Anything else on Sunday morning?, President's Day, Blue and Gold Banquet, Hungry hippo

Scott is on military duty this weekend.  I have two lessons to teach today so I wake up a little early to make sure I am ready.  As I'm getting ready, Rubie wakes up and goes to throw up in the bathroom.  Hmmm, now I have a lesson to teach during Sunday School and YW and have a sick child.  I think about how to make it work.  We skip sacrament meeting and have our own devotional.  I have my lessons done as much as I'm going to get them done.  As I have Eric get ready and I'm doing final readiness things, about to get Sam ready, Eric comes and shows me that in his pocket is a slip of paper assigning him a talk today.  I freak out a little then take a deep breathe and say let's write a talk. We are given a scripture as the subject so that is helpful.  Here is what we came up with:

John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

One of the greatest ways that Heavenly Father shows that He loves us, is that He gave us the gift of Jesus Christ.

Other ways I feel God’s love are when I feel the Spirit by helping others. 

Yesterday, my mom and brother and sister and I went to Walmart.  When we were driving away we saw a man on the corner with a sign that said his family was having a hard time.  I thought about when my dad didn’t have a job recently.  We all wanted to help the man.  We drove the car around again, I opened my window and gave the man a $5 bill.  He said, “Thank you young man.”  “And I said good luck to you.”  His smile made me feel so good!

When I got baptized just over a month ago, one of the promises I made was that I would help people that needed help.  I know that if Jesus Christ saw that man, He would help him.  I was able to keep a baptism covenant yesterday and follow Jesus Christ by helping that man a little bit.

One way we show our love to Heavenly Father and Jesus is by helping our brothers and sisters.

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Because we have such a terrible internet connection here, our printer takes like an hour to actually complete a print job.  So, even though we prayed that it would print, it didn't.  So I took the lap top with us to the primary room and explained that Eric might need to use the laptop but that I was teaching a lesson in the Family History Room.  Ann Ashton, the Primary President, had a brilliant idea that Elaine, the secretary snap a picture of Eric's talk on my screen and she enlarged it so he could read it right from her phone.  Yeah!!  Elaine and Sister Gourley, counselor in the primary presidency, said that Eric did very well on his talk.  They both said that he reads so well and actually adds inflection and feeling.  Great job Eric!  

Earlier this year Scott and I were called to be Family History Consultants.  This has been a hard calling for me only because I have not put much effort into it because I don't really know anything about family history.  During the Sunday School hour I have been going to the family history center and working on my family tree in ancestry.  Only through that experience am I learning a little bit about how to do family history.  I quickly realized that doing and being involved with family history is a quest that is going to take years of doing it to learn.  Brother See approached me last month about teaching one of the classes in February.  He wanted to start a course that would be offered for a couple months to help people learn about doing their family history.  Most of the consultants have knowledge and skills with researching or completing family history on line and other ways.  But I don't.  I offered that I teach on the subject of how to get children and teens involved in family history.  I have been thinking of that a lot.  So I talked about journal writing, pictures, getting stories from family members, interviewing them and other ways.  I talked for a lot longer than I anticipated as I shared thoughts from a talk by Elder Eyring, one from President Kimball, and examples from the scriptures.  It just so happens that our YW activity with the Laurels this week will be about bringing a story to put into our family history.  We will share our stories and then help them get them into their family tree pages.

I ended that lesson about 10 minutes to the hour and then came home to check on Rubie.  I went back to the church for YW.  I was teaching the Laurels  class about the role of death in the plan of salvation.  The Lord was really present in my life to make sure today went well.  It just so happened that I had prepared the bulk of the lesson to be group work.  I divided the class into 3 groups.  Each group had a question to answer with a series of scriptures and quotes to discuss.  I got them started and then came home again to check on Rubie.  She was doing fine and even though I gave her her homework to complete she drew me a picture instead.  (I'm still trying to get her to do her homework.)  I went back to the Laurel class and we discussed the questions, I showed a video, and then wrapped it up.  It all went smoothly because I had been preparing over the last few weeks.  I had showered and done my hair last night because I went on a date with Scott for drill.  And I prayed that the morning would go well.  Thank you Heavenly Father for helping us with all those things this morning.  Rubie is feeling so much better that she is being such a tease to her brothers and has been out on the tramp jumping.  

Scott's unit had a date night last night or an activity put on by the FRG.  We met at the officers club on Camp Williams and they had dinner from Magelby's.  Then they had some people there with country music and they instructed us on some line dancing and country swing.  We had pictures taken on hay bales and it was nice.  We didn't stay too long.   Scott wanted to go see a movie.  

This past Monday was President's Day.  The kids didn't have school.  Scott needed to work from home.  So after exercising and getting breakfast for everyone.  The kids and I went to Target to get a baby gift for the Tulett's newest baby, Ezra.  Then we went and visited them and held the baby and the kids played for a bit.  Then we went to lunch at McDonald's.  Sam was missing his nap but by this time it was like 3 in the afternoon.  We came home for a few minutes and Scott still needed to work.  We decided to go to Kangaroo Zoo.  We invited Brock and I took the kids for more playing.  Of course they loved it and by 6:30 I was making them be done.  We got some pizza and took it home for dinner and a family home evening lesson.

