Week 2: What has been the biggest trial in your life so far? How did you overcome it and what did you learn?
I can only think of a few major challenges in my life. I feel very blessed to have not been bombarded with some of the struggles I see many of my friends dealing with. I can think of a few that have been real humdingers though. I can think of my miscarriages, Job change for James, Deciding to Homeschool, and Selling our Home.
Okay, so I look at these and think I am a bit of a wimp because now these don't seem as horrific as they were when I was going through them. That's a nice piece of perspective pie for ya! I discussed my trials with my miscarriages here and I won't rehash it all out. I really learned one very important thing from that long, 3 year experience...LOVE your children in every moment. This has really changed my perspective on being a mother and I am a little sad it took be this long to figure it out, but I am grateful I finally did. I love my children so much and I am really trying to enjoy these mini moments I get each day and live in them, and not just watch them. I am important to them, and they are important to me.
Now, the one with James' job change wasn't a huge trial for me personally, but it was definitely a trial of my faith. James' job had been a bit demanding and they were not willing to give him the raise he definitely deserved. He was offered a job elsewhere. we prayed long and hard over whether or not he should leave his current employment and move forward with this other company. Every prayer, temple visit and fast came back with nothing. Silence was on the other end of the Heavenly phone line. Finally I told James to just make a decision and I would trust him because I wasn't getting anything...not a no, not a yes, not an anything. We took the leap of faith and he worked both jobs for two weeks and then he moved to this other company. To put it lightly things at this place of employment STUNK! He was teased and ridiculed for his beliefs (the owner was an inactive member of our ward, that was a shocker to us!) and was treated as if he were incompetent. We couldn't understand this. Why would they seek him out and then treat him like garbage? James is an amazing man and he was determined to stick it out. A few weeks later his other job called and begged him to come back! He didn't have to go through a re-hire or anything, basically just pick up where he left off! We took it, along with the significant raise they gave him to get him back. I can only look back on this experience and think of the different things we learned. We learned to take a leap, we learned that we are strong, that good things come to those who wait and we learned that the Lord puts us where He needs us. Shortly after James left the other company the owner got in touch with his Home Teachers and started accepting their visits. Sadly, the gentleman died not too long after. We pray that James' example helped to soften his heart.
Deciding to homeschool our oldest son was one of the hardest decisions ever, but at the same time, it wasn't a tough decision at all. Kindergarten is supposed to be a wonderful year. It is your first experience with real school! The start to Alex's year was amazing. He had a long term substitute that will one day become the patron saint of kindergarten teachers! She was amazing! She guided Alex through his first semester of kindergarten with love and encouragement. The second semester his regular teacher returned from maternity leave and something changed. Don't get me wrong, she is a very sweet lady with a big heart, but something changed in my sweet boy and he became very unhappy/ I spent a lot of time on my knees and in that classroom trying to figure out what was going on. I will never know all that happened that last semester, but I knew enough to know that my child didn't like school anymore. Alex was a trooper and he wanted to like school, but his spirit kept dimming. One day, during the last two weeks of school Alex came home and asked me if I could teach him at home. I was shocked! I had contemplated it and discussed it with James, but never with Alex. I knew what I had to do and it scared me to death. It still scares me every single day. I needed to teach Alex at home. We decided to finish out the school year and I would formally withdraw him from school in the summer. This decision has shaped our entire lives since that day. I remember a dream I had the Spring before Alex started kindergarten. I dreamed that President Monson stood up in General Conference and instructed all parents to teach their children at home because the world had become full of wickedness. It was a very vivid dream and I tried to laugh it off. Maybe it was inspiration for me? I'm not sure, but right now I know this is what I am supposed to be doing. Honestly there are days I hate it! It is a lot of work and responsibility, and don't get me wrong, Alex deserves the best, but I usually don't feel that I am the best. I am learning and growing every single day. My limits are tested and I know I can be great and my children are amazing.
The last one is selling our house. This is going on right now and I HATE it! I am not patient and I am not organized and tidy. These are key elements to successfully selling a home without losing your mind, and let me tell you...I'm losing my marbles most days. I will update on what I will learn from this. So far I have learned that I can clean a house like no other! My dog thinks it is time to ride in the car every time I pull the vacuum out and that I can't control everything, no matter how hard I try. This is obviously a learning experience on many levels and I just hope I learn this stuff soon so that I can move on.
