Ramblings

Thoughts and happenings from around here.

• Phebe is impressively 3. I am impressed that she lived to 3 years old and is filling the role of the 3 year old very well. Probably better than many 3 year olds around her.
• We are attempting to learn sign language. I am impressed by how loud sign language can become at the dinner table.
• My husband and I are going on a trip to Rhode Island at the end of January. Let's hope the weather isn't horrific. I will get to wear some of my fun dress up clothes, like the beautiful black corset Ethan got for me for Christmas. 
• My brother and his friend decided that Naomi should take MMA  (Mixed Martial Arts). I think that could be pretty awesome. I just need a sponsor and chauffeur for her. I am not ready to invest that much money or car time for my 7 year old.
• I got essential oils for Christmas! I now have peppermint, patchouli, rosemary and eucalyptus oil.   I am enjoying using them. Plus I just found out that if you mix some oils with epsom salts you can make bath salts. (The good kind....) 
•  It has finally snowed. I am satisfied. We can move on to spring now. Yes, I know we haven't even technically started January yet, but I have had my snow fill.
• I am reading a book about learning through play, the Montessori way. Some lovely theories, but man this book is dull. 
• I also tried listening to "White Fang", by Jack London on CD. Yeah, don't think I am going to make it through the book. Can't say I really see a point. I am 3 discs in. It's not as if I didn't give it a good shot.
• Finished listening to "Quiet" by Susan Cain. It was totally fantastic. I highly recommend reading this book. Introvert, extrovert you will benefit.
• Also finished listening to "Patriotic Treason, John Brown and the soul of America"by Evan Carton. John Brown was the man who attacked Harper's Ferry before the Civil War. This book changed my vision of him and the times significantly. 
• Now I am just listening to "Northanger Abbey" by Jane Austin. I like her.
• I now have my very own copy of "Oh the Places You'll Go" by Dr. Suess. That makes me happy.I love that book.
• Caleb requested the same present this year for Christmas that we gave to him last year. He loves it.
• I am working on my list of things to put in stockings. Right now my list consists of -A good pair of gloves, band aids, toothbrushes, tape. Possibly some really good thick socks for sled riding. Useful and fun. I am open to suggestions. 

There is my randomness of the moment.

Breaking News

There was a shooting at a school in Connecticut. That is very sad.  I kind of avoided reading much about the shooting. This shooting, any shootings, I don't want to read about. I don't like people being hurt. I don't like reading how angry people get about it, or how glamorized it is in the media. (Do the people in media realize how much worse they make these things? Really, constant coverage of children DYING? How that just makes the next disturbed person have a new high score to reach?)

So I read the comments on Facebook. The people who are for armed guards in school. The people who are against it.

Someone commented that "When you pick up the sword, you become the target." I agree with the comment made in response, "Those children didn't have swords, yet they were the targets."

Does it not seem curious that these things happen so often where there is no one there who can be armed? They happen against those who can in no way protect themselves. I saw the idea thrown out that staff should be trained and allowed to carry, not required to carry. Thus it is a guessing game about if that teacher is armed or not. I am completely comfortable with that concept.

It would be beautiful to live in a place where that isn't even an issue. But the longer I live, the longer I realize "Should" and "Reality" are not synonymous.

I received a phone call from our school superintendent on Sunday. It was the only recorded phone call I have ever actually paid attention to. Starting the very next day, Monday, and everyday from now on, the guards at school with be armed. My little elementary school children, the junior high and high school kids, all under armed guards from now on.

I have been going through metal detectors at school since 9th grade. That was the year of Columbine. Everyday from 9th -12th, through the metal detector.

Everyday my kids have gone to school they have dealt with a metal detector. (Though the little kids get to walk around it. I guess they aren't dangerous.)

I am glad that my school takes safety so seriously. Seriously, they are trying really hard. I am impressed that they had the spine to make a decision like that. I am glad that they are willing to give the guards the ability to fulfill the job they were hired to do.

I do wonder deep down though, is it healthy for little kids to walk through metal detectors and have armed guards on a daily basis? Does that rob the innocence of a happy childhood. Knowing that they are trying to protect you? Protection from what? There are people that want to kill children? It is a sad conversation to have. I just end up saying "you're that precious that they are trying this hard."

Heartburn

So I have a serious topic I need to blog about, but until then I will tide you over with this-

It is a scene from Rango. I can't say it is one of my favorite movies,however we watched this particular scene about about 5 times.

There. All better.

Tune in for deeper thoughts later.

