Disco Party

I was a little stumped on how Miss G's birthday party was going to go.

No theme, date, reason etc. And the fact that she will now sort of have 3 celebrations!

We slowly got going with a sort of theme and it was all engines steaming.

Without a theme I feel lost in the sea of uncertainty.

Once she chose a theme, all stations go, 10 mins on pinterest and done.


Well not quite done, but a piñata, theme food, games. Done. Thank you very much.

We already had the disco ball languishing in the cupboard.


So if interested here are some of the details of the party close up:


Piñata

Can't be a party without a piñata! Once again I may have made it a bit tough ;) Each kid got about 5 strikes with the stick so the thing got about 100+ hits before it broke. However they loved it.
My neighbours were probably all wondering what was happening with a hoard of kids yelling "Smash it, Smash it, Smash it" at the top of their heads repeatedly.

I bought a larger size balloon from a party shop to make this piñata.
Glue 3 layers of newspaper and one layer of white copy paper {to make painting it silver easier}. When dry, paint silver.
Stick hundreds of silver circles all over.
The idea I saw recommended giant silver sequins. I was unable to find those so used my round punch to punch out circles from some silver wrapping paper {I used 2 sheets}.
You can't tell in the photo but I then painted it with some glitter paint to give it shine.
Almost a pinterest fail since it resembled a golf ball more than a disco ball, but Miss G gave it the thumbs up approval.


Plastic Tablecloth Ceiling Decoration

I saw an idea on pinterest about using dollar plastic tablecloths to make a ceiling decoration.
Mine almost turned out pinterest fail as the silver tablecloths looked like plastic shopping bags and it was pretty messy but Miss G insisted it was wonderful so it got to stay. {I was about to pull it off}
Brighter colours work better for this - see here
Basically buy some plastic tablecloths and cut each one into 4 long strips.
Gather all the strips together and tie with string/fishing line.
Attach to the roof.
Pull each strip out to desired distance and attach (I used tacks)
Keep going till all strips are fanned out.



Microphone Cake Pops

Probably the easiest cake pops I have ever made.
I crumbled a shop bought chocolate pound cake and mixed it with 3 tablespoons of cream cheese. Rolled into balls.
Dipped a bit of the ball in melted white chocolate and stuck it in a mini icecream cone.
Let set then dipped each cone in white chocolate, let drips run off  then dip in silver sugar balls.
Voila - Microphones.
These were my one novelty food. I try to keep it simple at parties. Kids don't really care.
We served individual packets of chips, poppers, strawberry cupcakes (birthday girl request) and chicken nuggets later in the cool of the night.


Birthday Cake

Some years I have the energy for cake, some years I don't. I've been busy with working now and life so it was a shop bought cake with disco ball decorations. So Easy!  I actually had to stop a few kids from trying to steal the disco balls, they liked it so much. They had tiny string on them and I thought would be awesome Christmas baubles so I wanted them for myself!!

Games

We played pass the parcel, piñata and donuts tied to a string and you have to eat them with your hands behind your back. The kids loved it all and actually many of them have not played these types of games before. They also played in our tree house that had fairy lights strung on it. Party only went for an hour and half in the evening, so this was the perfect amount of games and pretty easy.
We had music playing  and a disco ball and fairy lights strung up. They didn't dance as much as I wanted but we had a few songs that made them cheer and move it.


All up we survived 20 plus excitable screaming kids. Phew!

The birthday girl was suitably spoilt and all her friends came for a Friday night end of school term party and had a blast. She said it was fantastic and that's the best a mum can hope for. Bless xx

FHE Lesson {Jesus wants me for Sunbeam}

This lesson inspired by June 2010 Friend Magazine page 3

Image Credit : A pocketful of lds prints

Opening Song: Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam #60

Opening Prayer: Child



Lesson:

Jesus wants me for a sunbeam {Sing or play song, or youtube - like this one}

What does this song mean?

How can we be a sunbeam?

What does the sun do?  {Provides warmth, makes things grow, makes daylight, Shines}

How can we use these definitions of Sun in our lives?
{Be kind, helpful, help others to learn (and grow), have a happy smile to warm others, shine -through our talents, give hugs, bring sunshine into the lives of all around us}


Activity:
Draw/Collage a big sun with some sunbeams coming off it.
In the sunbeams write down some ways the children will try to be a Sunbeam for Jesus this week.

Have each Child make their own sun drawing/picture. Glue a picture of them in the middle.
Write in the sunbeams service they will do for others.

Make a sun picture with a circle cut out of the middle
{like a yellow wreath, zig zaggy edges, can use a paper plate}}
As you sing the song have each child hold up the sun in front of their face in turn.
They are the Sun/beam.

