~*~Life as Me~*~

General Conference Activity Packet October 2009

Ok guys, for those of you who are already preparing for the super General Conference this Saturday and Sunday here is a super duper Activity pack for the kids....just click the thingy above and it will open a new page for you to download. Or simply download it here......Download 2009-october-general-conference-primary-activity-packet

Dont say I dont make life easy for you!! ;) Seriously, this pack contains a super range of things for the kids to cut and keep, puzzles, colouring pages, questions and all sorts. It has 20 fun filled pages and will be perfect for any age.


So what you waiting for? Go download it and print it off....and if you're feeling really creative you can even stick it in a binder, folder or staple it like a book!

Dont forget the colouring pens though, you will never hear the end of that one! Oh and the nibbles, we all know kids like little snacks during conference. Drinks too, though I personally suggest a sugar free one because in my experience there's nothing worse than working on sticky paper when one has been spilt!! :)

I guess you could print one of these for yourself too...I might do that. Test your knowledge, let out your creative side (yes we all have one!). Converts will love this pack too....even the adult converts. Maybe you can give a few out? Be nice and thoughtful, I know you are anyway so dont do it just cos I told you to!! :)

I'm off.....have more work to do and a General Conference to prepare for! You can still download the viewing/listening thingy if you click on the words there ^^^^^ (if this gets misaligned when posted i'm pointing at the General Conference words! :D


~*~Debs~*~

ps. check back after 12 today to see what The American Homemaker has to say!! ;)

October 2009 General Conference

This weekend is the General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and I am so looking forward to it! Not only do we get direction and inspiration from our beloved Prophet, President Thomas S Monson but we get to hear from many great church leaders on a vast range of subjects. Contrary to popular belief we are not told what to do or how to live, we are  being guided and urged to raise ourselves up to the standard that God knows we each have. We are inspired to keep going, love and help one another, pull in from the worldly ways that damage us and draw in our families. We are shown love, kindness, respect and a great leadership from those who are prepared by the Lord to lead and guide us.  I know I for one am so humbled and thankful that I have the resources to listen, think and pray about what I am being told, direction of this kind is so much better than any roadmap, than any ad-hoc attempt to get through life. General Conference is a time to take a good look at where we are, how we are doing, what we stand for and more.....come joins us?

Conference is the time to forget the worldly ways for a few hours, forget that the washing up isn't done (unless your super organised!) and forget about racing round all weekend taking the kids from one place to another. Another wonderful thing about the conference is the many ways we can watch/listen to it. There is the most popular Stake Centre where each session is broadcasted at specific times (with reasonable breaks in between), there is the internet and if you are one of the very lucky 'few' then there is being at the conference centre in Salt Lake City (oh how I wish I could experience that!).

What a truly amazing sight?

On the whole most Lds people will go to their Stake meeting house and all gather to watch via satellite. This is a super special spiritual feeling when sitting with other likeminded people. The interaction is phenominal and its always a plus to catch up with friends/family in other wards. It's even known as a great place to meet new friends too!

My family though, prefer to sit and watch it at home. Not because we are antisocial but because we can do this in our pj's, we can discuss various points without disturbing others around us and I dont have to stress to get everyone ready and out the door before the battle for a decent parking space within 10 miles of the church!! Yes there is part of us that misses the whole interaction thing but for now, this is what works for us, we get so much more out of it than we feel we would sat with hundreds of other people. Charley being just 5 means his attention span comes and goes, he is happy to lay on the floor (or bed) and play with a couple of toys or do some drawing while listening and asking questions. Kirsten doesn't have to leave her beloved dog behind and I have the perfect excuse to not get dressed!!

Wherever you are in the world, whatever method you choose to listen/watch the General Conference, I hope you find something in it for you, your family and your life. No, I take that back, I know you will find something!!: )  To watch or listen to the conference you can click HERE and it will take you right there. 

If you are not Lds (Mormon) and would like to take part anyway, please feel free to do so, you dont sign up to anything, you dont give out your email address and heck, they dont even track your ip address!! Lol Seriously, if you are open minded, want to learn about God and Jesus Christ, the direction we're given to make this life as best we can or  any other reason, come join us...and feel free to comment back any thoughts, questions or queries.

So.....

What do you do during General Conference? Do you sit, listen and absorb or do you take notes? Do you take your children or do they go into the primary room and listen over the loud speaker? What works for you at these super duper times we get to listen to our Prophet?