Toilet paper

I have had an awful lot of things like this around my house lately-




Though I didn't actually take any of these pictures, this is pretty much what it has been like. My, now three year old has a personal vendetta  against toilet paper. I am not sure what she has against it. Possibly it is just how satisfying it is to smack the roll and have it all come undone in a nice pile. So I  have managed to avoid this for a few days.

Wanna know my secret? Oh, no it isn't the crazy gadget you can BUY online. Nope. You just squish the roll.
It is way less satisfying to unroll like that. Thus far it has been quite effective.

Living with Phebe

Sometimes living with Phebe means that you walk into the kitchen to find her standing on a chair.

Standing on a chair that she has covered in whipped cream.

With that whipped cream all through her hair, on her clothes and all surrounding surfaces.

Then she stops standing on the chair and starts standing inside the tub of whipped cream, doing a crazy dance where she holds the back of the chair and twists her legs back and forth.

That's what it is like to live with Phebe.

We don't put pictures of our kids on line, and sadly no one else seems to have put up a picture that really captures the moment effectively.

Want to take a guess what we are got for her birthday?




Yup, that is what this three year old is getting. I think she will like it.

Sometimes it is about the receiving.

This evening the leadership of my church held their Christmas devotional. Kind of like a kick off for the Christmas season. Of course you hear beautiful music, words that help remind you Christ is the reason for the season, but there was one talk that really stuck out to me. Please, please, please take the time to watch this talk. It is phenomenal, so insightful.

Cats

I feel as though I should dedicate this post to you, my dear cousin Dedra.

One week ago, I went to a friend's house with Naomi and Caleb. I went inside and my children were in heaven running around the farm chasing cats. Extremely tolerant cats. I checked outside often to find them in various places, sitting on a log petting a cat, carrying one down the driveway, making it dance on the porch....

At one point I went to check and found Caleb trailing behind Naomi who was dragging a soaked cat up to the house.  We then had the following conversation-

Me: Naomi, how did that cat get so wet?
Naomi : ( just looking at me)
Me: Naomi, did you throw that cat in the pond?
N: Well, yea mom. We did.
Me: Wait, who threw the cat in the pond?
N and C: We took turns.

No, that isn't Caleb, but I thought it captured the moment well.


Fast forward a week, my husband and I went to the temple for the week end thus my kids went to grandma's house. My mom has a cat named Annie that I can not say I have a strong attachment to. She has mellowed but certainly would not be classified as friendly.

We were later informed that Alan ( by brother who lives with my mom still) was found searching the laundry room. When questioned about what he was looking for, he said "Caleb threw Annie down the laundry chute."

I think Caleb is not fond of cats.

A wise choice

While at the library yesterday I was looking for a nonfiction book. Phebe, the ever helpful, pulled a random book off the shelf and asked if I needed it. It was entitled "Positive Preschool Discipline."

Why yes Phebe, I do need that book.

There is a monster in the bathtub.

Phebe is happily wrapping a wet washcloth around the bathtub faucet right now, wet hair streaming down her back. Then she passed gas, really loudly.

Her head just whipped around as if trying to find the source of this sound, looking totally confused.

It made me laugh.

A little help

If you have a minute I would really appreciate it if you could go see if you are able to help a friend out.

Crowdfunding

Thank you so much.

Cannon in D

I am sure you have all heard Pachelbel's Cannon in D. It is a very standard song at weddings and such. I know I loved it when I as in orchestra. It is a pretty song. However, I do remember the bass and cello players complaining about it. Well, the kids I went to school with aren't alone in their hatred of that song. Here are of my favorite Cannon in D videos.

Seriously, this guy is funny.

To you who played cello, this makes me think of you. Plus it is fun to listen to.

There is another video by the Piano Guys where the cellist starts eating while playing, but I can't find it. 

I hope they made you smile. 

Today's bit of random

Here are my scattered thoughts right now-

I am trying to listen to the Book of Mormon in Portuguese in hopes of hearing how they actually pronounce things.

I babysit a lot. Gotta admit I just don't get kid's sometimes. I am finding that with prayer, concerted effort, experimentation and a good book called "Child Behavior" I think I am making progress. Man have I learned a lot. Oh, and if you have a 7 year old cut them some slack. When you are 7 the entire world hates you. And don't bother asking your 18 month old child anything, if you haven't noticed the answer is "No". It also isn't your imagination your child suddenly needs to go to the bathroom when you ask them to do something. Really, especially around age 8 it is very standard.

I have done a lot of cooking things with other people lately. I really enjoy that. I enjoy cooking and I enjoy company. Thus together it is even more awesome. I am really grateful that I love cooking so much. Considering I feel like it is 60% of what I do around here I am glad that I enjoy it so much. Of course maybe if I didn't like it I would do less of it.

