Mr. Why

Me: Cameron, it's time to get out of the bath.

Cameron: Why?

Me: Because we need to brush your teeth.

Cameron: Why?

Me: Because it's time for bed.

Cameron: Why?

Me: Because it's late and you need sleep.

Cameron: Why?

Me: So you're happy and can get enough rest for tomorrow night.

Cameron: Tomorrow? Why?

Me: Because you're sleeping at Grandma and Grandpa's tomorrow night, and you have to get rest or you'll be cranky, like me...right now...so hop out.

Cameron: Okay.

Me: Thanks son.

Cameron: You're welcome Mommy.

My Superpower

Mary and Noah dressed up like superheroes today for school spirit week. I made some capes last night with fabric, scissors, and hot glue...my kind of sewing. I kept thinking as I spent the day cleaning, doing laundry, and cooking, what superpower would I love to have. I think it's a toss up between telekinesis (ability to move objects with my mind) and super speed. Both would allow me to get all my projects done in a day with ease.

My little readers...

Mary is reading lots of fun chapter books these days. I love listening to her read with so much expression. Noah's reading is also coming along quite well. It's exciting to see it start to click for him. Now if I could only get my tooshie into that school so they could take some AR tests I'd be in really good shape.

I hope they call me on a mission

Noah listened really closely to the discussion the sisters gave in our home this evening. I kept wondering about the kind of missionary he will be someday. Have I mentioned how much I love Aaron's new calling? The missionary spirit is definitely in our home. I can't help but believe that this will have a  fantastic influence on our children's testimonies.

The little girl who was being taught today has an interesting story. Her mother, a newly divorced mother of three moved into an apartment near a member family that also just moved into our ward. The investigator, who has also played on Mary's soccer team for several seasons, became close friends with the members' daughter, even attending church together on Sunday. When the little girl first became interested and wanted to be baptized we learned that her mother is actually a member herself. She gave permission tonight for both of her daughters to be baptized and told us how happy her active parents, siblings, and extended family are. It's a beautiful story about how God is bringing this single mother back into the church...through her daughter, her sweet friend, and I'm sure a lot of prayers and pleadings.

I'm just so grateful for an all knowing and all loving God who watches over each of us.

Some Random Thoughts

1. I finally caught up yesterday on a lot of blogging. As with everything, slow and consistent is always the easiest path. I like the every day posting. I find it difficult when I get behind to catch up. It's just so much easier to spend five minutes a day and get it done. It's nearing the end of the year and I don't want to give up on my goal just yet.

2. I take really bad pictures. As I was looking at the quality of my shots yesterday, I was disappointed. I'm not quite sure how to remedy this situation, but I will definitely give it some attention.

3. This morning I gave a talk in another ward on obedience. I, of course, learned a lot about the subject and the more often I speak in wards the more I think on what type of speaker I'd like to become. I wish I could get up and speak for 20 minutes on a topic using a simple outline filled with lots of great stories. But each time I write a talk I rack my brain trying to think of applicable life experiences. Nothing ever seems interesting. This is one skill I would really like to improve upon.

4. After giving my talk I learned the following ward was having a ward conference, which we as a presidency needed to attend. We thought this conference was taking place next Sunday. It's a real blessing that I did speak and learned about the change in date. Two of us were able to attend their ward conference and do our sharing time for the primary children. This is one of those moments when you realize that you do all you can and the Lord seems to make up where we lack. I couldn't help but feel grateful and watched over.

5. The older I get the more I see the beauty in every individual I meet. My struggles to be a good parent and my many weaknesses have taught me not to judge. Everyone needs compassion and kindness.

Obviously, attending two wards today without having to care for any of my own children during sacrament has left me a lot of time to ponder and reflect. Thus, all the unconnected thoughts. I kept thinking today about the promise of taking the sacrament each week..that we will remain unspotted from the world. It doesn't just mean that we will remain worthy each week if we repent and renew our covenants, but to me, it also means that we will have added wisdom, strength, and insight to help carry us along throughout the week with proper eternal perspective.

My Brave Big Boy

If you ever say, "Oh my little baby" to Cameron he starts bawling insisting that he is not a baby, but a big boy. Two times this week Cameron used the potty. I am very excited at the prospect of being completely finished with diapers. Today he started taking his diaper off and saying, "I am brave, and I go potty in the toilet." Nothing came out, but at least it's on his mind. I bet it won't be much longer now. (Hopefully this picture is not too graphic.)

Mary's Team Party

Tonight Mary's soccer team headed to Bobbio's for pizza and certificates. Following the awards the girls went to Tiffany's for a late night party and then Annie came over for a sleepover at our house.