FHE March

Yeah yeah yeah, it's been FOREVER since I posted. And I am pretty sure no one reads this anymore. I am considering blogging again, we shall see.

 Anyhoodles,

I decided that my kids need to focus more on the Savior. Who he is, what he did, and why he is the center of our lives. So I had the kids tell me different words that described Christ. I compiled them and then assigned them a month. We started in February which was Kindness. Then I planned March, and I keep losing the paper so I decided to post it here. Also for my friends in case they want to share in the planning I did. Because face it--we all love an easy FHE that someone else came up with. And easy these are. I considered calling them B.S. Family home evenings. You know, Beyond Simple. But that doesn't sound so good. But it's funny.

Anyhoodles,

March is FORGIVENESS

 Week #1 Introduce concept of forgiveness by watching " Go and Sin no More" video: 

https://www.lds.org/bible-videos/videos/go-and-sin-no-more?lang=eng  


Week #2 Forgiveness 5-Min. FHE

 Source: http://ldsretailers.blogspot.com/2013/04/normal.html
**In case that link doesn't work I posted it below**

 Opening Song: “Help Me, Dear Father” (Children’s Songbook #99)

Quote: : “A spirit of forgiveness and an attitude of love and compassion toward those who may have wronged us is of the very essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “Of You It Is Required to Forgive,” Ensign, June 1991).

Visual Aid: TheProdigal Son — Gospel Art Kit 220
 Supplies: twenty-dollar bill, envelope, bulky items, piece of paper that says “Forgiveness”

 Principle: When we truly understand the gospel of Jesus Christ, we love one another and forgive each other. When we feel anger, bitterness, or hatred toward another person, we will never feel peace, happiness, or the Spirit of the Lord. When we show forgiveness to someone who has wronged us, we are also showing Heavenly Father our gratitude for forgiving us of our transgressions and thanking Him for the Atonement, which allows us to repent and be clean once again.

 Lesson: Ask who would like the piece of paper in your pocket. No one will be very interested. Now show them a twenty-dollar bill and ask the same question. Of course, everyone will be interested now! Ask them why the difference in enthusiasm, since the money is just a piece of paper? Tell them you think it must be because it’s new. Crumple up the twenty dollar bill and ask who wants it now. Of course, everyone will still want it. Put a pencil mark on it and say, “Now the bill isn’t perfect, so I’m sure you won’t want it now.” Of course, they still will. Tear off a tiny corner and again offer it, saying, “Now it is incomplete and imperfect, so I’m sure you won’t want it.” Of course, they’re still interested. Ask them why they want it. They’ll answer that it has a twenty-dollar value. Tell them you’re going to make it even more valuable by putting it in an envelope. Ask how much it’s worth now. (Still the same.) Put it in a fancy box and ask how much the paper is worth now. (The same.) Explain that we’re like that twenty-dollar bill: We have value no matter if we look perfect, are old and wrinkled, are scarred, or live in a fancy house. God doesn’t love us more or less. In our dealings with imperfect people, we need to remember their true value.  


Week #3 Video--"The Other Prodigal Son" mormon ad

 http://www.mormonchannel.org/video/mormon-messages?v=3250862264001
 Pose questions: "How do our siblings treat us?"
"How do we forgive when things feel unfair?"

 Week #4 Hidden Wedge FHE

 http://alindalt.wordpress.com/2013/01/14/family-home-evening-forgiveness/ 

Week #5 Father Forgive them for They know not what they do.

Christ's ultimate example of forgiveness on the cross

 Use parts of this lesson from the Primary 2 manual "I can Forgive Others"

 https://www.lds.org/manual/primary-2/lesson-40?lang=eng


Stay tuned for the following months--maybe--if I can get it together

April--SERVICE
May--Prayerful
June--Peacemaker
July--Faithful
Aug--Courageous
Sep--Respect
Oct--Do Good
Nov--Loving
Dec--Giving

How to Father

How to Father--a blog post on Fathers Day.