~*~Debs~*~

Today I am grateful for:

1. My testimony in Jesus Christ

2. The knowledge that Joseph Smith was the chosen Prophet of God to bring the Book of Mormon to this earth to restore His true church

3. The wonderful ways we get to hear what our loving Heavenly Father needs/wants us to do as His ambassadors

4. My pj's and popcorn

5. The sure knowledge that my Heavenly Father loves me

Kiling time......productively

While I am waiting to see the knee surgeon before deciding on the timing of the move to Utah I decided to do some stuff to the house in case it works out I cant go for a while. If I can go all I need is in place, if I can't then there is no way I want to stop in this area longer than I have to so to prepare for staying Kirsten and I began repainting the hall stairs and landing. The 'project madness' is about neutralising the colour scheme to cream now, freshen it all up and create the blank canvas that will make it easier when it comes to searching for possible exchange people to envision my home as theirs.

So today, instead of going to Bristol to pick up the fabric that should have been sent to Gloucester I veered off to Focus, armed up with a super sized bucket of paint and promptly went home and began my painting. The once bright yellow hall, stairs and landing is now a fresh cream with nice white woodwork, it looks so much better! As the house is all laminated I decided I would also get a cheap carpet for the stairs and landing so the house has that welcoming feel to it. Well the carpet is still in my car and the last bit of painting is still left to be done! However, I did detour and make a mini gallery that i've always wanted to do but never got round to it! Wanna looksee?

A simple word in chipboard letters, on a matted background makes a pretty cute feature.

Home art comes in many forms and can make a great addition to any range of accessories around the home. One of my favourite things is to frame the kids drawings, I probably have about 8 in frames so far, and still counting.

However, not to be left out I done a stamper one myself!

Not too bad eh? :)

All I know right now is that I'm not standing still, I dont like this area, I dont want to be here and yet I can't go where I really want to be, at least yet. However, I am not going to just lay down and take it, I am keeping control of my life and mentally adjusting to staying here in the UK cos I have a gut feeling that is what I am needing to do. So now i'm going to begin searching for an exchange, if I can get near the beach on this side of the isle then that is good enough for me! Of course, the kids love the idea of being near the beach!! So we'll wait and see what happens on Thursday really, but mentally I just have to be somewhere.

~*~Debs~*~

Setting the record straight with Prop 8

Since the news on Prop 8 came through from California I have received snidey comments through my twitter dm and email (haven't checked anywhere else) as its no secret that I am a Mormon. I am rather fed up of this narrow minded attitude and wish to set MY record straight.

I do not care if you are straight or gay. I do not care if you are married or living in sin. I do not care if you are a parent or dont like children. I do not care if you are a street cleaner or a brain surgeon. I do not care if you love Mormons or hate them. I do not care what religion you are or if you are an athiest.

Get it?

Ok WHY do I not care?

Well because I believe in the free agency that the Lds church encourages us to take. I believe that we all have our own thoughts, beliefs, likes and dislikes. I try not to make judgement on anyone because I am not perfect and I am also trying to follow the example of the Lord Jesus Christ. Yes I fail but I put it right and move on trying to get it better next time. I believe that Jesus loves each and every one of us regardless of who we are, though I do believe He hates many of our sins, mine included but not us as people. I believe we all have to live through our own consciences and standards. I do not assume mine are better than someone elses, I simply do what I believe is right for me and mine.

I also believe that one day we will all be judged for our words, actions, thoughts, feelings and opinions therefore I can only be responsible for myself and take care in educating my children to be the best they can be and not take on prejudices and judgement based on society. When the time comes for our own judgement THAT will be the time to worry.

Nothing and noone can deny the fact that the world was intended for one man and one woman to be in wedlock. However, along the way homosexuality has showed up and it has caused a stir for years. I am not denouncing my faith or Jesus Christ for ANYONE, but I will not make judgement on anyone that is not hetrosexual, I simply do NOT believe that is my call.

I can understand how frustrating the LGBT community is right now but what I do not and will never condone is what comes from their actions and their mouths because they haven't worked out how to deal with something. Now its probably easy for me to say cos i'm not gay or anything but then I dont agree with many of our laws here but i'm not causing trouble, being abusive and hitting out at any one set of people for it. Nor am I portraying myself in a way of disrespect to the Lord or other fellow Lds people, my family, friends or anyone else associated to me. I could always go into politics or get involved in the areas that I strongly feel opposed to, I can vote and do my part as a CIVIL being. My choices are as valid and available as those who are hurt and upset by the Prop 8 decision.

