New Traditions for a New Normal

We started a new family tradition today. Before a new school year we plan to go to the temple as a family and talk about why it's important to choose the right. Quin actually gave me the idea. It started at the dinner table one afternoon. Kindergarten was about to start and were both feeling very excited. We were talking about school and what might happen there and got on the topic of personal integrity. I asked Quin things like "is it okay to do bad things if other people are doing them?" His responses showed a determination to follow Jesus Christ that made me so proud. I was surprised when he said "I need a CTR ring to help me choose the right when I'm at school." I try not to spoil him, but that was a request I was willing to bend over backwards for. It would be so great to go to Deseret Book and have him choose a CTR ring, hopefully they have ones that won't turn your finger green. Then we could go to the temple and visitors center as a family and it could be one big happy memory.

We were all sick the following week, so we didn't make that happen until this afternoon. It was the last Saturday before kindergarten. The five of us arrived at the temple as a gentle sprinkling of rain moistened the parched ground. On the drive up Quin looked out the window and commented that it "looks soggy over there." We went to the visitor's center so I could feed Ruby and refill my water bottle. The boys were transfixed in horrified fascination as they watched the bible video about the crucifixion and resurrection over and over. Then we walked through the cool, misty grounds, stopping to admire the fountain, atrium with its "indoor forest", and the reflection pool. Quin was holding my hand when he looked over at me and said "I'll always love you guys." I said, "really? Even when you're a teenager and we're annoying?" He replied, "yes, always." Then he told me the second time that "Daddy did the right thing when he married you." How are you so sweet and precious, Quin?!? I'm so lucky to be your mom. Michael's reply to Quin was, "I already knew that!"

We went to Deseret Book and found silicon CTR rings. Quin and I decided that a CTR bracelet would be much more practical for a 5 year old and bought one in 4 different colors. We also got a book about the "armor of God," two dolls that you dress up with pieces of the armor of God, a book about colors, a book about a baby fish, two rainbow lollipops, and pictures of a young woman wearing the armor of God, a missionary seeing himself putting on armor in his reflection as he ties his tie, and the Savior reaching his hand into the water to pull Peter up. We're planning to have an "armor of God" themed family home evening on Monday. Maybe it will be the theme of the year.

After that we took sticky faced kids with lollipops in hand to our favorite restaurant, Thai Basil. We brought our new books to read while we waited for dinner. It was an incredible meal, as always. The boys were excited to try the shrimp from my dish until Ammon asked "what's shrimp?" When I told them it was "sea creatures" they chickened out. Quin helped me fold up the carry out containers and he volunteered to carry them and my purse for me. He takes really good care of me.

On our way home we stopped in Salem to pick up a tag-along bike trailer off Craigslist. My plan is for Quin to ride it to and from kindergarten with me. The younger kids will sit in the cargo bike.

It was a great little family adventure. The last one of the Summer and the very last before school. I'm nervous about sending Quin to public school. He's a sweet little minnow being released into a wide, unknown, uncharted ocean. Don't get me wrong, I've been looking forward to this for literally his whole life. It's been a very long five years and 9 months. No, it hasn't gone by fast. There were days filled with poop and screaming that I thought would never end. But I love him and want the best for him. And no, we're not going to homeschool. I can't. We barely survived the summer.

My hope is that going to the temple together, talking about the importance of correct choices, and learning about the armor of God will help steer him in the right direction as he starts school. I'm proud of him for the loyal, sweet, caring, compassionate, loving person he is. (Gah! I hate it when parents use too many adjectives to describe their kid and I just did it!) I'm hoping to make this a new family tradition, that the week or weekend before school starts we go to the temple together and prepare spiritually for the upcoming year. We might be wackadoodle, but this is what floats our boat.

Quin, I'm proud of you. You're ready for kindergarten. My wish for you is that you will notice other kids who are alone or made fun of and choose to be their friend. That your personal integrity will solidify into a bedrock foundation as you consistently choose to follow Jesus in thought and deed. And that you will make the most of this incredible opportunity to gain an education and will use it to educate, help, and serve those around you. I love you.

And now, Quin through the years: