FAMILY FUN FRIDAY-Bouncer Ball

OBJECTIVE

Land the most Ping-Pong balls in a plastic cup with one bounce per ball.

Don't miss the variation at the bottom for smaller families and groups. 

MATERIALS

Ping Pong Balls

(One Per Person)

Plastic Cups 

(one per person)

HOW TO PLAY

1. Form teams of 2 players each.

2. One person sits 3 feet away from the cup, while the other person sits on the opposite side of the cup to retrieve the ping pong ball and count points. 

3. Everyone has 1 minute to get their ball into their cup as many times as possible. 

TO DO THIS: the ball has to bounce once on the ground and then land in the cup and stay there. If the ball bounces out of the cup, it does not count as a point. 

EVERY TIME THE BALL BOUNCES AND STAYS IN THE CUP, THAT TEAMS RECEIVES 1 POINT. 

4. Pairs switch who throws and retrieves, and the round is repeated. 

5. The points from both partner's turns are added up for a final team score. 

The team with the most points, WINS!

VARIATION

With smaller families and groups, pairing off into teams might not be what you want to do. Instead, set all the cups up in a straight line. Have each person take a turn trying to get a ping pong ball into every cup. You can time them to see how many they can get in a certain amount of time, or you can see how long it takes each person to get a ball in every cup. Have one person bouncing the balls, one person timing, and everyone else retrieving the "missed" ping pong balls. 

You can also set the cups up at different heights and distances to make the game harder or easier for different ages. 

What does your family have planned for the weekend?

I hope yours is sunny. It's rain and snow for us. 

Bullying-Consider This!

Studies estimate that almost one in three American school children is either a bully or a victim and that 

160,000 children a day skip school because they fear being attacked or intimidated by other students. 

Bullying is real, it is an ongoing problem, and it will most likely happen to all our children at some point in time. 

As parents, we all worry about our children being teased, taunted, and bullied.

So what do we do...

First, we realize, that no matter what we do, OUR KIDS WILL FACE CONFRONTATION in their lives. In school, in college, in the work place, in their neighborhoods, in marriage. Confrontation is part of life. We have to prepare them for it. 

Then, we need to...

Start talking to our children young

Waiting until our kids are bullied is not a good time to start addressing the issue. Children who feel embarrassed or humiliated about being bullied are very unlikely to come home and share how they feel. Instead they will withdraw and suffer alone. Make it clear to your children that you are always there to listen, and that you know bullying can happen. Use situations and find ways to bring up the subject and discuss it when they are young. 

Listen to our children

When our kids try and talk to us, we have to listen. They will drop little hints when there are bullying problems. It is easy to miss the cues when we are not really listening to what is being said. When our kids talk to us, we need to put everything else aside and really be in the moment to listen. 

Role Play

Give your children different scenarios and teach them how to handle them. "What do you do if...?" Go through each situation and teach them what to say and do. It will empower them, and when they are faced with the bully they wont be as intimidated because they will have had experience and practiced what to do.

Teach Conflict Resolution

We have to teach our children how to deal with conflict and confrontation. Teach them to manage their anger, communicate, and listen. Teach them how to compromise and be patient. This is done through everyday life situations and role play. As conflict happens in your home, between siblings, use it to teach. We also must be good examples of conflict resolution in our own adult lives. 

Give them a hobby, interest, sport, talent, where they can excel.

We should involve our children in healthy activities where they find success. Something they like, that challenges them and where they can excel. Whether it is sports, a hobby or an interest. These activities will boost their self confidence. They teach children how to solve problems, deal with others and speak their minds. 

Research teaches us that helping your children build their self confidence is one of the best defenses against bullying.  

Teach Empathy

As parents, we need to model kind, gentle behavior for our children. They learn by watching us. Be sure that the other adults and kids that are around our children demonstrate empathy as well. We need to teach  our kids to try to understand other's points of view and to feel compassion towards others. If we are always raising our voices, showing impatience, and arguing, they will do the same. 

Let kids work things out on their own.

As parents we can be very quick to step in and stop the arguing and disagreements between our children. We decide who we think is entitled to "winning" and then go about our business, happy with ourselves because the arguing and disagreeing has stopped. We need to let our children work out their own disagreements. If we will sit back and watch, they will almost always be able to solve their own problems. These family situations are the perfect place for them to practice working through conflict when dealing with others. 