For the record, I am not homophobic, I grew up with lesbian friends of my mums who were a big part of my childhood and teen years, my cousin is gay and I do not deny her and neither do I treat her any different. When I see my cousin I am with her partner too, I will hug them both and treat them as human beings that they are. I love my cousin to bits and am glad I have her in my life. She is a good person, a police officer, a qualified solicitor and comes from a good family. Am I to judge her and push her out of my life? No way!

So, now i've set the record straight I trust that anyone who wants to shoot me down for being Lds now will do so with a little more respect, without name calling and threats and with some explanations to back up your comments. Other than that, you need to really ask yourself if the result wasn't justified.

~*~Debs~*~

Happy Mothers Day

Just a few words to my friends over the pond....

 

I know some really amazing mum-to-be/mums/grandma's and any other flavour that comes within the umbrella of a female nurturing a child from early 20's right through to the 80's and I think they all do a fandabbydousy job! I read funny stories on some of their blogs, I enjoy reading about their imperfect but busy days, seeing cute photos of each of their 'pride and joy' and generally getting to know them through their words, emails and any other form we move with.

I just want to wish them all a wonderful day today, I hope the kids and the partners get out there and spoil, spoil, spoil each and every one of ya, cos I know how much you deserve it!! :)

~*~Debs~*~

Facebook

It's no secret that I hate Facebook. I mean really hate it. Passionately hate it.

But now and again I find its the easiest way to actually interact with my kids and some of my closest but furthest friends so I will succumb to the whole thing and hang out over there. I dont like the games, some of the applications are just naff, mind numbing ideas for the brain dead. I realise this will not make me popular with the Facebook fans but thats ok, i'm not running for popularity anyways and this is my blog after all!

There are some plus's to Facebook though, one of them being that I can use it to practice my humouring one liners and hype about with some fellow, like minded people who really have no pride at all. **waves @ angie** ;) Just jokin hun...or is I? LOL No seriously, it can be fun, but like other media networking it has its limits with my interest. None of them be it Twitter, Linked In, Technorati, Stumbleupon or Facebook really catch my attention for more than a week or so at a time so I just do what I gotta do, enjoy while i'm doing it and move on.

Cos life is like that.

And i'm happy it is.

For now i've touched base with some people I went to school with including brothers and sisters of said people too. I've learnt who married who, who's upped sticks and jumped pond, who does what and worst of all who has the most vulgar vocabulary. There's always a downside though.

While I opted to receive text alerts to who has commented or responded to anything i've said, that means I dont have to keep signing in and dragging myself away from another 5 minute wonder media networking place!

I think I have a mental boredom problem is this is the best I can blog about this week! However, be grateful cos I could be telling you all about the hair salon visit, the eyebrow waxing or Charley's sudden outbreak of flu!

Thank goodness we have some nice weather to get me away from the laptop!!

~*~Debs~*~

Jack & Jade

Before I say what I want to say I first must apologise to the lady I was going to feature on Wednesday, due to unforseen problems my end I couldn't log in {again!} but all has been fixed and next week we will try again!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The second series of Big Brother had me riveted to my seat with all the antics, bitchfests, joking and general messing around and anticipation going on. I admit, each time it was on I was a complete vegetable, and at this time in my life I wish I could relive it, relive those episodes that made me laugh and had me on the edge of my seat. Why? Because that is where I first {like the rest of us} saw Jade Goody. At first I didn't know what to make of her, i'm always wary of people who claim to be this or that, all that self boosting just doesn't work for or on me but I have to admit, I did kinda like her.

Then came a range of other places she showed up, dance workout videos {yes I admit, I bought it, I used it and I laughed myself senseless!}, I bought her book, I watched he shows on tv. Let me tell you why I so suredly admired Jade over the years.

Jade is real. She is not a self professed know it all, she is down to earth, she isn't afraid to say she doesn't know something and she thinks. I mean, her thought process is always going. She is deep but not analytical, she is caring, funny, moody, outgoing and well....Jade is a real person that is not afraid to be her true self and if someone dont like that then so be it, she takes it on the chin. I love Jade!

