Last night we gathered as a family to begin our candle time for the 12 days of Christmas. My anticipation and expectations were great and by the end I needed a hug from my husband. I whispered in his ear, "how can we get the spirit of Christ in our home?" He comforted me and made it possible for me to try again. Tonight will be different. It will be better.
Later that night I watched a segment on the Atmosphere in your Home. How ironic that I would see that after how I felt. It did not make me feel any better because it told me that parents are responsible for the feelings that are in the home. What we do and feel is copied by our children. That was just what I needed to hear. After realizing that it was me I became more determined to somehow create it. Now I have a mission.
It feels like this is the busiest week of my life but I do want the feeling of Christ in my home. I am sure that I can do it if I have a plan. So here it goes. I must have the spirit of Christ in my heart. I need to listen to the words of the Christmas songs and feel their meaning. I must make time for doing Christ like things. I must listen to things that talk of Christ. I must put off the stress in my life and think of the things that really matter. I am going to try hard today to make it happen so that my home and family will feel it also. Here begins a day of Christ in my life. I will let you know how it goes.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
The Simple Things that Make a Big Difference
The other morning I was cleaning out my inbox and came across an email that was sent to me from my office. While I was watching it I began to become very emotional. Often there are times when you do things and are never sure if it is making any difference. I believe that one of our purposes here is to make a difference in the lives of others.
We do this as we parent and teach and love. We can make a differences in the lives of others doing the simplest things. I am certain that each of us can and will make a difference. Sometimes it requires us to step out of ourselves and be creative. I believe that if we care enough that we will find ways to make a difference in the live of others. After all is that not what brings us the greatest joy?
Let me tell you something that I started about three years ago with a good friend of mine. There are many widows in my neighborhood. I had grown to love them and their goodness. We decided to make lunch for them once a month and we take turns. I began doing it to bless their lives and it has turned out to be a great blessing in mine and my families lives. I cannot tell you the strength and goodness that they share with us. I cannot express the love that has grown as I have been with them each month. I cannot even begin to tell how rich my life is because of them.
They are my dearest of friends and I am grateful that they consider me their friend. I hope that as you watch this Video that you too can catch the bug of how the small things can make a huge difference in the lives of many yours includes.
Click Here To Enjoy.
We do this as we parent and teach and love. We can make a differences in the lives of others doing the simplest things. I am certain that each of us can and will make a difference. Sometimes it requires us to step out of ourselves and be creative. I believe that if we care enough that we will find ways to make a difference in the live of others. After all is that not what brings us the greatest joy?
Let me tell you something that I started about three years ago with a good friend of mine. There are many widows in my neighborhood. I had grown to love them and their goodness. We decided to make lunch for them once a month and we take turns. I began doing it to bless their lives and it has turned out to be a great blessing in mine and my families lives. I cannot tell you the strength and goodness that they share with us. I cannot express the love that has grown as I have been with them each month. I cannot even begin to tell how rich my life is because of them.
They are my dearest of friends and I am grateful that they consider me their friend. I hope that as you watch this Video that you too can catch the bug of how the small things can make a huge difference in the lives of many yours includes.
Click Here To Enjoy.
Special Day Gone Golden
I have a daughter who is trying to adjust to Jr High. It is not an easy task but to have a daughter who is mentally in fourth grade trying to do it is very difficult. She has had a rough few weeks but was looking forward to her birthday. I thought about what I could do to make this day even better. I tried to warn her that birthday's at the Jr High were not like the birthdays in elementary school. But non the less she was very excited and anticipated the best. I told my daughter who is in ninth grade to decorate her locker or to find some way to make it special for her. She did!
My plan was intense. I was going to do a "While You Were Out" bedroom makeover for her birthday. I enlisted help from the whole family. We bought a new cabinet from a thrift store and bought chair rail. All of that needed to be painted and ready for "the day". We spent the night painting and making sure that everything was ready. At this point I almost became discouraged and gave up. But with the help of my husband we persisted.
The morning of her birthday I woke up and was discouraged again. I told my husband that I was not sure if this was a good idea. I was not sure it was going to work and that she would even like it. I felt sure in the beginning when the idea came to me but I was not sure at this point whether it would all come together. Dale took courage and supported and encourage me once again.
I had taken the day off from work (which never happens) and planned on beginning after we dropped her off at school. Dale came back and put up the chair rail and then helped us move the newly painted cabinet inside. We worked for hours (Me and several of my children). We stalled her from coming home after school by letting CaLea take her on a special time together. There are a few things that did not get done but we were out of time.