So this is ME!
Monday, January 21, 2013
Monday, January 14, 2013
This is ME Challenge
Okay, so I have decided to take on the This is ME Challenge. My goal is that every Monday I will take a few minutes and talk about ME! If my best friend can take 10 minutes out of her BUSY missionary schedule to write to me and her family, I can find 10 minutes to write my personal history. My blog will be how I record my personal history I don't have journals and stuff from my ancestors (at least not that I have found) and I want my posterity to know about me, and maybe they will think that a little strange runs in the family. I will be going off of this site I found on Pinterest. Join me in writing your own history!
Week 1 Record Your Testimony, and How You Gained It
Well, honestly a testimony is an ever changing thing! I can't think of when I received my testimony of our Lord and Savior. I always knew He was there and that He loved me. I know that there have been different times in my life where certain aspects of my faith have been tested and proven to me as gospel truths. I know that the power of tithing is amazing. There have been a number of times when somehow, we would just make it. And honestly, the weeks we skipped paying tithing and we made it up on the next paycheck, things were harder and we struggled as a couple and as a family. I know the power of the Holy Ghost and as a Sister in Zion as I have listened and followed promptings that led me to helping a friend. Even if it was just with a phone call or a meal, I knew without a doubt that I was on the Lord's errand. My testimony of Joseph Smith was cemented in while on a youth trip to Nauvoo the summer after my senior year in high school. My testimony of prayer is unshakable as I have had so many accounts I can't even count. I especially know of my Savior's and Heavenly Father's love for me as his child. I shared a story here and it literally changed my life forever. I know I didn't "join the church" for the right reasons. I joined the Church because I NEEDED standards to live by and I wanted guidance. It really was my "rebellious act" as a pre-teen and I know my life has changed for the good because of it, and I know it has affected my family for generations to come.
I was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on October 9, 1999 in the Sparks, NV Stake. Almost one month before my 14th birthday. I was surrounded by friends and my step-father's mother. My bishop, Tom Stauss baptized me and confirmed me the next day. I was scared, but excited at the same time. Some of my family was definitely not keen on the idea of me becoming a Mormon, but I knew I needed to be there. I definitely have come a long way since that day, and I know that as long as I am willing, I will continue to progress and become the woman and mother my Heavenly Father has designed for me to become.
Week 1 Record Your Testimony, and How You Gained It
Well, honestly a testimony is an ever changing thing! I can't think of when I received my testimony of our Lord and Savior. I always knew He was there and that He loved me. I know that there have been different times in my life where certain aspects of my faith have been tested and proven to me as gospel truths. I know that the power of tithing is amazing. There have been a number of times when somehow, we would just make it. And honestly, the weeks we skipped paying tithing and we made it up on the next paycheck, things were harder and we struggled as a couple and as a family. I know the power of the Holy Ghost and as a Sister in Zion as I have listened and followed promptings that led me to helping a friend. Even if it was just with a phone call or a meal, I knew without a doubt that I was on the Lord's errand. My testimony of Joseph Smith was cemented in while on a youth trip to Nauvoo the summer after my senior year in high school. My testimony of prayer is unshakable as I have had so many accounts I can't even count. I especially know of my Savior's and Heavenly Father's love for me as his child. I shared a story here and it literally changed my life forever. I know I didn't "join the church" for the right reasons. I joined the Church because I NEEDED standards to live by and I wanted guidance. It really was my "rebellious act" as a pre-teen and I know my life has changed for the good because of it, and I know it has affected my family for generations to come.
