Back to School Feast

Now that school has been in for a month and a half, I want to share about the back to school feast we had this year.

This is an idea I've toyed with for a while that we'd never actually done, but I really wanted to do it this year. Planning was very last minute and I wasn't really sure if I would actually attempt it or not, pretty much until the day before, but I was able to pull together a fun night, and I feel pretty proud of that.

One of the things that I really got stuck on in the planning process was coming up with a theme. I wanted something that would be applicable to our whole family, not just the ones going back to school. (Specifically, something that would be applicable to me with this pregnancy and the upcoming birth that I'm still pretty nervous about most days.)

I had all sorts of ideas, but I started to think that I needed to pull our theme from April's General Conference addresses. I don't know if this is the same for everyone else in the Church, but I feel like there's one particular quote from President Nelson (from this talk) that keeps coming to my attention, in lessons, meetings, and personal study. He said, "In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost." It felt so right. 

I think the theme was one of the things that held me up the most, like I couldn't do the whole feast without it, so having that chosen made going forward with the rest of the planning went a bit easier after that.

I set our table with a brown packing paper covering, a vase of sunflowers in the center, and two jars full of #2 pencils on either side of the flowers. I also wrote out a few scriptures to go with our theme that we could read and discuss during dinner. And I wrote our theme quote on a full sheet of cardstock with fancy lettering to display at dinner as well as to hang in our home for the year to come.

Because pancakes are kind of the center of basically all of our celebrations, it only felt right to do breakfast for dinner, featuring delicious apple pancakes + syrup. We also had a potato + egg scramble, a rainbow fruit plate, and orange juice. It was all so tasty!

We ate and talked about the year ahead, our theme, and how we can invite the influences of the Spirit as mentioned in the quote. After everyone ate, the pencils came out of the jars and nearly everyone was doodling on our paper table top. As the evening came to a close, the kids were given their backpacks. (Normally I let them pick out their own, but due to some less than awesome circumstances, I did this year's backpack shopping solo.) Inside their packs they found a few pencils, a folder, and a notebook that I had written our theme into the cover of, as well as some ideas of how to invite the influences of the Spirit and a little message from me. 

As with most of our parties and celebrations, there was a lot I wanted to do - specifically decor-wise - that I just couldn't accomplish with our limited budget and my last minute preparations. Things like balloons and twinkly lights and all manner of beautiful ideas from Pinterest. And you can only make it look so nice with mis-matched, dingy old folding and camp chairs. Ha. But, even though it didn't look exactly how I wanted, it was still a lovely evening. I'm really hoping to make this an annual tradition.

C's baptism

The kids have been out of school for about a week and a half now, and I intend to share a bit about their last week of school, the activities and awards and such. But today I want to rewind a bit. To early December.

Our oldest, C, turned 8 in July, and with that came the inevitable question: when will he be baptized. Mr. Boss was working with church leaders to prepare to receive the priesthood, but it hadn't happened yet, and he was really hoping to be the one to baptize our boy. Mr. Boss received the priesthood at the end of September, then came deciding the date for our boy to be baptized.

I had been baptized in early December, though I was mistaken about the day, I thought that the first Saturday of December was my baptismal anniversary, and as I explained that to C, he said that was when he wanted to be baptized. So, plans were made for December 5th. It was only a couple of days before that I discovered I had been wrong about my own baptismal anniversary, and our days wouldn't be the same after all. We were all kind of bummed, but it was still close enough that it felt pretty cool.

The big day finally arrived, we had a good bunch of family that was able to come out for C's special day, as well as some friends from here in AZ.

It was an interesting moment, seeing my husband and son standing in the font together. It was a moment I wasn't sure would happen. Because Mr. Boss wasn't a member when we got married, and had been so against my decision to return to church after I'd spent a couple of years away.. I had hoped for a long time that he would join the church, but didn't know if or when it would actually happen. I wondered many times what would happen when our children began to reach the age of 8. Would he let someone else baptize them, or would he refuse to allow it? To see them in that font together, and only 5 months after our boy had turned 8, was a miracle.

And then there are just all of the feelings a mother feels as she watches her oldest child step into that font to be baptized. It's not something I know how to explain.

After he was baptized, C was confirmed and given the gift of the Holy Ghost by Stanpa (Boss's step-dad).

He was so excited to receive a set of scriptures with his name printed on them. Thanks, Grandma Julie!

It was a gorgeous December day, no snow, no need for coats as we played outside the church for a bit and got a few pictures. Then we came back home and got to hang out with our visiting family some more. 

A gift from Grandma Rosie!

It was a really wonderful, awesome, special day.  

nativity

There was an activity last week, for the women's group at church (relief society). They had a dinner and a service exchange and we were asked to bring something to give, like a homemade treat, a craft, or to write a service that could be given at a later date. I took the opportunity to do some painting. 

