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  • June1st

    1 Comment

    Summertime Family Fun

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    Last year, I was asked to speak on Summertime Family Fun at another ward’s Relief Society activity, so I compiled a ton of cheap activities to do around town. Because I have had several people ask me for them again this year, I’ve re-validated and updated the information.  Enjoy!

    Please Note: The information below was accurate at the time I compiled it, but be sure to click on the link to check pricing, hours and any small print before you head out on your adventures!

    Click HERE for a list of 100+ simple boredom busters that you can do at home.  I put each on a popsicle shape and put them in a glass jar.  Once the kids are done with their responsibilities each day, they can draw out an activity, and I will DO IT WITH THEM.  Too many times, I procrastinate doing things with my kids because of laundry, dishes, or other less noble pursuits.  This fun tradition forces me to refocus my attention on my kids during their summer vacation, even if it’s just for thirty minutes a day.

    To make the popsicles, just create a table in word with the cells of the table being approximately 1.5″ x 2.5″ each.  Copy/paste one activity per cell.  Print on colored paper, cut apart, round the corners with a scrapbook punch.  Glue a popsicle stick (you can actually cut them in 1/2 to use fewer) on each.  Decorate a jar (Ikea has cute, cheap ones) and place the popsicles inside.

    RESOURCES

    ACTIVITIES & EVENTS (organized by city)

    Frisco:

    Little Elm:

    The Colony:

    • The Colony Aquatics Park – Splash Zone, Indoor Pool & Leisure Lagoon with waterfalls -Public Swim $4/person ages 7 yrs +

    Plano:

    • Summer Fun Thursdays @ WillowBend Mall (Plano) – Free activities for kids
    • Heritage Farmstead (Plano) – Self-guided tours $2/person; 4 & under are free
    • The Interurban Railway Museum (Plano) – story times on Fridays – Free. Museum free, too!
    • Old downtown Plano (Plano) – Avenue K & 15th Streets area – historic Gazebo at Haggard Park (by the Interurban Railway Museum), a large and shady urban park surrounded by quaint shops, boutiques and theaters.
    • Arbor Hills Nature Preserve (Plano) – Free. A 200-acre park featuring vast areas of natural beauty for walking, jogging, hiking, orienteering, and other outdoor activity.
    • Summer Concert Series by Plano Community Band – Free concerts Monday nights in June & July @ Haggard Park, Plano
    • Jack Carter Pool, Plano – $3/person for ages 3 yrs+ – Waterslide, pool & playground
    • Plano Farmer’s Market @ Fairview Farms – Daily @ 8am – 9pm; 3314 North Central Expressway, Suite 100, Plano
    • Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse – Only $1/show at the box office or $10/5 shows purchased in advance

    Dallas:

