I don't mean knock-off purses or someone else's hairstyle.
I mean things that help me be a better mother, wife, friend.
Things that add richness and layers to our family life.
This year I copied NieNie and her splendid idea of back to school feasts.
Specifically having a family theme.
We are happy to present the Allen Family Theme for 2009.
I asked a gal from church who does vinyl lettering to help me make this wonderful bit of scripture come to life.
It is from the book of Matthew chapter 5 verse 16
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Before I revealed the family theme, we dined on simple fare.
Tacos, sparkling cranberry juice, followed by homemade chocolate cake.
~Kate adorned the table with lovely handmade placecards~
~We used my great-grandmother's dishes and drank out of the crystal goblets my aunt gave me, a special treat for the kids to show them how grown up they are!~
After dinner, we discussed what it means to Let Your Light So Shine. We discussed being an example to others so that your life can lead others to their Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. That through actions, words and deeds we can truly honor our Father in Heaven.
So the theme is where all can see.
As we leave,
as we come home,
we will be reminded.
Each child was then given a gift.
A picture of the Savior with a young child holding a candle.
The name of the picture?
"Let your light so shine" by Simon Dewey.
Photo from Deseretbook.com
Each child also received a pen light with Let Your Light So Shine written on the side.
It was a beautiful day. I was on the verge of tears constantly as I planned the preparations, not just for dinner, but for my children as they step out of our home and enter the world once again.
Before bed, Jeff gave them all father's blessings. Go here if you want to know more about that.
I hope they are ready.
They look ready.
So why don't I feel ready to let them go?
Oh, cuz I'm not.
And because I'm not ready, I will be discussing this more tomorrow. All I can say about it is "Kate started middle school today". That should give you a pretty good idea of where I'm at emotionally.
See ya then.
What a beautiful theme and feast! You are such an amazing Mom! I love that the theme is hanging up for all to see!
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful and inspiring.
ReplyDeleteAmy--You are so amazing and inspiring. I may need to copy you! Your food looked awesome and I can't believe how grown up your kids are! HOLY COW!!! They are beautiful! I miss you guys to pieces.
ReplyDeleteLove this!!!! Now I am off to copy you and spend the next week racking my brain and scriptures for a theme.
ReplyDeleteOh, by the way my 10 year old is asking for a play date "with those kids we camped with" :)
lovely
ReplyDeleteyou are awesome!! I sure hope our girls become the best of friends.
ReplyDeleteAmy: Love it! and I bet you thought I had all of those candles because I was catholic or something right??? (love the pics of the kids..AM's hair is cute cut that way!)
ReplyDeleteYou are a really cool mom! I love how you have a family theme and such a fun way to express what it means. Your kids are really lucky to have you both as parents:)
ReplyDelete