Alternatively stick a drawn sun with hole in middle around a handheld mirror and each child can look at themselves while the song plays.


Closing Song:

Closing Prayer:


Treat: orange/yellow foods, decorate round biscuits/cookies with yellow icing.

Before Baptism Photoshoot

I think it started because I was pregnant when my first child got baptised and I just knew in the busyness of the day that I would never get all the photos of her that I wanted. Things to organise, friends and family to spend time with, food to do, multiple children to dress and look after etc.

Exhausting!

Then my mum apologised that there was no photo of me in my baptism dress. She too was so busy beforehand and after your dress is a soggy wet mess, she never got a photo of me in my pretty white dress.

So 5 years  and 3 children ago we started a little family tradition of the....

Before Baptism Photoshoot.

Miss K

Miss A

It also gives us some  pictures to use for invitations.

We've also inadvertently started another tradition. Because wonderful grandma was busily sewing away at dresses and they weren't available yet we've used the same dress for all photoshoots. Even though each girl has their very own, pattern/style chosen by them, sewn by grandma dress. Miss K's dress has been used by everyone for the before photos and to wear after the baptism when their dress is all wet, but they still want to keep wearing white afterwards.


One mention of this photoshoot and the girls are so excited.
It's almost treated with the same reverence as the actual day. {which makes me happy}

Miss G was so happy to have her photoshoot last week. She was a very willing model.
Another rite of passage. Family Tradition.

She is looking forward to her baptism day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Over time I've discovered that I really like need to break things down into bite size to feel accomplished, not rushed, feel I do things justice. It seems I do this with Birthdays, Parties, Christmas, Easter etc. Instead of keeping stress things to one/two days I drag them out over weeks.

I really don't celebrate Christmas for 3 months (Pleennntttty of normal living, lots of other things going on) but I really do need to divide up all things I want to do and assign them timelines so I don't feel overwhelmed. This little baptism tradition seems to be another example of that need for order.
But hey just call me crazy or whatever.....

FHE Lesson {Moses}

 

Since we are studying Old Testament this year in class, sharing some stories here for FHE

 

Opening Song:

Opening Prayer:


Lesson:

Share the story of Moses:

Joseph and the king of Egypt died. Many years went by. The Israelites lived in Egypt a long time. They had many children. One king of Egypt did not like the Israelites. He thought there were too many of them. He was afraid they would take his land away from him. The king made the Israelites slaves. The Egyptians made them work hard and were mean to them.The king said all the Israelite baby boys must be killed. He sent people to kill them.One Israelite mother was afraid they would find her baby boy. She hid him for three months. Then the mother put her baby in a basket. She put the basket in the tall grass by the river. The baby’s sister, Miriam, stood by to watch the baby. The king of Egypt had a daughter. She went to the river. She saw the basket and opened it. The baby began to cry. The king’s daughter was sorry for the baby. She wanted to take him to her home. She needed someone to take care of the baby. She wanted to be his mother. Miriam went to the king’s daughter. Miriam said she would find an Israelite woman to take care of the baby. She ran and got her mother. Her mother came to take care of the baby. They took the baby to the king’s house. The king’s daughter named him Moses. Moses grew up in the king’s house.

The Lord saved Moses because he knew he had a special work to do.
He was to become the Prophet of the Israelites and save them.


Watch:
Lds Bible Video - The Baby Moses
Bible Video - The Prophet Moses

Print and Play:
Scripture Figures - June 2014 Friend Magazine
Folding Paper Craft - Moses parts the Red Sea

Find Baby Moses Maze 
{I dual screen our TV and computer and place mazes and activities on our big screen tv and the kids do the maze standing up with finger in the air in front of the tv}


Baby Moses Action Song:

This is Baby Moses.

(Cradle arms as if holding a baby.)

Here’s his basket-boat.

(Cup hands into boatlike shape.)

His mother tucked him deep inside,

(Pull both fists up to cheeks as if pulling up a blanket.)

Then let the basket float.

(Make boat out of hands again, add rocking motion.)

Pharaoh’s daughter found him

(Spread fingers wide near eyes to indicate surprise.)

And raised him as her own;

(Pretend to pick up baby and hold him close.)

Then Moses chose to serve the Lord

(Fold arms as for prayer.)

And earned a heavenly throne.

(Look up and gesture heavenward.)

January 1997 Friend Magazine



Activity:

Have children wrap up a doll to be baby moses. Place him in a basket {or box}and pretend to have him float down the river or hide him and have children find him as did pharaohs daughter.

