That December her heart was so full of sorrow and concern for her six small children that she felt it would surely break. On Christmas Eve, all her children, except the oldest, Ellen, 10, were dancing around, excited to hang their stockings for Santa to come. Mary helped each one of her children hang a little darned and mended stocking, but she couldn't persuade Ellen to participate. Of all the children, Ellen alone knew there was nothing with which to fill the stockings.
Then the young mother sat by the fire, thinking of her plight. Spring had come very late and winter had come very early for the last two years, causing the crops to freeze and fail.
In October Mary had received a letter from her sisters living in Idaho who, despite their own setbacks, had asked what they could send her family for Christmas.
In November, in desperation, Mary had written.
Mary had requested only necessities. She told them how desperately the family needed food, especially wheat, yeast, flour and some cornmeal. She also asked for some old, used quilts and for some worn-out pants to cut up and use to patch her sons' clothes, and mentioned the family's desperate need for socks, shoes, gloves, hats and coats.
Then finally, Mary asked if someone might have a dress she had outgrown to send to Ellen, who only had one dress that was patched and faded. Mary felt she could fix up such a dress and thus bring some joy to Ellen, who had too much to worry about for a 10-year-old.
The week before Christmas Mary's husband, Leland, made a daily three-hour round trip into the town of Cardston to check at the train station and the post office for a package from Idaho. Nothing came.
Then at 3:30 on Christmas morning, while her husband and children slept, Mary heard a knock at the door. It was the mailman, a member of the Church from Cardston, telling Mary 10 large crates from the States had arrived for the Jeppson family. He knew they had been waiting for the packages and that there would be no Christmas without them. With horse and sleigh, he set out from his home Christmas Eve and traveled eight hours in a severe snowstorm to deliver the crates to the Jeppsons' isolated farm house.
Mary had thanked him all she could, but she always said that there just were not words enough to express her thanks. After all, how do you thank a miracle, and a Christmas miracle at that?''
Inside the boxes was a note from Mary's sisters. They told her that quilting bees had been held all over the Malad Valley, and from these, six thick, warm beautiful quilts had been made for them. They also told of the many women who had sewn shirts for the boys and dresses for the girls, and of others who had knitted warm gloves and hats.
The donation of socks and shoes had come from people for miles around. The Relief Society had held a bazaar to raise the money to buy the coats, and all of Mary Jeppson's sisters, nieces, cousins, aunts and uncles in Idaho had gotten together to bake the breads and make the candy to send.
There was even a crate half full of beef that had been cured and packed so that it could be shipped along with two or three slabs of bacon and two hams.
The letter closed with these words: “We hope you have a Merry Christmas, and thank you so much for making our Christmas the best one we've ever had!”
Mary's children awoke that morning to bacon, hot muffins and jars of jams and jellies and canned fruit. Every stocking that was hanging was stuffed full of homemade taffy, fudge, divinity and dried fruit of every kind.
The most wonderful miracle, though, occurred when Ellen, the very last to get up . . . looked to where her stocking was supposed to have been hung the night before and saw hanging there a beautiful red Christmas dress, trimmed with white and green satin ribbons. She later said it was the most wonderful Christmas morning ever.
“That morning,'' concluded President Monson, “with the Christmas dress for Ellen, a childhood had been brought back, a childhood of hopes and dreams and Santas and the miracle of Christmas.''
“If there is one common denominator, perhaps it is this: Christmas is love. Christmas is the time when the bonds of family love transcend distance and inconvenience,'' said President Monson. “It is a time when love of neighbor rises above petty day-to-day irritations, and doors swing open to give and receive expressions of appreciation and affection.”
(This is the true story of a young mother, Mary Jeppson, who lived in the remote prairie town of Hillspring, Alberta, and how she celebrated Christmas in 1927 as told by President Thomas S. Monson during the First Presidency Christmas Devotional in the Tabernacle Dec. 7, and reported in the Deseret News, 13 Dec 1997)
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
A Mom's Christmas List
Dear Santa,
I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my children on demand, visited the doctor's office more than my doctor and sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground.
I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years.
Here are my Christmas wishes:
I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache, and arms that don't flap in the breeze, but are strong enough to pull my screaming child out of the candy aisle in the grocery store.
I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy.
If you're hauling big ticket items this year I'd like fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music, a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals, and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.
On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, 'Yes, Mommy' to boost my parental confidence, along with two kids who don't fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools.
I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting 'Don't eat in the living room' and 'Take your hands off your brother,' because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.
If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container.
If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely. It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family.
Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is calling and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back. Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the door and come in and dry off so you don't catch cold. Help yourself to cookies on the table but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.
Yours Always,
MOM
P.S. One more thing...you can cancel all my requests if you can keep my children young enough to believe in Santa.
I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my children on demand, visited the doctor's office more than my doctor and sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground.
I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years.
Here are my Christmas wishes:
I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache, and arms that don't flap in the breeze, but are strong enough to pull my screaming child out of the candy aisle in the grocery store.
I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy.
If you're hauling big ticket items this year I'd like fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music, a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals, and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.
On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, 'Yes, Mommy' to boost my parental confidence, along with two kids who don't fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools.
I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting 'Don't eat in the living room' and 'Take your hands off your brother,' because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.
If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container.
If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely. It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family.
Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is calling and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back. Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the door and come in and dry off so you don't catch cold. Help yourself to cookies on the table but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.
Yours Always,
MOM
P.S. One more thing...you can cancel all my requests if you can keep my children young enough to believe in Santa.
No Santa Claus?
I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma. I was just a kid. I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her on the day my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!"
My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her "world-famous" cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true.
Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus?" she snorted.... "Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad!! Now, put on your coat, and let's go."
"Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my Second World-famous cinnamon bun. "Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything.
As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days. "Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car." Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's.
I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping. For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for. I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, the people who went to my church. I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class.
Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out to recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough; he didn't have a good coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat! I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that.
"Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down. "Yes, ma'am," I replied shyly. "It's for Bobby." The nice lady smiled at me, as I told her about how Bobby really needed a good winter coat. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag, smiled again, and wished me a Merry Christmas.
That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) in Christmas paper and ribbons and wrote, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" on it. Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially, one of Santa's helpers.
Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk. Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going." I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his door and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma. Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open. Finally it did, and ther e stood Bobby.
Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were, ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team.
I still have the Bible, with the coat tag tucked inside: $19.95.
My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her "world-famous" cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true.
Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus?" she snorted.... "Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad!! Now, put on your coat, and let's go."
"Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my Second World-famous cinnamon bun. "Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything.
As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days. "Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car." Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's.
I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping. For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for. I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, the people who went to my church. I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class.
Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out to recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough; he didn't have a good coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat! I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that.
"Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down. "Yes, ma'am," I replied shyly. "It's for Bobby." The nice lady smiled at me, as I told her about how Bobby really needed a good winter coat. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag, smiled again, and wished me a Merry Christmas.
That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) in Christmas paper and ribbons and wrote, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" on it. Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially, one of Santa's helpers.
Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk. Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going." I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his door and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma. Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open. Finally it did, and ther e stood Bobby.
Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were, ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team.
I still have the Bible, with the coat tag tucked inside: $19.95.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Personality Test
There are only 10 simple questions, so grab a pencil and paper and keep track of your letter answers.