Ethan and I are taking an in depth east coast swing class. Talk about awesome. So incredibly fun.


Naomi has been quite entertaining as of late. She has cut out the letters C,T, R out of paper and hung them from the ceiling in the kitchen. (CTR at church stands for choose the right.)

She also woke every child in the house up two nights ago so they could go sit by the heater vents in the living room.

Naomi decided it would be better to pack peanut butter, jelly, bread and a knife in her lunch rather than just make the sandwich before school. How that was efficiently I have no idea.


I have been recently reminded of many children's books that I love. Is it crazy that I could easily spend hundreds of dollars on children's books if I had the money? Some of the latest treasures I have come across include-

It's a Tiger by David LaRochelle. Can easily be used to get children very involved. If you have ever sung about "going on a bear hunt" this is very much along those lines. Fun, creative, comepletely engaging. I was surprised by how much we enjoy this book.

                              

Next up- Art and Max by David Wiesner.

This man's imagination is phenominal. There was a part where I actually laughed out loud. Even my husband was amused by this book. He has also written a book called Three Little Pigs. He switches art styles several times through the book and it has quite a surprise ending. He is a recent addition to my favorite kids authors.

And to end on a different style we have Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds.

I was concerned that it would be a bit scarey for Naomi who tends to have nightmares easily. She greatly enjoyed this book. It made me smile and the art work is such an off beat style I love it.

So those are some of the things going through my head right now. Aren't you glad you stopped by to read them?

Do you have any favorite children's books (or adult if you want. I read those too.)

An autumn outing

While everyone else is awesome and takes their kids to the pumpkin patch, I was happy I took the time to let my kids ride bikes in the peaking lot across the street.

Tonight's adventure went something like this:

• All children happily riding various wheeled things around.
• Older kids show up, snickering and being obnoxious. Eventually they realize that that six year old on a skateboard is pretty good. They leave.
• More wheeling around. Caleb is really getting his balance on the bike.
• Stray cat shows up.
• Naomi and Caleb attack cat. Lots of cuddling, loving and dragging around.
• Phebe joins the action. Victor just loves riding bikes.
• I eventually teach them how to pet the cat without bodily harm to it.
• Happy petting
• Then crazed petting and my declaration that they need to go play and leave cat alone.
• Victor then clips Naomi in the back, knocking her over.
• Crying and comforting commence.
• I look up to realize the cat has lured Phebe into following it and now my two year old is I the street with a car coming.
• I start yelling, car stops , Phebe comes back with her head hung low. She is in trouble and she didn't even get the cat.
• Caleb immediately decides that he too should go down the grassy hill that leads to the street.
• Too bad he can't really ride the bike so he loses control and crashes in the street.
• Not just in the street, the storm drain and he can't get  the bike out.
• More riding. 
• Phebe pushes mom around on Caleb's bike.
• Victor's bike chain falls off.
• We go home to eat ice cream.

Strategy

My four year old Caleb likes apples. He likes them the same way many children do, meaning the first 3 bites. After that the apple is no longer as exciting. Let's face it a full apple is quite a commitment. Especially if you are four and have many important things to do like tackle your sister. Due to my lack of keeping fruit locked up there is a possibility of finding random partially eaten apples around my house. It is not how I want things to be,but thus far other things have been more pressing. This evening when we sat down to read scriptures,Caleb's little hand found another apple he had left. Ethan figured out Caleb's method.

Ethan: Caleb just likes to leave partly eaten apples strategically placed around the house so there is always a snack easily reached.

At least he is willing to take a few more bites later.

A happy chameleon

Naomi had a happy meal that came with a toy chameleon whose tongue is a Chinese yo yo.

Kind of like these. You fling it forward and then it rolls itself up on the way back.

So we had the following conversation, after a bunch of her family members had been hit in the face by a chameleon tongue....

Ethan: (holding it while she does her homework) I can see why she keeps hitting people, it is really hard to resist shooting it out at them.

Naomi: I gave all the bugs away to kids at school so now it has nothing to eat, it only can eat people faces now.

I'm not sure how long the Chinese yo yo chameleon is going to survive around here.

I guess I was wrong

In the past I have posted about fabulous moments of peace and beauty and harmony. Comparing them to what I thought heaven would be like. Naomi has corrected my notions.

Naomi: I haven't seen uncle Roger since Victor's baptism. He let me sit on his lap and play with his phone. His breath smelled like mint because he had life savers in his pocket. He let me have some. It was paradise. 

Doesn't take much to have a great moment with a kid, does it?

