What I've learned from Kindergarten

It's fun having a kindergartener, although, I don't feel I'm old enough. I got to go help at his "harvest" party yesterday and see him interact with his classmates. He was so excited to show off his little sister her sit by him on the carpet and make sure she got treats, too.

I've learned a few things from kindergarten so far. They have a list of rules. The list is short, and they are all to the point. They say them every day, and my son is learning them well, although not always following them.

I've decided these few simple rules are all that is needed for humanity. If only we'd follow them, the world would be a much better place.

Rule 1. Always try your best. If everyone tried their best, more would be accomplished, people would feel better about themselves. The world would be happier.

Rule 2. Keep your hands, feet and objects to yourself. We could say goodbye to a lot of violence.

Rule 3. Follow directions the first time. How many times do we put of doing what should have been done yesterday. How often do I put off my children saying "just a minute" and then forget until they have to remind me again an hour later.

Rule 4. Be kind and respectful. Think of the world wide peace this could bring.

Rule 5. Be a good listener. I know that I personally need to work on this. The world can get so busy and noisy that we don't listen to what our children are really saying, what our spouses really need, what our neighbors (meaning everyone:) could use help with, and most importantly, what our Heavenly Father wants for us. We all need to find quiet time to really listen.

Broken Glass

I just had one of those moments of internal stuggle that we all deal with daily. My children were playing in a way that knocked over a large frame leaning on something on the ground. I asked them to be more careful and put it right back in the same place. The continued playing and knocked it over again, this time shattering the glass (luckily it was still in the bag from the store, so the glass was contained). My first reaction was of course to be angry with them for knocking it over. I reigned in my feelings and didn't raise my voice (small victory for me:). I then was angry with myself for leaving it in the same spot, knowing they were still playing there (I was in the same room with them). I did ask them to "leave the room while mom is mad." They are now happily playing and singing Called to Serve in the other room.

Two lessons from this.
#1 Children as soooooo forgiving. They aren't out there pouting that they were sent from the room, or that mom got upset at them. Why did I continue to pout that my frame was broken.
#2 It's just broken glass. It's replacable, no one was hurt.

Now I'm going out to play with my children.

Service and Cookies

I experienced the joy of service to day, both giving and recieving. It feels really good. I am so happy that I have friends that trust me enough to ask for help and others that are so willing to help when I ask.

I also took the time to make cookies with my children today. It's not the smoothest operation, but it's so much fun to watch my 5 and 3 year olds as they measure, mix, and fight about who's turn is next, and then try to keep them out of the dough. And it's not to bad to have a few cookies around to eat, either:)

Good Times!

I just read this on a friends blog and thought it was so amazing that I wanted to share it. (Mostly with myself:)

Our Greatest Fear
Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate,but that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinkingso that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us. It is not just in some; it is in everyone. And, as we let our own light shine, we consciously giveother people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others. -Marianne Williamson

Count My Blessings

I saw God today as I took the time (while mopping my floor:) to start listing my blessings. I have SO MANY. I truly feel blessed and loved by a merciful Father in Heaven.

I am grateful that I have a safe home (not just a house) filled with love, laughter, children, and noise.

I am grateful that my husband is a hard worker with a seemingly stable (can that word possibly be part of our vocabulary anymore) job, even though he's on call this weekend and out working tonight.

I am grateful for my mom and the wonderful example she was to me of keeping a clean and organized home. It gives me a lot to strive for.

I am grateful that I have the health and strength to take care of my children, husband, and home.

I am grateful for discount stores like the one today where I found a cute little head piece for my daughter's Halloween costume for $1.50. (Too bad I spent way to much on other stuff that jumped in my cart while I was there:)

I am grateful for the peace and quiet that comes after putting all the kids to bed (and again when they finally stay there long enough to fall asleep).

There are so many other things I am grateful for: family, friends, the gospel, my Savior, scriptures (which I need to not forget to read tonight like I did last night, and many other nights. . .definitely a work in progress), health, safety, food, clean water. . .

And the list goes on and on and on, but I think I'll stop now, because I'm also grateful for the chocolate cream pie that's waiting for me in the freezer. It was my motivation to get the floor mopped tonight:)

Good Friends

Today I am so grateful for good friends. My children and I just spent a wonderful afternoon with a friend and her children at the park. Beautiful crisp fall weather, and someone to share it with and have good conversation. What more could you ask for?

Beautiful Boy

I saw God last night in the face of my baby (okay, so he's one, but he's still my baby) as I sang songs to him before putting him to bed. What a miracle babies are. I truly think you can see heaven if you look into their eyes long enough. It's sad when they grow and get too wiggly to have the time to just get lost in their eyes. I just have to remember this when he's fussy or getting into something he's not supposed to:)

What a wonderful weekend I had with Conference, family, and a birthday party for my niece. I just love living closer to family. Eight years away has made me really come to appreciate the little get togethers. Love you guys!!

Conference

I saw God today in the faces of the leaders of church as they spoke in the Worldwide General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I felt the power of God flow through them as they spoke to me and reminded me of many gospel truths, such as the power of the Book of Mormon, my need to share my testimony, and how hope comes from God and despair from the adversary. I am so grateful for a living Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson. What a great man. How exciting to have new temples announced. Especially in "the greater Kansas City area." Where is it to be? Is it in Jackson County? In Independence?

I am looking forward to many more wonderful teachings and the outpouring of the spirit in the rest of the conference sessions.

God is Good:)

Family Time

Last night we had such a fun time together as a family. We were outside in beautiful fall weather and I saw God in the beauty of the world He created and watches over.

We went minature golfing. The kids were so cute to watch. The 5 year old surprised us with his skill, especially when he almost got a hole in one. The 3 year couldn't understand why you had to start so far away from the hole, when your goal was to get the ball in the hole, so she would just jump ahead:)

How many times in life do we see the end goal and try to jump ahead of ourselves to reach it quicker, or spend our days wishing we were somewhere further down the line. I know that I need to spend more time enjoying the journey.