Eric's talk, Warmer Weather

Eric gave such a nice talk in Primary on Sunday.

Eric’s talk 2/28/16

The Scriptures Teach of Heavenly Father’s Plan

The past couple of weeks in our family scripture reading, we have been reading about Abinadi teaching the people of King Noah about Heavenly Father’s Plan.  The people are wicked and Heavenly Father wanted Abinadi to tell them to repent.  King Noah and his priests got mad at Abinadi for teaching this and threatened him.  He was probably scared, but he obeyed Heavenly Father anyway and kept on preaching. 

Part of following Heavenly Father’s plan is learning to be obedient on earth even when we are scared, or anxious, or just don’t want to. 

One time my friend and I were playing video games.  We played a game that my parents have told me not to play because of the rating of violence.  I played it anyway.  I felt scared and ashamed but I told my mom anyway that I played it.  I was so scared she was going to be super mad and I would get punished.  She didn’t get mad.  She was happier that I was honest and told her that I had played the game.  The worst punishment came from the guilt I felt.  I did get grounded from the friend for a day or two.  But that was ok. 

The next time I was at that friend’s house and he wanted to play that game with another friend on-line.  Even though he knew I couldn’t play the game, he said he had to play it.  He said I could stay and watch or leave.  So I left.  It did make me feel bad that he would choose to play the game over hanging out with me.  But I felt good that I was obedient to my parents.  I know Heavenly Father was proud of me too.

Abinadi has taught me that I can be obedient even in scary situations.  And by scary I mean my friends choosing to play a video game over hanging out with me.

Abinadi is an example of making a good choice, the best choice even if it’s hard to do.  And that is part of Heavenly Father’s Plan.

I bear my testimony that Heavenly Father is true and He is the almighty God.  And I know that I have agency and I can choose whether to disobey my parents or not.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

He delivered it so well.  I am so proud of the young man that he is.  I really appreciate how much effort he puts into his school work, karate, guitar, scouts, being obedient, a good and loyal friend, and doing what is right.

The kids did not have school on Friday.  We played outside for awhile the morning.  The weather has finally turned so we are passed winter cold.  We have seen sunshine and warmer temps.  What a difference this has made in my mode and overall feeling.  I didn't realize I was so prone to be affected by cold weather and gray skies, and inversions.  But I really think I was negatively affected.  I wanted to do something fun with the kids, Scott had drill all weekend so we went to visit Mandy and her family.  I love their neighborhood for all the kids and families out.  Mandy is doing great.  They finished off their basement and continue to make improvements on their beautiful home.  All the kids really love playing there and Mandy is always good for my soul.

Saturday Sarah invited Eric to spend the night.  She wanted him to stay all day Sunday and have us all come for dinner, but I didn't want Eric to miss the opportunity to give a talk in Church.  Also, with our late church and being a school night I try not to be gone too much.  In the summer, that will be different.

It is a beautiful day again today.  Rubie is home sick.  But Sam wanted to go to the Discovery Park so bad and we have Ezra here.  So I took all of them to the park.  Now Rubie and Ezra are sleeping.  Sam is watching a show.  I worked on some of the Sunday School lesson but started to fall asleep and so I needed something that would keep me awake.

Oh, in Church on Sunday we got a new bishopric.  Bishop Sanders with Counselors Jim Jenkins and Dave Morton were released.  The new bishop is Tom Fox with counselors Jason Huddleston and Darren Knight.  I have sure loved this Bishop and bishopric.  I really appreciate their service, testimonies, challenges, and love and support.

