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Ugghh! Kids These Days!

Wednesday night as my head FINALLY hit the pillow, I said to Jared, "I know why parenting is so hard...because my kids demonstrate every poor quality that I already have."  The ensuing conversation reminded me of one that I had with my dad when I was a teenager. 

I said, "Dad, I hate it when old people say, 'Ughh!  Kids These Days."  He said, "There is a simple response to give to those old people, it goes like this....'You raised those kids!'" 

When the world would suggest that God is now sending down the most 'delinquent, lazy, or disrespectful' kids, I must DISAGREE, WHOLEHEARTEDLY!  Elder Maxwell once told Elder Bednar that this generation had the "greatest capacity to be obedient", more than any other generation.....and I know many that have risen to the occasion! 

My mom and dad have always been BRILLIANT at seeing the youth for who they were, loving them, and firmly guiding them.  It became quite evident during high school that my friends were not coming to my house to visit me, they came because they loved to talk to Mr. Foster and the constant barrage of brownies, cookies, and Rice Krispie treats from Mrs. Foster didn't hurt either.  They were both great at making every kid feel like the conversation was about them, because....it was. 

Elder Rasband once gave a talk in Preisthood meeting about helping the youth.  He said, "We as members of the Church, leaders of youth, anxious fathers, and concerned grandfathers—all need to respond to the call for “all hands on deck” as it pertains to our youth and young single adults. We must all look for opportunities to bless the youth whether or not we are currently closely associated with them. " 

Today I would like to give a shout out to all of the people that manned my deck.  Bob and Marcy, Uncle Gary and Aunt Bonnie, Kim Reynolds, Thelma, Ms. Howe, Coach Leck, Richard Reynolds.........

As I have grown up, I have realized that it is a fun job, manning the deck.   You get back a lot more than you put into it.  Last night, we had the Priests and Laurels over for a "good-bye seniors" activity.  After all of the advice was given, and the treats were eaten, we played a competitive round of the "clap-clap" game.  I knew it was going to be an interesting game when Brother Paul Leavitt (you have to specify which Leavitt when you live in Overton), was given the category of flowers and he quickly said, "WHEAT!"  At the end of 20 minutes, Steven was declared the winner and Natalie the Runner-up.  The results could have easily been reversed, however, I believe that Natalie cursed herself when the category was "things found in the kitchen" and her immediate response was, "WOMEN."  And then in a twisted turn of events, she blamed her answer on Steven saying, "I never would have said that if I didn't know you!"  I am still trying to figure it out, but it was FUNNY!

I guess the point that I am getting at is that the youth are GOOD and FUN and BRIGHT and I am JEALOUS.  I wish I could go back and take advantage of every minute I had at that age to get better at being good.  That way, this age would be a little easier.  Because now it is painfully obvious to me that on the days that I feel like saying, "UGHH, these kids (my kids)" .....those are the days that I'm not doing so hot either :) 

The Hand That Rocks The Cradle, Rules The World

My mother always was and is a WIFE and MOTHER before anything else.  There was never a calling big enough, a social event important enough, or a hobby fun enough that took precedence over her feelings of family.  When my dad got sick, she went to work - and HATED every minute of it.  She did what was required of her (true parenthood in itself), but her thoughts were ALWAYS at home.  Nothing makes her happier than a child's success or the goodness of a grandchild. 

Because of her careful concern, the lessons she taught my sisters and I have been woven into every word we say, lesson we teach, look we give, and advice we share.  She will mould generations.  In a day when motherhood seems secondary to any other opportunity, I CHOOSE MOTHERHOOD.....because my mom chose motherhood.  The hand that rocked MY cradle, for many sleepless nights, has literally created the world I live in.  And for that, I could not have ever chosen a better mother.

In college, I was assigned to write and illustrate a children's book.  Although it is not professional in many ways, I would like to share it with you.