Masked Preschool

Hindsight is 20/20 and in this lucky case I'm so happy Spencer was able to attend Preschool this year even with mask requirements.  He made great friends, learned so much and got along so well with the other students and his teacher.    Driving away on his last day of school  he said he just loved his teacher and begged for me to sign him up for summer.  

The teacher posted lots of fun pictures on facebook that I was able to pirate of all the work they did in the classroom.  

Halloween is always so fun to celebrate at school

Pajama Dr. Seuss Day

Spencer loved all the attention he go on the Daddy Saturday

The Christmas and Spring programs were streamed through youtube.   I wish I could share how cute Spencer was all dressed up fancy in a Santa hat but I didn't download it and it was taken off the internet before I screen shot any photos. but here are  some shots from the youtube stream of his Spring program.   

I just love this kids enthusiasm for learning and life!

 

Take 2. School pictures 20-21

Spencer  and my schools were a little late due to covid taking school pictures but they finally happened.  

This may be the only picture I've hated from my children.   He looks like a full grown man not my fun loving happy little boy.   😕.     Can we move to Neverland so he will never grow up.   

Mother's Day feels

This mother's day came with all the feels.    Both of my girls were asked to speak in Sacrament meeting.   They both did amazing jobs delivering their talks with such confidence and eloquence.   There is no better feeling than seeing your children develop into who they are made to be with their own testimonies of the gospel.  I'm blessed to be a mother of such fine children.   The greatest love I've felt is the love I feel for them.   Below is their talks they wrote so I will always have a record of the kind words they shared with me.  

 

Emily's talk

Hi, my name is Emily Richards and i was asked to speak on how we learn to live the gospel from our mothers and how we learn about gratitude from our mothers. And when i read this i instantly remember how i have learned about gratitude from my mother. When i was younger, we hadn’t moved into the house we currently live in and the only sibling i had was jane. And during a family home evening activity in late November my mom walked into the kitchen holding a giant black plate and glitter glue. she then said that we will be making The grateful plate. I didn’t quite understand what this meant but i really wanted to play with the glitter glue. And soon later the grateful plate was born. Soon after that i realized what the real point of it was, every night at dinner everyone would take a turn and they would be able to set the table and lay the grateful plate on someone’s seat, we never ate off of it but if you were the lucky one to have the grateful plate you would say what you are grateful for today or talk about why you are grateful for someone i loved doing this every night. But when we moved it got shoved into a box and was forgotten about until my younger brother aaron found it in the storage room and we continued the tradition until it broke and we had to get rid of it. I’m sure that it the grateful plate never existed i would still have learned how to be grateful and what gratitude really means but i wouldn’t have been able to love gratitude and how lucky i am to have the family and mother that i do. i then asked both of my brothers why they are grateful for there mom and spencer my youngest brother said because i love mom and she loves me and my other brother aaron said because she’s nice. They are very standard and basic questions but at least they understood the question. without our mothers we wouldn’t be able to accomplish half the things we do and without my mother the house would become very messy very quickly but our house would also lack a lot of joy and happiness. Mothers help us learn how to live the gospel because from a very young age they teach us how to pray. But as we get other at least my mother taught be how to pay my tithing and why it is important, she also taught be able how amazing the scriptures are and how they can impact us. And now a way that my mom helps me live the gospel is to drive me to seminary every monday and tuesday and 6 in the morning. Without her i wouldn’t be able to get there and sometimes i wouldn’t be able to wake up, but she will come and nudge me in the shoulder and tell me to get up but i’ll just roll over and then she continues to nudge me until i wake up for which sometimes i don’t like but i do appreciate it. Our mothers, grandmothers, and mother like figures in our lives are truly amazing and special in there own way and without them the world would be a little less joyful and the spirit wouldn’t be as strong.

Jane's talk

Hello everyone my name is Jane Richards and I was asked to speak on my mom and how thankful I am for her.  A talk from Jeffrey R. Holland says “Mothers, we acknowledge and esteem your faith in every footstep” closed quote, and that just got me thinking how much faith my mom has.  She has gone through many hard things and she always relates them back to Heavenly Father and how it’s part of the plan that he has for us. 

 This has taught me so much to know that Heavenly Father does have a plan for us and that plan isn’t a smooth one it’s filled with many bumps and hills but if we still have faith we can make it over that hill.  My mom has taught me not to blame all our problems on Heavenly Father but instead to thank him for the challenges that we got to learn along the way. 

 A talk by Elder D. Todd Christofferson says “Women bring with them into the world a certain virtue, a divine gift that makes them adept at instilling such qualities as faith, courage, empathy, and refinement in relationships and in cultures.” closed quote. This quote stood out to me because my mom does teach me and shows me how she does each of those things and how I should too. 

