Well, I now have a 7th grader, a 5th grader, and a 2nd grader. I am amazed and overwhelmed all at the same time. I feel confident that I have prepared them for what lies ahead but still I have butterflies in my stomach. I pray that all that they have been taught will come to the fore front of their minds as they are faced with challenges.
I woke up early today about 5:50 a.m. to prepare a special breakfast on the first day of school. I made bacon, eggs, bagels, toast and bananas. Chandler beat me though - he was already awake! He said that he woke up at 5:00 a.m. - he is an early riser and always has been. Hopefully he will keep it up - seminary is right around the corner. Anyway, he saw the skillet and the bacon on the counter and said in a surprised voice, "Mom, did you wake up to make bacon for me?" I just smiled and started making breakfast. Next to wake up was Paigey about 1 hour earlier than planned also. She said, "I couldnt sleep anymore, I smelled the bacon." I smiled and suggested that she might want to jump in the shower, so she did. Finally, Brig rolled out about 45 minutes earlier than he had to wake up - FULLY DRESSED....shoes and everything. This is the kid that I have to shake to get to wake up at 9:00 a.m. and then he drags himself out of his bedroom wrapped in his comforter and plops on the couch. Then I have to insist he get dressed because we have to leave and he whines and moans until he is finally dressed. So, you can imagine my surprise when he comes out of his room FULLY DRESSED! Anyway, breakfast was delicious and everyone seemed to appreciate it.
Chandler was wearing a pair of blue plaid shorts and a light blue Nautica shirt with his new New Balance sneakers. He looked very stylin'. He was very happy to have his new Tom Clancy book that his Aunt Amber bought him. His is on page 90 already. He left carrying his Fox Bookbag his Dad bought him. Before he left I had him go over his bus number about a 100 times, gave him a check for $11.00 for his gym clothes (because he has Gym this Marking Period), filled up his "Bo Manor Junior Football League" water bottle, made sure he read over his class schedule, put the copy of his class schedule in one of his folders, wrote out a duplicate copy and had him put it in a different spot in his bookbag (just in case he looses the first one which he is famous for), and had him put his bus number in a pocket of his bookbag just in case he forgets what it is. Then I looked UP into his eyes and told him that I new he was going to have a great day and that I would be here when he got home. He gave me a heartfelt hug and said, "Mom, dont forget you said you were going to make a special treat for me when I get home." I told him I didnt forget then he reminded me that he really like brownies. Isnt that great! He still wants an afterschool treat and wants me to be home when he gets home! I am so blessed to have a such a wonderful son!!!!!! I forgot to take pictures before he left but I will get them when he gets back.
Paigey was wearing an outfit that came straight out of the 80's and I loved it! We recently went to "Justice" which used to be "Limited 2" - her favorite store in the world - and bought a few very cool outfits. Neon colors are back in style! Okay, so...she was wearing pink neon star earings, a beaded necklace with bright blue, yellow, orange, green and pink beads, a solid white shirt, a neon braclet with a flower charm on it, a three layered ruffle skirt that had splatter paint designs all over it with the background being white - the splatters were bright neon colors - all the colors of the necklace, she wore light green (same color on skirt) leggin capris and white sandals. Her hair was flipped up. She looked fabulous! It was evident that she felt fabulous in it! I took tons of pictures.
Brigham was wearing an outfit that looked very 80's too! He had a skateboard t-shirt that had neon colors on it also with a pair of black jean shorts, Van's sneakers that are black, neon green and white. He looked very cool as well. I took tons of pictures!
Paigey, Brig and I left at about 8:20 to walk to school because they are walkers. We walked yesterday and timed it to see how long it would take us. They grabbed their lunch boxes, back packs, and we left. (I took a few more pictures - I think Paigey was getting a little annoyed at all my picture taking) It was a nice walk - they noticed an apple tree and peach tree which reminded them of Grandma and Grandpa in Russia. We chatted about that for a while. Then we said good moring to the crossing guard lady. I thought I would be able to take them into their classrooms but instead I signed in and they had to go sit in the cafeteria until their teachers called their names and they were taken to their classrooms. They were both very disappointed because they wanted me to take them to their classrooms - they were nervous because they have never been in the school before and wanted to know where the bathroom was - kinda funny. I remember worrying about where the bathroom was. I sat with each of them and took a few more pictures, hugged them, told them I would be waiting at the doors at the end of school, and then I left. As I walked home alone I thought about how I could have taken them on a tour of the school over the summer and probably should have done that. I thought that they would do a tour at the Meet and Greet but they didnt. In fact, the Meet and Greet was in the Playground area of the school. A bit unusal, I thought. Anyway, I am sure they will be fine. I hate those moments when you review the ...woulda, coulda, shoulda's. I was a peaceful walk. I think I will enjoy walking the children to school everyday.
For any of you who would like to see the school where they are attending and look at the teacher websites you can go to www.ccps.org. That is the Districts website. Then you go to the school locator at the bottom of the page and click on it and pick HOLLY HALL ELEMENTARY or BOHEMIA MIDDLE SCHOOL and read all about it. Bo Manor Middle School really does not have a lot to read about but Holly Hall does. Chandler has 5 differnt teachers that he rotates throughout the day to see. Paigey's teacher is Ms. Sutcliffe. Brigham's teacher is Mrs. Gregg.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Chandler, Paigey and Brig's Before School Blessings
Every year before school begins I ask Chandler and Paigey who they would like to give them their "Before School Blessings". I explain to them that they can pick any worthy Priesthood holder to give the blessing. In the past, they chose men in our family -uncles or grandpa, so I always offer up those names first.
This year, however, Chandler chose his Young Mens leader Fernando Estep. I was surprised when he mentioned it but pleased at the same time. He is a good man and is a powerful influence for good in Chandler's life. Last Sunday after the Fireside Chandler, Brother Estep, Paigey and I went into one of the rooms of the church and he was given his "Before School Blessing". Brother Estep explained to Chandler that this blessing was like a Fathers Blessing because it was coming from his father - his Father in Heaven. He blessed him with comfort - that all would go well in school this year, that he would be a light to those around him and an example for good. That he would be a leader and that those around him would follow him as he stayed true to his standards. Heavenly Father told Chandler that he was pleased with his life and the choices he was making several times, that he was a fine young man, a worthy priesthood holder and a strong young man. FAITH was a large part of the blessing - contingent on Chandlers faith he would grow and learn and be strengthened. It was my feeling after the blessing that Chandler would be tested this year but that if he stayed strong he would be abundantly blessed. Chandler and I spoke at length about this blessing and what it could and does mean to his life. I feel confident that with the right amount of intervention and watchful eye Chandler will be successful this school year on many levels.
Paigey chose Uncle Mark to give her, her "Before School Blessing". On Monday Paigey said to me, "Does Uncle Mark know that I want my blessing?" I said, "Yes." She said, "Mom, what will happen to me if I go to school without a blessing?" I said with a smile realizing that she was worrying about it, "Oh, Paigey, nothing will happen to you.... dont worry Uncle Mark will give you your blessing before you go to school." I told Amber this and she said, "Tell her that I went to school every year without a blessing and I lived." Funny! Yesterday we went to Aunt Amber and Uncle Mark's house and this is where it was done - all the cousins and her brothers were there to listen. She was blessed with the ability to stay focused and that distractions would not impare her ability to be successful in school. SUCCESS was a large part of the blessing... that she would experience academic success. Heavenly Father experessed his love to Paigey and his confidence in her ability to perform in school. This has weighed heavily on her mind - she has only been on the honor roll once in her life and she would like to be on the honor roll every Marking Period. She really cares about how she does in school but has struggled. Mark, of course, did not know this and so it is yet another one of those testimony building experiences for me.
Brigham chose his Dad who is now worthy to give him this blessing. Brig was excited to get his blessing because he saw Paigey get hers. Josh came into my home and gave the blessing there. Brigham was blessed with patience during this school year. SAFETY - was a large part of the blessing...being aware of his surroundings coming to and from school because this was the "weak link" of the day. He was blessed with comfort and love from his Heavenly Father and to remember that he can always turn to him in time of need. Brigham is a bit advanced for his age and catches on to concepts at school very quickly. As a result, he becomes very impatient with his classmates and his teacher to the point of frustration and anger. So, I am glad that he was blessed with patience. Brigham and I did not speak about this but we will.
I remember as a little and not-so little girl gathering as a family a few nights before school for all of our "Father's Blessings". I remember listening to my Dad as he blessed me with the strength I needed to get through the school year. I remember the love my Dad had for me and the concern he expressed as he gave me those blessings every year. In fact, they havent stopped....when I started college again I would ask him to give me a "Before School Father's Blessing" and he happily did. It is a sweet experience to have with your Dad and I feel blessed to have had it especially when I watch Chandler and Paigey not having it. I am grateful that my Dad always stayed worthy of his Priesthood. I love him dearly!
This year, however, Chandler chose his Young Mens leader Fernando Estep. I was surprised when he mentioned it but pleased at the same time. He is a good man and is a powerful influence for good in Chandler's life. Last Sunday after the Fireside Chandler, Brother Estep, Paigey and I went into one of the rooms of the church and he was given his "Before School Blessing". Brother Estep explained to Chandler that this blessing was like a Fathers Blessing because it was coming from his father - his Father in Heaven. He blessed him with comfort - that all would go well in school this year, that he would be a light to those around him and an example for good. That he would be a leader and that those around him would follow him as he stayed true to his standards. Heavenly Father told Chandler that he was pleased with his life and the choices he was making several times, that he was a fine young man, a worthy priesthood holder and a strong young man. FAITH was a large part of the blessing - contingent on Chandlers faith he would grow and learn and be strengthened. It was my feeling after the blessing that Chandler would be tested this year but that if he stayed strong he would be abundantly blessed. Chandler and I spoke at length about this blessing and what it could and does mean to his life. I feel confident that with the right amount of intervention and watchful eye Chandler will be successful this school year on many levels.
Paigey chose Uncle Mark to give her, her "Before School Blessing". On Monday Paigey said to me, "Does Uncle Mark know that I want my blessing?" I said, "Yes." She said, "Mom, what will happen to me if I go to school without a blessing?" I said with a smile realizing that she was worrying about it, "Oh, Paigey, nothing will happen to you.... dont worry Uncle Mark will give you your blessing before you go to school." I told Amber this and she said, "Tell her that I went to school every year without a blessing and I lived." Funny! Yesterday we went to Aunt Amber and Uncle Mark's house and this is where it was done - all the cousins and her brothers were there to listen. She was blessed with the ability to stay focused and that distractions would not impare her ability to be successful in school. SUCCESS was a large part of the blessing... that she would experience academic success. Heavenly Father experessed his love to Paigey and his confidence in her ability to perform in school. This has weighed heavily on her mind - she has only been on the honor roll once in her life and she would like to be on the honor roll every Marking Period. She really cares about how she does in school but has struggled. Mark, of course, did not know this and so it is yet another one of those testimony building experiences for me.
Brigham chose his Dad who is now worthy to give him this blessing. Brig was excited to get his blessing because he saw Paigey get hers. Josh came into my home and gave the blessing there. Brigham was blessed with patience during this school year. SAFETY - was a large part of the blessing...being aware of his surroundings coming to and from school because this was the "weak link" of the day. He was blessed with comfort and love from his Heavenly Father and to remember that he can always turn to him in time of need. Brigham is a bit advanced for his age and catches on to concepts at school very quickly. As a result, he becomes very impatient with his classmates and his teacher to the point of frustration and anger. So, I am glad that he was blessed with patience. Brigham and I did not speak about this but we will.
I remember as a little and not-so little girl gathering as a family a few nights before school for all of our "Father's Blessings". I remember listening to my Dad as he blessed me with the strength I needed to get through the school year. I remember the love my Dad had for me and the concern he expressed as he gave me those blessings every year. In fact, they havent stopped....when I started college again I would ask him to give me a "Before School Father's Blessing" and he happily did. It is a sweet experience to have with your Dad and I feel blessed to have had it especially when I watch Chandler and Paigey not having it. I am grateful that my Dad always stayed worthy of his Priesthood. I love him dearly!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Stake Priesthood Session
Chandler attended the Stake Priesthood Session with his Uncle Mark and Uncle Jeff. Uncle Jeff picked up Chandler from his Dad's last Saturday night and met Uncle Mark there. It was a special session because the Stake President made arraingements for my Dad in Russia to watch the Session. Mark is the Technology person in the Stake so he figured out how to do that and my Dad was watching in Russia 3:00 a.m. his time. I did not know that at the time - I found out when I skyped them the next morning. I thought that was so amazing! Chandler loves going with his Uncles to the Priesthood sessions. I appreciate there examples! Chandler had some funny stories to tell. I think the part he likes the best is when he gets to go out to eat afterward. He is amazed at how his Uncles laugh it up in public. He always comes home and asks when the next one is going to be. I am glad he is getting in the habit young to clear his schedule and make it a priority to get to all of his priesthood meetings.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Getting Healthy - Mind, Body, Spirit
With the start of the school year, life really changes for my family and every family with children! Its that time of year where new schedules and new demands require different focus and goals. My work schedule will pick up but I will still have quite a bit of free time because I will not be in school this semester. I am done all of my course work and now I just have to wait until spring for student teaching.
So, I have had to ask myself....What will I do with my free time?