Ask my friends, and they will tell you that I have a good father.  Most of them haven't met him, he has just become legend among them.  Cuz a few of them didn't have one. Not that they didn't have a father--they just didn't have a good one.  So I tell stories of how my dad came to EVERY game I ever played in, and yelled embarrassingly at the refs, and talked to the other teams coaches afterward.  How he still talks as if I were legend.  All of this contributed to what my friends see as an unbelievably high self esteem.

Cuz. I am cool.  I am cute.  I am talented. I am smart.  I am pretty much just awesome.

And apparently--not all girls feel that way.  Even though I think my friends are just as cool, cute talented, smart and even more awesome than I--they don't feel that way about themselves.  And mostly, after years of us hashing it out--it comes down to one thing--DADS.

Clearly if your dad thinks you are awesome and treats you as such--then you believe it.  And if your dad drops the ball by mentioning your weight, or by treating your mom badly--then it sinks in--and attaches itself like a thousand sticky notes to your brain.  A faint constant reminder that you aren't good enough.

I have those same sticky notes--but not ugly mean ones that I read to myself unconsciously.  Mine say--you can do anything, look at you--you are fantastic, you are worth more than gold.

And those sticky notes are in my dad's handwriting.

He comes from good stock.  His dad was a good Dad.  From every story I ever heard from my father--it was doting on my Grandfather.  Even the stories of a being punished for doing stupid stuff.  Clear boundaries, firm follow through, and a loving touch.  That is what I know of my Dad's dad.

And me and my siblings will someday pass down stories.  Like when my Dad pinned my brother against the wall for disrespecting my mother--and told my brother in clear terms to never do that again.  And how my brother never did.  Or how my dad toted us all to my brothers' weight lifting meets, or how my dad still proudly talks of how strong and stubborn my sister was as a child with her horse, and how he took us fishing, or how my brother let a woman open the door for him and my dad lit into him so strongly that later he found my brother standing at the door holding it open for everyone.  How he taught us to use sir or mam.  How you never borrow anything and if you do, you take it back in better condition than you borrowed it.  Oh, and be honest.  Always be honest.

He is a good man.  An amazing man.  And I and my siblings are all the better for it.

If only every child were that lucky.

I love you dad,  Happy Fathers Day.

What to do to buy some time off and make up for not moving the elf from it's last position.

Get your friend to write a letter for you.  Like so:


Candland Kids,

I was so excited to hear your Dad read the book last night that brought my Christmas magic back. I have missed you guys so much and was so excited to see how you all have grown! 

You are probably wondering while I was still in the box this morning. I heard Beck throw up last night and I got scared that I might get sick if I came out.  I waited until everyone went to school and when Beck took a bath I snuck out and made it back to the North Pole.

I asked the head Elf Nurse what I should do and he said that I should hang out at the North Pole for a few days to make sure I didn't get sick. Because if I got sick and brought it back here to all the other elves and they got sick--Christmas would be in trouble!  I don't want to risk that.  I will be back in a few days when I know for sure that everyone is well.  Until then--be good!

To Mama Candland--when I get back please whisper to me how the kids have been, I want to make sure they are being good even when I am not around.

I will be back soon!

Squishy hugs and Hershey's kisses!


Zeek

I am a flip flopper

I have changed my stance on an issue. ONE BIG ISSUE :  Government bailouts.

I gritted my teeth when Our Government took over GM.  Government owned companies?  Um, I think that's China's business, not in the good ol' US of A.  Besides, I never saw one Calvin and Hobbs sticker pissing on a GM logo.  Just Ford and Chevy--so G.M. could fade away, or do what EVERY OTHER AMERICAN COMPANY does that is poorly run--it goes into bankruptcy and works its butt off to get back and be profitable.  It happens--look at the Airline industry, they are posting some big numbers this year.

I digress,

But I have flip flopped on the issue.

