My Mother's Day

My Mother's day was special. My boys behaved much better at church, and that was a huge gift to me. That week, I had the thought to try something new to help motivate the boys to be more respectful and reverent in their classes. I made a large ticket for each of them, had them sign their names on it, colored it, laminated it, and used it to redeem one treat of their choice on Sundays. 

I brought some chocolate chips with me to church. Each time I saw the boys sitting in their chair quietly, I snuck a chip to them, trying not to let Brooke see, or she'd freak out and start screaming. Brooke's at the lovely possesive stage. If she sees it and wants it, she turns into the Hulk. Toddler fun:) The boys got chips, and I snuck some for me. I just tried to do more little, positive rewards to help them know their doing good. It helped. 

They earned their ticket for being calm and not crazy in their little class. Both of the boys were so happy. I was relieved and grateful for the inspiration for this idea. 

I need to write this down; I know for a fact that the idea of the ticket and more little, consistent praise rewards came to me because I started reading my scriptures daily. For a long time, I have been supremely sucking at scripture studying. I would pray for help with the kids, and would get nothing. No ideas or anything, and it was really hard and discouraging. The ideas to help me come flowing now, and I've seen the huge difference. It has been most helpful, and makes me not want to stop my studies ever.

Same with our family scripture studying. We're still at it, reading a verse a night, and talking about it. Ethan began wanting to read along, and say the words that he could read. Blew me away, and is fantastic! I've heard of kids learning to read from scripture readings. Every little bit helps. Since we've started our readings, the kids have been fighting and teasing less. They're are still struggles, but the other crud has gone down trememendously. It has taught me so much. Forever thankful. Scripture studying. It works, and it's fantastically fun. 

When Mother's day comes around, I love to remember my dear Mom, my best friend. It's been six years since she went home to heaven. We did so much together, and have so many memories. She loved movies, worked in them, and had her favorite ones that we'd watch over and over again. Sometimes, I'll watch one of our favorite movies again for the fist time in awhile, and I'll remember all the funny parts that we'd laugh on, and all the little lines we'd quote. Special.

I feel bad sometimes, because I'm so busy raising my kids, and figuring out life that I don't remember her as often as I'd like. I try to keep pictures around, and remember her quotes and lessons she taught me. 

She worked as an extra on The Dukes of Hazzard. Such a great show. So clean and loaded with good ethics lessons. She loved working there, and would give shoulder massages to the Bo and Luke Duke actors. She was really good at reflexology and massaging. 

I found a special treat that is a joy. I have the DVDs of the show. On the 4th season, first disc, second episode, Bo, Luke and Daisy Duke actors made a commentary for that episode, just chatting away. At the end of the show, a celebrity country singer is performing in the Boar's Nest, where most of the extras were filmed. You could always see Mom in these scenes. Well, Mom was in this part, and I could see her a lot in the background, just enjoying the music. At the end of the song, the camera is pretty close to her, and she turns to chat with someone. I can see her beautiful, younger face. At that part, Bo speaks up on the commentary and says 'There's Jeanette' and talks about her a little bit. It delights me to no end to hear them say her name, and see such a good close up. That's my happy gift of my Mom.

This is another Boars Nest scene on youtube, and I found her in the bottom corner having fun. So tender for me. 

I love being a Mom, and I miss mine terribly. I got my love of movies, especially action ones, from her. Love the old movies, too. The musicals. Love her kindness, constant compassion, and quickness to forgive.

I love my kids, and have been trying to be more patient with them, play more, read more, tickle more, and love more. Day by day:)