    • Amon Carter Museum (Dallas) – FREE admission; Storytime each Wednesday (June 8 – July 27, 2011) 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
    • Crow Collection of Asian Art (Dallas) – FREE admission. Special “Family Days” on Saturday, July 4th, 2011 with various family-friendly activities throughout the day.
    • Dallas Museum of Art (Dallas) – FREE admission the first Tuesday of every month, including special family/kid-friendly activities. Bank of America account holders get free admission all the time (account holder(s) only; guests not included) through the “Museums on Us” program.
    • Museum Science & Nature (Dallas) – Bank of America account holders get free admission all the time (account holder(s) only; guests not included) through the “Museums on Us” program.
    • Arboretum (Dallas) – On Wednesdays through the end of the year, buy 1 adult admission and get 1 admission of equal or lesser value FREE, with coupon (click link). In addition to your coupon, be sure to print a fun “Kid’s Discovery Guide” to take with you.
    • Art Walk (Dallas) – FREE self-guided 3.3 mile art walk through arts district, Dallas
    • Shakespeare in the Park – Samuell-Grand Amphitheatre (Dallas) – in June & July. Ticket prices vary. Click link for more info.
    • M-Line Trolley @ Uptown (Dallas) – FREE – Runs Daily – experience the transportation of yesteryear!
    • Dallas Fire Fighters Museum (Dallas) – Open Wed – Sat – $4/adults; $2/children
    • Public Tours of the Dallas Arts District (Dallas) – first and third Saturday of each month @ 10am at the ceremonial entrance of the Dallas Museum of Art (Flora and Harwood Streets). Adults $10, Seniors and students $5, Children 12 and under are FREE.
    • Latino Cultural Center (Dallas) – FREE admission. The 2nd Saturday of the month features family-friendly activities celebrating Latino arts and culture.
    • Meadows Museum (SMU, Dallas) – FREE admission on Thursdays after 5 pm. Art museum on the campus of SMU.
    • Nasher Sculpture Center (Dallas) – FREE admission on the first Saturday of the month and includes lots of family-friendly activities (art activities, sculpture demos, scavenger hunt, tours, storytime, etc.)
    • Dallas Heritage Museum (Dallas) – $7 Adult ($5 in July); $4 Child ($3 in July). A Living history museum portraying life in North Texas from 1840-1910.
    • Showtime Saturdays (Dallas Galleria) – FREE weekly family-fun entertainment event held each Saturday at 11:30 a.m. Click the link for weekly entertainment line up.
    • Jazz Under the Stars – Free Jazz Concerts in June – Ross Ave Plaza, Dallas
    • Dallas Farmer’s Market – 1010 South Pearl Street – Open Daily @ 7am – 6pm
    • Half-Price Books – HUGE used bookstore. Showing FREE movies in the parking lot June – August. Click link for details.

    Addison:

    • July Jazz (Addison) – FREE Saturday night live Jazz, Beckert Park.
    • Summer Salsa (Addison)- FREE live Salsa Music in August, Saturday Nights.
    • Symphonic Saturdays (Addison)– FREE concerts every Saturday in June.

    Fort Worth:

    • Kimbell Art Museum (Fort Worth) – FREE admission to permanent collection; HALF-PRICE admission to special exhibits on Tuesdays (all day) and on Fridays from 5 – 8pm. Be sure to visit the Information Desk to check out a “Family Gallery Guide” for fun facts and discussion questions to enrich your visit.
    • Museum of Science and History (Fort Worth) Bank of America account holders get free admission all the time (account holder(s) only; guests not included) through the “Museums on Us” program.
    • Modern Art Museum (Fort Worth) – “Wonderful Wednesdays” is a FREE program for families of all ages and is designed as an informal introduction to the Modern’s collection and special exhibitions. Led by a docent, the program focuses on a select number of works in the collection and includes a gallery project designed by the Museum’s education department. Registration is not required. The sign-up sheet is located at the front desk the day of the program. Infants, toddlers, and strollers are allowed. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Admission to the museum is free for participants.
    • US Bureau of Printing & Engraving (Fort Worth) – FREE Tours Mon – Fri
    • Mrs Baird’s Bakery Tours (Fort Worth) – Free tours available Tues, Wed & Thurs – 2-WEEK NOTICE REQUIRED! Children must be at least 6 years old to participate.
    • Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame (Fort Worth Stockyards) – Adults $4 (with online $1 off coupon); Kids $3 (ages 4 & under are free!). Honors the men and women who have excelled in the sport and business of rodeo and the western lifestyle.
    • Historic Stockyards (Fort Worth) – Admission varies. Experience the Old West as it really was in the age of dust and cattle drives! The Chisholm Trail ends right here in the Stockyards! Visit the museums, eat lunch at the restaurants or let the kids get lost in the maze! (not really – you can guide them from a lookout platform)
    • Cattle Drive (Fort Worth Stockyards) – Daily @ 11:30am & 4pm @ Historic Stockyards – FREE!
    • Log Cabin Village (Fort Worth) – $3.50/Adults; $3/3-17 yrs; under 3 – free. A living history museum devoted to the preservation of Texas heritage. One Saturday a month, special educational events with extra activities are held. Additional fees may apply.
    • National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum (Fort Worth)– FREE Storytime – Saturdays @ 11am – 1pm. Founded to acknowledge the contributions of Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, European Americans, and African Americans in the settlement of the Western American Frontier.
    • The Texas Civil War Museum (Fort Worth)– Adults $6, Children 7-12 $3 (6 and under, free). Artifacts relating to the history of the American Civil War and information about the role Texas played in the conflict.
    • Fort Worth Zoo – Wednesdays are Half-Price Admission day!