I had seen a cute nativity painting online and decided I wanted to do something similar. I had four small canvases of stretched burlap, and decided to do a series of the same basic painting. Burlap is not the easiest thing to paint on, but it gives an interesting texture, which was kind of fun.

Anyway, I took one to the exchange, without getting a picture of it, but here are the remaining three. 

thankfulness. day 3

I am grateful for my church. For my specific congregation who I considerbe family, and for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the joy and peace that it brings me.

facing my fears

Today's prompt is "the thing(s) you're most afraid of". I would like to say "Oh, I'm not afraid of anything." But the truth is, just like there are many things that make me uncomfortable, there are many things that I am afraid of.

My fears have such a wide range. I'm afraid of tornadoes and earthquakes. I'm afraid of spiders, even though I think it's silly to be afraid of something so much smaller than me, they make me jump and give me the willies. I'm afraid of embarrassment. I've got the fear that my phone is going to call somebody while in my pocket or bag, and that the person on the other line will hear me doing something which I would be embarrassed to do in front of others, like singing or losing my temper. I'm scared of dying young and not being around to raise my children. I'm afraid of being forgotten. I'm afraid of losing a child in a crowded place, of having a child kidnapped, or being seriously injured or ill. I'm afraid of teaching (which I've been asked to do again). I'm afraid of not being liked. I'm afraid of being judged by others.

Some of my fears make sense to me, others seem ridiculous and I wonder why I'm afraid of that thing at all. But my fears have a pretty tight hold on me, and try as I might, I can't shake them. I can pretend they aren't there, but they are.

I think one of the things that scares me the most, though, is having sons. In part because boys are so unfamiliar to me. I have seven siblings and only one brother. Girls are familiar, boys are foreign.

Having girls is pretty scary, too. With the way that the world looks at women, I worry about how I'll teach my daughter(s) that they are of divine worth, I worry about how to help them understand that they are amazing and beautiful, just as they are, despite what the world would have them believe. I worry about that, especially, because I have a tendency to forget my own worth. I don't want my girls to struggle with their self-esteem and self-worth like I have and do. But even with those worries, having daughters doesn't strike fear to my very core the way having sons does.

I feel like there is a huge responsibility on the shoulders of mothers of sons. Women are bombarded by fake ideals in the media of what we should look like and be, but those images and ideals are also seen by our sons. We live in a hyper-sexualized world, and I don't know how to protect my boys from that, short of locking them in a cupboard, which I obviously cannot do.

I think of a story from the Book of Mormon, of a man called Helaman and his 2,000 stripling warriors. Young men who's fathers had sworn an oath not go to battle, because they didn't want to take the life of another, even in the defense of their own lives (Alma 23:7, Alma 24:6). But these young men hadn't made this promise, so they volunteered to defend their people. These boys had incredible faith, but the part that sticks out to me the very most is this:

"For as I had ever called them my sons... even so they said unto me: Father, behold our God is with us, and he will not suffer that we should fall; then let us go forth; we would not slay our brethren if they would let us alone; therefore let us go...

"Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.

"And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it."

Alma 56:46-48

I want to be like the mothers that these boys had. I want to be able to teach my boys in a way that they will know for themselves what is right and what is wrong, that they will do good, and that they will know because I know. And I'm scared that I won't be able to be that for them. I read the post of another blogger participating in this BEDiM challenge, and at the end of her post she shared a quote by President Thomas S. Monson, he said:

"The future is as bright as your faith"

That along with the second quote I shared the other day, help remind me not to let my fear take over. Which is so hard sometimes. But things really will work out in the end. I know they will.

So, yes, I am afraid of a great many things, but I don't want those fears to rule my life. Which is why I'm telling you about them. I am facing my fears, owning up to them, and kicking them to the curb.

But spiders will forever give me the willies.

I might be a little obsessed...

...okay, a lot obsessed.

We started experiencing some behavioral issues here in the Boss home, right after baby S joined our little family. I don't think I realized -- or didn't remember from previous additions -- just how difficult it is to provide each child with the positive attention that they need everyday when there is a new baby in the house.

It has been so frustrating, as the older children act out, because I knew exactly what would help. But it is hard to want to give positive attention when behavior is less than ideal.

But I think I made a break-through tonight. Oh, it was so simple! We had just sent the children to bed, and they were arguing over something. I walked right in and sat down on C's bed, looking right at him. He began telling me about what was going on, but I stopped him. I looked him in the eye, I really looked at him, and then I said to him: "I love you!" Immediately I saw him light up a little, the tension began to fall away. I smiled at him, and I told him again. I wish I could bottle that moment. Joy radiated from his face as we sat in front of one another on his bed. We finished with a great big hug, and then I tucked him in.