1. I have decided to prepare for Student Teaching by writing all of my 11 papers for all the Educational Competencies that will be required of me during Student Teaching. I will have to include my experiences in Student Teaching in those papers but some of the paper is a generic set up that I have to create - it is a reflective type of paper about the competency itself. Anyway, each one of those papers has a required length of at least 10 pages. I am concerned about being able to complete this during Student Teaching so I am going to do it now. I will also have to take an Assessment Course during Student Teaching on Friday nights so my time will be stretched.
2. I have decided to also work on my Health. I am about 50 lbs. overwieght right now. I have a vision of what I want to look like when I student teach and have for some time so I have decided to change my life style habits. I explained it to the kids and they were sad to hear there would not be anymore ice cream or chips in the house (after what we have is gone - no more will be purchased) but they understood. I have four months until student teaching - 12- 13 pounds a month and then I am at the heaviest the doctor said I should be. I am worried about being able to stay in control of my eating habits so I will be relying on those around me to help me, prayer, fasting, and blessings. I just dont want to be tired anymore. Along with my eating habits, I am going to go to the YMCA everyday I am not working. I think that is a reasonable goal. Amber is trying to get going on this also so I am going to try to coordinate going to the Y with her. Then Jen will have her baby the end of October and she will want to work out shortly after that. So, I will try to go with her also. I dont mind going by myself so I will either go with them or by myself.
3. Scripture Study - Personal scripture study daily - read after the kids are in school, before I do anything else. My family goal is to read the scriptures daily. Dinner time is not working because of football and we have to eat seperately now. So I am going to try bedtime.
It is so hard for me to change my eating habits. I have really struggled with this over the past two - three years. I am at my heaviest and it really does not feel good. I am tired all the time and I just dont feel like moving. I dont like the way I look in my clothes. My shoes are uncomfortble because my feet swell so easily now. Everything takes me longer to do - I just cant have this during Student Teaching. I will need my energy.
So, I have had to ask myself....What will I do with my free time?
1. I have decided to prepare for Student Teaching by writing all of my 11 papers for all the Educational Competencies that will be required of me during Student Teaching. I will have to include my experiences in Student Teaching in those papers but some of the paper is a generic set up that I have to create - it is a reflective type of paper about the competency itself. Anyway, each one of those papers has a required length of at least 10 pages. I am concerned about being able to complete this during Student Teaching so I am going to do it now. I will also have to take an Assessment Course during Student Teaching on Friday nights so my time will be stretched.
2. I have decided to also work on my Health. I am about 50 lbs. overwieght right now. I have a vision of what I want to look like when I student teach and have for some time so I have decided to change my life style habits. I explained it to the kids and they were sad to hear there would not be anymore ice cream or chips in the house (after what we have is gone - no more will be purchased) but they understood. I have four months until student teaching - 12- 13 pounds a month and then I am at the heaviest the doctor said I should be. I am worried about being able to stay in control of my eating habits so I will be relying on those around me to help me, prayer, fasting, and blessings. I just dont want to be tired anymore. Along with my eating habits, I am going to go to the YMCA everyday I am not working. I think that is a reasonable goal. Amber is trying to get going on this also so I am going to try to coordinate going to the Y with her. Then Jen will have her baby the end of October and she will want to work out shortly after that. So, I will try to go with her also. I dont mind going by myself so I will either go with them or by myself.
3. Scripture Study - Personal scripture study daily - read after the kids are in school, before I do anything else. My family goal is to read the scriptures daily. Dinner time is not working because of football and we have to eat seperately now. So I am going to try bedtime.
It is so hard for me to change my eating habits. I have really struggled with this over the past two - three years. I am at my heaviest and it really does not feel good. I am tired all the time and I just dont feel like moving. I dont like the way I look in my clothes. My shoes are uncomfortble because my feet swell so easily now. Everything takes me longer to do - I just cant have this during Student Teaching. I will need my energy.
We are ready for school!
Well, school is right around the corner.....and we are ready!!! Last night was the Meet and Greet at Paigey and Brigham's school. We met Ms. Sutcliffe who will be Paigey's 5th Grade Teacher. She is the same height as Paigey - isnt that funny! She is young and very pretty. She has a mile-wide smile and a sweet demeanor. She is a first year teacher which concerned me a bit at first but after speaking with the 5th grade team (one of whom was a former classmate) I feel more comfortable. Apparently, the team has a say in who is hired so they were able to explain the hiring process to me. All of the teachers on the team are fairly new (2 - 9 years) to the field of education with the exception of one. Paigey will have lockers this year which she is very excited about. She will have one teacher for all content knowledge - social studies, science, math, reading, writing. She really likes this - at PCA they switched for all subjects and that was difficult for Paigey. Organization became a real problem with all of the moving around from one teacher to the next. At Holly Hall they are not teired according to academic ability - they us diverientiated instruction - WHICH I LOVE! It can be harder on the teacher but it definitely benefits the student, in my opinion. She has 22 students in her class and is the smallest class in the 5th grade.
Brigham's teacher is Mrs. Gregg. She has taught for 4 years in the District. She is coming back from being a stay at home mom for two years. She has two daughters. I like that she is a parent. I think this will benefit her in the classroom and in turn help her be more patient with Brigham. Brigham said, "Mom, she is so skinny." I wasnt able to ask her as many questions as I did Paigey's teacher. Brigham is a really good student and I have no worries about him.
Chandler's Orientation is this coming up Monday - Bo Manor Middle School.
It was a very hot day so we did not stay to long. They had Rita's Waters Ice but the line was very long so we decided not to get any. They had a gigantic Moon Bounce and Brig went down it once but the line was very long there also and Paigey really wanted to get out of the heat. So we went home. I had hoped that we would get a tour of the school but everything was held in the playground area.
I did see one of my former classmates who will be student teaching at Holly Hall in Mrs. Dolphins classroom. She lives in Elkton and has four children. She is also a foster parent and in my eyes is a true hero. I look forward to working with her this year as I will be substituting in this school.
Paigey and Brigham are walkers this year so I will be walking with them the first month of school. I will also sign them up as car riders and pick them up at the car pool lane. I am not sure how that will work out when I Student Teacher - we shall see. One of my neighbors approached me the other day and asked if her twin grandsons could walk with us to school because they are Kindergardeners and she has bad knees - she cant walk long distances. So we will have our two new little friends join us starting August 31st - thats when Kindergarden starts. Ms. Gwen is our neighbor and she seems like a nice women. She said that she noticed my children do not come outside and play. I explained to her that I was concerned about the children in the area after hearing swear words fly out of their mouths at a very young age. She agreed with me and said that she is doing the same thing with her grandchildren - not letting them outside to play with the neighborhood children. I explained to her that we are busy doing things away from the house and playing with children who I know their family values. It was a great first conversation and I look forward to introducing her to the gospel little by little. Apparently, she has lived in this neighborhood for 16 years - since it was built. I just cant believe that! I told the kids and they were amazed!
Anyway, on Monday we did all the laundry and picked out the first three outfits for the school year, hung them up in the closet, packed the back packs, and got the lunch boxes out. Everyone is excited to wear their new school clothes and shoes. Thankfully, Kevin and Josh helped this year and purchased all the school supplies. It was great to not have to run around trying to find everything on their list - thats the first year thats happened and I appreciated it. Kevin also bought Chandler a new pair of New Balance sneakers which he loves and a Fox Back Pack. He will also be purchasing sneakers for Paigey. She is excited to get a pair of Sketchers.
I am always sooooooooooooo worried about being able to provide everything my children need around this time of year. The summer is the hardest time of the year for me, financially, because I cant work as much.... finding childcare is difficult with my schedule.....so, I have to give up customers during the summer and pick them up again in the fall. I will be calling all of my former customers this week - I sure hope they start up again with me again. I had hoped to start substitute teaching right away but in Cecil County the process is a bit drawn out and I will not be able to start until November. So, now I get to worry about Christmas. I was really looking forward to graduating and getting a full-time job but the market looks bad....so...I will be like this for the next couple of years, I guess...until I get my Masters in 2011. Somehow, things always work out. I truly feel the Lord's hand in my life and am so grateful that I know where I can go for help.
Brigham's teacher is Mrs. Gregg. She has taught for 4 years in the District. She is coming back from being a stay at home mom for two years. She has two daughters. I like that she is a parent. I think this will benefit her in the classroom and in turn help her be more patient with Brigham. Brigham said, "Mom, she is so skinny." I wasnt able to ask her as many questions as I did Paigey's teacher. Brigham is a really good student and I have no worries about him.
Chandler's Orientation is this coming up Monday - Bo Manor Middle School.
It was a very hot day so we did not stay to long. They had Rita's Waters Ice but the line was very long so we decided not to get any. They had a gigantic Moon Bounce and Brig went down it once but the line was very long there also and Paigey really wanted to get out of the heat. So we went home. I had hoped that we would get a tour of the school but everything was held in the playground area.
I did see one of my former classmates who will be student teaching at Holly Hall in Mrs. Dolphins classroom. She lives in Elkton and has four children. She is also a foster parent and in my eyes is a true hero. I look forward to working with her this year as I will be substituting in this school.
Paigey and Brigham are walkers this year so I will be walking with them the first month of school. I will also sign them up as car riders and pick them up at the car pool lane. I am not sure how that will work out when I Student Teacher - we shall see. One of my neighbors approached me the other day and asked if her twin grandsons could walk with us to school because they are Kindergardeners and she has bad knees - she cant walk long distances. So we will have our two new little friends join us starting August 31st - thats when Kindergarden starts. Ms. Gwen is our neighbor and she seems like a nice women. She said that she noticed my children do not come outside and play. I explained to her that I was concerned about the children in the area after hearing swear words fly out of their mouths at a very young age. She agreed with me and said that she is doing the same thing with her grandchildren - not letting them outside to play with the neighborhood children. I explained to her that we are busy doing things away from the house and playing with children who I know their family values. It was a great first conversation and I look forward to introducing her to the gospel little by little. Apparently, she has lived in this neighborhood for 16 years - since it was built. I just cant believe that! I told the kids and they were amazed!
Anyway, on Monday we did all the laundry and picked out the first three outfits for the school year, hung them up in the closet, packed the back packs, and got the lunch boxes out. Everyone is excited to wear their new school clothes and shoes. Thankfully, Kevin and Josh helped this year and purchased all the school supplies. It was great to not have to run around trying to find everything on their list - thats the first year thats happened and I appreciated it. Kevin also bought Chandler a new pair of New Balance sneakers which he loves and a Fox Back Pack. He will also be purchasing sneakers for Paigey. She is excited to get a pair of Sketchers.
I am always sooooooooooooo worried about being able to provide everything my children need around this time of year. The summer is the hardest time of the year for me, financially, because I cant work as much.... finding childcare is difficult with my schedule.....so, I have to give up customers during the summer and pick them up again in the fall. I will be calling all of my former customers this week - I sure hope they start up again with me again. I had hoped to start substitute teaching right away but in Cecil County the process is a bit drawn out and I will not be able to start until November. So, now I get to worry about Christmas. I was really looking forward to graduating and getting a full-time job but the market looks bad....so...I will be like this for the next couple of years, I guess...until I get my Masters in 2011. Somehow, things always work out. I truly feel the Lord's hand in my life and am so grateful that I know where I can go for help.
Miss Dani's Carnival
Dani Shade invited us to her yearly carnival at her center, CHILDREN AT WORK. She had about 15 station where the children could walk around, hand in their tickets and win a prize. I worked the "bobbing for apples" station. Jen worked the "CD toss" station. Chandler worked the "Moon Bounce" station. She had all the youth their helping with the stations. She said that Chandler could earn time toward service in his community for one of his Merit Badges. I will have to look into that one. We were there from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - 4 hours. I liked the way she organized the carnival. First she had the 2 year olds come out coupled up with a child who was 7 - 11 years old. The older child helped the younger child walk around and enjoy the carnival. After the 2 year olds participated in everything they went back inside. Then she had the 3 and up group come out. All of her tickets were numbered on the back and that ticket had to go with that number station. This way the children couldnt go to a station twice. She had two moon bounces - one was girly and one was more for a boy. She also had a spot where the children got their picture taken behind a race car or something like that. She had a cotton candy machine - I ate tons of that -yum! She also had a station where they gave out juice boxes and popcycles. Then the volunteers ate pizza at lunch time. I thought the kids were going to get pizza also but they didnt. They were disappointed about that but we went back to Aunt Jenny's house where we ate pizza from the refrig - IT WAS A GOOD DAY!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Chandler - Football
Oh MAN! Football.....well...it hasnt been easy but I do think it will be worth it. Thank goodness I have Kevin to turn to because I would have given up on Monday! I have no idea where the pads go...I didnt know how to dress him....okay, lets face it I am not a sports person (or whatever you call it) in any way at all. So, I had to turn to Kevin and he has been AWSOME! Chandler will continue in football because of his support and I am grateful. Chandler came home the other day so excited to tell me all about what he was learning. He seemed very positive. He seems to realize that its not going to be easy and that he is going to have to work hard. At first that was a bit intimidating but I think he has accepted it. I also know he realizes his Dad and I are not going to let him quit....which in a very small way right now HE is grateful. He is glad that he will have made a few friends in 7th and 8th grade before school starts and that he will have someone to sit with at lunch, maybe the bus, and hang out with during free time at school. He definitely values that. He was amazed that there was someone bigger than him in 7th grade - he told me "The Bull" (as he named himself) is taller and bigger and much meaner (in the game of football) than he is. He just couldnt believe that these two other boys were bigger than he was. Thats probably a good thing. I told him that he should be glad that they are his friends and with a smile on his face he said, "Yhea, I dont think I will have to worry about anything in middle school now." He was so excited to tell me about how they get to jump and hit on this red bean bag of sorts (I dont know what they are called). He said, "It was AWSOME! I can beat up on something other than Brig now." I just rolled my eyes thinking, "He definitely needed football long before now." Anyway, I will be happy to see him master his body and really understand what it is to be physically fit. I wish I was a better example of that but he definitely sees that in his Dad so that is good. At first I was taking him to practice and Kevin was picking him up. I was having difficulty getting him out the door so Kevin decided it would be best if he picked him up. I think this will make Chandler get out the door on time - no whining. Apparently, his Dad really preped him for practice yesterday - jamming to music, talking about how great he is going to do at practice (beating on people and smashing them up), getting him focused and so forth....you know, guy stuff (that I am just not equipped to do)...he really enjoyed it! He is seeing a whole different side of his Dad and he really thinks its cool. I think its cool that they are deepening their relationship. I think football will serve many purposes in Chandlers life - some lesser important purposes and some very meaningful purposes. I am happy to see both happen.
