Twelve Days of Priesthood

I have three boys but the oldest is only 5. Our nephew is turning 12 this month so it has been good to watch him grow and get ideas for our boys. Turning 12 also means he will get the Priesthood at church. Browsing on Pinterest his Mum and I found this wonderful idea to celebrate this milestone. I love how it is spread out over twelve days so that (hopefully) he gets a really good understanding of the Priesthood and it's responsibilities and blessings.

I wanted to make some cards to put in an envelope for him to open, one each morning. It makes it a little more special than him just asking what is happening that day. So I've started making them - chalkboard style. I've never done the chalkboard look before but I'm happy with how they look.

1. Letter. 
Have an important male figure in your son’s life write about his testimony of the Priesthood or some special experiences with it.  The letter could be from a grandpa, uncle, cousin, leader, friend, advisor or teacher.

2. Family Home Evening Lesson.
Hold a FHE  or two on the Restoration of the Priesthood or what the Priesthood is. Knowledge and understanding is an important part of holding the Priesthood.

3. New suit.

Go suit shopping together and pick out his first suit (or a new one).
Talk about the importance of looking like a servant of the Lord.
 
4. Small inspirational gift.
Give a rock that has the word ‘Courage’ on it. Talk about the importance of 
having courage to make the right choice (as peer influence becomes more 
powerful than parental influence at this age).  
The rock is small enough to fit into his pocket, so you may slip it into his coat pocket when he goes on a date, to a party, etc. to remind him to have courage.  
The gift could also be a CTR ring, tie tack, book, journal, etc.

5.  Discussion.

Read and discuss together the duties of the Aaronic Priesthood in the Doctrine and Covenants.  See D&C Section 20, 84, 107 and 121 for reference.
This could be another Family Home Evening Lesson.

6. Priesthood Line of Authority.
A Priesthood line of authority traces the Priesthood from man to man back to Jesus Christ. Print your son’s line and make it into a book mark for his scriptures or a nice print for a bedroom wall.

7.  Framed picture.

This could be a picture of Jesus or the temple or your family for his bedroom.
The picture will be a nice reminder in his room of first priorities.

8.  Date with Dad.
Have dad or an uncle take your son on a one-on-one date.
This would be a great time to do a Father’s interview and talk about concerns and questions about holding the Priesthood.

9.  New tie or new white shirt. 
Again this goes back to dressing respectful of the office they hold.

10. Letter from Mum.
While letters from men are important, so is one from mum.  After all, women have testimonies of the Priesthood as well.  You could share a special experience or memory where the Priesthood has blessed your life.

11.  Run-Through.
Turning 12 can be a little scary because you are expected to pass the sacrament
to the congregation. It is always helpful to have a run through of where you are supposed to be and what you are supposed to do.
Coordinate with the Priesthood advisor or quorum president so they can be involved to help your son feel comfortable with his new responsibilities.

12. Actual Ordination.  
Today is the big day.  Invite family to witness the special occasion.
 And make sure to write down the blessing and get a picture of your new Deacon.

So a big thankyou to Tiffany at raisinglemons.com for sharing this idea. I love it!

BTW - I'm not really sure how to attach files, but I'm happy for you to save my images and use them for your 11-turning-12 year old. :)

I have now done one for my daughter - 13 days of Young Womens.

Decisions

Sunday night I watched my sweetheart cry tears of sadness for those who come to see him, for the decisions they are making, for the consequences they are choosing not only for themselves but also for their posterity, possibly for generations to come. It broke his heart. Sunday was what he called one of his bad days.
He has been a Bishop for 3 months now, and I guess it's the first time I have seen the weight and burden that he carries. He rarely brings it home - doing most of his business at church or during the day at work before he comes home. He loves his counsellors and what they do for him, unfortunately there are some things he must do alone. And all I can do his hug him :( .

Lino

We are slowly doing things to our house. Today our lino was replaced. I was half tempted to stop them mid-process and just have the Rimu floors sanded and varnished, but there were a few spots that had been replaced and they really would have stood out. But we like the lino and Leah says it is soft and squishy. Three tradesmen took from 9:30-5:15pm to complete it. It goes from the kitchen right through the laundry and bathroom. Here's a kitchen pic.

