Family Home Evening

Monday nights are family nights in the Southwick home. We are lucky enough to be able to have an opportunity each week to sit down with all our kids to talk about our weeks and to have a lesson/activity to support a gospel principle or concept we have been enforcing in the home. This past month we have been working on the two greatest commandments - to love God and to love others. We have been discussing how to be considerate of others and how to "Take 5" (thanks Grandma Southwick for the candy bars last week) to see what we can do to help others in the home and outside the home. Continuing on this theme, Daniel decided that he wanted to read a book that he had read at school (and luckily I had at home). The book is entitled, "Have You Filled a Bucket Today?". This is an excellent book that helps conceptualize how your good works and words can help "fill someone's bucket". It talks about how a simple "hello" or a smile can help someone feel good. Once Daniel finished reading the story, we each made paper buckets and filled out little notes for each member of our family. It was a really nice evening. I think sometimes it's difficult to verbally express gratitude so it was nice to read the notes, especially from the girls. I don't know how I got to be so lucky. I realize that I have moments of frustration, but I couldn't have asked for a more perfect husband and great kids. They each have a desire to make good choices and to be righteous. I have enjoyed watching them grow and participating in that growth.