True Self

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I remember being young and hearing a thought or quote that essentially said why are we our worst selves to the people we love the very most? I remember immediately thinking of my sister and I. How we'd both make sure to be pleasant and kind people to our friends, but when it came to borrowing a couple swipes of deodorant, especially without asking, whooeee you had entered uncharted territory. 

Part of me thinks well, that's what families are for, and thank goodness for 'em! Because if we're being honest, there needs to be someone to see your bad side, and if its not going to be your family, then who is it going to be?

However, fast forward a few years and sadly, I think it's safe to say that cute Phil of mine has seen some not so great sides of me that no one in my family growing up ever had to deal with. Granted, the situations and trials you go through as an adult are a bit heavier than what one should face in their childhood, but still I know he's the person I should be treating the very best and certainly, not the very worst. Not to mention being my happiest and best self for my children. With that being so much easier said than done, I love this quote from Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin: 

"Nothing exposes our true self more than how we treat each other in the home."

I know all of us have bad days and get into certain moods, but reading this quote reminds me that my  bad moments (which I assure you are rare, hardly ever, few and far between;), aren't something that should be tossed aside as oh he'll understand I was just having a moment but rather something I keep in check and that who I really am in my home--the majority of the time-- is someone who is loving, happy, and willing to serve. 

 {sigh}...add it to the list of all the other things I need to work on :)

Baton Wands

So awhile back friend of mine asked if I would be willing to help teach the Activity Day Girls* how to lead music...{pausing to wait for the laughing to die down}. Apparently, being the primary chorister** I've fooled a couple people into thinking I might actually know something about music. Okay, maybe I do have a graceful little conducting style going on... but more importantly, they are a group of darling girls, so I really had no choice but to say yes. 

And what does one do when they have to give a lesson about something they really don't know a whole lot about?

Make up for it with a fun handout! Candy always works, but it was going to have to be my saving grace, so it better be good.

Now I don't know if it was pure inspiration or my secret desire to always have one of my very own, but somehow I got the crazy idea to make everyone a baton (including myself, of course). So with a prayer in my heart, off to Michael's I went! (You think I'm kidding about the praying part). And after looking for a few minutes, I found sitting next to each other in that random wooden trinkets isle

this...

and this...

stick them together like this...

add a little wood glue, tape and paint,  and what do you get?

Aqua Batons!

 As it turns out, I'm not the only girl who thought it would be fun to use one. And my dream of being able to tap my music stand when they got chatty came true as well. All in all it was a success.

Now, all the while making these I couldn't shake the feeling (something proved later to me by my kids) what I had really made, in fact, was nothing but a Harry Potter wand.

Doesn't she make a cute litte Hermione?

So whether you find yourself wanting to throw a Harry Potter themed birthday party or feeling a desire to  gracefully wave a stick around to some music, you are good to go.



*8-12 year old girls in our church
**music time leader for the children in our church each Sunday

The Tale of the Dragon & the Monkey

 Once upon a time there was a Dragon. Dragon was sad. He didn't feel as strong, as brave or as fierce as all the other dragons around. His heart weeped of disappointment that echoed throughout the land.

 Fortunately, the wise old monkey's radar, which resided in a banana attached to her wrist, picked up on the sad vibes of poor Dragon. Monkey left immediately to help Dragon.

Upon finding Dragon, Monkey spoke comforting words and offered Dragon some of her magic banana. Monkey told Dragon the banana would bring him confidence and courage.

 And with a wiggle of the Dragon's tail, the wise, old monkey cast a spell on Dragon, granting him strength and wisdom.

  Over night, Dragon felt transformed. He felt stronger.

 He felt braver and more fierce.

 But most of all, he felt happier. He expressed his immense gratitude for Monkey and promised her that he would only use his new powers for good.

THE END