More Checklists

The day we've all been waiting for...B's weekly schedule!

Okay, maybe you weren't all waiting.  Shoot.  Anyway...

B is my 2nd grader and his schedule is slightly different from J's. 

The first thing you'll notice is the yellow.  These are sections that B can do on his own.  He usually gets a start on these first thing in the morning while I'm helping J.  Next we move to the work M, B, and J do together (like I mentioned in my previous post about J's day) and then we do the work B and J do together.  After that's done (and J is finished up for the day), B and I do his last few bits and pieces together (only writing and grammar most days).  B generally finishes up his day reading. 

His favorite subject right now is math, but only because he gets to do it on the computer.  We are trying out Teaching Textbooks this year and we're all (especially B) liking it a lot so far. 

I am so proud of how far he has come and how hard he is willing to work everyday.  I've been homeschooling B the longest so it's easier for me to see how much he has grown.  Don't get me wrong, we have some rough days (B tends to get distracted by pretty much anything), but the good outweighs any hard bits.  A lot.

What we read...

I came across a quote while looking at Gretchen Rubin’s blog (the author of The Happiness Project) yesterday that I loved.  It made me both smile and think "YES!" 

Samuel Johnson: “What we read with inclination makes a much stronger impression  If we read without inclination, half the mind is employed in fixing the attention; so there is but one half to be employed on what we read.”

There are many books that I think I should want to read.  Books that I know are good and that I would learn and grow from reading, but I have a hard time making myself start.  When I do start, I have a hard time getting engaged, staying engaged and getting the book finished.  Then I feel guilty  for not being more excited to read books that I think I should (and yes I know that’s a little silly). 

This quote resonated with me because it offers an explanation.  And more than that, just by reading this and knowing that someone else struggled with some books (and others struggle, Gretchen did post the quote) makes me feel better. 

I will still try to get myself to read books that are outside my comfort zone, books that I KNOW are good for me.  I’ll just cut myself some slack when it’s hard, after all, only half my mind is available to enjoy it.

Baptism

Yesterday, at B's baptism, M gave a fantastic talk.  In it she taught a little bit about testimony and I kept thinking about it today. 

Today's sacrament meeting (one segment of church where we meet as a congregation and have the opportunity to teach each other by speaking and singing together) was fast and testimony meeting.  It's a little different than the other weeks for two reasons.  First, many choose to come to church fasting for a particular purpose (to grow in some fashion personally or for someone in need or for anything you would like) and second, there aren't assigned speakers.  After the normal opening, anyone in the congregation who feels inspired can get up and share their testimony. 

As I was listening to the testimonies, I thought about one comment that M made yesterday.  She said that when we're younger (like B), we have simpler testimonies, but don't worry, they'll grow.  While she's right, if B chooses to read his scriptures and live the commandments his testimony will grow, but I hope it is always simple. 

Knowing with the absolute certainty of a child that Heavenly Father and Jesus love us, that Jesus died and lives again for us and that Joseph Smith truly did restore the fullness of the gospel is life changing.  One woman shared that she wished she could get up with the same ease and enthusiasm as the children.  The kids SHINE as they share their testimonies.  I hope Ben will always be that way, that his testimony will both grow and stay simple.  Simple and powerful.

Family

My posting has been a little light this week because my parents have been in town.  I've been spending almost every spare second with them as I don't get to see them more than once or twice a year.  Thankfully, due to modern technology I talk to them a lot (my dad makes fun of my mom and I because we talk almost daily), but it's not quite the same as being with them.

In honor of their visit I thought I'd post a few pictures of them (and my family) throughout the years.

1977

1980

 



1986

 

1990

 

1996 

2000

2012

I've loved having my parents here and I'm already sad that they are leaving tomorrow.  Thankfully, they're only a phone call away.

Peculiar

The King James version of Deuteronomy 14:2 says, "For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth."

