the Jesus tree

I was contemplating our family prayers lately..you know the ones with lines like:

" help us to be more like our savior", or "help us to remember the teachings of our savior", OR "help us to act as the Savior would act SO we can be more like our savior Jesus Christ"

I wondered how much my children understood those lines...I mean when they get in a sticky situation do the actually think " hmmmm, what would Jesus do?"

Obviously, Mike and I try to teach them about their Savior, but do they KNOW him well enough to use the knowledge in all the moments they need it?

I decided probably not, since most of the time I wonder if I even kind of understand it well enough to totally apply his teachings in my daily life. I mean, knowing stories of some ones Life is different then understanding who they are, and how and why they choose the path and choices they did.

Since it is fall I couldn't help but think of cute sparkly fall leaves ( in my world every thing sparkles!) so I talked with ranner about building a paper tree for my hallway, where my kids would be able to write the things they learn about Jesus on leaves and decorate the tree. I am hoping for real lessons to be learned, I don't just want a recap of stories. I want the whys and hows here...which means I need to be a good enough mom to teach those lessons. BUT Ranner thinks bigger then me...

SO, we made a vinyl tree, I can decorate and redecorate it with the seasons and all the lessons we learn. We did it all from hand, the cost total was 7.50. I am hoping the lessons learned are price less.... we dubbed the tree the " Jesus tree" since that's the first set of lessons I want to teach the kids....its not decorated yet, but I thought I would share our hard work...I think it turned out pretty good. Maybe the Lord helps with a project when the objective it right?=) I think so, because I am no artist and this tree just happened..

For the first time...

Today I helped out at the school, just like I do every other Thursday and Friday, but today was different. I went to the " work room" , cut out and laminated letters for the teacher and met other ladies working and volunteering at the school. We talked about the school , our kids and Scentsy. It was SO much fun!! For the first time since we moved here I was " part of it" again, I felt happy and content in that area of my life...it was nice...

and we run...

Since yaya loves soccer and she is getting older and much more competitive, we thought it would be fun to start running together. In my head I figured my skill level and hers were about the same, so I can get in shape and we can help push each other to run harder! =) I couldn't resist taking a FEW pictures! she was SO SO happy running with mom. (she tells jack very chance she gets its " just a mommy/ daughter thing") It was cute. =)

the challenge

The challenge, for a dollar, was made in front of, and 3/4 a tsp listerine was measured out by, Brigette (aka mom), as a witness and document-or.

WHO will last the longest?

It's a close one, it getting intense...but....WAIT.....is Jack Already out of the race??yep, didn't even tilt his head back! LOL

But yaya is going strong even with NO competition!!

AND THE VICTOR IS.......................................YAYA!!!!

and No she never got her $1.00, bad deal jack....bad deal...

a conversation with my new friend " OLD"

A conversation I had with my new friend "old today"

" well , old, its official we have become friends, don't worry yourself, I'll post it later on facebook to make it REALLY official.

The thing is, I am not sure I am ready to enter into this friends ship. You see, hanging out with you, means I have to slowly leave my dear friend Young behind.

Young and I are close. We have had some really good times and even though I don't usually see young any more, we still like to get together once in a while when your not looking. We dance and sing, we look in the mirror and tell each other that young and me and still tight as ever...but then you sneak into the room and remind me and young that we are lying to our self's, your always like that, ruining Young's fun. WHY old??

I mean when young and I were best friends, I thought you were so cooool. Thats over. the back ach I woke up with reminded me of that fact. Old, do you have any up sides? tired body, worried heart and mind, slow to remember dates and names, new things are harder to catch on to. always tired, always. Seriously can you help me out here? Because I know that I have to let Young go, and Young can only visit when the moment is correct, AND I know I get to hang out with you for the rest of my existence. so give me some positives, I will believe you, I will, its better then telling myself your as good as it gets.

WHAT? I am going to like you at times?still a possibility of wisdom, knowledge, grand kids, freedom? boredom? when I get REALLY old? what?

Well I am not sure I believe you Old. These are the very things that made me think you were so cool,when I was hanging out with Young all the time, but so far, well, we see how our friend ship has started. I guess I will trust you Old, what choice do I have? Because my aching foot and back ach are shouting out arguments with you Old.

O.k I think after talking with you, I am ready make this work...but..... just once in a while...can Young still come play?