Beautiful Savior Video

Here's a video I made to teach the song"Beautiful Savior" to the Primary kids on Sunday. I love this song. It's called the "Crusader's Hymn". It was written in the 12th century and has been sung ever since. It's a great Easter song. I've never posted a video on my blog before. I hope it works out.

Disneyland, here we come!

We are going to Disneyland next month! We get to go as chaperones for my husband's school's choir who will be performing there. So we get free passes and free hotel room!!!! My husband, the one who hates crowds, hates the heat, and gets sick at the mention of a rollercoaster, suggested that we go!!! I thought about it for about 3 seconds, then agreed. Now I need some advice of Disneyland with a 4 year old. All suggestions will be greatly appreciated!!

Craft Day

Here is a talk I gave at the State American Mothers Convention on Saturday. I talk about oru craft day. You get illustrations to go with it.
Last week my 4 year old daughter wanted to have a craft day. Since we had just been talking about layered sand in a jar, I had that in mind as I got out all the materials, using sugar instead of sand. She happily added food coloring to the sugar and stirred it up. When she decided to combine two bowls of sugar, I started to make suggestions about how she should make three separate colors, but she wanted to do her own thing. She dumped all the colors into one big bowl. This soon developed into her own unique project. She got out the muffin tins, and make “cupcakes” complete with sprinkles. She then added water and turned it into paint to make a picture on paper. By this time, I had given up on any kind of direction. I sat back to watch, asking questions and making comments, intervening only when she wanted to paint the cupboards.
As an educator, I know that letting her explore and create is more important than the actual product. Through creative play, she is making crucial connections in her brain that will stay with her throughout her life. She is also learning important skills that will help her as she begins to read and understand math concepts.
I had to make a conscious choice to ignore the mess and let her discover new ideas. She played and created happily for about an hour, exploring and making many different things with the now sticky sugar water creation. She didn’t make what I thought she would make, but she learned and discovered new ideas. The creative process was more important than the end product.
(Had to show her sticky feet)

A wonderful friend and mother and specialist in marriage and family development taught me a saying she learned from her professor Bill Marshall: The purpose of the task is strengthen the relationship. This has helped me enjoy my everyday mothering even more.
When I am doing the dishes, for example, and my daughter wants to help, it’s tempting to tell her I’ll just hurry and do it myself. But if I remember that the purpose of doing the dishes is to strengthen the relationship with my daughter instead of getting the dishes done, it helps me have a different perspective. I stop and let her put the dishes in the bottom of the dishwasher. We talk about how to put the dishes in and even sing a little silly song as we go. Usually she helps for a few minutes, then runs off while I quickly finish the rest of the dishes. Not only am I teaching her important skills and the value of work, but we have a good time together. Our relationship is strengthened by doing the dishes.
Another time, she wanted to dance and play ballerina with me ( a daily occurrence). I had a whole pile of clean clothes I was trying to put away. So I suggested we do the putting the clothes away dance instead. I handed her her shirts to put away, and we danced and twirled on our tip toes into her room, where she put her clothes away in the drawer. We did the same for her pants and socks, adding different twirls for each article of clothing.
It certainly took a lot longer than if I had just done it myself, but we had a great time. Now she begs to do the “laundry dance”. The purpose of doing the laundry is to strengthen my relationship with my daughter. Keeping this in mind has helped me be more patient and remember what is most important.
Motherhood is a privilege and a wonderful journey. After 12 years of marriage, I was able to become a mother when we were adopted our beautiful daughter. Having to wait such a long time has helped me appreciate this privilege. I still have days when I am tired and frustrated and unappreciated. There’s nothing like a 4 year old’s honesty that she doesn’t like the shirt you are wearing to keep you humble.
I hope you know that as a mother, you are appreciated and so important to your family and to your community. Last week, I had the privilege of representing Utah mothers at the Utah Legislature. The Utah State Senate presented Dixie and me and our Utah AMI Chapter with an official proclamation supporting mothers. Here is an excerpt from it. "The Legislature of this state of Utah recognizes the efforts of American Mothers, Inc., Utah Association, to strengthen the moral and spiritual foundations of the family and the home.…The Legislature expresses its appreciation for the tireless devotion and hard work demonstrated by all Utah mothers in the care and nurturing of their families". The Senate and House of Representatives stood up and applauded as we and the merit mothers were presented. They were standing and applauding for you and Utah mothers all over the State.
I am proud to be able to represent young mothers of Utah this year. Remember to focus on building relationships with your children. I know you will treasure motherhood even more. Thank you for all you do as mothers.

