The Great American Fifth Grade Challenge and more

Nathan was so excited for fifth! He watched Liz perform in Hope of America and complete the Great American Fifth Grade Challenge and he couldn't wait to get started, in fact he memorized the Gettysburg Address over the summer so he would be ready on the first day of school!

I think fifth grade is an amazing year. I love their focus on American History, and at our school we have one particular teacher whose passion is history. He really emphasizes the importance of our nation and the principles upon which it was built. Nathan has loved it all. He loved reading The Killer Angels (about the battle of Gettysburg) and talking about it with his teacher. Another day Nathan was telling us specifics about a battle from the Civil War. I had never heard about it and later Brian and I looked it up online. I don't know why , but we were a little surprised at the many minute details that Nathan remembered.  

Here is one video from Hope of America. The program was just the same as last year when Liz performed. This is still one of my favorite parts though. Nathan is in the yellow section just to the right of the flag. 

Here are the kids reciting the Gettysburg Address at the Great American Fifth Grade Challenge award ceremony.  It makes me a little teary every time.  They also recited the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution and all of the U.S. Presidents. Additionally, to earn the award they had to label a map of states, capitals, and oceans, sing or say the Star Spangled Banner and write the Pledge of Allegiance. 

This year the Fifth grade had a celebration for the parents in the evening. They sang some songs from Hope of America and had a slide show presentation with pictures of the neat things they have done this year, including their big America History days of activities.  I wasn't even going to take a camera since I had video and pictures of it all already. But that was too much against my nature, so I took them. I am so glad I did, because they sang this song, a song that Nathan's teacher stumbled upon and taught the kids. The musician ended up coming to talk to the fifth grade, gave them each a CD and sang a few more songs. There were lots of tears from many of the parents. It was so touching. 

I am so grateful for the reminder that we truly are blessed to live in America. Our country certainly isn't perfect, but we enjoy so many freedoms and opportunities because so many sacrificed so much to keep our nation strong. 

The Gift of Motherhood

Today is Mothers' Day. I am always grateful for the reminders that motherhood is a vital part of Heavenly Father's plan for his daughters. And tonight a friend shared a couple of thoughts that have made me think about motherhood and Mothers' Day a little differently than I have in the past.

First, she said that she learned that Mothers' Day is not about celebrating perfection, but rather celebrating our every day efforts and our ability to get back on our feet and try again when we stumble. To be perfectly honest I don't recall a Mothers' Day when I felt completely inadequate or discouraged about how I was doing as a mom. Don't get me wrong, I have had plenty of those days. I just don't remember them coinciding with the holiday. But I plan to tuck away this thought and use it every time I need a pick-me-up.

Secondly, she asked what I thought of "the gift of motherhood" not only the opportunity to raise children, but also as a spiritual gift (a talent or quality) bestowed by the Lord (see 1 Corinthians 12, Doctrine and Covenants 46:7-26, Moroni 10:8-18). So rather than just having children, the gift of motherhood would be gifts of knowledge and qualities needed to rear them.

I have never really thought of motherhood as a spiritual gift, or at least not using that term, but now that I hear it stated that way, I think that it fits. To have the gift of nurturing and loving and teaching in a way that is pleasing to the Lord would indeed be a gift. I think that sometimes when our kids are little we are so consumed by taking care of their physical needs. Obviously teaching them the gospel is part of that, but I have learned that as my kids have gotten older the physical needs they have decrease, but they have much more need of emotional and spiritual care. The need for gospel teaching and training increases as their understanding increases and especially as they reach the age of accountability, make covenants and then prepare for young womanhood (for girls), receiving the priesthood (for boys) and attending the temple (for both girls and boys). This teaching doesn't just happen in formal settings, but throughout each and every day. And I know that Heavenly Father wants to be our partners as we raise HIS children. He wants to help us and as we diligently seek him he will bless us with the "gift of motherhood" and will help us know the best way to rear each of his unique and special children that he has sent to our homes, and he will help us to "mother" those around us who may be in need of another worthy and righteous example.

