Another New Year

For the 3rd Annual "Back to School Dinner, etc" we had a merry old time, despite a bit of vomit here and there.  The children chose the menu: Barbecued Hamburgers (recipe from Alice's Tea Cup cookbook - truly the best ones I've tried to date), Pink Lemonade, Quinoa Tabboleh (that one was my choice), Cucumber Vinegar Salad, and Six-Minute Chocolate Cake from Moosewood. Henry was rambunctious, chatty, and a sparse eater.  Briar was attentive, annoyed by her brothers, and put off by the quinoa as per usual.  Jacob was in constant motion, drank lemonade like a sieve, and asked question after question.  Charlie snarfed his burger, made whacky faces, and created elaborate play scenarios for the stuffed cat and Egyptian Lego man he snuck to the table. 
Our theme for 2011 is "Love is Spoken Here", a popular LDS Children's Songbook selection, and also one that our dear friend and honory family member Teju Shearer sang at B's baptism in July.  We chose this song b/c we want to be more like those parents: praying consistently, comforting the fears of childhood, teaching the gospel clearly, and considering the priesthood with each decision we make. We hope that the children can take an attitude of tolerance, patience and love with them to school.  Stressing the importance of the power of our speech can never be done enough.  Words cannot be taken back once spoken, and they have the power to build up or burn.  I firmly believe in a scripture I memorized as a missionary: D&C 121:43 "Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy;" When love is spoken in our homes, at school, at work, etc., it doesn't mean we don't stand up for ourselves.  It means we DO, but with compassion, tact, and over all, the guidance of the Holy Ghost.  I need to improve on that  - in a major way.  I find I choose themes directly related to what I'm struggling with more than what the children might need.  And, since I'm the mother, I think that's fitting.  It all trickles down from the top, no?
 More details and pics to come soon.