Don't dismiss verbal abuse.

Just because the bullying is verbal, doesn't mean it hurts any less. Verbal bullying leads to the same negative effects as physical bullying. High levels of emotional distress, loneliness, lower self esteem, depression and anxiety. Acknowledge your children's complaints and concerns.

When is it okay to teach our children to fight?

Teach that it is never okay to fight. For the most part, nothing good comes of fighting. Fighting is not the answer. 

That said, we need to teach our children that they stand up for themselves in self defense. They should know that if they need to defend themselves because they are being, or going to be physically attacked, then they defend themselves. And, that if they do have to fight in self defense, that you will understand. They need to know that they always defend themselves if/when things turn physical. 

Get Dad involved.

Involved dads make a huge difference in the confidence of their children. Dads need to not only model strength and confidence, but sympathy and empathy. If there is not a dad that fills this role for your children, seek out a strong male role model who can help. 

Parents can do so much to help their children deal with bullying and not become bullies. Start early with your preparations. 

HAS YOUR CHILD BEEN BULLIED?
WERE YOU EVER BULLIED AS A CHILD? AS AN ADULT?

Left Over Easter Candy

I hope all of you had a wonderful Easter Sunday.

Now that the holiday is over, it is time to get back to real life, Monday, schedules, and responsibilities.

It also means that we wake up tomorrow to leftover Easter Candy.

We always have Peeps left over after Easter. Mostly because I am the only one who eats them. I like to bring the packages home, cut the plastic open, and let them sit for a day or two. I like them "just stale". Fresh and soft Peeps are not my thing.

These two recipes would be a great way for your family to use up some of those left over Peeps. (Perfect for Family Night Treats).

Peeps Rice Krispie Treats. 

What you Need...

35 Peeps (Multiple colors)

6 cups Rice Krispies

3 tablespoons Margarine (you can also use butter)

In a large pot, melt your butter. Add your peeps and try not to mix too much if you are using different colors. Melt them in separate color sections within your pot. Take the pot off the heat when your marshmallows are melted.

Add your Rice Krispie cereal. Stir until everything is coated. 

Spray a 9X13 pan with cooking spray. Butter your hands and press the mixture into the pan. Let them cool, and either cut them into squares, or use cookie cutters to cut them into fun shapes.  

Eat eat eat.

Peeps S'mores

Image courtesy of Steamy Kitchen

What you need...
Peeps (Bunnies or Chicks)
Graham Crackers
Chocolate Bars

These are so easy.
Take your Graham crackers, add a few squares of chocolate, and top it with a Peep. Microwave for 15 seconds, and eat. If you really want to have fun with these, ROAST your Peeps first, just like a marshmallow. Then add them to your chocolate and graham crackers.

HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR PEEPS, SOFT OR STALE?
WHAT DO YOU DO WITH LEFTOVER EASTER CANDY?

FAMILY FUN FRIDAY-Jelly Bean Games!

I LOVE JELLY BEANS. 

Not just a little bit, A LOT bit. In fact, I choose Jelly Beans 

over chocolate. That is how much I love them. 

In college I joined the official Jelly Belly Club. I was the first (along with every other member of the club) to test out new flavors, and 4 times a year they sent me samples and newsletters. 

Our kids think it's really cool that I can tell them what every Jelly Belly Flavor is. Goofy, I know. My favorite flavor is Bubble Gum. They are the pink ones. Cotton Candy and Tutti Frutti are close seconds. Can't stand buttered popcorn.

You can imagine my excitement at Easter. A holiday full of Jelly Beans. Yum.

Here are TWO really easy and fun games with Jelly Beans that will fit right into your Easter Celebration.  

THE JELLY BEAN GAME

When we decorate for Easter dinner, we always spread jelly beans out down the middle of the table as part of the decorations. I guess you could say its tradition. For this game, you could just put the jelly beans into a bowl. Doesn't matter either way.

1. Prep your beans (any jelly beans will work, they don't have to be Jelly Belly jelly brand). Either in a bowl, or spread out on your table.

2. Assign a question OR direction for every COLOR. Write down the question/direction that goes with each question on a piece of paper.