My mom is the most inspiring woman in my life and everyday she encourages me to serve.  I have seen her bring dinner to people, clean their houses, pay for people's groceries, and more, and all I think about it is wow I want to be like that. I want to be the person that is so kind to everyone and always wants to serve. 

 One of the ten commandments is to honor thy father and thy mother, I think that is very important and that if we respect our parents and listen to them, we will learn from it. My mother has always taught me to be grateful for the little things, when I listen to her instead of comparing myself to other people I find myself to be much happier. 

 My mom also pushes me to do many things.  She constantly talks about her mission and how the people she served felt.  She says that her mission was one of the most spiritual things in her life.  She encourages reading the scriptures, come follow me, and family prayer. 

 My mom is always so busy with my family including me that sometimes I don’t know how she is able to be so spiritual and how she never forgets to include the gospel into our daily lives.  I don’t know what I’d do without my mom, she is always there to comfort me when I need it, to talk and to laugh.  All in all, I’m so grateful for the wonderful mom of mine.  I’d like to say happy mother’s day to all the mom’s.  In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Boochie days

 5 years ago I was home from the hospital with an onry newborn who was unhappy that he needed to be under bilirubin lights for jaundice 24 hours a day.  When he wasn't under the lights he was eating or we were going back and forth to Dr appointments to check his bilirubin levels.   I remember sitting down at my kitchen table breaking out in tears from exhaustion and wacked out hormones.  The only thing that kept me going was the thought it's ok someday he will be 5 and life will be a lot easier.   

On April 28th as I was driving to work I thanked the Lord that we all made it through Spencer's stressful  first year and a half of life.   I was right life now if a lot easier with him.    He's a fun, spunky and yes bossy 5 year old he is and how I wouldn't change a thing about him.     

He's still my inpatient wants what he wants and wants it now little boy but he also a giver of the best hugs, the first to let me know how much he loves me  easily gets over chastisement and squeals with delight when he runs by and I grab him and give him mommy loves.    He's everyones Boochie boo and brings so much joy and connection to everyone in our house.   I never want to return to those first few days of Spencer's life (minus the few moments he would curl up under my neck and fall asleep) but I'm sure glad he came to our family.   Heavenly Father knew he would complete this Richards clan.   

Spencer's a fireball.   His babysitter Cindy told me that the new kid Henry came up to her and told her how bossy Spencer is.   She then said that she told him that Spencer is the youngest child and probably gets bossed around so much and has nobody to boss around at home so he feels like now that he is the oldest he can boss all the kids around.    I just laughed and said Oh no Spencer's been bossing all of us around since the day he was born.    The positive side of being bossy is he's a man with many plans.   He's a natural leader and organizer.   He's the happiest running around the neighborhood with his friends coming up with games and sharing all the fat boys ice cream sandwiches and other treats with them.  

I have absolutely no fear about what the future holds for Spencer.  He'll find a way to make whatever dreams he has happen.    I hope he keeps whistling and loving others through life.   May he keep his strong will  and stand for whats right!  

For his birthday Jane wanted to take him to Build a Bear on his birthday for him to get the pay your age birthday bear.  She spoiled him by them offering to buy him shoes, roller skates and a hoodie.   P.S.  He hates getting his picture taken and makes it difficult as possible for me to get any decent shot.

Emily then treated him to U swirl frozen yogurt.  He had a hay day picking out the toppings.  

We also  celebrated his birthday Power Rangers style in our backyard with his neighborhood friends and couple of kids at his babysitters.   Jane planned the entire party and managed it all by her self.   My job was to make the cake and buy the many pool noodles, pinata and candy  needed.    The kids all had a blast and Spencer was in his element being the center of attention with all of his friends.   

 It was a great week celebrated our Boochie Boo!!!

Bring your ancestor to youth night

Our Youth are on a "Passport to Paradise" quest this year to get ready to attend the temple again by developing a deeper testimony of family history.   

Last Wednesday the Youth were assigned to bring an ancestor to mutual.   That could be anything from a story about that person, an item the ancestor owned or some food.   Emily was going to be to a competition for Chambers that night so Jane and I asked Nona if there was anything she owned from an ancestor and she brought out this apron from her grandmother Sarah Edna Fernon Wilde.  This was one of her aprons  she wore all the time made from a flour sack.  Jane and I were impressed a flour sack could look so cute.    Jane also wanted to bring a treat that her great grandma Gladys Judd Wilde "Nana" was famous for.   Bart remembered her ginger snaps and others remembered her making amazing caramel popcorn.   Jane being a lover of popcorn choose to make it for the activity.   After a failed attempt turning hard and sugary we called up Pauline and attempted to have her walk us through step by step over the phone.  I had to slip out and take Aaron to baseball practice and Bart and Jane were left to finish.  I came home to a sticky mess all over the kitchen and I batch of hard sugary failed attempt 2 of caramel popcorn.  I guess that is why she was so famous for it because it's hard to make.      Quickly we stirred up a batch of ginger cookies and off she left with them for Mutual.     Maybe someday in the next life Nana can share her secrets.    