1. When do you feel your best?
A) In the morning
B) During the afternoon and early evening
C) Late at night
2. You usually walk
A) Fairly fast, with long steps
B) Fairly fast, but with short, quick steps
C) Less fast, head up, looking the world in the face
D) Less fast, head down
E) Very slowly
3. When talking to people, you
A) Stand with your arms folded
B) Have your hands clasped
C) Have one or both your hands on your hips
D) Touch or push the person to whom you are talking
E) Play with your ear, touch or chin or smooth your hair
4. When relaxing, you sit with
A) Your knees bent and your legs neatly side by side
B) You legs crossed
C) Your legs stretched out or straight
D) One leg curled under you
5. When something really amuses you, you react with
A) A big, appreciative laugh
B) A laugh, but not a loud one
C) A quiet chuckle
D) A sheepsih smile
6. When you go to a party or social gathering, you
A) Make a loud entrance so everyon enotices you
B) Make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you know
C) Make a quiet entrance and try to stay unnoticed
7. You are working hard, concentrating hard. You are interruped. You
A) Welcome the break
B) Feel extremely irritated
C) Vary between these two extremes
8. Which of the following colors do you like most
A) Red or Orange
B) Black
C) Yellow or Light Blue
D) Green
E) Dark blue or purple
F) White
G) Brown or Gray
9. When you sleep, you lie
A) Stretched out on your back
B) Stretched out face down on your stomach
C) on your side, slightly curled
D) With your head on one arm
E) With your head under the covers
10. You often dream that you are
A) Falling
B) Fighting or struggling
C) Searching for something or somebody
D) Flying or floating
E) You usually have dreamless sleep
F) Your dreams are always pleasant
Points:
1. A)2 B)4 C)6
2. A)6 B)4 C)3 D)2 E)1
3. A)4 B)6 C)2 D)1 E)5
4. A)6 B)4 C)3 D)5 E)2
5. A)6 B)4 C)3 D)2
6. A)6 B)2 C)4
7. A)6 B)7 C)5 D)4 E)3 F)2 G)1
8. A)7 B)6 C)4 D)2 E)1
9. A)4 B)2 C)3 D)5 E)6 F)1
10.A)2 B)1 C)4 D)6 E)7 F)8
Over 60 Points
You are seen as a vain, self-centered, and extremely dominant. Others may admire you and wish they could be more like you, but they don't always trust you and hesitate to become too deeply involved with you.
From 51-60 Points
Your friends see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather impulsive personality; a natural leader, quick to make decisions (though not always the right ones). They see you as bold and venturesome, someone who will try anything once; someone who takes a chance and enjoys an adventure. They enjoy being in your company because of the excitement you radiate.
From 41-50 Points
Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting; someone who is constantly on the move. Also as kind, considerate and understanding. Someone who will cheer them up and help them out.
From 31-40 Points
Other people see you as sensible, cautious, careful and practical. The see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or too easily, but someone who is extremely loyal to the friends you do make and who expect the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you realize that it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but , equally, that it takes a long time to get over it if that trust is broken.
From 21-30 Points
Your friends see you as painstaking an d fussy. The see you as very, very cautious and extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder. It would really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment. They expect you to examine everything carefully from every side and then, usually decide against it. They think this reaction on your part is cause partly by your careful nature.
Under 21 Points
People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive, someone who needs to be looked after, who always wants someone else to make the decisions and who doesn't want to get involved with anyone or anything. The see you as a worrier, who sees problems that don't exist. Some people think you are boring. Only the people the know you well know that you aren't.
1. When do you feel your best?
A) In the morning
B) During the afternoon and early evening
C) Late at night
2. You usually walk
A) Fairly fast, with long steps
B) Fairly fast, but with short, quick steps
C) Less fast, head up, looking the world in the face
D) Less fast, head down
E) Very slowly
3. When talking to people, you
A) Stand with your arms folded
B) Have your hands clasped
C) Have one or both your hands on your hips
D) Touch or push the person to whom you are talking
E) Play with your ear, touch or chin or smooth your hair
4. When relaxing, you sit with
A) Your knees bent and your legs neatly side by side
B) You legs crossed
C) Your legs stretched out or straight
D) One leg curled under you
5. When something really amuses you, you react with
A) A big, appreciative laugh
B) A laugh, but not a loud one
C) A quiet chuckle
D) A sheepsih smile
6. When you go to a party or social gathering, you
A) Make a loud entrance so everyon enotices you
B) Make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you know
C) Make a quiet entrance and try to stay unnoticed
7. You are working hard, concentrating hard. You are interruped. You
A) Welcome the break
B) Feel extremely irritated
C) Vary between these two extremes
8. Which of the following colors do you like most
A) Red or Orange
B) Black
C) Yellow or Light Blue
D) Green
E) Dark blue or purple
F) White
G) Brown or Gray
9. When you sleep, you lie
A) Stretched out on your back
B) Stretched out face down on your stomach
C) on your side, slightly curled
D) With your head on one arm
E) With your head under the covers
10. You often dream that you are
A) Falling
B) Fighting or struggling
C) Searching for something or somebody
D) Flying or floating
E) You usually have dreamless sleep
F) Your dreams are always pleasant
Points:
1. A)2 B)4 C)6
2. A)6 B)4 C)3 D)2 E)1
3. A)4 B)6 C)2 D)1 E)5
4. A)6 B)4 C)3 D)5 E)2
5. A)6 B)4 C)3 D)2
6. A)6 B)2 C)4
7. A)6 B)7 C)5 D)4 E)3 F)2 G)1
8. A)7 B)6 C)4 D)2 E)1
9. A)4 B)2 C)3 D)5 E)6 F)1
10.A)2 B)1 C)4 D)6 E)7 F)8
Over 60 Points
You are seen as a vain, self-centered, and extremely dominant. Others may admire you and wish they could be more like you, but they don't always trust you and hesitate to become too deeply involved with you.
From 51-60 Points
Your friends see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather impulsive personality; a natural leader, quick to make decisions (though not always the right ones). They see you as bold and venturesome, someone who will try anything once; someone who takes a chance and enjoys an adventure. They enjoy being in your company because of the excitement you radiate.
From 41-50 Points
Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting; someone who is constantly on the move. Also as kind, considerate and understanding. Someone who will cheer them up and help them out.
From 31-40 Points
Other people see you as sensible, cautious, careful and practical. The see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or too easily, but someone who is extremely loyal to the friends you do make and who expect the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you realize that it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but , equally, that it takes a long time to get over it if that trust is broken.
From 21-30 Points
Your friends see you as painstaking an d fussy. The see you as very, very cautious and extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder. It would really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment. They expect you to examine everything carefully from every side and then, usually decide against it. They think this reaction on your part is cause partly by your careful nature.
Under 21 Points
People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive, someone who needs to be looked after, who always wants someone else to make the decisions and who doesn't want to get involved with anyone or anything. The see you as a worrier, who sees problems that don't exist. Some people think you are boring. Only the people the know you well know that you aren't.
Temple Handkerchief
When I was in Young Women's our Young women presidency gave us each a handkerchief with this poem in a card. The card was title I'm Going There Someday
This handkerchief was made with love
especially for you by __________________ (mine was made by Sister Gloria Dockstader
We want to give you this handkerchief
To remind you we are always concerned
About to who and where you will be married
And how well this principle you have learned,
Have you truly made a commitment
To follow our Father's plan?
That you may kneel in His house
Someday in marriage to a worthy man.
Nothing will bring you greater joy,
When you come to your wedding day,
But to know you kept yourself clean
And pure in a very special way.
Will you save and cherish this handkerchief
Thru the next few years of your life?
To remind you of our Father's plan
To be eternally husband and wife.
And when that beautiful day arrives,
And you've pledged your love so true,
Will you take this lovely handkerchief
To that holy place with you?
Love,
______________________
This handkerchief was made with love
especially for you by __________________ (mine was made by Sister Gloria Dockstader
We want to give you this handkerchief
To remind you we are always concerned
About to who and where you will be married
And how well this principle you have learned,
Have you truly made a commitment
To follow our Father's plan?
That you may kneel in His house
Someday in marriage to a worthy man.
Nothing will bring you greater joy,
When you come to your wedding day,
But to know you kept yourself clean
And pure in a very special way.
