A Good Reminder

The other night when I couldn't sleep, I came across a talk by Neal A. Maxwell. It was a good reminder of the characteristics we should be developing.

He says,

"We are to be:

• Meek and Humble - those who shine as lights in the world have no need to seek the spotlight! The world's spotlights are not only fleeting, but they employ inferior light!
• Patient- not hectic, hurried, pushy.
• Full of Love - not demanding, dominating manipulative, condescending, or harsh.
• Gentle -not coarse.
• Easily Entreated - not unapproachable, inaccessible, and nonlistening.
• Long-suffering - not impatient, disinterested, curt, easily offended.
• Submissive to God - not resistant to the Spirit, counsel, and life's lessons.
• Temperate - not egoistic, eager for attention and recognition.
• Merciful - not judgemental and unforgiving.
• Gracious - not tactless, easily irritated, ungenerous.
• Holy - not worldly."

I think I should post these words somewhere in the house, so I can remember how I should be!

Copy Cat

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” -Dr. Seuss

A Story About Honesty

Yesterday Mr G.(Blake's teacher) recognized Blake and one other student for being the only two in the class to receive 100% on the math test. He made a big deal over it and gave them each a special award in front of the class. As Blake looked over his test, he realized that he had actually missed one of the problems, but the teacher hadn't marked it wrong. He raised his hand and told the teacher that he really didn't get them all correct.

Mr. G sent a note home telling us how impressed he was with Blake's honesty.

It's a great feeling to know he is choosing the right, even when it's hard! He was also selected as Student of the Month for August!

Marinne for Secretary!!!

Marinne ran for secretary of her school and won! She held up a T.V. frame and gave a cute commercial for her speech. A lot of kids just read their speeches, but she had hers memorized, and did a great job! A few of her good friends were also elected, so they will have fun!
This is the principal congratulating her at flag ceremony.
This will be a good experience for her, and we think she's awesome!

"Funky Lunches"

I came across a website called "Funky Lunches" where they show creative sandwiches such as these:

This goes above and beyond cutting the crust off your kids' bread (which I don't agree with, BTW). Sure, these are cute, but who on earth has time for this? This is the statement on their site:

We hope to produce a book of our Funky Lunches to show you how to create them and how to incorporate new foods into your childs meal by distracting them from what they are actually eating.

Sorry, but I think parents should teach their kids to eat what they are given, even if it doesn't look like the latest cartoon character. Why do children need to be tricked into eating?What happened to the PARENT being in charge? Who's running the house if parents make alternate meals for the child who doesn't like what's for dinner? I guess I'm just venting because I feel strongly about teaching my children to be grateful for what they receive. I don't want my kids to be the ones that say they don't like something before they even try it.

Maybe I'm a "mean" mom, but my kids will continue to get regular shaped sandwiches in their lunches (crust included), vegetables on their plates, and the same meals as mom and dad.

O.K., I feel better now that I've gotten that off my chest! All that sparked by a picture of a "Funky Lunch"!

Pillow Covers

Just another nerdy project of mine... My cute little sister Natalli just got married, and I made her a throw pillow with a different cover for each season/holiday. I just made envelope style covers, so they are easy to change (and simple to sew).

The Birthday Weekend

We had a carnival theme birthday party for James and his friends on Saturday. Aunt Bethany made the cake and even painted faces. Thanks, sister! Wow, birthday parties with small children require a lot of energy!!! I think everyone had fun, so it was worth it! We went to the

D -Backs game on Friday as a family, then James opened his presents from us that night. He also got to open presents at grandma's on Sunday, so his birthday was celebrated all weekend! He's a great kid!