Play a sport. It will teach you how to win honorably, lose gracefully, respect authority, work with others, manage your time, and stay out of trouble. And maybe even throw or catch.
Save money when you're young because you're going to need it someday.
Don't ever be a bully and don't ever start a fight, but if someone hits you, please defend yourself.
Your knowledge and education is something that nobody can take away from you.
Take pride in your appearance.
Be strong and tender at the same time.
A woman can do everything that you can do. This includes her having a successful career and you changing diapers at 3 A.M. Mutual respect is the key to a good relationship.
"Yes ma'am" and "yes sir" still go a long way.
The reason that they're called "private parts" is because they're "private". Please do not scratch them in public.
Peer pressure is a scary thing. Be a good leader and others will follow.
Bringing her flowers for no reason is always a good idea. Doing anything kind for no reason is a good idea.
It is better to be kind than to be right.
A sense of humor goes a long way in all situations - even painful ones.
Please choose your spouse wisely. My daughter-in-law will be the gatekeeper for me spending time with you and my grandchildren.
Pray and be a spiritual leader. Put the Lord first and everything else will fall into place.
Remember to call your mother because I might be missing you
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Making Strides
Since December we have made some extensive changes.
First, we found an effective homeopathic medicine that assists Liam with his focus and impulse issues. Along with a high protein/high fiber breakfast, this has been a major stepping stone for all of us - including those beloved resources who tend and teach him on the week days.
Second, we implemented a system for Liam to start earning everything - and I mean everything. Initially this was based on safe or unsafe days at school. 3 safe days merited a 30 minute time reward. Most "entitled" things he once received so easily, went away. This also included a strike system recommended by his therapist, so on strike three he would have a consequence for his actions.
Along with the resource incentive programs at his school, we have seen some drastic changes in his behavior. Tae Kwon Do and the masters mentoring Liam are also a great influence on his behavior. If he has a rough day at school, he loses Tae Kwon Do (3 chances to attend per week). He is even making his bed every day because of one particular master's insistence - otherwise he's doing push-ups for an extended amount of time in class. {Insert my happy face here.}
The other thing that I think has been monumental in Liam's behavior shift is the change in our attitudes at home. There has been less arguing, less TV background noise, and more quality one-on-one time in the mornings with Dad (getting ready for the day) and in the evenings with me (doing homework - mainly learning to read). I am incredibly grateful for the abiding spirit in our home and additional opportunities to show love to one another.
The last hanging item has been negative behavior at church. Liam has had ongoing issues with staying in his seat (or even in the room) and making rude comments during the two hour block of Primary. I was called as a teacher in Primary the last quarter of 2011 to help them get a handle on the weekly disturbing situations. So... I taught his class for a short time and struggled largely with that. I had my hands full teaching the other children so there wasn't much I could do when he lost his mind. I was disappointed that the plan kinda backfired. So for the new year, I teach the 4/5 year olds and Liam is in the class above it. So I am able to help during sharing time and when we go to individual classes, I desperately hope he handles himself well. There have been some growing pains with that, but this last Sunday I taught his teacher the strike system and it worked. I was so proud of him!!!! (If you are asking yourself where Dad is, well, Ian works nights so he isn't with us at church. He's sleeping.)
And speaking of proud - I was beaming with pride the week previously at Stake Conference. He was reverent for 2 hours while we listened to some wonderful talks.
Anyway, all is well on the homefront and, again, I am very grateful for such good boys that love me no matter what!
Photos by Tomi Kennedy.
First, we found an effective homeopathic medicine that assists Liam with his focus and impulse issues. Along with a high protein/high fiber breakfast, this has been a major stepping stone for all of us - including those beloved resources who tend and teach him on the week days.
Second, we implemented a system for Liam to start earning everything - and I mean everything. Initially this was based on safe or unsafe days at school. 3 safe days merited a 30 minute time reward. Most "entitled" things he once received so easily, went away. This also included a strike system recommended by his therapist, so on strike three he would have a consequence for his actions.
Along with the resource incentive programs at his school, we have seen some drastic changes in his behavior. Tae Kwon Do and the masters mentoring Liam are also a great influence on his behavior. If he has a rough day at school, he loses Tae Kwon Do (3 chances to attend per week). He is even making his bed every day because of one particular master's insistence - otherwise he's doing push-ups for an extended amount of time in class. {Insert my happy face here.}
The other thing that I think has been monumental in Liam's behavior shift is the change in our attitudes at home. There has been less arguing, less TV background noise, and more quality one-on-one time in the mornings with Dad (getting ready for the day) and in the evenings with me (doing homework - mainly learning to read). I am incredibly grateful for the abiding spirit in our home and additional opportunities to show love to one another.
The last hanging item has been negative behavior at church. Liam has had ongoing issues with staying in his seat (or even in the room) and making rude comments during the two hour block of Primary. I was called as a teacher in Primary the last quarter of 2011 to help them get a handle on the weekly disturbing situations. So... I taught his class for a short time and struggled largely with that. I had my hands full teaching the other children so there wasn't much I could do when he lost his mind. I was disappointed that the plan kinda backfired. So for the new year, I teach the 4/5 year olds and Liam is in the class above it. So I am able to help during sharing time and when we go to individual classes, I desperately hope he handles himself well. There have been some growing pains with that, but this last Sunday I taught his teacher the strike system and it worked. I was so proud of him!!!! (If you are asking yourself where Dad is, well, Ian works nights so he isn't with us at church. He's sleeping.)
And speaking of proud - I was beaming with pride the week previously at Stake Conference. He was reverent for 2 hours while we listened to some wonderful talks.
Anyway, all is well on the homefront and, again, I am very grateful for such good boys that love me no matter what!
Photos by Tomi Kennedy.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Happy Valentine's Day
Below is the Valentine card we sent out to family and friends this month. I love the candid of Liam laughing and the second one of him bundled in the blanket. So grateful to Tomi Kennedy for taking these photos for us on a cool January day.
We are so blessed to have one another. I love my boys so very much!
We are so blessed to have one another. I love my boys so very much!
Saturday, February 04, 2012
Caramal Sundae for Liam
I took Liam to discover Leatherby's for the first time! I have loved their ice cream sundaes for years and was pretty upset when they closed the Utah County location long ago. It's about time we found the SLC location! Liam loves it as much as I do now!
I had my old standby - Almond Joy - a monstrous pile of almond joy ice cream, homemade hot fudge, and coconut!!!!
I had my old standby - Almond Joy - a monstrous pile of almond joy ice cream, homemade hot fudge, and coconut!!!!
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