Reading Challenges

If you know me, you know I love reading challenges. You should see our whole family in the Summertime with our local library reading programs.

This photo represents three reading challenges. In March, I finished a read-along with author Anneka R. Walker reading a book a month of her Matchmaking Mamas series. The fourth book, The Rules of Matrimony, comes out today, May 6. These books are sweet clean romances, and I love the humor in them. Having read the first two books before this read-along, I was looking forward to certain scenes I knew would make me laugh again.

The mug in my picture says, "Just one more chapter..." This is very appropriate for this series. I had a hard time stopping in order to stretch each book out for a month. The mug I earned from the Winter Reading Program with Provo City Library.

The last challenge that goes with this picture is the Adult Reading Challenge with Orem Public Library where I had to pick one of two categories to use The Gentleman's Confession since it fit both.

I'm sure when Summer Reading comes along again, I'll use that as an excuse to read and reread more of Anneka R. Walker's books. 

It turned out I didn't have to wait until May to read the last book in the Matchmaking Mamas series.

I won an advanced copy of The Rules of Matrimony from the read-along. I was so excited to read it in April.

It wasn't intentional but I happened to be wearing a shirt that matched the cover in this picture. Fun!

When the book arrived in the mail, Jet was very happy to help me open it. He's so cute.

Anneka R. Walker posted a quote from the book on Instagram and I just so happened to have read the scene with that quote early in the morning... because I was reading the book in the middle of the night. I mentioned it on Instagram saying:

How could you do this to me, authorannekawalker?

I woke in the middle of the night and thought I'll just read a little bit more of this book I started yesterday. The next thing I knew it was time to get up for the day. Now I have to teach my children there are consequences for my actions because I am so so tired.

And I want to do it again.

 

This was her response:

 

 

Remember the mug? "Just one more chapter..."

I knew it would be like that for The Rules of Matrimony because it was the same for the rest of the Matchmaking Mamas series. It was true. It didn't take me long to read the whole book because it was so hard to put down.

There was something I realized about myself, though. That attitude of "just one more chapter..." is great for reading sweet clean fiction books but I should really be feeling it when I sit down to read my scriptures. It's a personal goal I want to do better with and if I'm being honest, when I am doing those things that bring me closer to my Savior, I can enjoy other wholesome things in my life (like books with "humor and heart") even more. 

Light The World

And just like that, we're in December and pretty much caught up. It makes a difference when we've all been sick again and haven't done as much celebrating. But we're ready to do good, even if a lot of it's done from home. 

Like in years past, I won't post about every act of service going on. Some things don't need to be mentioned on social media. The important thing is we find ways to serve every day- to show love like Jesus did.

So let's Light The World with Love.

 

On Sunday, November 28, we kicked off the season watching a "Witnesses of Christ" concert on the Church's YouTube channel.

And Jr. made us no-bake cookies.

Monday, November 29, the kids and I had a good Family Home Evening discussion about how the Lord has given us everything. When someone does something nice for you, you want to do something nice back to them. Jr. Jr. brought up the scripture Mosiah 2:17 "...when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." We can give back to the Lord by serving others. Which brought up the "service angel," a picture of an angel that can be passed around in our home when someone gives service to someone else. Jeremy started making a 3 dimensional service angel out of a paper cup and cardstock a while back. During FHE, I mentioned Nichole could draw a picture based on that and Lucky immediately grabbed a piece of paper and started drawing it himself. Nicely done, Lucky. Unfortunately a little later, Jet got a hold of Lucky's paper and decided to "help" as toddlers do. Lucky did not get very upset, though. He was just disappointed. It's too bad Jet drew on his paper.

The printable calendar for #LightTheWorld started on Tuesday, November 30. "Giving Tuesday." This year, besides the calendar with daily prompts, there is another calendar for children. It has the same daily themes, November 30 is "Freely Give" on both calendars for example, but some of the ideas are a little different. December 4, "Love Thy Neighbor," on the regular calendar says, "Jesus taught us the true definition of loving our neighbor. Have a conversation with a neighbor you don't know well." On the children's calendar it says, "Jesus taught us to love the people around us. With your family, visit a neighbor and get to know them better." The calendar comes with a matching color by number picture so each time you do service, you can color the numbers that fit that day.

In order to "freely give" on Tuesday, I took Lucky's picture that he started and erased all of Jet's marks from it. He was happy about that and was able to finish the picture. We made a copy and Lucky started the service angel picture going around. 

That night, Nichole and I took some bonding time going around the lights outside the Orem Library, and when we got home, she said, "Happy Giving Tuesday," and handed me a Hershey's peppermint kiss. Mmmm. Sweet treat and sweet girl.

