Today I am thankful for
a son who lets his brother make banana bread mess at his house.
the opportunity to partake of the sacrament.
leaders who love me and make me feel appreciated.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Baby Teancum
The youngest son is taking a child development class at school this year and this weekend it is his turn to "try out parenthood" by caring for a mechanical baby day and night. This son had the opportunity to be a "father" before when he was in middle school and I have always had mixed feelings about these fake baby assignments. I do think they can be an eye opening experience concerning the responsibilities and realities of having a child, but I'm not sure how realistic they really are. According to the son these babies are much harder to care for than a real baby. His big complaint is that the mechanical baby requires the parent to be the only person who responds to the baby's needs (he is required to wear a bracelet with a computer chip that links him to the baby and it cannot be removed). This son knows all too well that a real baby can be left with any number of babysitters. I tried to explain to him that often in real life a young parent doesn't have a strong support system and a surplus of willing care givers like his sister has and there isn't anyone available to care for the baby besides the parent. I'm not sure he bought my explanation. I don't think this son would think caring for his nephew for 52 hours straight would be that big of a breeze either if he really had to do it, especially since the fake baby diapers are a lot more pleasant to change than the real baby's sometimes are.
The son chose to name his son Teancum, one of his favorite baby names. His teacher asked him if this was a Native American name. He told her it was an Ancient American name and that it came from the Book of Mormon. She then told him she had a Book of Mormon at her house, but she had never read it and he suggested that she read it because it's a pretty good book.
Tonight we were invited to a birthday party at Peter Piper Pizza for an extended family member. The son didn't enjoy all the attention he and his baby got from his Aunties, Uncles and cousins as well as a number of strangers. It is a little embarrassing for a 17-year-old boy to rock a doll in a public place. This is another reason I don't believe this assignment is very true to life. All too often it seems to me that in real life young parents receive lots of positive attention and they aren't embarrassed at all.
The son chose to name his son Teancum, one of his favorite baby names. His teacher asked him if this was a Native American name. He told her it was an Ancient American name and that it came from the Book of Mormon. She then told him she had a Book of Mormon at her house, but she had never read it and he suggested that she read it because it's a pretty good book.
Tonight we were invited to a birthday party at Peter Piper Pizza for an extended family member. The son didn't enjoy all the attention he and his baby got from his Aunties, Uncles and cousins as well as a number of strangers. It is a little embarrassing for a 17-year-old boy to rock a doll in a public place. This is another reason I don't believe this assignment is very true to life. All too often it seems to me that in real life young parents receive lots of positive attention and they aren't embarrassed at all.
I guess the doll is accomplishing its purpose though. As early as Monday the son was already complaining that this baby was ruining his life. A newborn to care for makes going on a scout camp out and playing church basketball a little difficult. If he can remember that a baby puts a big crimp in his carefree life, and conduct himself accordingly, then I will be grateful for this experience.
Today I am grateful
for good friends to laugh and craft with.
that my 17 year old's "baby" is a school assignment and not a permanent addition to our family.
for events that gather our extended family together.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The Sexy Beast Gets His Driver's License
The youngest son has been after me all evening to blog about the exciting happening in his life today. I told him I was still trying to come up with a fitting title and he immediately told me what my post should be called. Apparently when the son looks in the mirror 100 times a day he sees the reflection of a sexy beast, but the official driver's license just says his name. I do have to say that his new picture more closely resembles a sexy beast than the old one did. He's changed a lot since he was 15 and 7 months.
I'm not sure why they passed him though. It's obvious from this photo that he was clearly driving the wrong way through this parking lot.
Today I am grateful for
a husband who took half a day off of work to take the son to the MVD. He should have never told me he had to use up some of his leave time.
the woman who gave me her coupon in the grocery store line and saved me a dollar on my toilet paper. I think she felt bad for making me stand in line behind her for 20 minutes while they worked on her WIC transactions.
a daughter who washes dishes without complaining.
I'm not sure why they passed him though. It's obvious from this photo that he was clearly driving the wrong way through this parking lot.
