Come What May and LOVE IT!

As I just finished "lecturing" the children with a "loud voice," I needed a moment to regroup and this talk came to mind, well more the saying, then the talk. It is one of those talks that really hit home, kind of like this talk on being offended. These talks among many stick with me whether it is because so many of us can benefit from these messages or they came at a perfect time for me. Both were given at General Conferences.

This month has been a hard adjustment for me. I can't seem to get a grip on routine, and all of the kids need something all the time at the same time, yes all 6 needing something, from homework, to snack, to just a listening ear. It seems by Friday we get a good grip on routine but Monday is terrible. I am sure this is still the adjustment period but my kids are going to absolutely hate me if I don't figure this out soon, besides the fact I am sweating like a pig since my two year old who wanted to walk, fell asleep in my arms and I had to carry her all the way home. Then while begging my 8 year old to push the umbrella stroller, she gives me the excuse "I can't I have to carry my Monday envelope." Are you kidding me? We make it home and Lauren barely stays in my arm between my sweat and hers creating a nice slippery film between our skin. Luckily for the first in forever she transferred from my arms to her bed perfectly. That was great. Then I sat down, relieving the slight pinch in my back and go through the MONDAY ENVELOPES. Jackson is pleasantly crawling around on the floor picking up miscellaneous smarties that Lauren has hidden through out the house. It's like hide and seek with choking hazards! Then I hear loud laughter and rough play then the nice 'tink' of a plastic cup the hits the just mopped (I am not kidding this does not happen often, and this would be the day...) kitchen floor. I ask what happened. Logan responds innocently "nothing." Hannah says Haylie's cup spilt. I go in and Logan has already wet three towels through with milk. The kids are at this point are lined up on the couch looking at me with mock innocent expressions. I proceed to clean up the mess, I am bewildered how such a "small spill" could cover the whole floor. Then I realize it is on the counter on the opposite side of the kitchen from the floor spill. AAAAHHHHHHHH! How do people do it and manage to get dinner on the table by 5:00pm? How can you get this whole process to run smoothly, without getting frustrated with young children who try as they may to be responsible are none the less still children? What are reasonable expectations? Not just for the kids but me as well?

I know that this particular talk is telling me:

"...that every life has peaks and shadows and times when it seems that the birds
don’t sing and bells don’t ring. Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity,
those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times,
becoming stronger, wiser, and happier as a result."

I do realize that the peaks and valleys I am complaining about are changing by 15 minute increments but none the less it feels terrible. Luckily as my friend who just happened to call while I was writing this pointed out, kids will love you shortly after such outbursts.

Logan already loves me after I pointed out his faults...talk about the pot calling the kettle black huh?

I am truly grateful for these precious children who 9 times out of 10 make me laugh, smile and beam with pride. I do really love this stage of life when my kiddos still think I am fairly cool and like to show me off to their friends.

So I guess, I truly believe "Come What May and Love it!"

Conference Activities

It is getting close to that time when I am looking for activities for my kids to do during General Conference. Every 6 months (the first week of April and October) the leaders of our church, called General Authorities (click on Additional Information, it explains what that means), give guidance and counsel. It is filmed in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City then broadcasted live through radio, cable, satellite and internet all over the world. This is for people in all stages of life. It is a way to receive guidance from our Heavenly Father through prophets and apostles addressed to His children as a whole. I find it truly amazing the messages that are prepared for all can specifically apply to me and what I need to hear at the moment, whether it is comfort, encouragement or a gentle nudge to serve more. It is a time when I am reminded how much my Heavenly Father loves me and will never leave me in times of trial or times of bliss.

I find if the kids have something to do I am more likely to hear the messages that have been so lovingly and thoughtfully prepared. I came across this activity that is perfect for those who can read. Here is another link for activities to do with your family to make it memorable. Here is a free packet done by Desseret Book. IT contains some cutting and pasting activities as well as coloring. This one may end up in your inbox. It is long but has a variety of activities for various ages, from needing to be able to read/write to simply coloring some pages.

Edited to add one more link. This one is from the Church Curriculum Department. It is a great ne for the older kids. It is basically a small notebook with a section from each of the Presidency and 12 Apostles. So the kids can see who they are and take notes from their talk. I think it is also a great way to show who has soken and who has yet to speak.