3. Go around the table and have everyone CLOSE THEIR EYES and take turns choosing a Jelly Bean. 

4. Follow the directions for the jelly bean COLOR you choose. 

5. Once you fulfill the COLOR requirement, eat your jelly bean.

Here are some examples.

Purple-Hop around the room like a bunny.

Green-If you could invent your own jelly bean flavor, what would it be?

It doesn't have to be Easter related. For example,

Pink-Tell us about your most embarrassing moment.

Red-What is your biggest fear.

Yellow-If you could have any wish, what would it be?

This is a great game to play once everyone has eaten and you are sitting around the table chatting. AND it is perfect for kids and adults alike. You could even make two lists, one for adults and another for the kids.

WHAT FLAVOR IS IT?

Buy the giant box of Jelly Belly jelly beans OR if you can't find it, you can buy the assorted Jelly Belly beans from the bulk bin. I recommend the giant box though. Then you have the flavor guide listed on the back so you know which beans are which. (Unless you were a member of the Jelly Belly club and then you wouldn't need the flavor guide.) :)

1. Have each person close their eyes, or you could blindfold them.

2. Give everyone different Jelly Beans to taste test and try to guess the flavor. 

3. The person who gets the most correct, wins. 

You most likely already have jelly beans around the house this weekend. Why not use them to have lots of family fun. 

ANYONE ELSE LIKE JELLY BEANS MORE THAN CHOCOLATE?

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FLAVOR, OR BRAND?

Enjoy the holiday weekend with your family.

GIVEAWAY!-Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza ($50 Barnes and Noble Giftcard)

Family Volley is a fan of things that promote Reading in families. 

Today we have a great giveaway. Part of a blog hop that focuses on reading.

The Giveaway....

$50 Gift Card to Barnes and Noble


Add to your families reading collection, and buy a little something for yourself.

MANDATORY ENTRY
Follow Family Volley (publically) on GFC. 
Just click on the "follow" button on the right, or at the top left of the page. Already follow, thank you. Just let me know. 
AND
"LIKE" Family Volley on Facebook. 
Click on the link, or the button on the right. Already "Like" just let me know. 


***Leave TWO comments on this post that you have done THESE TWO THINGS, and you are entered to win.***

EXTRA ENTRIES
**Be sure you leave a separate comment for each of the extra entries.**

1. After you "Like" Family Volley on Facebook. Leave a comment and say hello. I will return the favor.

2. Subscribe to Family Volley by EMAIL. Enter your email in the link on the side bar. 

3. Follow Family Volley on Twitter.

4. Post this giveaway on your facebook page. Linking back to this post.

5. Tweet about this giveaway. Linking back.

GOOD LUCK, AND HOPPY READING!
Dont' forget to Hop to the Next Blog Giveaway.

Easter Egg Hunts-More Than Just Candy-Lots of Ideas

Need a fun idea to spruce up your Easter Egg Hunt? Instead of just candy, why not fill your eggs with clues or puzzle pieces, or all sorts of things. Don' t miss the LONG list of ideas at the end of the post.

There are a number of different ways you can do this.

1. Buy a puzzle and simply hide the different pieces in different eggs. When everyone opens the eggs they will have to gather all the pieces and put the puzzle together.

2. Buy one puzzle for each of your children. When all the eggs are opened, not only will your kids have to put the puzzles together, but first they will have to figure out which pieces belong to their puzzle. Give them each a picture of their puzzle at the beginning so they know who's is who's.

3. Put the names (or pictures) of all the people at the egg hunt in eggs. When your children get an egg with a name or picture, they have to read it, and go find that person. The person can then either give them a small gift, or give them a clue to follow to another egg. This keeps everyone involved.

4. Create a scavenger hunt for your kids to find their Easter Baskets. Instead of them just sitting on the table ready for your kids, have your kids wake up to find an egg with a clue, that takes them to another clue etc, until they find their basket.

5. If you want bigger items in the eggs, that don't fit, Put a picture of the item, or the name of the item on a piece of paper in the egg. (For example, our kids love new pencils). Put a picture of a pencil in the egg and then when the hunt is over, your kids get to redeem their picture for the real thing.