I will be the first to admit that I am not perfect, but just in this past week I have had a couple of experiences that helped me know that my Heavenly Father will truly bless me with the ability to help the children I have been blessed with.

Just a few days ago one of our children was facing a challenge, a really hard one, that they needed to overcome. I was truly at a loss of what I could do to help. They were in their room with the door closed. I was on the floor in the hallway wondering what I could possibly do. I closed my eyes and pled for some guidance. With actions that were not very characteristic of me and words that I had not planned to say and with patience I did not think I possessed, I was able to help this child. I know that they were the right things to be said and done, but they were not my idea, I don't really know how they occurred to me, but once I started to act they felt so natural. I know that it was with the Lord's help and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit that I was led to do the right thing for this special soul in my care. What an amazing learning experience for the both of us!

The second experience occurred tonight. The kids were in bed having their quiet reading time. Brian and I were playing a game. Megan had come down several times for drinks, hugs etc. She came down again. Usually my first reaction when it is past bedtime and I am tired is to say, "it is really time for bed." But tonight, similar to the other day, I just felt like I needed to act differently. It is hard to explain because there wasn't even really time for a conscious thought, but I am grateful for the experience that followed. This is how the conversation went.

Megan: Today in Primary I had this feeling and so now I am reading the Book of Mormon stories. I am going to read all of the scriptures stories.
Me: Do you know what that feeling was?
Megan (with one of the sweetest expressions on her face that I have ever seen): Love
Me: Do you know where that feeling of love came from?
Megan: Heavenly Father and Jesus
Me: And how do They help you feel love?
Megan (after a bit more guidance): The Holy Ghost

What a sweet, tender and amazing experience to share with this innocent spirit who is growing and progressing!

I am far from perfect and I make lots of mistakes, but I am grateful the Lord helps me to get up, dust myself off and try again. I am grateful that through the enabling power of the Atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ the Lord can help me be more and be better than I would be on my own, and this applies to motherhood just as it does to everything else in my life.

I am so grateful to have these four amazing kids in my life and for all that they teach me. I am grateful for those who have loved, mentored and mothered me, especially for my mother who has given me so much and who has set an amazing example of righteous womanhood and motherhood to me.

Temple Pictures

It has been a while since we have taken pictures at the Mount Timpanogos Temple. We have been to several temples in the last few years, but it has been about four years since we have taken pictures at "our" temple. We were going to go for Family Home Evening the day after Easter, but it was rainy, so we looked for the nicest night in the forecast and ended up going on Thursday. It was overcast, but the temple was gorgeous. There was a photographer there taking some of her own pictures and she graciously agreed to taking some pictures of the whole family.

I loved the way the spire stood out against the sky.

 This window is one of my most favorites. I love to look at it when I have time to sit in the chapel of the temple.

 We took our traditional "temple touching" photos as well.

The kids asked if Brian and I wanted individual shots. we opted for a picture together.

 We walked around the side to the back of the temple as well. Here is another of the windows that I love. This window is the one that is in the Celestial Room. The Celestial Room of the temple (any temple) is one of my favorite places on earth. I always feel an incredible feeling of peace, reverence and joy. And the Celestial Room at the Mount Timpanogos Temple will always be extra special because this temple has been such an important part of my life; it is where I received my own endowment and where Brian and I were sealed and I have had many experiences there where I have felt my Heavenly Father's love so strongly.

I loved that we could share this time as a family. Megan said, "It is so beautiful here." I have no doubt that she was referring not only to what she saw, but also how she felt.

Goalball

Yesterday was Liz's goalball tournament. She has been practicing each week since mid-January and she was really looking forward to the tournament. I missed the tournament last year and so I was excited to watch her play. I was excited to have a better understanding of the game and see real games played. Liz was on a team with two boys. A third boy (who is unable to play because of health concerns) acted as assistant coach. It was a treat to see these great kids interact. 

