Ammon

I know everybody thinks their own children are extraordinary, and I'm no exception. My children amaze me. The other night, I went in to check on the kids and make sure they were sleeping. That naughty Ammon was still up reading.

Well, let me back up. A couple of months ago, I challenged our children who are able to read on their own to read from the scriptures every night. Nathan is still a struggling reader, but he works very hard to read a verse out loud (and when I say out loud, I mean out LOUD!) before he goes to sleep. Sarah is also working on this goal. When I gave the challenge, Ammon said, "I think I'll start with Isaiah."

What? Did you read that right? Yes. Yes, you did. He's a good boy. He made a goal to read 10 verses of Isaiah every night. He hasn't been perfect, but he is fairly consistent. He took his Bible with us to California and to Yellowstone. He read every night while on vacation. He has trouble going to sleep without first reading and praying.

Anyway, back to the present. At least the more recent past. The other night, I found Ammon up late reading Isaiah. He heard me come in and looked up at me with tears in his eyes. He said, "Mom, listen to this:

"But Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me.

"Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee."

I asked him to read the next verse as well:

"Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me."

I asked him if he understood what he had read. He said that sometimes people might feel like God had forgotten them. But he doesn't forget. We talked about the likelihood that a mother could forget her little baby and that it is more probable for a mother to forget than for the Lord to forget us. We talked about the imagery of having us graven on the palms of His hands. I know there are more complex ways to discuss these verses, but the Lord teaches us each according to our own understanding and in this case, He was teaching a 10-year-old child.

I didn't have to say much. The Holy Ghost had taught Ammon the important principles in these verses. In his own words, these verses "touched me so gently."

I left my son that evening absolutely in awe of his goodness. And because of Ammon's experience in the Bible, I felt more awe at the Savior's goodness and mercy to each of us.

(the verses are in Isaiah 49:14-16)

Deep thoughts by Megan....

This is one of my favorite lines from any song ever written. It happens to be from our national anthem:

Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.

To me, this is a perfect description of America.

During school, the kids and I have been studying American history. On the side, I've been reading a book called Seven Miracles That Saved America. I feel immersed in the history of my country like I haven't been for a while. It is clear, even in reading secular history books, that God has had a significant and deliberate hand in the development of this country. I don't believe this makes us more special or more important than people elsewhere. Rather, it gives us a responsibility to share God's great blessings of freedom and prosperity.

Right now, we face difficult times in America. Between the wars, economic difficulties, crime, and the passing of laws lacking virtue, there is plenty to worry about. Today, I was reminded of a verse from The Book of Mormon:

"And I have been supported under trials and troubles of every kind, yea, and in all manner of afflictions; yea, God has delivered me from prison, and from bonds, and from death; yea, and I do put my trust in him, and he will still deliver me." (Alma 36:27)

Throughout our history, God has supported our nation under trials and troubles of every kind. If we continue to put our trust in Him, He will, without question, deliver us.

High Fashion

Oh, to be four again and have a mom who let me dress myself. (Which I think my mom probably did.)

Stylin'

Going to the park in 90 degree heat... 

Marker-make-up by Sarah

And from the back...she's a superhero.

A peace sign on her back and her bum says "love."

I guess she's Peacelovegirl.

Another superhero.

And we'll call this one "Seasons."

Baseball hat for spring.

Jack-o-lantern shirt for autumn.

Hula skirt for summer.

Penguin socks for winter.

She is so darn loveable. And I am captivated by her.

...I would buy you a green dress (but not a real green dress, that's cruel)

Sarah plans to be a billionaire when she grows up. She talks often about all of her plans for her money. For example, she plans to have around 29 children. They will each have their own bedroom and bathroom. She also talks about all of her plans to make that money. Her career goals are diverse and include being a dance teacher, hair stylist, teacher, and security guard.

The other day, Ammon very seriously told Sarah, "I know how you can earn a billion dollars. You should work at Cafe Rio. They've won over 60 awards!!"

I guess he's got a point...

Fine. I'll try blogging again...

I wasn't listening very closely, but I'm pretty sure this is what Beth said to me today: "Mom, Nathan's getting into Dad's gum. Mom, Nathan's stealing some gum. Mom, Nathan's going to chew gum. Mom, Nathan's getting some gum." [brief pause]

"Well, if he does it, I does it."