    Allen:

    Carrollton:

    • A.W. Perry Homestead Museum (Carrollton) – Free tours & admission. Offers a glimpse of life as it was in north central Texas at the turn of the 20th Century.
    • Historic Downtown Main Street (Carrollton) – Experience the Old West as you stroll around this historic town square.

    McKinney:

    • Chestnut Square Historic Village (McKinney) Tours @ 11am Tues, Thurs & Sat, Recommended Donations – $7/Adults, $5/children. Several fun events during the summer. Click link for more info.
    • Collin County Farm Museum (McKinney) Walk-ins $1/person, under six are free.
    • The Heard Natural Science Museum (McKinney) – Adults $9, Kids $6 (ages 3-17). Wildlife sanctuary, nature trails & new Ice Age Mammals exhibit.
    • Historic Square (McKinney) – old “downtown” McKinney including the old courthouse. Great old architecture plus lots of unique shops. Virginia & Tennessee Streets, close to the downtown library. Special events held throughout the year. Click link to see calendar.
    • Jammin’ in June (McKinney) – Free Thursday night July concerts @ Towne Lake Park, McKinney
    • McKinney Farmer’s Market (McKinney) – Chestnut Square – Saturdays @ 8am – noon or Adriatica Farmer’s Market – Thurs & Sun @ 1-5pm

    Richardson:

    • Owens Spring Creek Farm (Richardson) – $5/person (children under two years are FREE). Tours through the end of June.

    Grapevine:

    • Grapevine Summer Blast (Grapevine) – Free entertainment/activities on Saturday evenings in July
    • Friday Night Fireworks (Grapevine) – Free fireworks over Lake Grapevine every Friday night in summer.
    • Summer Nights at the Gazebo (Grapevine) – Family Fun Friday nights in July – Historic District in downtown Grapevine
    • Nash Farm (Grapevine) – Take Free Tours*
    • Downtown Grapevine (Grapevine) – Main & Ball streets – A fun place to stroll the many boutiques and take a rest under the shady gazebo and surrounding small park with an ice cream cone!
    • Grapevine Opry (Grapevine) – The Grapevine Opry, Texas’ Premier Country Music Variety Showcase 7:30 PM every Saturday night – special theme shows every month.

    Denton:

    • University of North Texas SkyTheater (Denton) – Spend some quality time with your family, or feed your thirst for knowledge by coming to a show and experiencing our full-color, HD projection system. It can make you feel like you are traveling to nearby stars, taking a celestial roller coaster, or winding through a field of electrons within an atom. Saturdays 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Adults $5, Seniors $4, Children $3.

    Arlington:

    FAMILY FUN ACTIVITIES BEYOND DFW:

