Why I change words in songs sometimes.....

 

I grew up with a mother who was an exceptional teacher. She taught children who lived in poverty in title one schools. I have so many memories of the different children and families throughout the years.

Now, there were parents who worked 3 jobs at different casinos and as cleaning maids on Sundays. Who beamed when my mom would tell them how smart and wonderful their children were. Who would send gobs of food to class parties even though they themselves couldn't be there. Who would make sure their children read at night and finished their math.

There were also parents who were in prison for gang related crimes, with aunts raising not only their own but their brother's. There were kids in the foster system who had no parents or even any sort of love shown their way at "home". School was where they could breath, where they found their peace.

In primary I've taught children with divorced parents, children who are being raised by grandparents, children in single parent homes.... and often I've seen leaders who aren't aware. Leaders who don't acknowledge their reality because it's uncomfortable or different from their own experience.

The gospel says families are forever. Husbands and wives, children will be sealed for eternity! Joy!!

And that's the truth!!!

But here on earth, that isn't the common reality.

I am a child of God
And He has sent me here
Has given me an earthly home
With parents kind and dear

We sing these songs and I echo Elder Andersen sentiments, "We will continue to teach the Lord’s pattern for families, but now with millions of members and the diversity we have in the children of the Church, we need to be even more thoughtful and sensitive. Our Church culture and vernacular are at times quite unique. The Primary children are not going to stop singing “Families Can Be Together Forever,”⁶ but when they sing, “I’m so glad when daddy comes home”⁷ or “with father and mother leading the way,”⁸ not all children will be singing about their own family."

And he makes the point that while we might not have our "picture perfect" family right now, we can strive for that one day. (HERE is the full talk, an excellent read!!!)

But what in the meantime?

We were in the car with an uncle of ours who was visiting from out of town. Oh how we adore him!! We sing primary songs on the way to school and my son chose "I am a Child of God". I know our uncle didn't mind us singing that song, but I noticed him get a little sad on the part "parents kind and dear". It was a good teaching moment for my children and I said,  you know, those are beautiful words but not everyone has those types of parents.

My little 5 year old suggested, why don't we just sing family kind and dear then?

And I thought that was kinda brilliant. Our uncle smiled and I shared a look with him.

I'm NOT saying change the words at church or let's start a petition to change the words in the songbook!!!

All I'm saying is that Heavenly Father has given us family, whether it be grandparents or uncles, close friends at church, good teachers.... there is kindness in the world! There is family in the world who are dear!

So if I can change a word in a song that still fits, to make another person feel less bad, then I'll do it.

I really love these words from Elder Andersen, "While a child’s earthly situation may not be ideal, a child’s spiritual DNA is perfect because one’s true identity is as a son or daughter of God."

Teacher Appreciation Gift or Visiting Teaching Mother's Day Gift

I wanted to do something easy for my kid's teachers at school. So I grabbed a bag of these tasty babies and attached a note that says, "Knowledge is power!! Thanks for being the great teacher you are!"

I also have my children write detailed notes to their teacher. If they get stumped on what to write:
What does your teacher do to help you?
How does your teacher make the classroom a happy place?
What is a favorite memory of your teacher?
What are some fun things your teacher has taught you about?
Why do you think your teacher became a teacher?
What are 4 words you would use to describe your teacher?

OR

For a visiting teaching friend, grab a bag and attach this quote

"When mothers know who they are and who God is and have made covenants with Him, they will have great power and influence for good on their children."
Sister Julie B. Beck Mothers Who Know Liahona Nov. 2007

Would it have been convenient if I made a tag. Yes. Sorry, I know. I'm lame. I do ideas, not digital art.

"We're missing a few teachers."

Yesterday, my sweet Elijah was giving an article of faith in Primary. He rocked it. He just turned 4 and knows all his articles of faith because we sing them each morning on our way to school. I gave him the option between that or George Michael (Did you know he's Greek?) songs. Although, on some Fridays you can still hear him belting, "Should've know better than to cheat a friend, waste this chance that I've been given.... so I'm never gonna dance again, the way I've danced with yoo-oooo-ooou."

He also wants to be a "care-a-medic"/paramedic when he grows up. At first it was the actual ambulance truck he wanted to be, but then he changed his mind. I'm still hoping he'll be an artist. But I'll take a paramedic too, could save us on healthcare in the long run.

What is the point? The point is, I was sitting in Primary in THE BACK!!! Watching him and watching all the beautiful, "busy", children while I was completely relaxed and had not a worry or stress on my shoulder... because I wasn't in charge anymore!! "We're missing a few teachers." Yeah, I know man. I know. I know!!

I cannot even tell you how much I love/adore primary and primary children. However, I'm glad to not have the responsibilities of a president anymore. I'm currently playing piano in Relief Society and wandering the halls after a sass-ay toddler at times.

I'm hoping I'll get called as the Primary Chorister again or a teacher, but in the mean time I'm perfectly content and so grateful for the opportunity I had to have served and gotten to know so many wonderful souls in our ward.

Does that mean I'll stop blogging? No. I need family home ideas and love to have them in an easy access form. Plus, I hope they can help someone out there. I recently got a comment from someone in Brazil about communism... it could have been spam, but it brightened my day nonetheless. It's nice to feel a part of this world and enjoy other's testimonies out there. It gives me hope.

Sorry to ramble.

My Mother

My Mom on her wedding day at the Oakland Temple 1977.