The moment arrived around five when it was time to give her the "birthday present". A new room. They all went upstairs except for her and I (cameras in hand). I told her that her gift from all of us could not be wrapped and is very special. I took her upstairs and covered her eyes as I took her into her new room. I was not sure what the reaction would be but it was wonderful. She could not believe it and we all ended up touched by her reaction. The video tells it all. There are times when our time and efforts are better than any gift that could be bought. Needless to say it was a very special day that turned golden to all of us.
My plan was intense. I was going to do a "While You Were Out" bedroom makeover for her birthday. I enlisted help from the whole family. We bought a new cabinet from a thrift store and bought chair rail. All of that needed to be painted and ready for "the day". We spent the night painting and making sure that everything was ready. At this point I almost became discouraged and gave up. But with the help of my husband we persisted.
The morning of her birthday I woke up and was discouraged again. I told my husband that I was not sure if this was a good idea. I was not sure it was going to work and that she would even like it. I felt sure in the beginning when the idea came to me but I was not sure at this point whether it would all come together. Dale took courage and supported and encourage me once again.
I had taken the day off from work (which never happens) and planned on beginning after we dropped her off at school. Dale came back and put up the chair rail and then helped us move the newly painted cabinet inside. We worked for hours (Me and several of my children). We stalled her from coming home after school by letting CaLea take her on a special time together. There are a few things that did not get done but we were out of time.
The moment arrived around five when it was time to give her the "birthday present". A new room. They all went upstairs except for her and I (cameras in hand). I told her that her gift from all of us could not be wrapped and is very special. I took her upstairs and covered her eyes as I took her into her new room. I was not sure what the reaction would be but it was wonderful. She could not believe it and we all ended up touched by her reaction. The video tells it all. There are times when our time and efforts are better than any gift that could be bought. Needless to say it was a very special day that turned golden to all of us.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Respect
Often times I have demanded respect. I deserve it right? I have told my children to just obey because I am the parent after all! I have heard myself say "you will do what I say because I am the mom". Wow! Did I earn their respect or did I demand it? How wrong I have been. I see now that respect is not something that you demand it is something that you earn.
My husband asked me the other morning who I respected. I told him God. He is the perfect parent and I have grown to respect Him. My husband then proceeded to tell me about something he had listened to Saturday morning that had changed his life. This is what he talked about. When the question was given to him that morning he thought of a lot of people that he did not respect. It became easier to think of people to respect that were not close to him than it was to find someone close. The discussion continued and he began to realize that those that he should respect the most are the ones that are closest to him. His family and those with whom he works. He asked himself the question of what was stopping him from the respect that they deserved. He found his answer in one word it was his PRIDE.
He was humbled and realized that he did actually have a lot of respect for me especially(hee hee) and for all those that were close to him. His parents, his children and his co-workers. How is it that we don't give the respect that is earned by those that are closest to us? Maybe it is a question that we should all ask ourselves. How different the world would be if there was more respect given to those that are around us every day. We would treat them differently and we would be happier I am certain. It would be a better world for sure.
My husband asked me the other morning who I respected. I told him God. He is the perfect parent and I have grown to respect Him. My husband then proceeded to tell me about something he had listened to Saturday morning that had changed his life. This is what he talked about. When the question was given to him that morning he thought of a lot of people that he did not respect. It became easier to think of people to respect that were not close to him than it was to find someone close. The discussion continued and he began to realize that those that he should respect the most are the ones that are closest to him. His family and those with whom he works. He asked himself the question of what was stopping him from the respect that they deserved. He found his answer in one word it was his PRIDE.
He was humbled and realized that he did actually have a lot of respect for me especially(hee hee) and for all those that were close to him. His parents, his children and his co-workers. How is it that we don't give the respect that is earned by those that are closest to us? Maybe it is a question that we should all ask ourselves. How different the world would be if there was more respect given to those that are around us every day. We would treat them differently and we would be happier I am certain. It would be a better world for sure.
Get Out of the Wagon and Push
About three years ago I had to make one of the hardest decisions of my life. It may seem to some an exaggeration but to me it was hard. I realized that if I did not do something that things were going to be bad, very bad.
My husband had to make a job change and took a cut in salary. I really didn't worry because things always worked out. I was thrifty and we could make this work. My husband took care of the bills and I went about my merry way doing what I loved which was being a mom. One morning when we were laying in bed talking he confessed something that was very difficult for him.
He told me that we were sinking and we did not have money for Christmas this year. We did not have money for anything. I looked at him shocked by the news. Every two weeks he would give me my grocery and "stuff" allowance and then I would do my thing. My life had not changed and he was carrying the burden of a sinking ship all alone. He came clean and told me of our situation and that each day it grew worse.
My head started spinning and I was not sure what I needed to do. I had only one child at home still and could not stand the thought of leaving him. My whole world as I knew it then would never be the same. I spent sleepless nights wondering what I should do. I finally went to my knees and pleaded for guidance. "Get out of the wagon and push".
