Testimony and Teaching Moments

The past few fast Sundays I've been impressed by the courage of children who are willing to share their testimonies.  I started thinking about my four boys sharing their testimonies on their missions and hoping that I've prepared them.  At Family Home Evening I tried to help Caleb (it was his turn for the lesson) share a simple testimony by asking him questions and prompting him to say it in "testimony form".  I think I'll try to teach each of my boys to always end the lesson with their testimony. 

Before Benjamin was born, we tried to get the boys excited for their new baby brother by asking them what they'd teach him.  Usually they talked about teaching him his ABCs, to walk, to talk, to ride a bike, all about Star Wars...lots of important things.  Caleb usually included that he'd teach the baby to not eat his legos and Star Wars toys.  Now they'll often stoop down by Benjamin's face, to teach him things.  The other day, they were showing him how to chew food when he gets teeth.   Since Daniel  taught Liam and Caleb the cub scout hand shake, Caleb keeps taking Benjamin's hand in his and while shaking it explaining this is the 'cub scout way'.  Daniel and Liam show him how to read in the mornings.  (I love watching them.  There have been mornings when I'm nursing and Liam is doing his reading.  Liam wants Benjamin to see the pictures so he'll hold the book out over the open part of my nursing cover to make sure he doesn't miss out on anything.)  They've shown him how to put on and tie shoes and brush his future teeth.  They've also showed him their toys.  I love seeing them so excited to teach their little brother. 

On Wednesday, I was playing with Benjamin on the floor, after a diaper change.  Caleb ran into the room, put his head down near Benjamin and told him, "Benjamin, Jesus is really alive.  People can see the owies on his hands and feet.  He was resurrected."  Then he ran out again.  Two seconds later he ran back to us and added, "The prophet is righteous and good," and he ran out again.  A third time he ran in and said, "You need to keep the commandments and be righteous like the prophet."  After a final run out and back in he said, "Right now you can watch us in the prayers, but when you're big, you need to fold your arms and close eyes....and don't throw things at your brothers.  I love you and Jesus loves you."  So sweet.  I guess my four year-old already knows how to share his testimony.  He covered some of the most important aspects of the gospel...Jesus Christ lives and was resurrected, Thomas S. Monson is our prophet, we need to live righteously, and say our prayers, and love each other like Jesus loves us.  That is a more complete testimony than many adults have.  I hope he can always share his testimony so freely. 

Benjamin is lucky to have such great teachers...and so am I. 

Continuation...

Daniel came to me this past Sunday and told me that he had figured out how to share his testimony and that he'd told it to Benjamin.  He then asked me to type his words for him.  Here's Daniel's testimony: 

May 5, 2013

I want to bear my testimony that I know this church is true.  I know that Jesus Christ is our Redeemer and he died for our sins so we can repent.  Jesus is our shepherd and we’re like the lambs and we have to obey his commandments.  Obeying his commandments is like following the shepherd through these hard tasks. I am so thankful that I can have a new brother here.  It is a big responsibility to have another brother but I know that my baby brother came from heaven and came to a good family.  I can teach him about the commandments and about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.   I will close my testimony in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.                   –Daniel Brady 

General Conference

Isn't it wonderful to stay at home with family--often in your PJs, and listen to wonderful gospel messages?!  I love General Conference weekend.  It is our tradition to make homemade cinnamon rolls that we enjoy while we watch.  Yummy.  Hopefully, the sweet rolls help our boys see conference as a sweet experience. 

One speaker mentioned that we new have an MTC (Missionary Training Center) in Mexico City.  Liam looked confused, "How did that happen?"  I was surprised at the interest.  Liam clarified, "How did it get empty?"  I had to laugh.  Liam had heard, Mexico City has an "empty sea".  I explained MTC, but I was happy that he listened closely enough to ask the question.
 
Daniel went to the priesthood session with Nathan last night.  He is only 8 so maybe it was a little early, but Nathan invited him and he wanted to go.  He came home and told me that our prophet Thomas S. Monson told us to pray and read our scriptures diligently.  Daniel came home with red cheeks.  I asked him if it was hot.  He said everyone was sweaty.  Then he proceeded to peel off his Sunday clothes and tie--underneath he was still wearing his play clothes.  He told me he didn't want to have to change again when he got home.  I love the way my boys' minds work.  How funny. 

Yesterday President Eyring quoted the scripture, "Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you, seek ye diligently and ye shall find me.  Ask and ye shall receive, knock and it shall be opened unto you."  Caleb memorized that scripture for primary and he was so excited to hear it. 

As for me, I loved Elder Holland's talk.  He is such an amazing speaker.  What a great weekend.

insufferable

After hitting Caleb on the head with a pillow, he turned to me and said, "Mom, you're insufferable!"  Yes, Caleb is not yet 5 years old.  Where did he even hear that word?  How did he know how to use it? 

Liam's Happy 6th Bird-day

This year Liam decided on an Angry Birds themed birthday party. I have to admit that I've never actually played angry birds myself, so I had to ask my resident pros (mostly Nathan and Liam) about it.

This cake isn't the cutest, but angry birds really aren't that cute.

Liam's friends and cousins ate pizza and made angry bird treat cups.

We set up a live version of angry birds using real sling shots, little angry birds, and little green piggies amid stacked cups. 

 

The kids also got to hunt down the angry birds' stolen eggs (an egg hunt in the back yard).  Then they took out a little anger on the king pig (piñata).

 

Happy Birthday Liam!