Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Joy School

How many of you did Joy School when you were 3 or 4? Well, I did. It's where a group of mom's in the neighborhood start their mock preschool group. In our neighborhood we have a group of 5 kids (soon to be 6). Each mom takes a month (I am this month!), then during that month, we teach three lessons (one a week), then the last week of each month is a field trip or party for each month.
The joy we are studying is the Joy of the Earth. It was so fun to teach the kids simple joys that come from the earth. We talked about our senses, went on a nature walk, we had earth bags, where we collected things they found from the earth (rocks, grass, leaves, flowers, sticks, etc. )
We then came inside and learned about the letter "

C." They colored a few pictures- a candy corn for the letter "C" and a pumpkin for the color "orange." We then focused on using our other senses such as smell and taste. I had them sample different items like...salt, sugar, cocoa, lemon juice and smelled different herbs. I then had them taste peaches, pears and an apple, since they grow on trees that are also found on the earth.
Later, we talked about the four seasons. We then took our cool nature binoculars and went searching for signs of Fall. It was fun to have them yell out at different times when they noticed leaves changing colors, pumpkins, dead flowers, brown trees, etc. I had so much fun teaching these cute little kiddos! I decided to take a few pictures so we can compile them at the end of the year and make a video or something!

Sunday, October 5, 2008

A personal favorite...

I don't know if you're like me, but I look forward to conference weekend. It means, pajama's, good food, lazy days, being spiritually fed and spending two straight days sitting next to Jared under a blanket. I honestly think it should be every other month. But that's just me!

This conference time I took the counsel that was written in a previous Ensign article, to write down questions or concerns that you have. I did this. I had a few things on my mind that I was thinking about, and it was amazing how several talks referenced my thoughts. This is something I love about being taught by the Spirit. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (http://www.lds.org/) I am thankful to be taught personally by the Holy Ghost by this it testifies of the Lords individual love He has for me. It's so individualized and it uplifts me personally. I am so thankful to know personally of the Lord's love for me and His desire to have me become more like Him. This is something I have realized more and more every day. How life is a journey and that it requires continual effort and humility to become like Him.

Anyways, I LOVED this General Conference time...again as usual. I loved that as speakers would come on, Alayna would say, "Mom, do you love this man, too?" I soon realized I have favorites. Hey, it left an impression on her, that some you need to be really quiet and reverent and not ask Mommy or Daddy questions. It was a fun teaching moment for her. This little girl sat through all four sessions. (Well as good as a little 3 year old can!!! It encompassed a lot of back tickles, coloring, candy corns, books, scrapbooks, and yes, more candy corns!) Her favorite part was during the songs so she could stand up and dance to them. I loved over hearing her sing a few words and then here her say, "I know this one Mommy, I do!" Little kiddo's are so young and impressionable. I just love that.

We enjoyed having Brian and Ashley come and spend the day with us on Saturday. Thank you for being so willing to hang with us! Even though you knew we had kiddos. I hope they weren't too distracting for you! (I thought for a three year old Alayna did great! We had Jake nap both sessions, from 10-2 and 2-4 - Somehow it worked!!!) I hope you all enjoyed the good food and relaxing weekend. Jared and I both enjoyed it immensely!