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Sunday, April 18, 2010

Look On The Bright Side, I Almost Posted Something About Elvis

One of the commitments we have made as a family is to try and set aside one night a week to have what we call “Family Night”. Even though we spend every evening together under the same roof, we are often in separate rooms doing different things (homework, dishes, TV, email, Facebook, checking blogs, checking more blogs, researching musical PA systems – more info on that later! Can you say, "Happy Early Mother's Day"?) so Family Night is a way of spending some time together that’s a little more structured. Sometimes we discuss religious principles, other nights we might go out for ice cream, often we share some kind of activity (usually involving Nerf guns and point blank Nerf darts to the head), and when we’re too tired we use “Psyche” episodes to reinforce our family bond. But last Monday, we tried something a little different.

A couple of weeks ago David A. Bednar spoke to millions of people regarding our responsibility as parents to our children, and he made some recommendations for spontaneous discussions in our families. He said, “Imagine a Family [Night] in which children are invited and expected to come prepared to ask questions about what they are reading and learning….And imagine further that the children ask questions the parents are not prepared adequately to answer.” Two days later was our appointed night, so we decided to try this approach. [Translation: It was late, no one was prepared with a lesson, and this sounded easy.] “Okay guys,” I started in. “Tonight, instead of an organized lesson Dad and I have decided to open it up for questions. Fire away.” Samantha and Drew stared at each other quizzically, so I continued. “We just want you guys to know that you can come to us at any time and ask anything you want and we will do our best to answer you. We’re an open book – nothing is off limits. So, do you guys have any questions that have been on your mind?” Samantha looked up at the green hat perched on Drew’s head and said, “Okay, how come Drew’s hat is the color of boogers?” Drew laughed, pointed at Samantha’s yellow shirt and asked, “Yeah! And why is Sam’s shirt the color of URINE?” They broke out in laughter at which point Cory and I decided to just go to bed.

So, I guess the moral of the story is I hope David Bednar never comes to our house for Family Night. He would be so disappointed in us. Plus, I’m not sure I’d be comfortable giving him a nerf dart to the head.

14 comments:

ganelle said...

See, I KNEW something like that would happen in my family, and didn't even try.

At least you were able to enjoy that oh-so-brief period where they just didn't understand what you were talking about...

Kelly said...

That is such a great post. Thanks for making me feel better!

just call me jo said...

So nice to hear that there are "normal" people out there. I'm sure the GA's would never make it at our house either.

Stephanie said...

I think this is exactly what Elder Bednar had in mine. Seriously, it's got to be close.

mormonhermitmom said...

SHHHH! Don't mention the Nerf guns or my boys will take that as an invitation.

Lorie said...

Sounds exactly like it would be at our house but instead of laughter after the insults, it would be name calling, fist throwing, etc...etc... It all sounds fine and good in GC but then.... reality sets in.

Meg said...

Well, we got two birds with one stone at our house. Last night T gave us our lesson on emergency stuff to pass off a scout requirement. Now that's last minute torture!

SugarHouse Mama said...

Thanks for the laugh! I needed it today. We tried to do a big lesson about Easter and we thought we'd hit a home run. Then our 3 year old said the closing prayer. "Thank you for mommy and daddy and Adjoa [herself] and Eden[the dog]. And thank you for the Easter Bunny so I can find eggs and have lots of candy."

Oh well.

P.S. We LIVE for Psych. Cannot WAIT for the new season. I've been obsessing over Yin!

Lisa said...

You're going to have so much fun hearing about YOUR KIDS' family home evenings when THEY ARE PARENTS!

Amy said...

He came to my stake once, and I gotta say - I think he could take a dart to the head. Just sayin'.

Tin said...

I am so glad I am not the only one who uses the nerf gun on family members.

Karen said...

Well, Eli informed me tonight that Jesus made the flowers and his poopey. Ummmmm.....yes?

Kerri said...

Sounds like a typical day at your house.

rocslinger said...

You know I'm so proud of my child. She always gives the prayers before meals. Of course the other day she informed her mom and myself it was because my prayers took too long and she was always real hungry.