The month of October was a bit of a shock for me. My mom had been sick for the past 3 years, but was seeing doctors regularly. We didn't know what exactly was wrong with her. She felt tired, she had problems walking and would fall... the doctors were worried about her heart.

One Friday she hadn't called me in the morning and I got really worried. My dad found her in the bedroom and she couldn't get up. They rushed her to the hospital where she spent a few days in ICU and seemed to get better. When they transferred her to a different room she started bleeding and they couldn't tell from where.

I was used to these type of episodes where she would lose coherency. Her last words to me were, "Get the Bollywood off me." (Oh how magical this is, I can't even tell you.)

The doctors did an emergency procedure to stop an ulcer, which she survived, but had to be put on a breathing machine. It was all downhill from there. Come to find out, she had end stage liver disease. She was such a trooper. We had no clue. It was pretty traumatic trying to decide with my dad what to do. We prayed, went to the temple... so many things were wrong with her. Would I feel guilty for having to take her off life support? She never would want to live that way. Thankfully, I've felt nothing but peace.

I spent hours each night talking to her. Holding her hand and telling her the same things over and over. I love you. You are so beautiful. Thank you for everything. We had sacred moments together even though she was comatose.

The great thing is that she already knew that. She is my best friend. My number one fan. And I am hers. I am grateful in the knowledge that came through the death of my son- nothing separates a loving mother from their child, not even death. I have felt her close by. I know she is safe, free, and most importantly- I know that she lived a good life. She was an angel and is an angel.

My daughter Christina (age 11), who was named after my mother, came to see her one night. She threw her arms around her Yaya and cried. I thought I knew grief. But I was wrong. Seeing your child grieve gives new meaning to that type of pain.

And yet, through all that pain, it just means that the love was so very deep. It's that type of love and even more that The Savior and our Heavenly Father have for us. There is not a doubt in my mind that They are real. That They carry us. That They live up to Their promises and comfort us when we need comfort.

Words hold power. The spirit prompted for her headstone, "Always loving, always loved."

I hope you don't mind if I share a little bit about her. She taught me everything I knew.

 

My mom was crazy fun. She was such a party animal. She brought so much joy, happiness, and love to all those around her.

 

My mom always told me I was beautiful. Even stuffed in 80's frocks, I felt like a princess swaying to the beat of Phil Collins.

 

 

Oh mom. It's going to be a long haul. But I'm so grateful for the years I did get with you. And I look forward to having you be one of the first people to hug me when I pass through the veil.

 

Thanks to Heavenly Father for making this life a wonderful one, one where you are my mother.

 

Just so you know, we're Greek. And it really is like My Big Fat Greek wedding. There are 5 different Christina's in the eulogy. It's tradition to name after your mother or mother in law. Yaya means grandmother in Greek too.

 

 

A Great Website!!!

I just wanted to share a website that has been really uplifting to me. I have learned so much about different women in the scriptures and have felt very inspired. I hope you'll like this beautiful site too!!

 

www.womeninthescriptures.com

Some Personal Thoughts...

1905 photograph taken by Gertrude Käsebier of Beatrice Baxter Ruyl

Well, I'm getting ready for my fifth child to come into the world. I, like always, am overwhelmed by the love I feel as I ponder why God trusts me as a steward over these precious and beautiful little souls.

I'm grateful for a little... and I do mean little... experience under the belt now. I don't feel like I even know a half of a half of a half about being a good parent, but I definitely have had experiences in the 9 years of being a mother where the spirit has taught me.

My mom, a full fledged Greek American, called me up the other day and asked if I'd heard what the Pope said about breastfeeding. HERE is what he said. What a good man. He truly is a man of God.

You might be gearing up in your head.... OK, here's another one of those crazy breastfeeding people who always has to shove their boob and opinion in people's faces. Please, please, please.... let me state that is NOT my intention! I was just reflecting on the miracle of life and what a privilege it is to be a mother and wanted to share a couple of thoughts.

The reason I wanted to share is because:

1. One day my children will read this.

2. When I had my first child, I would have loved to know more than I did.

I was curious if the church had anything to say about breastfeeding... here's what I found! 

An Ensign Q&A from Sept. 1981, found HERE, says,

 

"Q. What are the pros and cons of breast feeding and bottle feeding?      

 

A. Breast feeding really is better than bottle feeding, but it is important to remember that some women have difficulty breast feeding and such women should not feel inferior as mothers.

Breast milk and feeding has many advantages:

 

1. Breast milk is an ideally balanced food for baby, and formulas are only an attempt to approximate breast milk.

 

2. Breast milk is clean. There are no sterilization or storage problems.

 

3. Breast milk has disease preventing qualities.

 

4. Iron in breast milk is more easily absorbed and beneficial to the infant.

 

5. Upset stomach, intestinal difficulties, and allergies are less frequent in breast-fed babies.

 

6. Breast feeding helps the uterus of the mother to return to its normal state more rapidly.

 

7. Breast feeding is much more economical and usually more convenient.

 

8. A bond is formed between mother and child during nursing.

 

9. Breast feeding has other emotional benefits as well. Mothers who feed their infants often report, “I

feel more like I’m giving my baby what he needs.” “It helps me feel fulfilled as a woman.” “It forces me to relax and take time with my baby. I love breast feeding and I need the rest.” “It makes me feel important because I know the baby needs me.” “It helps me appreciate more the sacrifices my mother made for me.” “I feel closer to my Father in Heaven and the role I play in creation.”