My prediction is that Chandler will stay with football through High School. I think this will be an awsome experience.
My prediction is that Chandler will stay with football through High School. I think this will be an awsome experience.
Cape Helopen Beach
Jen and I went to the beach with our children yesterday. We found tons of shells which was totally unexpected. CapeHelopen has had nooooooo shells all year. It was 90 degrees + and very hot but was wonderful weather beside the cool waters of the ocean. I could have stayed the rest of the night. It was a perfect day for floating in the ocean and that is exactly what I did. I floated with my sunglasses on just staring at the clear sky - the clouds were beautiful! Chandler, Paigey and I jumped the waves together while Brig braved the crashing waves and played in the sand. Chandler kept saying he got biten by a crab - so crazy. He did find several sand crabs - one was a big daddy! Paigey finally figured out how to put her head under the water in the ocean and dive through the crashing waves. She loved it and really wanted to stay longer! It took her all summer but she finally got it!!!!! Chandler and Brig went under the boardwalk and talked to the people as they walked by. It was hiliarious! Nobody could figure out where they were. They laughed and laughed as they said silly things to people - a few people found humor it in. It was great to be at the Beach and I am glad that Jen drags me along! She is so good at that! Thanks Aunt Jenny!!!!
2009 Family Service Project a SUPER SUCCESS
Today Chandler, Paigey, Brigham, Brother Estep and I went to A.I. DuPont Pediatric Clinic to deliver 465 books! Our Family goal was 100 books and we recieved almost 5 times the amount we had anticipated! We are so grateful to Brother Estep for involving the Deacons Quorum in the Service Project.
We started off with a mass email to all of our family and friends asking for help to reach our goal. We first recieved an email from Dr. Angela Schushanic (one of my former customers and my mentor at Wilminton University) who said she could donate 100 books. We were so excited - we had met our goal in two days!!! We then increased our goal to 300 books. Angela then emailed me and said she could donate a total of 200 books.
Shortly after that Brother Estep asked us if he could piggyback on our idea and involve the Deacons Quorum. We thought that was a great idea! Chandler was assigned the responsibilty to make a flyer for church, contact the person in charge of the bulletin and email them the insert, and bring in two large baskets for the foyers of the church. He followed through with his assignments. Issac, the Deacons Quorum President, announced the service project (in person) to all the organizations at church - RS, YW, Primary and so forth. As time went on we recieved several emails from friends and family who wanted to donate books. Aunt Jenny donated 52 books - THANK YOU AUNT JENNY! August 1st was our last day and we were thrilled to figure out that the donations totaled 465 BOOKS! I called A.I. DuPont Pediatric Clinic this morning and told them we would be bringing the books. They were very excited to hear how many books were donated also.
Chandler, Paigey and Brigham prepared their Thank You cards and were excited to see Dr. Kolano. She has been taking care of my family for 12 years and we all really appreciate her and everyone in the office. Paigey wrote, "Thank you for all you have done for me. Everyone in the office is so nice!" She picked blue card stock and hot glued gems on the front in the shape of each letter of the phrase, "Thank you". It was beautiful when she was done. Brig wrote, "Thank you for taking care of me my whole life" He used stamps to write out the phrase, "Thank you" on the front and decorated the inside with gems. He also used crinkle cut scissors. Chandler wrote, "Thank you for taking care of me for 12 years. I have appreciated your help with my Asthma. Dr. Kolano has been an awsome doctor. My whole extended family has also appreciate A.I. Dupont" He decorated his with stamping supplies.
When we arrived Casey was expecting us and put up a poster that said, "Reach Out and Read". We didnt know it but A.I.DuPont is apart of a program nationally called, "Reach Out and Read". They explained to us that this program makes literacy promotion a standard part of pediatric primary care, so that children grow up with books and a love of reading. Reach Out and Read trains doctors and nurses to advise parents about the importance of reading aloud and to give books to children at pediatric checkups from 6 months to 5 years of age, with a special focus on children growing up in poverty. By building on the unique relationship between parents and medical providers, Reach Out and Read helps families and communities encourage early literacy skills so children enter school prepared for success in reading. We did not know it but this year there grant to fund this great program was sliced in half. We were so excited to know we could help with this great program. We are excited to promote this great program through a newspaper article written about our efforts. Several pictures were taken and we will send it to Flora McConkie who will send it to the newspapers for publication.
I asked the children how they felt after the service project and this is what they said ...... Paigey said, "I felt good because I helped someone." Brigham said, "I feel good that I helped lots of people. If they dont have books they could get some books now." Chandler, said, "I feel good that I can give back to the Doctors that gave me so much especially when I was younger. I would like to say thank you for everyone who helped." I am glad that my children have the opportunity to serve others. I look forward to our next service project this fall. I will send out a mass email once I figure out what it will be.
We started off with a mass email to all of our family and friends asking for help to reach our goal. We first recieved an email from Dr. Angela Schushanic (one of my former customers and my mentor at Wilminton University) who said she could donate 100 books. We were so excited - we had met our goal in two days!!! We then increased our goal to 300 books. Angela then emailed me and said she could donate a total of 200 books.
Shortly after that Brother Estep asked us if he could piggyback on our idea and involve the Deacons Quorum. We thought that was a great idea! Chandler was assigned the responsibilty to make a flyer for church, contact the person in charge of the bulletin and email them the insert, and bring in two large baskets for the foyers of the church. He followed through with his assignments. Issac, the Deacons Quorum President, announced the service project (in person) to all the organizations at church - RS, YW, Primary and so forth. As time went on we recieved several emails from friends and family who wanted to donate books. Aunt Jenny donated 52 books - THANK YOU AUNT JENNY! August 1st was our last day and we were thrilled to figure out that the donations totaled 465 BOOKS! I called A.I. DuPont Pediatric Clinic this morning and told them we would be bringing the books. They were very excited to hear how many books were donated also.
Chandler, Paigey and Brigham prepared their Thank You cards and were excited to see Dr. Kolano. She has been taking care of my family for 12 years and we all really appreciate her and everyone in the office. Paigey wrote, "Thank you for all you have done for me. Everyone in the office is so nice!" She picked blue card stock and hot glued gems on the front in the shape of each letter of the phrase, "Thank you". It was beautiful when she was done. Brig wrote, "Thank you for taking care of me my whole life" He used stamps to write out the phrase, "Thank you" on the front and decorated the inside with gems. He also used crinkle cut scissors. Chandler wrote, "Thank you for taking care of me for 12 years. I have appreciated your help with my Asthma. Dr. Kolano has been an awsome doctor. My whole extended family has also appreciate A.I. Dupont" He decorated his with stamping supplies.
When we arrived Casey was expecting us and put up a poster that said, "Reach Out and Read". We didnt know it but A.I.DuPont is apart of a program nationally called, "Reach Out and Read". They explained to us that this program makes literacy promotion a standard part of pediatric primary care, so that children grow up with books and a love of reading. Reach Out and Read trains doctors and nurses to advise parents about the importance of reading aloud and to give books to children at pediatric checkups from 6 months to 5 years of age, with a special focus on children growing up in poverty. By building on the unique relationship between parents and medical providers, Reach Out and Read helps families and communities encourage early literacy skills so children enter school prepared for success in reading. We did not know it but this year there grant to fund this great program was sliced in half. We were so excited to know we could help with this great program. We are excited to promote this great program through a newspaper article written about our efforts. Several pictures were taken and we will send it to Flora McConkie who will send it to the newspapers for publication.
I asked the children how they felt after the service project and this is what they said ...... Paigey said, "I felt good because I helped someone." Brigham said, "I feel good that I helped lots of people. If they dont have books they could get some books now." Chandler, said, "I feel good that I can give back to the Doctors that gave me so much especially when I was younger. I would like to say thank you for everyone who helped." I am glad that my children have the opportunity to serve others. I look forward to our next service project this fall. I will send out a mass email once I figure out what it will be.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Brigham's Turtle - Skeeter
Brigham's Dad found a turtle a few days ago, on the side of the road. He called me and asked if he could bring it to Jen's house where we were so Brig could play with it. Brig was so excited! Preston and Brig created a habitat for the turtle. I looked online and found out what it ate and how we could make it comfortable. It was a box turtle so it was pretty harmless we just had to be sure to wash our hands after handling it. So they got a container and filled it with grass and clover. Then we gave it some grapes, carrots and parts of apple. When it was time for us to go home Jen decided we better take that turtle with us so she gave me a container to put it in and we drove home. We tried to make the turtle comfortable in our home. Brig wanted to keep it in his room and he decided to name it skeeter. He loves animals of any kind and really really wants a pet. So he was thrilled that skeeter could have a new home in his bedroom. The next day we left for most of the day and when we returned our house was sooooooooooooooooooo stinky! Apparently, Skeeter used the bathroom many times and you could defintely smell it - it was just terrible. I tried to convince Brig that Skeeter would be happier outside but he was not convinced so I decided to live with the smell a bit longer. The next morning I woke up and it was so unbearable - like someone had died in my house! As gently as I could - I explained to Brigham that he had to help him find a new home outside. So we took the container down the stairs and out the door and then into the woods. Brig wanted to spend a few moments with Skeeter before his departure into the woods so I left him alone. When he came back inside I asked him how it went and he said, "Mom, Skeeter wanted to go in the woods. He moved so fast into the woods. I know he will be happy there." Then he said, "Look what I found when I was letting Skeeter go." I said, "What" Then he brought his hand from behind his back and he had a frog in each hand. One was sooooooooo tiny and the other kept opening its mouth like it was gasping for air. I think Brig was holding him a bit tight. Wide-eyed, I said, "Oh, Brig that is so cool.....could we keep them outside with Skeeter?" A bit disappointed he said, "Ok" I then added, "Dont let go of those frogs in our house Brig - if they get loose I will freak!" He made haste out to the grassy area beside our apartment and said his good-byes! While he was outside I was remembering how much he loved to find frogs and toads at our old house. We always had a container with a little water, some rocks and frog food so he could keep his new catches a couple of days before returning them to the yard. That was fun. He would get sooooooooo excited when he found one and he was determined to keep each one of them as a pet - naming them, playing with them, hopping around with them, laughing at the sounds they would make and the funny ways they would hop around. What great memories. Brig is such a treat in my life - love and laughter. TONS OF LOVE AND LAUGHTER!
The Washington D.C. Temple
Paigey and I went to the Temple this past Saturday with the Activity Night Girls of the Smyrna Ward. I am grateful that Kristina invited her because it was a wonderful experience. When we arrived we walked to the reflecting pond and looked at the reflection of the temple. Jen then took some pictures of the girls with the Temple in the background. I am sure they turned out beautiful. Then we went into the Visitor Center where we sat in front of the statue of Christ and listened as he spoke to us about obeying his commandments and how he suffered for us. The sister missionaries in the visitor center always have a sweet message or offer up questions to ponder after listening. We then went into one of their smaller theaters where we watched the new movie about Joseph Smiths life and great calling here on earth. It was so moving. Everytime I see it I am moved but this time was different for me. I was so moved I just couldnt stop crying at various points in the movie. The spirit truly bore witness to me of the truthfulness of his mission here on earth. I left feeling stronger about my membership in the church and my need to share the gospel message with those around me. I am so grateful that the spirit spoke to my heart. Paigey had many questions that I had the opportunity to answer during and after the movie. We then toured an exhibit in one of the galleries where pictures of space were displayed. The theme throughout the exhibit was that our Heavenly Father has created galaxies upon galaxies. It was amazing to see the nebulas in our galaxy and the many galaxies through the NASA website. Following the visitor center we toured the temple grounds where we talked about the many symbols of the temple. I recently learned that the three large spires on top of the temple represent the Melchedick (sp) Priesthood and the three smaller spires represent the Aaronic Priesthood along with other points of interest. I was able to go into Beehive clothing where I purchased two DVD's - one about the live of Thomas S. Monson and one on Church History. I also purchased Brighams Baptismal Tie which I will give him at our next FHE. It will hang in his room so that he can see it and we will talk about his baptism every night before bed - looking at that tie until the day he can wear it. Chandler had a baptismal tie also. The girls walked around the rest of the temple and I met Paigey at the car. Oh, before we went to Beehive Clothing we went into the foyer of the Temple and Paigey and I introduced ourselves the the man at the desk. I explained to Paigey what she will do when she enters the temple and so did the man. It was a day to remember!