Answered Prayers

So what has happened the last few weeks?  Mostly just life.  We are busy through the week with school, homework, karate, scouts, etc.  Eric did have to get a spacer in his mouth which has caused some adjustment on his part.  He is not supposed to eat gummy candies and he is recognizing that there are so many candies he should not eat.  Between that and Rubie going to a therapeutic program with diet restrictions, we might get a little healthier around here.  During parent/teacher conferences a couple weeks ago, Mrs. Bingham again brought up us seeking some professional help for Rubie to help her with her lack of focus.  Of course Mrs. Bingham cannot tell us what to do like see a doctor or suggest medication, but she has seen how medication can help.  I don't really feel like medication is the best option because then she will need it maybe the rest of her life and what are the side-effects.  I'm not opposed completely to it, I just want to try something else first.  Earlier in the year I visited some of the therapists around town.  I felt good about one particular program, it was more than just seeing a therapist, but they couldn't really give me much idea of how they would really help Rubie or what her issue could be and the amount of treatment is open-ended.  With insurance not really paying for it I was really hesitant and had a serious talk with Rubie.  She has done a little better, especially because she is aware that she needs to concentrate on focusing.  Her focusing is bad at school but at home, it causes contention and behavior issues, especially between me and her and it takes so much of my energy and attention.  Well, after our talk with Mrs. Bingham I was searching on-line and found Brain Balance.  They happen to have a center right here in PG.  It is an intense program and their 1 term of 36 sessions costs as much as a year tuition at AHS.  The idea is that some brains, the different halves have developed at a different rate, or the connections between them have not developed as they should.  Through different physical activities, one-on-one work, and learning, etc. the connections are built and the person is taught how to use those new connections.  The testimonials are overwhelmingly amazing.  This sounds just like what she needs.  Rubie of course would be on the low-end of the spectrum of the kinds of kids that they work with.  But I don't want her to struggle her way through school.  I want her to be able to take advantage of all opportunities and experiences that come her way.  I don't want her self-esteem to suffer because of this.  If this is right for Rubie and our family, the Lord will provide a way financially for us to pay for Brain Balance and AHS.

Already I know that because Sunday Scott and I fasted that financially a way would be made.  Of course I have thought about what I could do to contribute.  While serving in the lunchroom yesterday, the lunch lady, Brooke, asked if I would be interested in her job next year.  I did not even realize it was a job, I thought it was a volunteer position.  She only gets paid $10/hour, and it requires about 2 hours a day.  But the biggest benefit is a tuition credit.  One student gets to attend AHS and we don't get charged.  I would be working for the tuition.  The hours and commitment would be right and I could make it work.  It just isn't certain yet because her son has not made up his mind.  But it was a direct answer to our prayer and fasting that the Lord is aware of our prayers and hears and is going to help provide a solution.

Grandparents Day and Spirit of America Speaks performance

Today was Grandparents Day at AHS.  Eric and Rubie came home with invitations so we sent them to Grandma Jeppson.  She was planning on coming and things were working out well for that.  Cassie was able to work from home today and so Grandma didn't have to worry about Ben and Cassie's children.  But then the weather has been cold and snowy all week.  It was snowing early this morning and Grandma was worried about the drive.  Somehow she convinced Grandpa to come and join her.  Yeah!  Just in case no grandparents were able to show up for the kids I planned on Sam and I going to the school.  I also knew it would be better for Sam to sit through the performance of the program in the morning versus the evening.  Maybe.  It just depends on how tired he got.  The 3rd and 2nd graders sing a couple of songs at the beginning of the program and so it is required of them to be there during the matinee performance and the evening performance.  I dropped Eric and Rubie off at the front door.  Grandma and Grandpa were already inside waiting by their classrooms.  Then Sam and I had to navigate through the snowy crowded parking lot.  We made it in after the classes had started.  I went into Rubie's class first and then into Eric's.  Sam did better in Rubie's classroom because the kids and grandparents were working together on a questionnaire.  Grandma was with Rubie in her class.  Grandpa went with Eric and in his class they were taking the time to have the grandparents or other guest introduce themselves and share what they remember about being in 3rd grade.  That was cute.  I had a brilliant idea to take headphones so Samuel could watch shows on my phone as needed.  After a while in Rubie's classroom he needed to do that.  Then we were excused to go to the Patriotic Program.  Dad was already in the auditorium and had some chairs saved close to the front.  Sam wanted to sit at the top row of the bleachers.  That was a great idea for him and soon other families with small children came to the top as well.  He watched and listened to some of the program sporadically, but mostly he had on the headphones with the phone.  Other kids and parents were jealous that I had that.  It allowed me to enjoy and catch almost all the program.  After the program the we could take the children home.  Since the weather was beautiful and sunny mom and dad agreed to have lunch with us.  Where to go was an issue because Sam had a lot of energy.  They agreed to go to Chick-fil-a.  We had the reading vouchers for a free cookie or ice-cream cone.  They also have a play place, and it is better than McDonald's.  The downer was that it was SUPER crowded and we had to wait for a table after we had our food.  Even then it was crowded and noisy.  But ok.  Dad was a super good sport today, and so was everyone else and that made it special and enjoyable.  Hopefully tonight Scott will be able to attend the evening performance.  Otherwise I'll just drop Eric and Rubie off and go do something with Sam.