I was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on October 9, 1999 in the Sparks, NV Stake. Almost one month before my 14th birthday. I was surrounded by friends and my step-father's mother. My bishop, Tom Stauss baptized me and confirmed me the next day. I was scared, but excited at the same time. Some of my family was definitely not keen on the idea of me becoming a Mormon, but I knew I needed to be there. I definitely have come a long way since that day, and I know that as long as I am willing, I will continue to progress and become the woman and mother my Heavenly Father has designed for me to become.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
A New Year...Nothing New
Okay so I have been trying to figure out what I can talk about in my blog lately and everything I would think of, would not come to fruition, so I am determined tonight to sit down and type until something comes out. I am quite proud of myself as it is just after 10:00 and the kitchen is tidy, dishwasher running, bread maker prepped, laundry drying, and clothes are laid out for tomorrow. There are days when I look at myself and I am proud to be me. I feel like I have accomplished something and I might have it together (in a weird, discombobulated sort of way). Then there are days like yesterday where I can barely hold it together, I am ready to pull my hair out, I lose my patience with my kids, I wanna cry and I'm not sure if I wanna get up tomorrow because of the mountain of dishes I know will be there to greet me first thing in the morning. I want more days like today, but I'm not sure how to make more days like today. The biggest difference between the two days is the amount of "things" that had to get done. So, how do I make days with less stuff? Any suggestions? I know that planning ahead would help some, and I am working on it. I am also working on the word "NO" and I am getting better, but there are times I still can't do it. So tomorrow I will try harder to stay focused, and to get it done. This is a goal I often set monthly, weekly, daily....you know what I mean. Maybe one day I will get it right, or maybe I won't and this will constantly be my struggle. I'm not sure, but I know I can handle it and either my kids will learn how to juggle responsibilities, or learn how to keep it simple, either way they will learn something from watching me run around like a chicken with my head cut off.
I really think that the celebration of a New Year is silly. As a Mormon mommy I spent my New Years Eve watching The Odd Life of Timothy Green (I highly recommend) and eating pizza with my kids and GiGi. I loved every moment of it! I had no desire to be anywhere else (well, maybe Italy, but lets be realistic). I don't set resolutions for the year because honestly, our goals and paths change constantly. Also, setting life altering goals such as losing weight, getting organized, getting out of debt...whatever...doesn't magically happen on January 1st. It happens when you are truly ready to make the commitment. I know this from the depths of my being. I had tried to stop drinking soda for years. The stuff was unhealthy for me and was literally causing me intense pain. Still, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't give it up. Finally one day, out of nowhere I knew I was ready, and I stopped. I haven't picked up a carbonated drink since. I have no regrets and even though I still struggle with cravings at times, I know I am strong enough. I have so many more things I need to improve on, but I will take it one day at a time. I need to remember that I have been given each day for a reason. That reason is to grow and learn, and even though I don't know how many more days I will have here on this Earth, I do know that it is my responsibility to use it as the Lord has commanded me.
I often think of how much better I need to be. I am one of those parents that constantly beats herself up for everything! I had a friend tell me this week, "I just don't know how you do it all." My response was, "I don't". Instead of focusing on what I had accomplished and what I do, I focused on what I didn't and what I need to do. I need to cut it out! I read this amazing blog post this week and I really want to share it. You can find it here. Although I know I will still struggle with these feelings at times, I must also remember that I am awesome and I am worth it.
This year will bring lots of change for our family, each year does. I don't know where it will take us or what to prepare for. I do know that I can do hard things and I know that my family loves me and I am important to them. That's really all I need. Now, to go to sleep so I can prepare for another day of organized chaos.
I really think that the celebration of a New Year is silly. As a Mormon mommy I spent my New Years Eve watching The Odd Life of Timothy Green (I highly recommend) and eating pizza with my kids and GiGi. I loved every moment of it! I had no desire to be anywhere else (well, maybe Italy, but lets be realistic). I don't set resolutions for the year because honestly, our goals and paths change constantly. Also, setting life altering goals such as losing weight, getting organized, getting out of debt...whatever...doesn't magically happen on January 1st. It happens when you are truly ready to make the commitment. I know this from the depths of my being. I had tried to stop drinking soda for years. The stuff was unhealthy for me and was literally causing me intense pain. Still, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't give it up. Finally one day, out of nowhere I knew I was ready, and I stopped. I haven't picked up a carbonated drink since. I have no regrets and even though I still struggle with cravings at times, I know I am strong enough. I have so many more things I need to improve on, but I will take it one day at a time. I need to remember that I have been given each day for a reason. That reason is to grow and learn, and even though I don't know how many more days I will have here on this Earth, I do know that it is my responsibility to use it as the Lord has commanded me.
I often think of how much better I need to be. I am one of those parents that constantly beats herself up for everything! I had a friend tell me this week, "I just don't know how you do it all." My response was, "I don't". Instead of focusing on what I had accomplished and what I do, I focused on what I didn't and what I need to do. I need to cut it out! I read this amazing blog post this week and I really want to share it. You can find it here. Although I know I will still struggle with these feelings at times, I must also remember that I am awesome and I am worth it.