Chandler recieved a Calling
Chandler is now the 1st counselor in his Deacons Quorum Presidency. He is excited to learn new leadership skills and experience new opportunities at church. Issac Wendt is the Deacons Quorum President and they will be working together. I just love the way the gospel helps our youth become great leaders!
Kulinary Kids - Decadent Brownie Pie
Today Paige and I made a delicious Pie! Here is the recipe:
Decadent Brownie Pie
1 9" unbaked pastry shell
1 c (6 ounces) choclate chips
1/4 c butter
1 (14 oz) Sweetened Condensed Milk
1/2 c biscuit baking mix
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 c chopped nuts - we didnt use this
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake pastry shell 10 minutes. remove from oven. Reduce oven to 325.
2. In small saucepance melt chips with butter.
3. In large mixing bowl, beat choclate mixture with condensed milk, biscuit mix, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Add nuts. Pour into baked pastry shell.
4. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until center is et. Serve warm or at room temperature with ice cream. Refrigerate leftovers.
Paigey found this recipe in a cookbook that her Grandma McNiel gave her some years back. We use it all the time - it has great pictures and they really motivate her to cook. Paigey did a great job with this recipe. She found all the ingredients on her own. I double checked them this time so we didnt have another oops pie like the Fathers Day cheesecake. She combined all the ingredients on her own. I did look over her shoulder now and then. She asked a few questions here and there but for the most part she was very independent. Unfortunately, we set the kitchen timer for 30 mintues and somehow the oven got turned off at that point. It wasnt done at 30 minutes so I put it in for an additional 10 minutes but it wasnt done then either. I soon discovered that the oven was off. So we had to pre-heat it all over again which made it so the crust got a bit dark. The actual brownie filling was delicious. Paigey suggested that we top it with powdered sugar and I said that sounded tasty. So she did and it was! She is quite the little cook.
She loves to watch the FOOD NETWORK! If you ask her what her favorite TV show is she will say, "The Food Network" She knows all the cooks now - Barefoot Contessa, Rachel Ray, and so on and so forth. Her favorite programs on that network are the Competitions. She loves to watch the food come together and who will win at the end. She makes her predicitions and gets very into it! I do to - we will watch it together for hours sometimes. Brig and Chandler like the competitions but they dont really care for the other shows. I just love my budding chef - she is so amazing!
Decadent Brownie Pie
1 9" unbaked pastry shell
1 c (6 ounces) choclate chips
1/4 c butter
1 (14 oz) Sweetened Condensed Milk
1/2 c biscuit baking mix
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 c chopped nuts - we didnt use this
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake pastry shell 10 minutes. remove from oven. Reduce oven to 325.
2. In small saucepance melt chips with butter.
3. In large mixing bowl, beat choclate mixture with condensed milk, biscuit mix, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Add nuts. Pour into baked pastry shell.
4. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until center is et. Serve warm or at room temperature with ice cream. Refrigerate leftovers.
Paigey found this recipe in a cookbook that her Grandma McNiel gave her some years back. We use it all the time - it has great pictures and they really motivate her to cook. Paigey did a great job with this recipe. She found all the ingredients on her own. I double checked them this time so we didnt have another oops pie like the Fathers Day cheesecake. She combined all the ingredients on her own. I did look over her shoulder now and then. She asked a few questions here and there but for the most part she was very independent. Unfortunately, we set the kitchen timer for 30 mintues and somehow the oven got turned off at that point. It wasnt done at 30 minutes so I put it in for an additional 10 minutes but it wasnt done then either. I soon discovered that the oven was off. So we had to pre-heat it all over again which made it so the crust got a bit dark. The actual brownie filling was delicious. Paigey suggested that we top it with powdered sugar and I said that sounded tasty. So she did and it was! She is quite the little cook.
She loves to watch the FOOD NETWORK! If you ask her what her favorite TV show is she will say, "The Food Network" She knows all the cooks now - Barefoot Contessa, Rachel Ray, and so on and so forth. Her favorite programs on that network are the Competitions. She loves to watch the food come together and who will win at the end. She makes her predicitions and gets very into it! I do to - we will watch it together for hours sometimes. Brig and Chandler like the competitions but they dont really care for the other shows. I just love my budding chef - she is so amazing!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
ROLLERSKATING at the Chrisitana Skating Center
Paigey, Brigham and I went roller skating with a few of their friends - Kirk Muilestien and Kathryn Wendt. We went to the skating rink that I used to skate when I was in 5th, 6th and 7th grade. As I pulled up to the parking lot a flood of memories hit me - some good and some not so good. I told the Paigey and Brig about a few of my experiences at the skating rink but the one that got the best reaction was when Granpa fell on top of me and my head went crashing down to the rink floor at an after-school family activity for Gunning Bedford or McCoullough - I cant remember which. I still remember that pain in my head! Anyway, we entered the rink and paid for an afternoon of fun! $4.00 admission - $2.00 skate rental - Parents were free admission. so it was a total of $12.00. (not bad!) Paigey has her own rollerskates thanks to her Dad who bought them for her for her birthday. They are bright pink and white and she loves them. Paigey and Brig skated for most of the three hours we were there and amazingly enough - so did I. I just love rollerskating! Its loads of fun!!!!! Brigham skates with one foot and it is hiliarious - he goes really fast though. I keep encouraging him to pick up the other foot but thats not happenin'. He likes to try tricks also - like jumping in the air. I am amazed that he does not fall! We hold hand while he drags me around the rink. He thinks he is sooooooo strong because he can drag me. Funny stuff! Paigey barely moves her feet but she moves them enough to make it around the rink. It takes awhile but she does it. She is very cautious and does not want to fall and usually doesnt. She likes to hold hands with me because I drag her around the rink. After they got tired of skating they went to the snack bar and got a drink. They also went into a little arcade to play games - Sister Mulestein gave them some money. I just kept skating - I was dripping with perspiration by the end of day - IT FELT GREAT! I think we will go one more time before the summer is out. We decided to do this instead of going to Killens Water Park. I think they are done with that waterpark for the year.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
A TALK ON SUNDAY
I was given the opportunity to speak in church the same Sunday as Chandler. Here is my talk"
Good Morning Brothers and Sisters. I heard a story once about a turkey and this turkey had learned something wonderful for turkeys - so he gathered all of his fellow turkeys together and they had a meety - "You wont believe this," he said. "I've learned to fly" So, he taught all these turkeys to fly. they were flying all around - over bridges, above trees and leakes and exploring vistas. Having a wonderful time! At the end of the meeting all the turkeys landed and this turnky who taught htem to fly said, "Lets close the meetin", so they closed the meeting at the end of the meeting all the turkeys WALKED HOME! Whats the point? The point is if we learn all these wonderful things and we arent careful we might learn them and listen and say, "Yhea, that stuff about teamwork, and respect and family - those are great ideas! Thats a good idea!" BUT then we will WALK HOME and not really understand what it means or not really try hard to incorporate it in our lives.
Well, I hope that the prayer will be honored today that they spirit will be here - if I'm the only teacher in the room today then we will most certainly fail but if the Spirit is here then we might just FLY out of here instead of WALK, motivated by that powerful spirit to imporve our lives and lift those around us.
Today I am goin gto use a talk entitled, "Stand Firm" by Virgina U. Jensen and a talk entitled, "Strenthening Families: OUr Sacred Duty" by Robert D. Hales to speak aobut he subject, "Sheperding our Children - Bringing them UP in Rightgeousness".
After I gave birth to my fist child something inside me burned with desire to dowhat was right. For me, birnging him up in righteousness meant taking a GOOD LONG HARD look in the mirror. Birnging a child up in righteousness is, of course, 1st about the parent and 2nd about the child. I had to ask myself, "Whose Values do you Value?" I reflected on my own habits - How was I spending my time? What were my prioriteis? Humility set in, in a very deep very real way. I re-evaluated my purpose here on earth. I asked the Lord to hlep me see what he saw so I could value more deply what he valued. My personal humility was key and continues to be the most important ingredient in my parenting. I can not do it alone nor do I have to do it alone. My Lord and Savior Juesus Christ and my Heavinly Father co-parent with me and in so doing my children are influenced for good. I came to realize that our homes here are sacred because of thier connection to our Heavenly Father and our Heavenly home. My experience with my son broght into clear focus the priority and vital importance of home and family. It also reminded me that as women with natural tendencies to love, nuture, and teach we are also called to protect and bless all who comprise our family. As He sends babies to this earth, the Lord needs us, whatever our circumstance may be, to stand strong and unwavering and to continue to create homes that are a fortess against a rising tide of evil. We live in a strange world, a world that promotes pornography and prohibits prayer. We live in a world where our values are all we have to hang on to. The message to our children should be, "BE STRON! STAND FIRM! the truth and values we embrace are wonderful!" It is our charge to be the defenders of the home and family whereever we may find ourselves on earth. President David O. McKay said, "With all my heart I believe that the best place to prepare for eternal life is in the home." But How do we raise righteous children in a world which increasingly resembles Sodom and Gomorrah? Today we are engaged in a fierce battle for the minds, hearts and even the souls of our children. But in this fight we have much more powerfiul weaponry and armor than the finest armies. What do we have to fight the war? Our testimonies. We have availalbe to us the strenth that comes from faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and the powr of the gospel ordiances. What did we have to fight with in the war in heaven? Our testimonies. That same testimony wll give us the strenth to stand firm. In this battle it is vital we know who we are up against. Who is our opponent? What is his strategy? We know the advisary and his many lies and understand his strategy BUT OUR CHILDREN DO NOT! We can arm our children so they can defend themselves but we must beed the counsel of Robert D. Hales in his talk, "Strengthening Families: Our Sacred Duty" He provides some vital family havits that we must cultivate and utilize in our families if we want to help our children stand firm.
Good Morning Brothers and Sisters. I heard a story once about a turkey and this turkey had learned something wonderful for turkeys - so he gathered all of his fellow turkeys together and they had a meety - "You wont believe this," he said. "I've learned to fly" So, he taught all these turkeys to fly. they were flying all around - over bridges, above trees and leakes and exploring vistas. Having a wonderful time! At the end of the meeting all the turkeys landed and this turnky who taught htem to fly said, "Lets close the meetin", so they closed the meeting at the end of the meeting all the turkeys WALKED HOME! Whats the point? The point is if we learn all these wonderful things and we arent careful we might learn them and listen and say, "Yhea, that stuff about teamwork, and respect and family - those are great ideas! Thats a good idea!" BUT then we will WALK HOME and not really understand what it means or not really try hard to incorporate it in our lives.
Well, I hope that the prayer will be honored today that they spirit will be here - if I'm the only teacher in the room today then we will most certainly fail but if the Spirit is here then we might just FLY out of here instead of WALK, motivated by that powerful spirit to imporve our lives and lift those around us.
Today I am goin gto use a talk entitled, "Stand Firm" by Virgina U. Jensen and a talk entitled, "Strenthening Families: OUr Sacred Duty" by Robert D. Hales to speak aobut he subject, "Sheperding our Children - Bringing them UP in Rightgeousness".
After I gave birth to my fist child something inside me burned with desire to dowhat was right. For me, birnging him up in righteousness meant taking a GOOD LONG HARD look in the mirror. Birnging a child up in righteousness is, of course, 1st about the parent and 2nd about the child. I had to ask myself, "Whose Values do you Value?" I reflected on my own habits - How was I spending my time? What were my prioriteis? Humility set in, in a very deep very real way. I re-evaluated my purpose here on earth. I asked the Lord to hlep me see what he saw so I could value more deply what he valued. My personal humility was key and continues to be the most important ingredient in my parenting. I can not do it alone nor do I have to do it alone. My Lord and Savior Juesus Christ and my Heavinly Father co-parent with me and in so doing my children are influenced for good. I came to realize that our homes here are sacred because of thier connection to our Heavenly Father and our Heavenly home. My experience with my son broght into clear focus the priority and vital importance of home and family. It also reminded me that as women with natural tendencies to love, nuture, and teach we are also called to protect and bless all who comprise our family. As He sends babies to this earth, the Lord needs us, whatever our circumstance may be, to stand strong and unwavering and to continue to create homes that are a fortess against a rising tide of evil. We live in a strange world, a world that promotes pornography and prohibits prayer. We live in a world where our values are all we have to hang on to. The message to our children should be, "BE STRON! STAND FIRM! the truth and values we embrace are wonderful!" It is our charge to be the defenders of the home and family whereever we may find ourselves on earth. President David O. McKay said, "With all my heart I believe that the best place to prepare for eternal life is in the home." But How do we raise righteous children in a world which increasingly resembles Sodom and Gomorrah? Today we are engaged in a fierce battle for the minds, hearts and even the souls of our children. But in this fight we have much more powerfiul weaponry and armor than the finest armies. What do we have to fight the war? Our testimonies. We have availalbe to us the strenth that comes from faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and the powr of the gospel ordiances. What did we have to fight with in the war in heaven? Our testimonies. That same testimony wll give us the strenth to stand firm. In this battle it is vital we know who we are up against. Who is our opponent? What is his strategy? We know the advisary and his many lies and understand his strategy BUT OUR CHILDREN DO NOT! We can arm our children so they can defend themselves but we must beed the counsel of Robert D. Hales in his talk, "Strengthening Families: Our Sacred Duty" He provides some vital family havits that we must cultivate and utilize in our families if we want to help our children stand firm.