Pictures from meeting with Governor

I finally got the pictures back from meeting with the Governor last week. Here are some pictures.

Arelene Kennington (Matt's Aunt) and I pose at the Rotunda in the Utah State Capitol Building before going up the stairs to the Senate. I loved being able to see her. I also loved hearing our Kennington name read twice each time we were presented. Go Kenningtons!

Not sure why this is so small. Arlene Kennington, Sharon Allred, me, Dixie Clifford, in the Senate being congratulated by Senator Ballantyne. Arelene and Sharon are "Merit Mothers of the Year" because they were nominated

Dixie Clifford, Utah Mother of the Year; Jon Huntsman, Utah Governor; and me in the "Gold Room" at the Capitol.

Check out our new adoption website

We just updated our adoption website. Check it out! Please share this link with family and friends. We just met with our case worker today. No birthmother has even looked at our file in the last few months. I know there are a lot of people who want to adopt, and not many birthmothers, but it's still discouraging to hear that. We know our next child's birthmother is out there somewhere. We just hope to find her.
Our new website is with lds family service's new adoption website. It's a great site with a lot of great information about adoption. It has wonderful articles for birhtmothers on different options she has if she's pregnant. It's great for anyone interested in adoption, including Bishops. It even has videos of different birthmothers telling their stories. Check it out:
www.betaitsaboutlove.org

It's Iditarod Time!!!!!!

I love following the Iditarod- a 1,150 doglsed race across Alaska that takes place each year. When I taught school it was my favorite unit to teach. Each student would choose a musher (the human part of the racing team- the one who stands on the back of the sled while the dogs pull), and we would track their progress everyday on a big map that I had made of the race trail. They would write about thier musher every day and read daily news bulletins. We would have a big party at the end and watch "Balto" to celebrate.

I was thrilled to discover neighbors last year who had gone on a dogsledding trip over Christmas. I introduced them to the Iditarod and they were excited about it. This year we all chose mushers to follow and cheer for. I even gave them their very own family trail map to keep track on.

Ginny and Matt chose mushers, too. Really they do it to humor me. In case you were wondering, and want to cheer them on , too, here are our mushers:

Danielle- Paul Gebhardt

Matt- Linwood Fielder

Ginny- Ed Iten

Ginny even made up a song and a dance for Ed Iten on Monday. That's a great honor!

You can click on the iditarod link above to get daily updates. . Right now Paul Gebhardt is in 8th place and just left Takotna, which I think is about halfway. They have been racing since Sunday. The fastest time to finish the race is 8 days. Go Paul Gebhardt!!

Sister of the Year

When I came home on Wednesday, I was wearing a beautiful necklace that I received as Utah Young Mother of the Year. Ginny really wanted to wear it, but I wouldn't let her. I let her sit on my lap and look at it with me, though. When I was tucking her in for bed, she said that when we get a baby, she will be sister of the year, and she will get a necklace. I promised her that when she becomes a sister, I will give her a necklace.
A few weeks ago, she came out of her room telling me she had just been talking to Jesus. When I asked what she had been talking about, she said she had been asking for a little baby for our family. When asked what Jesus said, she said "He said, Someday". I hugged her and told her that's usually what He tells me too.

Doesn't that just break your heart? I want her to be able to be a big sister someday.

