Baseball lesson

I saw this baseball clip of a father and son at a pro baseball game. The father caught a fly ball. He was quite pleased and the crowd cheered his catch. The father hands his son the ball looking pleased at the crowd. His son was holding the ball and then threw it back to the field. The crowd gasped and the father turned in shock. He whispered something to his son and then his son's face fell. I read the comments on the video and most made fun of the kid, but one comment resonated with me. This was the dad's failure. He did not properly prepare the kid, "if we are lucky enough to catch a fly ball we get to keep it!" This was the dad's failure to explain expectations the boy has no idea. 

One of my kids got in a car accident and this story came to my mind. As a parent were expectations and proper teachings taught for this accident to be avoided? Probably not. Oh the pangs of parenting and of growing up....and being videoed at a baseball game.

Year Of Change

Unfortunately, I labeled this the year the "year of change." And changed it has. Holman came home from his mission, Parkin graduated from High School, Olivia graduated from college, Bella and Sam moved to North Carolina, Olivia is moving to Georgia, Benjamin left Raytheon and got a new job at Family Search and I left teaching and got a new job....Some change has been great!! Holman coming home, great! Graduations great! Liv moving far away, boo! Benjamin's new job he loves, great! My new job.....has caused a lot of consternation. 

I left teaching on a high, my class was awesome they had tremendous growth and like any teacher I was anxiously waiting for my well deserved much NEEDED break, BUT I got a UofA job that started the following week. Cleaning out my classroom, getting grades entered and preparing the student memory books.. I was wiped. On top of that responsibility and change I was still the pseudo head cook for Girls Camp, so shopping for that on top of everything was just a lot. Plus the guilt of not being there all week added to this very hard change.

I got the job at the UofA for the sole purpose of helping my boys get tuition reduction. I did not think of how hard the transition would be, I just did it and boy has it been difficult. I am mourning the loss of my classroom, my profession, my summer....The work I do now is very repetitive even more than kindergarten. The students aren't as excited (it's hard to match kindergarten energy). and the work feels less productive and impactful. The hardest part is adapting to all the computer requirements. I had all that stuff down at school and now I have to learn a bunch of new things in a new system. My learning curve is also very steep. I also feel the most unattractive attribute is ingratitude...so I got to do what the wildcats of old did and that is to bear down!!

Lessons learned from teaching littles

Top 10 lessons learned from teaching preschool and kindergarten for the last 15 years....

10. Don't send your kid to school with laces! Even a kid that can tie their shoes doesn't really tie their shoes. Velcro people. It really was a great invention, use it. 

9. Let your kid lose and lose often. I am a huge fan of kids being on a sports team even at this young age but honestly losing at family games works too.

8. Choose a school that fits your priorities. If you don't want your kid to have homework, choose a school that doesn't believe in homework . If you want a heavy math/language focus choose that. Unless you are in a small community your options vary greatly. Gone are the days you send your kid to the closest school because there are no options.

7. A child's greatest weakness is tied to their greatest strength. Embrace that and lean in. A child that "talks too much" is someone who is social and friendly. A stubborn child will not be easily persuaded to go against their own beliefs. Try to look for the positive opposite of troubling/annoying behavior.

6. If you want services for your child, put it in writing. The school is obligated to evaluate your child once it is writing.

5. There is no "ideal" look or body type in little people. They are all adorable. Tall, short, thin, thick, black, white... I wish adult life was like that. 

4. A glass of water can solve a lot of problems. People we need water especially if crying is taking up all your H2O.

3. Parents assume the best in other little people. There is no sophisticated bullying at this age. Kids can be rude. They are learning. Parents are learning. Teachers are learning. Give everyone a big fat stinking break.

2. Read to your kids!! Chapter books are good too. Set a timer for 15 minutes a day. It makes such a huge difference in vocabulary and comprehension.

1. They are little, truly little for such a short time. Everything is exciting, seeing a frog, celebrating a holiday, going to the park...try to match their enthusiasm. Be there safe place. Say I love you often. 

Mother's Day talk by Parkin

This talk was written by Parkin. It is very generous and I 💗 it!!

The Christ My mom shows me.