5. Print off a picture of something familiar. Then, cut it out in different shapes and hide the pieces in the eggs. This is great for smaller children because you can pick a picture of a family member, or something else they are familiar with.

6. To make things even easier, print off pictures and then cut the pictures into squares. That way your kids just have to "make" the picture again, instead of trying to fit the pieces together.

7. Fill your eggs with letters. You can just write them on squares of paper if you want. (Or, you could get fancy and buy magnetic fridge letters from the dollar store, or use scrapbook letters.) You can write the alphabet and then have your kids put the letters in order when they open the eggs, or, put upper case and lower case letters in the eggs and have your kids match the upper with the lower when the eggs are opened.

8. For little ones, fill your eggs with pictures of animals. Animals that live on farms, and animals that are pets, or live in the jungle. When the eggs are opened, have your kids sort the animals by where they live. You could even do reptiles etc.

9. CLUES: Fill your eggs with clues. Our son loves to solve mysteries and work through clues. SO this year I am going to fill eggs with clues. Each clue will lead him to another egg. I am also going to hide puzzles pieces in with each clue so that he collects them as he goes.

Other simple ideas besides candy.

Squinkies- Pretty sure I like them more than my kids. Do you have some, you must get some, they are so fun. (They are least expensive at Target) 
Change (nickels, dimes and quarters)
Dollar Bills (you could save this for a grand prize, the egg that is really hard to find, or a golden egg)
Stickers
Anything from the dollar store that will fit
The little pills that you put in water and watch grow. Grow Caps. These were my favorite as a kid.
Seeds (plant them together when Easter is over )
Hot Wheel Cars
Hair ribbons and bows
Bouncy Balls
Erasers
Lip Gloss
Character Band-aids
Whistles (if you are brave)
Fruit Snacks
Silly Bands
Small containers of bubbles
Coupons (You can make them: "Good for one extra bed time story, etc...")
Baskin Robbins Bucks (good towards ice cream cones)
Sea Shells
Legos (they have smalls sets, you could divide the pieces amongst different eggs)
Toys laying around the house, that your kids have forgotten about
Playdough
Army men
Plastic Animals/Bugs
Bracelets/Necklaces
Marshmallows (they have colored Easter shapes for the holiday)
Rubber Stamps
Pony Tail holders
Mighty Beanz (we don't have any because I don't really like the "faces", but I hear about them at our kids school a lot)
Marbles
Tattoos (again, not a fan, but I know lots of kids love them)
Mini nail polish
Lip gloss/ Chap Stick

Hopefully that helps.
It doesn't have to be all about the candy.

DO YOU HAVE AN EASTER EGG HUNT?
WHAT DO YOU PUT IN YOUR EGGS?

FAMILY FUN FRIDAY-Egg Wrestling!

Egg Wrestling

You will want to officially add this to your Easter traditions. 

What you Need

Eggs (Raw or hard boiled, one per person)

Sharpies (any permanent markers)

Bowls (or just go outside)

How to Play

1. The first thing you need to do is use the sharpies to decorate your egg. Make it your own. Give it a name, a face, design, clothes, what ever you like. This is your own little wrestler, so give it a personality.

2. Each player takes their egg in their hand. You can hold it any way you like. Sideways, longways, anyways.

3. The first two players meet over the bowl, (or just meet if you are outside).

4. Players count, One...Two...Three...Wrestle. And HIT THEIR EGGS TOGETHER OVER THE BOWL. They wrestle.

5. Whoever has the egg that doesn't break is the WINNER.

6. Everyone battles once and then the winners begin to battle each other. Until there is only one wrestling egg standing. 

Theory states that when eggs hit, only one will actually crack, not both. Hence the reason you can wrestle and have a winner. Now, that said, if you really really REALLY smash them super hard, they are going to break, but you will be surprised at how much force you can put behind your hits. 

You can play the game with hard boiled eggs also. We like to play with the eggs we decorate that don't get eaten. There are always extras, so we have a little wrestling match. The benefit to this, less mess.

This game is great for little kids. Even at one yr. old, our kids can participate. Don't underestimate how fun it is for adults either. My husband and I love to play.

WOULD YOUR FAMILY LIKE TO EGG WRESTLE?

