Remembering Good Moments

Suzanna and her daddy.   I was impressed with their matching foreheads.

As I have driven around this morning MSB song "Long for the Promised Land" came on, and I played it over, and over, and over, loving the song.  Remembering Max singing in so many concerts.  Glad for the good music, the soul-stirring uplift.

I finally went grocery shopping, and as I was putting away lettuce, found a mushy decomposed cucumber in the fridge hiding behind the celery.  THAT is what happens when you are spoiled by neighbors cooking sympathy meals for weeks.  We have been blessed with a huge outpouring of love, support.

Three separate invitations to lunch this week by sweet friends. 

I bore my testimony Sunday in Church.  Once a month the congregation is invited to take turns, if they desire, and share what is in their hearts up at the podium/microphone.  I talked about how the Sunday morning when we found out about Max's death, as we were calling and informing family, my mom bore her testimony to me about the Atonement, how it matters, and I felt the strong desire to put my shoes on and go to Church, right then.  John didn't want to let me go alone, and we walked in right as the Bishop was announcing the news about Max.  We found an empty pew about half way in the middle of the chapel, and then sang "Come, Come Ye Saints" for the opening hymn.  We were both crying, stayed through the sacrament and the first two talks and the Watt family singing "Teach Me To Walk in the Light" and then we left to come home to be with family.

I talked about the things I know are true, and real, and how I need to live like the Atonement is real.  Christ is resurrected, and I have a real hope that we will be, too, and that our family can be together forever. 

I have felt very strongly how important it is for us to keep reading scriptures together, to keep praying every night as a family.  And to understand how much the scriptures help me now, the strength I feel from the seminary scripture mastery 100 to memorize!

Homemade Gifts for Mother's Day

If you soak these craft sticks for 24 hours, or boil them for 15 minutes, they become bendable, pliable.  To make the cuff small enough, a jelly jar had the smallest curve circumference.  DO NOT USE slopped glasses like the one pictured above.  STRAIGHT sided glasses, mugs, or jars work better for a consistent curve.  Too big, and the cuff falls right off your wrist.  They are still bendy when dry, so don't worry about making them "too small"--smaller the better.

 Dry for 24 hours, then write a statement word with regular Elmer's white glue.  Let dry.  Rub wood stain over craft stick, let dry, and finish with protective clear coat.

Permanent sharpie markers also work to decorate, but bleed into wood...paint, decoupage with pretty paper, lots of options!

Making wrist cuffs for Mother's Day craft with seminary students!

My favorite is "WOW" or "MOM" depending on which way you read it.

Other suggestions: wise, grace, lovely, gorgeous, faithful, vibrant, friendly, peace, courage, truthful, virtue...

Our Classroom 6 am school days

One of my favorite things we have done in Daily Seminary class is illustrating the people and taping them on the wall in family tree/generations, showing contemporaries, how Book of Mormon prophets are related, who was a king or a king-wanna-be, who murdered whom, who was good, who was bad, who repented:

I gave them a paper with the index description of each man and let them draw a face.

With the snow and the freezing temperatures there have been many delayed school openings, which cancels our early morning class.  I have missed the students!  Looking forward to Monday morning!

Temple Today & Banner for Sam

Quick trip to the temple after my 5 hour seminary in-service meeting-teaching us how to be better teachers.

Helping Sam with banner for Icicle boyscout camp:  the free city banners came clean with 91% rubbing alcohol, washed off ink and made permanent markers perfect for new message!

Amazing Bible Study Students

Class ended a week ago.  All of these 8 students ( + 1 that had to leave early before photo) received credit for the year, New Testament. 

I had 3 seniors graduate from our class. We will miss them next year--at least 3 new students in the fall.  Sleeping in until 6 am is luxurious!

Paul's Letters

Seminary activity:  create a sign with one of the phrases Paul uses in his letters in the New Testament, something inspirational, motivating, something you want to remember.  The students chose phrases, and as we ran out of class time I started decopauge project, canvas backgrounds for them to add to, or sand-off and take away (a play on John's words in  Revelations 22:19).  Ollie's had baby-nursery 12" x12" canvases for $.75 each that made this a lightweight project.

Dream Time & INVITATION

Most mornings we wake up by 5 am, sometimes as early as 4, to get ready for our busy day. I teach Bible Study Class (Old Testament this year "Daily Seminary" to 10 regularly attending teenagers). They come early for hot chocolate and sit around our dinning room table and talk, then troop down the stairs to the basement where I have tables set up for them to gather around. We sing a hymn in our croaky morning voices, they take turns each school day of one of them praying and giving a short devotional, and then the time is mine to teach them.

(Students using shield of faith to keep firey darts of Satan=mini-marshmallows--from harming them.)