Will you save and cherish this handkerchief
Thru the next few years of your life?
To remind you of our Father's plan
To be eternally husband and wife.
And when that beautiful day arrives,
And you've pledged your love so true,
Will you take this lovely handkerchief
To that holy place with you?
Love,
______________________
101 Fun Date Ideas
1. Go for a walk
2. Have a picnic
3. Go camping
4. Build a puzzle
5. Play soccer
6. Fly kites
7. Visit the zoo
8. Go swimming
9. Climb Trees
10. Make cars out of boxes and have a drive-in movie at home
11. Go for a bike ride
12. Plant a garden
13. Go to the skate park
14. Roller skating
15. Have relay races
16. Go to the library
17. Watch home movies
18. Build a tree house
19. Have a snowball fight
20. Play kickball
21. Go bowling
22. Have a garage sale
23. Visit historical sites
24. Go for a hike in the mountains
25. Have a car wash
26. Act out your favorite movie
27. Horseback riding
28. Go fishing
29. Play croquet
30. Make treats for a neighbor
31. Cut pictures from magazines and make a collage
32. Visit temple square
33. Plant a flower garden
34. Go to the beach
35. Play frisbee
36. Go ice skating
37. Have a bicycle rodeo
38. Play volleyball
39. Make a miniature gold course
40. Go for ice cream
41. Make ice cream
42. Have a scavenger hunt
43. Visit a museum
44. Play softball
45. Make instruments and have a band
46. Have a fashion show
47. Play board games
48. Make and pull homemade taffy
49. Have a water fight
50. Go to the rodeo
51. Make home videos
52. Plan a party
53. Go river tubing
54. Have a road rally
55. Hold a story hour
56. Go sledding
57. Play football
58. Make boats out of things around the house then try them out
59. Put on a puppet show
60. Go to the fair
61. Go miniature golfing
62. Play water balloon volleyball
63. Make lemonade and sell it
64. Birthday parties
65. Have a pet show
66. Go Christmas caroling
67. Go paint balling
68. Visit the pet store
69. cook a dutch oven dinner
70. have a pillow fight
71. make salt dough ornaments
72. have a date bake-off
73. tie-dye shirts
74. Go to local sporting events
75. Finger painting
76. Eat dinner without silverware
77. Go dancing
78. Have a water balloon fight
79. Go to musical concerts
80. Make ginger bread houses
81. Rake leaves and jump in them
82. Have a karioke night
83. Do a creative service project
84. Make homemade Easter baskets
85. Make popsicle stick crafts
86. Put on a dinner show
87. Photo scavenger hunt
88. Make house out of refrigerator boxes
89. Hold "Teacher Appreciation Dinners"
90. Make your own Halloween costumes
91. Put together a box of items for a family in need
92. Make dinner together
93. Make sidewalk art with chalk
94. Go to a play
95. Movie marathon, you pick the movies
96. Have a magic show
97. Make holiday treats
98. Build a snowman
99. Shovel the neighbor's snow
100. Go for a drive and play road games or sing songs
101. Have a watermelon eating contest
2. Have a picnic
3. Go camping
4. Build a puzzle
5. Play soccer
6. Fly kites
7. Visit the zoo
8. Go swimming
9. Climb Trees
10. Make cars out of boxes and have a drive-in movie at home
11. Go for a bike ride
12. Plant a garden
13. Go to the skate park
14. Roller skating
15. Have relay races
16. Go to the library
17. Watch home movies
18. Build a tree house
19. Have a snowball fight
20. Play kickball
21. Go bowling
22. Have a garage sale
23. Visit historical sites
24. Go for a hike in the mountains
25. Have a car wash
26. Act out your favorite movie
27. Horseback riding
28. Go fishing
29. Play croquet
30. Make treats for a neighbor
31. Cut pictures from magazines and make a collage
32. Visit temple square
33. Plant a flower garden
34. Go to the beach
35. Play frisbee
36. Go ice skating
37. Have a bicycle rodeo
38. Play volleyball
39. Make a miniature gold course
40. Go for ice cream
41. Make ice cream
42. Have a scavenger hunt
43. Visit a museum
44. Play softball
45. Make instruments and have a band
46. Have a fashion show
47. Play board games
48. Make and pull homemade taffy
49. Have a water fight
50. Go to the rodeo
51. Make home videos
52. Plan a party
53. Go river tubing
54. Have a road rally
55. Hold a story hour
56. Go sledding
57. Play football
58. Make boats out of things around the house then try them out
59. Put on a puppet show
60. Go to the fair
61. Go miniature golfing
62. Play water balloon volleyball
63. Make lemonade and sell it
64. Birthday parties
65. Have a pet show
66. Go Christmas caroling
67. Go paint balling
68. Visit the pet store
69. cook a dutch oven dinner
70. have a pillow fight
71. make salt dough ornaments
72. have a date bake-off
73. tie-dye shirts
74. Go to local sporting events
75. Finger painting
76. Eat dinner without silverware
77. Go dancing
78. Have a water balloon fight
79. Go to musical concerts
80. Make ginger bread houses
81. Rake leaves and jump in them
82. Have a karioke night
83. Do a creative service project
84. Make homemade Easter baskets
85. Make popsicle stick crafts
86. Put on a dinner show
87. Photo scavenger hunt
88. Make house out of refrigerator boxes
89. Hold "Teacher Appreciation Dinners"
90. Make your own Halloween costumes
91. Put together a box of items for a family in need
92. Make dinner together
93. Make sidewalk art with chalk
94. Go to a play
95. Movie marathon, you pick the movies
96. Have a magic show
97. Make holiday treats
98. Build a snowman
99. Shovel the neighbor's snow
100. Go for a drive and play road games or sing songs
101. Have a watermelon eating contest
Questions to ask yourself?
1. Do I study and ponder the scriptures in an effort to know the will of God and understand His commandments regarding His children?
2. Do I follow the counsel of God's living prophet, or do I merely select those things with which I agree, disregarding the others?
3. Do I seek the advice and counsel of my bishop and stake president on matters of concern to me and my family?
4. Am I earnestly striving to discipline myself, placing my physical appetites under the subjection of my will?
5. Am I making every effort to repent of past or present wrongdoings and correct them by doing right?
6. Do I have an attitude of faith in God even though I experience trials, adversity, and affliction? And do I bear my burden without a complaining spirit?
2. Do I follow the counsel of God's living prophet, or do I merely select those things with which I agree, disregarding the others?
3. Do I seek the advice and counsel of my bishop and stake president on matters of concern to me and my family?
4. Am I earnestly striving to discipline myself, placing my physical appetites under the subjection of my will?
5. Am I making every effort to repent of past or present wrongdoings and correct them by doing right?
6. Do I have an attitude of faith in God even though I experience trials, adversity, and affliction? And do I bear my burden without a complaining spirit?
The Family:A Proclamation to the World
Here is the link to the Proclamation on the Family that was read by Gordon B. Hinckley to the General Relief Society Meeting on Sept. 23, 1995.
The Family: A Proclamation to the World
The Family: A Proclamation to the World
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Around the Corner
Around the corner I have a friend,
In this great city that has no end;
Yet days go by, and weeks rush on,
And before I know it a year is gone,
And I never see my old friend's face,
For life is a swift and terrible race.
He knows I like him just as well
As in the days when I rang his bell
And he rang mine. We were younger then,
And now we are busy, tired men:
Tired with playing a foolish game,
Tired with trying to make a name.
"Tomorrow," I say, "I will call on Jim,
Just to show I am thinking of him."
But tomorrow comes - and tomorrow goes,
And the distance between us grows and grows.
Around the corner! - yet miles away . .
"Here's the telegram, Sir. . .
'Jim died today'."
And that's what we get, and deserve in the end:
Around the corner, a vanished friend.