Sacrifices of the crafty

I don't know where it came from, but  Naomi is into crafts. She loves them. On my lawn right now are tiny ghosts made of balloons wrapped in tissue paper on sticks. She is very busy at the kitchen counter cutting up egg cartons and then taking two mounds together to make little monsters.  Then she gave me the following monologue....

Naomi: mom, I am going to hand these out to everyone when they are trick or treating . So I need you to gather candy for me when everyone else in the family goes and I stay behind. I have to hand these out and then I won't get any candy because I am at home and that isn't fair. I will be so sad when everyone else is eating candy and I don't have any. Or you could just buy a bag of candy for me to put inside all the monsters and to eat while I hand them out. That would be good. What are those candies called again? Ooh! Robins eggs! Get me robins eggs to eat while I hand these things out.

I think my favorite part of this is that it doesn't seem to occur to her that she doesn't have to stay behind, she could just trick or treat with us. Oh, the sacrifices she makes for her crafts,

A touching moment

Tonight during Family Home Evening, Ethan was telling us about what he had learned during the priesthood session of General Conference. The conversation went something like this....

Ethan:... so there are times in your life when people around you will want you to be less good, stop working so hard because it makes them uncomfortable or look bad....
Phebe : Let's sing about it! Twinkle Twinkle little star....!

Poor empty Godzilla

I just found Phebe working hard to put play dough into the empty arm sockets of mecha godzilla. After being told that play dough should not be in there she and Caleb went to work filling his mouth.

This is all after Phebe worked hard to paint her high chair red. At least it was just her high chair. She even sat in it and wiped it all down for me.

It smells like fall

As I sat reading scriptures with my family last night my toddler was snuggled up in my lap. I put head down into her hair and realized that her locks smelled very distinctly of the autumn leaves we has spent time playing in twice that day. It made me smile. My baby smells like fall.

A bit of freehand

Some of you already know my husband saw me doodling and encouraged me to try painting it instead of drawing it. So I would like to share with you some of the freehand doodling paintings I have done.

The black squirlies on her leg and shoulder are the freehand I did.

 Another angle of the freehand on her thigh.

It is kind of hard to see, but there is a brown pattern on the hem of her dress.

 My husband painted this one, I just did the pattern on the hem.

This picture is just to give you a frame of reference of how small they are. That is a ball point pen with them.

I am pleased with them.

Brown sugar waffles

That sounds delicious doesn't it? Brown sugar waffles. Phebe thought so. She made some.

That is indeed brown sugar dumped in a waffle iron. Kinda makes you smile doesn't it?

A good mom moment

My eldest son caught onto letters, colors, numbers etc really quickly. He loved that stuff.  

His younger sister had other things to worry about. Ninjas, dirt and hideouts were far more pressing. So she did not have near the grasp on basics when she left for kindergarten.

So my third child will be entering kindergarten next year. I am trying to do a better job for him than I did for his elder sister. In an effort to teach him without confining him to a chair I have come up with a little thing I think of highly.

I wrote the alphabet out, one letter per page. Then I had my youngest two help me tape the letters up in order along the stairwell.  It was the only place I could find with enough wall space for the whole thing.  Though I hadn't fully realized how perfect it would be there. Now when we walk up we sing the song pointing to the corresponding letter.

I admit it is a bit cluttered looking. I am also surprised that none have been shredded yet. But the day we put them up I had never seen my four year old so excited so even if it they get destroyed that one day was worth it.

My kids love it.

Hair

My 2 year old has beautiful hair that flows down well below her shoulders. I asked her the other day where she got all this hair. She looked at me and said " from Uncle Frank."

Uncle Frank has very little hair. I guess we found where it went.

A bit of Heaven

I had a glimpse of heaven this evening.


Caleb declared he wanted to make a chocolate fondue for dessert this evening. So we did. After a while we realized things had cooled down significantly outside. It has been rather hot (for this area) around here the last two days, around 95-98 degrees plus all the humidity we always have present. This evening a thunderstorm was moving through. Not a huge one, just enough to cool things down to pleasant. The wind was blowing and you could watch the lighting flashing different colors in the distance. 


As a family we just sat on the porch enjoying fondue and watching the storm. Then there was a break in the clouds and sun shone through. For a few precious moments we had a dazzling rainbow as we sat happily together.


I think I was allowed a sliver of heaven this evening. I see no reason to only wait to enjoy things after I die when right here, right now, those moments can happen.


Take a look around you, sometimes everything is just right. It may not last long, but you may find your own glimpse now and then too.

