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!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
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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