All Summer we’ve been watching for a new addition to the local “horsey family” They live in a small field near our home. Just recently the little foal was born and the kids have loved stopping by to see it walk on it’s wobbly knees.
Last week as Alyssa and I passed by the field in the car, the adult horsey’s (about 5 or 6) were standing in a tight group. She said:
“ Mom, look! Awhh- I bet they’re having the baby blessing!”
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MIND THE GAP
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LDS General R.S. Meeting 9-09
| Synonyms: intention, purpose, goal, end, aim, object, objective. “What is the quality of your intent? Certain people have a way of saying things that shake us at the core. Even when the words do not seem harsh or offensive, the impact is shattering. What we could be experiencing is the intent behind the words. When we intend to do good, we do. When we intend to do harm, it happens. What each of us must come to realize is that our intent always comes through. We cannot sugarcoat the feelings in our heart of hearts. The emotion is the energy that motivates. We cannot ignore what we really want to create. We should be honest and do it the way we feel it. What we owe to ourselves and everyone around is to examine the reasons of our true intent. My intent will be evident in the results.” |
| -Marshall |
TYSON: MOM, these brownies are REALLY good. mmm.
MOM: (with a smile) Thanks, Tyson! (boxed kind- you know)
TYSON: (after a few more bites, and a swallow or two of milk ) Mom? Were those MINT brownies?
MOM: Nope. Just regular.
TYSON: Really? They tasted, a little, minty.
MOM: (as I finally notice a smidge of white paste on the corner of his lip, then smile.) Tyson! You already brushed your teeth for bed. You’ve probably been tasting that dollop of toothpaste on the side of your lip with each bite!
we both laughed.
TYSON: “Oh, (still giggling) I really did think it tasted minty. mmm. It was good!
MOM: Now, go brush your teeth…AGAIN!
Just a quick September Saturday Sampler.
1. SPORTS WITH SUPPORT
2. SISTER SWEETS TREATS
3. SKYLIGHTS AT NIGHT
4. SALSA & SMILES
“First is doubt. . . . It comes from a lack of confidence in one’s self or abilities. It is inconsistent with our divine identity as children of God. “Doubt leads to discouragement. Discouragement comes from missed expectations. . . . Discouragement leads to distraction, a lack of focus. . . . Distraction leads to a lack of diligence, a reduced commitment to remain true and faithful and to carry on through despite hardship and disappointment. . . . This path ultimately leads to disobedience, which undermines the very basis of faith. So often the result is disbelief, the conscious or unconscious refusal to believe.”
Kevin W. Pearson- LDS daily gems
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"The harder the conflict,
The more glorious the triumph.
What we obtain too cheap,
We esteem too lightly.
It is dearness only that
gives everything its value."
Thomas Paine
Tyson’s football team always huddles after the game while the coaches give their final regards for hard work put forth by the kids. They have a few jerseys that rotate through the players each week. Tyson earned the ‘bruiser’ jersey to wear to practice. One of the coaches spoke of the nick name they have for him…SWEET FEET.
Tyson was cute after the game. He found Alyssa and wanted to introduce his little sis to a few of his teammates. That made her smile. Me too.
The other night we read a quick article to the kids, then asked what things they could do to show respect to some of the people it talks about in the article. Alyssa quickly raised her hand and said that for all the REALLY OLD people, we could show respect by helping them walk. Like if they have a cane or something and get too tired to walk…we could take a long rope and hand one side of it to them and tell them to hold on and then just pull them along.
“Wouldn’t that be great!?” She smiled.
Joseph F. Smith
At one point in a recent conversation the following statement (paraphrased) was made when referring to the word Respect: “I don’t really know what that word even means.”
It reminded me of just how easily we (as humans) can become out of practice with our own value system. Sometimes life gets busy and the day to day interactions between ourselves and others seem to be put on autopilot. But that only lasts for so long, until we hit smack dab into a situation which calls for current thought…for processing of the mind and soul together to make choices and decisions which lead us down one of the forks in the road. It is at those times when I find, at least for myself, that I better be practicing and paying attention ahead of time so that when those wake up calls happen, I can be ready for them with educated decision and moral compassing. Because, even then to err is human.
So hence when this month came around and on my wall I saw 5 more values from our family mission statement to chose from. I naturally chose Respect. Which happens to be one of the cornerstone values which many others are based upon.
Todd and I figured this value would be good this month with school starting and new schedules. They have run the roost throughout the summer and this hopefully be a nice way to reinforce bedtimes, chores and more enjoyment at the dinner table.
