Like Wordless Wednesday, But Different

Dinner tonight.

Comment Window Tidbit: The more I help the struggling kids at school, the more I want to scream "You Have to Try!", which has led me to see that there are certain areas of my life that I have given up on as well and could benefit from someone yelling, "You Have to Try!" as well.

Sunday Thoughts

My notes today are from earlier this month when I went to our Stake Women's Conference. After the fabulous talk given by Sister Freeman, I leaned over to the person next to me and said, "I wouldn't want to have to follow that", but then our Stake President got up to speak and gave an inspired talk as well.



He said:
--If you are receiving revelation for your family and yourself you're doing the right things.
--We need to nurture our testimonies so we can help others.
--It's hard to take care of others when we don't feel good about ourselves. We need to make sure we're taking care of ourselves so we're strong enough (physically, emotionally, spiritually) to take care of others.
--Find strength through reading the scriptures daily.
--As we give input in classes we may be answering someone's prayers. (I love this thought and so appreciate other people's comments, especially in Relief Society.)
--He told the story of a woman being scared to be the ward Gospel Doctrine teacher coming to him a month later to say, "Why wasn't I studying the scriptures like this before?!"
--"The future is as bright as our faith." --President Monson
--Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God. --Ether 12:4
--We are here to glorify God.
--All we can give Him is our will.
--May we understand our purpose. (I would love to be clear on what my purpose is!)

As I was sitting there listening to the talks given that morning I had an overwhelming feeling of gratitude that I was there using those 3 hours to lift myself up spiritually. I could have been sleeping in, cleaning the house, blogging, spending time with kids or any number of things I "needed" to do, but that day I was there using that time for something powerfully good for me and I was very happy about that.

**Thoughts??**

Comment Window Tidbit: We had our final meeting about Youth Conference after church today and ended up with a slew of things to do (the Bishop was at this meeting) and I almost hyperventilated as I frantically wrote it all down. I feel good, I feel great, I feel wonderful...

Game Night Again

Everyone gathered tonight to play a round of Quiddler and many rounds of Bang.


Landon and Austin had to share a personality for Bang, but did so pretty well. We only had to remind Austin a couple times that he was playing with the adults now so he had to ditch any obnoxious kid behaviors.


Landon had spent the day hiking Mailbox Peak with the Young Men of the ward (I dropped him off at the church at 5:30am) and acquired a serious sunburn from the reflection off the snow. We had made sure he was super prepared with all his layers of clothing, but didn't think of sunscreen at all.


It was a fun night full of all of our strong personalities, everyone is so themselves...sometimes this is a good thing and sometimes it's a bad thing, but tonight it all worked out fine.

**Thoughts??**

Comment Window Tidbit: After dropping Landon off I spent the morning in the office cleaning and watching Season 2 of The Office. It was great. I ended up taking a nap this afternoon before game night, so all was well.

Five for Friday

1. Whitney wrote this note for Randy (since she'd already been denied by me) hoping he would give her a $46 loan so she could buy a Play Mobil toy set. Of course I have informed her that she is welcome to work to earn the money, but she has no interest in that.


2. This sign on my office door has been mocking me this week as I've been mentally wrestling with my current life situation.


3. Speaking of signs, this one has been hanging on our front door all week as the count down to Youth Conference (7 days away now!) is upon us. I am very sad to report that I have only received about 5 release forms in this handy dandy envelope (I've gathered more at church, but many of them are late and still haven't been returned to me).


4. It turns out that Whitney has a book report due on Monday and had over 200 pages left to read in her Fablehaven book. Landon has been reading it to every night before bed (she says she reads too slowly to finish any time soon and I agree). To help her out some more we all took a shift reading to her yesterday (there are a ton of hard words in that book, I think it's above her level). I was up first, so of course we read in the cozy and I managed to become extremely drowsy. I had Whitney read out loud to me while I made dinner, then Randy read to her later and then Landon did when they went to bed...we'll have to do this again until "she" finishes.


