Book of Mormon Reading Chart

Miss Michelle will be turning 8 in about a year and a half.  I know that that may seem far away for some, but holy cow that came fast!  One thing that I have wanted for my children is to read the Book of Mormon before they are baptized.  Obviously, she cannot "read" the book on her own yet but she can repeat what I say! :)  So that's what we are doing.  I am hoping to read a chapter a day with her.  I started early because I'm sure, no matter how good my intentions are, that there will be days that we will miss.  I am kind of sad when I think about the fact that I have started this with my oldest child.  They grow up way too fast.  Please feel free to download this Book of Mormon Reading Chart for your own use!  If for some reason you can't or if you would prefer me to e-mail it to you just leave me your e-mail address.  

Ever Wondered

In case you've ever wondered what the meanings are behind the autism symbol here you go!

Today We Are Grateful

It is no secret that we have difficult children and things can be very challenging around our home. Mr. Mason, in particular, has a very difficult time with things that are very basic. He has been a handful and requires constant supervision. We have seen many specialists and today we finally received his diagnosis. It does not come a surprise to us, as we have felt like this is what he had through our research and readings. He previously had been diagnosed with ADHD at the age of two. Today, however, he was given the diagnosis of Autism. Although we knew that there was just something different about him and had suspected this disorder, it is still a difficult diagnosis to swallow. It is hard to see the struggles that he goes through on a daily basis and to know that there is nothing we can do to help him is just plain awful. We are so grateful to have this very special young man in our lives. He has blessed so many at such a young age. I hope and pray that he will continue to grow and recognize the things that his body is trying to tell him so that he can learn to control himself and his urges. So, if you happen to meet or know someone who has autism here are my thoughts on these special individuals.

A mazing
U nique
T rusting
I ntelligent
S incere
M isunderstood

Chore Charts

I have been looking forever for a good chore chart....AKA one that will work for us.  With two children now able to read, but one of them still needing picture cues for a lot of things I didn't want to have to recreate one every so often.  So with a lot of time spent I am so glad to say that they are done! (Except for Gage's.)  Here's how they work.  Each child has two sets of cards that are different colors.  This one is Michelle's and the chores that are to be done daily are yellow and then she can do extra chores (the ones that are pink) to earn money.  We are also trying to teach the children about tithing and figured that they would need some sort of income so now seemed like the perfect time to implement this.  :)

Time to go ShOrT!

My hair is getting way too long for me.  It is constantly up in a clip and even with that I am starting to get more headaches.  I think it's time to cut it off!  This is kind of scary for me as this is the longest I have ever had my hair EVER!  Oh, well.  It does grow back.  So here are some that I've found that I think are adorable.  I love the middle one and the last one.  Any thoughts? 

Another Confession...

To say that I am not familiar with where the books are located in the scriptures is an understatement. As you may know, this year in Gospel Doctrine we are studying the New Testament. For the first time ever I am taking the time to go through the lessons and read through them and the correlating scriptures prior to class. In fact I am on lesson 14, which is totally off the subject. Anyhow, reading through these lessons has really been great for me. It has helped me to focus on studying certain topics and not just reading the scriptures straight through...not that there is anything wrong with that. Also, as an added bonus, I can take as much time as I need to find the book and not feel stupid in class as everyone around me can open right up to it in no time. I know that this is silly and that no one even notices that if I don't know where the book is I will just kind of stare into space. Stupid I know but it's true!

I thought that perhaps I would share a scripture that really stood out to me tonight in my reading. In the special session of conference that was help recently for the people of Arizona, I found great comfort in something that was said. I do not remember it word for word but basically it was stated that the Lord gives plenty of warning, through the prophets, before anything happens. In this world we are living in I needed to hear this. In Amos 3:7 it reads: "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." If you follow the footnote for a it translates the word "but" into "until". I love how the servants of the Lord can say things so plainly and simply and that this Gospel is so plain and simple! It is absolutely astonishing to me how much is given in the scriptures right there for anyone and everyone to read for themselves!

One more awesome scripture that I will share is found in Alma 5:46. This explains what feeling and/or having personal revelation feels like..."Behold, I say unto you they are made known unto me by the Holy Spirit of God. Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit; and this is the spirit of revelation which is in me". Seriously, could you have said it any better yourself? I know I couldn't!

So, I guess the moral of this post is if you ever happen to be lucky enough to sit by me in Gospel Doctrine I promise I won't embarrass you! :) and THE CHURCH IS TRUE and how LUCKY we are to have it!