaks and a packed schedule, so she often had to scarf down her food!

A couple of times we were able to have a late family lunch and include Aubrey. Her schedule was full, so mostly she wasn't available.

"Girl lunch" at Olive Garden. Every Thursday my dad, Britney, and I eat out together. This time we included Britney's girls, Aubrey, and Kaide.

Speaking of Kaide, one of Aubrey's favorite things was having him come in and out of her room during breaks to give her a hug. He was always hoping she could play with him, but she was a busy sister missionary. She was especially happy when he happened to be over and her eight-minute break lined up.

One really fun thing about home MTC is a little flexibility as a missionary. Her Sundays were much more open, and these amazing friends came over one week. I LOVED hearing them talk and laugh as they watched a church show and made bookmarks. I could tell it rejuvenated her. 

Joseph, Kate, and Wells were in town for a few days, and they were so sweet to stop by one last time to wish Aubrey the best before she left. (Home MTC perk for sure!)

I love this girl. I am so proud of her for choosing to serve a mission. I know how much it will bless her life too. Heavenly Father is so good. She is sacrificing 18 months to serve, but I know how He will be able to bless her life forever through this experience.