- by Charles Hanson Towne
If you love someone, tell them. Don't be afraid to express yourself. Reach out and tell someone what they mean to you. Because when you decide that it is the right time it might be too late.
Seize the day. Never have regrets. And most importantly, stay close to your friends and family, for they have helped make you the person that you are today.
In this great city that has no end;
Yet days go by, and weeks rush on,
And before I know it a year is gone,
And I never see my old friend's face,
For life is a swift and terrible race.
He knows I like him just as well
As in the days when I rang his bell
And he rang mine. We were younger then,
And now we are busy, tired men:
Tired with playing a foolish game,
Tired with trying to make a name.
"Tomorrow," I say, "I will call on Jim,
Just to show I am thinking of him."
But tomorrow comes - and tomorrow goes,
And the distance between us grows and grows.
Around the corner! - yet miles away . .
"Here's the telegram, Sir. . .
'Jim died today'."
And that's what we get, and deserve in the end:
Around the corner, a vanished friend.
- by Charles Hanson Towne
If you love someone, tell them. Don't be afraid to express yourself. Reach out and tell someone what they mean to you. Because when you decide that it is the right time it might be too late.
Seize the day. Never have regrets. And most importantly, stay close to your friends and family, for they have helped make you the person that you are today.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Things to Do
___ Pass love notes in the library
___ sneak away for a moonlit swim
___ snuggle
___ walk arm in arm on a foggy night
___ list and record your favorite songs
___ make s'mores over a campfire
___ walk through the woods
___ visit a national park together
___ have a sunrise picnic
___ go grocery shopping at 3:00 am
___ enjoy a romantic moonlit picnic
___ play a complete game of monopoly
___ request "your song" on the radio
___ whisper sweet nothings
___ host/attend a "christmas in july" party
___ play twister
___ get away for a day trip
___ celebrate friday the 13th
___ make a meal out of grocery store samples
___ flip a coin to decide what to do
___ play an April Fools Day Prank
___ Crash a large family reunion then eat and run
___ Play jacks
___ enter a lip sync contest
___ play a competitive game of marbles
___ go to a demolition derby
___ explore the countryside on horseback
___ go to the zoo
___ go bowling
___ have an indoor picnic
___ stay at home for a date
___ build a hosue of cards
___ take an IQ test
___ critique the movie you saw over a late dinner
___ go to homecoming
___ dress up and dance at home by candlelight
___ read old cards and letters from each other to each other
___ write a poem for someone
___ steal a kiss while under the mistletoe
___ play Hide and Seek
___ host a romantic new year's eve party for two
___ dance cheek to cheek
___ drift off as you gaze into the one you love's eyes
___ play name that tune
___ discuss your musical likes and dislikes
___ host an indoor beach party during the winter
___ sit side by side on a park bench and watch the world go by
___ have a bum night date: jeans, tshirt and no more than $5
___ play a game of hearts
___ in your spare time go miniature golfing
___ decorate your hosue for autumn and make a scarecrow
___ try a different kids of kiss, share a bag of hershey kisses
___ watch the olympic games
___ play a game of "Life"
___ Host an anniversary party for your folks
___ learn to drive a standard car
___ snuggle on a hayride
___ roast marshmellows over the fire
___ explore a spooky ghost town or haunted house
___ tell knock-knock jokes to someone you love
___ after the movie stop for a milkshake (or icecream)
___ go mountain biking or hiking
___ go repelling down a cliff
___ go rock climbing
___ visit your old school playground
___ offer a shoulder to lean on during a hard time
___ play the "what if..." game
___ play 20 questions
___ to satisfy your sweet tooth, make candy
___ be lazy w/someone you love
___ run barefoot through the park
___ celebrate December 21, the shortest day of the year
___ go star-gazing
___ dance at home to the radio
___ get into the holiday spirit by listening to christmas music
___ share your memories of past holidays with someone you love
___ split a banana split
___ explore an unknown path through the woods
___ chase rainbows together
___ wish upon a shooting star
___ watch the clouds and pick out formations
___ watch a solar eclipse
___ have a conversation in a foreign language
___ take a calligraphy class
___ have a snowball fight
___ Have a grass fight
___ Challenge each other at nintendo
___ dream of what you would do with a million dollars in one week
___ Have a late night walk after a snowfall
___ Kidnap your date from work
___ Go trick-or-treating
___ Be silly in a photo booth
___ Share a bag of gummy bears (or other junk food)
___ Watch saturday morning cartoons and share a box of donuts
___ Watch the academy awards
___ Host/Attend a Friday 13th Party
___
___ sneak away for a moonlit swim
___ snuggle
___ walk arm in arm on a foggy night
___ list and record your favorite songs
___ make s'mores over a campfire
___ walk through the woods
___ visit a national park together
___ have a sunrise picnic
___ go grocery shopping at 3:00 am
___ enjoy a romantic moonlit picnic
___ play a complete game of monopoly
___ request "your song" on the radio
___ whisper sweet nothings
___ host/attend a "christmas in july" party
___ play twister
___ get away for a day trip
___ celebrate friday the 13th
___ make a meal out of grocery store samples
___ flip a coin to decide what to do
___ play an April Fools Day Prank
___ Crash a large family reunion then eat and run
___ Play jacks
___ enter a lip sync contest
___ play a competitive game of marbles
___ go to a demolition derby
___ explore the countryside on horseback
___ go to the zoo
___ go bowling
___ have an indoor picnic
___ stay at home for a date
___ build a hosue of cards
___ take an IQ test
___ critique the movie you saw over a late dinner
___ go to homecoming
___ dress up and dance at home by candlelight
___ read old cards and letters from each other to each other
___ write a poem for someone
___ steal a kiss while under the mistletoe
___ play Hide and Seek
___ host a romantic new year's eve party for two
___ dance cheek to cheek
___ drift off as you gaze into the one you love's eyes
___ play name that tune
___ discuss your musical likes and dislikes
___ host an indoor beach party during the winter
___ sit side by side on a park bench and watch the world go by
___ have a bum night date: jeans, tshirt and no more than $5
___ play a game of hearts
___ in your spare time go miniature golfing
___ decorate your hosue for autumn and make a scarecrow
___ try a different kids of kiss, share a bag of hershey kisses
___ watch the olympic games
___ play a game of "Life"
___ Host an anniversary party for your folks
___ learn to drive a standard car
___ snuggle on a hayride
___ roast marshmellows over the fire
___ explore a spooky ghost town or haunted house
___ tell knock-knock jokes to someone you love
___ after the movie stop for a milkshake (or icecream)
___ go mountain biking or hiking
___ go repelling down a cliff
___ go rock climbing
___ visit your old school playground
___ offer a shoulder to lean on during a hard time
___ play the "what if..." game
___ play 20 questions
___ to satisfy your sweet tooth, make candy
___ be lazy w/someone you love
___ run barefoot through the park
___ celebrate December 21, the shortest day of the year
___ go star-gazing
___ dance at home to the radio
___ get into the holiday spirit by listening to christmas music
___ share your memories of past holidays with someone you love
___ split a banana split
___ explore an unknown path through the woods
___ chase rainbows together
___ wish upon a shooting star
___ watch the clouds and pick out formations
___ watch a solar eclipse
___ have a conversation in a foreign language
___ take a calligraphy class
___ have a snowball fight
___ Have a grass fight
___ Challenge each other at nintendo
___ dream of what you would do with a million dollars in one week
___ Have a late night walk after a snowfall
___ Kidnap your date from work
___ Go trick-or-treating
___ Be silly in a photo booth
___ Share a bag of gummy bears (or other junk food)
___ Watch saturday morning cartoons and share a box of donuts
___ Watch the academy awards
___ Host/Attend a Friday 13th Party
___
A Candymaker's Witness
A candy maker in Indiana wanted to make a candy that would be a witness, so he made the Christmas Candy Cane. He incorporated several symbols for the birth, ministry, and death of Jesus Christ.