Today I am grateful for
a husband who took half a day off of work to take the son to the MVD. He should have never told me he had to use up some of his leave time.
the woman who gave me her coupon in the grocery store line and saved me a dollar on my toilet paper. I think she felt bad for making me stand in line behind her for 20 minutes while they worked on her WIC transactions.
a daughter who washes dishes without complaining.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Payson Utah Temple
My mom has been saying for a few years that there was going to be a temple in Payson, Utah someday and today she was proven right. I'm sure all of my relatives that called or call Payson home are celebrating in heaven and on earth today.
Today I am thankful for
Temples dotting the earth.
sons that like each other.
an e-mail from my sister.
Today I am thankful for
Temples dotting the earth.
sons that like each other.
an e-mail from my sister.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
A Simple Insight
The Primary president that I work with at church has 2 small daughters and a husband that works nights, so she has a lot to do before church at 9:00 AM on Sunday mornings. Because of this, I volunteered to attend the 7:30 AM monthly Ward Council meeting whenever she needs me to. She thinks I am being generous, but little does she know, I actually enjoy these meetings. I don't necessarily enjoy the meetings, but I love the opportunity that my attendance gives me to listen to someone share one of their favorite scriptures and then to join in a brief discussion with a group of adults about what it means to us. Group, adult, spiritual interaction is something that seems to be sorely lacking in my life at the moment.
The scripture that was shared this morning was taken from chapter 3 in the book of
Jacob in the Book of Mormon and the part we discussed was found in verse 7.
"Behold, their husbands love their wives, and their wives love their husbands; and their husbands and their wives love their children..."
There it is in a nutshell. Think what a different world this would be if we all just did this each day in our homes.
I have been reading a book entitled "Today I Will - A Year of Quotes, Notes and Promises to Myself" by Eileen & Jerry Spinelli. It is a book that takes a quote from a book written for children or young adults and then expounds on the quote and offers a challenge or focus for the day. Today the quote referred to a family death and there was not a specific challenge but more of a thought.
"There is no specific instruction for today. Simply this: A heartening confirmation that my relationships with others are the most and the best of my earthly experience. And a reminder that the time I share with my family and friends is something to be celebrated and lived to the fullest."
I thought it was a fitting summation of my thoughts today.
Today I am grateful for
an obedient son who is willing to accept church responsibility.
a flashback cuddle session with one of my favorite 2 year olds.
a sweet musical number in sacrament meeting and a non member husband and father who came to hear it and was touched by the spirit.
The scripture that was shared this morning was taken from chapter 3 in the book of
Jacob in the Book of Mormon and the part we discussed was found in verse 7.
"Behold, their husbands love their wives, and their wives love their husbands; and their husbands and their wives love their children..."
There it is in a nutshell. Think what a different world this would be if we all just did this each day in our homes.
I have been reading a book entitled "Today I Will - A Year of Quotes, Notes and Promises to Myself" by Eileen & Jerry Spinelli. It is a book that takes a quote from a book written for children or young adults and then expounds on the quote and offers a challenge or focus for the day. Today the quote referred to a family death and there was not a specific challenge but more of a thought.
"There is no specific instruction for today. Simply this: A heartening confirmation that my relationships with others are the most and the best of my earthly experience. And a reminder that the time I share with my family and friends is something to be celebrated and lived to the fullest."
I thought it was a fitting summation of my thoughts today.
Today I am grateful for
an obedient son who is willing to accept church responsibility.
a flashback cuddle session with one of my favorite 2 year olds.
a sweet musical number in sacrament meeting and a non member husband and father who came to hear it and was touched by the spirit.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Dinosaur Squeals
Is this a happy dinosaur, a mad dinosaur, or a dinosaur in distress?
You decide.
Today I am grateful for
a new job for the youngest daughter.
Angela's bread stick recipe.
warm fuzzy socks.
You decide.
Today I am grateful for
a new job for the youngest daughter.
Angela's bread stick recipe.
warm fuzzy socks.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Signed, Sealed, Delivered - It's Done!
HURRAY! HURRAY! HURRAY!
Tonight in the "Rain Storm of the Century" the youngest son and I FINALLY delivered his COMPLETED Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project notebook to the person in charge.
IT IS DONE!
Now he has to present his project to the Board of Review on Tuesday night and when they approve it he will be FINISHED.
Let me say it again - HURRAY! HURRAY! HURRAY!