The day has finally arrived

 Taken out of context this picture would lead someone to believe that this little guy is anything but happy to be on a soccer field.    

The truth is this little guy was so anxious to get back on the field after a mandated water break that he would not smile but only show his displeasure with his mom for forcing him to take a first day of soccer picture.   

Spencers been impatiently waiting for his turn since a wee little baby who used to try to crawl out of my arms and onto soccer field where Jane was playing.    He got so bad that our loving supportive all go together to see Jane play family was dismantled as he was forbidden to attend games so one of us always stayed home while the other went to watch.   Last year we signed him up for 3 year old soccer but covid hit and we all know how that went.  

  https://bartandcolletterichards.blogspot.com/2018/02/soccer-ball.html

(click link above to see wee witto soccer loving Spencer)

He loved that they gave him his own soccer ball and ran and ran and kicked it and ran and kicked it some more.   Spencer played sharks and minnows so intently and was so proud that nobody could catch him.  He wanted to show off his drop kick that his babysitters daughter Mya showed him and would have stayed there all night if it was allowed. 

This morning he woke up bright and early,  came down the stairs put on all his soccer get up and announced he was going to practice soccer outside.   He stayed in those clothes all morning while I was working from home zooming meetings with parents.    It was a busy morning and I told him to go get ready for school and I would quickly make him a lunch.  He wanted his favorite mustard on pickle wrapped up in lunch meat.   He then said that he knew how to make it and shuffled off.  He came back a while later with mustard smothered all over his clothes.  I told him to change his clothes it was time for school.   He dutifully left and came back with his coat on all zipped up, shin guards, socks and shoes.     He tried to debate me about wearing his shin guards to school but I told him they aren't allowed.  He finally took them off and we rushed out the door.   I noticed as we were pulling into the drop off lane that he was still wearing his black soccer shorts with mustard all over them.   I attempted without success to wipe some of it off with some wipes but soon he was out the door and into school.    Mom failure guilt arrived later while picking him up he joyfully skipped out the door without his coat on and I saw that the little sneak kept his oversized, mustard stained soccer jersey on.   Last kid moment right there!    

Monday night he was resistant to go to bed and then stopped and said "Oh tomorrow I go to soccer.  Yeah I'm heading to bed now so its tomorrow really soon!     What a soccer nut!!

Callings come and callings go

My phone has been a lot more quiet since I've been released from my calling as Young Women's President.   When I got the call for Bart and I to meet with the Bishop I dreaded but was certain that we were going to be called to be in charge of the Christmas activity.   I left wishing we could have been called to that.   I've never wanted to serve in Young Women's.  I thought I didn't fit the mold of what a Young Women leader was.   As I was getting used to the added responsibility feeling overwhelmed  I dreamed of the day when I would be released.    I can't believe the 3 years are here.    It's a weird feeling being released from such an intensive calling.  I've gotten so used to this little hamster in the back of my brain constantly turning the wheel about who, what and where should be happening with Young Women's.  I'm not sure what will occupy that part of my brain but for now it's a little blank.     

This calling has been by far one of the hardest things I have done in a long time.   Hard things also bring about a lot of growth and I've seen that growth in my life.   It's been wonderful  to sit back and think about all the blessings, challenges, and inspiration I've experienced these last 3 years.   

I immediately learned the value of teamwork.   It was so nerve racking during those few weeks when I was the only one praying and pondering about who I should call to all the different positions.   I felt so alone during that time pleading to Heavenly Father for inspiration.  As soon as my beloved counselors were called I felt a little weight off of my shoulders as we counseled together about the many needs.    I'd often bring up ideas that I was having a hard time with the details.  Often they would take the idea and formulate the details.  It was like a fine tuned orchestra working with them.  Before this calling I hated being the "boss". I often felt responsible that tasks are done well and didn't like telling people what to do.  Over the past few years I've learned the power of handing things over to others and watching them do a great job without having to micromanage everything.    I've learned I'm good at supporting others ideas without being threatened or controlling.    There were times my leaders had an idea that was far different from my idea.  I discovered I do not get threatened by others ideas and often with some discussion different points of view can combine into a better idea.

I learned about how to access the priesthood in this calling.   President Nelson in the November 2019 Women's conference spoke all about this.   "The heavens are just as open to women who are endowed with God’s power flowing from their priesthood covenants as they are to men who bear the priesthood. I pray that truth will register upon each of your hearts because I believe it will change your life. Sisters, you have the right to draw liberally upon the Savior’s power to help your family and others you love."    A few months later I was sitting in a Sunday School taught by Bishop Simkins who was the Bishop who called me to this calling.   He explained very plainly that the priesthood is a power that is accessed through keys.  He talked about how the Bishop holds the keys of the priesthood and when he calls someone he hands over those keys to that specific calling.   So for instance if you are the Relief Society President you have the priesthood keys to administer to those in the calling.   This made so much sense to me and I instantly saw how true this is in this calling as the Young Women President.     I felt a power beyond me to carry out this calling and love that Heavenly Father allows anyone in specific callings the priesthood power to do it.