This year will bring lots of change for our family, each year does. I don't know where it will take us or what to prepare for. I do know that I can do hard things and I know that my family loves me and I am important to them. That's really all I need. Now, to go to sleep so I can prepare for another day of organized chaos.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Jumping off the Assembly Line
Well, since my last post things have pretty much stayed on track. I didn't create any midterms because I suddenly realized that we had gotten behind! I'm not exactly sure how that happened, and I know that I am on my own schedule, but I really want to stay as close to the school district schedule as I can. We have been doing extra assignments and chugging along. Alex has been moving quickly as most of this is really easy for him. I did hit a bump in the road and had to make some decision.s Now, you seasoned homeschoolers will probably roll your eyes or giggle at my issue I faced, but I felt it was a big decision for us.
Part of Alex's curriculum is Phonics. He does very well in the subject. His book work is nearly flawless, his reading is well above grade level and he seemed to be doing well. Then we realized that he was BOMBING every phonics test! Then we started to notice him having increased anxiety and irritability when taking the test. He knew he wasn't answering the questions properly, but he really didn't know the answer. I felt really bad. I think that problem is that most of the test is oral. He was having a hard time translating the oral to paper. I finally decided to stop the tests for a while. We are working hard on his book work, flash cards, reading and spelling. I had read in the book "A Thomas Jefferson Education" that tests are to be used as a benchmark and not as a method of teaching. Right now I don't feel that his Phonics tests are giving me any sign or measure of his ability, and instead are being used to torment him, so we are going to take a break from them for a while.
I was raised on the conveyor belt education, and it worked for me. The thought of doing my own thing or breaking out of the "curriculum" is a concept that is hard for me to conceive, and at times I have to remind myself that I get to choose what we do. Having that power is relieving but also scary. It is proof that I know what is best for my child, but at the same time I want to make sure he learns what he needs to learn, as well as knowing that his future rests largely in my hands. I am grateful for the opportunity I have to teach my children. I am grateful for the freedoms we have and that I can do what I feel is the best for our family and for our children. I pray that as we continue to pray and read the scriptures that we will be guided to know what is best for us and what is needed that we can continue down the path the Lord has put us on and accomplish the things he has in store for us.
Part of Alex's curriculum is Phonics. He does very well in the subject. His book work is nearly flawless, his reading is well above grade level and he seemed to be doing well. Then we realized that he was BOMBING every phonics test! Then we started to notice him having increased anxiety and irritability when taking the test. He knew he wasn't answering the questions properly, but he really didn't know the answer. I felt really bad. I think that problem is that most of the test is oral. He was having a hard time translating the oral to paper. I finally decided to stop the tests for a while. We are working hard on his book work, flash cards, reading and spelling. I had read in the book "A Thomas Jefferson Education" that tests are to be used as a benchmark and not as a method of teaching. Right now I don't feel that his Phonics tests are giving me any sign or measure of his ability, and instead are being used to torment him, so we are going to take a break from them for a while.
I was raised on the conveyor belt education, and it worked for me. The thought of doing my own thing or breaking out of the "curriculum" is a concept that is hard for me to conceive, and at times I have to remind myself that I get to choose what we do. Having that power is relieving but also scary. It is proof that I know what is best for my child, but at the same time I want to make sure he learns what he needs to learn, as well as knowing that his future rests largely in my hands. I am grateful for the opportunity I have to teach my children. I am grateful for the freedoms we have and that I can do what I feel is the best for our family and for our children. I pray that as we continue to pray and read the scriptures that we will be guided to know what is best for us and what is needed that we can continue down the path the Lord has put us on and accomplish the things he has in store for us.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Things You Can't Teach From a Book
Okay so I am behind, but what else is new right? The months has been crazy fun and busy, but the fun is only starting as December is upon us and I am going to make it good. I am really looking forward to some fun projects with the kids this month. We are going to create a Christmas Bucket List next week for family night. The boys has already been coming up with ideas and I am looking forward to this weekend. We are decorating the house and getting the Christmas season started.