 

A pediatrician or other physician should be consulted regarding the appropriate formula for the baby who is not breast fed."

 

      Another source, The Latter Day Saint Woman Manuel HERE says,

 

"Our Heavenly Father made the mother’s body so it could produce milk. This milk is made especially for human babies to drink. It is better for babies than milk from animals. The first fluid that comes from the mother’s breasts after a new baby is born is also important. It contains substances that help protect the baby from diseases for the first few months.... A mother should breast-feed her baby if she can."

 

I don't usually link to sites that have advertising, however, I really loved the scriptural examples and art used HERE (Women in the Scriptures by Heather Farrell)on mothers in the scriptures who nursed. Did you know that Rebekah had a wet nurse?

 

 

HERE is a blog post with a bunch of  LDS artwork of women breastfeeding... I thought the one at Temple Square was really interesting! I never knew there was a woman breastfeeding on the Seagull Monument!

 

*****

 

I know we all have different perspectives. I'm not telling anyone what to do.

I'm just speaking to that mother with a newborn in her arms who feels overwhelmed, confused, and not sure. I too have been there. I understand what you are going through.

 

I felt prompted to share my story.

 

My sweet Christina.

We lived in DC and it was winter and I'd never been so cold in my life! We didn't have a car and all of a sudden I started getting sick. I paid attention in S.H.A.R.E but was a little surprised still, when I got the news. I was in love with her the moment I knew I was pregnant. I felt this extreme blessing and humility. My parents had always been open with me about their struggle with infertility and I developed early on a reverence for the sacredness of motherhood.

I had just graduated and my husband was finishing up his last semester. I remember calling up for health insurance, happy as a lark, and the brutal reality setting in... pregnancy is a beautiful experience, but a pre-existing condition. The joys of worry began. How would we ever pay? What if something went wrong?

Fortunately, we qualified for government help.

And I'm not ashamed to say thank you to all the gracious tax payers who helped us out during that time in our lives!

Christina was born in the fall after we moved back to friendlier weather conditions in the good ol' silver state. The trees were alive, bursting it seemed with the color that our sweet daughter would fill the world with.

When she was born, I was overcome with love but also an insanely intense worry. What had I done!!

I received a little help with nursing at the hospital, but it didn't seem to go that smooth.

In fact, I had developed a small hole that (I know graphic... sorry) had started turning green and oozing. I was told that she needed formula. Over and over. I gave her a little, but I was completely uneducated. My whole life breastfeeding experience was my mom telling me that Greeks breastfed. My Yaya had 10 children. 2 died, but the other 8 she breastfed 2 years each. My mother breastfed me 2 years. And that was it.

I was pretty panicked that I wouldn't be able to feed her, but fortunately I met with a lactation consultant who told me that I just needed to relax.

So I tried my best to relax and what do you know, within a few weeks we were doing good! Christina breastfed for 2 years.

I never pumped any milk or gave her expressed bottles.

I guess I just wanted some leverage when she's a teenager, getting ready for a date... "Your curfew is 9PM and I don't want any lip. I breastfed you 2 years... no one else ever fed you. I was up every moment at the night, there for you. You owe me. 9PM."

I'm hoping this tactic might work?

 

My sweet Maria.

Oh man. I was ready. I was an EXPERT. We would have no trouble this time around.

And we couldn't latch right.

Maria lost quite a bit of weight until a friend suggested a shield.

I tried that little sucker, and by golly! It worked!! We used it for about 5 weeks and then I was able to get her to feed without it, just trying each time. We breastfed for 2 years, again no expressing bottles or formula.

I also discovered Mastitis. Wow. Really, there are no words.

 

For me personally, we are in the most blessed circumstances for me to stay home. I know that not everyone is in the same situation.

The way the spirit guided me personally, was that I needed to be the one to feed my child. It was a privilege, and never a sacrifice, to be the one to comfort and provide for my baby... at 1AM, 3AM, 3:20AM, 6AM... etc.

So when Maria starts dating... same story. She owes me.

 

My perfect Joe.

My first little boy. I had been on Pitocin and dilated to a 9 before I finally got an epidural... the last 10 minutes to push. But hey, I'll take it. At that point I felt a deeper understanding of the Atonement. This pain, this terrible pain that I wasn't prepared for... and yet, God gave me comfort. And that was just a foreshadowing.

I don't know how, but as I look back, I knew. I have videos of me at the hospital just going on and on about how perfect he was. I was overwhelmed and I remember having a blessing that scared me, but I chose to kind of just block out my feelings... I had the direct impression that death would be near.

He was completely healthy.

But, of course, struggled breastfeeding.

We tried the shield, and I truly believe that if I didn't have so many medical professionals trying to shove the bottle down his throat, that our experience would have been more peaceful. But I know that God's plan is perfect and I know that I'll have that much more joy when I do breastfeed him in the resurrection.

He was about 1 oz. under his birth weight when my pediatrician told me that he was "not thriving". That I "didn't have enough milk". That I had to "supplement or he would starve".

I panicked. Completely.

Hormones. Stress. We were 1 month from moving into a new house.

I had no clue how formula worked. Some good friends were very supportive and helped me.

I still insisted on being the only one to feed him.

I tried breastfeeding. I tried pumping. I tried fenugreek.

I pumped every 2 hours for 1 1/2 months. Day and Night.

We were out at a restaurant and everyone was happy. Except for me. I felt so blessed... however, I was feeding my Joe a bottle and it didn't feel right.