Tuesday we had our first Blue and Gold Banquet.  It is the one pack meeting of the year that is just for the parents and the scouts.  Eric was awarded his Bobcat.  He also got to be the caller for the flag ceremony.  I'm so proud of him and how well he is doing in his scouts.  He and Scott have been working on it every Sunday.  The theme of the night was Everything is Awesome.  There were Lego stuff everywhere.  Dinner was waffles (because they look like legos). The butter and the ice-cubes were a Lego guy.  Each boy got a bag of Lego candy and a neckerchief slide that is a Lego guy.  There were Legos on the table to play with.  There was a picture frame with Legos and the scout values on them.  The napkin, plates, and utensil holders were made with Legos.  The scout leaders are pretty amazing and go creative and go to a lot of work for these events.

Wednesday I attended YW and our activity was to play Hungry, Hungry, Hippo, but not the board game.  We went to an elementary school and we divided into 4 teams.  Each team had a long board or skate board with a rope tied to it, and a laundry basket.  The middle of the room was filled with balloons.  One person laid face down on the skate board, held onto the basket.  We pushed them out, and she was to grab as many balloons as she could in the basket.  Then we pulled her back.  None of the leaders were playing.  But there was one team of all beehives and they were getting creamed by the other teams so I joined their team to help even it out a little.  It was super fun.

Half Birthday, Parent Teacher Conferences, Valentines Days

This past Tuesday we celebrated Rubie's half birthday at school.  Because she has a summer birthday Mrs. Soderstrom let's us choose a day around her half birthday to celebrate.  So after a did the volunteer work in the classroom I went out and bought some cupcakes and went back to the classroom.  We shared Rubie's birthday book which is a little book that we put some pictures in and answer some questions about Rubie like her favorite color, favorite food, some she is afraid of and something she is thankful for.  We share that with the class,  Then I get to brag on her and say what I love about Rubie.  Then every child in the class comes up and says what he/she likes about Rubie and then Mrs. Soderstrom takes a minute to share what she likes.  Then we went outside and ate cupcakes and the kids got to play for a minute.  Rubie was loving it.  As shy as she acts around others, she really does like to have something all about her and make it special to her.

After picking up Eric and Rubie from school on Tuesday, Sam was at the Tulett's so we went to get him.  Carlee had just had their carpets cleaned so I brought all her boys home with us to play.

Wednesday I had YW.  We had class activities so with the Laurel class we went to Sister Fox's house and decorated valentine day cookies.  We ate some there, the girls took some home and we delivered some to others in the ward.

Thursday I had parent/teacher conference.  I'm so glad that I enjoy it.  Eric and Rubie have both been such great student's so far.  Mrs. Davis loves Eric and says she has a special place in her heart for him.  She seems to have a really good feel for Eric.  One experience she had recently with him was that she was teaching the class to write paragraphs with a topic sentence and then some supporting paragraphs.  Eric did not want to do it.  For whatever reason.  Mrs. Davis had him stay back from PE and she sat with him and explained again about the topic sentence and supporting sentences.  She talked to him about just trying it her way and seeing how it goes.  He wrote such a nice paragraph about how our family helps each other and the different roles each of us has in our family.  Eric does really good work for her.  He is ahead of his grade level in reading and spelling and math.

Mrs. Soderstrom loves Rubie and I'm so grateful for that as well.  Rubie has a quiet voice in class but is a good contributor.  She is right on grade level with her reading, spelling, and math.  She is also the youngest in her class by a couple months.  That does make a difference.  I wonder when the teacher's will quit looking at her as the youngest in the class.  Probably by 5th or 6th grade it won't be so noticeable any more.  But Rubie's class as a whole struggles with staying focused and paying attention, they struggle with not talking to each other.  It is hard for Mrs. Soderstrom and I think they aren't as far in their curriculum as she would like them to be.  But she loves Rubie's smile.  Rubie is really good to help others with their reading.  Mrs. Soderstrom will often pair her up with other students to read together.  Rubie is friendly and all the students like her.

Thursday the kids had Valentine parties in their classrooms.  Then Friday there was no school.  Scott and I went out Friday night for our valentine date.  I got Brooke Ashton to babysit.  She is by far the kids' favorite babysitter.  Scott and I went to a sushi dinner and to a movie.  Saturday Brock was with us all day.  His sisters had the sweethearts dance and his mom had a valentine date.  Scott and Rubie went to help the Harrisons with their move.  I had the boys here.  I tried to get some chores done but we also went to Costco.  Then we (including Brock) went to Kaysville to have dinner and spend time at Ben and Cassie's.  My mom and dad and grandma were there too.  Ben's friend Justin and his son were there also.  The kids had a great time and we totally enjoy hanging out with them.  Ben continues to improve their yard and home.  He was working on building planting boxes to have a raised garden.  They have a really big lot up there in Kaysville.  There are already grapes and fruit trees.  He had a lot more plans for building on to their home but there ended up being a gas line running through their property that has messed up his plans.  It's just going to cost him a lot more money to do what he wanted to do.  I'm sure he will make it nice though, he is good at that.  We love that they are here in Utah and we get to spend time with them.

