This has been a great start to a new year... I can feel it. I was called to be the second counselor in the Primary Presidency at the beginning of the year. When I was asked, I was a little surprised, especially since I had been going through some tough times, but what a wonderful blessing it has been. I did not know the Primary President and she did not know who I was. She let me know that she was given names to pray about and got her answer to this through prayer. This was really a testimony to her of the power of prayer. I was given sweet counsel from my Bishop as he layed his hands on my head to give me a blessing to be able to accomplish this new assignment. I know that my Heavenly Father loves me and wants me to speak my mind and bring my life experiences to the table. One of the other things that has stuck with me is this: When I was asked to accept this call, The member of the Bishopric instucted me to go to the Lord with problems or concerns that may arise. I needed to hear and know this. I love the children in our ward... I have been able to instruct a lot of them as a teacher for the past few years.... I really do have a spot for all of them in my heart. Sometimes it is tough to join and merge ideas of others into one, but with the help of the spirit we are able to do this. My kids love that I am in sharing time with them and that I am giving the lessons. My Heavenly Father sure knew that I needed to serve more dilligently and step outside of me and give to those around me. I am grateful for this new calling.
My kids are all doing great in school and at home. They are so wise and really try hard to do what is right. They are not always perfect...they struggle with things; here are a few...
Madison: Nightime has been tough for her lately. She will get lots of worries as soon as she gets into her bed. We bought a book called "What to do if you dread your bed". It had some great tips and a new bedtime schedule to follow. It goes as follows: Nightime activity (30 min before bedtime) for 30 minutes (coloring, puzzles, boardgame, books ). Then a shift activity (10 minutes long) we have a light snack and then family scriptures and prayer and bathroom...then off to bed. In bed I will sit with Madison for 15 minutes and read to her. This is such a special time (our favorite of the day) for us. I lay down next to her and say a prayer for her and then sing her a song; her choice. Then off to bed for her. We rewarded her with $1 dollars each night that she stayed in her bed for 21 days(habit is formed in this amount of time). She is doing great! We are so proud of her hard work.
Davin: lets see. Right now the only thing that he is struggling with is using a whiny voice when he gets mad or something doesn't go his way. He also thinks it's funny to say the word"butt" and "poop". He said that he sometimes thinks they are funny words, but he knows that they are not nice to say.
Blane: Well Blane is our 3rd child who is three...what more do I need to say. His struggles right now are that he likes to say "Davin you go poo poo in a diaper" and he likes to put a diaper on and go pee in it. He also is having a hard time not picking his nose. I think he just needs to keep his hands busy.
Vance: Lets see...Vance is so fun right now. He is not talking yet, so he likes to scream when he doesn't get his way or when his older brothers or sister take something from him. I would probably scream about that too.
Some of my favorite things they are doing right now:
Madison: She loves to play the piano...she is really getting good at it. She likes to sing and dance and draw and color and put make-up on and pick out really cute outfits. She likes to help mop the floor in the house and she likes to read and write. Math is a little struggle for her, but she is doing so good staying on track. She is a good student and such a special daughter. I love her. She is learning to trust in and lean on Heavenly Father for things she might need. This is neat to see her grow spiritually. I really love my sweet daughter!
Davin: Is really taking off with reading. He is learning so many sight words. He helps to read during family scripture time and he hardly needs any help. He is really good at math. We will ask him "what is 9+7?" He will respond in 5 seconds with the right answer. He is working on writing neatly. He does really well with his spelling tests too. At home he loves to play the wii and he just started T-ball. He is a fast runner and a good hitter. His personality is really coming out. He is funny and caring and close to the spirit. I sure love him.
Blane: What a unique child he is! I really enjoy his personality. He can be so caring and sweet. He already learned how to ride his bike without training wheels. His Dad taught him in only 5 minutes! He loves riding around on his bike, playing in the sand, dirt, mud and water. He likes to color and draw pictures and he especially likes play doh! He is smart, especially about spiritual things. He really takes it all in. I can't believe he is my child! I love him a ton.
Vance: Where to begin! He is walking....finally. He started walking when he was 16 months old. He can say some words..... ba=ball; Jes=jesus; Mama=Mom; Dada=Dad; he tries to say hi and hello. Everything else that he wants or needs he makes these sounds...uuuuuhh and aaahh. He can blow kisses and wave Hi and bye-bye. When we ask for kisses he sticks out his tounge and blows. He thinks it is sooo funny! I have to say that it makes us all laugh. He does lean in for kisses and gives hugs too. He also makes this grunting laugh that is so cute. He likes his bed and goes to sleep in his crib so easily. He is such a happy boy. I love him so much.