Next was Miss E. I sat down in front of her, looked her in the eye, and told her just how much I love her. I wished her a good-night and happy dreams, just like with her older brother. Again, I saw as tension fell from my child. Her face lit up, and her eyes sparkled. As I hugged her, she squeezed me so tightly. Afterward, she lay peacefully on her pillow and let me tuck her in.

Finally I went to Z, and he hugged me right off the bat, and laid his wild blonde head down. There was no more fighting, there was not a single sound from their room, they each quickly and quietly drifted off to sleep.

It was such a simple act, but had such a big impact. It is something that I've known that they each needed, I just don't know why it took me so long to figure out how to do it. But isn't that how it always goes? The simplest answers yield spectacular results.

"Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise."
Alma 37:6

photo challenge day 3:

my favorite Christmas video

How can I make Cristmas more
Joyful.......
Enjoyable..
Spiritual....
Uncluttered
Significant.
?

gratitude. day 21

I am grateful to know that I am not forgotten. "When upon life's billows [I am] tempest tossed", though I may become discouraged, I know am not alone.
I am grateful to know that I am a daughter of God. I am grateful to know that He knows me.

gratitude. day 4

I am full of gratitude today.
I'm grateful for the congregation I meet with every Sunday, for each and every person in our branch.
I am grateful for their strength and their friendship.
I am grateful for the way that the words spoken in each meeting today seemed to be spoken just for me.
I am grateful for my Heavenly Father.
I am grateful for the knowledge that He knows me, that He loves me.
I am grateful for today.

hope.

see the full talk here

from the archives: 5.8.11

mothers do not have to be perfect

(quotes and a few of my own words from a talk I gave on Mother's day last year.)

"There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children.
...What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else."

M. Russell Ballard

"The true spirit of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gives to woman the highest place of honor in human life. ...It is she...who wields gradually and constantly the impress of character to childhood and youth, ...who makes home a haven of bliss or a den of discontent, who at her best gives to life its sweetest hopes and choicest blessings."

The First Presidency

"If you have determined to live righteously" -- or, might I add, to mother perfectly, -- "don't become discouraged. Life may seem difficult now, but hold on tightly to that iron rod of truth. You are making better progress than you realize."

Richard G. Scott

"If you are helpless, He is not. If you are lost, He is not. If you don't know what to do next, he knows. It would take a miracle, you say? Well, if it takes a miracle, why not?"

Boyd K. Packer (more here.)

"Pray deeply about your children and about your role as a mother. ...There is great power in a prayer that essentially says 'We are the steward parents over Thy children, Father; please help us to raise them as thou wouldst.'"

M. Russell Ballard

"We all seem to measure ourselves by what we see in others, and that's others at their best, scrubbed and polished physically and emotionally. Yet we judge ourselves at our worst. Consequently, we're sure to come out on the short end of the stick, always inadequate."

Claudia T. Goates

We have not been left alone in our mothering efforts. Our lives are less than perfect, God knows that we are less than perfect. That is why he has provided us a way to receive His guidance and counsels. We have our Savior's example, words from prophets and inspired leaders from past and present, and personal revelation. Through these we can come to know of our Father's will for us and for the children with whom we've been entrusted.
If we follow the guidance and counsel that we receive, we will be blessed and our efforts will be rewarded.

"If you have done your best, which you usually do, your humble offering, whatever it may be, will be acceptable and pleasing to the Lord."

James E. Faust

Happy Mother's Day!
more Mother's Day goodness here

gratitude. day 20.

I am grateful...
for all of the wonderful, friendly, smiling faces at church.
for my sleepy wrap.
for my church, for the hope and peace that it brings in my life.

Now it's your turn. What are you grateful for?

gratitude. day 10.

I am grateful...
for the warm sunny weather we were able to enjoy today.that we live by so many different parks. It is so fun to explore and discover new places.for the knowledge that I am not forgotten, that my Heavenly Father knows and loves me.
He knows and loves you, too! If you haven't yet, you should really watch this.
Now it's your turn. What are you grateful for?

something even better

obligatory birthday-pancake photo shoot
10.15.11

"I love this three pancake!"

Last night, after a full day of birthday fun and excitement, we put E and her brothers to bed. Then, being exhausted ourselves, Mr. Boss and I quickly tidied up from the birthday mess and retired to our own bed. It was perhaps 20 minutes later, as I was nearing a beautiful state of unconsciousness, that we heard her cry. When it didn't stop, Mr. Boss kindly nudged me to signify that I ought to get up and tend to our distraught daughter.