In the homeschool scene things are progressing well. Well, until Alex got sick today and now we are going to be doing a little bit of catch-up, but that's a whole other story. Lego class is almost done (YAY!), Art is in session until Christmas break, piano is amazing and he is doing so well, school work is moving at a wonderful pace, I really couldn't ask for more. I am going to start preparing a "mid-term" for lack of a better name for Alex. I want to see how much he is retaining. I realized we were WAY ahead in Spelling, so I decided to review all of the words we have had and then just before Christmas we will have a big test over them. Right now I have them broken up into 6 mini tests. Then, the ones he misses I focus on and then from those I will create a test for him. He is doing remarkably well right now and I hope it keeps up. He is being much more ambitious about reading and that makes this Mommy's heart happy. I am so glad that he is doing well and enjoying being homeschooled. She is a completely different child from last year...it's nice to have my happy and sweet boy back.
We had a situation a couple of weeks ago that was definitely a learning experience. At Lego class Alex and his partner had built a very elaborate alligator robot that opened and shut its mouth. When it came time to show his teacher, it quit working. He sat for a moment troubleshooting it, then he got up to get a tool and when he returned his partner had completely dismantled the alligator! Alex was FURIOUS! He was so upset with his friend and when he told his teacher, she basically told him to get over it and it didn't work anyway. Well, when I came to pick him up Alex's face was RED! He tried to explain to me what had happened when his teacher jumped in the middle of our conversation and started defending the other child and herself. I then stood up, looked at her and told her that I was talking to Alex and when he was done I would talk with her and she needed to wait her turn! I must admit, I got a few jaw drops from other parents, but this woman is really bugging me! Well, Alex finished telling me what happened. I recognized his feelings of anger (I would be mad too) and we discussed how sometimes we have to work as a team and sometimes people make choices that we don't like, and even though those choices affect us, we have to do our best to communicate with our partners and continue working together. Although this was not a fun experience for Alex, these are the experiences I want him to have. Team building, conflict, trial and error and other things that come up when dealing with other people. I then informed the teacher that I was not upset with what happened, but that as a teacher she should maybe consider listening to a child and recognizing their emotions rather than 'keeping them quiet". The other child that was involved came up and tried to apologize to Alex. Alex would not even look at this kid! Alex and I then had to talk on the way home about forgiveness and that saying sorry doesn't mean that the hurt feelings go away, but it means that they are acknowledging they did something that hurt you and they want to try and make it better. Alex the understood and this week, things were better between the two boys. I was so grateful for this teaching moment with Alex. You can't teach these things from a book. Even if he doesn't get much from the mechanics of the Lego class, the social experiences make it all worth it.
We have also been trying to keep our hands busy. We have been taking advantage of the pleasant weather here to play outside, go on nature walks, experiment and discover our own backyard. My Eric really loves life and definitely lives it to the fullest. I seriously pulled this kid off of the refrigerator after he got a running start and scaled the dang thing! I have been taking cues from him lately in our outside time. We have been looking at the little details. We watch butterflies collect nectar from flowers, watch ants build a mound, see how bees are attracted to yellow shirts, the leaves changing colors, the sunshine vs. the shade and so much more. I am loving being home with my kids. I hope they are building happy memories, because I know I am.
In the homeschool scene things are progressing well. Well, until Alex got sick today and now we are going to be doing a little bit of catch-up, but that's a whole other story. Lego class is almost done (YAY!), Art is in session until Christmas break, piano is amazing and he is doing so well, school work is moving at a wonderful pace, I really couldn't ask for more. I am going to start preparing a "mid-term" for lack of a better name for Alex. I want to see how much he is retaining. I realized we were WAY ahead in Spelling, so I decided to review all of the words we have had and then just before Christmas we will have a big test over them. Right now I have them broken up into 6 mini tests. Then, the ones he misses I focus on and then from those I will create a test for him. He is doing remarkably well right now and I hope it keeps up. He is being much more ambitious about reading and that makes this Mommy's heart happy. I am so glad that he is doing well and enjoying being homeschooled. She is a completely different child from last year...it's nice to have my happy and sweet boy back.
