We woke this morning to a thin blanket of fresh snow. After breakfast we grabbed two big blankets and huddled around the heat vent as we did our morning scripture study. The children's feet were quickly warmed by the hot air from the furnace and they happily sat and listened to me read. After a rough night with a sick babe it was a welcomed moment of peace and contentment. No body wanted to move for morning prayers, so we said them right there with our toes still touching the vent (very reverently of course). Then it was a giant group hug before we sent Camilla off to school.
As the snow gently swirled to the ground outside, I baked a few loaves of lemon bread, started some bread dough, and put together a few freezer meals. I have decided that Winter is for baking (but anybody who knows me knows that I bake no matter the season, it's my happy place). The children love to climb up on the counter top or nearest chair and help! If you were to ask Mr. Stannix he would tell you how much I love to make a mess in the kitchen. And if you were to see the stacks of pots, pans, mixing bowls, and baking dishes on my counter at this moment, you would believe him.
After I got the little boys to sleep yesterday the older three helped me welcome February with our traditional heart sugar cookies! Camilla had the day off school randomly and I enjoyed having her home! The cooler weather brought snow and there is something magical about baking with flakes of snow swirling around outside your window. The warm oven made our home feel cozy and the children's smiles lit up the room. I enjoyed watching them laugh and giggle together at the little round table while they iced and sprinkled the cookies. I couldn't help but hope these memories will stick with them forever. I hope that they remember me baking with them in the kitchen (and not yelling at them to clean their rooms).
On Monday night in FHE we introduced our traditional jar of love. In the past we used buttons to fill up the jar. Each time I caught the kids doing an act of kindness or something that contributes positively to the feeling in our home I would let them add a button. But if I caught them doing something that wasn't very nice I would take a button out. Once it was full we would go for ice cream (or something like that). I debated giving them their own jars to fill this time, but then changed my mind because we all contribute to the feeling in our home, and it's fun to see the progress we are making together. This year we are filling it with heart shaped chocolates and when it gets to the top they get to eat it. They all take this jar quite seriously and it brings a miraculous transformation to the feeling in our home. I know they are just kids, and I always allow room to say "I am sorry" if they want the button or chocolate put back. We learn a lot about the way we should treat others as we think about ways we can serve our family members. I love hearing that someone's bed was anonymously made or a chore was done without having to be asked. The feeling in our home is significantly more pleasant as everyone contributes positively and brings their best attitudes. I love the little moments where our home feels like a little piece of heaven here on earth.
After I got the little boys to sleep yesterday the older three helped me welcome February with our traditional heart sugar cookies! Camilla had the day off school randomly and I enjoyed having her home! The cooler weather brought snow and there is something magical about baking with flakes of snow swirling around outside your window. The warm oven made our home feel cozy and the children's smiles lit up the room. I enjoyed watching them laugh and giggle together at the little round table while they iced and sprinkled the cookies. I couldn't help but hope these memories will stick with them forever. I hope that they remember me baking with them in the kitchen (and not yelling at them to clean their rooms).
On Monday night in FHE we introduced our traditional jar of love. In the past we used buttons to fill up the jar. Each time I caught the kids doing an act of kindness or something that contributes positively to the feeling in our home I would let them add a button. But if I caught them doing something that wasn't very nice I would take a button out. Once it was full we would go for ice cream (or something like that). I debated giving them their own jars to fill this time, but then changed my mind because we all contribute to the feeling in our home, and it's fun to see the progress we are making together. This year we are filling it with heart shaped chocolates and when it gets to the top they get to eat it. They all take this jar quite seriously and it brings a miraculous transformation to the feeling in our home. I know they are just kids, and I always allow room to say "I am sorry" if they want the button or chocolate put back. We learn a lot about the way we should treat others as we think about ways we can serve our family members. I love hearing that someone's bed was anonymously made or a chore was done without having to be asked. The feeling in our home is significantly more pleasant as everyone contributes positively and brings their best attitudes. I love the little moments where our home feels like a little piece of heaven here on earth.
"May our families and homes be filled with love: love of each other,
love of the gospel, love of our fellowman, and love of our Savior. As a
result, heaven will be a little closer here on earth."
-Thomas S. Monson
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