- Make our homes a safe place where each family member feels loved and a sense of belonging. Love motivates.
- Remember "a soft answer turneth away wrath". Steven Covey, "Use the pause button"
- Spend indivdual time with our children - before school dates, before shcool blessings
- Encourage children to have personal scripture study, personal prayers, personal fasting - self government
- Pray Daily together as a family - "Satan trembles when he sees, the weakest saint upon his knees."
- Read scriptures together - Told story of the way we used to set the table - feed your spirit before you feed your body......and the Book of Mormon in a day idea.
- Read the words of the living prophets in the ensign, new era, and friend
- Listen to worthy music - what is that? consult the For Strength For Youth Book
- FHE
- Eat together and have meaningful discussion - "Table Talk"
- Build Teamwork
- Build good friendships
- Have Family Traditions
- By word and example, teach moral values
- Go to the temple
- Use the Priesthood in your home - Home Teachers
- Service - community and church
- attend meetings
Our children may not see the value in each of these things Robert D. hales subgests but WE see the big picture. Each piece connected to the next and then the next - FHE connected to personal prayers connected to personal scripture study to temple attendance all of a sudden portrays a powerful picture of an obiedent son or daughter of God who is on the road to living with her Father in Heaven forever. Brother Hales encourages u to prioritze so time is spent doing what matters. Again, we can ask oursevles, "Whose values do we value?" John Taylor said, "when men say unto us YOU ARE NOT LIKE US - we reply "We know it!" We dont want to be! We want to be like our Lord." Let us arm ourselves with Faith and stand firm in our convictions. Let us never forget that we are building a foundation for an d with our faily upon the rock of our Redeemer. let us put our hand in Gods hand. With the Lords help we can build a home that is a righteous fortess. As Troy Dunn said, "WE CAN WIN THE BATTLE! WE WILL WIN THE BATTLE! WE ARE HERE TO WIN THE BATTLE!" May the Lord bless us in our efforts to stand firm in defense of home and family is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Chandlers Talk in Sacrament
The following is Chandler's talk he gave this Sunday:
Good Morning Brothers and sisters, I would like to begin by sharing a thought by Troy Dunn from his CD Buddy Bond. Troy Dunn says, "The fist time someone said to me, Do you have siblings? I thought it was some kind of an itch." He goes on to say, "Siblings are brothers and sisters." That is what my talk is on today - Siblings. I am going to talk about how brothers and sisters can have a good relationship. Ther eare three main things that make that relationship - your attitude, respect and teamwork. It is imiportant that we are in control of our attitudes. We can either think of our brothers and sisters as a blessing or a pain in our back sides. It is our attitude that makes all the difference. Victor Frankl has this to say about our attidues. "We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away thier last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but htey offer sufficient proof that everthing can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances....." I think an attitude of gratitude helps you appreciate, that you have brothers and siters. This attifude helps you treat your brothers and siters with respect. Respect is necessary in any relationship. Without respect you cant be true friends. To me respect is when someone treats me the way they want to be treated. Critisism toward and putting down your brothers and sisters lowers the level of respect they have for you and you have for them. I would like to read a quote by president Gordon B. Hinkley's book, STANDING FOR SOMETHING. "Criticism and pessimism destroy families, undermine instiutions of all kinds, defeat neally everyone, and spread a shoud of gloom over entire nations. We must resist partaking of the spirit of our times. We need rather to look for the good all about us. There is so much that is sweet and decient and good upon which to build. Above and beyond the negative, the critical, the cynical, and the doubtful, we can and must learn to look to the postive and the affirmative. when you are respectful towards on another it is easier to work as a team. Teamwork is when brothers and sisters work together to achieve a common goal. A team can always do more by working together rather than working individually. Teamwork can bring out the best in all that are involved. I have two examples of teamwork in my own family that I would like to share with you. First, when we do the dishes my brother takes them out and I put them away. When we do laudry, I put hte clothes in the washing machine, and my sister puts in the detergent and the money. Secon, when we all go camping and its time to eat we work together to find sticks for the fire. In conclusion, I'd like to quote Troy Dunn once again. He said, "You are not sealed for time and eternity with these guys you go to school with. These people will come and go. Your siblings are your frineds for eternity." He goes on to say, "I miss those days sitting in the bunk bed seeing who could scare the other. I want you to know these are tyour best friends. Some of us treat our friends better than we treat our brothers and sisters. That must stop. That must change. Your brothers and siters are your true friends." I challenge you brothers and siters to have a good attitude about your brothers and siters, respect them and work together to reach that ultimate common goal - to return to Heavenly Father for time and all eternity.
Good Morning Brothers and sisters, I would like to begin by sharing a thought by Troy Dunn from his CD Buddy Bond. Troy Dunn says, "The fist time someone said to me, Do you have siblings? I thought it was some kind of an itch." He goes on to say, "Siblings are brothers and sisters." That is what my talk is on today - Siblings. I am going to talk about how brothers and sisters can have a good relationship. Ther eare three main things that make that relationship - your attitude, respect and teamwork. It is imiportant that we are in control of our attitudes. We can either think of our brothers and sisters as a blessing or a pain in our back sides. It is our attitude that makes all the difference. Victor Frankl has this to say about our attidues. "We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away thier last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but htey offer sufficient proof that everthing can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances....." I think an attitude of gratitude helps you appreciate, that you have brothers and siters. This attifude helps you treat your brothers and siters with respect. Respect is necessary in any relationship. Without respect you cant be true friends. To me respect is when someone treats me the way they want to be treated. Critisism toward and putting down your brothers and sisters lowers the level of respect they have for you and you have for them. I would like to read a quote by president Gordon B. Hinkley's book, STANDING FOR SOMETHING. "Criticism and pessimism destroy families, undermine instiutions of all kinds, defeat neally everyone, and spread a shoud of gloom over entire nations. We must resist partaking of the spirit of our times. We need rather to look for the good all about us. There is so much that is sweet and decient and good upon which to build. Above and beyond the negative, the critical, the cynical, and the doubtful, we can and must learn to look to the postive and the affirmative. when you are respectful towards on another it is easier to work as a team. Teamwork is when brothers and sisters work together to achieve a common goal. A team can always do more by working together rather than working individually. Teamwork can bring out the best in all that are involved. I have two examples of teamwork in my own family that I would like to share with you. First, when we do the dishes my brother takes them out and I put them away. When we do laudry, I put hte clothes in the washing machine, and my sister puts in the detergent and the money. Secon, when we all go camping and its time to eat we work together to find sticks for the fire. In conclusion, I'd like to quote Troy Dunn once again. He said, "You are not sealed for time and eternity with these guys you go to school with. These people will come and go. Your siblings are your frineds for eternity." He goes on to say, "I miss those days sitting in the bunk bed seeing who could scare the other. I want you to know these are tyour best friends. Some of us treat our friends better than we treat our brothers and sisters. That must stop. That must change. Your brothers and siters are your true friends." I challenge you brothers and siters to have a good attitude about your brothers and siters, respect them and work together to reach that ultimate common goal - to return to Heavenly Father for time and all eternity.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
MY YOUNG HUNTER
Chandler came pack from shooting today with a grin on his face a mile wide. He told me that he shot 14 out of 20 clay pigeons. Pretty good! Uncle Mark showed me a picture of him - gun in hand. Then he showed me a video that he took of him shooting - kick and all. Chandler kept saying, "That was so Awsome". I heard it all when we left Uncle Mark's house and drove to football practice. He told me that he definitely wanted a gun for Christmas. He said shooting is an amazing experience - "so much better than the video games". He went on to tell me every part of the gun and what it did or how to take care of it. Then he told me about the "Safety Man" who helped him and all the things he said to him. He was excited because he had shotgun shells in his pockets. He said, "Mom, I had BULLETS in my pockets. I put all 10 in one of my pockets but my pants started to fall down so I had to evenly divide them between my two pockets....five in each. It was so cool!" He was cracking me up! He just kept saying how AWSOME it was. He said, "Mom, everytime I see Uncle Mark I am going to say - Uncle Mark will you take me shooting - and if he says not today I am going to say how about tomorrow or the next day or the next day." He then went on to tell me that he was going to shoot a BIG BUCK and when he did he was going to take those antlers and hang them in his bedroom. He said that he would keep them and then give them to "the generations to come" so all who came after him could see what an amazing marksman he was. I just smiled. You see, Chandler has some antlers that came from his Great Grandpa (Pop-Pop) in his bedroom on his bookshelf. In fact, they have been there for many many years. I am sure he has looked at those antlers many times thinking about when it will be his turn to go hunting. He said that his posterity would be able to say, "My great great great great great great Grandfather shot this deer and I have his antlers". Funny stuff! He then explained to us that after he shot his first deer that he will have to bring it home and gut it in the kitchen. He explained how he was going to cut it open and if he did it just right way - cutting the esophagus (sp?) - that all the organs would just fall out with minimal bleeding. He also said that he would have to be very careful to not get poop all over the meat. Brigham thought that was funny and Paigey thought that was incredibly gross. I have to agree with her. I told him we would not be dragging a dead deer into our kitchen. He said, "I know, Mom, I was just kidding." I was glad to hear that!!!! I am sure that he will be having dreams about "his first kill" - hopefully he wont be to disappointed when he goes up in the deer stand and doesnt see a single deer or doesnt get to shoot at anything. I am sure Uncle Mark will tell him the many stories of coming home with nothing. I think the thrill is in the possibility of the hunt. My young hunter is very excited about this rite of passage - age 12 is bringing many growth experiences.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Brigham my BUDDY!
Brigham is my Buddy! He is my cuddlebug! He said that he needs cuddling everyday to stay alive. Isnt that funny. I told him that I needed cuddling too. He has the sweetest heart - he is very tender. If anyone is crying or sad in the slightest he is so compassionate toward them. He will stop whatever he is doing to find out what is the matter and then he will be sure to say encouraging words. I love to here him be this way. If he notices there is a sad part of a movie he will look over at me and if I am getting teary eyed he will cover my eyes with his hands. He just doesnt want to see me cry, I guess. He is also sensitive the other way so I have to be careful about how I speak to him because he gets his feelings hurt very easily. He thrives on praise and is devistated when he is critizied - I mean he will just bust into tears if you tell him he has done something wrong. He really geniuely feels terrible. So I have to deliver my message to him carefully. I am concerned about him in school this year because of this. It will be difficult for him - he will have to develop some thick skin, unfortunately. He tells me that he wishes he was little again so that he did not have to go to school and he could stay home with me. I told him I wished that too. Brigham is my buddy no matter where we are or what we are doing - he is always close by ready to offer hugs and kisses. This is a great stage. I am really enjoying it.
I am his Primary Teacher now. I love being in primary with Brigham! He is a little crazy in Primary and I think that might be why I was called to be his teacher but thats ok. We are figuring it out - when to be quiet, when to sit, when to get up, when to sing. its all so demanding, you know - do this, do that. I try to be paient but boy can he test me.
I love my little buddy!
I am his Primary Teacher now. I love being in primary with Brigham! He is a little crazy in Primary and I think that might be why I was called to be his teacher but thats ok. We are figuring it out - when to be quiet, when to sit, when to get up, when to sing. its all so demanding, you know - do this, do that. I try to be paient but boy can he test me.
I love my little buddy!
Paigey LOVES Activity Night Girls
Paigey just loves her new group here in the Newark 1st Ward. This Wednesday they will be painting a shed. She is very excited. Later this month they are having a pool party for Mom and Daughters. She asked me if I would jump off the diving board and I said, "of course!". I dont think she believed me because she gave me this sideways look, like, "For real, Mom.". I will just have to show her what I am made of. Anyway, earlier this summer they had a cookout and were encouraged to bring a friend. She wanted to bring Krisitina but she wasnt available so she brought Courtney (her friend from the old neighborhood). They had a great time. She looks forward to every activity and is getting along with all the girls. She says she likes this group better than the one in Smyrna so I guess that is a good sign. Sister Mullins is her Leader and she likes her very much! She will be going with Kristina on her trip to the Temple with the Activity Night Girls from the Smyrna Ward. She is looking forward to seeing her old friends. As the summer ends and the school year approaches I see her experiences in Activity Night Girls as ones that will be very important to her. I think this will be one place in her life where she will always feel valued and not judged for things that really dont matter. I just love this program - I wish they had something like this when I was 8 - 12 years old. Its a great preface to Young Womens.
Chandler is a FOOTBALL PLAYER
Chandler is now playing for Bo Manor Junior Football League on their Varsity Team. He started Football Camp yesterday and it runs through the end of the week. He will then practice everday from 6-8p.m. and have games on Friday nights and Saturdays. I look forward to a schedule. I take him to practice and his Dad picks him up. So far Chandler has really enjoyed talking with his Dad about football - apparently, he has a wealth of knowledge. He listens to everything his Dad says and commits it to memory....then...he comes home and tells me everything he says. I am amazed at how much he retains. I know Chandler is glad that he has something to talk to his Dad about - something they have in common. He said he will be nervous to play in front of his Dad because he wont want to do anything wrong. I told him that I was sure his Dad did many things wrong when he first started playing football, but...I dont think he believes me. Kinda funny, huh! I know this will prove to be a positive experience for Chandler. He is definitely a team player and will be an asset to his team simply because of his attitude. He is excited to have this new experience. It is difficult for him right now because he is out of shape but he realizes this and is willing to but the effort forth to get himself in shape. He is as big as most of the 14 year olds on the team. There are 12 - 14 year olds on his team. I will keep you posted about his progress and the team schedule. I am sure he would be very happy to have any of you attend one of his games.