Today I am thankful for
a husband who can quickly change the color ink cartridge in the printer and knows how to burn CDs.a cooperative son (at least every once in a while).
a little sunshine on a rainy day.
I'm not sure that ASU red and gold are his colors, but he can definitely brighten up any moment.
Tonight in the "Rain Storm of the Century" the youngest son and I FINALLY delivered his COMPLETED Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project notebook to the person in charge.
IT IS DONE!
Now he has to present his project to the Board of Review on Tuesday night and when they approve it he will be FINISHED.
Let me say it again - HURRAY! HURRAY! HURRAY!
Today I am thankful for
a husband who can quickly change the color ink cartridge in the printer and knows how to burn CDs.a cooperative son (at least every once in a while).
a little sunshine on a rainy day.
I'm not sure that ASU red and gold are his colors, but he can definitely brighten up any moment.
Monday, January 11, 2010
A Cell Phone is NOT a Necessity
My youngest son's cell phone is currently in my possession. Since we (the hubby's money and my check writing, envelope licking, and stamp sticking skills) pay the cell phone bill each month, we set up a few simple rules for its use. One rule is that the cell phone shouldn't be used at the dinner table or during Family Home Evening. The biggest rule is that the cell phone can and will be taken away for disrespectful behavior. Tonight during Family Home Evening when the son kept texting his friend and his mouth kept running faster than his brain I had finally had enough and asked for his cell phone. Following some extreme theatrics I was given the phone and I am not planning on returning it anytime within the next 24 hours. Every few minutes the son comes in with another reason why he NEEDS his cell phone right now.
He NEEDS it to wake him up in the morning. He does use the alarm on his cell phone to wake up, but lately he still seems to need a couple of parental reminders as well and he does have an alarm clock next to his bed, so I'm pretty sure we'll manage to get him up on time in the morning even without his phone.
He NEEDS to call someone really important. Hard as it is to believe, we have a house phone that calls people just as well as his cell phone does. No, he can't take it outside and around the corner and up on the top of the block wall to chat in private, but it would still work.
He NEEDS it to text me and let me know if he needs a ride home from school or not tomorrow. I do appreciate his texts that say that our neighbor can give him a ride, which saves me a trip, but I told him I will just plan on picking him up tomorrow so that alleviates that problem. He's pretty sure that just won't work.
I don't think anyone really NEEDS a cell phone. Yes, my cell phone makes my life easier and there are times that I wonder how I ever managed without one, but if I didn't have one I would still survive. I'm almost positive that a cell phone is a WANT and not a NEED.
This line of thinking has reminded me of two items I have been musing about recently. Friday morning a friend of mine received the following text that she shared with me.
Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to kids as gifts?
What if we used it when we traveled?
What if we used it in case of emergency?
This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible? Oh, and one more thing: Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.
Definitely something to think about. I can honestly say I do know where my Bible is but do I NEED my scriptures as frequently and fervently as I seem to NEED my cell phone.
The second thing is this post I read today about a year long activity focusing on "Every Needful Thing". What is it that I actually do NEED in my life? I'm pretty sure that it's not a cell phone, but I'm interested in participating in this journey and being reminded of the things that I do NEED and trying to include them in my daily life. Perhaps you'd like to join me.
Today I am grateful for
a house that is a tiny bit more organized.
zucchini and scrambled eggs.
January in Arizona.
He NEEDS it to wake him up in the morning. He does use the alarm on his cell phone to wake up, but lately he still seems to need a couple of parental reminders as well and he does have an alarm clock next to his bed, so I'm pretty sure we'll manage to get him up on time in the morning even without his phone.
He NEEDS to call someone really important. Hard as it is to believe, we have a house phone that calls people just as well as his cell phone does. No, he can't take it outside and around the corner and up on the top of the block wall to chat in private, but it would still work.
He NEEDS it to text me and let me know if he needs a ride home from school or not tomorrow. I do appreciate his texts that say that our neighbor can give him a ride, which saves me a trip, but I told him I will just plan on picking him up tomorrow so that alleviates that problem. He's pretty sure that just won't work.
I don't think anyone really NEEDS a cell phone. Yes, my cell phone makes my life easier and there are times that I wonder how I ever managed without one, but if I didn't have one I would still survive. I'm almost positive that a cell phone is a WANT and not a NEED.