DEAR GOVERNMENT--PLEASE SAVE HOSTESS.

This is one side where the college aged liberals, women who are PMSing, EVERYONE on food stamps and the all the RED STATE/Don't Tread on Me flag flying Americans can agree.

We can't live without our Ding Dongs.  Or Twinkies.  Or Snow balls.  Or Cupcakes.  Oh my gosh I am getting the jitters just thinking about it.

Obama if you want to do one thing, JUST ONE THING, that will unite the nation--borrow some more money from China (be real--you never planned on paying them back anyway) call it an American Stimulus--and BAIL OUT HOSTESS.  

If I were a political cartoonist

I've tried.  Tried not to blog politics, because that is all I seem to do.  But I have to get all of my thoughts out of my head and onto something so I can do what my kids ask when they said today, "turn off the radio. you keep you keep talking to it and it's just making you angry."

If I were a political cartoonist it my entry for today's paper would be this:

Scene:  Obama standing at the pulpit of his acceptance speech.

Words bubble:  "I hope to sit down with Mitt Romney and see what ways we can work together"  (I'd use his exact quote)

Scene 2:  Obama sitting down with Mitt Romney on a couch.

Words bubble:  Obama speaking, "So what was your plan for the the next 4 years?  Because as you probably figured out,  I don't have one."


I listen to NPR. Everyday.  And so that is where my statistics and commentary come. And this is what I gleaned today from their political correspondents.

The overwhelming majority of people (NPR's exact term not mine) exit polled stated that "They do not like the way America is headed."

The majority of people said that the economy was the most important issue in this election.

Over 50% off those exit polled stated that they thought Romney would do a better job on the economy than Obama.

Hispanics overwhelming voted for Obama despite their unemployment being double that of the rest of the nation.

What stood out most to me was the Economist.  His words were:

American companies are sitting on stockpiles of cash. They were waiting to see how the election would pan out.  Their concern was the effect that Obamacare has on their business and how much it would cost them. And also the impending Tax on the rich.  What businesses will do now will be to try to expand their businesses without having to hire any employees.

That is from NPR--not FOX.


The political commentators went on to say that Obama played better politics and that is how he won.  They said that he took the national conversation away from his dismal four year record and focused his energy on negative attack ads on Romney.  Character ads that made him out to be a bad person.  Especially in places like Ohio.  They even admitted that he never talked about what he would do in the next four years.

Like I said, these are not my words. You can go back and listen to Talk of the Nation and hear the same words I heard.


So what does this mean?

They suggested a possible deeper recession.

Bring it on.


I'm off--to plant my garden, buy a gun and to Costco to stockpile some food.

That is how much I believe in HOPE & CHANGE.

Spy on the Mormons

Have you eve wanted go to a Mormon church just to see what it really is about?  Not that you want to join, you just want to be an onlooker.  But you don't want to go because someone will see you, or the missionaries will talk to you, or you just dont want any attention brought to you.

Well, Now is your chance!

Twice a year Mormons across the globe gather in front of the TV or computer for General Conference.  The leadership of the church both men and women, speak on varied topics. There are two sessions on Saturday at 9 am and 1 pm and then again on Sunday, 9am and 1pm. That is AZ time.  But you can always watch the recording.

So if you want to spy--no one will know. And then you get to see what us crazy Mo's believe.

Here some topics you will probably here:

Don't view pornography
The world is lacking in moral values.
Read the scriptures.
Families should spend more time together.
Mormons should spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ is our Savior.
Repent and do better.
Strengthen your marriage.
Be a better neighbor, community member and friend.
Stand up for what you believe.
Dare to stand alone in your beliefs.
Be an example of the believers.
Youth should choose modesty and follow church standards.

So just go.  Check it out.  If you know anyone who dogs on Mormons--tell them to spy.  Most people I know who talk bad about the church don't know much about it.

So watch, you'll hear good messages from good people with good intentions. And probably here a funny story--we Mo's like to laugh.