Chandler is Going HUNTING
Today Chandler went with Uncle Mark to go shooting at the range. Unfortunately, it was closed as a result of budget cuts but Uncle Mark still made an afternoon of it. Chandler got to go to a gun store called Millers, he learned gun safety and got to handle a REAL gun. He was thrilled! I am thrilled that I have such an AWSOME brother who is willing to take time out of his life to show my son the "ropes". For me, its not about hunting. I see it as an opportunity for Chandler to be around a worthy Priesthood Holder, a great husband and provider, and to bond with a male who truly loves him. Tonight Mark not only took him out and exposed him to gun shooting but he also brought him home and made dinner for his family and mine (in front of Chandler), served his family before he served himself, played and communicated with his sons like a good Dad (in front of Chandler) and backed me up (okay, I dont usually have that experience - I'm lovin' that). It was funny.....he said, "Chandler, now your Mom can say, "If you are old enough to shoot a gun you can definitely keep your room clean" and "If you are old enough to shoot a gun you can definitely do the dishes" and so on and so forth. Chandler said his comeback would be, "But shooting a gun is fun, its not fun to clean up." Mark said that wasnt going to cut it. He has such a good sense of humor and Chandler loves it. I am confident that Chandler will respond to Uncle Mark's direction and will benefit from it on a very personal level. Chandler will be taking the Hunters Saftey course this Saturday and will continue to go target shooting with Uncle Mark. I am also confident that Grandpa from Russia will not have to purchase any tickets home to teach anyone a lesson - if you catch my drift - I love you, Grandpa, but I think Chandler will be sure to keep the gun pointed on the animals in the field not the animals in the deer stand. Enough said.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Cinnamon Buns - no egg needed
If you are on a budget and have limited pantry items to work with this is a great option. I would say they taste okay - the kids loved them and so I am happy to use the recipe again. Again this recipe comes from Mom-Mom's cookbook.
2 c flour
1/2 t baking soda
2 t baking powder
1 t salt
1/4 c shortening
1 c milk
Mix.
Roll dough to a rectangular sheet and brush with softened butter. Sprinkly with sugar and cinnamon. Can add raisins.
Bake 450 degress 12 minutes
I would be generous with the sugar and cinnamon. I would also use a powdered sugar icing or a cream cheese frosting. I use homemade and store bought. I like the raisins but the kids dont.
Its fun to make because you cut 1inch strips and roll just like play doh. I like that you can paint the melted butter on the dough also - kids loved that! I also used a muffin pan and put each individual one in each little spot after greasing the spot. Fun!
2 c flour
1/2 t baking soda
2 t baking powder
1 t salt
1/4 c shortening
1 c milk
Mix.
Roll dough to a rectangular sheet and brush with softened butter. Sprinkly with sugar and cinnamon. Can add raisins.
Bake 450 degress 12 minutes
I would be generous with the sugar and cinnamon. I would also use a powdered sugar icing or a cream cheese frosting. I use homemade and store bought. I like the raisins but the kids dont.
Its fun to make because you cut 1inch strips and roll just like play doh. I like that you can paint the melted butter on the dough also - kids loved that! I also used a muffin pan and put each individual one in each little spot after greasing the spot. Fun!
Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
I got this recipe from Mom-Mom's cookbook that I recieved after she passed. It is the best cookbook. It is also very hilarious - it has the funniest subjects to read about - you know about homemaking and entertaining. Anyway, these cookies were very easy to make and Chandler, Paigey and I had a good time making them. They enjoyed creating their own shapes. Chandler made a fairly large snowman and Paigey made a heart. The rest of the cookies were a circle. I wish I had a few cookie presses. Here is the recipe:
21/4 c flour
1/4 t salt
2 t baking powder
1/2 c shortening
1 c sugar
2 eggs
1/2 t vanilla
1 T milk
Flour, salt, baking powder together. Cream shortening and sugar together, add eggs and vanilla, then add dry ingredients and milk. Roll and cut. Sprinkle with sugar and bake on baking sheet 375 degree 12 minutes. Makes 21/2 dozen cookies.
I did not put sugar on top because they wanted to icing them. I used store bought cream cheese frosting that was left over from the sticky buns we made. Chandler added about 1/2 a bottle of red food coloring to the white frosting because he didnt realize you only needed to add a drip - sooooo they have colored tongues everytime they eat a cookie. Pretty funny!
21/4 c flour
1/4 t salt
2 t baking powder
1/2 c shortening
1 c sugar
2 eggs
1/2 t vanilla
1 T milk
Flour, salt, baking powder together. Cream shortening and sugar together, add eggs and vanilla, then add dry ingredients and milk. Roll and cut. Sprinkle with sugar and bake on baking sheet 375 degree 12 minutes. Makes 21/2 dozen cookies.
I did not put sugar on top because they wanted to icing them. I used store bought cream cheese frosting that was left over from the sticky buns we made. Chandler added about 1/2 a bottle of red food coloring to the white frosting because he didnt realize you only needed to add a drip - sooooo they have colored tongues everytime they eat a cookie. Pretty funny!
Homemade Brownies
These brownies are very yummy especially when you sprinkle powdered sugar on top! They arent as chewy as the box brownies you can buy but they probably could be if you add the optional choclate chips that are suggested in the brownies. I probably would have done that but I was out of choclate chips.
I found this recipe on the back of the Ghiradalli (sp?) cocoa container. Here it is:
2 eggs
3/4 c sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 c butter melted
3/4 coca
2/3 c flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salkt
1 c choclate chips (optional)
Preheat oven 350. Stir eggs with sugar and vanilla. Add butter, cocoa. Stir flour, baking powder with salt, stir in eggs. Bake 20 - 30 minutes. 8" square pan.
I cooked it for 18 minutes because I like mine mushy. The kids helped me make it and we really enjoyed them yesterday. Believe it or not there are still some left over today. I actually woke up at about 1 am and ate two more - I think I was dreaming about them!
I found this recipe on the back of the Ghiradalli (sp?) cocoa container. Here it is:
2 eggs
3/4 c sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 c butter melted
3/4 coca
2/3 c flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salkt
1 c choclate chips (optional)
Preheat oven 350. Stir eggs with sugar and vanilla. Add butter, cocoa. Stir flour, baking powder with salt, stir in eggs. Bake 20 - 30 minutes. 8" square pan.
I cooked it for 18 minutes because I like mine mushy. The kids helped me make it and we really enjoyed them yesterday. Believe it or not there are still some left over today. I actually woke up at about 1 am and ate two more - I think I was dreaming about them!
FUN IN THE KITCHEN
We made HOMEMADE SOFT PRETZELS and they were delicious. I would definitely recommend the following recipe:
31/2 c flour
4 T brown sugar
2 T yeast
1 c water fairly warm but not hot.
1 egg beaten with tsp water
Mix water and yeast, then add brown sugar and salt. Add flour until dough is smooth not sticky. Let dough sit in refrig over night.
Roll, twist or cut - let raise 45 minutes. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with salt or cinammon sugar or parmesan
Bake 450 degrees 12-15 minutes
We tried all three - cinammon sugar, parmesan and salt. It was delicious every way! The kids gave it a ten because they got to make their own soft pretzel. Paigey rolled out her name, a heart and a few pretzel shapes. Chandler rolled out his initials and pretzel shapes. Brigham made pretzel balls, a pretzel stick and a pretzel shape. It was fun making htem. I like this recipe because you can make it the night before and then enjoy it the next day. The anticipation of making the pretzels is fun for the kids - they are excited to wake up and try it out. It is easy enough for all ages as well!!!! You should definitely try it!
31/2 c flour
4 T brown sugar
2 T yeast
1 c water fairly warm but not hot.
1 egg beaten with tsp water
Mix water and yeast, then add brown sugar and salt. Add flour until dough is smooth not sticky. Let dough sit in refrig over night.
Roll, twist or cut - let raise 45 minutes. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with salt or cinammon sugar or parmesan
Bake 450 degrees 12-15 minutes
We tried all three - cinammon sugar, parmesan and salt. It was delicious every way! The kids gave it a ten because they got to make their own soft pretzel. Paigey rolled out her name, a heart and a few pretzel shapes. Chandler rolled out his initials and pretzel shapes. Brigham made pretzel balls, a pretzel stick and a pretzel shape. It was fun making htem. I like this recipe because you can make it the night before and then enjoy it the next day. The anticipation of making the pretzels is fun for the kids - they are excited to wake up and try it out. It is easy enough for all ages as well!!!! You should definitely try it!
Did we do it??? Book of Mormon in a day!
Okay - I am not a speed reader for hours on end....AND, we had a lot of conversation during our reading that I could not avoid. In fact, I loved the conversation that occured. FINAL RESULTS: We only read 57 pages in 4 hours. There is no way I can read 60 pages of the Book of Mormon with three children - nope, not going to happen. I consider the day a success though. We posted the pictures all over the room and when we got to one of the pictures we moved it over a wall - we got through 9 pictures and have 15 more to go. We decided we would read until Ether and then say in a loud voice, "WE READ THE WHOLE BOOK OF MORMON AS A FAMILY! HORRAY!" (since we started from the back of the Book of Mormon recently - everyone still remembers the reading) We set the scriptures on the table on our placemats and committed to ourselves to reading before we eat. We shall see how this works out. We will still be doing the D&C but I am sure we will not get through the entire thing in one day.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Read the Book of Mormon in a Day
Does that sound impossible? Well, I will let you know. Actually, it wont be the entire Book of Mormon - we are in 2nd Nephi on page 100, so we have 431 pages to go. Family Scripture Study has been a struggle for my family. I dont know why....it just doesnt seem to fit anywhere consistently. We definitely have to work on this one... FHE- no problem, FAMILY PRAYER-every night and most mornings, PERSONAL PRAYERS-nightly, CHURCH ATTENDANCE, TEMPLE ATTENDANCE...and so on and so forth......everything else became a habit early in the kid's lives but not scripture study. We have read 1st Nephi a ton of times. One time we even started at the last book in the Book of Mormon and work our way backwards.....because I was tired of starting and re-starting at the beginning. We made it to Ether. So - the beginning and the end but NO MIDDLE. We tried reading it with the Manual they use in Institute and supplemented our reading with stories and quotes from prophets. We also tried reading the Book of Mormon with a "Scripture Study Guide for Latter-day Saint Families" which my sister gave me as a gift. Still...we never finished. Recently, Chandler came to me excitedly and said, "Mom, the Smyrna Ward is going on a campout and reading the whole Book of Mormon in 2 days. 2 DAYS!! Can you believe that?" I realized that he really wanted to finish the Book of Mormon. We attempted to recommitt ourselves the beginning of June to finishing the Book of Mormon by the end of the summer. Brigham will be baptized in December and Chandler had just entered the Young Mens a few months eariler so we were hitting two milestones. We read each day but the habit didnt stick. We made it a matter of prayer but somehow it kept being forgotten. So....this is my next attempt......Read the Book of Mormon in a Day. I pitched the idea to the kids and their wasnt any real opposition, infact, Chandler really liked the idea. (it seems like if I can get Chandler on board, I've got everyone on board) So, on Monday we will be starting our reading at 8:00 a.m. and reading at a pace of 60 pages per hour finishing in approximately 7 hours at about 4:00 p.m. - that leaves us 1 hour for lunch. Before reading a Time Line will be posted - you can purchase these through the Distribution Center. Its good to have a visual. The pictures from the Gospel Art Kit (can be purchased through the Distribution Center) will be posted around the house as well -as a visual. Brigham will also get out his picture book of the Book of Mormon (the comic strip one) - which you can also purchase thorugh the Distribution Center. Then we will begin to study the Book of Mormon throughout the year at Dinner time. When I was younger when we set the table for dinner, the Book of Mormon was set with the plates, forks, knives, and glasses. Before we ate we read. This gave us good conversation during dinner. I remember one of my parents saying that it is more important to nourish the spirit than to nourish the body so we will read before we eat. I like that idea and will begin to use it immideately. My children do not study the scriptures personally and I would like to see them do that. I encourage them each Sunday and eventually have to insist they go to their room and spend sometime with their Book of Mormon. It doesnt last long though. Maybe my expectations are to high or maybe I am not a good motivator. I do not have any really good ideas for personal scripture study but I will pray about it and research ideas - I will post it to my blog if I find any really good ones. I think the best idea is to start them reading the scriptures as soon as they can read - so the habit has been formed. Unfortunately, I did not do this so I will have to be more inventive and gently persistant. During FHE tomorrow we will have to discuss this improvement in our family. I find that if we can think about it as a family we always come up with good ideas and the children have a vested interest in it which motivates them to stick with it. If we actually finish the Book of Mormon on Monday maybe I will do the same thing with the D & C - 294 pages. So...we could actually read slower and have some conversation along the way. I think I have a timeline for the D&C also, pictures from the Gospel Art Kit, and the picture book of the D&C. Okay - I've just talked myself into it - Monday, August 10 is going to be D&C in a day and Monday, August 3rd is going to be Book of Mormon in a day. Oh yeah! I am excited. I will post the results when we are done.
