Reverence and Mary's Talk

I attended a ward  Relief Society conference yesterday morning. I really enjoyed the talks and craft. It was nice to have a little time away. The first talk on parenting was good, although I left feeling a little disappoinnted in myself. The subject was how to keep our children reverent during sacrament. I realized two things while I was there. First, that I pretty much have done every "do not" listed at the meeting, and second I learned that I can improve my personal reverence and in so doing help my children more.

So, naturally I really prepared the children for good behavior this morning. And it went....well, terrible, unfortunately. I came home and thought I need to regroup and figure out how to correct the children more precisely. Then I read a blog post from Aaron's cousin who was visiting the same issue with her children. It was exactly what I needed to read. Chelsea listened to some great advice that I wish I had thought about earlier before church... don't be so militant that your children have negative feelings for church. She made a family ice cream celebration that focused on the things they learned during sacrament. I thought it was brilliant. I think this was a tender mercy for me. I made Sunday miserable for the children, so much that Noah said, "I hate going to church". It made my heart stop when he said that. I am planning on thinking more about what I can do to help the children be more reverent, and love going to church. And it would be nice if I could love being in there too and not constantly monitoring exactly how reverent they are and worried what people are thinking.

On another note, Mary did a fantastic job with her talk during primary today. This is what she wrote:

In the book of Mosiah King Benjamin taught us that when we serve others we are serving God.

Jesus showed us how to serve others. He was kind, he healed sick people, taught others and he listened and loved everyone.

I want to tell you about a time when I served someone. I was playing with my friends during recess when I saw a girl that was sitting on the play structure with nothing to do. She looked very sad and lonely. I had a feeling that I should go and help her. So, I invited her to play with me and my friends. We had fun together. She was smiling and happy to play with us. I felt glad that I asked her to join us. I know Heavenly Father was happy that I was kind to one of His children. I know that by helping her feel loved I was showing my love to Heavenly Father.

There are lots of times and place that we can serve other people…. at home, at school, in church. Living this commandment makes you feel good.

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Rainy Soccer Games

Wowzaas! There was a lot of rain today. Apparently soccer games are only cancelled if there's lightening. Noah's game got the worst of it. Aaron was pretty soaked since he was coaching. We came home and made some hot chocolate. I do love this time of year.

Daddy Daughter Date

Our ward was supposed to have a daddy daughter campout this evening, but the rain clouds moved in a little early this Fall and they were stuck in doors watching a movie in the church gym. I don't think they minded one bit though. Nicole wanted to wear her hair pretty for the event so we braided her damp hair the night before and voila...crimped heaven. The boys and I hit McDonalds and then read books and snuggled up for our own mother son date night. There is nothing better than that one on one time.

Love the Details

Mary came home from school today and wanted to draw something for Mrs. Peck, her teacher. She got out a large piece of poster board and worked up until dinner and soccer practice, with a little piano practice mixed in there. I thought her attention to details were so cute...like Mrs. Peck's sandals and Mary's outfit. I'm sure her teacher will love it.

Choosing Your Child's Career

We had our six month dental check up yesterday. No cavities, which is always a nice feeling. The dentist explained that Nicole will probably need an expander for one side of her upper teeth since it closes inside her bottom. It sounds complicated, and expensive. Every time we go to the dentist I urge Noah that this is the career for him. He agrees with me, for now.

Happy Birthday Jared!

Today my little brother turns 34! I have a special place in my heart for Jared. I always felt very close to him growing up...and not just because we are 13 months apart. Jared is the kind of person you always want to be around. Something about his personality draws people to him. He is hilarious and he has a kind heart. He can teach me things about myself that I need to improve on in such a loving way; he just inspires you to be better than you are. And I always felt so much cooler being related to him.

Just this Sunday while giving a talk someone heard from the second speaker that my father was Brother Idiart. As soon as the talk was over this gentleman came running towards me wanting to tell me how much he loved Jared. It was so sweet and genuine and I am not surprised in the least that he feels this way. He told me to tell him that he is dying to play golf with him.

I feel really grateful to live by Jared. I love watching him in his roles as father and husband. He is cherished by all his nieces and nephews and he will help you with whatever you need without complaint.

Happy birthday Jared! You're awesome!

When I grow up...

I thought I'd record what my kids say they want to be when they grow up, for today at least.

Mary:
I want to be a teacher. I think it would be fun and I want to meet new kids.

Noah:
I want to be a dentist cuz I can help people. And I don't want to be a karate teacher anymore; I just want to go in karate.

Nicole:
I want to be a doctor. I want fix people with their collar bone. And see their teeth. And make sure if they're okay. And make sure their toes and their fingers are okay. And make sure their bodies is okay, and their hands. Check their hair. And check their eyes. Check their nose and their mouth. And check their toesies again. And check their legs.

Cameron:
I eat dinner. I eat my dinner and I be big.