So, we ended up not taking the canoes back last night, Nate got home late and I doubt that either of the families are planning to canoe in the rain this week. So, we just had a regular lesson. Nate taught from Preach My Gospel on the principle of "patience." The lesson was fine, but the kids were so wiggly! Finally Nate showed all three of them how to lace their fingers together and hold their hands clasped in their laps. They did this so well until he finished the lesson, but as soon as they put their hands together their legs started swinging back and forth. It was so cute I giggled (not helping with the reverence- sorry Nate). They just COULDN'T sit still. They were trying, and they really did quite well, but they just have so much energy!
I wish I had that kind of energy! I am the opposite - if I could curl up on the couch all day I would (with my red blanket and a good book). Alas, I have things to do! Today was Sam's Open House, so I went in to meet his teacher, tour his classroom, and learn about the schedule and protocol for the year (a big THANK YOU to Susan for watching my younger three kids!). I really like his teacher, and I think that she will be good for him - she isn't going to put up with anything, which is great. The only bad thing is that I somehow ended up volunteering to be the room mother! I'm still not sure how that happened or how I will pull it off, but it will be good for me to be involved with his class. I just told him about it and he is thrilled. He is listing all of the things I need to do for the Halloween party (bingo, balloons, pinatas, homemade root beer, lots of chocolate, etc.).
Jonas is trying so hard to stand up and walk. I keep telling him to just be a baby, but he's not having it. Luckily, he is still so cuddly and sweet. He gives great big slobbery kisses, and drools all over my shoulder (I think that he is teething).
I have been trying to make some plans for Saturday. Nate is running in a relay marathon (called "Reach the Beach") and we are having a Stake Youth Activity up at Zion's Camp. I thought about taking the kids to the beach to see his team finish, but I'm a little daunted by the thought of taking all 4 kids to a very crowded beach by myself - especially with the rainy weather we have been having lately. Also, I really feel like I should be at the activity. It isn't that I don't think they can do it without me (they can), or that anyone would be bothered if I don't go (I already talked to my 1st Counselor and the Stake YM President about it, and they would be fine), but I just feel like that is where I am supposed to be. Sometimes I feel like this calling is taking over my life - I have NEVER put this much time, effort, time, prayer, time, thought, time and TIME into a calling before. But, it is already very rewarding, although I am still just stumbling along trying to figure everything out. We are in the midst of making some big decisions about our Handcart Trek next year as well as Girl's Camp (suggestions and input welcome!). I am always second guessing myself - "Is this inspiration, or is this what I think?" So, I just do the best I can and have faith that God will make it work. He always does. We have great youth and leaders in our Stake, and I have so much support and help. Even on the days when I am totally overwhelmed I know that the only problem is that I'M NOT DELEGATING ENOUGH. I need to have some faith in people and get a few of these things off my plate.
But, I can't delegate the Mom stuff, so off I go to the land of homework, violin practice, making dinner, etc. Nate is going to the temple with the youth tonight so we are on our own - he probably won't be home until 10:00 pm. I'm hoping to make that mound of clean laundry in the guest room dissapear by the time he gets home - wish me luck!
12 comments:
Sam's name calling of Isaac on your sidebar cracked David and I up! :)
Good heavens you do stay busy! No wonder setting up a blog never hit the top of your priority list. I love the sidebar by the way, it cracks me up!
You'll be a great room mom. Here's a tip for the Halloween party from someone who's been a school teacher. Every teacher secretly HATES Halloween because it's one long hyper indoor recess all day, so if there's anything you can do outside during the Halloween party, go for it, and leave the poor teacher inside. I'd nix the candy too, but you may have a mutiny on your hands... Thanks for the comments on my poppies!
A room mom- how fun! Oh, and I totally second the whole curling up with a blanket and book all day; especially if it's raining!
Delegation is important, yes, but sometimes --especially if you feel it strongly --we have to do things ourselves. And think of this calling as something to teach your kids; you're showing them that callings, service, the Gospel in general, etc. are very important in your life. Hopefully they'll pick up on it and it will become important to them, too. Of course, this doesn't equate familial neglect, so yes! Delegate! I guess I'm just saying...you're doing great. Because it's so obvious, through your writing, that you are doing great. You wouldn't be worried about it if you weren't, you know. :)
I am so excited your room mom.We are definately switching room mother advice this year!
Rachel, I'm so glad you found my blog. It's always nice to find more blogging buddies. I'm excited to get to keep up with your family, your kids are too cute.
Hi Rachel,
You have a beautiful family. I found your blog through Jill's. It's fun to see how you are doing. I hope you don't mind me checking in on you guys now. :) this is becca rammell, by the way. :)
what a surprise to get a comment from my favorite second cousin! it was so fun to read up on your family and get a peek into your life. this will be SO FUN! sounds like you lead a very busy life but hopefully you can still update often.
It's been so fun getting caught up with you guys through your posts. Stake YW Pres, ohmygoodness. And Mom of four. You do so much! I remember being awed at how unfazed you were when we were with you in Arlington, with your two active boys and baby Grace. You were so born to do this! Good luck with everything on your plate.
Oh, this was the perfect thought for me to read tonight. Today we were practicing for the primary program and I am trying to find that balance of taking care of my children, delegating assignments, figuring out how to make delegated assignment work a little better, doing what I feel we need to do, listening to my counselors and teachers... I just hope I am making the right decisions and I wish that I were doing a little better in all areas and that I had infinite amount of time. Thanks for sharing.
I believe that you are meant to be in this calling for a reason (just like the Stake Pres. told you). This brings into the picture your past experiences and therefore even if you think that it is not 100% inspiration, it may be how things are supposed to be. I don't think that you can go wrong with anything you decide. You are a person that is very close to the spirit and I know that everyone will respect and support the decisions you make. I think as long as there is unconditional love and just remembering that the girls can feel the spirit just as strong while having fun, things will all work out great.
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