The next 10 days is Spring Break. No school= no seminary=I-will-miss-the-students= sleeping in-which-I-am-thrilled-about.

Today, Saturday, Suzanna has a field trip to NYC to see Phantom, so John had to drive her over to the high school by 5:15. AM. My body on my usual schedule needed to use the facilities (have I ever used the word "toilet" in this blog?).

But then back to bed. John came back, warmed up my rice bags in the microwave so my toes were warm, I tossed around trying to get comfortable, and finally went back to sleep.

And dreamed: I was in high school, just moved, and joined a Christian after school club, since there was no LDS seminary class to go to. Things were going well, I was making friends, until we were on a field trip and I waved to some Mormon Missionaries (Elders, in their white shirts & ties) and the girl next to me asked me why I would do that. I told her I was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and she freaked "You mean Mormons? They aren't Christian. You do NOT belong in this club!" I told her I was looking for a group of teenagers who obeyed the commandments in the Old Testament, who believed in the teachings of Christ in the New Testament, and told her I loved Christ and wanted to be more like Him and to know Him. I asked her to give me a chance to explain how The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ, helped me know Him better. The teacher in charge of the club went one by one through the students and let them vote to see if I could stay in the club or not. The girl beside me said she felt so betrayed, she couldn't believe she had let me be her friend and wished that I had said something right away. She shook her head and left. The teacher kept going through the other students. Some didn't care if I stayed or not until an African American guy said "I don't know what to think!" I told him with tears streaming down my face that I didn't want them to be prejudiced against me for my religion, the way we shouldn't pre-judge anyone for who or what they are... And he nodded, knowing what I meant. I woke up wanting to explain and show the club who I was, why I wanted them to give me a chance to explain what I believed.

Today is an amazing day for us: General Conference! Starting at noon Maryland time LIVE STREAM, for two hours, with a two hour break, then again at 4pm-6pm and then again tomorrow for four hours (plus Tabernacle Choir singing for half an hour starting at 11:30 am) we get to listen to talks, counsel and advice from President Thomas S. Monson, the man who believe is a prophet. 12 men we sustain as apostles of Christ will also speak. At least one woman from one of the general presidencies (Relief Society for women 18+ years, or Young Women 12-18 years, or Primary children 18 months-12 years) will also speak.

Sometimes there are visual aids, or short film clips. There are always beautiful flower arrangements inside the Conference Center displayed around the pulpit.

And guaranteed, Christ will be mentioned. He will be sung for, testified of, His scriptures will be quoted and applications made to our modern lives. His words will be heard.

I know it. I have felt it. My heart swells with memories and I am full of faith that today will echo those experiences. I have been spiritually fed at General Conferences in the past. It is worth the 8 hours of sacrificed weekend time.

And it is open to the public. Available to the world.

You can find out for yourself, live, TODAY and TOMORROW while it is being broadcast, or you can read/listen to archived past conferences.

We invite the world to know, and see for yourself. And then judge, with knowledge.

No Camera Trip

See the leaves. The PA farmland. The Amish students at recess. The buggies with left-turn signals and orange triangles. The Oreo cows. My crazy van-load order for lunch at Sonic. Happy students. Reverent students listening to a white-haired Mennonite lady bear her testimony of Christ. All for a trip to see a replica of the traveling Israelite Tabernacle-straight out of the Bible at:

The Mennonite Information Center
2209 Millstream Road • Lancaster, PA 17602-1494
Phone: (717) 299-0954 • Toll Free: (800) 858-8320 • Fax: (717) 290-1585
Email: info@mennoniteinfoctr.com

See my seminary blog for details. Wow.

Food, Glorious, Yummy Food!

It had been since 2004. It was time.

If you have never had a colonoscopy, it can sound like a horror show. Spare you the details?

Let's just say, this time, it was near perfect. Thanks to some good tips from the Colon Club. Three days before, I started soft foods only. Lovely, lovely homemade applesauce. Rootbeer float. That kind of thing. Liquids on day two: miso soup, chix soup, gaterade, a whole 2 liter of cream soda for the calories. And the over-the-counter prep went like a breeze/sneeze. Investing in baby diaper rash ointment helped, too.

I love my good Jewish doctor! I told him this morning in Bible Study class we had talked about Abraham & Isaac. I asked my 13 year old son to lie down on the center of the two tables pushed together. He had his pillow & blanket, kept his eyes closed, dozed. Great attention grabber for the story of a father's love for his son and willing sacrifice (Isaac could have run away, over-powered his old dad. It could have been a much different story.)