SUMMER IS ALMOST OVER - Can you believe it?
Summer is almost over! School starts on Wednesday, August 26th! So we are planning our last few day trips of the summer. I orginally thought we might stay at the Beach House this month but it looks like that isnt going to happen - money is to tight. Instead of spending my money on a place to stay I think I will use that money toward a few more day trips. So this is whats left for summer fun:
- Killens Water Park - one more time....we will be going with Jen's crew on Tuesday of next week. $1.00 child $2.00 adult. Then I am done with Killens. I can only go there once a month throughout the summer and then I dont want to go anymore.
- Jungle Jims Water Park - Rehobth Beach - Brigham keeps mentioning that he wants to go their so I think we will make a day trip of it. FUN! $27.00 per person. It is expensive but worth it! It is definitely a day of fun - we will pack a lunch and a dinner.
- Frontier Town - Ocean City, MD - I am dieing to relive some of those memories. I think we will make a day trip of this as well. EARLY TO RISE and LATE TO BED this day!!! I think we will do the mini golf and the planned activities in the town - no water park because we will have already gone to two waterparks this month. This is an affordable day of fun - about $20.00 per person that is including all the activities of the town and the minigolf. We will pack a lunch and a dinner.
- Ocean City, MD - I am finally ready to take the kids to my old stomping ground (when I was their age.) Brigham is older and I am more confident about having all three of them with me alone in a busier more heavily populated place. Brigham will sometimes get away from me - still - but I now have Chandlers help to keep track of him. I think we will do the beach for a couple of hours at Cape Henlopen - (FREE because of the park pass) clean off and then go to Ocean City for the Boardwalk experience. Unless I can find a Bathhouse in Ocean City - if not we will have to go to Cape Henlopen because of the bathhouse - I hate to walk the boardwalk with salt all over me! YUCK! We will do all the rides, games, CANDY KITCHEN (of course), THRASHERS (of course), souvenier shopping, shell finding on the beach, and I think we will go out to eat at Grottos - we love Grottos!!!!- and pack one meal.
- Baltimore Childrens Science Museum - We will be going with Jen's crew at some point this month - we have a membership to the Delaware Museum of Natural History and there is a reciporcal agreement with the Baltimore Childrens Science Museum so it it is free admission. I just love those reciporcal agreements!!!!!!! We will pack a lunch on this day as well.
- Concerts in the Park - We havent made it to any of the concerts in the park this year so I will make a point of getting to at least one this month. I really enjoy relaxing outside and listening to live music. Personally, I would attend everyone but the kids dont seem to enjoy it as much as I do so I have to drag them along sometimes.
- Football - Chandler has joined football this year so I am going to to have to work with this new schedule as I plan some of our END OF THE SUMMER activities. I look forward to him realizing the great athlete he can be - with a little practice and a lot of determination I know he will be a great player! I am sure it will be difficult at first as he learns how to play the game and masters his large motor skills but I have confidence in him and his ability!!!!!
I have asked the kids if they want to go to the Baltimore Aquarium because we have a membership there but they said no. I think we will have to wait a while before they will want to go back there - they have been three time since we got the membership. The place they do want to go is the CHEESECAKE FACTORY right there in INNER HARBOR because when we went to the Aquarium the last time I promised them a visit and we didnt get to go - Brig was throwing a big fit and I just had to go home - YOU KNOW HOW THAT IS SOMETIMES - HUH! Well, they havent forgot my promise and I made the promise without really thinking about it - big mistake. So.....we will have to go to the Cheesecake factory at some point. Maybe I will just go to BJ's and pick it up - I hear they sell it there.
This summer has been great!
Pioneer Day was a roaring SUCCESS!
On July 24th - PIONEER DAY - Jen and I planned an evening of fun for our family and friends. Everyone came in Pioneer Day clothing and looked great! The girls looked so beautiful in their bonnets. I want to make an apron for Paigey for next year. Kristina was in my Pioneer Trek outfit that I wore when I was 14 at Youth Conference. Boy, did that bring back memories - Pink Nike - oh yes, everything had to be color coordinated! Remember that, Mom - you were so patient with me! The boys look authentic in their suspenders. I would like to get a straw hat for each of my boys. It was the 1800's all over again on 6 Harding Court - family and friends parading into Jen's house in full costume! Jen had to forewarn her neighbors so they didnt think she was weird - isn that funny!
We started with a Pioneer Day Scavenger Hunt. Jen posted pictures of pioneers on the walls of her main floor with a corresponding number beside it for the scavenger hunt. She then gave the children a list of items they were to find in each of the pictures. The children walked (some ran) around the main floor in a flurry looking closely at each picture to find the hidden item. After they found the hidden item they wrote the corresponding number next to that item. Jen and I wanted to expose the children to all the pictures of the pioneers in the gospel art kit and thought this would be a fun way to do that. We gave them about 15 minutes to do this then invited everyone to come sit in the family room for our opening.
After everyone was seated I opened the evening with a little talk of sorts about the pioneers and what they went through in order for us to have the gospel in our lives. I shared a few statistics and bore my testimony. I then showed everyone the Agenda for the eveing which was written on a piece of foam board and posted for everyone to see. We reviewed the agenda and then I turned the time over to Jen for the prizes for the scavenger hunt. She announced the correct answers to the scavenger hunt and Paigey got every single one correct - HORRAY FOR PAIGEY! She has such an eye for detail! Jen then awarded Paigey old time candy sticks wrapped in twine. Then to everyones surprise she gave each child some candy wrapped the same way.
Jen then turned the time over to Brother and Sister Menasco who brought a dutch oven with them and invited all the children to watch as they prepared the recipe in the dutch oven. They made peach cobbler which was delicious. Sister Menasco asked the children to help add different parts of the recipe and stir. As she did this she shared some interesting things about "Life in the Day of a Pioneer". She did a great job asking questions and having them guess what they thought about different ways they lived. For example, she asked if anyone knew what a buffalo chip was. She allowed the children to guess and then explained it was buffalo poop that they used to start fires because they did ot have enough wood to burn in order to cook their food.
Then it was time for DINNER! Yum! Yum! Chandler gave the prayer on the food. Each time I hear him pray I am always touched - he is very thoughtful about his prayers and how they relate to whatever occassion we are participating in. The Meal - Jen and I wanted to stay true to what pioneers ate so we planned a menu that did just that. We had Ham, Deer, and Beaver as our meat. We served fresh fruits and vegetables - carrots, tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, blueberries, corn on the cob, potatoes, cucumbers and lettuce. We served different breads with butter and, of course, the peach ocobbler. It was a delicious meal!
After dinner we had a blast with Pioneer Activities. Jen and I wanted to give the children the chance to feel in charge of something so we assigned the activities to different children. When we do this next time I think I will set up stations outside before hand so that everything is ready to go and there isnt any set up during the activity. I like the ease of moving from one station to the next. Then their isnt alot of running around to get this and that - its all done.
BUTTON SEWING - Paigey was in charge of button sewing. She collected all the big buttons from her button collection, pretty threads that she had in her sewing box, and needles. If I did this again I would have threaded all the needles before hand because that took a minute to do while everyone was waiting. I would have also thought a little more about the requirements for winning. It went a little to fast and some of the kids were confused about what they were doing. When I read about this online the kids had to thread their own needles but I think that would be to hard for the little ones. I would have allowed everyone to keep their button also. Anyway, the kids had fun trying to sew - it was the first time for some of them.
NAIL POUNDING - Brigham was in charge of nail pounding but I forgot to get the wood and the nails from Josh sooooooo Jeff quickly pulled that together in the garage and brought out a piece of wood with nails half pounded in. We quickly put everyone into teams and they pounded like crazy! It was a quick relay race. When I do this relay race again I will have more nails and wood. I think this one could have been played over and over again. We could have had a one on one race with this one also. Brigham could have pounded all night - he loves nail pounding. This activity is a keeper for next year.
PICK UP STICKS - Chandler was in charge of pick up sticks which never got play. He didnt care though. He was having fun with all the other games and activities and really didnt want to be in charge of it anyway. I dont think I would include pick up sticks in next years Pioneer Day Events.
PIE EATING CONTEST - Kristina was in charge of the Pie Eating contest which we will definitely keep for next year. That was a big hit! I liked the way Jen chose to buy a whole pie and cut it into slices - then use the slices for the contest - not the whole pie. I thought she was going to use a whole "mini" pie. I think either way would have worked but it was more cost efficient to do it this way. It was a blast!!!!
DROP THE HANKERCHIEF - Elizabeth was in charge of "drop the hanky" which was a spin off of "Duck Duck Goose". I dont know about this one. Everyone was all over the place and it was hard to reign them in. I think we should do the one that Sister Menasco suggested called "Thimble Thimble Where is the Thimble". I saw that game when I was looking online but couldnt figure out how it would work with our big group. After chatting with her though, it was easy to see how it would work. So...I think next year we should do that game or the "Thimble Game" (which is famous in the Robinson family at FHE).
POTATOE PEELING - Oliviya was in charge of "POTATOE PEELING" and that was fun! We divided into two groups and relayed to see who could peel a pile of potatoes fastest. I think next year we should take those peeled potatoes and make mashed potatoes with them. For example, we could have the little ones peel the potatoes as the first part of the relay, the adults or older children cut the potatoes, then the younger children could add the milk, salt, pepper, sour cream (or whatever you want to go in the potatoes) into a pot, add the cut potatoes, then each person give the potatoes so many mashes with the masher and whoever is done first wins! This would be a great addition to dinner! As you all know mashed potatoes are my favorite so my official vote is in - BRING ON THE MASHED POTATIOES RELAY! I guess that means the activities will have to be before dinner. Which then means we would have to do this Pioneer Day Event on a Saturday because we cant start the activity at 6:00 p.m. DONT YOU JUST LOVE THE REFINING PROCESS?????
SAWING LOGS - Okay, last but not least Preston was in charge of "SAWING LOGS". This was also a fun one! The boys loved it! I think the girls enjoyed it also but the boys definitily got into this one. Preston got his sawing horses out, put a dowel on top, and provided two saws. I think next year we should use large parts of trees from the woods. It that would feel more authentic and it might be easier to saw through. Chandler thinks we shouldnt turn the wood while we are sawing it - keep it in the same place. He is ready for a re-match with somebody else, other than Uncle Jeff, to hold the wood on the saw horses (so the wood isnt turned for Prestons benefit). Funny stuff!
I attempted to make and name teams before hand - organizing them into envelopes - but we didnt use them. I think if we have stations next year it will be easier to move from station to station with a group and to know who your group is. I guess we would have to organize everyone into their teams prior to going outside. It worked out fine without the teams though. IT WAS LOADS OF FUN!!!!!!
After the activites we started our LIVING MUSEUM SHOW! I saw this idea done with Chandler's 5th grade History class. The teacher gave each student an opportunity to pick someone famous within a certain time period and become that person - costume and information about their life. The parents were then invited to an outdoor Living Museum Show where Chandler was Thomas Edison. The parents could walk around and through any denomination of money into a container which would then activate the person and they would begin to talk. It was really cool! So...I decided to do a spin off of that at our Pioneer Day Event. Each person was invited to research a Pioneer that was close to their age or they felt strongly they wanted to be. When they present their pioneer of choice they were to speak in the first person thereby making more personal to them and to the audience. I wouldnt do anything different with this part - this is when everyone really had the opportunity to feel the spirit and become better acquainted with their heritage. Jen made trail mix and put it in a brown paper bag with a label I found on the internet that said something about Pioneers and had a picture of a boy and girl pioneer on it. Next year we need to give out the trail mix at the beginning and put it in a plastic bag because the paper bags were to noisy. Everyone seemed to enjoy the trail mix so I think that is a good refreshment for the show. I think we should leave out the raisins if the kids are going to sit on the carpet again - to messy.
Okay on to the show..... My favorite part of the evening was when Mark and Amber's children stood and pretended to be the MODERN DAY PIONEERS of our family. Andrew, Benjamin, and Joseph stood and played the part of TOM ROBINSON, JOEY ROBINSON AND AMBER ROBINSON. I just cried. Amber was so patient as she lined them up and handed them their papers - what a good Mom! It was sweet. Apparently, Mark thought this one up and it was excellent! The spirit was so strong. I wish I could have heard every word they said but, you know, they are little so some of it was muddled. Regardless, the spirit spoke to my heart and I was truly touched. For me, that was the highlight of my evening. I think someone should be TOM ROBINSON, JOEY ROBINSON AND AMBER ROBINSON everytime. In fact, I would like to claim those names for next year - GREAT IDEA MARK!!!!! He is such an amazing man, isnt he!
Here is the run down:
Jen - Emma Smith (motherhood experiences)
Oliviya and Elizabeth - Emma Smith's adopted daughters (I think)
Joesph, Andrew, Ben - TOM ROBINSON, JOEY ROBINSON, AMBER ROBINSON
Paigey - Margaret McNeil at age 10 to her death (M.Russell Ballards Great Great Grandmother) Chandler - Heber C. Kimball from age 14 to his death
Brigham - James Bryant at age 5 years old
Kristina - I dont remember her name but she made a necklace for her mother from the beads she found along the trail left behind by Indians. She used a prop during her presentation which I like very much. She made a necklace that would be like the one her pioneer made and showed it everyone during the show. I like the idea of using props. I kept encouraging Paigey, Chandler and Brigham to create props with me but no one wanted to do it. I think I am going to have to encourage them better next year.