I am only a viewer on the other side of the screen, no-one of any real important in anyway in connection with Jade but that gives me an advantage, I dont have to like her, I dont have to watch or listen when she's around but I choose to. I always know that when I hear her speak I am going to have something to think about, something to feel and/or something to laugh at. She is a woman that has come from nothing and made it, all because of that precious personality and quality she has. She could have become anyone before Big Brother, she could have become anyone after it too, especially given the money that rolled her way but look what choices she made....to stay true to herself.

I have just finished watching her wedding. Before the credits even started I was crying. My heart aches for her, for her boys and for Jack. Though I do understand and believe in Heavenly Fathers plan and not for a second do I doubt it, it does not stop me, as a mortal being, as a woman and as a mother feeling that when Jade's time is up there is going to be a big, big gap that no-one will ever be able to fill. I watched her boys, I watched Jack and Jade's mum Jackie and her grandparents. I cannot imagine being in that situation, not for the life of me, but I know that in the ways of the world, losing Jade is just not ''fair'' and is so premature. What is life going to be like after Jade? I dont want to think about it, purely because some part of me connects with the fear of leaving my children behind before they have grown and settled.

On the other side of it though, Heavenly Father only takes those at a time when they have done all the things He needed them to do. Something they knew in the pre-mortal world. That just makes Jade even more special because at the tender age of 27, she has accomplished so, so much in her life, within herself and for/with others that its soon to be time for her to go home to her loving Heavenly Father who loves her so much and will welcome her with open arms. Jade is a special spirit in my eyes, she is leaving a wonderful set of memories behind. Her boys are a total credit to her and Jack, well what can I say, I bet he didn't expect all thsi when he proposed to her that day!! Go Jack!!! :)

I look on the news every day, a few times a day to see if there is any news on Jade. I am not too proud to say that i'm dreading the time when that fateful day comes. I dont really know why I have reacted so strongly to this, maybe it is the mother thing that pulls me in so strongly, I dont know. But what I do know, for all the critics out there that have slated Jade for commercialising on her bad health, I salute her. Not only has she raised awareness for cancer, not only has she shown us all a fantastic example but she has shown us that she is real, she hurts, she loves and she isn't going to give up without a fight. I dont care how much money she raises, as long as it achieves what she sets out to do for her children and when all is said and done, many of us would do the same if we had her status. We all want the best for our kids, and if we knew our days were counted so shortly how many live to the max, make every day count? That is exactly what Jade is doing and I say go girl!! :)

Jade, Jack, Bobby and Freddy looked gorgeous at the wedding. They clung on to each other like there was noone else around them. The bond between Jack and the boys is phenominal, and regardless of his legal issue, I think he would be a wonderful influence in their lives, even though they have their natural father too. Some people are just so loved that its ok to have more than one mum or dad, how blessed are they?

So while I'm still crying in between sniffles of the flu/cold that I have, I am thinking a lot about this family that I admire so much. I dont often say the term 'I dont care' but for this purpose I will, I dont care what goes on behind the scenes, I dont care what others want to bring into this politically or morally or even opinions, what I do care about is that I am so grateful that Jade is who she is because she will always be someone that I will admire, even though she is a bazillion years younger than me!!! ;)

I had to get that out. Jade plays on my mind a lot this last few weeks, I just hope and pray that there will be a miracle for Jade to have as much time with her family as possible. I hope and pray that Heavenly Fathers plan doesn't include soon rather than later. I just hope and pray that all of Jade's pain is as minimal as possible, she deserves some peaceful time with her family if she really must go Home soon.

I {heart} Jade Tweed!!!

Normality and the competition winner will be revealed tomorrow.

~*~Debs~*~

Love V Anger

I lay on my bed totally frazzled after a busy couple of hours with my kids, dinner and just getting prepared for the kids bedtime. I couldn't help but think back to the news earlier when I switched on to hear the weather forecast. I stood back and listened to the bushfires events in Australia, the devastation they face and the loss of towns and livlihoods not just homes. Tears ran down my face for these people, probably more so for the people who had tragically died. In the background Kirsten was chilled out on the sofa talking to her dad on the internet and Charley was some superhero or other and totally oblivious to the world outside their own. I looked at them and I felt an enormous amount of gratitude for them, for their safety, for their health and just for having them. I felt gratitude for not having to endure what these people the other side of the world are about to endure yet I felt so gutted and frustrated for them.