He began with a stick of pure white hard candy. White to symbolize the Virgin Birth and the sinless nature of Jesus, and hard to symbolize the Solid Rock, the foundation of the Church, and firmness of the promises of God.
The candy maker made the candy in the form of a "J" to represent the precious name of Jesus, who came to earth as our Savior. It could also represent the staff of the "Good Shepherd" with which He reaches down into the ditches of the world to lift out the fallen lambs who, like all sheep, have gone astray.
Thinking that the candy was somewhat plain, the candy maker stained it with red stripes. He used three small stripes to show the stripes of the scourging Jesus received by which we are healed. The large red stripe was for the blood shed by Christ on the Cross so that we could have the promise of eternal life.
Unfortunately, the candy became known as a candy cane—a meaningless decoration seen at Christmas time. But the meaning is still there for those who "have eyes to see and ears to hear."
I pray that this symbol will again be used to witness to the wonder of Jesus and his great love that came down at Christmas and remains the ultimate and dominate force in the universe today.
He began with a stick of pure white hard candy. White to symbolize the Virgin Birth and the sinless nature of Jesus, and hard to symbolize the Solid Rock, the foundation of the Church, and firmness of the promises of God.
The candy maker made the candy in the form of a "J" to represent the precious name of Jesus, who came to earth as our Savior. It could also represent the staff of the "Good Shepherd" with which He reaches down into the ditches of the world to lift out the fallen lambs who, like all sheep, have gone astray.
Thinking that the candy was somewhat plain, the candy maker stained it with red stripes. He used three small stripes to show the stripes of the scourging Jesus received by which we are healed. The large red stripe was for the blood shed by Christ on the Cross so that we could have the promise of eternal life.
Unfortunately, the candy became known as a candy cane—a meaningless decoration seen at Christmas time. But the meaning is still there for those who "have eyes to see and ears to hear."
I pray that this symbol will again be used to witness to the wonder of Jesus and his great love that came down at Christmas and remains the ultimate and dominate force in the universe today.
Birth Order of Children
Your Clothes:
1st baby: You begin wearing maternity clothes as soon as your OB/GYN confirms your pregnancy.
2nd baby: You wear your regular clothes for as long as possible.
3rd baby: Your maternity clothes ARE your regular clothes. -love this one
_____________________________________________________
Preparing for the Birth:
1st baby: You practice your breathing religiously.
2nd baby: You don’t bother because you remember that last time, breathing didn’t do a thing.
3rd baby: You ask for an epidural in your eighth month
______________________________________________________
The Baby clothes:
1st baby: You pre-wash newborn’s clothes, colour co-ordinate them, and fold them neatly in the baby’s little bureau.
2nd baby: You check to make sure that the clothes are clean and discard only the ones with the darkest stains.
3rd baby: Boys can wear pink, can’t they?
______________________________________________________
Worries:
1st baby: At the first sign of distress–a whimper, a frown–you pick up the baby.
2nd baby: You pick the baby up when her wails threaten to wake your firstborn.
3rd baby: You teach your three-year-old how to rewind the mechanical swing
______________________________________________________
Dummies:
1st baby: If the dummy falls on the floor, you put it away until you can go home and wash and sterilise it.
2nd baby: When the dummy falls on the floor, you squirt it off with some juice from the baby’s bottle.
3rd baby: You wipe it off on your shirt and pop it back in.
______________________________________________________
Nappy changing:
1st baby: You change your baby’s nappies every hour, whether they need it or not.
2nd baby: You change their nappy every two to three hours, if needed.
3rd baby: You try to change their nappy before others start to complain about the smell or you see it sagging to their knees.
______________________________________________________
Activities:
1st baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics, Baby Swing, and Baby Story Hour.
2nd baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics.
3rd baby: You take your infant to the supermarket and the dry cleaner.
______________________________________________________
Going Out:
1st baby: The first time you leave your baby with a sitter, you call home five times.
2nd baby: Just before you walk out the door, you remember to leave a number where you can be reached.
3rd baby: You leave instructions for the sitter to call only if she sees blood.
______________________________________________________
At Home:
1st baby: You spend a good bit of every day just gazing at the baby.
2nd baby: You spend a bit of everyday watching to be sure your older child isn’t squeezing, poking, or hitting the baby.
3rd baby: You spend a little bit of every day hiding from the children.
______________________________________________________
Swallowing Coins:
1st child: When first child swallows a coin, you rush the child to the hospital and demand x-rays.
2nd child: When second child swallows a coin, you carefully watch for the coin to pass.
3rd child: When third child swallows a coin you deduct it from his allowance!
1st baby: You begin wearing maternity clothes as soon as your OB/GYN confirms your pregnancy.
2nd baby: You wear your regular clothes for as long as possible.
3rd baby: Your maternity clothes ARE your regular clothes. -love this one
_____________________________________________________
Preparing for the Birth:
1st baby: You practice your breathing religiously.
2nd baby: You don’t bother because you remember that last time, breathing didn’t do a thing.
3rd baby: You ask for an epidural in your eighth month
______________________________________________________
The Baby clothes:
1st baby: You pre-wash newborn’s clothes, colour co-ordinate them, and fold them neatly in the baby’s little bureau.
2nd baby: You check to make sure that the clothes are clean and discard only the ones with the darkest stains.
3rd baby: Boys can wear pink, can’t they?
______________________________________________________
Worries:
1st baby: At the first sign of distress–a whimper, a frown–you pick up the baby.
2nd baby: You pick the baby up when her wails threaten to wake your firstborn.
3rd baby: You teach your three-year-old how to rewind the mechanical swing
______________________________________________________
Dummies:
1st baby: If the dummy falls on the floor, you put it away until you can go home and wash and sterilise it.
2nd baby: When the dummy falls on the floor, you squirt it off with some juice from the baby’s bottle.
3rd baby: You wipe it off on your shirt and pop it back in.
______________________________________________________
Nappy changing:
1st baby: You change your baby’s nappies every hour, whether they need it or not.
2nd baby: You change their nappy every two to three hours, if needed.
3rd baby: You try to change their nappy before others start to complain about the smell or you see it sagging to their knees.
______________________________________________________
Activities:
1st baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics, Baby Swing, and Baby Story Hour.
2nd baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics.
3rd baby: You take your infant to the supermarket and the dry cleaner.
______________________________________________________
Going Out:
1st baby: The first time you leave your baby with a sitter, you call home five times.
2nd baby: Just before you walk out the door, you remember to leave a number where you can be reached.
3rd baby: You leave instructions for the sitter to call only if she sees blood.
______________________________________________________
At Home:
1st baby: You spend a good bit of every day just gazing at the baby.
2nd baby: You spend a bit of everyday watching to be sure your older child isn’t squeezing, poking, or hitting the baby.
3rd baby: You spend a little bit of every day hiding from the children.
______________________________________________________
Swallowing Coins:
1st child: When first child swallows a coin, you rush the child to the hospital and demand x-rays.
2nd child: When second child swallows a coin, you carefully watch for the coin to pass.
3rd child: When third child swallows a coin you deduct it from his allowance!
I Know Where My God Was
How many of us have heard that question, "Where was your God when the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were attacked?" Well, I know where my God was the morning of September 11, 2001, and He was very busy.
He was trying to discourage anyone from taking these flights. Those four flights held over 1000 passengers and there were only 266 aboard. On one of the flights he was giving strength to passengers to try to overtake the hijackers.
He was on four commercial flights giving terrified passengers the ability to stay calm. Not one of the family members who were called by a loved one on one of the hijacked planes said that passengers were screaming in the background.