    • Eisenhower Birthplace (Denison) – $4/Adults; Ages 6-18/Students
    • Dr. Pepper Museum & Bottling Plant (Dublin)
    • Homestead Heritage (Elm Mott) – A 510-acre homesteading community and traditional crafts village. Visit the shops of the crafts village, watch the craftsmen work, even attend classes to learn craft skills.
    • FESTIVALS:
    • GAINESVILLE:
      • Frank Buck Zoo (Gainsville) – $4/Children ages 1-12yrs; $5/Senior Citizen & Military; $6/Ages 13 yrs +; 9 am – 5 pm daily –Click HERE for a money saving coupon! (Aroundtownkids.com)
      • Leonard Park -includes an awesome playground and hosts the Frank Buck Zoo. The park features the Frankie Schmitz Express Miniature Train Ride. The Frankie Schmitz Express is a 1/4-size replica of an 1800s steam engine train. Open daily @ 10am – 5pm.
    • ORCHARDS & FARMS (Pick your own Fruit, Veggies or Flowers):
      • The Merry Berry Farm (Balch Springs) – Pick your own blackberries. Click link for hours and contact info.
      • Quarry Flower Farm (Celina) – Pick your own flowers. Click link for hours and contact info.
      • RJR Farms (Farmersville) – Pick your own vegetables. Click link for hours and contact info.
      • Red River Peach Orchard (Gainsville)– Pick your own peaches. Click link for hours and contact info.
      • Lavender Ridge Farms (Gainsville) – Pick your own flowers, herbs & vegetables. Click link for hours and contact info.
      • Duck Creek Blackberry Farm (Sanger) – Pick your own blackberries. Click link for hours and contact info.

    KIDS SUMMER MOVIES:

    SUMMER READING PROGRAMS:

    (STORE-SPONSORED–For library-sponsored programs, see specific city information above)

    • Half Price Books – all kids 14 and younger can earn a FREE $3 gift card by reading for 15 minutes a day.
    • Borders Books – Kids 12 & under can take part in Borders Kids “Take the Dare” Summer reading program! Go to Borders.com, download the form, read 10 books, and then turn it in for a free book coupon.
    • Barnes and Noble – for kids in grades 1-6.Kids read 8 books over the summer, then eligible to choose a free book from Barnes and Noble. May 25 – September 7.
    • Reading with Ringling – Kids can earn a FREE circus ticket to any Dallas/Fort Worth Ringling Bros. performance in July and August by simply doing their library reading! Enroll with the librarian to get started. Click link for a list of participating libraries.

  • May9th

    4 Comments

    No More Monkeys

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    For thirty years, I’ve had a big, scary monkey on my back.

    He hopped on when I was a Primary child playing “Families Can Be Together Forever” in sacrament meeting and has been my hairy, annoying, paralyzing companion ever since. Even though I knew the piece by heart and could play it with my eyes closed (literally), I made a mistake and was so mortified that I swore I’d never play in front of people again . . . especially NOT sacrament meeting!

    Thirty years later, I have been called to play piano in Primary. Playing for singing time each Sunday is a nerve-wracking experience, but I make it through by reminding myself that they are just sweet children who don’t really care if I make mistakes or not. But I knew that the time was fast approaching that I’d have to suck it up and play in sacrament meeting.

    Yesterday morning, I awoke and knew that the Monkey and I were about to have a showdown. By the end of the day, I would have broken the thirty-year silence and played “Mother I Love You” in sacrament meeting. It’s such a simple song, but the Monkey had a way of making even easy things go awry.

    Armed with a priesthood blessing and lots of personal prayer, I managed to make the long walk up to the piano at the appointed time.

    As I sat down on the bench, my heart raced.
    My hands shook.
    The monkey dug his sharp claws into my back and clung for dear life.

    But through the mercy of a loving Heavenly Father, I made it through without making an error.

    Be gone with you, you bad, bad, monkey!

  • May9th

    2 Comments

    Old Dog . . . New Tricks

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    May I be honest with you?

    Historically, Mother’s Day is one of the worst days of the year for me.

    I don’t mean to sound ungrateful, but Bryan doesn’t have a very good track record for celebrating me on the second Sunday of May each year.  Nothing says “I was too busy with my work and church responsibilities to give any thought to you” like grabbing the last sad spray of flowers from Target on his way home from a church meeting the night before.  But that was two years ago.

