Three Little Pigs - FHE

This was super fun and now I have ideas to use more Fairy Tales and such in my Family Home Evening lessons.

We had been wanting to dedicate our home for quite sometime. I could never seem to "get it together" enough to follow through. During the Women's Conference, I had this bright idea to base it around the 3 little pigs story. I am not sure why some inspiration strikes at certain times, but I am sure that it came out of the blue. (None of the speakers talked about this.) I read the story first. Book Version Here (The funnest part of this is "not by the hair on my chinny chin chin" and dramatic voice inflections) My idea was to talk about different types of homes around the world. You can find images everywhere on the Internet. We talked about houses around us. We talked about our "old" house and how we were happy there and we could have stayed there. On their own, the kids brought up the "blessings" in the new house (2 bathrooms, etc.) We talked about ways to take care of our home (pick up toys, not color on the walls, fix parts when they get broken, etc.) Josh also brought up the point about the "big bad wolf" and what types of things are bad like the wolf that could try and get in. (satan and temptation).

I really liked this and if I were to do this lesson again, I would definitely compare the parts of a strong brick home with things to protect our house from the outside world. The straw and stick homes could be things that are good, well adjust it to your liking. It would also be super cute to make houses with marshmallows and toothpicks or whatever for a treat. (but we were short on time.)

Back to us, Josh talked about the "Home Rules" and how we treat our family, then did the dedication. All of the was a bit much. For our activity, we Acted out the story of the three little pigs. We drew out the parts and lucky Daddy got the big bad wolf. This was the funnest part of the night.

So if you have done Fairy Tale Style FHE or When you do, let me know how it goes and things you did that worked better. :D

Is 6 too many? Why not?

Well, first, just to clarify, I am NOT having twins. I was just thinking about stuff. Second, this isn't church doctrine as far as I know, it's just my thoughts and opinions, so please keep that in mind while you read.

I was pondering on having children and how many, etc. It isn't a secret that I've always wanted SIX. I was alone a lot as a small child and I always wanted my kids to have siblings. I know there are some who can't have children and who can't have very many even if they would like to, I do not mean to offend you as I talk about this. I understand your thoughts and feelings, I have had them myself and dealt with that too. Anyway, I was pondering on my future children and the pre-existence. My thoughts wandered to "Saturday's Warrior". I thought about the last little girl waiting in heaven and hoping that her family wouldn't forget about her. The movie portrayed world's view on "mormons" as having an enormous amount of children.

I reflected on those spirits waiting in heaven and even the ones who have come to Earth. How spiritually strong they are, how privileged they are, and more. These spirits have received many blessings in the premortal life and one is to come into a goodly home. There are so many worthy, righteous souls ready to come into this life and, by however means they have arrived in your home (birth, adoption, etc.), they have earned the blessings and rights to be in a goodly home. I quickly did a spiritual check.

Is my home what I would consider "Privileged"? What makes a home "privileged or goodly"? Are the things that I am doing right? What can I work on? How do I treat my family?

Aside from feeling guilty because I have spent the majority of the time being sick, now I am feeling guilty because some of the so important small things are slipping through the cracks. I asked myself some more questions.

When I feel good, am I taking extra time with my children? When I feel sick, am I at least hugging and loving them? What are some things I am doing? Remember the sick times are what my body needs to care for one baby. Just because I am sick or laying down at times does not mean neglect. I think too much.

For a while now, I have been feeling that our children choose us. It is easy to think about myself choosing to come to my parents. They are incredible! It is harder for me to realize my children CHOSE to come to me. They chose to be a part of my family. What were they thinking? What did they see in me? What kind of potential do I have? I can always do better and I can show them why they chose me! What is it specifically I do to love you and meet your needs? One thing is never enough. I have been honored to be a mother. Loving your children is easy. Showing, Acting, Doing are things that can be difficult, especially during trials or changing times. Remember: My children deserve to come to a privileged home, they chose me (us). I (we) can provide a righteous home for them.