So during this routine GI procedure we are chatting about the great prophets. I was comfortable enough that he only used minimal meds, so I was out of recovery quickly, for a nice, lovely lunch-date with John for....(I warned him, what I really, really wanted after 3 days of no food) good guacamole! Heavenly, wonderful tastes!

Lab results in two weeks, but no suprises. Moderate disease, in "remission" symptom-wise, but I still have Crohn's. The ulcers and inflammation show up as white spots. I have pictures, in time for Halloween haunting.

I wish you all healthy guts, and some glorious tasting. Appreciate your bowels and taste buds.

First Day School

With the power out from hurricane Irene, our first day was delayed.  Sam didn't go because the traffic light wasn't working yet, but these two cousins and I walked to school for long awaited first day!

Fist day of seminary is next Tuesday.  Bishopric supported fireside last night "Get the Scoop on Seminary" complete with ice cream bar.  We talked about the role of parents, teachers, students, and how to be active learners.  We showed "Children of Israel" video for an overview of some of the great stories coming up.  We will be studying the OLD TESTAMENT.

One of My Favorite Things

Nearly a perfect Saturday: early trip to temple to see an early morning seminary student come here for his first time! Lots of big smiles!

Seminary Graduation 2011

Happy Mom Day

Three of my last year's seminary students: Montana (Panama is Sis. Bullock's student) and Beunos Aires North... and the other Argentina mission sitting to the far left of fire pit! They brought their mission binders! Shared their thoughts with each other. Ate and jumped on the trampoline & left by 9 pm so they wouldn't be too tired for Church. Cool guys, all four.
Satisfying to see these four gentlemen excited about their calls. What more could a mother want?
Homemade jewelry! My children stamped their names on washers for me last year. Yesterday I took a permanent black marker to darken their names and sealed them.

And for Emmalyn's super sonic sensitive ears: yes, I was sanding during our hour + phone call last night. Basket tags for Ms. Joan. I really like the Adam & Eve one. Layers of collages of scrapbook paper, tissue paper, sheet music, stickers, all held together with modge podge. I sand the edges to take care of any overhanging paper, and then give them a final coat of sealer.

And yes, I got breakfast in bed. I do almost every day. John brings me food while I study on seminary mornings on our bed. Saturdays he makes me eggs and comes and eat with me. It is almost a daily thing! He is sweet to me. And he let Roxie carry the plate in with peanut butter toast this morning.

China Sacrifice for the Temple & Storms

I showed the seminary students four plates: a green salad plate from Grandma Lucy; a blue/silver plate of Grandma Laura's; a thistle Scottish plate that I think about Great Grandma Jane Davidson using (thrift store deal); and a picture plate of SL temple that my mom gave me.

I asked the students which one I should sacrifice for the temple. Which one should I give the builders to smash and grind up with the plaster to make the walls sparkle? They chose.

I put the plate in double lined plastic grocery bags. Gave Brock a hammer. Told him to go ahead and smash it.

He wouldn't do it.

Refused.

Said "No way!"

I grabbed the hammer and forced his hand down. SMASH.

Then passed the hammer around the table, letting them all take turns.
(They didn't see me stealthily switch the real heirlooms for a plain, cheap thrift store plate the same size. No real sacrifice, this time.)

This morning I let them choose matchbox cars as they came in. Told them how staying in the Church is like staying in their car during a storm. Don't do anything stupid, like rolling down your window and sticking your head out. Don't test the boundaries. Stay safe, within the refuge.

As we walked out to the van, a sudden downpour, including hail and lightning drenched us. Great end to an object lesson!

Snowflakes in Zion

Each seminary student cut out a snowflake, as we talked about the lines we are not supposed to cross. Stay safely within the commandments. Be obedient. Be clean, and pure. Monday I will ask them if they can remember which snowflake is theirs. And apply it to the lesson.



No snow on the ground. Frozen puddles. I drove by the Bush River yesterday and it is frozen along the edges.

I have a growing appreciation for the home teaching program in the Church. I know it isn't an easy assignment, to correlate schedules, find everyone home. We have missed visits since we've been here in this home. Until recently, we got a new assignmnet. Once a month, an assigned man from the Church comes and checks on us, in our home. Gives us a lesson. Sometimes brings treats his wife made. Makes sure we are doing okay spiritually and physically. THIS MONTH HE FIXED OUR VAN HEATER! Every time I get in the van and feel the warmth, I am thankful. We would have gone much longer waiting to go get it fixed. My warm toes are thankful!

I know sometimes we do things for free-service/donations/gifts--but it makes it really easy to offer to barter/trade/reciprocate in these situations. This hometeacher is super talented and handy. Mechanically and tear-down-walls kind of guy. In return one of his sons is going to get a fantastic bedroom redo, mural of his choosing. That, to me, is what creating a Zion community is all about. No poor among you because you are sharing your talents and means with one another, united in faith and service, pure in heart=loving and free from the vices and selfishness that ruins neighborhoods.

