Creativity and Compassion

I loved Pres. Uchtdorf's talk at the R.S. broadcast tonight. He talked about having joy - Godly happiness. In order to have real joy, we have to emulate the kind of happiness Heavenly Father has. He is a God of creation and compassion, therefore when we are creative and compassionate, we feel true joy. This really hit home for me. He talked about our desire to create, to make things that have not existed before. As women, motherhood is our most important creative role, but he also talked about beautifying our surroundings through things we create. It is important to develop our talents and creativity because in doing so, we are becoming more like our Father in Heaven.
Our compassion can be an answer to someone's prayer. The best way to allieviate the pain of our own burdens is to help lift someone else's. Serving will heal our hearts.

If we ever feel a lack of joy in our lives, we can focus on these two aspects of Heavenly Father's nature. Be creative and compassionate!

Call for Sabbath Activities

Another peaceful "Day of Rest" at the Hammond Home...

I woke up this fine Sunday morning to children playing the Wii and fighting over it. I promptly had them shut it off. They then decided to do "big shoe races" in which each child must wear a pair of their parents' shoes and then race around the house (where do they come up with this stuff?). Needless to say, this lasted but a moment before fighting once again ensued due to claims of cheating, etc. Next on the agenda... a punch out championship between the boys while Marinne pouts in her room. I would like you, the reader, to provide some creative ideas for Sabbath activities other than the ones my kids came up with today. Thanks!

First Day of Preschool

There is some unwritten law that once children reach school age, they cannot smile naturally for photos anymore. They must instead paste on a fake, awkward smile for every picture taken during their elementary school existence!



James is in his Aunt Libby's preschool (is that one word?) again this year. That means for a few hours on Mon., Wed., Fri., I have no children. I am trying to soak this up because come November I will have a newborn in need of constant attention! James was so funny about getting his picture taken on his first day of preschool. He reminded me every two minutes that morning... "Make sure you take my picture, Mom."