 

"He's Just Shy"

It doesn't take long to notice that each of our children are different. Some are less outgoing than others and each has their own temperament. For those children of ours that are more reserved and less outgoing than the others, there are skills we can teach so they can feel more comfortable around new people and in social situations.

DON'T LABEL YOUR CHILDREN
When we label our children, they are more likely to "become" that label. When your child gets asked a question, and refuses to answer, the last thing you want to say is "he is just shy". The more you say it, the quieter your child will become. Don't let others label your child either. "Are you shy", shouldn't be something your child has to hear from others. When someone does decide to label your child, respond by saying something like, "No he isn't shy, just not very talkative right now". This is a much better approach than labeling.


DON'T BE EMBARRASSED

It can be embarrassing to have our 4 year old hiding behind our legs, refusing to talk to our friends, or co-workers. We think it makes us appear like we don't have control over our children, or that they don't respect us enough to OBEY. Or that we haven't taught them. We have to get over those thoughts. If others judge, it is their problem. We know our children best. We need to do what is best for them. Don't let what others think affect our actions.

EXPOSE YOUR CHILD TO ALL DIFFERENT SITUATIONS
Don't shelter your child. Expose them to lots of different situations with different people. Give them opportunities to be social, but don't force them to perform. Give them lots of new experiences and opportunities. Don't shelter them.

ARRIVE EARLY AT SOCIAL GATHERINGS
Often times, kids just need a few minutes to feel comfortable in situations. Arriving early to social situations, gatherings and parties will allow your kids a few minutes to "take inventory" of the setting, and even meet a few people before the "crowd" arrives. It gives them time to warm up to the people and the environment. They are able to already establish their position in the environment instead of "walking into an environment already in progress".

PREPARE YOUR CHILD BEFORE HAND
Explain to your child what will take place in the upcoming situation. Explain that there will be new people who want to say hello and ask them their names and shake their hands. Give them a good idea of what will happen so they are not caught off guard. Don't just explain what will happen, but talk about what you expect them to do also.

DON'T RESCUE YOUR CHILD
We don't have to answer for our child when they won't talk. When we are in the situation, just go on with the conversation and let your child participate when they are ready.

PRACTICE SOCIAL SKILLS
We have talked about role playing before. It is a really important teaching tool. Role playing will help build your child's confidence. Practice making eye contact. Practice what to say when they meet someone new. Practice how to introduce themselves. Practice speaking loud enough so others can hear them.

DON'T FORCE OR PRESSURE
Pressure will most likely turn into a power struggle where your child will act exactly how you don't want them to act, just to prove that they are in control.

FAMILY GATHERINGS and LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
When your family is together and you know your child is comfortable, give them the opportunity to lead and be in charge. Use situations that are already occurring and give them special tasks and assignments. If you are LDS, a great place to do this is Family Home Evening. Give your child the opportunity to conduct the meeting. Teach them public speaking skills, and let them practice.

Remember that kids have their own personalities and inner feelings. Instead of assuming and labeling, work with them a little and you will see huge differences in their actions when it comes to public situations. All kids need to learn the skills, it is just quicker and easier for some than others. Be patient. There is truth to the fact that it can be a phase, or an age, and know that with time, things will get easier for them and you.

DO YOU HAVE A CHILD THAT IS LESS OUTGOING AND MORE RESERVED? WHAT DO YOU DO?

The 12 Days of Easter-Teaching the Easter Story

Today I got out the rest of our Easter Decorations. Namely, the Easter Eggs, the grass and the baskets.

As I was putting the Easter box back in storage I noticed a single piece of paper at the bottom.

It was The 12 Days of Easter

Every year I mean to do it, and don't remember until it is too late. Not this year. Plus, once I put it together, I can use it for years to come.

The best part, it will help us as we teach our children the REAL MEANING OF EASTER. 

So...now that the kids are in bed, I am getting to work.

I thought I would share with you. There is still time. You have all day to prepare. And after looking at the list, you should have everything you need already at home. If you want a shorter 7 day version, I will include it at the end of the post. 

Plus, even if you can get day one and two done, it buys you a few more days to put the rest together if you need it.

Remember the Easter Egg Garland we made two weeks ago? I think that is how I am going to display our eggs.
The kids are going to be so excited.

Here is how The 12 Days of Easter works....It shouldn't take more than about 20 minutes to put together.