5. Report cards came out today and Landon got straight A's! We knew this was coming, but seeing it in real life is awesome, especially since I had just been in a classroom full of kids who were comparing the number of Ds and Fs on their report cards!


We went to JCW's for a celebratory shake (Chocolate Peanut Butter with Oreos--this is the small!) and discussed the blessing of him choosing to be self-motivated and to work hard to do well because the choices he is making now will effect him in the future--he totally gets that and I am so thankful for that.

Comment Window Tidbit: I ended up getting in bed at 9:00 last night, read like 2 pages and then slept through the night.

A Different Kind of Induction

When you hear the word induction do you automatically think of a baby being born? I do. Most likely because both my deliveries were inductions. This information is totally irrelevant except that induction #1 was for The Great Landini and this post is about him.


Last Friday evening we went back to the junior high (it's amazing how much time I spend there these days) for the Induction Ceremony for the National Junior Honor Society.

It's always thrilling to see one's name in print isn't it?

The majority of the members of the National Junior Honor Society at our school are girls, though I'm sure many boys are qualified to be in it they just didn't apply.

Woohoo it's official!

Tiny yet tasty pieces of cake were served, and even Whitney (aka The Treat Monger) thought the small piece was plenty.

Here is Landon showing Whitney his name on the honor roll.

This is a really big accomplishment for Landon and we are really proud of him. He is totally self-motivated with all his school work so this accomplishment is all his. He got a 4.0 last term and had perfect attendance as well...I know my 7th grade stats didn't look anything like his.

**What kind of inductions have you had?
Were you a self-motivated student?
Are you self-motivated now?**

Comment Tidbit: I'm ready to get in bed and read until I fall asleep...is that so wrong?

A Quote

"Courage is not simply
one of the virtues
but the form of every virtue
at the testing point."
--C.S. Lewis

Comment Window Tidbit: I feel like I need a life coach these days, and I'm really trying to be my own but we seem to have a conflict of interest going on.

Successful but Sweaty

I'm happy to report that today was a better day, but I was robbed of last night because I had to put myself to bed around 5:30. I was reading (luckily it was the kind of headache that I was still able to read) so I read for awhile and then fell asleep, but then ended up having a fitful night's sleep since it's normal to go to bed so early. Aargh! The only upside to killer headaches is the blissful contrast when they're gone; I end up feeling like a whole new person!


We ended up getting several inches of snow this morning (after school had started) so my car was covered by the time I went out there for lunch. I felt like I was in my own little lunch cocoon or something.


Also strange, was that I ended up doing much of the teaching for the two Math 7 classes I help with in the afternoon, because there was a substitute in there today and she felt like I knew the material better than she does (which makes sense because I'm in there every other day). It was crazy to be the one in front writing on the dry erase board and commanding the attention. Of course, the kids were still rather crazy but had moments of attention, so I felt successful but was sweaty by the end of it.

**Thoughts??**

Good Mail For Me and You Winners
5--Quelly
13--Jessie
4--Mayasmom
1--Linda
19--Courtney

Comment Window Tidbit: Oh that dinner would just appear!

Trying

Today was a B-day at school, and try as I might to be positive about it I left with a raging headache and tears on deck. I am less needed in the classes I'm assigned to on these days (or perhaps just needed in a way I don't like as well) so they seem long and trying to me. I really resent the headache because it stays with me long after school is over and sometimes all night. I went to bed around 8:00 twice last week because of headaches, which is a major bummer considering how limited my time at home is these days.

There I vented...I must retreat to the cozy.

Comment Window Tidbit: I had an itchy eye for a day last week and actually hoped I was getting pink eye because then I'd have to stay home! That's just wrong.

Sunday Thoughts

I had a great opportunity to go with Lori to a Tri-Stake fireside to hear Sister Beck speak last Tuesday night. It was held in a huge Stake Center (the same one Michelle and I went to hear April and her sister speak last year) but we still went almost an hour early to get a good seat. The place ended up being filled all the way to the back plus overflow into classrooms.