Cousins Come to Stay

This past week we had Andy and Beth's little boys here for half the week.  Beth's brother got married in San Diego.  Andy and Beth decided to make a trip of it and asked if we would take their kids.  I agreed but did ask if there was anyone that could watch them Wednesday night to Thursday.  I was worried about sleeping arrangements and getting Eric and Rubie ready for school and homework and dinner and bedtime.  They said they didn't have anyone else so they brought them here Wednesday night and came to get them Sunday night.  Scott worked and then had drill so he was here just a little bit in the evening.  It was exhausting taking care of everyone.  I felt like I was always in the kitchen.  It was a race to see what we could do between snacks and meals.  Their baby, Reed sleeps very well.  I was able to put him to bed between 7-8 and not get him up until 7-8 in the a.m.  But Isaac just goes and goes, right along with Sam.  They are pretty funny together.  Isaac is definitely not as rough as Sam.  But he also isn't as easy going.  They really seemed to enjoy each other.  I did not attempt church as we had Stake Conference and with Scott gone, that would have been miserable.  Instead I made us all play in the snow in the back yard.  Eric actually went over to the Jarvis' on Saturday night and ended up spending the night.  That was super fun for him.  I want a break from cooking and cleaning.  But that will never happen.

Rubie had a Native American day celebration and got to dress up in native american costume on Friday.  Of course she loved that.  To add to the craziness, Camden came over Thursday to play.  Things were find until I needed to do homework with Eric and Rubie and then Sam and Isaac were CRAZY!  I couldn't get them to be calm.  They just wanted to jump all over furniture and throw balls and made it difficult to get reading and homework in,  There was also an AHS parent meeting that Scott had to attend that night.  So he really was gone a lot.  I put Reed in Eric's room and had Eric sleep in Scott's bed.  I put a little mattress on the floor of Rubie's room for Isaac.  She was annoyed because he just wanted to talk to her and ask her about all the stuff in her room and kept her from going to sleep.  Eric and Rubie were good sports about it and thought Isaac and especially Reed were cute and did try to play with them.

Well, on to more cooking and cleaning up for and after the family.  Why can't I enjoy that more?

Science and class projects

We had a couple science projects to do recently.  For Eric we had the Body Project.  He brought home an outline of a small body and had to pick 4 systems to illustrate and label in the body.  We spent the better part of a Saturday working on this.  But I totally enjoyed doing it with him.  Rubie had to construct a volcano.  I had Scott help with this one by getting some insulation foam and then taking it out to the driveway to spray it.  Then I helped her by putting it in a box lid and painting it.  Then I went to her science class to help out with the eruptions.  I like doing these projects with the kids even though they can add stress.  So far the teachers give us plenty of time to do the assignments and so it is just a matter of having the materials and planning time to do it.