Materials
12 Plastic Easter Eggs
Permanent Marker
12 Small Strips of Paper (12 more optional)
(Small items listed below)

What to do
1. With your permanent marker, write the numbers 1-12 on each of the plastic eggs. 

2. Prepare your strips of paper.
*12 of the strips will have scripture references on them, listed below.
*The other 12 will have a very short explanation of the scripture. You don't have to include this, but I am putting them in for our 6 year old who is all about reading right now.

3. Round up your small items (listed in parentheses). Refer to the list below.

The 12 Days of Easter.

Day 1
Matthew 26:26-27, 39
(A piece of bread or a sacrament cup)

Day 2
Matthew 26: 14-15
Zechariah 11:12-14
(3 Dimes to represent the 30 pieces of silver)

Day 3
Matthew 27:1-2
(Knotted Twine)

Day 4
Matthew 27:15, 17, 21, 24-26
(Chunk of Hand Soap)

Day 5
Matthew 27:28-30
Mark 15:16-17
(Square of red or purple fabric)

Day 6
Matthew 27:31-32
(Small Nail)

Day 7
Matthew 27:35
(Dice-representing casting lots)

Day 8
Matthew 27:50-51, 54
(Crushed Rocks)

Day 9
Matthew 27:57-60
(Strips of White Cloth)

Day 10
Matthew 27:60, 62-66
(Small Flat Stone)

Day 11
Mark 16:1, 2-6
(Bay Leaf or other Herb)

Day 12
Matthew 28:5-6
(Empty because HE IS RISEN!)

Arrange each day in its assigned egg and decide how you want them displayed. I am making ours into a garland. You could simply place them in a basket and display them. You could only bring out one a day, or even have your kids go on a hunt to find them each day.

Our family is going to...
Open one egg each night before we say family prayer. Our 2 year old will get to pick the egg off the garland because she is learning her numbers. Our 6 year old will read the short summary. Our 8 year old will read the scripture reference and the scripture. Then we will all discuss its meaning and what the small item represents.

After we open each egg I think we are going to clip the scriptures on the garland in between the eggs. I have some mini clothes pins that will work great. I got mine at Hobby Lobby, but you can get them at Michaels and Roberts.


7 Days of Easter
To simplify... Just prepare the following days.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 5
Day 6
Day 9
Day 10
Day 12

What do you think? Are you going to do this with your family?
How do you teach your children the Real Meaning of Easter?

FAMILY FUN FRIDAY-Dice 1 to 100

Dice 1 to 100

The object of the game is to be the first person to write the numbers 1 to 100.

Materials:
2-6 Sided Dice
1 piece of paper
1 pen

Set Up:
Gather your materials. On the piece of paper write everyone's names in a column on the left (down the left hand side of the paper). Leave a few spaces or lines between each name.

How to Play:
1. Have all the players stand around a table in a circle, or sit in a circle. If you sit, be sure you are on a hard surface.

2. The first person rolls the dice, trying to roll doubles. If they don't, the dice is passed to the next player who tries to roll for doubles.

3. The dice continues to be passed around the circle until someone rolls doubles.

4. When doubles are rolled, that person grabs the paper and pen and starts to write the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, etc... all the way to 100, BY THEIR NAME.

5. THE CATCH - while the person is writing, the dice is continuing around the circle. As soon as another person rolls doubles, they "steal" the paper and pen and start writing their own list of numbers by their name. Starting with 1.

6. The game continues in this fashion. The dice is always being passed, the paper and pen being "stolen" whenever someone rolls doubles.

7. The first person to be able to write all the numbers, 1 to 100 WINS!

Remember:
After the paper is stolen from you, and then you roll doubles again and get the paper back, you get to pick up with the number you left off on. You don't start back with 1. If you left off on 73, then you start your next turn by writing 74.

Variations:
SMALL CHILDREN
For our two year old, I write all the numbers next to her name before the game starts. When she rolls doubles she has to put a line through the numbers instead of writing them. Or, we have her circle the numbers instead of writing them. She loves it.

You don't have to write the numbers all the way to 100. If you have small children, they can write to 10, or 20 while the adults write to 50 or all the way to 100.

Or...while the adults write to 100, young children have to write to 5, 10 times.
You get the picture.