We had a situation a couple of weeks ago that was definitely a learning experience. At Lego class Alex and his partner had built a very elaborate alligator robot that opened and shut its mouth. When it came time to show his teacher, it quit working. He sat for a moment troubleshooting it, then he got up to get a tool and when he returned his partner had completely dismantled the alligator! Alex was FURIOUS! He was so upset with his friend and when he told his teacher, she basically told him to get over it and it didn't work anyway. Well, when I came to pick him up Alex's face was RED! He tried to explain to me what had happened when his teacher jumped in the middle of our conversation and started defending the other child and herself. I then stood up, looked at her and told her that I was talking to Alex and when he was done I would talk with her and she needed to wait her turn! I must admit, I got a few jaw drops from other parents, but this woman is really bugging me! Well, Alex finished telling me what happened. I recognized his feelings of anger (I would be mad too) and we discussed how sometimes we have to work as a team and sometimes people make choices that we don't like, and even though those choices affect us, we have to do our best to communicate with our partners and continue working together. Although this was not a fun experience for Alex, these are the experiences I want him to have. Team building, conflict, trial and error and other things that come up when dealing with other people. I then informed the teacher that I was not upset with what happened, but that as a teacher she should maybe consider listening to a child and recognizing their emotions rather than 'keeping them quiet". The other child that was involved came up and tried to apologize to Alex. Alex would not even look at this kid! Alex and I then had to talk on the way home about forgiveness and that saying sorry doesn't mean that the hurt feelings go away, but it means that they are acknowledging they did something that hurt you and they want to try and make it better. Alex the understood and this week, things were better between the two boys. I was so grateful for this teaching moment with Alex. You can't teach these things from a book. Even if he doesn't get much from the mechanics of the Lego class, the social experiences make it all worth it.
We have also been trying to keep our hands busy. We have been taking advantage of the pleasant weather here to play outside, go on nature walks, experiment and discover our own backyard. My Eric really loves life and definitely lives it to the fullest. I seriously pulled this kid off of the refrigerator after he got a running start and scaled the dang thing! I have been taking cues from him lately in our outside time. We have been looking at the little details. We watch butterflies collect nectar from flowers, watch ants build a mound, see how bees are attracted to yellow shirts, the leaves changing colors, the sunshine vs. the shade and so much more. I am loving being home with my kids. I hope they are building happy memories, because I know I am.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
The Follow Up
Well, it is the morning after...in a lot of ways I am without words, but in other ways I have a lot of words. I try to be optimistic, but ti is hard. For the first time ever my husband rolled over in bed, looked me in the eyes and asked me, "What's the point?" That is a hard thing for me to swallow. I know what we need to do and what the point is, but I also know the feeling and the sense of hopelessness. I was optimistic for a few minutes this morning as I was reading that the popular vote was for Romney. I had hope that at least 50% of our nation was awake and aware and wanted more for our children...but then that happy bubble was popped. We must move forward, if we stand still we are only moving backwards. We have to fight for what is right, even if we stand alone. I will continue to arm my children and clothe them in the armor of God so that they can stand in these days and have the tools and knowledge to know that ONE MAN cannot destroy our family or our country...I won't let him.
Last night I spent a good chunk of time on the phone with my grandma. It was a hard conversation, very stressful. I wanted to give her all the hope in the world that things would change and the results would favor Mr. Romney. She was literally having palpitations and I can only imagine what she is seeing. She is seeing a country that has become something that is totally different than what she was raised in. She never once feared and always knew her country had her best interests and protection in mind, yet now she feels that is not how it is. She looks back and fears for what we are now. I look forward while snuggling my three children and fear for what is ahead. I know I should not fear, but I do.
After I got off the phone the boys were a bit perturbed because I had been on the phone and not as prompt with their dinner as they are accustomed to. I explained to them that I needed to talk to GiGi because she is worried about the election. Alex then asked about why she was worried. Then, I had to have a talk with my children that I had really hoped would wait until they were older. I tried to keep it simple and as non-biased as possible. Then I remembered that these are my children, MINE. I can teach them the way I see fit. Others don't have to agree with my politics, but guess what, I don't have to agree with theirs either. We must just tolerate each other and live in some accordance of harmony. I explained President Obama and Mitt Romney this way:
"The president has the belief that we should "spread the wealth". This means that everyone has all the same stuff. Everyone has the same amount of money, benefits, home, food...everything. Yet, not everyone has to work hard to get it. Only the people who desire to make something of themselves have to work. That means that when Daddy works extra hours at work that instead of us getting to have that money, some other family whose Daddy doesn't work gets to have it. The end result may be that everyone has no money because people will decide that it is not worth it to work hard if you don't get the return on your investment. Mitt Romney has a different idea. He wants there to be enough jobs for everyone. He wants everyone to work so that we can work together and help those that can't work or help themselves. He wants everyone to have success and to work towards that success for our entire country. He wants us to be free to make our own decisions rather than the government telling us what to do."
