Miscellany

I have been wanting to write up a big post on Sam for his birthday as I have for each child for their birthdays every year but the task just got so big I kept putting it off and putting it off, causing me to miss opportunities to write down other, smaller moments. This is my attempt to catch up a little…

Tonight (Sunday) we were playing a fun game of Liar’s Dice that Lex and Jeff gave Sam for his birthday. Part of the strategy of the game was to bluff. Sam was losing to both Grant and I and exclaimed, “I don’t like being after you Mom cause you’re a liar, and I don’t like being before you Dad cause you are so smart!” (I don’t think I should play this game anymore.)

Today Sam was given the Aaronic priesthood, ordained a deacon and  got to pass the sacrament in church.  He also was given the chance to share a favorite Article of Faith with our whole congregation. He had been sitting with the other deacons before he went up and so didn’t notice that Anna had been putting princess stickers all over her patient cousin Dallin’s face. I mean they where ALL OVER! Sam went up to the pulpit to say his recitation and after a line or two noticed Dallin, who wasn’t trying to be silly or anything but was looking sweetly at Sam. Sam burst out laughing and then couldn’t recover throughout the rest of the scripture. Mom, Lex and Jeff and Rebecca where having an equally difficult a time staying under control!Aside from the humor of the situation, seeing Sam receive the priesthood and take on that new responsibility was a beautiful thing. He truly is, as Moroni is described, a “sober” child. Sure Sam can be goofy and silly sometimes, but when it really matters, Sam can be trusted to make good decisions, to think of others and to be an example.  His 7th grade teacher recently said that when Sam raises his hand in class she knows that she can trust him to strengthen and deepen the discussion. Sam’s blessing today said that Heavenly Father has great trust in him. What an honor for me to be his mother.Last night (Saturday) Grant and I were about to leave on a date. Anna was sitting on my lap facing me. She patted my not-so-flat middle aged tummy and kindly said, “Wow mommy! You are full!” I had not eaten yet.

Friday night Grant came home with hot dogs and chips for dinner. He excitedly suggested a fire outside for cooking the dogs. William came running in and said with a tone of pure joy, “Nothing could make this night more better!” I am so thankful that Grant’s idea of fun and relaxation is being with our children. We had dinner, sat around the fire in the crisp, cool autumn night and sang scout songs. Everyone of the children commented multiple times at what a perfect night it was.

About two weeks ago Sam was trying to get everything done before school and was running out of time. He decided to get his other chores done and put off reading his scriptures. We had the following exchange:

Sam: “I’m going to wait and read my scriptures in the car. I’ll just do the most important stuff right now.” (Before we had to leave.)

Me (incredulously): “The most important stuff?”

Sam (sheepishly): “I’m going to do the stuff now that will affect the rest of my day.”

Pause….

Sam: “There is just no excuse to not do scripture reading, is there?”