I learned that with Heavenly Father helping managing the stresses of  life is possible.   When I received the calling I was so overwhelmed with family responsibilities (Spencer was only 2 and I constantly felt like I was barely getting by with all the kids activities and the many hours spent taxing them around,  the massive task of staying above the housework and cooking all the while working part time.   I thought adding on such a calling with the amount of time it would take was going to send me over the edge and some days I felt like I had gone over.   Yet through it all I kept it all together and learned what was important and what could wait.   Mom's are used to multi tasking but this calling always required part of my brain.  It was like I had a hamster chugging along on a wheel with thoughts of what I needed to do.   I kept things mostly organized (thank you iphone calendar) but there was things that slipped through the cracks and that is where my Heavenly Father brought important things back to my memory.  I learned to have faith that he would give me the memory of what I needed when I needed it and let go of a lot of my anxiety.  In addition I struggled with my health more than anytime in my life.   I learned to have faith that I would have the strength when I needed it.   When my mis diagnosed ulcer was at its worse before it perforated,  I would find myself doubled over in pain yet needed to attend church or an activity.  As I picked myself up forced myself out of the house the pain was tolerable enough to make it through.    Last summer after a few months of constant dizziness I was finally diagnosed with vestibular migraines.   Who knew that migraines can be painless yet mess with your equilibrium and can be 24/7 for months.   At the end of the summer it was at its worse.  I considered calling the Bishop and backing out of this calling.   One day as I was trying to manage my every day responsibilities praying to know if I should meet with the Bishop, I felt Heavenly Father say "Don't quit I will strengthen you during this time.  You need to stay in the calling.  Have faith that you won't always be dizzy".  As I've been tackling this new trial in my life trying different medicines and feeling too often like crap, I've seen that when I was doing my calling serving the  Young Women and forgetting about myself I felt good enough to carry on.  I've relied on the 'You won't always be dizzy and feel so grateful when all the stars a line and I'm having a dizzy free day with hope that it they will continue

I've heard many church leaders talk about the love they feel for the congregation or group they are over.   I admit I wondered if they really meant it.    I learned that the mantel of this calling came with great love for the young women I served.   This was the most apparent my first girls camp.   That morning I got a call from a concerned mom telling me that her daughter had bad car sickness and needed to be in the front seat.   This girl can often be "annoying to say the least".  She's a backward homeschooler who talks with a weird speech impediment non stop about her snake, how she really wants a cat and every movie and episode of "How to Train a Dragon".  She's 15 but seems more like a 9 year old boy.   So off I go to the mountains with this girl in the front seat.   As always she was non stop talking but this time occasionally she would throw up in a plastic bag she had with her and then continue on.    I should have been so grossed out and annoyed yet all I could feel was this overwhelming love for this girl.  It was as if I was sent a gift of seeing her the way her Heavenly Father sees her.   In the temple on day as she stepped down into the water she was glowing.    In the book of Samuel it reads "But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’”  This young woman is someone without guile always kind and loving despite the world not always being kind back.  I was touched to tears shortly after I was released when she stopped by my house with a small gift and thanked me for being her leader.  It was like the story of the 10 lepers and only one turned back to express his gratitude.  Life isn't roses for this young women but she's Acing the things that matter most!

When the Bishop called me I told him I wasn't good at being a teenager (I've always been an old soul) and had a lot of insecurities about being a "fun" leader and relating to the teenage girls.   Before I was set apart I was nervous about what I could contribute.  One morning as I was getting ready feeling all the stress I got a distinct impression that there would be Young Women who would choose to go on a mission because of my service.  I often told mission stories and testified of the greatness of serving.    I think this calling made me face some of those teenage feelings of not being cool enough and comparing myself to previous and current big personality women.   I had to dig deep to internalize the lessons I was teaching the Young Women that the Lord needs you to be you.   I also had to learn to be a little more vulnerable and open myself up to the Young Women.  Along the way I saw that my strength is seeing the good in other people and expressing it in person or through a quick text.   I leave this calling content that I did what I could and hope that these Young Women can rely on my faith and testimony now and in the future.  

I'm grateful I had this calling.   I'm grateful in the gospel we are forced to do hard things such as this in life  to get us out of our comfort zone and allow us to see our own personal growth.    I hope someday my kids or grandkids will read this and have courage to commit part of their life to any and all service in the church.   The church needs each of us.