Make a craft baby moses in a basket - easy paper basket and paper doll

Closing Song:

Closing Prayer:


Treat:

Winter Solstice

Winter Solstice came around so fast.

It was as warm as spring/summer day!

No fire for us to celebrate the longest night.

But we did do our tradition of watching the sunset and had a picnic.

I did get up early the next morn and walk in the morning darkness.

It was really calm and warm and a bit fog and just slight glow in the dark.

Very fitting way to celebrate the longest night.

Previous Celebrations

2013
2012
2011
2008

FHE Lesson {Staying Connected to Heavenly Father}

 

 

Opening Song: My Heavenly Father loves Me #228

 

Opening Prayer: Child

 

 

Lesson:

 

This lesson based on this article from June 2014 Friend Magazine page 42

 

Why do boats have to be tied up well when not in use?

 

If boat is not tied well it can get loose, float away, or be torn away during storm and smashed.

 

Like a boat how does Heavenly Father help us stay tied to him so we can be safe?

 

Heavenly Father loves us so much and sent us to be here in families.

We must love eachother and keep eachother safe and tight.

 

He also gives us ordinances to stay connected to him.

Baptism, sacrament, confirmation, temple marriage, blessings.

 

 

Activity:

 

Choose from below

 

Print these Cards pg 43 of June 2014 Friend Magazine on staying connected to Heavenly Father. 

Use them to play Memory/Match.

 

Using some rope tie some things {sticks etc} together. With each ordinance mentioned loop around the sticks and tie a knot. Continue through each ordinance and things Heavenly Father has placed in our lives to keep us safe. Check how strongly the sticks are tied together. Comment how this is how we are kept close to Heavenly Father, this is how our family can be strong together. 

Read Matthew 18:18.

 

If you have toy boats (or make some paper ones) put them in a tub of water. Tie some boats to a mooring and have some not and make waves and have them lost at sea. 

 

Alternatively make a tiny leaf boat/ plastic cap boat and tie one to the side of the gutter. Using buckets of water send another boat down the gutter and into the drain. Talk about how it is important to a boat to be secure when not in use. We also need to be careful in our life not to drift away. We can be a boat in use heading in the right direction doing work. But we must also be careful to always be securely tied to what we know is right.

 

 

Closing Song: I know my Father Lives #5

 

Closing Prayer:

 

 

Treat: Fruit String/Ropes

 

 

FHE Lesson {After Baptism}

We have a daughter soon to be baptised so I'm revisiting my Preparing for Baptism series:

My Baptismal Covenant

Preparing for Baptism

Baptismal Gifts

Jesus, John and Baptism

Having a Testimony

Holy Ghost

 ***

Opening Song: When I am Baptised #103

Opening Prayer: Child

Lesson:

What is baptism?

How great will it be to have all our sins washed away?!

Do you think it will be possible to be perfect forever, never making a mistake after our baptism? (how many years?!)

Whilst it is important for us to always try our best to be good, we might not be able to be perfect for 80 years.

What has been provided for us so that we may still remain perfect in the years after our baptism?

{repentance}

What do we do every week to remind us of our baptismal covenants? {sacrament}

If we have spent time before sacrament meeting repenting of our sins, we can leave sacrament meeting feeling clean and pure.

 

Read or summarise the story Sweeter than Icecream on page 13 March 2014 Friend magazine.
You could also use an personal example of the first mistake you made after baptism.

{basically after a wonderful baptism the family and friends go out for icecream. The main character who was baptised dropped their icecream and used a bad word. Immediately she felt bad and that she hadn't even been baptised ONE day and she had already made a mistake! She felt her special day was now ruined and her clean record gone after one day. Over time she realises that if she sincerely repents and takes the sacrament, it would be just like being baptised all over again.}


We must always remember that we can repent and right our wrongs.

We can always be as pure as our baptism day.


Closing Song: Help Me Dear Father #99


Closing Prayer:


Treat: Icecream

Telling Time by the Seasons {first fire of the year}

On Sunday while out for a walk Miss G starts collecting sticks and announces
'It is time for the first fire.'

I reply and say 
'Did you know today is the first day of winter?
Perfect time for a first fire of the year!'


Alas the fire didn't happen Sunday night.
With utmost importance we had to make sure it happened Monday night with marshmallows.

The first fire of the 2014 winter season.


The longer I blog and the more I blog the same things (!!) 2009  2010  2012   2013


I see time/traditions/seasons as a marker.