LINK HERE

or

HERE

Dear France, THANK YOU

DEAR FRANCE,

THANK YOU!!

SINCERELY,

ME

You could read my statement and think that I want to stick it to the rich, because they have the money and should be  handing it over for the good of the country.

WRONG

I want to say a BIG FAT THANK YOU to France.  Because this is going to be the case study of the century.  Economists at Universities all across the country er, the world, are biting their nails in anticipation of what happens next. 

Because you slap a 75 percent tax on the wealthy and business and what happens?  The wealthy and the business leave. In droves.  Because guess what, if I am rich enough to be slapped with that tax, I am also rich enough to take my money and my business across the border to say,  economically stable Germany perhaps?  Or even relocate to South America--where business is growing like crazy.

I bet other European countries are just giddy with excitement.   Much like colleges court the most talented of High School football players--sending in their recruiter with promises of this or that just to get them to cross the border to their university--so will be the countries trying to win over France's disgruntled rich.

Mark my words--the rich will flee.

And hopefully, just hopefully, America will get it.

If they pull their head out of their asses long enough to read the paper.

F.M. Radio

I yell at the radio. EVERY MORNING. I talk outloud in my car and the kids says--"Who are you talking to?"

I'm talking to the radio. The hosts of NPR's morning edition have had some words from me. Well, more it's the people the are talking to, and most importantly--what they are talking about.

This morning's edition: Politics.

 I am starting to call it Anger 2012. At least that is what it is for me.

Today's piece was on businesses leaders on opposite ends of the spectrum, one that ran and op. ed article in the Washington Post and another who took out a full page ad in the Times.

 The ad read--if "Obama is elected I am going to shut down my business and lay off my 12 employees". They interviewed him and he told a story of how he built the business he has and has worked his butt off for, and with Obama's idea of taxing the rich--they will be taking 50% of what he makes. That pushes him over the edge.

 The other man's piece supported Obama's taxing of the rich. Stating that Jesus took care of the poor and that is our duty. He had received Government grants to put him through school, therefore the Government is good

. . . and that is when I yelled at the radio.

Being a good Jesus follower myself, I agree--Jesus wants us to take care of each other. But since when does that mean through the Government? Jesus also wants us to freely give of our time, talent and yes--MONEY. But forcing the rich to pay the government more than everyone else in the name of "helping our fellow men"--not what Jesus had in mind. Did he read the Bible? Jesus is not too keen on corrupt Governments. Who do you think killed the man? And no one is going to get into heaven stating that they paid their taxes. Come on, for real??

And yes, I think our Government is corrupt.

 Does the first man hate the poor and want to squish them under his feet? No. Actually I don't know his opinion, they didn't ask him. But I tell you this--what I know of the wealthy are not those kind of people, although the media and Obama's political team would love for you to think that.

Remember my degree from college--Non-Profit Health and Human Service Administration. Those stiff and formal words mean--I know about taking care of the poor--and the sick--and the unfortunate. And all of those places exist because of . . . THE WEALTHY. *GASP!* Those horrible people that make so much money and keep the little guy down. They provide funds to establish an entity that allows collaboration among horrible rich men and the normal middle class and the poor man. Together they to help those who need it most. And their financial books? Public record. And if you don't like what they are doing--you go down to the board meeting and say so. Or you take your time, talents and MONEY elsewhere. It provides a choice. And throws red tape beaurocracy out the window.

People need to see that those left wing hippy socialists and the right wing capitalist pigs and anyone in between actually agree on that the poor need help.

 They just differ on who should provide it.

 And me? Where do I fall? The government has it's role and place--limited but also essential. Let the rich, poor and anyone in the middle be taxed equally so no one can cry foul to the other. (flat tax people--and get rid of the Tax season)

Increasing tax on the rich will cause two things.
1. The rich will leave the country (as evidenced in France)
2. They will give less to non profits--who are far more efficient and effective than the government at taking care of those in need.

