FHE - Jacuzzi Initiation & poor man's donuts

Last Monday, April 6, we had a fun FHE to start off our 2 WEEK spring break fun.

(yes, we get 2 weeks of break here in Murrieta.)

Dad got home from work and pumped up the jacuzzi and we all popped in. You'll have to take my word for it that Danny and I hopped in too since there is no photo evidence.

It was a beautiful evening out and we realized just how glad we were we bought this house for its location. It was so relaxing sitting out in nature, literally. This is our view as the sun was retiring for the day below the hills. It's about this time that the frog ensemble starts in. It's so funny cuz you don't really hear any frogs, just cicadas and criquets. Then, all of the sudden, one frog will call out and the rest answer, all into the night! I wonder if it's the king frog or if one just can't take being quiet any more. There is a small stream behind us that harbor all our amphibous, melodious neighbors.

The boys even earned a bit of extra cash on a dare. Although the jacuzzi was heated, the pool hasn't been. Needless to say, it is NOT warm in the slightest. So we dared Bradley to jump in the pool and back into the jacuzzi. He wasn't so hip until visions of $1 loomed before his eyes. He reasoned that was really a quick way to make a buck! Then Bryce decided he couldn't let Bradley rake in all the dough and took the plunge. Of course, Brian was right behind him. Fortunately, Tyson dosn't get the whole meaning of $$ and we didn't have to pluck him out of the feezing water. Dad, however, took a plunge, acutally did a 2 laps! (can't have his boys showing him up!) All for love and not to lose his manly title of Dad, the King! To which Bradley matched by swimming across the deep end. Mom turned out to be the only chicken. Kierstin got a "bye" as dad had dropped her off in H.B. in the morning to spend a few days with her friend Natalie. It really was refreshing and fun!

Afterwards, we made what I call "poor man's doughnuts." We used to make them as a kid and I resurrected them a few years ago. They are lower in fat too. I use the cheap refrigerated biscuits with no hydrogenated oil. You pop a hole in the middle (or shape them how you like) and fry them in some healthier, canola oil. Just a minute or two on each side until they're golden brown.

Then you pop them in a brown bag filled with cinnamon sugar, brown sugar or powdered sugar. Shake and....... Enjoy! And truly, it was an enjoyable evening! Although we missed our Kierstin. I wonder if she would havebeen chicken too?

FHE reports

How did I get so blessed with such an amazing family! I have 5 AMAZING children! A wonderful, loving husband who respects and honors his priesthood but most importantly has a strong testimony which he bears to our children!

I am so thankful for the Family Home Evening program. What an inspiration it is in this time when families have so many activities going on it is hard to even be altogether! I find comfort in the words of the prophet that if we have family home evenings regularly, our kids should stay close to the gospel. With 5 kids, I cling to that promise! I need all the help I can get!

I come from a tradition of FHE. We held it every Monday night when I grew up and I remember learning a lot. I'm so grateful for that tradition so that now, as an adult responsible for my own family, FHE is not something I think about doing, it comes naturally. I can't go without it! (thanks mom and dad!)

That's not to say that FHE is always wonderful, spiritual and happy family bonding time. Sometimes, I just feel lucky to be altogether in the same place. However, I DO know, no matter how much the kids moan and complain or argue or seem to be totally not paying attention, it is NEVER a waste of time. If I have learned anything in being a mom for 14 years or working with primary age kids for the last 12, is that you never know what is going to sink into a child's heart or when. Sometimes the lessons that seems like no one was paying attention to is the one that sunk in. I know that I just need to do my part and the spirit will do the rest.

Our past few FHE have really been fun and uplifting. I wanted to start sharing what we've been doing so the kids can remember for when they have a family later on.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A few weeks ago we talked about having "AN ATTITIDE OF GRATITUDE." We started with the story of Jesus healing the 10 lepers and only 1 returning to give thanks.

We talked about how people can turn even a bad situation into being much more bearable if they think of the possitive things. We ended with a quote from our prophet, Thomas S. Monson which will be our new family motto.... "Think to Thank" Don't you LOVE that !! I'm going to have it displayed in our new home to remind us. How much happier we are when we realize all that we DO have instead of concentrating on things we wish we had. We also set forth a new challenge to think of 3 things to thank heavenly Father for before we pray.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next week we had a lesson on the bearing of a true testimony. We talked about how a testimony is bearing witness of your belief in Jesus Christ and Principles of the Gospel. We don't need to share lengthy personal experiences or travel logs. We testify what we know or believe in about the truthfulness of the gospel. We all took the opportunity to bear our testimonies to eachother. What a sweet experience to hear my children bear their sweet testimonies. Danny and I are always telling them they need to not take our word for it but the gospel is true; but to truly find out for themselves. I felt the spirit enter the room. I know that they are each really striving to find a testimony of their own.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Last week, dad decided we needed to do something fun (which sometimes can be a challenge finding something we ALL think is fun and can agree upon). We decided to go to dinner and a movie. We went to dinner at this place called Richie's Diner. He is good friends with the founder of In-N-Out and named it after him. It's just an all american diner with steak, hamburgers shakes and good old apple pie - YUM!

Then we went to see the movie BOLT. This was the hard part; finding a movie we could ALL enjoy, even Tyson. I have to admit, Danny and I were secretly thinking it was going to be one of those "endure to the end for the sake of the kids" kind but we were all pleasantly surprised and ended up enjoying it! Tyson slept for the first part and enjoyed the end. It was entertaining to the point of laughing our loud. Even Kierstin couldn't complain since it was all about a girl and her dog (if you know Kierstin, you know how perfect that is!) Darling movie, we recommend it! Just an ejoyable night all around.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yesterday, we had a FHE on the importance of finding good friends. President Hinkley said every member needs to #1: Be nourished by the word #2 Have a Calling and #3 have a friend. Of course we need to feel as if we are friends amongst our family but as we are seperated from our family at school and work most of the day, it is important we surround ourselves with people who will encourage us to make good choices not whom we have to fight for our standards from! We gave the example of "would you eat the cookie dough that had a little mud mixed in?"

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I want to again bear my testimony of the importance of family home evening. The prophet has counselled us to hold it every family night with the promise if we do, our children will be blessed to gain testimonies of the gospel in which if they do stray from the gospel, they will return. What better reason do you need to hold family home evenings? I just know that's more than enough reason for me!