Here is a clip from the first game that they played. Remember that all of these kids are wearing eye shades and can't see anything. I think was the first goal that Liz scored. She scored three in the first game and lots more throughout the day.

I like this video because she has several good blocks and a couple of good throws. 

Liz was not a fan of playing center; she gets so nervous, but she did great.  (For those who don't know much about goalball, the white lines aren't just tape. The tape holds string down along all of the lines on the court. The string is raised enough so the players know where they are at on the court.

 Blocking

 Rolling the ball. Her throws have gotten harder and faster in just the last couple of months.

 One thing I love about goal ball is that it is a quiet game. The players can talk to each other, but the crowd, and even the coaches have to be silent during the game. When a goal is scored or when a penalty shot is blocked there is a short time to cheer, and the coaches can talk to the players during times out, but other than that quiet is required. It makes sense, of course, because they are relying on what they hear to know where to block the ball, but it is so different than any other sporting event I have been to.

 Liz's team - They worked really well together, even though they have never practiced together. I enjoyed meeting these kids. I have seen them from time to time at other activities, but never had too much of a chance to interact. I also enjoyed meeting their parents.

  They earned second place. They only lost two games, and they were both to the same team.

Next year Liz will play with the junior high and high school kids. We are already planning on getting some pads and protective gear. It gets a little more intense. :-)

 Megan wasn't quite ready to play in the tournament with lots of bigger kids, but she enjoyed practicing each week and was excited to get a t-shirt as well. Aren't they cute?

Happy

It is hard not to be happy when the sun is shining, these are growing in my garden (the tulips, not the weeds)

and it is warm enough for these

Videos of our skating adventures

Skating

Yesterday was the girls' annual vision field trip to go ice skating. Last year I went with them and had a blast, and this year I decided to check the boys out of school so they could join in the fun. We had so much fun.

Here's Megan. This is her second time skating. She was kind of in tears for the first minute . . . 

  but then this cute volunteer asked her if she wanted to learn how to skate.  Off Megan went and before long she was doing it on her own.

She did still like pushing one of these things around from time to time, but man, she could fly. She was so steady.

 She also liked skating with other grown ups. I like this picture because you can tell that she isn't really needing the help. She loves this field trip and it will be fun to watch her over the coming years.

I still can't believe that this is Liz's seventh time on this field trip. She has gone every year since kindergarten. And what a change.

 She starts off hanging onto the wall, but before long she is all over the ice. She is very comfortable

 So comfortable in fact that she took her camera out on the ice. She was pretty confident that it would be fine, which is was. As we left she said, "I want to make an adventure photobook and put this in it."

This was Mike's first time on skates, and he was a natural. I love this picture because he looks so relaxed as he skates. 

 He was confident and still grins when I tell him he did a great job. 

 all of that being said, it doesn't mean he never fell. In fact, he hit the ice a lot. But he enjoyed it and was so happy when I let him know I got a picture AND video of him falling. He is already asking to go back.

And then there was Nathan. I loved watching Nathan yesterday because I learned a lot about him. Skating was HARD and frustrating for him. I think he fell the most of anyone, and I could tell that he just wanted to glide like he sees hockey players do it. At one point he said, "Mom, it seems so easy for you." 

 I realized that this is probably the first thing (or at least the first thing recently) that has been hard for him. So much comes so easily for him, so I watched closely as he took on this challenge. And you know what? He was amazing. He got back up every time he fell. At times he sat on the bench to take a deep breath and a quick break, but it was never long before he was back out on the ice. 

 He started right by the wall, but by the end he ventured more in the middle. He still fell, but he continued to improve, and throughout the whole experience he was still smiling! What a great kid.

My four cute kiddos. What a fun afternoon we had.

I have some videos too, and maybe those will get posted. We'll see.