Sunday Blessings

I have been wanting to try a bible study with my kids for several years.  But something kept stopping me.  Fear that it would be to complicated for them.  That it would be like pulling teeth to get them to want to sit down and talk about Jesus or Heavenly Father.  I will admit, I am not the best role model when it comes to reading my scriptures, or saying family prayers or even my own private prayers.

Despite these fears I continued to bounce the idea around in my mind.  I know that Heavenly Father hears us even when we are not praying for help directly to him.  He knows what our hearts desire, and He points us in the direction that we should go to find what we are looking for.  And this desire of wanting to spend a little spiritual time with my kids was an easy thing for Him to help me with.

I found on the LDS Website some resources that I thought might work for us.

New Testament Stories Book

New Testament Stories Audio/Videos

Clip art (symbols) 

Music

So what I gathered first was binders for each kid.  I printed a picture of the scriptures from the Clip Art link I have listed above.  I put it on the cover of their binders.

Next I printed up the pages for the New Testament Stories book for Chapter 1.  We had listened to the introduction several months ago before summer.  So I felt that it would be OK to go straight to Chapter 1.  I 3 hole punched the pages.  

I sat the kids down and said we were going to do a short scripture lesson.  I was so surprised to find that both of them were very interested in doing this, and neither of them complained.  It was peaceful. My daughter gave a short little prayer. We listened to one of the songs on the link I have posted above.  I figured it is good to listen to those specific ones as those will be the ones that the kids need to learn for the Primary Program that usually happens in November.  Singing them at home would help to reinforce them.  I knew that my daughter would love to sing it, and would know most of the words, but I had no idea that my son would know the song so well.  He sung is little heart out.  Amazing.

 Then I reminded them of the lesson we had done back in May. They know a lot already about the pre-exsistance and how we all had a choice to either follow Lucifer or Jesus.  We had a little discussion about choices that we each make while on Earth.  Good choices and Bad choices.  Jesus came to Earth to help us be forgiven for those Bad Choices that we make.  So we were going to learn about Jesus. 

Then I handed them their sheets from Chapter 1 and told them they could color the pictures in and hightlight any words they want during the reading.  I then turned on the Audio/Video recording of the chapter and allowing them to listen; they were looking at the pictures and reading along.  We then discussed what we read.  They both were very engaged and eager to ask questions as well as answer mine.  

I am happy how it turned out.  I told them that each Sunday we would be doing this.  It is nice it is only 10 mins max of time.  I know it is not that much time...but I think at this point it needs to be short and sweet.  I wish I had learned about these links above sooner - as I am sure I would have tried to do this years ago.  But at the same time, I think it was revealed to me at this time and not sooner because I was ready to find it, and that my heart was open to it.

I am grateful that Heavenly Father listens to our hearts even when we don't know how to ask for help.

~Brenda

Power goes OUT!

So we have had several pretty strong storms come through this past summer.  Strong enough to take out the power a few times already.  Our luck ran out on this last one.  We had a huge pine tree fall on some power lines at the middle school near our home and took our block and several blocks of power.

I got the warning on my smart phone telling me that yet another strong storm was coming through.  I quickly told the kids to please turn off all the electronics; tvs, computers, xbox.  For some reason I felt this one was going to be bad, and I got the impression we might lose our power.  The kids quickly obeyed and we were all huddled in the living room watching the wind pick up.  Getting darker and darker, and then the wind getting stronger and stronger, then POW!  The loudest sound I have heard in a long time.  And then Silent.  And I don't mean it was just silent from the sound of the POW, I mean silent from the sound of electricity.  I could tell the power went out.  The kids were all kind of freaked out.  I tried to calm them and headed out side to see if I could see where the loud sound came from and several of my neighbors came out too.  We all had no idea where the sound came from.  Then several cars started driving down our street.  And more and more...tell it felt like we were on a busy busy street.  That is when I figured the main street just north of our street must be blocked and the police were redirecting traffic down our street.  We heard lots of fire trucks, and police car sirens. 

I called my husband to ask him where all the flashlights were stored, and to make sure he was ok working.  He is currently a bus driver and being out on the roads in a storm makes me nervous for him.  He kept reassuring me that the power would be back on in a few hours and that I did not need flashlights.  The sun does not set tell after 8pm.  I did not listen, something kept telling me to be prepared for your kids when bed time rolled around.  To late to look for flashlights when it is dark.

So I quickly found our emergency box and found flashlights.  Moved kids mattress to the living room to have a sleep over.  Bug was to scared to sleep down stairs in the pitch darkness. 

I pulled out spiral notebooks for the kids and they decorated them with stickers and then spent some time either writing or drawing pictures about what had happened.  I wanted them to use these notebooks as journals in the future as well. So we got our selves all snuggled down and tried to head to bed that first night.  It was still pretty cool in the house from the air conditioning running during the day.  It was a bit difficult not sleeping with a fan (for white noise) and the sound of the many cars driving down our street.

The next day the power was still not on.  We found many ways to entertain ourselves, and get chores done.   