So much better! The white boards under the cupboards is not complete, the last lino had coved up under the cupboards but we didn't want that look anymore, so we've put some boards up and are deciding what colour to paint it as we weren't sure what would go with the new lino, but we ran out of time to get it done before the workmen came.

Yesterday around our new shower was plastered and it will be sanded on Thursday ready for paint. We are deciding what colour to do. Once the bathroom is done it's on to any rotting window sills. Paint our bedroom and then when winter is over finish painting outside the house. 

Gosh good intentions to get it done does not always eventuate into action!

Finally had an appt at the hospital for Nate's back. Looks like surgery in December which is actually good timing holiday-wise, he won't have to take as much normal time off work. It still pains him alot though.

I"m Pregnant

Baby number 5. Yep... whoa.
We have two girls and two boys so this one is going to tip the scales of our family, one way or the other.
I'm trying to figure out where I'll sit everyone in my car, but I already know where they will all sleep. I've been through all my baby stuff and cleared it out of Mum's garage so I know what I have and what I need now. Really all I need is a highchair (I've asked Mum to get me one from Ikea when she is in OZ next month) and a baby bag. I had such a good clean out of stuff I thought I'd use again but really... nope. And besides the never ending nappies & wipes I'm pretty much good to go.
My biggest dilemma is dressing up for our work awards night - a 1950's carnival theme. Didn't see many pregnant girls in the 50's did ya?? So not sure how a pencil skirt and tucked in blouse is going to fit! Only a few weeks to figure that one out.
Emerson is counting down the days to her trip, I think she is at 19. In preparation for that (and the coming baby) I got Dad to help me move some beds around today. Leah and Caleb do not like sleeping alone, so I have moved the boys in with Leah and Emerson gets her own room till the baby arrives. After that she'll have to move in with the other 3. Yes four in one room. Why not? I did put Em with Caleb when he was born but she complained he cried too much in the night time, so we won't do that again. Em is absolutely thrilled she finally has her own room, and she's already making it known to the others that they are not welcome in there. Let's see if it stays any cleaner than before shall we??
Having the three kids together already will mean no change when Em goes away and Leah wants someone to sleep with her. Caleb usually gets up every night and goes into either my bed or Emerson's so hopefully he'll stay in his now that he is on the top bunk, and Ammon won't get left alone in the room all the time.
Ammon is doing so great at school. Every time we ask him how school was, he says "Awesome!". He likes his teacher and tells us what he's learning about. He doesn't like the girls walking him into class, he wants to be a big boy and go by himself. He really wants to scooter to school but the weather hasn't been the best for it. So far so good. And he's only forgotten his bag at home once.
Caleb is going to big kindy tomorrow. Cross my fingers!! He's had 2 weeks off, so I'm really hoping he'll settle into the new area, with new kids/teachers well. Prob not. He'll probably still scream and cling when we leave, but I gotta hope. He has a bus trip to the Wananga tomorrow and he's taking cupcakes for his birthday. Man I hope it goes well.

It's May

I'm browsing the family blogs and there's not many updates of late, so how about I start us all off??

Caleb is finally out of nappies and turns 3 on June 10th. We are going to have his party on June 8th at Te Awamutu pool as he loves going there. He still hates (with a passion) being dropped off at kindy. It will be interesting to see if that improves once he goes to 'big kindy' after his birthday. He is all about being a big-boy these days, and big boys don't go to Toddlers! He's not so much into Hi-5 anymore and when I ask him what kind of birthday cake he wants, he's gone from a sword, to a Dora cake to a Batman cake. I haven't got him in any activities this term, and since Ammon started school I think he is lonely. He keeps asking to go places, anywhere but home.

Ammon started school two weeks ago and it seems like he is really enjoying it. We can start to see the tiredness now though, he's quick to cry and to anger and it doesn't take him long at all to fall asleep at night. He is a real social boy so he's liking the interaction with all the other children. He has 7 in his class I think so it's nice and small to start with. He has his first school trip today to the museum with Nan. He says there are some bully's at school, two girls in particular from Room 3. What do they say that's mean to you Son? "They say that I can't come to their princess party!" I'm happy if that's the worst of it :)
We are looking at putting him in soccer but haven't done anything about it yet.