I realized that I needed to get a job. What could I do and how would I do it? I finally quit fighting it and put my life in His hands and asked for guidance and strength to do what I needed to do. I got a job after 20 years of being a stay at home mom. Every day I wondered how I was going to do it and every day I just got out of the wagon and pushed. All of our struggles vanished and all was good. Not!!! The saga will continue in another post. I have lots to share about what I learned but it will have to wait for another day.
My husband had to make a job change and took a cut in salary. I really didn't worry because things always worked out. I was thrifty and we could make this work. My husband took care of the bills and I went about my merry way doing what I loved which was being a mom. One morning when we were laying in bed talking he confessed something that was very difficult for him.
He told me that we were sinking and we did not have money for Christmas this year. We did not have money for anything. I looked at him shocked by the news. Every two weeks he would give me my grocery and "stuff" allowance and then I would do my thing. My life had not changed and he was carrying the burden of a sinking ship all alone. He came clean and told me of our situation and that each day it grew worse.
My head started spinning and I was not sure what I needed to do. I had only one child at home still and could not stand the thought of leaving him. My whole world as I knew it then would never be the same. I spent sleepless nights wondering what I should do. I finally went to my knees and pleaded for guidance. "Get out of the wagon and push".
I realized that I needed to get a job. What could I do and how would I do it? I finally quit fighting it and put my life in His hands and asked for guidance and strength to do what I needed to do. I got a job after 20 years of being a stay at home mom. Every day I wondered how I was going to do it and every day I just got out of the wagon and pushed. All of our struggles vanished and all was good. Not!!! The saga will continue in another post. I have lots to share about what I learned but it will have to wait for another day.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Dinner Table
When I was growing up my dad would come home from work and we would all gather for dinner. We talked of things that happened that day. I did not know then how therapeutic that was. It was just something that we did every night. Now I look back and it was there at the dinner table where questions were answered and strength was given.
Today I come home from work and we all gather for dinner. I love to hear what happened to my children during the day. I love to listen to them complain and laugh about funny things. It is there that I often sense a child has had a rough day. I am hoping that they too receive answers to their questions and strength to their souls. It has become a tradition in my home as it was when I was young.
I discovered recently that many families don’t eat at a table but in front of the television. How sad to lose those moments of answering and strengthening. If there was one thing that I would use it would be the time when the family gathers for dinner. The time to teach and discuss and strengthen is between bites of roast beef and potatoes. Just a thought, but maybe telling a story of Jesus with a picture that shows it all would give the strength to our children that they need today.
Here's a great idea for the dinner table!
Today I come home from work and we all gather for dinner. I love to hear what happened to my children during the day. I love to listen to them complain and laugh about funny things. It is there that I often sense a child has had a rough day. I am hoping that they too receive answers to their questions and strength to their souls. It has become a tradition in my home as it was when I was young.
I discovered recently that many families don’t eat at a table but in front of the television. How sad to lose those moments of answering and strengthening. If there was one thing that I would use it would be the time when the family gathers for dinner. The time to teach and discuss and strengthen is between bites of roast beef and potatoes. Just a thought, but maybe telling a story of Jesus with a picture that shows it all would give the strength to our children that they need today.
Here's a great idea for the dinner table!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Bad Day!
Have you ever had a bad day and wanted to escape? I had a dear friend tell me the "cure". I have tried it several times and it does work. I will worn you however that it will make you cry. But in the end there is peace. Here is how it worked for me.
I take a moment all alone. Usually I lay on my bed. Door locked. In my mind I begin making a list. The list is of all of the things that I am grateful for. At first it is hard to think of things because of my mood. Then the magic happens. The more I think the longer the list becomes. Pretty soon I find myself crying and realizing that there is much in my life to be grateful for.
The list turns into "pictures" of memories. I see all the good in my life. I am sure that my pictures of memories would mean nothing to you but to me it brings me much happiness and peace. After my quiet moment life is good and I have added to my own tapestry.
PS. I hung a new picture in my bedroom the other day and my son said to me "Mom when I have time out again can I choose this picture to look at?" I told him that he could and we talked at that moment, about what the picture was of ans what it meant to me. I am telling you those are magical moments.
I take a moment all alone. Usually I lay on my bed. Door locked. In my mind I begin making a list. The list is of all of the things that I am grateful for. At first it is hard to think of things because of my mood. Then the magic happens. The more I think the longer the list becomes. Pretty soon I find myself crying and realizing that there is much in my life to be grateful for.
The list turns into "pictures" of memories. I see all the good in my life. I am sure that my pictures of memories would mean nothing to you but to me it brings me much happiness and peace. After my quiet moment life is good and I have added to my own tapestry.