In my home, I also had some thoughts about marriage and going through life changes: keeping open communication, having the same family goals spiritually, growing together, etc. I know in the beginning, we generally have the same goals in mind, but sometimes the end results are lonely. In that case, I would have asked the same questions about a privileged home. We can only do what we can, the Lord is there to make up the rest if we have faith in him.

Does this mean I think everyone should stay married and have a gazillion kids? Of course! Wouldn't that be wonderful? I know the trials and blessings in this life do not allow that for everyone. I just was so excited to share with you what I felt about having a lot of kids. I didn't really mean to go off onto a tangent about the other things. So here's one more personal belief and we will leave it at that. How many children to have in your family is between husband, wife, and Heavenly Father. He will advocate for the children yet to come. You can decide together what you can handle.

Most Favorite Precious Moments

Here's One:

Last Friday, Josh had told the kids they needed to sleep in so we could actually sleep in on Saturday morning. They were tried really hard to hang out down stairs, but when one came up, they all trickled in.

Most precious to me was the time Josh and I were still in bed with the children gathered around or on the bed. We just talked and smiled softly. There was no nagging, no whining, no lecturing. I don't even know what we talked about. We shared the most precious thing, family love and bonding. It was genuine and so very special. The kids were drawn to be there. In those moments, I felt as if I took the time to actually feel gratitude for my most precious things. I am thankful for my family.

I know when I can take those special moments and really feel gratitude, love, genuine, etc., I can feel the Gifts of God being poured upon me.

It's Friday! WHAT?!

Warning: This is long. It is not required reading. I am not a writer, professional or other type. There was just a lot in one Friday. It was one of "those" days.

I woke up at 7am, determined to post this as my facebook status. "yay! Mommy gets to spend most of the day with my super fun mischievous monkeys." ha ha ha. Did not make the post. Instead, after the kids got back on the bus I laid down for a little while. The cute little monkeys were still sleeping. Needless to say whatever events transpired between 8-9 am, I had BLACK fingernail polish on my Carpet, and multiple colors on my two little monkeys. The little one (15 months) was the major cause. The bigger one (3.5) at least had her nail polish mostly on her fingers and toes. I think she may have even spilled a little and cleaned it up. I went running all over the house trying to find the carpet cleaner. (I am still not even sure where the cleaners are kept, but I know there was a full bottle last time I cleaned the carpet.) Whatever! I called Josh he said to try alcohol (not peroxide). I tried that it worked a little (not really). GRRRRR!! So my facebook post was this around 9:30. "help! how do I get fingernail polish out of the carpet?" I got a comment right away, but I didn't have whatever the stuff was. Anyway, the second comment was for Shaving Cream. Well Whatever! I had that, even if it was the gel kind I was definitely going to try it. Will a little scrub and repeat, IT WORKED! So keep that one in your bag of magic tricks! I didn't try fingernail polish remover because I had a bad experience with it taking the varnish off my table. I don't like that stuff to much. And Really RHE a RUG! You sound like my mom.

so Yay! House smells STRONGLY of fingernail polish and rubbing alcohol, when someone comes to my door. Mommy in her jammies (with her belly hanging out because everything is either too small or too big) hurries to find a little more to cover up with. By the time they get to the door the baby has a stinky diaper too. UGH! Mommy takes care of business, takes cares care of baby.

Mommy gets sick! REALLY! Just as things are settling back down, but still in the bathroom, someone calls and wants to come over for a quick visit. SURE! All is well. My kids still had and have fingernail polish on them and the bigger one is still in her jammies (this has to be a personal choice daily). Oh and don't forget to put the dog in the garage every time someone is coming over and let her out after they leave.