I wish I had never listened to my pediatrician. I wish I had never listened to the nurses in the hospital.

One day... I hope you don't mind me sharing this personal day. But one day, it was nap time and Joe was crying. I was pumping, but I didn't want him to cry, so I rocked him on my knee while I pumped. I did that quite a bit. I was trying to just do my best. I was trying to do everything possible that I could for him. I was able to feed him some expressed milk in a bottle. I kissed him and set him down for nap.

 

And he didn't wake up.

 

SIDS.

 

One time, we had gone to a park and it was summer time. A little rain storm kicked up out of nowhere.

 

I'm so happy that in his short life he got to feel rain on his cheek.

 

To all my friends that have loved and lost, we will hug each other. We will embrace each other. And we will have one kick a** mother's group in the resurrection. Assuming I make it, because I do use a** on occasion when I'm feeling hormonal.

 

My sweet Elijah.

Jittery. Nervous. Peaceful. Trusting.

God blessed me. I doubted myself. Maybe I was just a horrible mother.

But every time I thought this, I heard my angel baby's voice.

"No mommy, God just needed me."

So my 2nd born son came. I couldn't eat.

I was so happy. I was so worried.

We were about ready to go home when there was a terrible event. At the Fallon Air Races, a plane had lost control and crashed into crowd. There were a lot of serious injuries.

Not a good sign.

All the doctors and nurses left us for hours. Finally, we were able to go home late at night.

We drove home, a 25 minute drive.

The pitch black sky taunted me.

The tiny lights of homes glimmered hope.

At the hospital Elijah was having trouble latching.

A nurse squeezed me so hard I thought labor was easier.

Another nurse said, "You shouldn't use a shield. That's horrible."

But I did, and he nursed.

I had a new pediatrician this time around.

She was my angel. She knew how scared I was.

And let me just state. I wasn't scared of death.

I know God lives. I know He loves me.

I was just scared that I might have to live without.

Living without is sad.

But you know what she told me... he's gaining weight, who cares if there is a piece of plastic helping him latch? I tried weaning him off the shield, but it didn't happen right away.

We breastfed 8 months with that thing! One day, he grabbed it and threw it and then started breastfeeding "normal" quote on quote.

So in my own personal experience, shields have been life savers. They aren't something horrendous.

Elijah continued to breastfeed until 2. Again, no expressed milk or formula.

However, I probably won't use that against him. I think it'd be weird for a 16 year old boy.

Instead I'll use the time I had to change his diapers after he drank a whole carton of muscle/protein milk at papa's... thank you grandpa... Scarred. For. LIFE.

 

 

My Sweet Ella.

3 more weeks and she'll be here.

I'm pretty prepared that breastfeeding will not be easy.

But I know that for me personally it's worth it.

 

Hebrews 10: 35-36 "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."

 

My thoughts today are this, if you don't feel confident, it's OK. God will help. He will help you find the confidence and the patience.

Whether it's breastfeeding or bottle feeding, the spirit will guide you personally.

If you need someone in your corner cheering for you and saying you can do, I'm shouting out

YOU CAN DO IT!

House of Hades Review.... An LDS perspective and some personal ramblings

My 9 year old and 6 year old daughter LOVE the Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus series!
It's funny, witty, engaging, suspenseful. It teaches you everything you ever needed to know about Greek Mythology. It has good themes of perseverance, loyalty, sacrifice and love.

Some hiccups I've run into with the books is that I personally feel uncomfortable saying certain phrases including fake Greek gods. It's too close to taking the Lord's name in vain, even though it has nothing to do with Him. So, I skip those few lines.

When House of Hades came out on Tuesday, we took time off from school to read... because I knew we wouldn't be able to put it down. Everything was going great surprisingly, seeing as it's a book based in Greek Mythology hell's hell. You'd think it'd be too dark and depressing, but you meet 2 wonderful characters that ultimately sacrifice everything for goodness and peace. We were emotional wrecks on those pages. We love you Bob and Damasen.

One thing that completely took me off guard was a major character being gay. I'll give you a little bit of background. Nico (the character who has a crush on another boy) has to confront Eros, the mean and cruel version of love. Eros makes him confess to be able to get something they need on their quest.

My prom date was gay, I did theater in high school, we have multiple relatives who are gay... I very easily recognize the fact that God is our only judge. God has made us all different and that's a good thing. There are some individuals who are born gay, who are born with temptations that attract them to the same gender. What's my responsibility to them? The same as it is to everyone else! TO LOVE. TO LOVE. TO LOVE. I know that we have commandments, I know that we have choice, I know that marriage is between a man and a woman. I also know that sometimes life is hard.

One of my best friends (we actually dated for a while) in life moved all over the world opening safe orphanages for children. He threw himself into a work he thought would help others, and it did. It helped hundreds of children escape a life of cruelty and deprivation. While in Africa, he came to terms that He was gay. He was a return missionary and he was struggling. He ended up trying to take his life a couple times.

I realize that I don't have all the answers. I do know that God is merciful though and loves all His children.

While this first took me off guard, I was grateful for the opportunity to pray and then have a discussion with my girls. We went by the spirit. They are young. They've been around people who are gay and we've talked about it many times. But I was grateful for another opportunity to communicate the message that we should trust God always, make good choices, and love as Christ loves.

For more information on what The Church has to say:
http://www.mormonsandgays.org/

Some personal thoughts of late.....

