Books of 2010

I have seen a trend on some blogs lately of listing the books that I've read this year on my sidebar. I kinda like that idea. I think it will encourage me to read more. (As if I needed more to read :)) But I think I like the idea of keeping track. I tend to read in spurts. A whole bunch of books and then not any for awhile. Right now, I am in a reading trend. So it's a good time to start I suppose.

My friend Andi, asked me to read a book that she had just read called The Historian. Oh, my. She wanted someone to talk to about the book, because she thought it was spooky. I think she's right. This book is taking over my thoughts. It is spooky. But I'm not really sure why. I didn't really think I would be nervous. But here I am. Not wanting to read late at night and cuddling close to the hubby. So now, I have to hurry and finish it. I can't wait to see what happens. I'll keep you posted.

stake standards night

Last night was our Stake Standards Night. I went with Brynlee. Robert worked a 24 hour day at work so he stayed home with all the rest of our crew. I have a nasty cold but bucked up and went anyway.

I'm so glad I went.

I was grumpy before hand, but thought that I needed to set an example. Last year I didn't go either because of a cold. (this must be my time of year) So I didn't want to miss 2 years in a row. It was a great reminder as a parent of my child's needs and focus. It reminded me of what kind of pressure the kids are under and how I need to support them or teach (as the case may be) what our standards are and why they need to stay that way. 2 of the talks left me alot to think about. I am highlighting some of it here.

* Parents are to write a love letter to their teenager to remind them of all their fantastic qualities and so the teenager can re-read it when down in the future.

* Make a special place (the lady called it a love bucket) for said items to go. This is also where a journal, the Strength for Youth Pamphlet, and their patriarchal blessing can go when they receive it.

*If said child doesn't have a blessing, You can make a list of things that can help them prepare for a blessing, at the right time.

* Go over the Strength of You pamphlet. It is important to not just look at the 'you can't' list's. Read over every blessing that is included, if/when the rule is followed. I think we will be doing this for our next Family Home Evening.

One other item that I liked was that one Dad called up his daughter's before they were 16. Asked them for a date and formally took them on a date of their dreams. The point wasn't necessarily to be the daughter's first date, but it was to teach her what an appropriate date is. How the boy should treat you. Have good manners and so on. This is something that I think we'll do with both the boys and the girls. Have some fun time with the kids but also teach them about dating as well.

I am so glad that our Heavenly Father knows us each by name. He understands each of our trials and situations. As unique as they are. For through this, I am guided in such a way, as a parent, to help my children best through the next few years. As crazy as they will be. Meetings like our Standard's night can be boring, they take time out of our daily lives. It can feel like 'just another meeting'. But they are relevant. It is important. Our kids need leaders. They need people that they can count on to show them how to be good upstanding citizens and children of God. For through this knowledge, happiness can be achieved. I believe that my kids are smart enough to make good choices, but in order to make good choices they have to be taught what all of their choices are and what the consequences will be of all the choices that they make. If strongly feel that I would be remiss if I didn't teach my kids all the principles of the gospel and why it pertaines to them. So that they have all the tools they need to navigate through life. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

ok, ok, I'm officially stepping off my soap box. :D

Attack of the Bird(s)

So a good friend of mine got a deal on chicken breasts and chicken tenders and asked me if I would like to get some. Always looking for a good deal I consented. Well the chicken has been delivered and I needed to still pay for it. So After picking Brock up from school I dropped by this friends house to pay her the money owing. To her credit I didn't tell her I would be coming. I just showed up planning to drop off a check.

I went up to the door and rang the door bell. Her son who's 3, let me in. I called for my friend and received no answer. I inquired to where his mom was and he replied that she was in the shower. Oh, well, I figured that I would just write her a check and leave it, planning to call her later and tell her. Well, I wrote the check and put it somewhere 'safe'. Well I hear some swuaking and look up to see their pet bird flying for me. Secretly I must tell you that I'm really, really afraid of this bird. It has flown to my head before and I can never get it off. It likes my head but it won't usually get on my finger to remove it. Some one else has to do it.

Seeing the bird come at me I froze, I thought maybe if I don't move it will fly past me. Realizing at the last minute that it was coming at me I started to run away.