    Last year, he hid in the closet to scribble a little note on a card he dug out of one of his boxes of “treasures” (aka “junk).  The care and thought he put into the sentiments were obvious by the two colors of ink he had to use because, when you’re hiding in the closet trying to save your bacon on the morning of Mother’s Day, your writing implement options are limited.

    But my first Mother’s Day as Bryan’s wife and mother of his two-month-old firstborn was the absolute worst.  We were in Connecticut for a wedding, and I was suffering horribly with postpartum depression .  The closest he got to recognizing me on that Mother’s Day was when we were sitting in church and he realized what day it was.  He turned to me and said, “I haven’t wished you a Happy Mother’s Day yet, have I?”  No, he hadn’t.  And he never did that year.  That evening in the hotel room after everyone was asleep, I locked myself in the bathroom and flipped on the fan so no one could hear me sobbing.

    Even Bryan would tell you that I am not a high-maintenance wife.  I’m 100% fine with the fact that he’s never sent me flowers.  I try to tackle nearly all fix-it projects myself so that they don’t end up as “honey-do’s” for him.  And I would be horrified if he spent a large sum of money on me.

    And even though I don’t embrace the commercialization of the holiday, I do think that setting aside one eensy weensy day to honor Mothers is a fabulous idea.

    Pamper the woman who gave up a promising six-figure career to be a mother.  Whose body is stretched and saggy from three tough pregnancies.  Who can recite Tumble Bumble from memory (“A tiny bug went for a walk, he met a cat and stopped to talk …”) but doesn’t have a clue about current events.

    I am a mother, and I am grateful for that privilege.   I have three wonderful children who I’d give my life for, which is far more important to me than six-figures, my saggy figure, or my inability to figure out what’s going on in the world. But there are 365 days in a year, and I’m only asking for my husband and children to pamper me for one day (and I’d be happy with only 12 hours of that day)! Is that such a hard thing?

    Well, who said an old dog can’t learn new tricks?  I was so proud of Bryan this year when he really did Mother’s Day up right.

    He started the day by presenting me with a thoughtful letter (penned in one color of ink) and a page from an old journal he had kept.  Over the many years that he anticipated the appearance of Mrs. Right in his life, he had jotted down ideas of the kind of husband and father he wanted to be and of fun date ideas he wanted to do with his wife.  The page is a reminder to me of the amazing miracle our marriage was (and is).  Bryan waited so patiently for me, and as he waited, he was preparing himself to be my Mr. Wonderful.  As part of my Mother’s Day gift, BT promises to implement 20 of the date ideas over the next year.  I’m a little curious about what he means by “Fonude,” but I’m guessing that it’s a typo for “Fondue!” 🙂

    He also served me a yummy fruit/yogurt/granola parfait for breakfast and prepared my favorite roasted vegetables for dinner.  He even did the dishes and cleaned up after himself!

    I love you, BT!  Thanks for making this year’s Mother’s Day absolutely perfect.

  • April20th

    2 Comments

    Toot

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    Normally, I don’t laugh while cleaning, but today I couldn’t help but chuckle when I unearthed this index card under a pile of junk.  

    I’m so glad that I jotted down the quote for posterity sake.

  • April18th

    1 Comment

    Thunk

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    Who woulda thunk that if you cut cheap conduit pipe just right, you can hang it from a ribbon, thunk it with a mallet, and it will make a pretty sound?

    My genius parents made this set of chimes for me to use in FHE or Primary. Well, the note inside the box said that the gift was for my kids, but I’m pretty sure that there was some mistake and that the chimes are REALLY for me. Because I LOVE them.

    (And so do my kids.)

    Here are some links that my parents used as resources to help them make the chimes:

  • August17th

    8 Comments

    Practically Perfect in Every Way!

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    What mother, after watching Mary Poppins, wouldn’t long for such a nanny to care for her children?

    Wanted: A nanny for three adorable children

    If you want this choice position

    Have a cheery disposition

    Rosy cheeks, no warts!

