The Morning 5

So I must give credit to Nicole(my oldest sister), for the development of the morning five. It is a great way to get your day going for yourself and kids especially if you are a slow starter. I have always been a bit slow to get going in the morning. For as long as I can remember I've had a difficult time waking up. A few have even accused me of being grumpy, I'm not buying it though. I probably would be a great coffee drinker, too bad we'll never know. Without further ado here is the morning five I try and do with my kids:

1. Get Dressed
2. Eat Breakfast
3. Say prayers
4. Brush teeth
5. Make Bed

The list has no particular order we just try and have it done while it is still considered morning hours and I think it sets a good tone for the day. Now the real test for all things in my life is the consistency part, wish us luck cause we need all we can get.

Gratitude Journals

In 2008 I started Gratitude journals with the kids. We were pretty faithful about it for that first year, but it really dwindled in 2009. We are trying to get back into the swing of things and tonight was Anna's first time here is her list:

1. Babies
2. Teddy Bears
3. A big Baby
4. Lexie's baby
5. A little baby

She loves babies. At the sitters we go to, Miss Sylvia, there are a few babies and she LOVES them. I remember loving babies as a little girl and still do. I could just eat them up. Anyhow I just wanted to remember her list and her wanting to be a part of the tradition. She was a little miffed when I tried to finish out the night time routine without asking for her list. I love you Annie and we should always remember to count our many blessings. I'm headed to write my list now.

(maybe one day we will write our list in a cool Italian leather bound journal, don't you think those are neat looking?)

Book of Mormon Challenge!

The other day we received a package from Nicole. It had lots of goodies and the occasion was Andrew's birthday. My family spoils me and well, I like it. Anyhow amongst the gifts was a photocopied article from the Ensign I think. It was about the promises we will receive if we will: Pray, Read the Book of Mormon, and attend the Temple.

"I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of
Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their
children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents..."
Marion G Romney

This really struck me so, I really felt like these were blessings we could use in our home. So I am issuing a challenge. We have set a goal to read the Book of Mormon as a family, and finish by Christmas. We figure if we read 2 chapters a night at least 5 nights a week we'll reach our goal. So any who want to join us let us know and it will be fun. Wish us luck!

JUST BECAUSE!

Lexie, Anna, Andrew June 14, 2009

Last night I decided I would have a camp out in the yard with the kids. They were so excited. It is really the little things. We were out in the tent and Andrew was telling us a story about Lehi, which was a story that was all over the place, when he decided he was headed in for the night. He ran off saying, "Goodnight, I'll see you in the morning." I hope I am not raising a sissy. He returned a few minutes later because he forgot his blanket. Then this morning he said, " Hey, why didn't we sleep in the tent?"
I guess he forgot he was scared. The girls and I lasted until about 3:00 am when I had to go to the bathroom and wanted a real bed. We will have to try again.
Lexie and I had fun talking about shooting stars, I remembered the song "Catch a Falling Star and Put it in your Pocket." Because Lex, asked if you could pick up a shooting star. We sang Primary songs, and I listened to her make up her own songs. I tried to point out the Big Dipper. We talked about crickets chirping and how they made that noise. I love these little kids and sometimes feel like if I blink I will miss something. It is easy to forget that the little guys just want some of our time and if we give it the rewards are great. Don't you think they are just darling? I love you Andrew, Anna, and Lexie!

Legacies...

Grandma and Grandpa Truman June 2001

Like it or not, we are so much of who has come before us. I think of the things which were important to my grandparents and my parents, qualities good and bad come through to the next generation, and the chain goes on. When I think of it in this light is makes me nervous about passing on my bad qualities, so I will have to really focus on the good in order to perpetuate that. I'm going to try and be mindful of the Legacy I leave behind. Here are some of the things I see in my family today and where they came from.

1. A love for books. Both my parents have always loved to read. They read all types of books and instilled a love of reading in all of their five children. I think they did this by there example, as well as reading to us. I remember my mom reading us books like, Where the Red Fern Grows, Old Yellar, and the like on road trips. I remembering going to Bob's Book Barn with my Dad and Jessica. We would trade in our old books for new ones. I got the Twits there, and it is still one of my all time favorites.


2. A green thumb. My grandmother had an amazing garden and grew prize winning peonies. This is a love she passed onto my Mom and she has passed on to her daughters. There is nothing like digging in good dirt and planting. It is the best therapy out there, and I think Grandma knew this.


3. Politically Astute. My Grandparents where always very politically active. My grandfather served on the school board, My grandmother was the mayor of Minersville, because when she asked Karl to do it and he said no, she said,"Then I'll do it." And she did. My parents always taught us the importance of doing our civic duty and voting and were always abreast of the current events. I admittedly am not as well informed as I should be, but my siblings certainly are. Jason is always listening to some sort of news and knows what is going on in our world. Michael too.


4. Hard working. Both my parents are hard workers and they taught there children to work as well.

There are also some legacies which are not as positive which we continue to carry on, but like I said we are focusing on the good, right? I hope I will remember the importance of the work which those who went before, and be mindful of the legacy I am leaving my children.

The Drive-In

Andrew, Anna, and Lexie @ the Drive-In May 30 2009

Last night for a family outing we went to the drive-in movie; it was a double feture and kids 5 and under are free. I'm telling you this is the way to do family movies as it is much less expensive than a regular theater. Twenty dollars for a family of five with treats. I felt like we were going back in time a little bit. The place had Grease written all over it. We had a fun time and I think it is important to be building memories and traditions with our children. I'm hoping this is something we could maybe start.

Jeremy having some popcorn. Rare he never eats popcorn.

Part of the Grease feeling I was referring to


The movie screen. They had four screens and the place was packed

Jeremy and Anna in the concessions line

The concessions line

Me and Anna ( she has become a total pill as of our arrival in Texas)

Chapter books!

The other day we started reading Superfudge. My mom had a bunch of books from when we were kids and sent a few home with all of us, we took Superfudge. We have been reading it and I think I am enjoying more that the kids. It is fun to see after even a few days of doing this, the kids are getting better at sitting and listening to it. I am excited about this new little tradition and have been thinking of all the books we are going to checkout from the library. It is like getting a little piece of my childhood back, reading this book. Adults really take themselves far to seriously, pick up a good old Judy Blume to lighten the heart.

P.S. Jess, Danner really reminds me of Fudge.