Utah Young Mother of the Year at the Utah Legislature

I had such a neat day at the Capitol building on March 4. I felt very appreciated. But I know I was just representing all the amazing mothers out there as Utah Young Mother of the Year. I wanted to share a few things with you so you could feel loved and appreciated too.
I met up with Dixie Clifford, the Utah Mother of the Year, Arelene Kennington (my husband's Aunt), and Sharon Allred the two Merit Mothers of the Year, and a few members of the State Board of American Mothers at the Utah State Capitol Building. We has to wait for a few minutes while the Senate finished voting on a bill. Then we went in to the Senate Chambers. My senator, Curtis Bramble, and Dixie's Senator, John Valentine, introduced us to the Senate. Everyone stood and applauded us and smiled at us. I was impressed that the Senate took time from their busy schedule to recognize mothers.
We then got to meet with Governor Huntsman. He was very warm and personable. He took time to talk to each of us and asked about us and our families. He said we were doing a great job and how much he appreciates the mothers of Utah. He supports American Mothers platform to strengthen Utah families.
Then we were whisked up to the House of Representatives, where my Rep Stephen Clark, and Dixie's Rep Stephen Sandstrom introduced us to the House. Representative Clark read my biography where I had written about how we adopted a child and are hoping to adopt another child. I feel like I am representing women who are mothers through adoption. I'm also hoping that we can find our next child to adopt through this experience. So now the Governor, the Senators of Utah and Representatives know we are hoping to adopt another child. If that doesn't help us get a baby, I don't know what will. : >
The Senate gave us each an "Official Citation Honoring American Mothers Inc, Utah Association". I wanted to share a little bit with you:
"Whereas American Mothers, Inc, Utah Association, is dedicated to supporting mtohers in their work to encourage honesty, integrity, patriotism, and the application of moral vlaues in every area of American Life, beginnning in the homes;
Whereas the Utah Mother of the Year Award and the Utah Mother of Young Children Award are given each year by the association to honor women who share the association's objectives and have demonstrated outstanding achievement in representing and promoting mother hood and family life. ....
Whereas the presentation and strengthening of family values is of great importance to many Utahns who share the ideals of American Mothers, Inc., Utah Association. The Legislature of this state of Utah recognizes the efforts of American Mothers, Inc., Utah Association to strengthen the moral and spiritual foundations of the family and the home.
Be it Further known that the Legislature expresses its appreciation for the tireless devotion and hard work demonstrated by all Utah mothers in the care and nurturing of their families".
I thought you would like to know that you are appreciated by the Utah Legislature as well as the Governor.
I'll add pictures as soon as I can get copies!

Every mom a missionary

Ginny loves for me to tell her Bible stories. She'll say, tell me the story of Jesus when..., then make a request. Lately she's been interested in the story of Moses and the burning bush. The last few days she has been asking me about it, then asking me questions. "Why did God talk to Moses through a bush?" "Why was the bush burning?" "Why didn't it burn up?" "Can I see a burning bush?". I try to answer the questions the best I can. I find myself at night reading the story from the scriptures and studying it, trying to find answers to her questions.
I feel like a missionary, studying hard, trying to answer people's questions about the gospel. I'm grateful to have this extra incentive to read my scriptures and study the gospel. I never know what story she is going to want next.

Dressing tips!

Ginny would like to share some important fashion tips:

Acessories are a must- While at home, you must look your best. A hat, necklace, shoes and purse are a bare minimum. Throw a fit when your Mom won't let you wear these clothes out in public. She has a strange idea that dress ups need to stay in the house or they'll get lost or ruined. Crazy!

When you are your doll are wearing matching dresses, you need to point that out to everyone. Take your doll with you, and whomever you meet ( people you know or people you have just met) tell them that you are wearing a matching dress. Usually they smile fondly at you. If not, they are not worth talking to. Go find someone else. This doll's named Alicia, after one of Ginny's favorite Aunts.

Don't forget your beauty rest- It's tiring dressing up and dancing around. Don't forget to take a nap every once in a while.

Birthday fun

This week was Ginny's birthday. I can't believe she is 4!!!! We are so grateful to have her in our lives. We love her so much!!! Here are some highlights from her birthday celebrations-

New tricylce- I was too excited to wait for her bithday, so I gave her her tricycle a few days early. She is now ready to join the tricycle brigade on our neighborhood. Matt is teaching her how to steer while our neighbor looks on.








Birhday party- We had a few friends come over for a Princess Tea party for her birthday. Her favorite present was Princess dress ups!

Birthday cupcakes- Sprinkles make anything special!

Birthday dinner- My parents joined us at Ginny's favorite restaurant- Spicy Thai- for her favorite food, Pad Thai and "Som Som" (I think that's Som Thom -Matt's favorite dish- shredded papya salad and green peppers. Matt likes to get is as spicy as he can to see how much he can stand. Ginny likes it "not too spicy").

Ginny loves her Pappy. This is one of her famous "Tight hugs". If you have ever been a recipient of one of them, you know how special they are!

Birthday cheesecake- Matt swears he did not tell her to do this- but for her birthday cake she requested a cheesecake. My mom is awesome and made this special cake for her- with a G in blueberries. Check out her cute birthday hat. Part of the new summer wardrobe her grandparents gave her. I love grandparents. Especially when they shop at Gymboree.

"Babja, will you artist with me? " Ginny got a whole bunch of markers and art supplies for her birthday. She is starting to really get into coloring.