Wednesday, December 1, "Let Your Love Shine," and Thursday, December 2, "Wise Man's Gift," I sent texts of appreciation and love to some people. On December 2, Lucky thanked me each time I reminded him of something.

Friday, December 3, "The Christ Child," the kids and I watched "The Christ Child" on comeuntochrist.org and talked about it. I could relate to Mary because I've gone through labor five times. Nichole could relate to Mary because Mary was also a young woman at the time. Jr. pointed out how the shepherds went from Aggggh when the angel first appeared to awe at the tidings to awww when they went to see baby Jesus. Then I fell asleep during a discussion about why the wise men were called "wise."

Saturday, December 4, "Love Thy Neighbor," Jeremy gave someone a ride to work. It wasn't even out of the way for him to pick this person up. Such an easy act of service to him but it makes a big difference for this person who would have a harder time getting to work if Jeremy didn't do it. Don't discount the "little things." Service is service. 

On Friday, Nichole stayed after class to continue an art project her sculpture class was working on together. She had the time. After the last class of the day is free time. She had to wait so long before I picked her up anyway. So instead of sitting around reading a book, she helped out to get more done before next week's class. Service is service.

How The Weekend Went

Real quick about the weekend. Some LightTheWorld stuff went on including watching The Christ Child. I appreciated thinking about Luke 2:19. "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." In the video, it shows Mary's reactions when the shepherds came to see her baby and later when the wise men came. Mary had already been visited by an angel when she was told of her important role of being the mother of the Son of God. The shepherds and wise men were two more witnesses. The scriptures teach us of even more witnesses. There was plenty for Mary to ponder about this special child. 

We also watched the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. I loved it again this year.

Jet and I went for a drive and I looked at some birds- lots and lots of coots and a few other things.

We did service around our home including when Jet and I got home from our drive, the other boys met us and helped carry things in.

Jr. Jr. looked at the decorations on the lawn and commented on the shivering bear. "I thought polar bears were supposed to be adapted to cold weather."

December 7 is Cotton Candy Day so for Family Home Evening Treat, cotton candy was eaten. For our activity, we wrote nice notes which will later be put on a door to LightTheWorld. Lucky called it Family Home Giving.

Joy Is...

Seeing your 6-year old take time to read his scriptures and make comments about what he's reading.

Joy is also realizing he learned it from watching his older sister.

Light Your Faith

 

The last week of Light the World is "Light your faith."
Besides celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, I completed a goal that was set earlier in the year.

I finished the Book of Mormon before the end of the year! 

It was a wonderful experience to read the Book of Mormon again this year and I can't thank Jeremy enough for listening to me when I shared my insights into what I was reading.  We've had wonderful discussions about the Book of Mormon and I'm so excited about the discussions we'll have while reading the New Testament in 2019 (and of course as I continue to study the Book of Mormon).

Scriptures and Pie

LIGHTtheWORLD today.  "Jesus read the scriptures and so can you."
A couple scriptures that came to mind (because I couldn't just pick one) when some sweet people from our ward brought over a pie and a Christmas card for us were:
Matthew 25:40  "...Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
Mosiah 2:17  "And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."
Our Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ, have given us so much that a great way to show our gratitude is by serving others in the way Christ would.

These ward members are such good examples of Christlike service.  I'm grateful for their examples in so many ways from cards and pie to helping out at church to coming to choir.  They really do LIGHTtheWORLD and I feel so blessed to know them.

Another person who lights the world through scripture is my niece.  She is currently in the MTC, so while Jeremy, Lucky, and I were in Provo this afternoon, we drove home by way of the MTC (and Provo Temple) so I could show Lucky where his cousin is right now.

We've been getting emails from this niece and in her emails she shares scriptures that have made a difference to her.  They have been wonderful to read and have been such good reminders to me.  We really can learn so much from the scriptures.  In 1 Nephi 19:23 it says, "And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning."  I love this reminder that the things we learn in the scriptures can apply to our lives now.
I sent an email to my niece today thanking her for the scriptures she shares that have been good reminders for me.  I'm glad she's making such good choices and for the example she is being to our family.

On a related but funny note, every morning for our Countdown to Christmas scripture study, Jeremy asks us questions based on what we read.  If we answer correctly we get an M&M from the vase.

This morning after asking the kids questions and while trying to decide what to ask me, the kids started chanting, "Ask Mommy.  Ask Mommy.  Ask Mommy."  After a while one of the kids changed it to, "Ask Mommy out," and all the kids joined in.  "Ask Mommy out.  Ask Mommy out."
Well, we do get to go see the new Star Wars movie in a couple weeks.

White Christmas

Last night it started snowing and it snowed... and it snowed... and it snowed... and it kept snowing.  Then this morning it snowed... and it snowed... and it snowed... etc. etc. etc.  I haven't seen this much snow in years.  At one point today I went out with a measuring tape and measured 10 inches.  Yep.  10 inches.  Wow.