The secret room

Naomi: if we had a saw and some wood the I could work on it during nap time, a really quiet saw. I think I should have a secret room where I could work on art stuff. We can put it under the table in the kitchen. W will put a door there so I can get in and out. And only kids I like can come in. Kids who won't make it a mess in there. We could use cardboard, really hard cardboard around the walls and we could put a popcyicle stick for a door handle. We should build a kitchen in there so I could eat when I am hungry. We should put a light in there so I can see too. So can we Mom? It would just be SO fun. And if I got too tired in there I could just put soft stuff in there and we would make a blanket from this material. But I want it a bit bigger than under that table. Why can't we put it in your room?

Revelation

This is a particularly deep and profound talk. It is also rather lengthy. Well worth your attention, but make sure you have time to really listen and think about it.

The text can be found here. 

I am a bit embarrassed to admit that I am just now coming around to figuring out how to really receive answers to prayers and revelation. I only admit that because I felt like I was the only one around who was like that. Maybe you are struggling too. Believe me, you aren't alone. 


I honestly have a really hard time picking out little bits of this talk to share with you. Reading or listening to the whole thing would really be beneficial. 

There are some practical principles that enhance revelation. First, yielding to emotions such as anger or hurt or defensiveness will drive away the Holy Ghost. Those emotions must be eliminated, or our chance for receiving revelation is slight.

Another principle is to be cautious with humor. Loud, inappropriate laughter will offend the Spirit. A good sense of humor helps revelation; loud laughter does not. A sense of humor is an escape valve for the pressures of life.

Another enemy to revelation comes from exaggeration or loudness in what is stated. Careful, quiet speech will favor the receipt of revelation.

On the other hand, spiritual communication can be enhanced by good health practices. Exercise, reasonable amounts of sleep, and good eating habits increase our capacity to receive and understand revelation. We will live for our appointed life span. However, we can improve both the quality of our service and our well-being by making careful, appropriate choices.

What could you share with me about personal revelation?

Sin? or simply childhood?

You can find the text here. 

My husband and I found this to be an interesting distinction-  it was important to distinguish between youthful mistakes which should be corrected and sins that require chastening and repentance.¹⁴ Where there is lack of wisdom, our children need instruction. Where there is sin, repentance is essential.


What we are speaks so loudly that our children may not hear what we say. 


If you have ever read the Book of Mormon you will know that this is actually a rather amusing comment-  Mark Twain’s statement that if you took “And it came to pass” out of the Book of Mormon, it “would have been only a pamphlet.”

It's mine

I saw this many years ago (before I had children) and agreed with it. Now I feel like I have a deeper understanding then I could have hoped for during that time of innocence.

May I present to you....


It is so very true just ask a 2 year old.

Choose where you stand.

The text for this marvelous talk can be found here. 

There were many great points in this talk, but if you don't listen or read much of it please take this quote.-


‘You can’t be right by doing wrong; you can’t be wrong by doing right’” President Monson


Really, need I share more? Well OK there is this one too.-


President George Albert Smith, repeating counsel from his grandfather, once said: “There is a line of demarcation well defined between the Lord’s territory and the devil’s territory. If you will stay on the Lord’s side of the line you will be under his influence and will have no desire to do wrong; but if you cross to the devil’s side of that line one inch you are in the tempter’s power and if he is successful, you will not be able to think or even reason properly because you will have lost the Spirit of the Lord” 

Never put rocks in the microwave.

Things that have been said or done around my house recently-

Me:Why did you take the safety pin out?

N: Because if I leave it in the laundry the washing machine and dryer will blow up.

Me: It's the microwave that will blow up. If washing machines blew up over metal it couldn't handle zippers or snaps.

N: Oh, but never put a rock in the microwave. It will turn into lava.

Naomi: Phebe what is my name?

P: Book of Mormon stories.

During nap time Naomi made many snow flakes, found some unused fishing line and hung them all from the ceiling. I was quite impressed.

While I make brownies-

P: I want to eat some.... here... in my mouth. 

During scripture study-

C: How does an elephant die?

Ethan and I: Well, when it's body stops working, or it falls off a cliff, when a lion attacks it or a hunter shoots it. Pretty much whenever God decides it is done here. 

C: or if we hit it with an ax.

Obviously. 

We also had a huge portion of dinner that went like this-

V: Did you know.... (followed by a random fact about volcanoes.)

Then his awe struck brother and sisters would be amazed.Then he moved onto repeating more "Did you know" volcano facts. He then informed us he had been reading a Magic School Bus book about them. The best part came when Caleb put in this addition.

C: Yea, I read a book about volcanoes too. 

Um.. Caleb you are 4, and the only thing you can "read" is the Skate Castle sign down the road. 

