I was asked to give a fireside (presentation) to the youth in our ward (boys and girls ages 12-18) a couple of weeks ago. The topic was "Being a Peacemaker in Your Family". I was very surprised that I was asked because this is the first ward I've been in where I haven't served with the youth at all and don't really know them very well outside of the ones who babysit for me. But I like speaking and I enjoy preparing presentations, so I dove in. They say that teenagers can be a tough crowd, but I felt prideful thinking that I'm practically ONE OF THEM. I'm so young and hip, and I will crack them!
I didn't. They were a good crowd and respectful and all that, but I didn't feel like I said anything especially helpful or life changing. Sigh.
But, Dan did give me the idea for a good icebreaker. I gathered childhood photos from various adults in our ward, and we spent the first several minutes discussing who was who. It was a fun game, and MY picture was the one that stumped all of them even though I was standing right in front of their faces.
I guess I've changed? Wish I still had pink glasses though.
Other childhood photos--my children, who are currently in their childhood:
I can't wait to bring another baby in the world so that Gwen can attempt to hold him like that.
Harris refused to be in the photo this Sunday, so I snapped one of him running away from the photo.
Yesterday was President's Day, and we spent the day as a family. Dan and I swam together at the YMCA while the kids played in the play center. We cleaned the house, and Dan got an oil change. I took Gwen grocery shopping. And then with an afternoon to kill and terribly cold and muddy conditions outside, we hauled the crew to the church with their light-up scooters and turned off the gym lights.
This is truly the worst photo of all time, but the feeling in the room was somewhat reminiscent of middle school outings to the roller skating rink when they would do the disco skate. All dark with romantic lighting.
We also practiced dribbling and passing the ball, both with a basketball and soccer ball. When we told the girls it was time to practice basketball, Gwen asked what a basketball IS.
She and June have been attending a basketball camp every Wednesday for the past 6 weeks.
WE'RE THE SIZE OF BOOGERS!!!!
What's not to love?
I feel like one of the tough things about being a teacher is not knowing the impact you've had until years down the road or maybe ever. I know you positively influenced those youth! You're amazing! Also, Gwen asking what a basketball is, knowing she's been learning it for weeks, sent me into a laughter spiral from which I have not fully recovered.
ReplyDeletei like that movie because the bahrs also thought it was cool and i needed to feel some affirmation in my cool choices at that time. also, rick moranis seems to be a class act.
ReplyDeletei still get roller rink anxiety. why couldn't i be fun enough to just go out there and have fun? nope, i had to be lame and pout on the bench. falling down it better than being constipated on the bench.
i can't remember if i asked you if you told the youth about us singing "heather, we love you, that's all we have to offer!" to you. you really were the peacemaker. you just had a really obnoxious family.
should we both order pink glasses for fun? might be easier to hide the pink eye. why isn't pink eye medication sold over the counter? can you get a buzz from eye drops?
i think about last licks more than i should.