I'm the wife of an African American man. I’m the mother of 4 Black children. They have medium toned skin, a deep golden color that never burns... 2 have green eyes, 1 has brown and 1 had bright blue eyes. I’m the mother of 4 Greek children. My youngest requests Feta cheese with anything, at anytime and any place. We get weird looks at restaurants sometimes.

I don’t define my children by their earthly heritage and race. They are children of God. I define them by their kindness, their compassion and their diligence to our Heavenly Father. With that said though, I am also so very grateful for their rich earthly heritage and race. It’s part of who they are and there are deep traditions and histories to be found to benefit them as children of God.

Recently, so much strife has been resurfaced in our nation because of the media and the trials they choose to focus on. I’m not trying to be political and I don’t care to hear your opinion on the trial. Sorry. That’s why I’m not on Facebook. Comments will be deleted that aren’t Christ centered because this may be America, but it’s my blog. I’m not trying to be a brat, I’m trying to be a missionary. I also received a comment in July about a story that I posted by one of the apostles. In the story, the hard topic of history and racism was center to the story as well as priesthood blessings. I’m a firm believer that children are close to the spirit and are quick to understand. I’m a firm believer in talking with our children and helping them discover right and wrong. I shared the story with my children at home and enjoyed a spirit filled discussion. Their insight was uplifting. We bore testimony to each other and were edified by the experience. Are there some topics that are a little delicate, absolutely? I’ll be frank. Blacks and the priesthood and polygamy are subjects we don’t delve deeply into. Milk before meat as my eldest is only 8. I never post things on this blog that I feel are too complicated for young minds. Talking about racism with children can be a very positive experience.

But what I really want to talk about is love and respect because those 2 principles are paramount to defeat racism. If we can’t learn from history, our tomorrow will be beyond bleak. We all have family ties to greatness. The spirit of Elijah turns us to our beloved ancestors and helps us to see history. Sometimes history is full of pain. Sometimes history is full of wrongs. Always history shows us of examples who were willing to persevere, to have faith, to sometimes fight, and who trusted in their Maker. We should share with our children these examples of courage and truth, and encourage our children to appreciate righteous individuals who helped to make the world a better place. These individuals came from many different cultures, many different countries, many different races and religions. How many of these history makers do our children know?

God doesn’t want His children to hate each other. God doesn’t want us to fight. God doesn't want us to put others down. And yet, so many people use filthy words to be condescending, judgemental and to "prove a point". Do you sometimes look at people's facebook posts or letters to the newspaper editor and wonder why? We need to carefully heed the words of the scriptures:

Job 6:25  “How forcible are right words!”

Colossians 3:8  “Put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.” 

James 1:19–20 “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:“For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”

James 3:2 “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” 

Mosiah 2:32 “Beware lest there shall arise contentions among you.” 

Alma 12:14 “For our words will condemn us.” 

3 Nephi 11:29 “He that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention.”

Doctrine and Covenants 20:54 “And see that there is no iniquity in the church, neither hardness with each other, neither lying, backbiting, nor evil speaking.”

The world was created by God’s word. Undeniably, words are of great importance. God said, “Let there be light” and there was light. How carefully do we watch and monitor our speech? How much time is taken to think before our lips move or perhaps before the keys are typed?

Life is sacred. We’re commanded to mourn with one another. I’m not aware of any baptismal covenant that commands us to shoot off our mouth, put others down, discriminate, be rude, be offensive, be uncaring and unsympathetic and deny our fellow brothers and sisters of love or respect. People die and it’s sad. It’s one less person in this world who had a chance to make it a great place.

We are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. God is our only judge. Be careful of blanket statements. Not everyone is a certain way for the most part. When we speak, let us follow the example of The Savior. Let us think, is this something He would say?

Blanket statements like “All blacks are…. Or all whites are…. Or All Hispanics are….” Or even “Blacks are…. Whites are…. Hispanics are….” are lies. Yes, that’s a strong statement but I stand by it. Not 100% of everyone can be defined in one lump sum or phrase… for the most part. If we want to make blanket statements, we can say that we’re all beggars upon God’s mercy. We’re all in need of the atonement. We all will kneel before our Savior and confess He is The Christ. Stereotypes are blanket statements, so beware. I find it interesting that in the dictionary a synonym for stereotype is vulgarize.

 My plea is that we will love each other a little more each day. That we’ll watch what we think and say. That we’ll strive to be compassionate and less critical of each other. My plea is that we’ll teach our children of Christ, of Christ like people, and how our children too can strive to be like The Master. There are many who make incorrect blanket statements about us, as members of The Church. There are blanket statements that say we’re racist, that we’re ignorant about other cultures, that we’re judgemental… these blanket statements are lies. Let us not fuel falsehoods by saying things that we haven’t really thought about.

 
I bear testimony I know Heavenly Father loves us. I know that Jesus Christ is our best friend. They want us to return to them and I know that the only way back is because of The Lord’s great sacrifice and through our own personal obedience to His great commands. I know that love, respect, and understanding of one another are essential to our joy. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Personal Reflections: AARP

*Disclaimer: After a comment I realized this post might be misconstrued in me trying to be political. I am not in any way shape or form saying that we should support or not support the AARP. 
My apologies.
 

 

Saturday I went to do a session in the temple. It was great! I was sitting by a friend from the ward.
A couple that I've known since I was a child took me through to the Celestial Room.

 

I always pray before hand so I can understand things more clearly or so that I can learn what Heavenly Father would have me learn. Within 30 seconds of the temple session, I had learned something knew. Something I've heard tons of times, but for the first time it stuck out to me.