The single life

This talk is specifically directed towards single parents, however I think that there are aspects from this talk that are perfectly applicable to all of us.

The text can be found here. 

I think this applies to us all- Your perspective and view of life will change when, rather than being cast down, you look up.

Many of you have already discovered the great, transforming truth that when you live to lift the burdens of others, your own burdens become lighter. Although circumstances may not have changed, your attitude has. You are able to face your own trials with greater acceptance, a more understanding heart, and deeper gratitude for what you have, rather than pining for what you yet lack.

A bit of dark humor

I have been reading quite a fabulous book as of late. I wanted to share it with you as it really is quite entertaining.

For anyone unfamiliar with DM of the Rings, you better work on becoming familiar because it is quite hysterical (at least if you are a role player, or know a role player or have ever read Lord of the Rings.Go, there will be much laughing.) Well the author of that online comic is Shamus Young. His website can be found here. 


He has recently written and published a book. It is entitled "The Witch Watch". (Yes, the Heather Young that illustrated it is in deed his wife.)


The premise of the book is that a dark arts lord has everything all set to be brought back to life as a lich after his death. The problem being, they bring back the wrong person.


This is what the author has to say about it -Gilbert has two problems. The first is that he died. The second is that he didn't stay dead. Now he's hunted by the Church, the cult that revived him, and Her Majesty's Department of Ethereal Affairs. Gilbert must keep his head long enough to save London, the Queen, and his brassy and opinionated mother from the forces of evil and good alike.


It is so very funny and engaging.  You can order it online as a paperback or down load it for your kindle. You won't be disappointed. Do it!

Some insight on the sacrament

You can read the text of this sweet talk here. 

Um... I need to work on this. I am sure it will make all the difference.-For the sacrament to be a spiritually cleansing experience each week, we need to prepare ourselves before coming to sacrament meeting. We do this by deliberately leaving behind our daily work and recreation and letting go of worldly thoughts and concerns. As we do, we make room in our minds and hearts for the Holy Ghost.

I found this to be particularly profound. I had never thought of it like this. When young men prepare, bless, and pass the sacrament in worthiness and reverence, they literally follow the example of the Savior at the Last Supper⁴ and become like Him.

The purpose of both temporal and spiritual self-reliance is to get ourselves on higher ground so that we can lift others in need. Whether we are young or old, what we do today determines the service we will be able to render and enjoy tomorrow. As the poet reminds us, “Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these: ‘It might have been!’”

It's sharing time!

Well my faithful audience, today's topic is.... Sharing.


Exciting, I know. Sharing can be so rewarding. It can make life so much richer. It strengthens the relationships you have with those around you. Sharing is a wonderful thing.

But what if you are the third child in a family with four children and just received a super awesome noisy play gun for your birthday? It is cool to have something other people want. Maybe you are super awesome and want to allow everyone the chance to enjoy the awesomeness.

Or maybe you don't. Maybe you don't want to hand over your brand new toy. Does that make you a bad kid? Does that make you selfish and greedy?
Do we as adults get toys that we don't want to share sometimes? Do you let any person who stops by use all your fabulous gadgets or collectibles?

Possibly it is simply my little corner of the world, maybe it is in your area too. I see people force children into "sharing". A new friend comes to visit and suddenly it is mandatory to hand over your most prized possessions to this foreigner. Even at the mall I see it over and over again. A child playing on the little motorcycle. Here comes a different child who is drawn to the fantastic potential this toy contains. The mother of the child on the motorcycle suddenly declares that he must "share". Meaning - any kid who shows any interest in this toy gets to have first claim over you.

How would you feel? Let me just say that if I were a child who was having my favorite things handed over in the name of "sharing" without my consent,  "sharing" would become a less than desirable thing.

So you probably have decided that you will never bring your children to my house because they won't be able to play with anything.Her children must be so selfish.  Honestly, I have had very little problem with other children coming into my home and being unable to find things to play with. True, there are a few toys that are not up for general child entertainment. I will gladly enlighten you about how I handle these important lessons in my home.

I feel as though espousing the virtues of sharing and then allowing the child to share at their own rate is much better. I have seen sharing become something that creates resentment. That makes me sad when I see a child who is so wrapped up in "stuff" that he can't enjoy the fun of working with or next to someone. For those few toys which are particularly treasured, they are placed in the bedroom while we have visitors just to avoid the contention. Yes, it is your toy and no you don't have to share it. But if you don't desire to share it go put it away where they won't want it.  