Leah still tinkers on the piano but we took a break from her teacher over the holidays and haven't started back yet. She's not quite the one I want for Leah, so just keeping Leah going at home myself. She is an enviro-agent at school and got to go to the museum last week to see the display they had made. She's quite excited that she has some work in the museum. She is on the jump jam team this year.

Emerson had a check up at the hospital and they are pleased with how she is going. They don't want to see her for another 6 months so that's positive. But means I have to keep doing it myself at home. We moved her on to pills instead of liquids and that has made a huge difference, she happily takes her medicines now. She is on laxsol and cefaclor. She is off to Australia with Nan next month for three weeks. She is very excited and looking forward to playing with her cousins and cuddling the new baby. She is playing netball and had her first game on Tuesday. Oh boy. She thought she was playing basketball I think and went anywhere she pleased on the court. Let's see how the term progresses... She is a school captain this year, in choir, kapahaka, a librarian, on road patrol, and the jump jam team.

Nate is still waiting for back surgery. We could have gone private if we had a spare $11000 but he decided to wait for the public system and save our money. He's got another month or so on the waiting list before they will see him. He is perservering at work, not that keen on the place but is working hard and will do a year there before he decides what is next. He is well into being the Bishop already. It is already an eye-opening experience for him, but very spiritual too. He is finding his way.

As for me, even though the kids aren't in activities this term really, things are still busy. I'm still serving in Primary, I've joined the PTA and still at work 2 days a week. There always seems to be something the kids need to attend and with Nate out a lot more with Bishopric stuff life just seems busy. Don't see it letting up in the near future either.

updated post

I've updated my cakes post with a few more pictures. Check it out here.

Leah's Baptism

What a great day yesterday. Leah was baptized by Daddy. I think I only cried four times so I did pretty good :)
It is such a powerful and special moment to be a part of, and the Spirit was overwhelming for me. I cried saying the prayer, I cried when she was in the water, I cried when she came out and I helped her dry and dress, I cried when she received the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Actually I have tears coming to my eyes writing this and recalling those awesome moments). What a cool, cool day.

Bishop Sa'u, Uncle Scott, Papa, Daddy, Uncle Kent, Phillip Connolly & Leah

And one from later in the day...

Leah and Ammon

Leah wanted a photo taken, so here's the latest..

Jump Jam 2012

Emmy went to support her team at Jump Jam in Taupo on Saturday. Here's their video.
http://youtu.be/fCOonAelIvw

TOFW 2013

I have been watching the live-stream of Time out for women 2013 in Salt Lake City. Here are some of my favourites:

VIRGINIA PEARCE
Sometimes we think if we give up our desire to punish someone, we will lose and they will win. Forgiveness is really about us and the Savior not us and the other person.
True forgiveness shows when you desire the welfare of the perpetrator.

You can only reap what you sow.

BOYD K PACKER
You are a child of God. He is the Father of your spirit. Spiritually you are of noble birth, the offspring of the King of Heaven. Fix that truth in your mind and hold to it.

CHRIS WILLIAMS
Let it go! All of it, hold nothing back.
What burden can I lay at the feet of the Savior today??

BRAD WILCOX
The Lord's goal is not to get us to heaven, it is to make us heavenly.
A covenant is not a contract between two parties, it is a warm relationship between two friends who are on a first name basis.

JOHN BYTHEWAY
Regardless of your original intention, you will eventually become what you surround yourself with.
The way we spend our days becomes the way we spend our lives.

MERCY RIVER
A Father never gives up on his children.

EZRA TAFT BENSON
Nothing will surprise us more than when we get to heaven, and see the Father and realize how well we know him, and how familiar his face is.

EMILY FREEMAN
When was the last time you had an answer to prayer? If it wasn't in the last three days then you need to change how you pray.
When was the last time you had an answer through scripture study? If it wasn't sometime this week, then you need to change the way you're reading your scriptures.
Don't just read or pray, make an appointment with the Lord.
Trust God enough to also trust his timing.
Minister as you go along your way, not when it's convenient. Others are praying for you to help when they need it, not when you're available.
What do I need to learn? What am I willing to sacrifice to learn that lesson?