Family Time is Sacred Time

(Note:  We, as Mormons, have what is called General Conference every April and October which is a broadcast from Salt Lake City which is broadcast worldwide.  We get to listen to the prophet and his apostles. This weekend is General Conference (we refer to it as "conference"). Love it.)

During conference yesterday there was a talk regarding families.  I love my family.  I think we all love our families, right?  In times of distress or tragedy, your family is what matters most.   Okay, I even think of reality TV when I mention this.  Because its always amazing to me how during Survivor when they bring on the family members how emotional and happy everyone is just to see THEIR family.  I know TV does this for the emotional aspect, but its true.  Aren't we always happy to see our family after being apart?  We love our families the most, and aren't they the ones who make us who we are?

I remember during "Ethan's Week" (that's how I refer to it a lot) how family is all I thought about.  Family is who I wanted to see, to be with etc.  Family is how I got through.  Family is who has been there my entire life. Family made it better (as much as it could be made better).

I remember thinking I would take Ethan's place if God would let me.  I would die if Ethan could live out his little life.  This was also mentioned in the conference talk this weekend--we would all give our lives for our children if it came down to it.  We love our kids more than anything.  I would've died for Ethan.  I would've taken all that away from him and my other kids if I could have.  Any of us would give our lives for our kids. This is the same devotion our Father in Heaven has for us, as His children.

This was a really good talk for me because it all felt close to home. 

Marcus and I have always scheduled in family time.  If we don't schedule it, it doesn't happen.  Other things take over and have taken over.  Marcus travels A LOT during the Spring.  We, especially during this time, make sure family activities get put on the calendar first.  This has helped us in giving our children the TIME they need with their dad.  I am sure we've all heard the quote that children spell love T-I-M-E.  It is all the more important to schedule that time as kids get involved in more things and we don't have as much time as we think to give. Its really difficult at times to use the time as scheduled.  You wouldn't think it would be difficult, but there are always other things that will get in the way if we let it.

Maybe we only schedule hiking???  Parker and Madilyn 2011.

We ty to schedule in our hiking??  Here's one with Ethan a couple of years ago. (Feb. 2010)

"You can learn more from a child than ever from a parent"  I am not sure I got that quote exactly right, but that is what I wrote down.  Isn't that true?  Our children teach us patience.  I always put that as number one because I am not sure I knew what patience was until my second child, Ethan.  My children have taught me patience, love (like no other), kindness, innocence, and "to stop and smell the roses." Those are just a few. 

Just a quick story of Parker and when he taught me "to stop and smell the roses".  We were walking around the neighborhood when he was little (4 yrs old) and he stopped to lay on the neighbors grass (part of this was probably because there is not much grass around here).  He laid on the grass and said, "I love to just lay here and look at the sky."  I originally had been in a hurry to get around the block with the boys, but in this moment I almost laughed because he was showing me how to just stop for a minute (I have a problem with this).  I'll never forget him teaching me that day.

I love my family and I hope my kids continue to teach me how I should be.  Each of my kids is a blessing in my life.