Mommy is ready for a nap, or at least a break to play on the computer for a while. I swear there was another big mess, but I've blocked it out by now. The Monkeys are their regular mischievous selves; fighting over crayons and markers, playing in the cupboards, jumping off the couches, etc. By 1:30, the little one goes down for a nap! YAY! and Daddy comes home for lunch. I hear the bus. The kids should be together Jaxon comes home. "Mom I didn't see Boo on the bus. I saw her at swimming. I saw her at lunch, but I didn't really see her when we were playing at the park." hum? It's okay Jaxon, I am sure she is at the school or got on the wrong bus. Mom calls the school looking for her daughter. At this point I am sure the Librarian is in a panic looking for her. After about 20 minutes, we get a call back. She got on the wrong bus and the super nice bus driver took her back to the school. The librarian tries to figure it out. Simply put, she was supposed to get on the same bus as she rides in the morning, but she gets home around 11am, on a different bus (the kindergarten bus with a supervisor). This is which one she got on. Not to mention her teacher doesn't teach in the afternoon so she wasn't there anymore. Seriously, at this point a mom with any type of brain would have simply planned to pick up her kids! Her Daddy picked her up, mommy still in rags. She didn't talk at all. Poor traumatized thing. She didn't say much to mommy, but simply got her lunch and finished it at the table. We talked with her while we ate and she seems to be her happy self again. I guess it happens. Kids have a snack, Daddy goes back to work, the little one is still asleep, the big ones are all good, Mommy lays down again and this time she crashes (well almost), the little one wakes up. He plays with the kids, Mommy lays down and sleeps.

Mommy can hear the kids outside, all is well. Mommy hears Jaxon tell the girls to stay out of the water. Way to go big brother. Mommy wakes up. I can't believe I fell asleep like that, I must be sick. Kids are still outside playing good. Mommy goes out to check. The little one is now a little muddy (remembering the water). I take out a sweater for the babe, but it turns out he was smelly again and ready to come inside. MMMWWAAAHHH! Kids are good. Girls are singing loudly outside, little one is eating a poptart which he got out of the cupboard himself. Did I mention I am ready for child locks! EVERYWHERE! I have never even used them before. UGH!

Kids are good, Mommy lays back down and plays her stupid stupid games. Daddy comes home FINALLY. he is late. Mommy can hear daddy, "What did you guys get into? What is all this, what are you eating? Is that chocolate in there? yuck. What is all this Red stuff? Jinaya stay out of stuff!" Mommy says, "I am sure it is the Nestle Quick and it was probably the little one." "Jeeps stay out of stuff." Daddy comes in to talk to mommy. Jina is eating something Chocolaty with a spoon, but I am not sure what is in it. "Probably water", Mommy says, "we are out of milk." "Oh we are almost out of milk." "No we are all the way out, we need to go to the store." Plans are made Daddy is ready to leave. "Will you take the little monster with you? Please Please Please, I've been with him all day." "That is what you signed up for Mommy" Guilty! Indeed and I do love them all. Ok. Dad calls from the other room. I can't take him he looks like a ....sentence didn't get finished, but with all the fingernail polish still grrrrr. Daddy leaves.

Mommy starts to blog. The monster sits right next to mommy and tears all of the things out of the garbage. *sigh* I will pick it up later. Monkeys get on mommy's bed. The little one jumps, falls off, and bonks his head. No kidding! Mommy holds him. Daddy calls. Mommy can't talk. Big sister, Boo, holds poor baby. He's all better.

Daddy calls again. "put the dog in the house, I am opening the gate, and tell the kids not to open the door." ok. Daddy comes home. Jinaya runs out to greet them. Nikki runs too, right out the gate. Daddy Growls A LOT! Dogs are barking, Nikki is running. Jaxon is whistling. (like that is going to work! Oh wait, she's coming back.) It must be for the kids. Nikki is coming back! It is like a miracle. She runs past the gate and past Jaxon. Dad goes after her up towards the neighborhood. Take Jaxon with you. Mommy hears them with in minutes all back safe and sound. It is 8:30pm. Is this day over yet?

I am sure as you read you thought to yourself, Mommy stay off the computer and those stupid games and you would prevent a lot! I agree so true! Being sick is so frustrating!

Happy Friday! ;-)