This line of thinking has reminded me of two items I have been musing about recently. Friday morning a friend of mine received the following text that she shared with me.
Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to kids as gifts?
What if we used it when we traveled?
What if we used it in case of emergency?
This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible? Oh, and one more thing: Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.
Definitely something to think about. I can honestly say I do know where my Bible is but do I NEED my scriptures as frequently and fervently as I seem to NEED my cell phone.
The second thing is this post I read today about a year long activity focusing on "Every Needful Thing". What is it that I actually do NEED in my life? I'm pretty sure that it's not a cell phone, but I'm interested in participating in this journey and being reminded of the things that I do NEED and trying to include them in my daily life. Perhaps you'd like to join me.
Today I am grateful for
a house that is a tiny bit more organized.
zucchini and scrambled eggs.
January in Arizona.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
I Know That My Savior Loves Me
The Primary theme for 2010 is "I Know My Savior Lives". In primary we have been learning a new song that goes along with this theme. It is "I Know That My Savior Loves Me". I don't know why, but every time I hear those sweet children's voices singing this song it brings tears to my eyes. It is such a beautiful testimony of our Savior and His love for each one of us.
Today as I was driving around trying to accomplish some mundane tasks this song kept running through my mind over and over again. I finally decided to fully acknowledge my thoughts and began singing it again and again. It brought a special peace into my day.
Primary songs are one of my favorite parts of serving in Primary. I love having my head and my heart full of these uplifting and comforting songs. How wonderful to be reminded on a frequent basis of the love that my Savior has for me and so many other important gospel principles reinforced by Primary music.
These are the words to the song "I Know That My Savior Loves Me" or you can go here to watch a video with the words and music.
A long time ago in a beautiful place
Children were gathered round Jesus
He blessed and taught as they felt of His love
Each saw the tears on his face.
The love that he felt for His little ones
I know He feels for me.
I did not touch Him or sit on His knee
Yet Jesus is real to me.
I know He lives
I will follow faithfully.
My heart I give to Him.
I know that my Savior loves me.
Now I am here in a beautiful place
Learning the teachings of Jesus.
Parents and teachers will help guide the way
Lighting my path every day.
Wrapped in the arms of my Savior's love
I feel His gentle touch.
Living each day I will follow His way
Home to my Father above.
These words would have been very helpful in my car today because I kind of just made up the words where I wasn't sure and now that I have sung it so many times with a few wrong words and phrases it will be harder to actually learn it correctly. Oh well, the message is still the same regardless.
Today I am thankful for
90% off Christmas items.
Primary music messages.
Cheap fruits and veggies from Superstition Market.
Today as I was driving around trying to accomplish some mundane tasks this song kept running through my mind over and over again. I finally decided to fully acknowledge my thoughts and began singing it again and again. It brought a special peace into my day.
Primary songs are one of my favorite parts of serving in Primary. I love having my head and my heart full of these uplifting and comforting songs. How wonderful to be reminded on a frequent basis of the love that my Savior has for me and so many other important gospel principles reinforced by Primary music.
These are the words to the song "I Know That My Savior Loves Me" or you can go here to watch a video with the words and music.
A long time ago in a beautiful place
Children were gathered round Jesus
He blessed and taught as they felt of His love
Each saw the tears on his face.
The love that he felt for His little ones
I know He feels for me.
I did not touch Him or sit on His knee
Yet Jesus is real to me.
I know He lives
I will follow faithfully.
My heart I give to Him.
I know that my Savior loves me.
Now I am here in a beautiful place
Learning the teachings of Jesus.
Parents and teachers will help guide the way
Lighting my path every day.
Wrapped in the arms of my Savior's love
I feel His gentle touch.
Living each day I will follow His way
Home to my Father above.
These words would have been very helpful in my car today because I kind of just made up the words where I wasn't sure and now that I have sung it so many times with a few wrong words and phrases it will be harder to actually learn it correctly. Oh well, the message is still the same regardless.
Today I am thankful for
90% off Christmas items.
Primary music messages.
Cheap fruits and veggies from Superstition Market.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
And the Winner is...
I have chosen my word for 2010.
I'm sure you'll be hearing a lot more about this word as the year goes on.
I'm sure you'll be hearing a lot more about this word as the year goes on.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)