We took a walk round the block to see where the tree had come down.  It was right on the corner of the school.   I did end up taking the kids to the mall later in the afternoon and then out to dinner because it was just to hot in the house.  The second night we moved all the mattresses down stairs into the basement where it was cooler.  Even moved our doggie Cloe down there too.  It was quieter down there too.  Getting the kids to bed that night was a bit easeir.  We read books by candle light after getting our chores done and putting on jammies.  At 10pm the power was returned.  Much to the joy of my husband.  LOL

I really did enjoy the slowness...with the power being out.  Kind of wish we didn't rely on it so much.

Teacher Thank You Gift

Public School is winding down and I have been searching the internet and Pintrest to see if I can find a cool but functional Thank You gift for Ladybug's Kindergarten teachers.  She has two so double the work but also double the cuteness.

I came across this one blog called Laura Kellys Inklings.  She had this really sweet handmade stationary idea. She does hers all by hand,.  To much work for me so instead I started to brain storm the idea of using free downloadable fonts and doodles.  I quickly began to search for what I was looking for and came across Kevin & Amanda fonts for peas.  They have so many amazing, and  adorable doodle I had to stop myself or I would have clicked and saved them all.  ALL So Super Uber Cute!  Got me brain storming ideas for other kinds of uses for them.

After saving the doodles and font I wanted to use I used word to make a template and added the name of each teacher and then added the doodle at the bottom of each page.  I got four on a 8x11 piece of paper. I then printed a master of each stationary, colored it in and printed them so I would not have to color each one separately.  I do love to doodle and color but not all 50 sheets.  Here are the 4 different doodles I picked out to put on the bottom of the stationary.  I think they turned out pretty cute.

Next week is the last week of school, but I might drop them off at the Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast this Thursday morning.  Have not decided yet.  

So, if you like this idea or want to try your hand at fonts and doodle on your computer click on the links I provided.  I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I did.  

Have a GREAT Day!~ Brenda

Light on the Trees

Thankful Day 30

I am thankful for the Holidays. All the different things to celebrate this time of year. It helps to get me through the colder, darker days of Winter. Knowing that there is something to look forward to doing this time of year, helps my mood.

Bug is very excited this year. I think we will have a very fun Christmas morning. Presents might have to wait to be put under the Christmas Tree until he is in bed (dreaming) on Christmas Eve. He might think it is OK to open them before hand.

I have many activities planned this coming month and hope to get the opportunity to post about them. I have been finding it difficult to find the time to blog and surf and check my emails with both kids. But I am trying to work out a system for myself so that I can get my much needed computer time fix! *LOL*

Thankful Day 29

I am thankful for my husband.
I don't often tell him that I am thankful for the things he tries to do for me.
In fact I have been a pretty crabby person lately. The pressure of caring for the kids and my duties of taking care of the home has made me a little bit grumpy. Well actually, a lot grumpy.

Bryan has been trying hard to give me help at night for feedings and Bug's night wakings. He also surprised me yesterday morning with the Christmas Tree put up for me this morning. I got to sleep in for a little bit (7:10am) before Lady Bug woke up crying for food. When I came out Bryan and Bug were working on getting the tree up for me. It was a nice surprise!

Thankful Day 28

I am thankful for sleeping babies.
I have had a rough few days with the kids. They have been waking each other up during the middle of the night, and Bug has been making it difficult for Lady Bug to take her naps during the day.

Right now, it is almost 9pm on Friday night, and the kids went down really easy tonight. 6:30pm for Lady Bug after her bath, and Bug at 7pm after we read 10 little stories about Christmas.

Since 7:15pm I have had the opportunity to check my emails (50+ in my inbox) and update christmas wish lists, and now blog a little. I am seriously going through withdrawls not being able to get on my computer more. SAD!

Thankful Day 27

I am thankful for my friend Alyson. For the past two years she has invited Bryan, Me and the kids to her house for Thanksgiving Dinner. It means a lot that we can hang out with her and her family on this day, since both Bryan's and my family live far away.

We had a wonderful dinner with Alyson's family, and Bug had a blast playing with the other kids. Lady Bug got tons and tons of attention. Alyson's brother in law commented on just how beautiful Lady Bug was~ her eyes. And Alyson's mother in law loved holding her. In fact Alyson's cousin wanted to hold her too. Lady Bug was having a blast.

The food was all so yummy! All the traditional stuff. It was the most food I have eaten since I was pregnant! *giggles*

So, Thank you Alyson for hosting Thanksgiving once again this year. It was fun.

Thankful Day 26

I am thankful for music. I love to listen to all kinds of different music, but my favorite is Christmas songs. I find myself humming them through out the year. Bryan usually will say something like "What! You are humming a Christmas song?!! It is not Christmas time silly!" I guess it will be ok to hum here pretty soon hu? :)

Thankful Day 25

I am thankful for the 4 seasons. It is nice to have the 4 different seasons. Helps to keep things not so boring.
The leaves are all gone now, and we are waiting for the first snow.

Thankful Day 24

I am thankful for Bug's Sunday school teachers.