    Play games, all sort

    You must be kind, you must be witty

    Very sweet and fairly pretty

    Take us on outings, give us treats

    Sing songs, bring sweets

    Never be cross or cruel

    Never give us castor oil or gruel

    Love us as a son and daughter

    And never smell of barley water

    If you won’t scold and dominate us

    We will never give you cause to hate us

    We won’t hide your spectacles

    So you can’t see

    Put toads in your bed

    Or pepper in your tea

    Hurry, Nanny!

    Many thanks

    Sincerely,

    Ariana, Vivi & Tad Tolbert

    Oh, dear Claire, our very own Mary Poppins.  You weren’t a magical answer to a clever newspaper advertisement.  You were an answer to prayer.

    The children miss you, but most of all, I miss you.  You made our month-long vacation to Utah truly that–a vacation!  (Except for the week that you were at BYU Volleyball Camp.)

    You bathed my children, changed poopy diapers, wiped poops and peeps (Vivi go’ed!), played with them (the kids, not the poops & peeps), fed them, put them down for naps, tended them while your mom and I went on frozen yogurt and quilt shop excursions, and most of all, you loved them.

    Claire1

    My sweet, beautiful niece, thank you for helping to restore my sanity.  You are, like, practically perfect in, like, every way!  TRUE FACT! 🙂

  • June17th

    3 Comments

    Knock, Knock …

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    My kids love knock-knock jokes, but a few weeks ago, Tad played the biggest knock-knock joke thus far.  Here’s how it went:

    “Knock, knock” at the front door.

    “Who’s there?” I wondered aloud as Bryan went to answer it.

    “Tad!?!” he replied as he entered the kitchen with an alarmed look on his face and diaper-clad baby Tad in his arms.

    Tad6x6

    Somehow, Tad had escaped from the house and was found wandering half-naked on the sidewalk outside the front of our home by two strangers (angels?).  Tad could have easily stepped into the street and been hit by one of the many speeding cars that zoom along the busy road bordering our house.

    Freaked out, I checked every door and tried every lock.  The only clue to his means of escape was an interior door from the house to the garage that was slightly ajar, likely from my several trips back and forth to the deep freeze as I prepared dinner.  Oddly enough, upon further investigation, I also discovered that the main garage door was wide open.  “Yikes!” I thought.  I was certain that it had been closed earlier.

    As I pressed the button to close the garage door, Tad toddled toward me and excitedly babbled, “Button! Button!”  He then squeezed past me, scrambled atop an unsightly mound of shoes just inside the door to the garage, scaled a shoe box that was leaning vertically against the wall, pushed the button, and reopened the garage door.

    Mystery solved.

    Shoes and box removed.

    Mental note made: “Tad cannot be trusted.”

    Prayer uttered: “Thank you for keeping my baby safe!”

    And that was the end of the joke, or so I presumed, until a letter addressed to me arrived in the mail two days later.

    Tearing open the envelope bearing the official seal of the “Texas Department of Child Protective Services,” my clammy hands trembled, my forehead glistening with beads of nervous sweat, and throat instantly filled with a putrid pool of vomit.

    “If this is one of Bryan’s jokes, I’ll dismember him!” I seethed.

    But then I reconsidered, knowing that a cruel prank would be infinitely better than an official investigation of my (many) parental deficiencies.

    Frantically scanning the letter, Relief washed over me as I realized that it was simply an ironically-timed request for a statement of reference on behalf of friends seeking to become foster parents.

    Bad joke, Tad.  Very bad joke.

  • June17th

    1 Comment

    Most

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    Most nights as we drift off to sleep, Bryan whispers the same sweet sentiment: “I love you.”

    I groggily croak: “I love you more.”

    But being the competitive sort, he trumps me: “I love you most.”

    And so it has been for the last five years, until a few nights ago.