The cycle of years and seasons are interesting. Why do we have them? We see the same things each year, but each year is a little different. The cyclic nature shows us time passing, but that we still have time to make things a little different, a little better each year. Each year we can build on the last. We can know what to expect, we can be prepared, we can be great! Don't let time pass you by. You have the perfect opportunity for a repeat. Nature provides the comfort in knowing what's around the corner. There must be a reason for this. Embracing the thought of seasons for a reason!

Time is moving.
We are aging.
Children are growing.
Each year the seasons provide us a little comfort.
A little something to lean on.


A way to mark the passage of time.

 

 

Sing!

We can't sing in our family.

Being surrounded by a lot of singing {at church and so many talented singers} makes me jealous

Just the other day I saw three kids sing at a function and they were like angels.

I was weeping.

Weeping with sadness that that type of beauty would never come from our family.


Why oh why couldn't singing be one of our talents!

I'd be happy with just sweet passable singing. We don't need to be known for it or anything.


I mean I really can't sing.
When I say I can't sing people always say, "Oh neither can I, don't worry." 
One time that exact phrase was used.  A few weeks later the poor person had to stand next to me in  the Relief Society Choir when we sang at the christmas party.
She came up to me later and said 
"Oh you really meant that you can't sing! You were bad!"
"..erm ....yes. Pretty sure that I said I can't sing"


There was this one time my kids were singing with a group of children. Due to the nature that my kids are short they were pushed to the front. Everyone wants to be able to see you! Unfortunately that meant being pushed to the front right up into the microphone. Sadly for the audience that meant off key bad singing from one kid being projected loudly throughout the hall. After that instance I always reminded my kids to never let anyone push them to the front and if they ever did find themselves in front of a microphone again they were to mime!


There was another time when my kid was chosen to sing a part for their good behaviour. When they found out how she actually sounded, they politely still offered the same piece but she got to speak the words instead of sing. Phew. Nice save!


Out of the blue one day my daughter said she wanted to join the school primary school choir. I was like 'Oh really, what a great idea :/'  I was mortified for my poor child. I even went and approached the music teacher stating that if she wanted I could quietly and politely steer my child to another passion. Of course the teacher said 'No way, we accept anyone who is interested'. And thus began 2 years of primary school choir practice.


Over time I could see improvement. Not earth shattering improvement, but definite improvement. I no longer felt the need to hide in shame and run away.  Terrible off key, tone deaf, flat singing was replaced with just mediocre bad singing. I thanked the music teacher profusely for being caring and spending the time, putting up with that singing, and training my daughter.


This past week after 3 months of practice I got to witness my beautiful daughter perform in a musical. On her second day of high school she decided to try out for the school musical {braver than I was as a child} and she made it into the chorus {so glad for attending a tiny school that was happy to accept anyone who wanted to try} She had several small parts {a tree, a card guard, ribbon dancer} and several songs to sing with the chorus of about 15 kids.


For the most part we are still low singers and not very good.


But oh how my heart soared when I saw her poised elegantly waiting to sing...

Sitting directly beneath a microphone.


And everything was fine.


I could hear her and it was beautiful.



It felt like full circle.

If you keep trying one day your weakness will be made strong.
Not perfect. No.
But stronger than before.



And yet another lesson learnt as a parent.

FHE Lesson {Plan of Salvation}

A few years ago I read an article about ensuring that you teach the plan of salvation at least once a year. We have done this many times in many ways {usually with the children drawing out what they know of the plan of salvation, or printing and colouring it, laying out all the pieces}
Here are a few other ideas.

Opening Song:  I lived in Heaven #4

Opening Prayer:


Lesson:

The inspiration for this lesson comes via this activity in the
January 2014 Friend Magazine


Choose a method to share the Plan of Salvation:

:: Plan of Salvation Printable or draw up your own on paper/whiteboard.

:: Attach a string from one side of the room to another. This represents your life line.
Using paperclips attach printouts of the stages of the plan of salvation in order along your string. Printout a picture of person and also cut one out of plastic for the 'spirit' of the person. Attach body and spirit together as needed during the timeline representation of the Plan of Salvation. Move your person along in their trip along the plan of salvation timeline.

:: Share this picture: found here

:: Plan of Salvation Colouring Page


Activity:

After sharing an overview of the Plan of Salvation in whichever manner you choose do the activity on page 43 of the January 2014 Friend Magazine . You can print and cut that one or make a similar one of your own.

Draw a path on paper/card and cut and glue the pictures that show milestones in life.
Alternatively using masking tape, tape out your own life road and place the pictures in order.
example of pictures to print/draw or words to write are premortal life, birth, baptism, gift of holy ghost, follow the commandments, temple, follow Christ, my future family, resurrection, live with Heavenly Father again.

