Serenity Now

It was Sheriff's turn to choose our Family Home Evening game and as usual he chose a version of Apples to Apples (we have 3 different versions). His brothers groaned when he brought it out, but we always have fun playing the game.



At the end of the game the cards that you won are supposed to describe you as a person.



Wannabe was in charge of the treat and chose a recipe from one of our Friend magazines. It was a hit with everyone.


Chocolate-dipped Bananas

3 bananas
1 cup chocolate chips
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
craft sticks

1. Peel the bananas and cut them in half across the middle.
2. Push the sticks into the cut end of each banana half.
3. Line a cookie sheet with wax paper or parchment paper and lay bananas on top. Freeze bananas for 30 minutes.
4. Mix the chocolate chips and the vegetable oil in glass bowl. Microwave the chocolate for 30 seconds at 50% power and stir. Continue microwaving for 30 seconds at 50% power until chocolate is melted.
5. Using a spoon pour the chocolate over the bananas until covered and place back on the cookie sheet that is lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Freeze for another 30 minutes. Enjoy!

"You are the cause of most of my stress!" my thirteen year old accused me today.

My jaw dropped in surprise. I mean I create a lot of my own stress, but really? To be accused of creating my childrens' stress? That was rich in irony. Especially considering the context.

Sheriff came home from school saying that his book project is due on Wednesday. Firstly, he had told me that there would be no project for the current book he is reading. Secondly, he had failed to read the 10 pages in the morning and 10 pages at night as I had suggested so that he would be finished the book by the beginning of January. When I asked him where he was at in the book he told me - page 110. I could swear that was the same page he was at over two weeks ago. With 284 pages in the book a Wednesday due date to finish the book plus a project, things are not looking good in terms of spare time.

When he had the gall to ask to play video games I said no and told him to go read. I know. Even the tears didn't phase me. But when he told me I was the cause of most of his stress after I had given him a steady way to finish the book on time... well... I made him apologize - and read.

And read.

I know my son thinks I am torturing him. But perhaps one day he will thank me for teaching him how to be better prepared, how to be responsible, and most of all how much I really, truly, actually do love him.