Well, I have decided that I go through major phases in my life. I remember when I got married and we didn't have much then but we always tried to work hard to make a good life for ourselves. We've had major bumps in the road trying to get where we want to be, but have learned lots of great lessons along the way. I feel very blessed to be where we are at in our lives now. We are together as a family, have the privelege of having the gospel in our lives, and have so many blessings in our lives! Because of this I also think we have to remember others who are going through some of the "bumps" in life. The other day, I was teaching Coby's Sunday school class. As the children were talking and just goofing around like 8 yr olds do it was interesting that the talk started going in the direction of what they had and didn't have. As I have thought about this and how I wanted my kids to be able to react to these things I knew I needed to change something in our lives so that they learn at an early age what is important in life. I have also felt very strongly that I need to provide some service to help me and my kids remember what really is important in life. I thought back to when I was growing up and how my mom and dad made sure that I respected my elders. So, I got on the phone and started calling around to the local nursing homes to see if there was some way that the boys and I could help out at the center. Last week I took the boys over for a tour of the home and to meet some of the residents. They were so excited to come back. So, we set up a time to come and play games. So, today was our first day and we played BINGO. It was great fun! There was one gentleman who is confined to his bed and the boys and I went to say Hello! He was so excited to see these young boys and asked them to tell him something special about themselves. THen I also thought to myself, when is the last time I took a moment to ask my own children that question??? I think sometimes life gets so busy and there are all the "mom" things we do like swimming, hockey, and run run run. But, sometimes at least I know I forget to stop and think about what I could do for someone else. I saw my parents provide lots of service when I was growing up and I would like to be able to pass that onto my children and let them know that this is what is truly important and other things can and will wait. I have been so busy with work that I just needed to do something for someone else and this really was the best part of our day today and I just had to share! Here are some pics of the kids and how much fun they had! Thank you for reading my story today....if you got this far! :)
4 comments:
Melissa you never seize to amaze me. Last week I had a neighbor call me that just had a baby. She's having a hard time for various reasons. Anyway, to make a long story short I told her I would take her other 2 kids and watch them all afternoon all this week. To be honest and ashamed I have had the worst attitude about it. Not because I don't like helping out...I just think she needs to toughen up a bit. I could go into it but I won't because that's not the point. The point is I was given an opportunity to help someone out I should do it with a happy heart. All week I've been telling Chad that I need to change my attitude and that I was going to try. To be honest I'm not sure that I succeed in that and it's at the end of the week now. The truth of it is that I love to help others out and I should always love to help someone out whether I agree that they need help or not. I'm sorry to expose the awful truth about me, but I wanted to tell you what a great example you are to me. I loved your story and what a great lesson that will be for your boys. Your boys are so polite and well behaved it must be something you are doing as a mother and I congratulate you on that. Thank you for sharing your story and I am going to continue to make that change in my life. Love you, Hillary
you are such an awesome momma!
Those boys are so dang handsome... they look so old. :)
You are awesome. I am amazed at all you think to do with your boys. It's a great example to them. Email me and I'll give you our address. I told Colin that Coby wanted to have a pen pal and he wrote him a letter. We have it ready to mail...just need your address! petersonmindy@hotmail.com
Hey Melissa. What a great mom you are. You're a great example to your kids and to all of us. Your boys are so handsome. Can't wait to see you guys.
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