The Spirit of America, Grandparents Day, a Baby Shower

This week has been full of activities (as normal).  Scott left Monday morning for Cedar City and St. George for the week.  He returned home on Thursday by dinner time.  ULA has offices/hubs in those places.  I'm not sure how it works but the flight schools are partnered with the colleges and universities of Salt Lake Community College, SUU, and Dixie.  So he spent time there getting to know the operations and people in those spots.

AHS had their annual program this week The Spirit of America.  I have not gone to see it before this year.  It is a first rate program.  For being a school play/program it is very well done.  The program sets out the founding of America for religious freedom and starts with the pre-earth life and moves through the ages and years to the 1st vision of Joseph Smith.  It is a very good program.  They start the beginning with a tribute to the armed forces by singing all their songs and having veterans and military stand and sing their song.  It's moving and inspiring.  The 2nd graders learn songs and some recitations to sing and perform at the beginning of it.  There is a dress rehearsal during school which is when all the kids see the program, then it is performed on Friday morning for all those at Grandparents day to see, and then Friday night there was a performance.

My Dad actually came to participate in Grandparents Day.  I almost didn't ask him.  I thought of all the reasons my Dad could give of why he wouldn't want to come down and then even if he did agree to come down why he wouldn't like it and on and on.  But finally I just sent him an email and asked him to come.  I told him how much the kids would enjoy having him here and that I had already thought of all the reasons why he wouldn't want to come down but I still was giving him the opportunity and he could decide.  He agreed to come.  He showed up Friday morning about 7:40 am and took the kids to school.  He went to Rubie's class first where they did a craft.  Painting their foot to make a snowman out of their foot print, take a picture, and eat a treat.  I then had Eric go to Rubie's class and get grandpa to come to his class where Eric interviewed him then helped him get to the North Auditorium for the program.  I invited him to come in when he brought the kids home to have lunch with us but he declined saying he had to get home.  But he seemed genuine in saying that he really enjoyed the time with the kids and was glad that he came.  He thought the program was really well done.  It is kind of long and I thought that too.  As it does got close to 2 hours.  But he came.

Yesterday there was a baby shower for Chantel.  It was hosted by her cousin who lives in Bluffdale.  I took Rubie with me even though I know it's not that fun for her.  Cassie brought Heidi and Meja too.  The cousin's home was so beautiful and I know I shouldn't want so much, I try not to covet, or be sinful about it, but I would absolutely love that home or one similar.  I don't know if it's sinful or wrong of me to want a home so bad that is like that.  It's just that it was beautiful and big, but not too big and fancy.  It was comfortable, but really nice and just made for a family.  The shower was so nice.  We were there over 3 hours.  We had fun eating and visiting and talking about babies and things as Chantel opened the gifts.

Scott and the boys stayed here.  Eric spent the basically the whole day with Brock. He came while Eric was doing some chores and they played all day together.  He was here while we played games and had pizza and watched a movie as a family.  Sometimes I think he just wants to be here because of the family.  I think just Sophie was home with him all day.  I think sometimes Sophie doesn't want to have to be in charge of him all day, but his family isn't around.  And the kids do love him.  Samuel actually cuddled with him a couple times while watching the movie.

Devotional, Dance Festival

This is going to be a short entry.  I have a presidency meeting with the Laurel class to attend in a few minutes.  Then we will be going over to Dan and Brandee's to watch the SuperBowl or play and eat and visit or whatever.  And now that we have church at 11:00, the afternoon time is cut short.

This week was busy with going to the kids' school.  Tuesday I volunteered as usual in Mrs. Soderstrom's classroom.  Wednesday morning Sam and I went in to help the kids get in their costumes for their devotional dress rehearsal.  Thursday afternoon we attended Rubie's devotional.  Friday afternoon we were back at the school for the Dance Festival.  Both events were totally enjoyable.  I was so proud of Rubie during her devotional.  She was the first one in her class to have her part memorized.  She sat right next to "Joseph" and so assumed she was "Emma".  She looked beautiful and was right front and center on the stage.  She sang out and participated so well.  The devotional was about the founding of the Church and the Restoration of the gospel.

I was delighted with both Eric and Rubie during the dance festival.  Each of them were situated in the middle, front and center in the gym.  Rubie danced the Mexican Hat Dance.  Her partner was James Allen.  He is a handsome boy and with both of them having big smiles and dancing enthusiastically they were fun to watch.  Eric danced the Virginia Reel.  Another energetic and tiring dance.  He was partnered with cute Aubrey.  And Eric has that infectious smile that makes him so handsome.  He and Aubrey were fun to watch as well.