Last Winter was very mild with not much snow so this is quite something this year.  We definitely had our white Christmas.
Speaking of Christmas... today was Christmas.  The kids were very happy with all their presents.  Jeremy and I were, too.

Unfortunately, some people didn't get enough sleep last night either from being so excited they kept waking up or they had to stay up anyway because other people stayed up too late. 

"I'll put you to sleep, kids." 

And... too much stocking candy was eaten instead of real food (although we did have salad and grilled ham and cheese sandwiches for dinner).  In general, we didn't do as well today with being nice to each other.  Sigh.  We need to do better.  We need to eat better and get better sleep.  And choose to handle things better.  Sigh.

In other news, I did handmade gifts for the kids again this year.
I made Lucky a penguin stuffed animal.

Jr. Jr. used to have some favorite pajamas.  Every time he had the choice he would wear those pajamas.  He wore them so much even though he got too big for them and wore through the feet.  He loved those pajamas.  They were monster pajamas.  I took those monster pajamas and made a monster out of them.  I sewed fleece to the feet to cover them.  I made a monster head to match one of the monsters on the pajamas and stuffed the monster.  Jr. Jr. was so happy when he unwrapped that.

I made Jr. a new scripture bag since the one I made for him before doesn't fit his new scriptures he got after his baptism and the other things he puts in his bag.

For Nichole I made a doll head with yarn hair to hold hair clips and hair ties.  I had one like that when I was young and wanted to make one for her.

The kids and I decorated a bowl for Jeremy.  We traced around the kids' hands and it says, "Love our Daddy!"

I'm glad I was able to make gifts for my family again.  I like doing it.

30 Second Dance Party

One day, Jeremy and I were having a "not the best day."  I was in a funk, he was exhausted.  We were both just tired.  For family scripture study, we read from President Hinckley's quote book, "Stand a Little Taller."  Of course the subject for that day was "Enjoy Life."  The scripture that went along with the quote was Proverbs 17:22.  "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones."  President Hinkley's quote was, "In all of living have much fun and laughter.  Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured."
We had not been having much fun and laughter that day.  So after we read the scripture and quote, Jeremy asked if we knew what we had to do now to go along with scripture study.  What?
"30 second dance party!"  He immediately jumped up and started dancing and the kids joined in.  Lucky saw what was going on and got so excited, he squealed and joined in as well.

It lasted longer than 30 seconds since I had to run and grab the camera.  And it really lifted everyone's spirits.

Thank you, Jeremy, for adding something so helpful to go along with our scripture study.
I have the best husband.

Countdown to Christmas

My friend, Emily, asked for a list of the scriptures we use for our Countdown to Christmas scripture study.  These scriptures can be adapted for individual families, substituting different scriptures here, adding in more verses for other scriptures there.  It depends on the size of the family and ages of the children (if any).  It's just great to have consistency with scripture study as we celebrate the real meaning of Christmas.  We have good discussions as a family, even the three year old is able to learn and answer questions about what we read and discuss.  We do vary the order from year to year depending on when the First Presidency Christmas Devotional is.  Sometimes if we have time, we do special activities to go along with the scripture we've read like going out to see sheep when talking about the shepherds watching over their flocks or looking at the Angel Moroni statue on the temple when talking about angels bringing messages of Christ's birth.  Sometimes we sing songs that go along with the scripture we've read.  This morning we sang a bit of "O Little Town of Bethlehem."  And now on lds.org we have access to Bible Videos that go along with some of these scriptures.
One thing I've noticed over just the last few days is that even though we're getting the kids up earlier in the morning to do our scripture study (instead of whenever we can quickly fit it in), our moods have been better.  We've all been nicer and more polite to each other.  There hasn't been as much fighting between the kids or between the kids and parents.  The kids have been more helpful and have complained and whined less.  I've shown more patience and been nicer as well.  Nichole mentioned tonight that "it's a good start to our day."  I agree.
But enough rambling.  On to the list:

December 1st- Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:18-23
December 2nd- Isaiah 9:6, Listen/watch part of Handel's Messiah
December 3rd- Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:4-6
December 4th- 1 Nephi 11:18-21
December 5th- Alma 7:9-10, Luke 1:26-31
December 6th- Helaman 14:1-6, 3 Nephi 1:13-21
December 7th- Luke 1:5-13
December 8th- First Presidency Christmas Devotional
December 9th- Luke 1:30-33
December 10th- Luke 1:41-42
December 11th- Luke 1:67-70
December 12th- Luke 2:1-7, Watch Nativity Video
December 13th- Luke 2: 8-12
December 14th- Luke 2:13-14, Sing Angels We Have Heard on High
December 15th- Luke 2:15-19
December 16th- Ezekiel 34:11-13
December 17th- Alma 13:26
December 18th- Matthew 2:1-2, Sing Do You Hear What I Hear
December 19th- Matthew 2:9-11
December 20th- Luke 2:25-32
December 21st- Luke 2:36-38
December 22nd- Luke 1:37
December 23rd- Luke 2:40
December 24th- Doctrine and Covenants 76:22-24, Testimony Sharing