To kick the month off, I found a list/chart online that I really liked. It is a list of ways that parents can show respect to their children. I thought the kids would really appreciate knowing up front that again, this is something that the whole family is involved in learning- not just the kids. So I printed off this list and posted one in our kitchen and gave one to Tyson for his room. That way he can reference through the month and it will help him communicate with Todd and I about his feelings of weather he feels we are respecting him as an individual. It has already given us a common language to build upon with him.
We are breaking this value down into three basic respects. Respect for self. Respect for others. Respect for Surroundings.
We started the first week with talks about all three and just trying to point out places, things and people through out the day that we could respect.
Well- this is something our rowdy little family needs to work on- so we will keep our fingers crossed that it brings success. Even a small amount! :0)
SHOW RESPECT FOR CHILDREN
Be Honest - If you do something wrong, admit it and apologize.
Be Positive - Don’t embarrass, insult or make fun of your child. Compliment them.
Be Trusting - Let you child make choices and take responsibility.
Be Fair - Listen to your child’s side of the story before reaching a conclusion.
Be Polite - Use “please” and ‘thank you”. Knock before entering your child’s room.
Be Reliable - Keep promises. Show your child that you mean what you say.
Be a Good Listener - Give your child your full attention.
This kid has found a passion. He is enjoying the game so much. He is even excited to watch the NFL games this season and has his Fantasy Football picks ready to go!
Lyssie Lou was VERY excited to start Preschool this year.
And she def’natly wanted her picture taken by the flowers too.
Just thought I’d throw this one in as well ;0)
Car Ride Conversation-
Tyson: “Mom, when will I get my first black hair?”
Me: “oh, you mean like on your legs?”
Tyson: “No.” as he sits in the backseat enjoying his M&M McFlurry.
"Not the maker of plans & promises,
but rather the one who offers
faithful service in small matters.
This is the person who is most likely
to achieve what is good and lasting."
- Goethe
We finished up our month of focusing on service with our family. The kids really got it. It was fun to see them excited to tell Todd and me the things they were trying to do for others to provide service. Even though we are moving on to another value for September, the service beads they earned were great, so we will be continuing them. That way we can add the next value without losing sight of what we just learned.
It was especially rewarding for us to see others outside of our family giving service to one another. The kids were able to point out several acts of kindness and service whether at the store, at church or in the neighborhood. It was also fun to hear that the theme for Tyson’s elementary this year is ‘Service’. It was a great way to end the month with reinforcement of this value for him.
I must admit as I watched Todd and the kids doing their far share of service, for a while I was struggling to find some important things that I could do to serve others. August was a pretty busy month with preparing for school, sports and just ‘stuff’. That shouldn’t have mattered though. But in the end, I have been able to look back and see where my helping hand and heart were there and able to serve others in small ways that proved to be rewarding to my soul. Now as a new month appears, and I have more time on my hands I hope I will take the time to seek out and find ways I can be of service to others.
And for now, we would like to shout out a big
THANK YOU to friends and loved ones, strangers
and passerby’s that showed their love and gave their time
and service to us. We are so grateful to you all!
This weekend I was looking SO forward to our family sitting at home with no particular schedule. HOWEVER…when we got a spur of the moment phone call from our friends to join them at a Mountain Cabin- we jumped all over it. Talk about Fresh Air! It was just what we needed. Good food & games, 6 adults and 11 kids…that makes it a party, right?! (at least for the kids! hide and seek- hot tub- loft with 4 beds for all of them.) The night was still a little balmy for this time of year. The leaves were just beginning to show a hint of change. Through the night the weather cooled down and we woke to the sweet smell of rain. The kids loved the walk in the rain. We took the kids to the reservoir near by to earn another Junior Ranger Badge. Happy, Happy little smiles!
Get a load of this view from the balcony- beautiful. (there’s a hot tub in the left corner just to sweeten the view at night, or on a snowy winter’s eve.) Wish I had a CAVIN (Alyssa’s pronunciation) like this one. Thanks guys!
Last weekend we enjoyed an overnighter in Cache Valley. Ty had a football game Saturday night up there, so we headed up early & snagged some Squeaky Cheese from Gossner’s Dairy. We also loaded up on flavored milk boxes for the kids. After the game we took the kids for Ice Cream on campus at the Aggies Ice Cream Shop. Yum Yum! We swam at the hotel for a while then hit the sack. It was a nice little get away.
PS. DISCLAIMER... We’re having a ball watching Ty play his first season of football. Bare with the weekly photo highlights from each game. This is my way of journaling for him.