Instead of giving a talk, Sister Beck took questions from the audience, so each answer became a mini talk on its own. She is an amazing woman to be able to do this in front of a room of 500 people! She clearly knows her scriptures and is in tune with the Spirit.

Here are my notes (I couldn't decide what to cut out, so I included all of them.)

• We have a lot of things in common, but we're all having our own mortal experience. We can turn to the Lord for help, He is the only one who knows exactly what we're going through.
• Our Relief Society responsibilities are to 1. Increase Faith 2. Strengthen Home and Family 3. Help Those in Need
• We should be careful about what we read and watch so that we don't offend the Spirit. We need to have the Spirit with us in order to be our best selves and handle the challenges that come our way, so when we read or watch things that are offensive to the Spirit, we lose the privilege of having it with us always. (This answer came from the question "What book are you reading? What's on your nightstand? She also said she's able to get about 10 minutes of nonchurch reading in each night and that she's currently reading some comical stories.)
• Keep the commandments, spend time in the scriptures and on our knees each day. Fast with sincerity. Take time to be quiet and ponder in the temple.
• Commit to spend time in the scriptures each day. Eventually it will become delicious to you and not a task. (I love how it how she always says "in the scriptures" rather than reading the scriptures.)
  
• It doesn't matter if we have a set amount of scriptures (i.e., a chapter) we're reading or a certain schedule, the important thing is to study them daily and make them a part of who we are.
• All of these things are part of our spiritual training so that we are in good shape and can handle the tough times that come our way.
  
• The gospel isn't passive, there is a lot to do. We try to keep balanced and take care of our bodies, spirits and minds.
• She reviewed the importance of keeping in balance with the Essentials, Necessities and Nice-to-Do's. (I really believe that if we do these things we will be in balance in life and able to handle the things that come our way.)

• Alma 48:9--This scripture talks about the importance of fortifying our weakest areas. For some this may be family scripture study, Family Home Evening, or family prayer, but it hit me hard that our weakest area if family meal time!
• The Savior is the healer of all our losses and disappointments in this life. He makes us able to bear our mortal experience.
• We can call on the help of our Heavenly Father any time, any place.
• We can be changed through repentance and faith in the Savior.
• "If you don't have a testimony of visiting teaching, it's time to get one! Visiting teaching is your opportunity to find out how much the Lord loves you. If you give Him the chance He will let you serve those women. You're always going to have an issue with visiting teaching, so get over it! Seek the Lord's will and just do it! Report on how your sisters are doing temporally and spiritually. You are the the link to the bishop (through your VT Coordinator and RS President) regarding those sisters' well-being." (Of course I loved these thoughts! I wanted to stand up and cheer.)
• Visiting teaching is part of our defense as a ward family.
• The greatest danger facing young mothers is the desire to escape into hobbies, TV, blogs, friends and the computer. Heavenly Father is sending strong spirits to the Earth now, so it's no wonder that motherhood is so challenging. Mothers need to be on target and focused in their tasks.
• Only the Lord can tell you if you're doing well enough. Don't measure yourself against others, only against yourself.
• Listen to the Holy Ghost, other voices will lead us off the path.
• D&C 11:12--Put your trust in the Spirit that leadeth to do good.
• Align yourself first with the Lord (do the Essentials) then seek balance with the nice-to-dos.

**Thoughts??**

Comment Window Tidbit: I'm glad Youth Conference prep is only going to be crazy for a few weeks and then will be over 2 weeks from now!

The Return of Game Night

We weren't able to get together for weekly game nights in December (that month is just too crazy) and poor Whitney was distraught about it. She loves playing with "the cousins" and will usually start asking about game night on Wednesday evening.