I've heard this many times at church in talks and during lessons.  This verse is often discussed along with a definition of peculiar that means different.  As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we tend to wear this title happily.  We like to be called peculiar if it means that we are the sort of different that God wants us to be. 

I recently read something that I found very interesting.  Something I hadn't thought about before.  The King James Bible was translated in the 17th century, a.k.a. a LONG time ago.  And yes, I did already know that, but I hadn't connected it with how time affects our language.  How the meaning of words shifts over time.  Did you know that the 17th century definition of peculiar was actually closer to "owned by?" 

The New International Version of the same verse reads, "For you are a people holy to the Lord your God.  Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be his treasured possession."  I like it.  We are His, chosen by the Lord.

I also like both definitions together.  I like that we (everyone) are His.  Choosing to follow His will (whatever your religion) can make you different than those around you.  Being peculiar (17th century: His) can make you peculiar (modern day: odd or different).  Pretty cool, huh? 

Monday

This week I have lots going on, so I thought I'd make a list.  I like lists, they are my friends.

1. Take M to the eye doctor.  Her eyes have gotten worse.  I'm pretty sure this will be an annual thing, but I can always hope that they've gotten as bad as they're going to get...right?  Right.  Bonus, she'll get to pick out some cute new specs.  If only my kids would always pick the ones I think are cutest, oh well.

2. Clean my house.  I always try and keep thing picked up, but I'm not a great cleaner.  My parents are coming into town and once, when my mom was here I mentioned that I really didn't like to dust and she said, "Yeah, I could tell."  Shoot.  So, now I clean my house before they come.

3. Finish a weeks worth of school in 3 days...darn, 2 1/2 days because we're knocking off early on Wednesday for a multitude of Halloween activities.

4. Figure out what Halloween activities we're going to do on Wednesday and make sure I have everything I need.

5.  Finish planning B's baptism (the reason for my parents visit) that's happening this Saturday.  The baptism itself is planned, I just need to figure out what - if anything - we're doing afterwards.

6. Decide what to cook while everyone is in town and what activities to do to keep my parents entertained while they're here.  Well, mostly my dad.  He has trouble sitting still (not something he passed on to me) but he does love playing with his grand kids...so, maybe I'll send them all outside and mom and I can relax!  Or, more likely, go grocery shopping once I figure out what we're eating. 

7. Find my brain and convince it to stick around a little more consistently.

Happy Monday!

Primary Theme 2013

At church (I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) I'm currently serving in the primary, which is for children ages 18 months through 11 years old.  Each year we are given a theme by the general leadership in Salt Lake City, Utah to teach to the kids.  Each yearly theme is supplemented with monthly themes and scriptures.  This year our theme is "I Am a Child of God" and I'm really excited about it. 

We're going to use the armor of God analogy found in Ephesians to teach our monthly themes.  Partly because I LOVE the analogy and partly because it's a good way to get the kids (even the little ones) involved and hopefully understanding a little more.

This is the outline I made.  I used one I found on www.sugardoodle.net and just adjusted it to better fit this year.  Tara did an amazing job with the same annual theme a few years ago, I've loved it from the first time I came across it and now I finally get to use it! 

In January we'll talk about our missions here on earth and how we need to be outfitted to better complete them.  Then we'll get out our picture/drawing of primary kid(s) (one of two I haven't decided yet) in large paper doll form.  I was thinking I'd use one of those large tri-fold displays and keep it in the front of our primary room each Sunday.

As we introduce each monthly theme from then on, we'll add an article of clothing (or armor) to our primary kid(s) to help cement the ideas in the kids heads.  I also really want to talk about how important it is that they each pray about what they're learning so they gain strong testimonies of their own.  I'm excited and can hardly wait to get started!!

If you'd like a copy, send me an email (right hand side, near the top)!

* 12/18/2012 Update: I posted different ideas on how to go about making your dress up Armor of God boy or girl here.  Good luck!!

* Update 12/27/2012: I finally chose my Armor of God Guy and added my own pieces, you can read about it here.