Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Small and Simple Things

I know I'm on a roll here with all my blogging lately, but I had to share a very profound and sweet moment. First, I need to preface the wonderful moment.


You all know that I have a massive amount of goals I have been setting, what can I say I like to shoot for the moon. Well, among those goals was one to read my scriptures at least 3 times a week, just so I could create a habit. I also have committed to do a family home evening every week. Well this weeks family home evening was to introduce the importance of work and how it blesses our lives. I created chore charts and behavior charts for the kids to emphasize rewards vs. the scare tactic, which is something I've been using way too much. For those of you who don't know, "the scare tactic" is not very effective. Now that brings me to another one of my goals, which is Be slow to anger.


Here's my chore and behavior charts


Now we've decided that they get 129 points a week, these points include behavior and chores. If they get 95% of those points or higher they receive a $1 at the end of the week. The lower the points, the lower the percentage, and then the lower the money. For example, if they do 50% they get $.50, etc. Now after paying their tithing they can choose to spend the money they earn right away, or they can save it to buy something REALLY cool! It's up to them. You'll notice their names above the charts with numbers. To encourage earning 100%, after going over their charts before bed, if they do 100% of their chores, and earn 100% behavior points they receive a sticker for the day. After earning 10 stickers they get to pick a prize out of the prize bucket. Prizes include things like a pack of gum, fruit snacks, granola bar, a special date with mom or dad, a play date with a special friend, etc.


Well, today after going over the chore chart and giving them a chance to take care of what needed to be taken care of, Keira did not earn 100% today. She kicked Tanner in the face earlier, which was a direct violation to the "Be nice to your siblings" rule. And she did not make her bed. After we read scriptures and said prayers Keira was upset that she didn't earn a sticker. Tanner, bless his sweet little heart, offered to make Keira's bed with her. So we let them, and he did it with such compassion and love writing about it puts tears in my eyes. But you see, she still was missing an X because she kicked Tanner. Earlier we had resolved it and she said she was sorry. Tanner again with such tenderness told me "It's okay Mommy Keira didn't kick me that hard." I said yes, but she kicked you and that's not okay. He then said, "Mom I forgive her." I wrapped my arms around my little boy and told him how proud I was of him, and that he is such a great example. I said that if he felt it was okay for her to get an X on the "Be nice to siblings" square, we would do it. Of course, he agreed. This opened up the opportunity to talk about forgiveness and repentance.


I'm gonna get a little spiritually serious here, but I think I need to say it. Since I have written down my goals it has served as a reminder of the things that are most important in my life. I wake up to them every morning and know what efforts I need to make to make them happen. I have been reading my scriptures every day so far, and we have been having family scripture every night before bed. I want to testify to you of the power of the spirit and the blessing it has been to me personally. I am a strong-willed individual. I'm not one to back down from a fight, or a confrontation. I am loud and I get angry, but these last few weeks I have been a different person. I have been praying diligently that I can have more compassion, and that I can be slow to anger, especially with my children. And so far my prayers have been answered. Everything that I have done with my kids has been pure inspiration. These things I have shared were not my ideas I can assure you. Heavenly Father has had His hand in everything I have done. My world is changing. My attitude is changing and I hope it continues. I am in no way perfect, and I am learning, but I am truly grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that has heard my prayers and has allowed me to realize what I am worth. He cares enough about me to be there in my time of need, and to allow me to realize that this is just the beginning of what can be! To be as a little child, to be meek, humble, and full of love... My son has taught me a huge lesson today and has given new meaning to, "By small and simple things great things shall come to pass." I am so grateful for my children, and that I have been trusted to raise them.

6 comments:

  1. Thanks for the sweet reminder of the importance of the simple acts of family home evening, family prayer and scripture, and even personal scripture study. It does make a difference in our attitudes and allows such a peacful spirit to abide in our homes.

    I also love your chore and behavior chart. I might have to still those ideas from you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I think Megan wants the chore and behavior chart for me.

    Thanks for sharing your testimony sis. Prayer is the answer to everything.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Okay, I know this is silly but I can't stand when I make spelling errors! I would like to STEAL your chore chart idea and yes, I would like to use it for Kelly!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Beautiful post, Lyenna. It's amazing what happens when you do everything they tell you to do at church. I need to be more diligent as well.

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a sweet story about Tanner. It's those small sweet mommy moments that make it all worth it. I just wish they weren't so few and far between!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love your your spirit Lyenna, you are so awesome! We finally made our blog and I wanted to add your link to mine. We miss you guys do much, hope everything's going well...keep going on the charts they really are so helpful!

    Love you guys!

    ReplyDelete