We've gotten together for the past 3 weeks, so I think we're off to a good start for 2011. Thanks to Lori, we're into a new game called "Bang". We're always hoping to fall in love with a game the way we did back in 2004 when we were first introduced to "The Settlers of Catan", and though we've heard about other fun games it isn't always easy to teach ourselves how to play them.


This game wasn't too hard to learn and of course the more we play the more we learn. It's no surprise that Adam dominates most of the time, but there are enough variables involved that he can't out strategize us all the time.


It has made for some fun nights and has also meant that Landon can play with us because he's old enough to keep up and because it's more fun with more players. Good times.

**Have you played this game?
What's your favorite game to play?
Are you good at teaching yourself new games?**

Comment Window Tidbit: I finally took all the Christmas cards down today, and Randy took the outdoor lights and fence garlands down as well. I think this is a record for us, we're usually past Valentine's Day for these jobs.

Good Mail For Me and You

Here is my good mail from the past month or so, remember to comment in order to be entered into the drawing to receive good mail from me.


I got this festive present from Linda (she always sends such thoughtful gifts), but could hear the sound of broken glass inside.


I was so bummed to see this very cute, good mail to Santa plate broken inside. I appreciate the thought though!


Kristi sent me some more coupons (precut even) and some crown die cuts to include on my good mail.


Melinda sent me a nice thank you note for the birthday mix cd I sent her.



Holly sent me this nice note to thank me for the birthday mix I sent her.


Jennifer J. sent me a nice note, earrings with a matching necklace, and sheet of stamps!


Melinda dropped off these darling good mail ornaments that she found at Hobby Lobby. Apparently the friend she was with at the time didn't see why anyone would want these, but Melinda knew I would love them!


Barbara sent me this nice note to thank me for introducing blogging to her community of friends and family (who knew?), because her sister-in-law's blog was quoted a great deal at her funeral. This note gave me chills, it made me thankful that Barb took the time to write to tell me this and that I have been a dedicated blogger for 5 years (that's a lot of funeral fodder)!


Collette sent me this thank you note for the book I gave her at our book club gift exchange.


I got this note from our Relief Society Presidency thanking me for supporting Relief Society while I was serving in the primary.
____________________________________________________

A strange thing started happening toward the end of November...I started to get notes with money inside them. I had no idea what this was for, but eventually figured out that Claudia had organized a blogger fund drive so that I could buy a family membership to Thanksgiving Point this year, so we can go to the gardens whenever we'd like (rather than paying $10 a person each time).

Natalie kindly sent me $5.

Brooke was sweet to send me $3 inside her Christmas card.

Ashley sent me $3 inside a cute card.

Heather sent me a check for $15 (she's always ridiculously generous with me).



Susan and Shannon sent $10 checks to Claudia, which she then endorsed and sent to me.


A $20 bill fell out of Jen's Christmas card and it wasn't until I looked at how she'd addressed the envelope that I realized what was happening. It's majorly disconcerting to have people sending me money.

Claudia sent $5 herself.

Shauna sent $5 and a magnet with a Christmas quote on it.

Liz sent $3 and a note that helped me piece things together (hers was one of the early arrivals).


And Melinda (this is the 3rd thing from her in this post alone) generously sent me $10.

All of these contributions are thoughtful and generous, I found myself embarrassed to be receiving them but grateful at the same time. It will be wonderful to have a membership there so I can enjoy the beautiful gardens and take lots more flower photos next spring, summer and fall!

**Thoughts??**

Comment Window Tidbit:I'm experiencing a strange feeling of awareness on my chin which makes me feel like there's a big hair or something sticking out of it, but each time I look in the mirror to investigate I don't see anything strange. What the?!

Another Thing to be Thankful For

On B-days I help in a Read-180 class that is for kids who are not reading on grade level. They are a very rowdy class that need constant babysitting, so my job is more crowd control than actual help with their reading. Today the teacher was showing me the kids' reading level numbers and what those numbers mean (I've never seen these before), and was shocked to learn that some of them are reading at a 4th grade level!