Little children may also like to drive some toy cars up and down this road of life/ road of the plan of salvation. The plan of salvation is like a road map to life.


Explain Heavenly Father has a plan for our lives. It is also known as the plan of happiness. We know where we came from, we know why we are here and we know where we are going. This plan is wonderful and is like a guide for us in this life. We were spirits before, we came to earth to receive a body and after judgement in the next life our spirit and body will be reunited and we will live with our families and Heavenly Father again.


Closing Song: I will follow God's Plan for me #164

Closing Prayer:

Treat:

FHE Lesson {Jonah}

Image Credit - Gospel Art Picture kit

Opening Song:  Follow the Prophet #110  {verse 7 for Jonah}


Opening Prayer:

 
Lesson:

Watch  Jonah Old Testament Video - lds.org

 or Share the story of Jonah. {Jonah 1-4}

Story below from October 2010 Friend Magazine.

Jehovah had told the prophet Jonah to go on a mission to Nineveh, but Jonah did not want to go. The wicked people of Nineveh were enemies of the Jews.

Jonah decided to run away. He went down to the sea to find a boat going to Tarshish—the opposite direction from Nineveh. Then he went inside the ship to rest. The ship sailed out to sea.

While Jonah slept, Jehovah sent a great wind. Huge waves crashed all around. The sailors woke up Jonah and asked him to pray for their safety.

Jonah realized that he was the reason the sea was so rough. “Cast me forth into the sea,” he said. The sailors tried to row the ship back to shore, but the wind was too fierce. At last, they threw Jonah over the side of the ship. Suddenly the sea was calm again.

Waves swirled over Jonah as he sank down into the water. But Jehovah had prepared a great fish to be near the ship, and the fish swallowed Jonah whole.

In the dark belly of the huge fish, Jonah prayed humbly for three days and three nights. He repented of trying to run away from serving people he did not like.

Finally, Jehovah spoke to the fish, and the fish spat Jonah out onto dry ground.

Once again, Jehovah told Jonah to go to Nineveh to preach repentance. This time Jonah did just as Jehovah asked.

Jonah told the people if they did not repent, the huge city of Nineveh would be destroyed. The people listened.

Even the king of Nineveh listened to Jonah. He told the people to turn away from evil and violence.

Because of Jonah’s missionary work, thousands of people in Nineveh repented. Nineveh was not destroyed. And Jonah realized that Jehovah loves everyone on earth, no matter where they live or what they have done.

Jehovah is another name for Jesus Christ. He is Heavenly Father’s oldest son. Heavenly Father asked Him to create the world and to help people return to Heavenly Father’s presence. When Jehovah speaks to people, He is usually representing Heavenly Father. In the Old Testament, Jehovah is usually referred to as Lord. After He was born in Bethlehem, He was known as Jesus Christ.

God, our Heavenly Father, is the father of our spirits. He loves and watches over us always. We worship Him and pray to Him. Hundreds of years later, Jesus explained that just as Jonah was inside the fish for three days, Jesus would be buried for three days and then live again (see Matthew 12:40).

Activities:

Using a blue blanket {or anything you can think of to be a whale!} have one child be the whale/fish and swallow up Jonah. {We may have had each child have to be the whale, and each child Jonah - thus taking 20 mins up! Physical lessons are favourite here} Then after an amount of time have the fish push out "jonah'.

Discuss how we can be like Jonah before { when he was scared, running away, disobedient}
and Jonah After {Repent, try to right our wrongs, humble ourselves, help others}



Jonah Maze - Friend Magazine February 1998

Jonah Printable characters - Friend Magazine October 1990

Jonah Colouring Sheet - Friend Magazine April 1998


Closing Song: Dare to do Right #158


Closing Prayer:


Treat:

Mothers Day 2014

I feel lucky that most years I manage to squeeze in a little mothers day photo shoot.

Lucky we go to church and are usually dressed nice.

Very helpful indeed. Very helpful.

My most treasured Mothers Day Tradition.

 

and because kids love a silly one :)

Today my eldest gave her first talk in Sacrament and it was great. She did such a good job despite being a little nervous. Her topic was what my mother taught me. At first we laughed because she seemed a little stalled in writing it. I fear it was because she couldn't really think of anything that I have taught her {it's always a little hit to ones ego when kids can't come up with the goods about their parents. But I have to think that it's because their life is just so awesome they just don't realise all that we do, have done, and do teach them. With a  lot bit of prodding though she served it up!}

With some jiggly children and trying not to lose our patience my heart was touched when as daddy's hand reached out to still her she reached out and put her tiny hand in his to measure it up beside it. Playing with his hands and then on to mine made me realise just how tiny they are and that sadly they are only tiny for such a fleeting time. As my last one, the only tiny one left I almost shed a tear over how bittersweet it was to see her tiny hand playing these sweet games in ours.