Pie

I am thankful for PIE!

We had PIE MORNING (instead of traditional Pie Night) after daily seminary on Friday.

Pioneers & Seminary

Today I am thankful for seminary. Most mornings at 5:05 am when the alarm blares I am thankful to be a teacher.

(Some mornings my eyes feel glued shut, and I struggle to stay upright as I review the lesson and re-read the sections I will be teaching.) John brings me a little bowl of granola mixed with vanilla yogurt to eat. I put on a skirt and hurry downstairs to our basement classroom. We sing a hymn. Pray. They answer a question each day and write in their seminary journal. I ask them to read scriptures, quotes, ask questions. Use object lessons. Occasional guest speakers. Breakfast on Fridays. Films that relate to the lessons. Some games. Some coloring. Lots of testifying.

This year's curriculum is The Doctrine & Covenants and Church History. It is easier to explain that I teach "Bible Study Class" to 14 teenagers. (Technically, Bible Study will be next year, as we do the Old Testament, and then New Testament in 2012 and Book of Mormon again in 2013, and it repeats.)

Every school morning we have class. No school, no seminary. Delays or cancellations cancel our class, too. Class starts at 5:55 am and ends at 6:45 am. What are you doing at that time of day? Do you know any teenagers that would get up that early to talk about religion?

They don't always want to talk. Some mornings I have some sleepers. They quietly zone out with their head on their folded arms. So they are being reverent. Listening? Maybe. Distracting? Only when they start snoring.

I am thankful for the wonderful things I have learned as I prepare to teach. I am thankful for good students. Thankful for their participation. For their sweetness. For their questions. For their coming to class.

In my class I have a descendant of this man, Parley P. Pratt.
This is William Smith, on of the younger brothers of Joseph Smith, Jr.
And posing here are 10 of Brigham Young's oldest daughters.

July 24 1897 group photo of all the pioneers still alive that Pioneer Day celebration (one of my favorite holidays!).

(Emma is HOME!)

We should have had her take the photo--but she is considering going back to bed. She was home after midnight, and then woke up early to be a guest speaker in seminary. She shared her testimony of Christ and then we talked about being willing to die for your testimony and LIVING for it!

This Morning in the Kitchen

Seminary this morning included incredible yogurt parfaits, made by A, celebrating her b-day! We sang the seminary version of "Happy Body Day" to her!
Photographer, gorgeous M(from Colombia) who said, "One more" after she took this one. She is a natural photographer, fun to smile for, listening to her lovely accent.

I'm off to work in a few minutes. John is doing laundry today, watching elementary school kids and getting them off for the day, cleaning Roxie's room getting ready for Emma to come home, picking her up from airport, and continuing his job search. He is optimistic and hopeful and courageous.

And he makes me the best brown-bag lunches! But I didn't find the tomato and onion in a separate ziplock bag until I reached the bottom of my bag yesterday. A co-worker was just starting her sandwhich and was delighted at the addition to her lunch! My sweetie made someone smile yesterday (besides me) with that little gift.

Trying to Be Patient and Wait on the Lord

As soon as the bishopric counselor finished testifying of the temple blessings (Mattson family sealed their two new sons to them in WI last Saturday!) I shot to my feet, felt like running to the podium. Couldn't sit still. Had to stand. Felt strongly about talking about my favorite calling--it's always the one I currently have. Remembering before Emma was born I was called to be Primary music director, and learning the songs, using them as lullabies. I thought my all time favorite was nursery leader! And then Primary choirister (we should say "Director." A chorister is just someone in a choir, not the leader!). And now my all-time favorite calling is teaching seminary.

I talked about how much I love The Book of Mormon, and the blessing it is teaching and learning from it every day. I know it is the word of God.

We have been blessed as a family having seminary in our home. I can feel it. Knowing that they are coming every morning helps motivate me to try extra hard to have peace here, resolve disagreements with family quickly, so the Spirit can testify and be here in abundance.

I had a moment today where I could feel pure inspiration, knowing exactly what question to ask one of my sons: How would you like to have someone show you that they are upset about something you have done, what is the best case scenario for you? His answer helped me see who he is, understand why we were having conflict. I feel extra mommy-blessings because of this calling.

Tomorrow makes 6 weeks of Darling Husband out of work. Sobering. Scary at moments. Family and friends have helped. He actively does something every day, new applications.

Taking these daily couple photos has helped me be united with him, reminder to myself to stand beside him, next to him through hard times and good times. Stronger because of it. Waiting on the Lord, defined in my teacher manual as casting our burdens on Him.