IT. FOLLOWED. ME.

I screamed.

My friend didn't hear me.

Realizing that I was on my own I tried to get the bird to get on my finger, It was on my back, climbing up. The bird wouldn't get near my finger. My movements now making it climb to my head. I have to say that I'm proud of myself for not losing it entirely. I didn't scream during all of this.

Now it's on my head and I can feel the bird's talons scraping my scalp. I am really starting to lose it. I was bending over the couch trying to get the bird to go on the couch. I called over the little boy to try and get the bird off. It made it worse. So I decided I didn't need my coat that I would take off my coat and leave it on the couch and take a run for it. I got my coat off and laid on the couch and I ran for the door. Just as I reached the door I feel the damn bird on my head again. This time I really scream out. I had a jacket on under my coat and I decide I can do with out it as well. So I start to slip off the sweater/jacket and it rolls over the bird. This scares the bird and now it's holding on for dear life. The bird's talons going through my sweater into my shirt. I'm about to rip all my clothes off but decide to try and help the bird out and get it out from under the sweater. I laid the sweater on the couch after finally getting the bird free. I ran for the door and made it this time. Running to my car and thinking I am home free. When I tell my friend she's not gonna believe me. Once I get in my car I realize that I left my cell phone in the house and I have to take an important phone call on it today. sooooo, you got it. I go back. I ran in, grabbed my stuff and ran before the bird came back. Lesson learned. don't go into a house when the mother isn't in the same room

I won't do that again!

New Moon

This last week I took Brynlee and Jade to New Moon. The girls were really excited. To make the night complete we first dined at Olive Garden. Brynlee and Jade loved it. They pointed out that we were eating 'Italian' like Bella did in Twilight. It was a fun night. I couldn't even get a word in edgewise, they chatted non-stop :) Then we went on to the theatre. We went to the one down town that is older (I secretly love this Theatre!) the line was down the street because it was opening at the cheap(er) Theatre. The girls were so excited.

The movie was fun! The girls loved it. Brynlee was suprised that is was so complex of a story line. But it sure gave them lots to think about. Now I just can't wait until Alexa is big enough to tag along!

New Beginnings!

This week was New Beginnings for Young Women's. I was actually really excited to go and see Jade get an insight to what's coming. Jade is the only girl in our ward who is turning 12 this year. But I am still excited. She was to I think. :)

The program was really wonderful and the Leadership did an awesome job explaining the program to the parents. Alot has changed since I was in Young Women's and it was nice for a recap! Brynlee is the current beehive president, and she was able to recognize her sister (Jade) and welcome her in. It was a special moment for me. :)One of the new things in the program, is that the Mom's get to do the program too!. :) I think that's awesome. From my experience with the Faith in God program and Scouts your child will not do these things on their own. They need help and direction. That is what I'm for. I'm not talking force, I'm talking the kind of guidance that kids need because they can't comprehend what they'll want in 10 years or more! The Scouts I work with wouldn't get anything finished if it were up to them. I don't mean they wouldn't do an occasional project but actually finishing badges and moving up in rank requires supervision. The same with the Faith in God program. It is a long program , It takes years to finish, what kid would do that on their own?? I love what the YW program teaches. I love that my daughter is encouraged to get her own testimony, I love that she is surrounded by positive peers and adults that really do have her best interest at heart. I love that she can learn how to grow and progress in this constantly changing part of her life. She needs all the help we can get. It is ok to grow up! it is ok to move on to new things and I think the YW program help teach our girls how to do that in a safe environment. It's also one where I can supervise anytime that I feel I need too. All of these programs encourage parental support-What's better than that?It's exciting and new and immediatly I thought-I can't wait!! suprising because I didn't earn my young womanhood medallion when I was in YW. I did everything but my final project. I didn't want it. I didn't like the importance that others put on it. Like somehow I wouldn't be as good if I earned it. SOo I didn't. Fast forward 15 years and now I have the opportunity to earn it. I won't have to stand up in church (yes, that is an issue for me!) if I earn this medallion and I can do it with My girls. That alone makes me want to dive right in. Something that we can do together. I try to seek those things out! Maybe in a year I will be whining. But right now, I'm blissful. and I can't wait.