On one of the flights he was giving strength to passengers to try to overtake the hijackers.
He was busy trying to create obstacles for employees at the World Trade Center. After all, only around 20,000 were at the towers when the first jet hit. Since the buildings held over 50,000 workers, this was a miracle in itself. How many of the people who were employed at the World Trade Center told the media that they were late for work or they had traffic delays.
He was holding up two 110 story buildings so that two-thirds of the workers could get out. I was so amazed that the top of the towers didn't topple when the jets impacted. And when they did fall, they fell inward. God didn't allow them to topple over, as many more lives would have been lost.
And when the buildings went down, my God picked up almost 6,000 of his children and carried them home with him. Reassuring his frightened children that the worst was over and the best was yet to come.
He sat down and cried that 19 of his children could have so much hate in their hearts. That they didn't choose him, and now they are lost forever.
He sent his children that are best trained for this disaster and had them save the few that were still alive, but unable to help themselves. And then sent many others to help in any way they were needed.
He still isn't finished though, He held the loved ones that were left behind in His arms. He comforts them daily. His other children are given the strength to reach out to them and help them in any way they can.
And I believe He will continue to help us in what is to come. He will give the people in charge of this great nation the strength and the wisdom to do the right thing. He would never leave us in our time of need.
So, when anyone asks, "Where was your God on September 11th?", you can say "Everywhere!" And yes, although this is without a doubt the worst thing I have seen in my life, I see God's miracles in every bit of it.
He was trying to discourage anyone from taking these flights. Those four flights held over 1000 passengers and there were only 266 aboard. On one of the flights he was giving strength to passengers to try to overtake the hijackers.
He was on four commercial flights giving terrified passengers the ability to stay calm. Not one of the family members who were called by a loved one on one of the hijacked planes said that passengers were screaming in the background.
On one of the flights he was giving strength to passengers to try to overtake the hijackers.
He was busy trying to create obstacles for employees at the World Trade Center. After all, only around 20,000 were at the towers when the first jet hit. Since the buildings held over 50,000 workers, this was a miracle in itself. How many of the people who were employed at the World Trade Center told the media that they were late for work or they had traffic delays.
He was holding up two 110 story buildings so that two-thirds of the workers could get out. I was so amazed that the top of the towers didn't topple when the jets impacted. And when they did fall, they fell inward. God didn't allow them to topple over, as many more lives would have been lost.
And when the buildings went down, my God picked up almost 6,000 of his children and carried them home with him. Reassuring his frightened children that the worst was over and the best was yet to come.
He sat down and cried that 19 of his children could have so much hate in their hearts. That they didn't choose him, and now they are lost forever.
He sent his children that are best trained for this disaster and had them save the few that were still alive, but unable to help themselves. And then sent many others to help in any way they were needed.
He still isn't finished though, He held the loved ones that were left behind in His arms. He comforts them daily. His other children are given the strength to reach out to them and help them in any way they can.
And I believe He will continue to help us in what is to come. He will give the people in charge of this great nation the strength and the wisdom to do the right thing. He would never leave us in our time of need.
So, when anyone asks, "Where was your God on September 11th?", you can say "Everywhere!" And yes, although this is without a doubt the worst thing I have seen in my life, I see God's miracles in every bit of it.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Life Cycle of a Birth Board
Here's the life cycle of a birth board:
It starts 10 months before babies are due, with about 10 people who have been going from birth board to birth board as they TTC. This is a very weird phenomenon to me.
People find out they're pregnant and suddenly there are a million intro threads.
Someone takes the bull by the horns and recommends one intro thread so that things aren't so cluttered.
Everyone thanks her. Many smilies.
There are a million threads about people who are so thankful to find this birth board. Lots of hyperbole about how this is the best bunch of ladies EVER.
Someone posts a question about morning sickness. Lots of "Me too!!'s.
People start posting lots of pregnancy related questions, concerns, worries, happinesses. Other people have answers. Lots of support and help. Life is good.
A few people get the blood tests to determine gender. Others decry them as stupid/wasteful. Debates ensue.
20 weeks into the pregnancies, everyone gets their big ultrasounds and there are daily updates. No one keeps track of who's having what, but there are "pink/blue team" score cards kept, and some people become hyper INTO those.
About 6 months into the pregnancies, someone asks "So what do you think about inductions/C-sections/natural birth?" Drama ensues. Flames are flung from both directions.
"Who's going to breastfeed?"
"If you're having a boy, will you circumcise?"
etc.
A couple months of high drama. Hosts step in, remind people of the guidelines, no personal attacks, keep it nice, etc. There is reminiscing of how nice the board was when everyone was finding out they were pregnant, how supportive everyone was.
People calm down, become more comfortable with their own decisions.
Someone goes into labor very early and there is an onslaught of support and daily updates on the kid in the NICU. Donations are made, baby items sent. Someone points out that in light of such things, all the drama is very out of place.
Insert three trillion name polls.
36-ish weeks into it, babies are born and don't stop coming. Lots of "Micah Steven is HERE!" threads. Everyone is thrilled for everyone.
Lots of castor oil threads here.
39-ish weeks into it, people are hurt that they're not getting as many responses and congrats on their birth story threads as the 36-week people.
After the babies arrive, there are a ton more questions that everyone has. Everyone bonds again, and is too tired to argue anyway. Sleep issues, reflux issues, poop issues, umbilical cord issues, penile readhesion issues, etc., etc., etc.
Everyone swaps formula coupons with everyone else, and some just keep asking for coupons.
What kind of diapers do you use? This is the hot question.
Drama issues switch to sleeping arrangements, how long people plan to breastfeed.
Photo Uno begins.
Some moms experience PPD, everyone bands around to help them and make suggestions.
Someone makes the comment that this board has by FAR the cutest babies of any of the other birth boards.
Someone comments that the board seems a little slow, and starts fun polls to keep things interesting.
The board experiences its first troll (or at least finds out that they've been experiencing one). People delete their Photobucket accounts, post warnings about posting photos and personal information on the board, and go on rampages to uncover all of the information on the troll.
For the first time, personal drama between members erupts over something entirely non-related to babies.
Mods are called in, things cool off.
Insert vaccination debates.
Around 11 months, someone asks "How long will your child stay rear-facing?" Drama erupts. YouTube videos are posted daily. People are, by now, much more comfortable in their own parenting skins, and respond to drama by saying things like "Rear-facing? I thought it was OK to pull them in a wagon behind the car!"
80% of the threads are now entirely unrelated to parenting.
Latent drama (over any of the previous issues) that has festered between 4 or 5 of the more outspoken posters comes to a head. Groups band around each side, with a large third group telling everyone to get along and play nice.
A private board is created. People on the birth board find out. Another private board is created. The birth board resembles a ghost town except for 6 people who have no freaking clue what is going on.
People start threads on the birth board aimed at people on the opposite private board. Uninformed posters are sucked in unwittingly to the drama.
Hosts warn about bringing off-board drama on to the board. People figure out how to do it anyway.
People leave the birth board with big fanfare and lots of "Noooo! Don't goooo!". They decide to stay, and post a thread telling everyone.
People get sick of the "I'm leaving" threads and take pot shots at those posting them.
Things calm down, people leave for good and some stay and quit talking about leaving.
People want to make things better on the board, and decide the way to do that is to initiate all kinds of new fun polls. The "kill this thread" thread is started.
It starts 10 months before babies are due, with about 10 people who have been going from birth board to birth board as they TTC. This is a very weird phenomenon to me.
People find out they're pregnant and suddenly there are a million intro threads.
Someone takes the bull by the horns and recommends one intro thread so that things aren't so cluttered.
Everyone thanks her. Many smilies.
There are a million threads about people who are so thankful to find this birth board. Lots of hyperbole about how this is the best bunch of ladies EVER.