Mothers are put on earth to be Christ’s emulators. In the church’s hand book “preach my gospel”, chapter Six goes over ten attributes of Christ, which also happens to be the attributes of a great mother, my mother. These attributes are 1. Faith 2. Hope 3. Charity 4. Virtue 5. Integrity 6. knowledge 7. Patience 8. Humility 9. Diligence and lastly 10. Obedience.

I’m very lucky to have such an amazing mom who displays all these attributes of Christ:

Faith in the handbook it says

-“Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge. Rather, it is an assurance from the Spirit of things you do not see but that are true. (See Alma 32:21⁠.)

You express your faith through action. These actions include following the Savior’s teachings and example. They include serving others and helping them choose to follow Christ. You also express your faith through diligence, repentance, and love.”

-my mother has never shown me any wavering belief in Christ. She has been a testimonial rock in my life that I can use when my own testimony is struggling. This way of being a foundation for her children not only tells me the strength of her discipleship, but her power as a mother.

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Hope it says

-“Hope is not simply wishful thinking. Instead, it is an abiding confidence, grounded in your faith in Christ, that God will fulfill His promises to you (see Moroni 7:42⁠). It is the expectation “of good things to come” through Christ (⁠Hebrews 9:11⁠).”

-My mother operates on a principle of “it will all work out”. While this may be seen as overly optimistic, for me it has only ever been the truth. When I’m worried about an essay I can’t think of what to write, or when I’m scarred for a final exam, or even when I’m quaking at the thought of going on stage, my mother’s mantra of “it will all work out” echos through my mind. She lets me know that even though it won’t always work out the way Ive planned it, God will always be a constant in my life that if which all good plans will lead back to or honor him.

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Charity

-“Charity is “the pure love of Christ” (⁠Moroni 7:47⁠). It includes God’s eternal love for all His children.

A man once asked Jesus, “Which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus replied: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (⁠Matthew 22:36–39⁠).”

-If there is one thing my mother is, it’s charitable. She has never had a gift she has kept to herself, she never silences a compliment she thinks of anyone, and she certainly doesn’t keep her blessings to herself.

I remember a time a friend of my mom was living out of her car, so naturally, my mother uprooted everything she was doing to make her friends a place to stay until she got back on her feet, for the next six months. Charity never faileth and neither does my mom.

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Virtue

-“Virtue is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards. It is fidelity to God and others. An essential part of virtue is striving to be clean and pure spiritually and physically.

Virtue originates in your thoughts and desires. “Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly,” the Lord said (⁠Doctrine and Covenants 121:45⁠). Focus on righteous, uplifting thoughts. Put unworthy thoughts out of your mind rather than dwell on them.”

-my mother does her absolute best to be an example of virtue for her children. She reminds us of the saviors principles, when family discussions lead to gossip, when our actions lead to violence, and definitely when our rest turns into laziness. She keeps us on the path by leading us like ducklings.

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Integrity

-“When you have integrity, you understand that there is right and wrong and that there is absolute truth —God’s truth. You use your agency to choose according to God’s truth, and you promptly repent when you do not. What you choose to think —and what you do when you believe no one is watching —is a strong measure of your integrity.”

-my mother has always been upfront with things she has done, and even when it may not seem like it, it is always in our best interest. To me, integrity means to be selfless, and I can’t think of anyone who has done more for me at their own expense than my mom, save Jesus Christ.

Knowledge

-“The Lord counseled, “Seek learning, even by study and also by faith” (⁠Doctrine and Covenants 88:118⁠). During your mission and throughout your life, seek knowledge, especially spiritual knowledge.

Study the scriptures every day, as well as the words of the living prophets. Through study and prayer, seek help for specific questions, challenges, and opportunities. Look for scripture passages you can use in teaching and in answering questions about the gospel.”

-my mom is a teacher. Nogh said.

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Patience

-“Patience is the capacity to trust God as you face delay, opposition, or suffering. Through your faith, you trust God’s timing for His promised blessings to be fulfilled.

When you are patient, you look at life from an eternal perspective. You do not expect immediate blessings or outcomes. Your righteous desires will usually be realized “line upon line, … here a little and there a little” (⁠2 Nephi 28:30⁠). Some righteous desires may not be realized until after this life.”