Both will hurt our country, create more need by loss of jobs, and excacerbate the current state of those in need.

Why does the Government think that because someone makes a certain amount of money--then they are entitled to part of it? Does that scare anyone else other than me? The Government could someday choose something I own or earn and say they are entitled to it "for the greater good". And if you think the government won't--you have been duped by the powers that be.

Wow. I feel better now. And I didn't even make it too long. That is just one thing that got me talking to the radio.

 Don't even get me started on the national debt. 6 trillion in four years, when all of the previous presidents combined spent 10 trillion. Does this not scare the pants off of anyone else than me? How is that possible? Who can spend that much--and on what??

 Oh no, I said don't get me started.

There are times when I think that my kids will only remember my scolding, and reprimanding. And then sometimes, I find pictures like this one. And I think--maybe times like this will trump all the others. Cuz--this is a good one.

I can cure warts!

My oldest daughter had a big patch of ugly warts on her knee--and although she didn't notice or care, I knew that someday she was going to absolutely HATE them.

So while I was at a well visit about 2 years ago I asked the Nurse Practitioner what to do.

And she gave me a natural remedy.

And it totally worked!  We have used it so many times and it's worked on all three girls and Hyrum.

I'm too perfect to have warts ;)

Check out my natural blog HERE to find out what we did.

Did you know the governor has a summer reading program? If your kid reads 5 books from her list then they get free admission to the AZ Science Center.

Check it HERE.

Mi Amigos sweet deals!

People!!!!  Mi Amigos is hooking up some sweet deals for their 35th Anniversary.

Support your locally owned restaurant (my brother in laws! :))

Go.

Spread the word.

Eat.

Love it.

Spread the word some more.

If you can't read the flier then go  here:

http://www.miamigos.com/58.html

I have sharing time on tithing tomorrow, and as usual I have so far prepared .. .um . .


NOTHING.

Any ideas out there?

You say it Reagan

Stuff

My Canadian photography friend posted this on her blog--and I have heard it before, but loved to see it as a reminder.

“We invest a great deal in the acquisition of stuff. Companies bombard us with slick, relentless propaganda as to why we must have their stuff and judge an individual’s success by their stuff’s sheer quantity and supposed quality. I like stuff. I especially like the word stuff. But consumption never was creativity; it brings few lasting satisfactions and can bring burdensome debts. Stuff beyond our basic needs does not liberate. Consider the overall investment of your time. You have to shop for stuff. You have to clean, maintain and organize stuff. You lose stuff. You look for stuff. You polish stuff. Secure it against theft, trip over it, recharge it, upgrade it, accessorize it, pack it, move it, unpack it, insure it, fix it, and eventually sell, trash or bequeath it. Stuff has no use beyond this life and it takes a lot from us. Very much unlike stuff, knowledge has few such liabilities. Knowledge does not depreciate but grows deeper, stronger and more valuable with each use.”
                        - Shawn W. Miller, BYU Devotional, August 3, 2010 (punctuation altered)

I am blessed to have many friends who subscribe to this way of life.

I am not a stuff person.  In fact, my poor kids have often asked where their toys went--because they just up and disappeared on them.

I hate paying for bullcrap. Toys, clothes that kids will outgrow, Pajamas--does anyone else hate paying money for pajamas??

But what I will spend a bazillion dollars for is memories.  Road trips, camping, outings.  Now that to me is where I have to watch myself with money.

We are still in the middle of trying to buy a car. I just can't bring myself to spend that much money on a vehicle.  It seems ridiculous.

The only thing that I have realized that is going to make me do it----road trips. Having a car with no mileage on it, a good engine and a warranty.  So in short--memories.

That major deciding factor on which vehicle we choose--cargo room. How many coolers and suitcases can we fit back there??

I am already planning our east cost trip for next summer, and the West coast to Canada trip for the summer after that.

I love the reminder this quote gives me. 

Now I am going to go throw away some STUFF.