 

And in all honesty, it may be that I'm just a weirdo.

 

Does being "alert, attentive, and reverent please" ring a bell?
AARP

Alert

Attentive

Reverent Please

 

Doesn't this apply to life really? In our day to day activities we need to make sure that spiritually we are alert for opportunities to learn and grow, attentive to matters of service & sometimes.... just a little more reverent please.

 

1. Alert for opportunities to learn and grow- First of all, how tiring is life sometimes. Literally. I go to the temple and when they dim the lights, it's not that I'm not interested or ready to have a great experience, it's just that I become lethargic and ready for a nap. Quite the opposite, in D&C 127:11 it says, "I now close my letter for the present, for the want of more time; for the enemy is on the alert..."
The enemy is alert, am I?

Alert is defined as "quick to perceive and act".

 

When Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane He had asked His apostles to "watch". Some synonyms for alert include Argus-eyed (Percy Jackson shout out!), attentive, awake, observant, open-eyed, vigilant, wide-awake, on guard, on one's toes, on the ball. The opposite is "asleep". And what did the apostles do, they fell asleep. In no way am I judging them!! I just look at the experience and think how asleep I am when it comes to the gospel. Case in point. I've never been able to read through Jesus the Christ. I get to chapter 2 or 3 and I just can't handle anything anymore. However, 2013 is the year. I've actually gotten to chapter 5 and after pondering the meaning of being "alert" I had a great idea of how to make the words of the book become clearer... I read them with a British accent.

 

It may be just a dumb thought or it may be a loving Heavenly Father know how ADD I am and Him trying to help me. Either way I'm hoping to be more alert for opportunities to learn and grow.

 

2. Attentive to matters of service- I don't have a facebook account. I did. But I got tired of people's whining and cat stories. Plus it was a personal time waster. I get a lot more things done now. Although, pinterest is a whole different story. Why are you even reading this? I am so long winded!

Point. A definition for attentive is "heedful of the comfort of others".

Life is full of distractions.

If we think about it though, wouldn't it be awful if Heavenly Father wasn't attentive to us? In the scriptures, there are 3 verses that use the term "attentive" to beseech The Lord to be "attentive" to their prayers.

Heavenly Father is never distracted and He never leaves us comfortless.

John 14:18 " I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."

We may think we're being ignored, but we're not. Are we ignoring opportunities to push ourselves further? To serve more? Obviously, I'm not saying go start a soup kitchen. But I know for me personally, there is at least 1 thing I can add to my day to be more heedful of the comfort of others.

 

3. Reverent Please- We just finished the Percy Jackson series. We loved loved loved the books. Rick better not die before House of Hades and I heart Leo. However, I just didn't feel right about some of the phrases in the book that used the term "god", even referring to mythological figures, so you know what. We just skipped right on over those phrases and didn't take a second look.

We play music too loud in our car.

Laman & Lemuel's party boat was severely chastened when they didn't show enough reverence.

Speaking with "exceeding rudeness" they were almost drowned in the depths of the sea.

I know it's OK to play my music loud.... sometimes. But even more important is to raise the type of children that speak kindly and lovingly to one another.

How do we foster an environment of kind language?

A. Use it ourselves and set the example

B. Remind! Remind! Remind each other to speak nicely!

C. Make sure anything that will sink the ship be tossed overboard! Don't let outside influences affect the family in a negative way.

 

AARP. 

Beloved Elderly or an Acronym for Success.

Either way both very valuable.

 

I know God lives. I know He loves us. Every day we can be better.

This I bear testimony of in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Matching Board

 

I made this board for a baby shower and find it quite useful. I hot glued wooden clothespins on a piece of dollar store corkboard and painted with some glitter nail polish... class-ay.

 

It's nice and easy for matching games. We used it for Family Home evening with scripture story names, then the person who finds the match tells the story of that scripture person.

 

The possibilities are many though. Hopefully it can help someone out there!

Almost Complete Bliss...

D&C 101:36

"Wherefore, fear not even unto death; for in this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full."

A few months ago I was having a panic attack. I was pregnant with our 4th child and was sure it was a girl, but the next day was the big ultrasound and I wanted a name for a boy just in case. My husband is pretty easy going but for some odd reason he "thought" that since he's a man, he should name the boys.

Do you hear my silent chuckle.

Well we narrowed it down and decided within 15 minutes. We're just cool like that.

Elijah Cedron.

First of all, Elijah is the Samuel L. Jackson of all the prophets. Mocking the priests of Baal? Calling fire down from heaven?

Awesome.

Then I was reading in the New Testament and came across Cedron which is a valley in Jerusalem where the Mount of Olives is.

Elijah Cedron. It was well.

And that's a good thing because I guess I wasn't so sure it was a girl and I was then prepared for the little boy to come to our home. I'm big on listening to the radio after finding out the gender of our children because call me crazy, but sometimes I find simple messages in them to me. This time 2 songs came on that stuck out to me... the first was "Girls" (All I really want is girls) by the Beastie Boys which I found totally entertaining. And the 2nd was "Come Together" by the Beatles.

To say that I live in fear wouldn't be exactly correct. I'm for the most part peaceful and calm. I live my life normally and healthy. I do the things I should do. I trust God because I know He knows better than I do. With that said, in all honesty, I still am anxious because I know pain. I know sorrow. I know what it's like to have to live without a child. But like I said, I trust Heavenly Father. I have faith and it's like this song was saying to me, it's OK. I just need to "come together, right now, over me (Elijah)".