You could also have kids write other things, draw shapes, anything goes.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Time to Get Personal About Health - A new perspective in the Oncologist Office

I feel like Family Volley has been void of most things personal for the last few months. Little emotion, lots of textbook.

I know that's probably not why you read Family Volley, but you are always so willing to put your heart out there. I should do the same.
So, we had an experience a few months ago that made a big impact on our family.

Enough time has passed to share.

In November, at a doctor's appointment I had my blood taken. The quick results came back with a problem. Anemia. Anemia is a lack of iron. Iron helps your body take in oxygen. You need oxygen to function. So the doctor sent me to an Oncologist. Oncologists are scary.

After complete blood work, the diagnosis was not good. Not only was I anemic, but my iron levels were so low that they barely registered in my cells. On top of that, my blood cells had shrunk considerably. This was really bad. The doctor looked at me and asked how I even had the strength to walk in the office. The Oncologist immediately started me on a six week treatment plan. Iron infusions every week for 6 weeks.

I received my first infusion on that very day. They took me into a large room with reclining chairs every 5 feet or so and ran a needle carefully into my arm. At the other end, dark brown liquid. I sat as a nurse forced the liquid into my veins. You have to be really careful with iron, one wrong move on the nurses part and the iron would die my arm indefinitely. The needle had to be placed just right and the iron administered very slowly, or else my vein would break and my arm would go black. The nurse told me that administering iron was her least favorite thing to do. That was nice of her to say. All of a sudden I was really worried about her "needle skills". Had she been trained at a credible nursing institute, opposed to one of the online nursing programs or technical colleges that I had seen on T.V?

I can handle needles just fine. I left thinking, "Okay, I can do this 5 more times".

The doctor had told me that there could be side effects, but that very few people experienced them. They could range from headaches to cardiac arrest. Big range.

About 8 hours later I felt very different. 

Throughout the day my body had very slowly become paralyzed. It started in my neck and then my back, next through my legs and arms. I didn't think much of it until I realized it was taking over completely. I don't mean like the flu makes you achy and miserable. I mean I had no use of my body for the next 24 hours. Completely unable to walk, turn over, struggled to breath, paralyzed. On top of that, every joint and muscle in my body ached with pain that can't even be described. I couldn't take care of myself, my family or even wrap my arms around our kids to say goodnight. I couldn't even move my toes.

My husband called the doctor who told us it was rare, but totally normal. After the phone call he carried me to bed and sat up all night making sure I was okay. The breathing worried him the most. I laid in bed that night and the only thing that worked were my eyes, filled with tears.

24 hours later I could walk, but my arms and legs were still very weak. After 72 hours the iron had worked into my system and things were back to normal. 

Just when I started feeling good, I had to go in for my next infusion. 

We repeated this same process every week through the beginning of February. We had to schedule our lives around the treatment. We knew how long I had before complete paralysis set in, and how long I would be out of commission. The doctor let me take a break the week of Christmas and New Years. That was really nice of him. 

The experience itself was very humbling. Hence the reason it has taken so long to write about it. Anemia was nothing compared to what the rest of the people in that office were going through. Nothing.

Each week I would check in and sit in the waiting room. My appointments were always at the same time so I was always surrounded by the same people. I would sit waiting for them to call my name. I could see in to the room with the reclining chairs. I took a picture one week. I wanted to post it here. The view was too sacred, it would not be appropriate. Men and women with and without hair sat in the same chairs watching the same shows. They were of all ages. Cancer doesn't discriminate. 

One week I was having a very difficult time. The iron had been administered too fast and I had fainted. A kind older lady, receiving chemo, gave me a small smile, and asked if this was my "first time". She thought I was battling cancer. There was compassion in her eyes.

One women came every week with a family member. She would set up a table in the waiting room with a puzzle. Patients and family members gathered around the table to help place the puzzle pieces. They talked about their illness a little. They talked about other things, a lot. Mostly they talked about their families.

The nurses and doctors knew every one of us. They remembered our names and our families. Being a nurse in an oncology unit requires a very special person. They anticipate needs before they arrive and do all they can to make you comfortable. They are instant friends. They are wonderful women and men.

