I read this great article that my friend Brianna’s husband linked to on his blog, entitled, The Problem with Ethics. 

It was very inspiring, reminding me of the importance of having Faith and how it is through faith man is able to overcome his innate weaknesses.  It talked a lot about the importance of faith for a society, how a lot of the problems we have today come from the people’s lack of faith.

So what can I do?  I guess I need to be more willing to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those around me.  Part of the problem is most of my friends already have faith.  (Not that that is a “problem” but I just don’t have lots of friends to share it with)  Though I can be a good friend and support them in their faith. 

I have a friend, Jen, who was actually one of my Mission companions in France,  who blogs about her faith.  That is such a great idea.  I should do that too. 

Another thing I can do is raise my boys in faith and encourage them to be leaders in their community!  We need faithful leaders who have a strong moral compass to help guide the country.    I like the ideas in Thomas Jefferson Education about being leaders. 

Random thoughts, read the article mentioned first, very inspirational and much better put then what I am saying.

Carson is in this 8 year old, everything is horrible and I am so grumpy phase.  Rob and I were remembering how Devon was like this when he was 8, but I just thought it was Devon.  Now I think it is an 8 year old thing. 

Well, it isn’t fun for me, especially with homeschooling, because I get no break from him.  He also is just a bit sensitive and if things aren’t his way, he makes a stink about it.  I need to learn the balance of letting go and making sure he does things the right way.  But I think if I can let go, he will do more and do it happily.

For instance today he was hungry at 9:22 and we were in the middle of language arts.  I said, “Snack time is in 8 minutes. Let’s quickly finish.”  Well, he was just grumpy because I wouldn’t let him eat a snack RIGHT THEN and, yes he did his work, but it wasn’t fun for either of us.  Had I just said, “Go grab a snack.” he would have done so happily and then came back and worked happily. 

Part of it stems from the fact that he eats ALL THE TIME!  and it drives me a bit crazy, so it is already a power struggle in our relationship.

Church starting at 9 is good in theory, but it has been a challenge getting everyone ready on time.  This morning I think I counted to 10 at least 3 times in attempts to get the boys to get ready.  The last time I was counting (this time for Devon to get his shoes on) Bryson said,

“Mom, you’re GOOD at counting!” 

He was very impressed!

So the other day I was sitting on the computer answering e-mails.  Carson comes up to me and says, “What do you do all day?”  I say, “I clean the house, watch Bryson, help you with homework, cook dinner.”  Carson pauses.  Then says, “You don’t cook.”  Ok.  I reply, “Well, I fix you food to eat and heat things up for you.”  Carson pauses again.  “I think you just sit and do things on the computer.” 

BUSTED!

Then today Bryson was playing at the table.  He got down to pick up something he dropped.  He looked under the table incredulously and said, “It’s CLEAN!”  I said, “Yes, Olivia was here yesterday.” 

BUSTED again!

I do not cook.  Really, I see it as one of my biggest areas of improvement I could make in my mothering. 

The other day, I made meatballs with red sauce.  Put it on a plate and said, “Dinner!” 

Devon comes in, sits down, looks at his plate and says, “Mom, this isn’t dinner.  Where are the vegtables?  Where are the carbohydrates?” 

BUSTED a thrid time!