I hope this helps.  I know it has definitely helped our family focus more on Christ at Christmas time.  If someone doesn't have access to some of these scriptures, they can be found on lds.org in the Scriptures section.  There are also Bible Videos depicting the life of Jesus Christ, some having to do with his birth.
And because I'm a fan of The Piano Guys, I have to mention that I love their special Christmas video of O Come, Emmanuel showing parts from those Bible Videos.  We will definitely be watching that as a family for part of our scripture study this season.

Me Time- Scripture Bag

I'm happy to get a little Me Time once in a while. I guess the more I do it, the less guilty I'll feel about it. Me Time is good as long as I'm not neglecting my family. Jeremy is happy to support me and it's working out.

A couple weeks ago I planned to make a scripture bag for Jr. during Me Time. Guess what. I ended up being too tired to try to start something like that, so instead, I rested on my bed watching something on the portable DVD player. Ate a little snack, took some time... until my Me Time was cut short when Jr. came in with an ear ache. Poor little guy. It's a good thing I didn't start my project. Instead I got some cuddle time with my little boy. We gave him some ibuprofen, put some My Friends Tigger and Pooh on the DVD player to distract him, and I just held him until he'd calmed down and the baby needed me.

Last week I did get some uplifting Me Time. Sister Beck, the General Relief Society president, was the special speaker at a special Tri-Stake Relief Society Meeting in our area. Wow. That woman is really neat. She basically had a question and answer session and she turned to the scriptures many times to help explain her answers. One of the things she talked about (and some of you may have heard her speak on this before) was Essential Things- scripture reading, prayer, etc. things that lead you back to Heavenly Father, Necessary Things- laundry, dishes, groceries, etc. things that need to be done in order to live, and Nice To Do Things- hobbies and such that are nice to do when you have time. She said the greatest danger facing young mothers today is escaping. Turning to those nice to do things to get away from the essentials. We get distracted too easily. She clarified it and said those nice to do things are important because they provide balance, but when we put them ahead of the essentials and use them as an escape and neglect those essentials, that's where the trouble lies. So I've realized that scheduled Me Time does provide balance for me. It's okay as long as my priorities are in the right place. Which so far it is working out. Like when I was willing to stop my Me Time when Jr. was hurting. I didn't just say, Jeremy, you deal with it. He was already helping with the baby.

Anyway, I got more Me Time (sort of Me Time, I took the baby with me) last week when I went to our Stake Women's Conference- also uplifting. Our stake president was the special speaker after classes, and I was reminded again what a blessing it is for us to be in this ward and this stake.

So, on to this week- Me Time.

I finally sewed Jr.'s scripture bag. I used Nichole's that she got from the Primary for her birthday last year as a reference.

It turned out really well. Of course I have ideas of things I can do next time to improve or be more efficient, but anyone looking at the bag wouldn't think that way. It is perfectly adequate, and Jr. was pleased with it, too.

So we'll see how it works out on Sunday with his new scriptures he got a couple weeks ago.

Praying and Scripture Reading

In Primary, Nichole got a reading chart to keep track of reading the whole Book of Mormon. On the chart is this quote (I don't have a reference for this, just that it is on the reading chart):

"If you don't have time to pray and read your scriptures, you are busier than God ever intended you to be."

Her Very Own Scriptures

Ever since one of Nichole's friends at church got her own set of scriptures for church, Nichole has been asking about getting her own. She can't read yet, so I hadn't really thought of it before. But she really wanted some. And... some Sundays in our Primary, those that bring their scriptures get to put coins in a jar. They can put coins in a jar for other reasons, too, like being reverent or helping out. Each class has a jar. All the coins are given to the Bishop at the end of the month to help someone in the ward or a family or humanitarian aid or something and whichever class has collected the most coins gets to help the Bishop help someone.

The point of this post though is that we finally took Nichole to the "scripture store" (that's Deseret Book) and got her her very own Book of Mormon. When we were buying it, they said that they could imprint her name on it for only a couple dollars more. We decided to go for it. It would be extra special. So Nichole now has her very own Book of Mormon with her name on it and is already learning how to mark special verses. When we do scripture reading as a family, she is very interested in having hers open and being involved. She loves her scriptures and I'm so happy that they are important to her.