Listening to Charley say the family prayer I felt another tear come to my eyes, the innocence, the purity and the humility of a 4 year old is beyond anything I can comprehend. He gets so excited when we tell him how wonderful his prayers are and how pleased Heavenly Father is with him. Kirsten settled in her room, watching a dvd and cuddling with Jake, the black fur ball.
The house was silent other than the muffled sounds of the kids tvs, that was comforting.
As I lay there looking round my room wondering, imagining what I would feel if I had to go through what these Australian people are going through, I just dont know. Being homeless, yes I can relate to that after our experience of it just 19 months ago and I can tell you, it is nothing short of hell. Almost from nowhere I started sobbing. I couldn't stop. Maybe it was my own gratitude that got me going but all I could think of was as it stands 108 people have lost their lives to a freak of nature made a million times worse by some fascist arsonists who are probably sat somewhere thinking they are clever. Well I am trying really hard to not think of those people cos trust me, my thoughts are not Christlike by any means.
After a while, as tired as I was I just couldn't sleep. I went to sit on the back door step for a few minutes and fussed with the cat, Tillie but even that wasn't enough, I just needed to DO something. I might not be able to help the Australian people but I can do something right here in my home.
So I decided to follow through with our daily promises and do something extra for each of my kids. I crept into Kirsten's room (cos by this time she'd got in the top bunk of Charley's bed), closed the door and tidied her room, made it all clean, tidy, pretty and organised again. Thankfully it wasn't as bad as its sometimes is (cos i'd done it a few days ago!!) but I know in the morning she will find my note on her bed and KNOW that her mum loves her. Simple things mean a lot in our house. I try to encourage my kids to 'stop for the moment' wherever possible, remember to praise not chastise. No matter how we feel, no matter what silly thing someone has done, a positive word will go a lot further in learning the lesson than a negative correction. Thats not saying they never happen, I just try not to!! ;)
For Charley (I forgot to take a pic of his little set up, and I aint going downstairs now!!) I gathered all his Fireman Sam Action Station track up, set it up on the dining table and put together his Peppa Pig playhouse and garden bits at the side of it. He too has a note, though Kirsten or I will read it, I know he will feel my love for him when he sees the little thing mummy has done, without being asked!! ;)
You see, this last two years I have lost so much in my life, so many things have fallen apart, been destroyed, abused and pushed aside and I can honestly say, as God is my witness that I have not actively or intentionally instigated any of it to happen. Sounds full of it right? Well its not, its the total truth. My book will reveal all that when it gets released later in the year.
For now I am enjoying my two kids here. Tomorrow I need to speak to my older boys, I need to hear their voices, hear them laugh and see they are ok. I need to speak to my Dad, know he's ok too. It hurts when your life is about loss, its strengthening and it stops the pride and complacency setting in, trust me, I know.
Just a few minutes ago I listened to sky news and a story came on about a father throwing his 4 year old daughter over a bridge into a river. It is believed that he was going through a custody battle. The little girl, Darcy Freeman died a few hours later of massive internal injuries. Now tell me something, what drives a person to get so mentally deranged to kill their child? If you read my blog back in December you will remember that I too have a similar case going on and although my ex and I are back on track with each other and my daughter is home with me, it still does not change the feelings. At NO point did I EVER have the slightest thought to harm her just so Craig couldn't have her!!! That is a different level of spite and mental issue going on. I cannot imagine what goes on in someones head with that kind of thing and I get so darned angry I want to scream, shout and hit something! My kids are my life and without them I know I am like a fish without water, i've been a mum for half of my life, before that I just did not belong anywhere, not in my family and not anywhere else. Being a mum gave me purpose, a reason, it makes sense to me to be a mum. Ok so not everyone shares my feelings and I know some people are mentally disturbed but this father cannot be categorised as mentally distrubed because he knew that it was HIS own daughter he was making sure noone had if he didnt get her. B******D! Sorry.

I think I have that out of my system now but I just want to say one more thing:

No matter who you are, where you are or what you are doing....make sure YOUR family KNOW you love them, no matter what. Call them, text them, email them, do whatever you gotta do but right now, this second go tell them those three simple words. I Love You. Dont say anything else, just those three words. That is what YOUR life is about. Them.

~*~Debs~*~