When I had suggestions for presents earlier in the week it was met with
'It doesn't really matter what YOU want mum. We have plans' which made me laugh.
Then today with a child snuggled up really close in church she says
" I love the smell of your sweat mum' {HA!}
I'll take that she meant my personal smell and not the smell of my sweat! As she often comments she loves my smell. That comment actually made me smile as I've read of sweet comments where people say they know exactly how their mother/grandmother smells and I always thought it would be so sweet to be remembered by scent. My grandma was a good cook and caterer and I always think of her when I smell butter and caramelising onions. That a smell can evoke memories is a true blessing.


For remembrances sake I was a lucky girl and gifted:
 mixing bowls, two blue towels, moisturising cream for a massage from the kids, lindt white chocolates, nail polish remover. Smelly sachet, candle and notebook from school mothers day stall.

And a personalised poem from our resident poet:

My Mother

My mother is everywhere
She makes me smile, braids my hair.
My mother is special and unique
She deserves a little sleep.
Mother you mean well,
You are my gentle shell.

FHE Lesson {Ten Commandments}

Since we are studying the Old Testament this year, trying to keep up with adding lessons from there.

image credit

Opening Song:  Keep the Commandments #146

Opening Prayer: Child

Scripture: Exodus 20:3-17

Lesson:

The Ten Commandments were given to Moses for the people of Israel to live by.
The commandments are still important for us to live by today.
Jesus said people should live the commandments through the prophet Moses.
The Prophet today - President Monson wants us to do the same today.
The Ten Commandments tell us that we should:
Worship God only
No taking Lord's name in vain
Keep the Sabbath day holy (maybe list how to do this)
Honor thy mother and father
Shalt not kill
Shalt not steal
Shalt not lie
Shalt not commit adultery
Shalt not covet


We need to try hard to keep God's commandments. They are important to live to be a good person.

Activity suggestions:

Make a "mountain" to act out the story of Moses receiving the commandments

Make a poster in tablet shape and get kids to write on the commandments


Play Simon Says
Mark out roads with masking tape and make little road signs. Have children "follow the laws/rules"
{Explain how these object lessons are similar to following God's laws}


Closing Song:  Choose the Right Way #160

Closing Prayer: Child

Treat Ideas:

Flat bread and/or food from Biblical times
Make Commandment tablets by using frosting/edible pens (black colour) to write on biscuits

Mothers Day Duality

The tale of my two Mothers Day happening simultaneously.


Reality one:

How can it be Mothers Day when woken up at 6am 
Children begging you to eat breakfast in bed even when it is the worst thing in the world
Forced to eat a cold breakfast that's been repeatedly touched
Copious amounts of handmade cards and presents which you are required to love and admire when perhaps you think they should be destined for the bin.
The 5 Ferrero rocher flowers you were given at church were eaten by said kids
Chocolates are a must give present only because the children know that they will get some
Begging children to get themselves ready for church, clean up around the place, go to bed early, ----- insert any preferred behaviour ----- as gift to you.

The holiday itself makes you depressed because it is far from the serene, kind, full of willing helpers to do your work while you laze the day away dreaming of just how perfect motherhood is.
When the best mothers day would be one where you are no where near your children.
We do that mothering thing 365 days a year... how about a No Mothering Day...


Reality two:

Little ones climbing into bed early with squeals over making you breakfast in bed
Happy breakfast laid table sitting around it together 
Beautiful handmade cards with heart melting sentiments with ' If I could wish for just one present it would be you' 'You are the best mum in the world' 'My mum is special because she makes me my favourite chocolate and strawberry cake' (this made me laugh because 1- I didnt know they had a favourite cake and 2- I don't think I've ever cooked said cake ever) 
Presents from the heart, funny things they think you've always wanted, some surprising insightful.
Handwritten signs welcoming those into our house on mothers day.
Tears shed at church from wonderful talks about motherhood
Afternoon tea shared with family.
Lots of kisses and cuddles


A child composes their own song for you and your heart melts.

Just perhaps each Mothers Day is really a little combination of both.

Both are true depending on how you look at things.

Some Mothers Days are hard, some easy and blissful.

An emotional rollercoaster - Just like motherhood really!

I will accept that in life's most simple moments there may always be an aspect of duality.

It all depends which side we choose.

Ode to Mothers {Ghost of Mothers days past}

I nursed the baby at 4am.
I shared my bed with 2 little kids {and the Mr in there somewhere too}
They left to make breakfast and set the table, only to come back 10 mins later {6:25am}to beg me to come and open presents. So much for a sleep alone - 10 mins it is!