Well, let me just add my testimony that our loving Father knows us individually. I was able to go to the temple a week before my sweetheart was due and I felt this overwhelming feeling that I am known. That my name is important and that my son's name is important. And what do you know... in General Conference there was a whole talk about Elijah!!

What is my point in posting about this? I have no clue. I just felt like after hearing THIS in conference I needed to add my witness that things happen in life for a reason. We may feel like all is lost, but our agency is never lost. We can choose to follow Christ always no matter what. We can choose to love our Heavenly Father and trust that our joy will be full again.

If you've lost a baby, I promise to be your breastfeeding buddy in the Resurrection and we'll nurse our little ones under the Tree of Life!

Hospitals are stressful and I was super nervous after Eli was born. However, after I received a priesthood blessing I felt much better and much more calm. I heard my angel baby (my sweet Joe) say very clearly, "Mommy, perfect love casteth out fear."

I have a new sweet perfect beautiful baby boy. He was 7 lbs 2 oz and 22" long. (The smallest of all my children) He will be 1 month on Oct. 15 and is up to 9 lbs. His sisters constantly want to hold him and touch and love him. They are the best big sisters ever. We are so blessed.

With that said, I'm sorry if I don't get ideas posted in a timely manner. Please rest assured, I'm still keeping up the blog. But yeah, if things aren't up it's because I'm cuddling my sweet Eli and smothering him with kisses or just being amazed by my sweetest blessings.

My Dear Readers....

Food Image Courtesy University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension

First off, I love people who make comments. I appreciate you taking the time to share thoughts and wish we could get together and do brunch, because really eggs are a miracle food.

Recently I was left a comment "Anonymous said...Week one: Treats in Primary?? You might want to check the Handbook on treats in Primary.. Our kids are sweet enough..we don't need to sugar them to death
October 17, 2010 10:07 PM"

I try not to be defensive, but at the same time the world of communication without communication leaves me in an awkard position. Perhaps if we were face to face it would have been said different?

I know the Primary handbook inside out. I know the policy: "Food should only be provided when it is included as part of a lesson or as a snack for the children in the nursery class. Be sure to consult with the parents of each child about any dietary restrictions that may be caused by conditions such as diabetes or allergies (see Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2, 239)."

Key words, emphasis given: when it is included as part of a lesson. I've never once suggested to use food in a different way.

Hear me out.... I have posted at least 4 different ideas for each week, each month for the past 2 years. I have also posted different ideas for at least 10 songs, 4 different ideas each. That's at least 424 different ideas. Out of 424 different ideas, roughly 5 ideas have INCORPORATED food into the lesson. For a grand total of (.....drumroll please......) .01% involving food.

Do I think food can be used to enhance a lesson?

You betcha! So often attention and interest can be lost when we do the same thing each week. Food often attracts interest and focus and when used properly can aide teaching using a different medium.

Should we "sugar" our kids "to death"?

 Thank you Food Network star Jamie Oliver, NO!

I've added a new "sidebar text" of the food in primary policy because I want it clear that I adhere to it. I'm not one to bring in candy as rewards! I know the true reward of all we do is the love and peace Heavenly Father gives us when we are obedient and I ALWAYS teach this to the children I am responsible to.

Isa. 55: 1 "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price."

* Update 10/20/2010: I am such a whiner. Thank you everyone for your kindness and thoughtful words!!! I don't know why I had such a moment of "sensitivity". Actually, I do. I think I had just watched Remember the Titans and was horribly emotional -thank you Denzel and your stellar acting skills/stunning good looks.

I really love the spiritual connection I feel with the Lord as I pray and ask to be a help in any way I can. I'm the first to tell you, I'm a moron. I make so many mistakes it's not even funny. Again, my apologies for being such a whiner. I'm not planning on stopping blogging, although in all reality I truly believe if we were to just get on our knees- God would provide for us and lessons would be given where the Holy Ghost abounds and truth is poured into the little souls of those around us.

Honor Our Covenants

Many of you, I'm sure, have heard about a tragedy that has struck in Visilia, CA. It is heartbreaking.

Sometimes we wonder, what can I do? May I encourage you to mourn, to pray, to fast, to send a card or to donate (only if you can).

The Sannar Family Trust Fund, PO Box 3328, Visalia, CA 93278 is where cards can be mailed. Let's overflow that mailbox with our love and support.

This is a site where you can get more information. http://pledgie.com/campaigns/12975

Never underestimate your power to do good. You have the opportunity to give comfort. Words don't have to be grand or prophetic, just a simple "You are loved. You are prayed for."

Our world is filled with turbulence. (Understatement)

 6 boys are now without a father.

 A mother is without the love of her life.

What will you do to help your sister and her children?

Soapbox: Art, Winning and Self Expression

Title: First Steps (after Millet, detail), c.1890 by Vincent Van Gogh

Today I had an interesting day, and when I say interesting I mean I was almost ready to take a paint brush and paint a woman's forehead. Not really. Ok, maybe. In my mind it sounded good.

Will this have anything to do with primary? Yes. But patience my friend, patience. I need to build up the emotions and anticipation.