Rubie's talk

Rubie gave this talk in primary a couple weeks ago.  She delivered it so well.  She spoke clearly and confidently.  I also enjoyed writing this talk with her as we discussed the scriptures, her experiences, and her testimony.                

Rubie’s talk, 1/10/16

Nephi testified that the scriptures are the word of God.  2 Nephi 32:3 says, “Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost, wherefore, they speak the words of Christ.  Wherefore, I said unto you feast upon the words of Christ for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.”

In this scripture Nephi teaches us to feast or really study the words of Christ, because the words of Christ will always help us to know how to choose to act.

For the past couple of weeks my family and I have been reading King Benjamin’s speech in the Book of Mormon, that he gave before he died.  King Benjamin was a good example of making right choices based on the gospel.  He wanted to help his people understand that. 

Some of the things that King Benjamin taught his people were that you should serve each other, and that when you are serving other people, you are really serving God.  King Benjamin said that we should give to the poor and needy and take really good care of them.  King Benjamin also taught that leaders serve their people and should work with them and for them.  King Benjamin taught his people and us about Jesus Christ and said that we should look to Christ to help us change and become better.

At the end of his speech King Benjamin asked his people what they thought and felt about his words.  They said they believed everything that King Benjamin taught and that they had no more desire to sin.

Last week in primary, my new primary teacher gave me a CTR ring.  I was super excited about this and wanted to wear it every day to help me remember to make right choices.  I know the choices I should make because I am reading the scriptures every day.  The ring just helps me remember in certain moments to make those choices I already know are right.

I know the scriptures are true and are the word of God.  I know they will help me know more about Jesus.  I believe that President Monson is the true prophet.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

New Year 2016, Eric turns 9

We had a wonderful Christmas Break.  After spending Christmas Day at home playing with new toys and the new XBox, we went to Dan and Brandee's along with Andy and Beth for a dinner and gift exchange.  It was casual and low-key and nice.  That next week the kids played in the snow a lot.  We went sledding down at The Pit, played in the snow in our yard.  Went ice-skating one day at The Peaks ice arena, and on New Year's Eve I was determined to go snow shoeing and so at 3 in the afternoon I kicked out all the neighborhood kids that were here playing and made my family go up AF canyon to Tibble Fork.  Eric was so mad about me making his friends leave and stop playing the XBox that he would not get out of the car.  Since we only had an hour anyway I didn't fight him and let him sit in the car and freeze.  Scott towed the Chariot along but Samuel refused to sit in it.  Instead he wanted to hike and have an adventure with me.  He is so great!  He made it really fun.  But of course Scott got ahead of us on the way back and the only way I could get Samuel to turn around was to carry him all the way back.  Yipee :(.  That evening we went to Dan and Brandee's again, Andy and Beth joined.  We had dinner and played some games while the kids played too.  We also joined the kids on the XBox to play Just Dance and Rock Band.  Of course that was hilarious.

Eric's birthday then came up.  He turned 9!!  Wow!  Last year with Scott being unemployed he did not get much of a party, oh well, I guess that the party was the baptism celebration.  But this year he wanted to have a party at Jump On It.  We let him invite 9 friends.  He invited some from the ward Brock, McKade, and Logan Fox who was here visiting, some from school Tyson and Owen, and some other friends Reid, Max, and Noah, and then Sam and Rubie.  They got to jump and play for 2 hours and then we had a table where we had pizza and birthday cake.  It was super fun for all the kids and a great party.  On New Year's Day mom and dad came down to go to lunch with us at Chuck A Rama and gave Eric a nice birthday gift of Star Wars Legos.  One set was not even supposed to be out on the shelf yet, but someone shelved it and mom got it.  He got lots of fun stuff from his friends.  We gave him a music stand that he has been wanting and a wall hook to hang his guitar on.