A breakfast of burnt pancakes and bubbly maison, my lovely presents displayed on the table.


Then a child informs me they wet the bed. Deal with that.

The Mr leaves for early morning church meetings.

Two older girls have a fight, I yell that they are NOT ALLOWED TO FIGHT on Mothers Day.
There is ONLY ONE DAY OF THE YEAR  you have to be good I say!
ONE DAY!
and that day is TODAY!!

Please!?!


I almost drive off to church minus a few kids, I don't know what was taking them so long but they weren't in the car!! Then we participate in my self imposed torture of keeping four kids still in church alone in the 3rd row.

BUT...


But as I held a sleeping baby, kissing her on the head, and had a 7 year old nuzzle into my side, while patting a 3 year old on the back as she sat upside down on the chair, and looked over to a 9 year old who had the 3 year old on her, I felt joy. Tear sprung to my eyes. I kept my head bowed , emotions getting the best. Listening to the speakers expound on the importance of mothers. A few breaths and I thought I had it together...

But then I had to watch The MR deliver a 20 min talk on Mothers and women in the gospel. He may have started his talk with " A happy wife is a happy Life!....This week I upset my wife" but he won me over in the end with  talk of how much he loved us, and all his crying!

And then I saw it. I knew it to be true.

My family all right there. Four little ones nestled into my side. My husband 3 metres away straight ahead, looking right at me, talking about the sanctity of motherhood.

And I look down to my short bitten fingernails and see chipped ugly 'Barbie pink' nail polish
{polish they chose for my gift and asked me to wear}

The polish reminded me that my Mothers Day might not be perfect {or nice or attractive} but it's mine and they gave it to me. All day I looked at that polish and thought of them. For without those beautiful girls I would not be a mother.

I might leave it on for a few more days.



PS  Mothers day went really uphill after I fell out the door wearing heels and carrying 3 bags of rubbish. I've twisted my ankle bad and had to be carried everywhere the rest of the night :) Well atleast I got a bit of guilt induced obedience. "Get this, Do this, Go to bed, mummy can't come etc as I lay down in agony for half the night.



Leading up to Mothers Day I thought it might be fun to share some of my previous pieces regarding this most wonderful day of the year. A bit of preparation to prepare us to the realities of it all :)

FHE Lesson {Mothers}

Mothers Day is coming up and I think we can all do with a little reminder to love our mothers more.

Opening Song: Mother Dear #206



Scripture:
And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying:
We do not doubt our mothers knew it. (Alma 56:48)

 Lesson:
Have your family take turns sharing favourite memories about their mother or grandmother.
What do you love most about your mum?
If you have them, look at photos of the women in your family.

Why do we have mothers?
Why are mothers so special?
Did Jesus have a mother? (Show gospel Art picture kit picture 242)
How did he treat his mother?
How can you (child) show your mother you love her?

What special day is happening in one week?
Go through ideas or plans on how you plan to celebrate.

 How can we act like it is Mothers Day all year round?

Activity
Write/draw on a heart shape something child/husband will do for mother this coming week.

Closing Song:  The Dearest Names #208

Closing Prayer:

Treat:
Heart shaped cookies or MUM letter cookies
Mum's favourite dessert

FHE Lesson {Family- A Strong Foundation}

This lesson based on this article from the April 2014 Friend Magazine.
The family is central to Heavenly Fathers Plan

 

 

 

 

 

 

Opening Song: Families Can be Together Forever #188

Opening Prayer:


Lesson:

When you build a tower {or anything} with blocks it can fall over very easy.
If you build it without enough blocks on the bottom it will not be stable enough.

If you use more blocks on the bottom it gives a stronger foundation to your tower.
The better the foundation the better your building can stand up.

Just like buildings our families need strong foundations upon which to build.
The better our foundation the better our family will be.
Families are very important and are the building block to society.
God made families for us to live in. Good families are very important. 

How can we work to give our family a better foundation?


Activity:

Organise some blocks with words stuck on them or get children to come up with words
{If you are worried about your tower not being stable, thus destroying your object lesson :)
 draw/make blocks out of paper and stick them up instead}

eg: prayer, service, love, speaking kindly, study scriptures, kind parents and grandparents {and any extended family}, respect, faith, honesty, spending time together, add any you wish.

Build a stable foundation from these blocks {words} and then  balance blocks with your individual family names written on them.

The stable foundation will keep us up and from falling.

Doing these things will protect us and help our family.