Someone posts a question about morning sickness. Lots of "Me too!!'s.
People start posting lots of pregnancy related questions, concerns, worries, happinesses. Other people have answers. Lots of support and help. Life is good.
A few people get the blood tests to determine gender. Others decry them as stupid/wasteful. Debates ensue.
20 weeks into the pregnancies, everyone gets their big ultrasounds and there are daily updates. No one keeps track of who's having what, but there are "pink/blue team" score cards kept, and some people become hyper INTO those.
About 6 months into the pregnancies, someone asks "So what do you think about inductions/C-sections/natural birth?" Drama ensues. Flames are flung from both directions.
"Who's going to breastfeed?"
"If you're having a boy, will you circumcise?"
etc.
A couple months of high drama. Hosts step in, remind people of the guidelines, no personal attacks, keep it nice, etc. There is reminiscing of how nice the board was when everyone was finding out they were pregnant, how supportive everyone was.
People calm down, become more comfortable with their own decisions.
Someone goes into labor very early and there is an onslaught of support and daily updates on the kid in the NICU. Donations are made, baby items sent. Someone points out that in light of such things, all the drama is very out of place.
Insert three trillion name polls.
36-ish weeks into it, babies are born and don't stop coming. Lots of "Micah Steven is HERE!" threads. Everyone is thrilled for everyone.
Lots of castor oil threads here.
39-ish weeks into it, people are hurt that they're not getting as many responses and congrats on their birth story threads as the 36-week people.
After the babies arrive, there are a ton more questions that everyone has. Everyone bonds again, and is too tired to argue anyway. Sleep issues, reflux issues, poop issues, umbilical cord issues, penile readhesion issues, etc., etc., etc.
Everyone swaps formula coupons with everyone else, and some just keep asking for coupons.
What kind of diapers do you use? This is the hot question.
Drama issues switch to sleeping arrangements, how long people plan to breastfeed.
Photo Uno begins.
Some moms experience PPD, everyone bands around to help them and make suggestions.
Someone makes the comment that this board has by FAR the cutest babies of any of the other birth boards.
Someone comments that the board seems a little slow, and starts fun polls to keep things interesting.
The board experiences its first troll (or at least finds out that they've been experiencing one). People delete their Photobucket accounts, post warnings about posting photos and personal information on the board, and go on rampages to uncover all of the information on the troll.
For the first time, personal drama between members erupts over something entirely non-related to babies.
Mods are called in, things cool off.
Insert vaccination debates.
Around 11 months, someone asks "How long will your child stay rear-facing?" Drama erupts. YouTube videos are posted daily. People are, by now, much more comfortable in their own parenting skins, and respond to drama by saying things like "Rear-facing? I thought it was OK to pull them in a wagon behind the car!"
80% of the threads are now entirely unrelated to parenting.
Latent drama (over any of the previous issues) that has festered between 4 or 5 of the more outspoken posters comes to a head. Groups band around each side, with a large third group telling everyone to get along and play nice.
A private board is created. People on the birth board find out. Another private board is created. The birth board resembles a ghost town except for 6 people who have no freaking clue what is going on.
People start threads on the birth board aimed at people on the opposite private board. Uninformed posters are sucked in unwittingly to the drama.
Hosts warn about bringing off-board drama on to the board. People figure out how to do it anyway.
People leave the birth board with big fanfare and lots of "Noooo! Don't goooo!". They decide to stay, and post a thread telling everyone.
People get sick of the "I'm leaving" threads and take pot shots at those posting them.
Things calm down, people leave for good and some stay and quit talking about leaving.
People want to make things better on the board, and decide the way to do that is to initiate all kinds of new fun polls. The "kill this thread" thread is started.
Loving Two
walk along holding your 1-year old hand, basking in the glow of our magical relationship.
Suddenly, I feel a kick from within, as if to remind me that our time alone is limited.
And I wonder, how could I love another child as I love you?
Then she is born and I watch you.
I watch at the pain you feel at having to share me as you have never shared me before.
I hear you telling me in your own way, "Please love only me," and I hear myself telling you in mine..."I can't."
Knowing, in fact, that I never can again.
You cry, I cry with you.
I almost see our baby as an intruder on the precious relationship we once shared.
A relationship we can never have again.
But then, barely noticing, I find myself attached to that new being and feeling almost guilty.
I'm afraid to let you see me enjoying her -- as though I am betraying you.
But then I notice your resentment change, first to curiosity...then to protectiveness, finally to genuine affection.
More days pass and we are settling into a new routine.
The memory of days with just the two of us is fading fast.
But something is replacing those wonderful times we shared, just us two.
There are new times -- only now we are three.
I watch the love between you grow.
The way you look at each other, touch each other.
I watch how she adores you, as I have for so long.
I see how excited you are by each of her new accomplishments.
I begin to realize that I haven't taken something from you, I've given something to you.
I notice that I am no longer afraid to share my love openly with both of you.
I find that my love for each of you is as different as you are, but equally strong.
And my answer is finally answered to my amazement.
Yes, I can love another child as much as I love you, only differently.
And although I realize that you have to share my time, I know you'll never share my love.
There's enough of that for both of you -- you each have your own supply.
I love and thank you both for blessing my life.
Suddenly, I feel a kick from within, as if to remind me that our time alone is limited.
And I wonder, how could I love another child as I love you?
Then she is born and I watch you.
I watch at the pain you feel at having to share me as you have never shared me before.
I hear you telling me in your own way, "Please love only me," and I hear myself telling you in mine..."I can't."
Knowing, in fact, that I never can again.
You cry, I cry with you.
I almost see our baby as an intruder on the precious relationship we once shared.
A relationship we can never have again.
But then, barely noticing, I find myself attached to that new being and feeling almost guilty.
I'm afraid to let you see me enjoying her -- as though I am betraying you.
But then I notice your resentment change, first to curiosity...then to protectiveness, finally to genuine affection.
More days pass and we are settling into a new routine.
The memory of days with just the two of us is fading fast.
But something is replacing those wonderful times we shared, just us two.
There are new times -- only now we are three.
I watch the love between you grow.
The way you look at each other, touch each other.
I watch how she adores you, as I have for so long.
I see how excited you are by each of her new accomplishments.
I begin to realize that I haven't taken something from you, I've given something to you.
I notice that I am no longer afraid to share my love openly with both of you.
I find that my love for each of you is as different as you are, but equally strong.
And my answer is finally answered to my amazement.
Yes, I can love another child as much as I love you, only differently.
And although I realize that you have to share my time, I know you'll never share my love.
There's enough of that for both of you -- you each have your own supply.
I love and thank you both for blessing my life.
I'm Thinking of You
Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.
Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.
Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.
Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.
Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles...
Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.
Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.
Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.
Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys..
Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.
Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.
Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.
Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favourite TV shows.
Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.
I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.
And when I kiss you goodnight I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day...
Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.
Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.
Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.
Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles...
Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.
Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.
Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.
Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys..
Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.
Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.
Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.
Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favourite TV shows.
Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.
I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.
And when I kiss you goodnight I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day...
My Sweet Little Angel
I look at you now, my sweet little angel,
and I cannot believe what i see.
You're looking back, my sweet little angel,
looking back and smiling at me.
It is such a surprise, my sweet little angel,
how happy you seem to be.
Because I was so scared, my sweet little angel,
at what kind of mother I'd be
But you've taught me how, my sweet little angel,
to know exactly what you need
I'm not always right, my sweet little angel,
but you are so patient with me.
I am your teacher, my sweet little angel,
but you're more a teacher to me.
You are now growing, my sweet little angel,
and growing together are we.
~ Ashley Phillips ~
and I cannot believe what i see.
You're looking back, my sweet little angel,
looking back and smiling at me.
It is such a surprise, my sweet little angel,
how happy you seem to be.