We go to the library for a free painting activity. Background, I love art. My girls have been to many a museum and have done many a project. I am a firm believer in art as an expression not a science, especially for little ones. Art should be enjoyable not something where the adult does it for them or criticizes their technique. So here's when the drama started, the art teacher took the paint brush out of my child's hand and said, "No. It's an OK sun but I want the whole paper yellow."- to which she then painted over my daughter's exceptional (not merely OK) sun. Well, mama bear came out, and believe me, I'm a laid back person. It takes a lot to get me to the point where I'll go postal. I listen to Bob Marley and dance to 80's music with my girls on a daily basis, we're free lovin' spirits.

The pointer finger and hand on the hip came out as I told the eccentric that Christina's art is her art, not the teachers. She is allowed to do it herself, how she wants. Because art is subjective, the beauty of art is different to everyone. The teacher told me that my daughter would never win any competitions if she didn't learn how to paint with technique. (Gagging sounds, anyone? Anyone?) She suggested I make her paint with one color, then let it dry for 10 minutes, have her come back and paint with a different color, then let dry for 10 minutes, repeat, blah blah blah etc. I guess I should add the fact my child is 5. Doesn't that sound really fun for a 5 year old to do? She just sat for 10 minutes of "talking at" and now she's going to sit some more! And be told how winning is just so important in life!

Where do we get off telling kids not to discover or learn for themselves?
Who are we to answer questions that kids can answer for themselves?

CHILDREN ARE CAPABLE!!!!
What was that?
CHILDREN ARE CAPABLE!!!!

We should never take a paint brush from a child and paint over their masterpiece. Sheesh, and here comes the connection now.... Just like we should not talk over children in sharing time. I would like to state clearly, Sharing Time is a time where children should be allowed to express themselves and enjoy feeling the spirit. They have so much to share and we need to facilitate opportunities for them to do so!

My pet peeve in life is when people gab. Children don't need 10-20 minute long explanations or talking at's. They learn quickly and they do so best when they aren't sitting bored out of their gourd.

Children can write their own talks, as early as they learn how to speak! Let them discover early on what it's like to pray, receive inspiration and then teach others by the spirit. I mean really, Mormon was 10 years old when he was told to witness the downfall of the Nephites and then record it on the plates later on down the road. Really? I'm convinced we have tons of little 10 year old Mormon's around us, but we're not giving them the opportunity to speak, because we're speaking over them.


POINT: LESS TALK, MORE CHILDREN.

Jeremiah 1:6-7 " Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.

But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak."

Now before I get some off the wall comment, yes I realize there needs to be balance. We talk and teach, bear testimony etc. I'm just redirecting our attention to the fact it's called "Sharing Time" not "Adult Lecture Series" time. And in life too- are you really listening to children? Are you hearing what they are saying and trying to talk with them not at them?

Van Gogh was never fully appreciated until after he was dead.
Let's discover the color, the life and the unique expression of each of our dear sweet children so they don't end up one day hacking off their ear.

Can I get an amen?
Amen, sista.
Amen.

** And as I was talking with my brilliant little star about how the teacher was bonkers, how winning is not what is most important about art, but finding the joy in creating- she said, quote "I know mommy. We need to go back and tell the lady I already won a coloring competition. And I won by coloring how I wanted to color not by how she told me to do it."

Way to make a point child, way to make a point.

Dirty Bare Feet - Gross, Symbolic, or Both?

Dirty Feet Image courtesy creative commons license flickr.com by DazMSmith 1/2000

Milo Mills, “Barefoot Fun,” Friend, Jul 1974, 39

Walking barefoot!

Isn’t it fun

To feel with your feet

When you walk or run

The cool green fingers

Of tender grass

That bend to your feet

As you softly pass?

Isn’t it fun

To feel on your toes

A trickle of water

Straight from the hose

And to paddle in puddles

And stamp around

Till your toes go squish

In the muddy ground?

Isn’t it fun

To feel the air

Blow on your feet

That are wet and bare?

Isn’t it great

When a girl or boy

Can have the thrill

Of barefoot joy?

At church a leader was teaching, with their shoes off.

I completely understand there are cultural reasons one wouldn't wear shoes. Perhaps one even has a blister that just cannot be described and one must take off their shoe.

I searched. And searched. And searched some more. And cannot find any statements by the prophets that say specifically "Wear shoes at church. Especially in Primary." There are not even laws (from my meager google attempt) that prohibit walking barefoot in public - except OSHA regulations do state employees must wear shoes at place of employment. I digress.

But what I did notice was a lack of the spirit there. Can it be blamed on the random taking off of shoes? I think it shows an attitude of casualness and lack of care. And perhaps it's not even the shoes. Perhaps the shoes are symbolic of a casualness over teaching.

How do we prepare for lessons?

Do we follow the sharing time outline?

Do we blame children for irreverence when our lessons/singing times were poor and lacked activity or enthusiasm?

D&C 84:45-47 "For the word of the Lord is truth, and whatsoever is truth is light, and whatsoever is light is Spirit, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ. And the Spirit giveth light to every man that cometh into the world; and the Spirit enlighteneth every man through the world, that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit. And every one that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit cometh unto God, even the Father."

We can have the light! If teaching seems "too hard" then that is the moment we need to get to our knees the most. Our Father loves us and will help us. If there is a child that every week seems harder and harder, that is the moment we fall to our knees again. It'd be so easy to just take off our shoes, kick them up and lay back. But the answer is leaving on our shoes, lacing them tight and digging in our heals ready to work. We go to church to be closer to Christ and our Heavenly Father. Most importantly, Primary needs to be a place where the Spirit is felt. Do whatever you need to do to ensure that. Time is too precious.