Some of the toys around here are simply considered "family" toys. They do not belong to anyone in particular and unless you had it in your hand it is up for grabs. I do not ascribe to the philosophy that a guest  should be able to take any toy or play with anything they want just because they want to. If one of my children has it you can ask if they will give it to you, attempt a trade, or simply wait until they are finished with the item. This may sound harsh, but it also works if the guest had the item first. My children are just as likely to have to wait as a visitor.

Every family has a different set of personalities. This is what works in my home. You may have to adapt for your families needs. However I would like to add a note here-
Why do you as an adult get to have special things that are not for others to touch or play with if children aren't allowed to have things they don't want to share? If everything is simply common property why isn't your jewelry up for grabs? Everyone should be able to have a special place where they can put things that matter to them and not have to share it.

Hording could be a side effect, I have watched it. However once you spend the time to sit down, playing beside them, talking about how fun it is to share and how glad you are they are sharing with you- it isn't nearly as common as you might suppose.

     Please don't make "sharing" a bad word.

The parable applied

This is one of the most incredible talks I have ever listened to. Please, please take the time to listen or read it.

You can find the text here.

This talk is truly amazing. 


He starts with some interesting insight about the parable in which Jesus speaks about the laborers who come to work in the vineyard at different times of the day but are paid the same wage.


This really is an important question, in my opinion, -Then this piercing question to anyone then or now who needs to hear it: “Why should you be jealous because I choose to be kind?”He is so very right.


This is some fantastic imagery, and yes I am guilty of this offense-  envy is a mistake that just keeps on giving. Obviously we suffer a little when some misfortune befalls us, but envy requires us to suffer all good fortune that befalls everyone we know! What a bright prospect that is—downing another quart of pickle juice every time anyone around you has a happy moment! It really does sound stupid to be envious when he puts it that way. . So lesson number one from the Lord’s vineyard: coveting, pouting, or tearing others down does not elevate your standing, nor does demeaning someone else improve your self-image. So be kind, and be grateful that God is kind. It is a happy way to live.


A second point I wish to take from this parable is the sorrowful mistake some could make if they were to forgo the receipt of their wages at the end of the day because they were preoccupied with perceived problems earlier in the day.


We consume such precious emotional and spiritual capital clinging tenaciously to the memory of a discordant note we struck in a childhood piano recital, or something a spouse said or did 20 years ago that we are determined to hold over his or her head for another 20, or an incident in Church history that proved no more or less than that mortals will always struggle to measure up to the immortal hopes placed before them.


Which leads me to my third and last point. This parable—like all parables—is not really about laborers or wages any more than the others are about sheep and goats. This is a story about God’s goodness, His patience and forgiveness, and the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a story about generosity and compassion. It is a story about grace.


I do not know who in this vast audience today may need to hear the message of forgiveness inherent in this parable, but however late you think you are, however many chances you think you have missed, however many mistakes you feel you have made or talents you think you don’t have, or however far from home and family and God you feel you have traveled, I testify that you have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love. It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ’s Atonement shines.

His concern is for the faith at which you finally arrive, not the hour of the day in which you got there.

Mountains to climb

This talk is a bit on the long side.

Even if you haven't actually watched or read any of the other talks, please stop and pay attention to this one. If there are hard things in your life this can be a great source of comfort.

You can read the text here.

I love this quote so very much. It really helps me realize that my daughter dumping the entire box of cereal on the floor or the older children squabbling over a stuffed animal really aren't remotely important. “And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.

“The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?

“Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever.”

I love that line "Art though greater than he?" I always feel like I need to hang my head for a moment and admit "No, I certainly am not." Then pull myself together and move on.

It is never too late to strengthen the foundation of faith. There is always time. With faith in the Savior, you can repent and plead for forgiveness. There is someone you can forgive. There is someone you can thank. There is someone you can serve and lift. You can do it wherever you are and however alone and deserted you may feel.


One of the characteristics of trials in life is that they seem to make clocks slow down and then appear almost to stop.

There are reasons for that. Knowing those reasons may not give much comfort, but it can give you a feeling of patience. Those reasons come from this one fact: in Their perfect love for you, Heavenly Father and the Savior want you fitted to be with Them to live in families forever. Only those washed perfectly clean through the Atonement of Jesus Christ can be there.

Sacrifice

As always, Elder Dallin H. Oaks is good for some deep doctrine discussion. If you are interested in following along with his text you can read it here.

When he said this it clicked to me. I have heard it many times but finally I got it. The Gospel of Christ always is about sacrifice. It is simply the kind of sacrifice that changed after the atonement. The incomprehensible suffering of Jesus Christ ended sacrifice by the shedding of blood, but it did not end the importance of sacrifice in the gospel plan. Our Savior requires us to continue to offer sacrifices, but the sacrifices He now commands are that we “offer for a sacrifice unto [Him] a broken heart and a contrite spirit”.