I returned the kindness by reminding him that I'd been up late the night before, and needed to be up early in the morning, and then asked if he could just take care of this one, please. He did. As I lay there on my pillow, trying to reclaim the wonderful state I'd been pulled from, I found that I couldn't. E was still crying, and it sounded like Mr. Boss didn't quite know what to do. I thought: "Oh, alright, I'll get up."

First, I went to the kitchen to grab a cup of water, hoping that would help, but when I got to the kid's room and offered it to her, E pushed it away and continued to cry. Mr. Boss voiced his suspicion that she wasn't even fully awake. Finally I grabbed her from his arms and set her on my lap and just held her. She calmed slightly, but not entirely. Then I moved her into a cradle hold and began stroking her face. Almost immediately her cries were gone, aside from the occasional whimper.

I started to worry when she started faintly heaving and sucking on her lower lip, I thought she would hurl on me, but as I watched her I noticed something else, a darkness on her upper lip. Blood. I took her to my bed as Mr. Boss got a wet tissue for me to wipe her up with. As I cleaned her she screamed, so I stopped and simply held her.

A moment later I asked if she wanted to go back to her bed, or stay in mine. She said she wanted to be with me, so we lay down, and I pulled her close. She reached her hand up and gently touched my face before resting it on my chest. She was calmly sound asleep in no time. I lay there unable to sleep now, too busy enjoying the perfect moment I was in, when a thought came, clearly and distinctly, into my mind.

"You may not be able to run the White House, or own a fortune 500 company or your own small business, you may not even have a college degree, but you can do something that no one else can."

Writing that reminds me of the phrase/quote "To the world you may be one person, but to one person you are the world."

I may not have a large or noticeable affect on the world, I may live and die being almost entirely unknown, and I'm okay with that, because being well known doesn't mean a life well lived. The most joy I have ever experienced, the most fulfillment I have ever felt, has been in this home with my family, with my children.

I know that, to the world, children and families are considered to be largely unimportant, they're looked on as something that will hold you back from "living your dreams," or "having an exciting life," but I know these are lies.

I know that "marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children."*** I know that there is nothing greater in this life than family. There is nothing more exciting, fulfilling, or exhilarating than being joined to your spouse and embarking on the adventure of parenthood.

I will admit, it isn't always easy, but it is always worth it.

fear not

Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.
I'll strengthen thee, help thee and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.
How Firm a Foundation
hymn no. 85, v. 3

We live in a vicious world, a scary time. But if we put our faith and trust in God, he will protect us, He will guide us, and He will strengthen us. Through Him there is nothing to fear.

Don't give up.

It's been a while since I shared a Sunday though, but I want to share one today. Sure, I'm a day late, but this is a powerful message that I think can apply to anyone.
(If you're currently struggling with something, and even if you're not, you just might want to have a tissue or two handy...)

"Every one of us has times when we need to know things will get better. ...For emotional health and spiritual stamina, everyone needs to be able to look forward to some respite, to something pleasant and renewing and hopeful, whether that blessing be near at hand or still some distance ahead. It is enough just to know we can get there, that however measured or far away, there is the promise of 'good things to come.'”

"Even if you cannot always see that silver lining on your clouds, God can, for He is the very source of the light you seek. He does love you, and He knows your fears. He hears your prayers. He is your Heavenly Father, and surely He matches with His own the tears His children shed."

“Don’t give up... Don’t you quit. You keep walking. You keep trying. There is help and happiness ahead... You keep your chin up. It will be all right in the end. Trust God and believe in good things to come.”

"Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don’t come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come."

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, “An High Priest of Good Things to Come”

he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows

The plan of salvation could not be brought about without an atonement. “Therefore God himself atoneth for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also.”

The atoning sacrifice had to be carried out by the sinless Son of God, for fallen man could not atone for his own sins. The Atonement had to be infinite and eternal―to cover all men throughout all eternity.

Through His suffering and death, the Savior atoned for the sins of all men. His Atonement began in Gethsemane and continued on the cross and culminated with the Resurrection.

“Yea, … he shall be led, crucified, and slain, the flesh becoming subject even unto death, the will of the Son being swallowed up in the will of the Father.”

Through His Atonement, He heals not only the transgressor, but He also heals the innocent who suffer because of those transgressions. As the innocent exercise faith in the Savior and in His Atonement and forgive the transgressor, they too can be healed.

There are times when each of us needs “relief from feelings of guilt that come from mistakes and sins.” 14 As we repent, the Savior removes the guilt from our souls.

Through His atoning sacrifice, our sins are remitted. With the exception of sons of perdition, the Atonement is available to everyone all the time, no matter how large or small the sin, “on conditions of repentance.”

C. Scott Grow

Read the full article here.


All images are old and from the photo blog I used to keep.