It is no wonder they all hate that class, hate books and hate reading! They struggle with basic words, have poor comprehension and don't understand how anyone can like reading (gasp!). I was almost in tears when I saw their scores (for real) and ended up crying in the car on the way home as I told Landon that we have yet another thing to be thankful for.


I have just taken it for granted that my kids are good students who are able to pay attention, behave themselves, be well liked and get good grades. Those things are NOT the norm for everyone and when they aren't, every day is a struggle.

I am humbled by the blessings our kids (and therefore us) have been given. We all have our struggles, I'm just thankful this doesn't happen to be one of them.

**What blessings are you taking for granted?
Have you been reminded lately?
Did you struggle with reading?**

Comment Window Tidbit: I had 2 visiting teaching appointments right after school today (3-5) and am leaving soon to take pictures of the Pinewood Derby for 2 hours tonight...sheesh!

Wordless Wednesday

Comment Window Tidbit: This is cheating for a Wordless Wednesday, but oh well. We had to get another hamster cage today because the slightly bigger hamster (Magic) was bullying (i.e., squeeking, chasing and biting) the smaller hamster (Tricksy). It had been happening for awhile (we think over food) so they had to be separated.

Creative Friday--Gift Exchange Edition

Woohoo for a 3-day weekend, it meant Landon and I were able to go to Michelle's house yesterday for Creative Friday (Whitney stayed home with Randy).


We took our self-portrait first thing this time, though we were both feeling irritable at the moment.


Michelle had picked up Cafe Rio for our lunch, and we spent a leisurely 40 minutes talking and eating and ended up feeling much better by the end of that time.


Our Christmas gifts for each other weren't ready at Christmas time (at least mine wasn't) so we didn't exchange gifts until yesterday...this was delightful.

We both wrapped our gifts in polka-dot paper.

I gave Michelle a lime green deep dish pie plate, a long cozy gray sweater and a spool of red Divine Twine.


Michelle gave me this beater attachment for my Kitchen Aid; I've been wanting this for over a year now.


She also gave me (and surprised me greatly) a photo book of our Creative Fridays!! I know how much work goes into these books, and know how overwhelming it would be to sort through all our Creative Friday posts and pictures in order to make this, so I was blown away by this gift.


It was so pleasing to open the cover and see this grid of photos from over the years. The book starts with my first blog post about Creative Friday from January 6, 2006 and ends (Volume 1) with Creative Friday from March 16, 2009. There were way too many Creative Fridays to try to fit them into one book (especially with a Christmas deadline...she didn't know we'd be exchanging gifts this late).


Eva was rather devastated that none of her friends were available to play, but we were able to buy some "happy" time by having her sit at the table with us to draw; here she was drawing a Parasaurolophus in a tutu for Whitney.


She was cracking everyone up with her inside jokes and commentaries. Though later there were whiny choruses of "No one can play today, wahhhh!" Eventually she went to play with a boy she normally doesn't enjoy, but she ended up playing at his house for several hours!


Michelle made this very pleasing stack of photo thank you cards.


She made a long list of people she needed to send thank you notes.


We enjoyed a Chocolate Babka courtesy of Rebekah. She had one mailed from Zabars to us for Creative Friday a couple weeks ago, and it had been waiting in Michelle's freezer until we could get together again. It was way different than we thought it would be. We thought it was a cake, but it has the consistency of a sweet roll; it was tasty.


Max had some homework to get done and a Family Home Evening lesson to prepare and did so while squatting at the kitchen counter (or maybe he was on his knees).


I wrote many, many thank you notes (they really pile up now that we don't get together weekly).

My final output for the day was 21 items!

**Have you had babka?
Do you have thank you notes you need to write?
What do you think of our Christmas gifts?**

Comment Window Tidbit: I took a nap after school today and now feel like a zombie. I had to though because I acquired a headache during 4th period and had to fight it with medicine and resting.