    Vivi had charmed her way between us that evening, claiming her spot smack dab in the middle of our queen-sized bed.  You see, like the Veela from Ariana’s favorite Harry Potter books, Vivi has magical powers of persuasion over her daddy.  With a simple smile and the bat of her baby blues, she can pretty much get whatever she wants.  And in case you’re wondering, yes, I’m more than a little jealous.  And thus is was that evening.

    Vivi6x6

    Bryan whispers in Vivi’s right ear: “Tell mom: I love her.”

    Vivi whispers to Mom: “Dad loves you.”

    Mom whispers in Vivi’s left ear: “Tell Dad: I love him more.”

    Vivi whispers to Dad: “Mom loves you more.”

    Bryan whispers to Vivi: “Tell mom: I love her most.”

    Vivi pauses and a shy smile creeps across her face as she catches on to our little game.

    Vivi triumphantly whispers to me: “Dad loves me MOST!”

    Yeah.  That’s what I thought! 😉

  • May8th

    8 Comments

    Hooked!

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    It started innocently enough.  I simply wanted to crochet some pumpkin hats for my kids, but, before I knew it, I was HOOKED!

    While I have not given up the hope of returning to quilting someday, at this point, it’s just too dangerous to have Baby Tad in the craft room with me while I’m sewing.  The iron, rotary cutters, scissors, etc., etc. pose too much of a temptation for my busy boy.  Fortunately, crocheting is portable and can be done on the couch while he plays with safer toys.  It’s also a wonderful way to pass the time while waiting for Ariana at piano lessons.

    After much experimentation and searching, I’ve found my absolute FAVORITE pattern for the most perfect little baby booties.  I even came up with my own little flower embellishment for this sweet pair that, coupled with a little flower headband, are going to a baby shower tonight.

    booties booties2

  • May4th

    6 Comments

    BFF

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    As fourth grade winds down, I think that Ariana would have mixed reviews of her year.  Her teacher, Mrs. Sanderson, has been nothing short of fabulous.  But each day when the recess bell rings, a feeling of emptiness fills the heart of my sweet 4th grader.  Girls who she once thought her friends now, at best, purposefully exclude her from their play and, at worst, say hurtful, hateful things.

    Her needs are simple and her request, just one.  She just wants a friend.  A real, honest to goodness, BFF.

    Ariana

    I longed for the days when I could make the hurt go away with a Hello Kitty band-aid or a simple kiss.  I prayed for guidance to know how I could help Ariana not feel so lonely … how I could help her find a friend.

    The answer to this prayer came unexpectedly …

    A few weeks ago, Ariana came home from school, shoulders drooping from the weight of her backpack and the events of the day.  Oblivious, I started in on my usual boot camp drill sergeant routine.  But, with tears streaming down her face, Ariana waited for a pause and quietly said, “Mom, I have such hard days at school, I have no friends, and then I come home and you immediately start in on me, too.”

    Suddenly, she wasn’t the only one with tears streaming down her face.

    I had, at that moment, some sense for what Joseph Smith must have felt when he read in the Bible from James 1:5. “Never did any [declaration] come with more power to the heart of [a mother] than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again.” (JS History 1:12)

    Be the BFF.  That was my answer.

    In the words of President Monson:  “It is in the home that hope is fostered or destroyed.  Our homes are to be more than sanctuaries; they should also be places … where the storm stops at the door, where love reigns and peace dwells.”  (October 1999 GC)

    The storm stops at the door.  I love that.  And I want my children to feel that … to know that, no matter what kind of day they’ve had, no matter how friendless they feel, I am their BFF and that when they are home, they are safe.

    Sadly, the reality is that my kids still do far too much time on the naughty spot for petty crime … for things that I should be much more patient about.  Vivi was sent there this morning because I took offense at how she asked for a peanut butter sandwich.  But, in the few moments that I’ve spent writing this, I’ve had several occasions when I could have lost my cool with my kids and didn’t.  Progress?  I choose to think so.

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