We are frequently asked, “How do you persuade your young people and your older members to leave their schooling or their retirement to sacrifice in this way?” I have heard many give this explanation: “Knowing what my Savior did for me—His grace in suffering for my sins and in overcoming death so I can live again—I feel privileged to make the small sacrifice I am asked to make in His service." It is kind of funny how things change if you have a different perspective.

“A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation. … It [is] through this sacrifice, and this only, that God has ordained that men should enjoy eternal life.” Joseph Smith Jr.

He loves us

This was a rather touching talk. You can read the text here.

The blessing of humble prayer, offered with real intent, allows the Holy Spirit to touch our hearts and helps us to remember what we knew before we were born into this mortal experience. As we clearly understand our Heavenly Father’s plan for us, we begin to acknowledge our responsibility to help others learn and understand His plan.

The feeling of love from our Heavenly Father is like a gravitational pull from heaven. As we remove the distractions that pull us toward the world and exercise our agency to seek Him, we open our hearts to a celestial force which draws us toward Him.

Gospel and church are not synonymous

This was quite a fantastic talk in my opinion. He speaks about the difference between Christ's gospel and Christ's Church. I found it quite profound. You can read the text here.

I love the gospel of Jesus Christ and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Sometimes we use the terms gospel and Church interchangeably, but they are not the same. They are, however, exquisitely interconnected, and we need both.



The gospel is the glorious plan of God in which we, as His children, are given the opportunity to receive all that the Father has.

The Church was established by Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry, “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets”.

Some have come to think of activity in the Church as the ultimate goal. Therein lies a danger. It is possible to be active in the Church and less active in the gospel. Let me stress: activity in the Church is a highly desirable goal; however, it is insufficient. Activity in the Church is an outward indication of our spiritual desire.

By contrast, the things of the gospel are usually less visible and more difficult to measure, but they are of greater eternal importance. For example, how much faith do we really have? How repentant are we? How meaningful are the ordinances in our lives? How focused are we on our covenants?



I repeat: we need the gospel and the Church. In fact, the purpose of the Church is to help us live the gospel.

Teaching to understand

The text for this talk can be found here.

The Lord instructs parents to teach their children to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Notice the Lord doesn’t just say we are to “teach the doctrine”; His instructions are to teach our children to “understand the doctrine.”

Sometimes the most powerful way to teach our children to understand a doctrine is to teach in the context of what they are experiencing right at that moment.

As our children learn to understand gospel doctrines, they become more self-reliant and more responsible. They become part of the solution to our family challenges and make a positive contribution to the environment of our home and the success of our family.

My "princess" AKA the "Leprechaun enslaver"

Naomi has quite a bit going on in her world right now. I thought I should take a moment to let you know what it is like to live with her currently.

Reading. For a while her teacher told me "She just isn't, um, trying very hard." That's cause she is an all or nothing kind of girl and right now reading is at nothing level. However the switch has finally flipped and she thinks reading is awesome and is figuring things out on her own. I sincerely believe that the ability to learn is so over looked. The fact that my children are able to learn and progress I think of as a tremendous blessing. I am so excited for her.

There is a field trip coming up. She must be at school early.
N: My teacher says we have to be there early. I have to wake up at 3.
Me: 3? As in 3 in the morning?
N: Yes! It is really important that I get up at 3 so I can go on the field trip.
Me: I see...
It honestly isn't worth persuading her she is mistaken about 80% of the time. She doesn't even have a clock in her room or know how to tell time so I have no fear of her actually waking up at 3.Especially since getting her up for school on a normal day is challenging enough.

She also spent nap time duct taping two boards together to make herself a skateboard. Let me just tell you that is not a quiet activity.

Oh, I think I have forgotten to mention- there is no tape or paper safe from this child. I was out of tape for a while due to a serious need to make "Leprechaun traps". Sometimes I am tempted to get rid of some of our art materials. But then I realise that Naomi doesn't play with toys. She likes making things. Who am I to say toys are of value but paper and tape are not? So the over abundance of paper and small quantity of tape will stay.

I love her. I love her drive and passion and creativity. I'm glad I have her. The rest of you can have visiting hours with her.

I need to go here.

I really need to visit this place. Oh, and this guy is pure genius.

It is the Ice Castles in Midway Utah. Though I guess next year it is supposed to be in Colorado. I just think these are amazing.



Beautiful. Simply elegant. I love that they build the lights right in. This makes me smile