grounded.

I'm afraid this will be lost if I don't write it down...

Sunday mornings are always a bit crazy around these parts. But this morning was even more chaotic because I was in charge of sharing time in Primary and put off my puzzle making until the morning... which makes me a terrible Sister Friendly.

Like usual, Ben picked up the slack. He showered and dressed quickly and then helped the younger kids in the bath. He washed Simon's hair, kept the soap out of his eyes, towel dried him, strapped a diaper on him, picked out a somewhat-matching outfit and poured him a bowl of cereal (sans milk). When I finished my lesson, Ben brought the almost ready child to me and said, "Mom, he's ready to go, but he still needs socks and shoes. Will you get those for him?" I smiled and said I would.

Then he lead everyone out to the car and buckled them up in their seat belts. I was the last one out, but we made it to the church with plenty of time to spare. When we pulled up in the parking lot, I still wanted to put on my makeup (I felt forced out the door before I was ready!) So Ben said, "Hand me his shoes and socks and I will put them on while you finish up." It was then I realized that I hadn't brought any shoes and socks. Oops. I told Ben I was sorry and he took a big sigh while saying, "I only asked you to do ONE thing, Mom." While in Sacrament meeting, I found a pair of clean socks in the diaper bag and showed them to Ben. He whispered (without really making a sound) "You're lucky!" Of course, it was all very funny, but it's also kind of sad to realize how common it feels. More times than not, I am the one getting the lecture... not the one dishing it out. I thought my days of punishment were over...

Sharing time was fun. I love being involved with the Primary. We talked about President Monson and what makes him such a special Prophet of God. We read several quotes from him, many directed for children. At one point, I asked the kids if it was a good idea to listen to their parents. They all nodded and when I asked why, one little boy raised his hand while saying, "So we don't get grounded!" Children are so innocent and so honest. I absolutely love being a mother. Sometimes I don't always do as I am told, but I am learning to be better, day by day.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes by Thomas S. Monson:

• "Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith."

• "Everyone can be discontented if he ignores his blessings and looks only at his burdens."

• "He who gives money gives some, he who gives time gives more, and he who gives of himself gives all."

• "Stick to a task 'til it sticks to you. . .for beginners are many, but finishers few."

• "We tend to become like those whom we admire."

• "Don't save something for a special occasion. Every day of your life is a special occasion."

• "Don't forget: one of the saddest things in life is wasted talent."

• "Sometimes we let our thoughts of tomorrow take up too much of today. Daydreaming of the past and longing for the future may provide comfort but will not take the place of living in the present. This is the day of our opportunity, and we must grasp it."

• "Our most significant opportunities will be found in times of greatest difficulty. "