***

See activity per friend magazine here
Cut out paper 'blocks' containing the above words. Glue down the blocks your family is already good at doing. Choose a few blocks that your family agree need to be worked on. When you do better at this activity, glue it onto your tower of blocks. Remind children as you build your tower that we are making our family stronger!


Sing Here we are together #261


Closing Song: The Family #194


Closing Prayer:


Treat:
balance some other block things like Choc Honeycomb, wrapped lollies like Zappo's, marshmallows.

Autumn Manifesto. The season of Now.

The kids on their annual egg hunt at the dam {very much anticipated}

Packed away the Easter Tree  and life has been moving in a very simple ebb and flow.

It seems like Easter was ages ago.
Funny how anticipation does that.
Once something is over, its over and done and seems an age ago.
{and makes it weird to blog about}

I read somewhere that it was the anticipation of things {buying things, holidays, experiences, birthdays etc} that  makes you more happy than the actuality {eg if you just go out and buy a lot of stuff it doesn't give the same happiness} so it is totally OK and good for you to have to 'wait' for the good stuff.

So to me it seems that it is always a good thing to have something to look forward to.

It's a bit of a quiet time, this middle of the year bit.


We don't have too much to look forward to at the moment.
And I feel kinda glad all the big things seem to be over.



Today I've been dreaming....

of cool nights quilting or teaching the kids to knit {if only I knew how?}, of soup suppers with family and friends and hot fresh bread, of drawing and painting artworks, or curling up and reading  and candlelight and fireplaces, of gathering around and making music playing instruments {if only we knew how!}of star gazing and hot chocolates, of long walks in nature, of treehouses and climbing trees and secret hiding places, of talking late into the night, of collecting little treasures,  of cloudwatching, of playing badminton in the street, of neighbours playing and chatting, and board games {ok now I'm going to far.... I don't do board games}

that's what I want my life to be.

It's up to me to organize it all I suppose.

Sadly an awesome life doesn't just happen. It actually has to be quite planned.

I hate it when I feel I am wasting my time.
and that my dear children and family and friends and grandparents wont be around forever.

So organize
that Sunday Dinner,
learn that craft,
instrument,
make that home cooked food
and take that walk and

turn off the tv {and ipad and computer and iphone}


I realise now is the season for these things as most of our birthdays and major holidays {Christmas, New year, Easter} are done.


The Season of now - the weather is cool, there is time, there is space.


Now is the season for living those dreams.


and it will give us something to look forward to




Now is the season for living.





#I've edited this piece I wrote a year ago. All of it still pertains!

Coochie {Holiday}

We rarely holiday at Easter. This year we went OVERSEAS!

Ha ha ha not really. But we did need to take a car ferry to get there!

We were so lucky to be able to rent a beach house at a very cheap price.

My kids school sports teacher kindly offered her holiday rental on Coochiemudlo Island to us.

Coochie is touted online as 'the first golden beach closest to Brisbane'

It was great to go on a quiet seaside exploring holiday within 40 mins of our house.

Easy. Too Easy. Embarrassingly close to home :)


Even though there are around 150 houses on the island it felt like we had it to ourselves.
We walked 5 km around the island and didn't see a single person.
We were all alone exploring on nearly all of our twice daily walks.

We saw curlew's and a peacock and a massive sea turtle
{sadly dead! locals say they get hit by boat propellers often}
The birds were loud and woke us a lot.
Curlews screaming at night, birds screeching at 4am, kookaburra's laughing at sunrise.

I did however find more heart rocks/coral here than I have anywhere else.
I ended up picking up about 20! Hearts were everywhere I looked.

 

 

Sunrise photos. We have a tradition to watch the sunrise once a year. {See 2013  2012  2011  2010 } Usually on Queens birthday or Anzac Day or Easter. This year I decided to get everyone up while we were on the island. Watching the sunrise as a family is sweet and touching to me. We shared a testimony. Sunrise is cleansing and reminds us all that as dark as times may be, the sun will rise.

 

Then we packed up the car, got on the ferry and headed back home. Except we only went home for a couple hours before we headed north to Gympie to stay with the best and loveliest hosts in the world. On one of the days we went to Rainbow beach. I had never been to Carlo's Sandblow. It was amazing! A desert in the forest above the ocean. The clouds looked so close we could touch them. Vivid blue sky and water. The kids had a blast sandboarding down the dunes.

The weather was amazing this Easter. So blue and clear and wonderful temperature. The week went so fast, but it was so nice.

 

  

 

It was great to get away. The outdoors keeps kids so busy they were so well behaved.

Every time we camp or spend time in nature I'm reminded of the need to do it often.

I truly believe it makes a difference.