I cried every week. Out of gratitude and humility, and pain. I cried as a waited for my turn and then I cried as I laid in bed every night unable to move any part of my body. I thought about my family and the families of the people I saw each week. I knew that what I was experiencing was nothing compared to their physical pain and mental anguish. These were strong people with strong families.

What a petty challenge I was dealing with, in comparison to what they were going through.

I recognize this experience was nothing compared to the suffering that many families and individuals were dealing with in that office, and are dealing with, all over the world. I am not comparing in any way.

I am grateful for the experience. It brought a new perspective. It helped me refocus on what was most important. My family. Everyday. The little moments, the little things. 

There has been a different feeling in our house since then. More patience, more love, more time together, less complaining.

It has been easier, on the days that are long and hard, to keep my perspective. Being a mother is not easy.  No one said it would be easy. But I know that the greatest happiness I have and will ever experience comes through doing my best to be a good wife and mother. I know that. 

I am grateful for each day the Lord gives me to fulfill this sacred role.

A Special Weekend

This picture has nothing to do with our special weekend. I just love it. And I am ready for swimming weather. 

I love the first weekend in April.

One, because for us as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is General Conference. During General Conference weekend we get to listen to our church leaders give council and encouragement.

But there is another reason.

It is also this same weekend every year that my husband and I attend his mission reunion. Over 11 years ago my husband came home from serving a mission for the LDS Church. He went to Munich, Germany for two years and taught the people in Germany the gospel. A few months after he came home, we met.

After knowing each other for only two weeks, he invited me to his mission reunion.

Just so we are on the same page. Taking a girl to your mission reunion is a big deal. It is a get together reserved for wives and fiances. It is not for the light hearted. Knowing each other for only 14 days in no way qualified our relationship for this type of public outing.

I didn't know how to tell him no when he invited me, so I went. I also figured that one awkward night could also tell me a lot about him. The night did not disappoint.

You see, missionaries develop a brotherhood (and sisterhood) that cannot be described. This was no different for my husband. On top of that, he had developed a relationship with his Mission President that has reached far beyond those two years in Germany. He was a father figure and a mentor to him. My husbands first real example of how he wanted his future marriage to be. A marriage that would one day be ours.

We went to his reunion that night. I met countless men and women who told me what an amazing man he was. They told me story after story of his work ethic, faith, and dedication. They talked about his sense of humor and love for others. They went on and on. I met his Mission President, the man who taught him to be a man. This is the same man who taught him what he should look for in his future wife.

And then we went home.
Although I wasn't ready for him to propose, that night taught me very quickly who he was.

We have attended his reunion every year since. The next year I went as his finance. The year after that, his wife. Now I attend not only as his wife, but the mother of our children and his helpmate.

We talk to the same people. I stand a little off to the side as they tell the same stories and reminisce about the same memories. Even though I hear the same stories every year, I always learn something new. I never tire of them.

For the few hours we are there, I am overwhelmed. I am filled with humility and gratitude. These men have had a huge influence on my husband.

They shared stories with me 11 years ago that opened my heart and mind to who he really was. We come from very different backgrounds and that night quickly taught me that regardless, we believed in the same things and had the same vision for a future marriage and family.

There is no way that I can ever thank these men. They will always be a part of our family. How grateful we can all be for the men and women who have influenced us and our spouses for good.

I am already looking forward to next year.

HOW DID YOU SPEND YOUR WEEKEND?
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO A MISSION REUNION?

FAMILY FUN FRIDAY - Easter Egg Garland!

This is the perfect activity for your family. It is quick, and everyone can help, even your little ones.
Plus, you already have everything you need.

We made this garland last year and the kids loved putting them together. They have been waiting for Easter to do it again.
This weekend is General Conference. So while we watch on Saturday and Sunday, I think we will make some extra garland to give to grandparents and friends.

YEAH FOR CONFERENCE WEEKEND, WHO'S WITH US?

ALL YOU NEED...

Plastic Easter Eggs

Thread, String or Yarn

Simply open the eggs, lay the string inside, and snap your egg closed over the thread. 

Hang them in the perfect place and you are ready for Easter.

EASY ENOUGH, RIGHT?
WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS WEEKEND?


P.S.This would also be a great activity to do at a school Easter party, or with neighborhood kids during a play date. Really inexpensive and easy.