PS. I hung a new picture in my bedroom the other day and my son said to me "Mom when I have time out again can I choose this picture to look at?" I told him that he could and we talked at that moment, about what the picture was of ans what it meant to me. I am telling you those are magical moments.
Time Out with a Bonus
I wanted to take a minute and share something great that I discovered. How can we teach our children without yelling? How do we show them what we want them to be? I had this thought one day when my children were arguing: Put them in front of a picture that teaches them something and let them learn it in time out. So instead of sending them to their room put them in front of a picture that can teach them what they need to know. I would have them look at the picture until they had learned something. Then they would share what they learned with me and talk about what they could do different next time. That time in front of this inspiring art made them reflect and hopefully become better.
It has solved some of the problems for me because it is no longer me trying to settle them. It is them solving and discovering for themselves what makes them happy. does it always work perfectly? No! But it is working and sometimes I find myself putting me in front of a picture of the Savior and learning a few things myself.
It has solved some of the problems for me because it is no longer me trying to settle them. It is them solving and discovering for themselves what makes them happy. does it always work perfectly? No! But it is working and sometimes I find myself putting me in front of a picture of the Savior and learning a few things myself.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
A Slap in the Face
The other day I got a phone call from my daughter at school. She informed me that she had been slapped on the face by a teacher. Because she has a learning disability I thought that it would be better to go through a series of questions to find out what exactly happened. I told her we would talk when she came home. I came to the conclusion that there would be no reason that a teacher should do this. Now what do I do?
I have taught school for years and have learned that if you do not have a love for kids you are in the wrong profession. One does not teach school without remembering the child is most important. There have been many teachers that have made a profound affect on me or one of my children. Teachers can be amazing.
I believe that the right and only thing to do is to protect my daughter, who struggles anyway. I am going to get some answers from the teacher with the support of the administration as to why this happened. Then I am going to change her class. I do not want my daughter to be afraid and I do not want to worry that something might happen again.
I will post what happens later. I am not angry but I do want to make sure that this does not happen again. I also want my daughter to feel safe and not afraid.
I have taught school for years and have learned that if you do not have a love for kids you are in the wrong profession. One does not teach school without remembering the child is most important. There have been many teachers that have made a profound affect on me or one of my children. Teachers can be amazing.
I believe that the right and only thing to do is to protect my daughter, who struggles anyway. I am going to get some answers from the teacher with the support of the administration as to why this happened. Then I am going to change her class. I do not want my daughter to be afraid and I do not want to worry that something might happen again.
I will post what happens later. I am not angry but I do want to make sure that this does not happen again. I also want my daughter to feel safe and not afraid.
English Toffee
The other night my oldest son, who is now married, brought me over some English Toffee. When he was a teenager I taught him how to make it because it was his favorite. He then began to make it for our family quite often. I loved it! It seemed not that long ago when I was about his age and making it for my family. My mom taught me and loved it when I made it too.
How has the time passed so quickly? What do I have besides my English Toffee recipe that I can pass down through generations? Do my children know who I am and what I stand for? I have many memories of good times and hope that those will be what my children remember. I also hope that when this crazy life of mine is over that my children will be able to say " My mother know it".
I do not want to leave you without the English Toffee recipe so that when you make it you too can reflect on your legacy and make sure you are creating the right one.
English Toffee
1/4 cup water
2 cubes butter
1 cup sugar
chocolate chips
chopped nuts
Stirring constantly cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens, pulls away form the pan like dough and turns a light brown. Pour into jelly roll pan or cookie sheet and spread it out (sometimes by lilting the pan). While hot pour 1/2 bag of chocolate chips and let soften. Spread with knife and top with chopped nuts.
Remember it is the time that you spend with your family that they will remember forever. Now it is time to go make some English Toffee with another child that could use that in their lives. 
How has the time passed so quickly? What do I have besides my English Toffee recipe that I can pass down through generations? Do my children know who I am and what I stand for? I have many memories of good times and hope that those will be what my children remember. I also hope that when this crazy life of mine is over that my children will be able to say " My mother know it".
I do not want to leave you without the English Toffee recipe so that when you make it you too can reflect on your legacy and make sure you are creating the right one.
English Toffee
1/4 cup water
2 cubes butter
1 cup sugar
chocolate chips
chopped nuts
Stirring constantly cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens, pulls away form the pan like dough and turns a light brown. Pour into jelly roll pan or cookie sheet and spread it out (sometimes by lilting the pan). While hot pour 1/2 bag of chocolate chips and let soften. Spread with knife and top with chopped nuts.
Remember it is the time that you spend with your family that they will remember forever. Now it is time to go make some English Toffee with another child that could use that in their lives.
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