Alex, my very smart and profound little boy looked me straight in the eye and said, "That sounds like the war in heaven and Satan's plan and Jesus plan". After a moment of shock that he made that connection on his own, I asked him to explain that to me. He said, "Satan's plan was to make it so we could all get to heaven, but we wouldn't learn or grow because he would make all the choices for us. Jesus' plan was to let us make choices, even if it means that we don't all make it to heaven and that we have knowledge." I nodded and said that was an interesting connection he made. He then looked at me with tears in his eyes and said, "I change my vote."
This morning Eric was the first one up (no surprise) and he asked who won the election. I told him that President Obama would continue to be our president. The sweet boy hung his head and pushed out his lower lip. Daddy then proceeded to scoop him up, squeeze him and tell him that everything will be okay. A while later Alex got up and I told him that President Obama was to continue being the president. He asked why. My answer was simply that whenever everyone voted, more people liked him. He then asked me, "Now, what's going to happen?" My answer was simply that I don't know, but I know we will keep living the way we live and doing our best to be good citizens and Christians. To which he snuggled in close to me and patted my arm.
All in all, I don't know what tomorrow will bring. I know that I am nervous and leaning on the Lord and his priesthood. I know that I will continue to love and teach my children. I know who I am and I know what I stand for. I know I can do hard things and that life is a hard thing, and as I told my sweet husband this morning, "We got this."
Last night I spent a good chunk of time on the phone with my grandma. It was a hard conversation, very stressful. I wanted to give her all the hope in the world that things would change and the results would favor Mr. Romney. She was literally having palpitations and I can only imagine what she is seeing. She is seeing a country that has become something that is totally different than what she was raised in. She never once feared and always knew her country had her best interests and protection in mind, yet now she feels that is not how it is. She looks back and fears for what we are now. I look forward while snuggling my three children and fear for what is ahead. I know I should not fear, but I do.
After I got off the phone the boys were a bit perturbed because I had been on the phone and not as prompt with their dinner as they are accustomed to. I explained to them that I needed to talk to GiGi because she is worried about the election. Alex then asked about why she was worried. Then, I had to have a talk with my children that I had really hoped would wait until they were older. I tried to keep it simple and as non-biased as possible. Then I remembered that these are my children, MINE. I can teach them the way I see fit. Others don't have to agree with my politics, but guess what, I don't have to agree with theirs either. We must just tolerate each other and live in some accordance of harmony. I explained President Obama and Mitt Romney this way:
"The president has the belief that we should "spread the wealth". This means that everyone has all the same stuff. Everyone has the same amount of money, benefits, home, food...everything. Yet, not everyone has to work hard to get it. Only the people who desire to make something of themselves have to work. That means that when Daddy works extra hours at work that instead of us getting to have that money, some other family whose Daddy doesn't work gets to have it. The end result may be that everyone has no money because people will decide that it is not worth it to work hard if you don't get the return on your investment. Mitt Romney has a different idea. He wants there to be enough jobs for everyone. He wants everyone to work so that we can work together and help those that can't work or help themselves. He wants everyone to have success and to work towards that success for our entire country. He wants us to be free to make our own decisions rather than the government telling us what to do."
Alex, my very smart and profound little boy looked me straight in the eye and said, "That sounds like the war in heaven and Satan's plan and Jesus plan". After a moment of shock that he made that connection on his own, I asked him to explain that to me. He said, "Satan's plan was to make it so we could all get to heaven, but we wouldn't learn or grow because he would make all the choices for us. Jesus' plan was to let us make choices, even if it means that we don't all make it to heaven and that we have knowledge." I nodded and said that was an interesting connection he made. He then looked at me with tears in his eyes and said, "I change my vote."