Bug actually has had the opportunity to go into the Sunbeam class early. The change over usually happens the first Sunday in January, but the leaders in the Primary felt that Bug would benefit with the change sooner than later. So yesterday was Bug's first day in the Sunbeam class. (kids that are 3 turning 4)

I had to stay for Junior Primary's Sharing Time (the group lesson for the 4-7 year old), but he went into his classroom all by himself. I hope that next week he can do it all by himself. He was a typical 3 year old in the fact that he had a hard time sitting still, and he did run around the room one time. I was embarrassed but the teachers said it was OK, and that it was normal. I know this but it was still hard to watch him misbehaving. I guess I just wish he was more reserved, but this is NOT Bug. He is very active. He did really well considering. Music time was fun for him, and the kids are working on a song to sing during church in December called "Stars Were Gleaming". It was cute to watch the kids practicing. I plan on working on this song with Bug so that when he goes up to sing with the other kids he will know the song. Not sure if he will really sing, since it will be his first time up in front of the congrigation, but it will not hurt.

So I am thankful for the teachers in Primary. They were patient with my little boy. They helped me to not worry about him, and were excited to have him join their class early.

Thankful Day 23

I am thankful for my Crock Pot.
I can throw my ingredients in the thing and turn it on and head out to church. When I come home my home smells so yummy. Most of my work is all done. Sometimes I have to finish some stuff up but then I can enjoy my yummy food.

I got a few recipes from my sister that I am planning on using next month. Can't wait.

Thankful Day 22

I am thankful for my laminater! Well actually I LOVE my laminater!
I am working on laminating some Family Home Evening Kits that I am putting together for the FHE group I joined last month. I have 8 kits to put together. My theme is Noah's Ark, and I have been having fun finding clip art and lesson material to share with the ladies in the group.
I can't wait to see what the other ladies put together with their themes.
December 5th we meet to exchange our kits.

Thankful Day 21

I am thankful for the Bus system where I live. I love the fact that I have a bus stop only two houses down from me and it takes me down town to all the fun things that happen with in 10 minutes.

Today me and the kids took the bus down to Mobius. I was meeting up with my friend Renee' and her church playgroup. It was an adventure. I had Lady Bug in my Baby Bijorn carrer, and a back pack on my back. Bug walked along side me. He did so good! Walked right next to me the whole time, and didn't run all over the place. He has sure grown up! It makes my life easier and makes it more fun to go out with him.

I had several people stop to look at Lady Bug and comment on how cute she is.

Thankful Day 20

I am thankful for running water.

It is nice to turn on my kitchen faucet and wash my dishes in warm water. To wash my families clothes. I also love giving my kids their baths at the end of each day. It is a fun activity that we enjoy each night to help them settle down from the day.

Thankful Day 19

I am thankful for modern medicine.

I am grateful for the ER doctor who diagnosed the Pulmonary Embolism, and all the technicians who did the testings (i.e. chest x-ray, ultrasound, MRI, blood work). With out them I would probably not be here right now.

I am still in shock over having the Pulmonary Embolism. It is a very serious thing, but I have some good doctors who are helping me. Weekly blood checks are still being done, but my doctor promises that will change to every two weeks, and then maybe once a month. We will see.

Thankful Day 18

I am thankful for Eternal Families.

November 18, 2006 Bug was sealed to Bryan and Me in the Spokane LDS Temple.

It was the most beautiful ceremony.

Even though Bug cried the whole time.

We arrived an hour before the ceremony. Met with the Temple President. Showed him all the adoption paper work, and our family history information.

Then Bug went with some friends tell it was time for him to come into the sealing room. Our friends got Bug dressed in his white jumper. Bryan and I got dressed in our white temple clothes, and headed to the Sealing room. The room was filled with all of our friends who had been with us during the long journey to become a family.

Then Bug was brought into the room. He was very quite. He didn't recognize us at first wearing our temple clothes, but once he did he cried and climbed into our arms.

We kneeled around the alter in the middle of the room and held hands. Bugs hand was placed upon Bryan and my hands, and the Sealer said a few words and pronounced us a Family.

It was a very quick ceremony but a very meaningful one.

We are stuck with each other for all eternity.

You can watch a short video of pictures inside of several Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Temples. Enjoy.

Thankful Day 17

My Family.

Thankful Day 16

I am thankful for pictures of family members and friends.

My sister recently sent me several pictures that she had taken about 7 years ago. It had been a very long time since I had looked at these pictures. In fact, I didn't remember taking these pictures or having them taken of me.

I also, from time to time go back and look at Bug's baby pictures, and I am shocked at how tiny he was. I don't remember this time to well in my mind. The pictures help to keep things fresh in my mind.

Thankful Day 15

I am thankful for kid shows.
Educational shows that is.
Bug learned how to do sign language by watching Signing Time, and he also learned his alphabet by watching The Letter Factory.
And come to think of it, he learned how to count to 20 by watching Richard Scary's Best Counting Video Ever.
They kept his attention and he learned something in the process.
Plus, it gave me a few minutes to get some chores done.