-my mother is way more patient than she lets herself believe. She puts up with all my troubles and never lets me know how burdensome that can be. She is always there waiting for me, and she has done so much that puts her life in hold just so I can get a hold of mine.

-patience is my favorite of Christ’s qualities because it lets me know that God knows I’m not perfect, but that he’s willing to work with that. He is willing to wait for me to become the best version of myself, Just as my mom does.

Humility

-“Humility is willingness to submit to the will of the Lord. It is willingness to give Him the honor for what is accomplished. It is being teachable (see Doctrine and Covenants 136:32⁠). Humility includes gratitude for God’s blessings and acknowledgment of your constant need for His help. He helps those who are humble.

Humility is a sign of spiritual strength, not of weakness. Humility is a vital catalyst for spiritual growth (see Ether 12:27⁠).”

-my mom doesn’t know how great she is. She constantly is second guessing herself, always thinking she is a bad mother, but that just because she won’t admit to herself that she is good at was she does. She never lets me know how much better at everything she is than me, and she always admits when she was wrong about something. To me, humility means respect to everyone around you, and that is exactly what she shows.

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Diligence

-“Diligence is consistent, earnest effort. In missionary work, diligence is an expression of your love for the Lord. When you are diligent, you find joy and satisfaction in the Lord’s work (see Alma 26:16⁠).

Diligence includes doing many good things of your own free will instead of waiting for leaders to tell you what to do (see Doctrine and Covenants 58:27–29⁠).”

-my mother keeps my family diligent. She is the one to remind us of our duties, our family scripture studies and our callings. My mother has only ever been a great example of how to serve a calling with your full heart and mind. Her diligence to her testimony has allowed mine to grown far beyond what it would be without her.

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Obedience

-“Obeying the commandments is an expression of love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ (see John 14:15⁠). Jesus said, “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love” (⁠John 15:10⁠).”

-the best thing a mother can do is show her children what being a disciple of Jesus Christ is all about and that what my mom has done. Sh has taught me to be obedient to the respectful people who deserve it, and to always be obedient to our father in heaven. Her example is what teaches me how to be a disciple of Christ.

Conclusion

Lastly, just as Jesus threw out the merchants from the temple, my mom will throw me out the house if we arnt cleaning it. Just kidding… kind of.

I know God gave me My mother because he knew I’d be lost without her. She shows me what a Christ like person is, and her example is why I’m here with all the people i love. Thank you to all the moms who are a Christ like light to their children. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Bella Surprise!!

 Both our graduates desperately wanted Bella to come for the big day but she had to work. I convinced her to ask her boss for the weekend off what's the worst she could say no.. but she didn't she said yes so full on plan to surprise her siblings was in motion!! The key was not telling anybody about it just Benjamin and Holman and I knew. She flew in Friday evening we had the kids waiting in the hot tub for a family hot tub and she walks through the door everyone was super excited tears were shed mission was accomplished. We were supposed to hit Olivia's graduation the next morning (another one) Liv said she'd rather go out to breakfast with the family. We loved that new plan! Bella made it for parkin's and Olivia's joint graduation party that evening it made the party that much more memorable. Nate and Amy leant their Soundsystem so dance floor was bumping. It was an unforgettable 48 hours.

Parkin Graduates Highschool!!

 My little Parky sharky graduated highschool. He graduated with a billion cords. He was number 11th in his class, he graduated with a GPA of 4.313!! What a smarty pants. He also earned his Fine Arts seal. He crushed high school. He excelled in drama, swim and art. His favorite class was AP calculus...just like his momma! He also managed to graduate seminary not an easy thing to do waking up early before school. That is dedication. I managed not to be too emotional when Parkin graduated but I have to say when Sunday rolled around and he wasn't at our home ward anymore that's when it hit. He's on his path to adulthood. 

Olivia's graduation!!

We got another wildcat in the house!! Olivia earned 2 degrees and 4 majors in 4 years!! She earned a French degree, and a Fiance degree with Management Information Systems and a degree in Supply Chain Management. What a mouthful!! We attended 5 ceremonies in which this girl was apart of. Olivia has more drive in her pinky than most can muster in a lifetime!! She graduated summa cum laude!!!  Sounds fancy to me....