This morning Eric was the first one up (no surprise) and he asked who won the election. I told him that President Obama would continue to be our president. The sweet boy hung his head and pushed out his lower lip. Daddy then proceeded to scoop him up, squeeze him and tell him that everything will be okay. A while later Alex got up and I told him that President Obama was to continue being the president. He asked why. My answer was simply that whenever everyone voted, more people liked him. He then asked me, "Now, what's going to happen?" My answer was simply that I don't know, but I know we will keep living the way we live and doing our best to be good citizens and Christians. To which he snuggled in close to me and patted my arm.
All in all, I don't know what tomorrow will bring. I know that I am nervous and leaning on the Lord and his priesthood. I know that I will continue to love and teach my children. I know who I am and I know what I stand for. I know I can do hard things and that life is a hard thing, and as I told my sweet husband this morning, "We got this."
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Election Day Fever
Alright so as much as I hate to discuss politics over the internet, I had to post about this election as it is being handled in our home. We have been trying very hard not to sway our children one way or the other and to let them form their own opinions...and believe me, they have them.
A few weeks ago we watched the last part of one of the debates. After watching the 20 or so minutes of it Alex decided that he wanted President Obama to win and Eric said he wanted Governor Romney.
When I asked Alex why he thought President Obama would win he said (direct quotes):
1. "He has brown skin and that is different from me"
2. "He is a good talker"
3. "He is a fan of the ladies"
4. "He's already president"
When I asked Eric why he thought Governor Romney would win he said (direct quote):
1. "He looks like me"
2. "He has a Red, White and Blue tie"
3." He is handsome"
4. "He has a nice smile and smiles a lot"
Well, out of the mouths of babes. Now, before you go on judging me and my household, let me tell you that we watch our speech very closely when it comes to politics and "hot-topics" such as race, religion, etc. This is what my children have picked up from discussions on TV, church, friends, home and school. I think it is interesting to see what they see through all of this, and how much appearance takes a role in elections.
Well, then I asked them what they would do if they were president of the Untied States.
Alex:
1. "Clean the Roads"
2. "Make less traffic"
3. "Clean up the White House"
4. "Have them make less candy"
5." Have resturaunts make more terrific food"
Eric:
1. "Clean the Road"
2. "Make it so cars don't stop in the middle of the road"
3. "Give the White House a hot tub"
4. "Make people smile"
I think those are pretty fun goals! Can you tell that we have been stuck in traffic a bunch the last two days? Well, that is our stance on the politics in this house. Now I sit and painfully and anxiously watch the votes roll in. I won't tell you where I stand, other than that my stance is that everyone exercise their rights and vote according to their own conscience that that they make an informed vote that they are not ashamed of. If you are going to stand for something, stand proud and strong. Who knows what tomorrow will bring? All I know is that I am tired and I am ready for bed!
A few weeks ago we watched the last part of one of the debates. After watching the 20 or so minutes of it Alex decided that he wanted President Obama to win and Eric said he wanted Governor Romney.
When I asked Alex why he thought President Obama would win he said (direct quotes):
1. "He has brown skin and that is different from me"
2. "He is a good talker"
3. "He is a fan of the ladies"
4. "He's already president"
When I asked Eric why he thought Governor Romney would win he said (direct quote):
1. "He looks like me"
2. "He has a Red, White and Blue tie"
3." He is handsome"
4. "He has a nice smile and smiles a lot"
Well, out of the mouths of babes. Now, before you go on judging me and my household, let me tell you that we watch our speech very closely when it comes to politics and "hot-topics" such as race, religion, etc. This is what my children have picked up from discussions on TV, church, friends, home and school. I think it is interesting to see what they see through all of this, and how much appearance takes a role in elections.
Well, then I asked them what they would do if they were president of the Untied States.
Alex:
1. "Clean the Roads"
2. "Make less traffic"
3. "Clean up the White House"
4. "Have them make less candy"
5." Have resturaunts make more terrific food"
Eric:
1. "Clean the Road"
2. "Make it so cars don't stop in the middle of the road"
3. "Give the White House a hot tub"
4. "Make people smile"
I think those are pretty fun goals! Can you tell that we have been stuck in traffic a bunch the last two days? Well, that is our stance on the politics in this house. Now I sit and painfully and anxiously watch the votes roll in. I won't tell you where I stand, other than that my stance is that everyone exercise their rights and vote according to their own conscience that that they make an informed vote that they are not ashamed of. If you are going to stand for something, stand proud and strong. Who knows what tomorrow will bring? All I know is that I am tired and I am ready for bed!
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