Nailed It

Tonight the eleven year old was showing me part of her journal. She had written some things about this past year going by quickly, getting things done, possibly needing help from mom to get things done, and then some things about choices and homeschool. She said that everyone can homeschool and then they can make their own choices. They would have the freedom to choose what they wanted to do and who they wanted to be. Nailed it. I'm glad she realizes that she's able to make choices and that she is capable of making good choices.

25 Days of Christ

Today we started our 25 Days of Christ. I shared the idea this morning. So, we'll see who else joins us. I thought of the idea a week or two ago and decided it would be fun to have the kids and I participate together. I spoke with them about it last night and they liked the idea. We came up with some ideas and figure out how it would be structured (loosely). I thought I would share here what we do.
This morning the kids and I listened to the Piano Guys new video. I went to the temple while the boys were at debate. I saw a nativity there that I wasn't expecting. I took a picture and later shared it. I had a couple of minutes to just stand there looking at it and thinking.
Later in the day, we got a couple of things ready for an event that the girls and I will be attending tomorrow morning. We get to do a service project and a holiday gathering with the families that part of the same co-op the girls were in this past fall. The kids put most of the decorations up. (Tomorrow we'll bring out the music, shows, candles, and books.) I had another chance to download and listen to another new Christmas song by Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband. I think it's called, The Night that Christ was Born. I'll have to check on that.
This evening we had dinner and then Megan and I went down to Thanksgiving Point to see the light display they have each year. We've only gone once before. Layne wasn't thrilled.:] It's been years. But, we happen to have a membership right now and they had free admission for members last night and tonight. We decided to take advantage of the deal. Megan is the only one that wanted to go. It seemed like a bit of a drive - especially since I had already taken the boys to debate today. But, I'm glad we went. She loved it. I drove and she took pictures. She was especially attentive to things she thought Rachel would like.
Tonight is finally quiet. The kids are in bed after doing our scripture and prayer. I'm going to do something calm and then go to bed myself. Wake up time will come early enough...and, it looks to be another busy day.

Kate and Leopold

I saw 'Kate and Leopold' the other night. I had never even heard about it. I think it's now one of my top choices. It has Meg Ryan and Hugh Jackman in it. It was done a few years ago. It's obviously a partially about the romance. It's also about time travel and history. It's about customs and social graces. Good movie. It's one I would actually recommend. I don't do that very much these days. It seems like other movies I've seen that I like have that 'one scene' in it that you don't realize is there until it's too late. So, I like most of the movie...but, it also makes it so I don't feel comfortable recommending it to others. This movie didn't have any of that in it. (I think it's rated PG-13.)

Lucked Out So Far

I was thinking just this morning how grateful I am that we don't have any issues in our family with food allergies or anyone needing a specific diet. At least that's the case so far...I don't want to curse anything. I've been glad t's not something we've needed to deal with in our kitchen (and anywhere else we might go). I'm glad our kids will eat just about anything. There are days I'm just grateful that there isn't another issue that needs to be managed. I'm also grateful for healthy kids.

Helpful Kids

I love my kids. They have been helpful while we've been here at my folks house. Rachel came upstairs today asking for help with her hair after her shower. She told me that once I was done she was going to go ask if she could help with breakfast before taking her hair care items back downstairs. I have seen all of my kids help multiple times without being asked. Some requests were made - but, they are doing a pretty good job of seeing a need and helping out. This is just one of the things I'm grateful for lately.

I Did It

Today I finally called about getting us back online. We've had issues with our internet for a few days now. I missed being able to write/post. So, I guess I better being doing more of it.
The kids were so happy to have internet access again. It's one of those things that we don't really think about until it's gone. We've really noticed...and missed it. A homeschool family of five gets plenty of use out of wi-fi.:}
I was glad I was able to get things figured out. I called tech support feeling a little silly. I don't really know what I'm talking about when it comes to technology. But, I lived through it. Now I just get to keep moving down the list.

So Blessed

I have been a little grouchy the last few days about things breaking and/or not working around here - mostly the technology that gets used on a daily basis. We did our scripture and prayers tonight. Jonny said the prayer for us. He said something about being grateful for electricity and running water. It was a great reminder for me. Yes. We're having issues with our TV downstairs...my phone is having issues and so is the new camera. I managed to bend the door on our dishwasher by tripping over it - literally. I'm pretty sure no one has ever fallen over a dishwasher door as they tripped over it when it was in its horizontal position. There are no witnesses. So, I guess that's good.:} Anyway. Back to the original thought...
I was so glad that I had the reminder to be thankful for the many things we do have. We have the things Jonny mentioned. We also have a cozy house to sleep comfortably on a chilly night. We all had enough dinner tonight and have plenty of food to know that no one will be going to bed hungry tomorrow. We have clothes to wear that match the season. We live in a place where we feel safe. We have freedoms that many people around the world don't get to claim. We have a family that gets along - for the most part.:}