A bit about Eric:

I am so impressed and proud of the young man that Eric is.  He works hard at doing well in school and at making right choices.  He is liked by all his classmates and friends.  On a poster that his classmates signed they all wrote that Eric is their best friend, he makes them laugh, he is nice.  It makes me happy that he cares about being kind and being a good friend to all.  He has lots of lost teeth right now and has a cute Jack o' Lantern smile.  He cares about doing well in school.  He wakes up each school day and practices his guitar before school.  I am happy with the progress that he is making.  He works hard at karate and really wants to join the Black Belt/leadership program.  We will get him into that either this summer or next school year.  He loves cub scouts and it is a highlight of his week.  Since he turned 9 and joined the Bears Den, they meet with the Den in the 8th ward for now since there is just he and McKade Wallace in the Den.  I actually wish they would keep meeting with the 8th ward.  It's nice for him to get to know those boys also.  There is a lot of kids in the 8th ward that could be great playmates for him.  They all just live a couple streets up from us but we don't know them because we don't go to Grovecrest.  Eric is obedient and does what he is asked and sometimes without even being asked.  He likes to keep his room picked up and will help pick up in the rest of the house sometimes.  His friends are super important to him and he loves having time to spend with them.  That motivates him to get his work done so he has time to be with his friends.  He is a good brother and has shown some real patience with Sam.  Sam really looks up to Eric and wants to be like him.  The other morning when we dropped the kids off at school Samuel with no prompting from me said, "Eric is really cool guy.  I want to be a guy like Eric."  I was so proud of both of my boys at that moment.  He and Rubie still have their tense moments but they can also be good playmates and they and their friends will often play together.  Eric does like to tease Rubie and she can be mean to him.  But they are friends.  He did have a bit of a hard time the first few days of school.  Mrs. DeSoto passed away over the break.  Their new teacher is Rachelle Glines.  She has been the 3rd grade aide this year so the kids know her.  She is fantastic!  But that was still emotional.  Then with scouts changing to meet with the 8th ward, they meet on Wednesday instead of Tuesday, so we had to make some changes with karate and scouts.  The schedule change was a little hard on him at first, but then after going to the Tuesday karate class, and the scout Den he was happy.  It has affected Brock as Eric is not in the scout Den or karate class on Wednesday. But we are ok now.

I took Eric to Mrs. DeSoto's funeral/memorial service on Saturday.  It was a super nice service.  So much was shared about Penny DeSoto.  She was an amazing woman and I'm very pleased that we got to have her as Eric's teacher even if so briefly.

We are really happy with Mrs. Glines.  She actually suits Eric's learning style better than Mrs. DeSoto.  She has not actually ever taught a class but has been an aide and actually has implemented so many good practices and procedures.  I was a little worried that some things might fall through the cracks like the math learning or something.  But not so!  She is actually insisting on the kids memorizing their math facts even more than Mrs. DeSoto did and Eric is super motivated.  We implemented a flashcard practice with earning a penny for correct answers at first glance.  Something Mrs. Glines husband did with her sons.  It is working.  Eric has a lot of work to do, thus I have work to do too to help him.

Eric's class had a field trip last week to the Peaks Ice Arena.  I went along and we had so much fun.  They read the book Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates.  After ice-skating back at the school they had hot chocolate and Dutch Waffles.  This was as a celebration for the book.  When we went ice skating during the Christmas Break the ice arena was SUPER crowded.  It was hard to get around the ice and there was a huge wait list for the walkers.  So I supported Sam in my arms trying to get him to skate around the ice.  It was really hard work.  This time it was just the 3rd grades from AHS.  I really enjoyed it.  I skated a lot with Eric and even took turns with some of his friends.  The kids were good to share around the walkers with those that wanted or needed them.  Eric actually found it easier to skate without one.

Eric and Rubie were off school today and then Monday also for Human Rights/Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  Rubie is at Brooklyn Sivert's birthday party at Classic Skating right now, and has a birthday party to attend tomorrow too for Abbie Olsen in our ward.