Because I was so scared, my sweet little angel,
at what kind of mother I'd be
But you've taught me how, my sweet little angel,
to know exactly what you need
I'm not always right, my sweet little angel,
but you are so patient with me.
I am your teacher, my sweet little angel,
but you're more a teacher to me.
You are now growing, my sweet little angel,
and growing together are we.
~ Ashley Phillips ~
Mother's Day Prayer
Gracious God, This prayer is for the mothers who have sat up all night with sick toddlers in their arms, saying, “It’s okay honey, Mommy’s here.”
Who have sat in rocking chairs for hours on end soothing crying babies who can’t be comforted.
This is for all the mothers who show up at work with stains on their blouses and diapers in their purse.
For all the mothers who run carpools and make cookies and sew Halloween costumes.
And all those mothers who don’t.
This is for the mothers who gave birth to babies they’ll never see.
And the mothers who took those babies and gave them homes.
This is for the mothers whose priceless art collections are hanging on their refrigerator doors.
And for all the mothers who froze their buns on metal bleachers at football or soccer games instead of watching from the warmth of their cars, so that when their kids asked, “Did you see me, Mom?” they could say, “Of course, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world,” and mean it.
This is for all the mothers who yell at their kids in the grocery store and swat them in despair when they stomp their feet and scream for ice cream before dinner.
And for all the mothers who count to ten instead, but realize how child abuse happens.
This is for all the mothers who sat down with their children and explained all about making babies.
And for all the (grand)mothers who wanted to, but just couldn’t find the words.
This is for all the mothers who go hungry, so their children can eat.
For all the mothers who read “Goodnight, Moon” twice a night for a year. And then read it again. “Just one more time.”
This is for all the mothers who taught their children to tie their shoelaces before they started school.
And for all the mothers who opted for Velcro instead.
This is for all the mothers who teach their sons to cook and their daughters to sink a jump shot.
This is for every mother whose head turns automatically when a little voice calls “Mom?” in a crowd, even though they know their own offspring are at home–or even away at college.
This is for all the mothers who sent their kids to school with stomach aches, assuring them they’d be just FINE once they got there, only to get calls from the school nurse an hour later asking them to please pick them up. Right away.
This is for mothers whose children have gone astray, who can’t find the words to reach them.
For all the mothers who bite their lips until they bleed when their 14 year olds dye their hair green.
For all the mothers of the victims of recent school shootings, and the mothers of those who did the shooting.
For the mothers of the survivors, and the mothers who sat in front of their TVs in horror, hugging their child who just came home from school, safely.
This is for all the mothers who taught their children to be peaceful, and now pray they come home safely from a war.
Gracious God, we thank you for mothering, for all those women and men who nourish, nurture, care for and mother–For without this blessed act, our lives would be poorer.
We thank you for mothering us, O God of all creation.
Amen.
Rev. Denise D. Tracy
Who have sat in rocking chairs for hours on end soothing crying babies who can’t be comforted.
This is for all the mothers who show up at work with stains on their blouses and diapers in their purse.
For all the mothers who run carpools and make cookies and sew Halloween costumes.
And all those mothers who don’t.
This is for the mothers who gave birth to babies they’ll never see.
And the mothers who took those babies and gave them homes.
This is for the mothers whose priceless art collections are hanging on their refrigerator doors.
And for all the mothers who froze their buns on metal bleachers at football or soccer games instead of watching from the warmth of their cars, so that when their kids asked, “Did you see me, Mom?” they could say, “Of course, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world,” and mean it.
This is for all the mothers who yell at their kids in the grocery store and swat them in despair when they stomp their feet and scream for ice cream before dinner.
And for all the mothers who count to ten instead, but realize how child abuse happens.
This is for all the mothers who sat down with their children and explained all about making babies.
And for all the (grand)mothers who wanted to, but just couldn’t find the words.
This is for all the mothers who go hungry, so their children can eat.
For all the mothers who read “Goodnight, Moon” twice a night for a year. And then read it again. “Just one more time.”
This is for all the mothers who taught their children to tie their shoelaces before they started school.
And for all the mothers who opted for Velcro instead.
This is for all the mothers who teach their sons to cook and their daughters to sink a jump shot.
This is for every mother whose head turns automatically when a little voice calls “Mom?” in a crowd, even though they know their own offspring are at home–or even away at college.
This is for all the mothers who sent their kids to school with stomach aches, assuring them they’d be just FINE once they got there, only to get calls from the school nurse an hour later asking them to please pick them up. Right away.
This is for mothers whose children have gone astray, who can’t find the words to reach them.
For all the mothers who bite their lips until they bleed when their 14 year olds dye their hair green.
For all the mothers of the victims of recent school shootings, and the mothers of those who did the shooting.
For the mothers of the survivors, and the mothers who sat in front of their TVs in horror, hugging their child who just came home from school, safely.
This is for all the mothers who taught their children to be peaceful, and now pray they come home safely from a war.
Gracious God, we thank you for mothering, for all those women and men who nourish, nurture, care for and mother–For without this blessed act, our lives would be poorer.
We thank you for mothering us, O God of all creation.
Amen.
Rev. Denise D. Tracy
A Mother's Prayer
Oh, Lord.
I need your help today.
I want to care
for those you've sent into my life,
to help them develop the special gifts
you've given them.
But I also want to free them
to follow their own paths
and to bring their loving wisdom
to the world.
Help me
to embrace them without clutching,
to support them without suffocating,
to correct them without crushing.
And help me
to live joyfully and playfully, myself,
so they can see your life in me
and find their way to you.
Amen.
found at:
http://www.cptryon.org/prayer/special/mother.html
I need your help today.
I want to care
for those you've sent into my life,
to help them develop the special gifts
you've given them.
But I also want to free them
to follow their own paths
and to bring their loving wisdom
to the world.
Help me
to embrace them without clutching,
to support them without suffocating,
to correct them without crushing.
And help me
to live joyfully and playfully, myself,
so they can see your life in me
and find their way to you.
Amen.
found at:
http://www.cptryon.org/prayer/special/mother.html
Song for a Fifth Child
(AKA Babies Don't Keep)
Mother, oh Mother,
come shake out your cloth,
empty the dustpan,
poison the moth,
hang out the washing
and butter the bread,
sew on a button and make up a bed.
Where is the mother whose house
is so shocking?
She's up in the nursery,
blissfully rocking.
Oh, I've grown shiftless as Little
Boy Blue (lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo).
Dishes are waiting and bills are past due
(pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo).
The shopping's not done
and there's nothing for stew
and out in the yard there's a hullabaloo
but I'm playing Kanga and this is my Roo.
Look! Aren't her eyes the most wonderful hue?
(lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo).
The cleaning and scrubbing
will wait till tomorrow,
for children grow up,
as I've learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down, cobwebs.
Dust go to sleep.
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep'
by Ruth Hulburt Hamilton
Mother, oh Mother,
come shake out your cloth,
empty the dustpan,
poison the moth,
hang out the washing
and butter the bread,
sew on a button and make up a bed.
Where is the mother whose house
is so shocking?
She's up in the nursery,
blissfully rocking.
Oh, I've grown shiftless as Little
Boy Blue (lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo).
Dishes are waiting and bills are past due
(pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo).
The shopping's not done
and there's nothing for stew
and out in the yard there's a hullabaloo
but I'm playing Kanga and this is my Roo.
Look! Aren't her eyes the most wonderful hue?
(lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo).
The cleaning and scrubbing
will wait till tomorrow,
for children grow up,
as I've learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down, cobwebs.
Dust go to sleep.
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep'
by Ruth Hulburt Hamilton
Welcome
Welcome to this blog. I've created it to keep a collection of poems I love. Feel free to look around and browse all you'd like. I'm continually adding poems so make sure to come again!
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