Dawn - Emma Smith (middle years to her death) I used a picture of Emma Smith as my prop.
Jeff and Preston gave a presentation but I dont remember who they were. Jeff did a good job doing it from memory - as we all know he has an amazing memory! I dont remember Prestons because I was giving out trail mix during his presentation - oops sorry!
In the background Jen played the hymns and it sounded beautiful. It was like a choir of angels were around us.
As our last experience we watched a 14 minute DVD entitled "A Pioneer Miracle" It was a heart felt story of how angels helped a little girl when she prayed for protection while watching her little brother. It was about obiedience and the power of prayer. I like this DVD because it was an experience of a girl and a boy the same age as most of the children in our family and it was short. I think they could relate and I know they felt the spirit. I purchased the DVD from Dessert Book - I looked and looked and couldnt find any others like it. If anyone knows of other pioneer DVD's will you please send me the info? Thanks.
We ended with a prayer given by Uncle Jeff.
The activity ran from 6:00 p.m. - 9:30p.m. I arrived just after 5:00 p.m. and we had everything clean up from the night around 10:30 p.m. I am grateful to Jen for opening her home up to all of us. It is great to have such a nice big home to fell comfortable in. Her home was the perfect place for us to have this event and I hope we can do it again next year - same time/ same place/ same people! I should say this though - I truly missed the rest of our family being there. It just isnt the same without Aaron, Rachel, Abraham, Samuel, Grace, Noah, Adam, Tori, Mom and Dad. We wish you could be here and experience these fun family events with us. Maybe next year we can involve you in someway so the children can feel of your presence even if you cant phyisically be there. I am soooooo happy that EVERYONE could come - it makes it a more memorable moment when we share it together! Thanks to everyone who did something to make this evening a success!
If I could add anything to the evening it would be music. I would like to hear music next year - either the cousins singing as a group, a solo, the piano, or simply an opening and closing song. I will have to remember that for next year. I look forward to this becoming another on of those Robinson traditions that we are famous for.
We started with a Pioneer Day Scavenger Hunt. Jen posted pictures of pioneers on the walls of her main floor with a corresponding number beside it for the scavenger hunt. She then gave the children a list of items they were to find in each of the pictures. The children walked (some ran) around the main floor in a flurry looking closely at each picture to find the hidden item. After they found the hidden item they wrote the corresponding number next to that item. Jen and I wanted to expose the children to all the pictures of the pioneers in the gospel art kit and thought this would be a fun way to do that. We gave them about 15 minutes to do this then invited everyone to come sit in the family room for our opening.
After everyone was seated I opened the evening with a little talk of sorts about the pioneers and what they went through in order for us to have the gospel in our lives. I shared a few statistics and bore my testimony. I then showed everyone the Agenda for the eveing which was written on a piece of foam board and posted for everyone to see. We reviewed the agenda and then I turned the time over to Jen for the prizes for the scavenger hunt. She announced the correct answers to the scavenger hunt and Paigey got every single one correct - HORRAY FOR PAIGEY! She has such an eye for detail! Jen then awarded Paigey old time candy sticks wrapped in twine. Then to everyones surprise she gave each child some candy wrapped the same way.
Jen then turned the time over to Brother and Sister Menasco who brought a dutch oven with them and invited all the children to watch as they prepared the recipe in the dutch oven. They made peach cobbler which was delicious. Sister Menasco asked the children to help add different parts of the recipe and stir. As she did this she shared some interesting things about "Life in the Day of a Pioneer". She did a great job asking questions and having them guess what they thought about different ways they lived. For example, she asked if anyone knew what a buffalo chip was. She allowed the children to guess and then explained it was buffalo poop that they used to start fires because they did ot have enough wood to burn in order to cook their food.
Then it was time for DINNER! Yum! Yum! Chandler gave the prayer on the food. Each time I hear him pray I am always touched - he is very thoughtful about his prayers and how they relate to whatever occassion we are participating in. The Meal - Jen and I wanted to stay true to what pioneers ate so we planned a menu that did just that. We had Ham, Deer, and Beaver as our meat. We served fresh fruits and vegetables - carrots, tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, blueberries, corn on the cob, potatoes, cucumbers and lettuce. We served different breads with butter and, of course, the peach ocobbler. It was a delicious meal!
After dinner we had a blast with Pioneer Activities. Jen and I wanted to give the children the chance to feel in charge of something so we assigned the activities to different children. When we do this next time I think I will set up stations outside before hand so that everything is ready to go and there isnt any set up during the activity. I like the ease of moving from one station to the next. Then their isnt alot of running around to get this and that - its all done.
BUTTON SEWING - Paigey was in charge of button sewing. She collected all the big buttons from her button collection, pretty threads that she had in her sewing box, and needles. If I did this again I would have threaded all the needles before hand because that took a minute to do while everyone was waiting. I would have also thought a little more about the requirements for winning. It went a little to fast and some of the kids were confused about what they were doing. When I read about this online the kids had to thread their own needles but I think that would be to hard for the little ones. I would have allowed everyone to keep their button also. Anyway, the kids had fun trying to sew - it was the first time for some of them.
NAIL POUNDING - Brigham was in charge of nail pounding but I forgot to get the wood and the nails from Josh sooooooo Jeff quickly pulled that together in the garage and brought out a piece of wood with nails half pounded in. We quickly put everyone into teams and they pounded like crazy! It was a quick relay race. When I do this relay race again I will have more nails and wood. I think this one could have been played over and over again. We could have had a one on one race with this one also. Brigham could have pounded all night - he loves nail pounding. This activity is a keeper for next year.
PICK UP STICKS - Chandler was in charge of pick up sticks which never got play. He didnt care though. He was having fun with all the other games and activities and really didnt want to be in charge of it anyway. I dont think I would include pick up sticks in next years Pioneer Day Events.
PIE EATING CONTEST - Kristina was in charge of the Pie Eating contest which we will definitely keep for next year. That was a big hit! I liked the way Jen chose to buy a whole pie and cut it into slices - then use the slices for the contest - not the whole pie. I thought she was going to use a whole "mini" pie. I think either way would have worked but it was more cost efficient to do it this way. It was a blast!!!!
DROP THE HANKERCHIEF - Elizabeth was in charge of "drop the hanky" which was a spin off of "Duck Duck Goose". I dont know about this one. Everyone was all over the place and it was hard to reign them in. I think we should do the one that Sister Menasco suggested called "Thimble Thimble Where is the Thimble". I saw that game when I was looking online but couldnt figure out how it would work with our big group. After chatting with her though, it was easy to see how it would work. So...I think next year we should do that game or the "Thimble Game" (which is famous in the Robinson family at FHE).
POTATOE PEELING - Oliviya was in charge of "POTATOE PEELING" and that was fun! We divided into two groups and relayed to see who could peel a pile of potatoes fastest. I think next year we should take those peeled potatoes and make mashed potatoes with them. For example, we could have the little ones peel the potatoes as the first part of the relay, the adults or older children cut the potatoes, then the younger children could add the milk, salt, pepper, sour cream (or whatever you want to go in the potatoes) into a pot, add the cut potatoes, then each person give the potatoes so many mashes with the masher and whoever is done first wins! This would be a great addition to dinner! As you all know mashed potatoes are my favorite so my official vote is in - BRING ON THE MASHED POTATIOES RELAY! I guess that means the activities will have to be before dinner. Which then means we would have to do this Pioneer Day Event on a Saturday because we cant start the activity at 6:00 p.m. DONT YOU JUST LOVE THE REFINING PROCESS?????
SAWING LOGS - Okay, last but not least Preston was in charge of "SAWING LOGS". This was also a fun one! The boys loved it! I think the girls enjoyed it also but the boys definitily got into this one. Preston got his sawing horses out, put a dowel on top, and provided two saws. I think next year we should use large parts of trees from the woods. It that would feel more authentic and it might be easier to saw through. Chandler thinks we shouldnt turn the wood while we are sawing it - keep it in the same place. He is ready for a re-match with somebody else, other than Uncle Jeff, to hold the wood on the saw horses (so the wood isnt turned for Prestons benefit). Funny stuff!
I attempted to make and name teams before hand - organizing them into envelopes - but we didnt use them. I think if we have stations next year it will be easier to move from station to station with a group and to know who your group is. I guess we would have to organize everyone into their teams prior to going outside. It worked out fine without the teams though. IT WAS LOADS OF FUN!!!!!!
After the activites we started our LIVING MUSEUM SHOW! I saw this idea done with Chandler's 5th grade History class. The teacher gave each student an opportunity to pick someone famous within a certain time period and become that person - costume and information about their life. The parents were then invited to an outdoor Living Museum Show where Chandler was Thomas Edison. The parents could walk around and through any denomination of money into a container which would then activate the person and they would begin to talk. It was really cool! So...I decided to do a spin off of that at our Pioneer Day Event. Each person was invited to research a Pioneer that was close to their age or they felt strongly they wanted to be. When they present their pioneer of choice they were to speak in the first person thereby making more personal to them and to the audience. I wouldnt do anything different with this part - this is when everyone really had the opportunity to feel the spirit and become better acquainted with their heritage. Jen made trail mix and put it in a brown paper bag with a label I found on the internet that said something about Pioneers and had a picture of a boy and girl pioneer on it. Next year we need to give out the trail mix at the beginning and put it in a plastic bag because the paper bags were to noisy. Everyone seemed to enjoy the trail mix so I think that is a good refreshment for the show. I think we should leave out the raisins if the kids are going to sit on the carpet again - to messy.
Okay on to the show..... My favorite part of the evening was when Mark and Amber's children stood and pretended to be the MODERN DAY PIONEERS of our family. Andrew, Benjamin, and Joseph stood and played the part of TOM ROBINSON, JOEY ROBINSON AND AMBER ROBINSON. I just cried. Amber was so patient as she lined them up and handed them their papers - what a good Mom! It was sweet. Apparently, Mark thought this one up and it was excellent! The spirit was so strong. I wish I could have heard every word they said but, you know, they are little so some of it was muddled. Regardless, the spirit spoke to my heart and I was truly touched. For me, that was the highlight of my evening. I think someone should be TOM ROBINSON, JOEY ROBINSON AND AMBER ROBINSON everytime. In fact, I would like to claim those names for next year - GREAT IDEA MARK!!!!! He is such an amazing man, isnt he!
Here is the run down:
Jen - Emma Smith (motherhood experiences)
Oliviya and Elizabeth - Emma Smith's adopted daughters (I think)
Joesph, Andrew, Ben - TOM ROBINSON, JOEY ROBINSON, AMBER ROBINSON
Paigey - Margaret McNeil at age 10 to her death (M.Russell Ballards Great Great Grandmother) Chandler - Heber C. Kimball from age 14 to his death
Brigham - James Bryant at age 5 years old
Kristina - I dont remember her name but she made a necklace for her mother from the beads she found along the trail left behind by Indians. She used a prop during her presentation which I like very much. She made a necklace that would be like the one her pioneer made and showed it everyone during the show. I like the idea of using props. I kept encouraging Paigey, Chandler and Brigham to create props with me but no one wanted to do it. I think I am going to have to encourage them better next year.
Dawn - Emma Smith (middle years to her death) I used a picture of Emma Smith as my prop.
Jeff and Preston gave a presentation but I dont remember who they were. Jeff did a good job doing it from memory - as we all know he has an amazing memory! I dont remember Prestons because I was giving out trail mix during his presentation - oops sorry!
In the background Jen played the hymns and it sounded beautiful. It was like a choir of angels were around us.
As our last experience we watched a 14 minute DVD entitled "A Pioneer Miracle" It was a heart felt story of how angels helped a little girl when she prayed for protection while watching her little brother. It was about obiedience and the power of prayer. I like this DVD because it was an experience of a girl and a boy the same age as most of the children in our family and it was short. I think they could relate and I know they felt the spirit. I purchased the DVD from Dessert Book - I looked and looked and couldnt find any others like it. If anyone knows of other pioneer DVD's will you please send me the info? Thanks.
We ended with a prayer given by Uncle Jeff.
The activity ran from 6:00 p.m. - 9:30p.m. I arrived just after 5:00 p.m. and we had everything clean up from the night around 10:30 p.m. I am grateful to Jen for opening her home up to all of us. It is great to have such a nice big home to fell comfortable in. Her home was the perfect place for us to have this event and I hope we can do it again next year - same time/ same place/ same people! I should say this though - I truly missed the rest of our family being there. It just isnt the same without Aaron, Rachel, Abraham, Samuel, Grace, Noah, Adam, Tori, Mom and Dad. We wish you could be here and experience these fun family events with us. Maybe next year we can involve you in someway so the children can feel of your presence even if you cant phyisically be there. I am soooooo happy that EVERYONE could come - it makes it a more memorable moment when we share it together! Thanks to everyone who did something to make this evening a success!
If I could add anything to the evening it would be music. I would like to hear music next year - either the cousins singing as a group, a solo, the piano, or simply an opening and closing song. I will have to remember that for next year. I look forward to this becoming another on of those Robinson traditions that we are famous for.
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