BACK TO SCHOOL BLESSINGS!

Right after church today we did our traditional back to school blessings. We always do it after church so everyone is still respectful and reverent and in their church clothes. I don't have the short hand skills my mom does so here are the highlights from each of the kids - in order they received them this year.

Tyson:
- Bless you to be happy and healthy, have a good productive year, be a good friend and others will want to associate with you.

- There will be struggles but as you seek help from your parents, you will get through it.

- It is worthwhile to be physically active.

- Through the Holy Ghost, you will build upon your testimony and recognize the value of going to church, scripture study and family prayer.

- The Lord loves you and is preparing you for the future when you are a missionary. Small steps start now.

- Be a good friend to those around you struggling because not everyone has a loving family around them.


Tyler:
- Bless you to recognize how much you have grown in the last few years through your efforts and teachers.

- You are very special and strong. You have the ability to know whats right and wrong and stick to it.

- Bless you in this school year that you will greatly grow. Your ability to learn and comprehend will expand greatly.

- Please help your friends and classmates.

- You will learn the things you need to be successful.

- Be a good example to your friends. Take the time to think before you speak. Don't laugh at kids making fun of other kids, you are to be the one to seperate yourself from them and be the friend to the one who is sad and lonely.

- You will be blessed physically and mentally.

- You too will be able to serve a successful mission one day. 


Eli:
- Bless you to know Heavenly Father is very happy with you. You have a sensitive spirit.

- Learn for yourself the difference between things we do in our lives that are good, better and best.

- Applying yourself and studying and practicing for sports is one of the better things to do.

- Concentrate on helping those around us.

- Bless you that you will have mental and physical capacity to learn the things around you.

- Ask yourself if what you are about to do or say if you would do it if the Savior was next to you. 

- Bless you to recognize that using your Priesthood will bring great fulfillment to your lives.

- Take time to compliment those around you and build them up.

- I bless you that you will be happy and be able to navigate with the help of your parents through the tough times with friends, school and athletics.

- Talk to your parents. They love to help you.

- Take time to kneel down. Prayer is communication to Heavenly Father. Also, through prayer you can bless others.


Emma:
- Bless you to have the physical strength to handle your workload.

- Bless you to concentrate in classes, cheer, church and driving.

- Bless you to be mindful and attentive.

- Bless and encourage you to understand and schedule to spend your time wisely.

- Bless you to be able to think and plan ahead to study and complete homework. Manage your time and be able to rest when possible.

- Make it a goal this year to learn to manage your day, week and month yourself. Manage your time so you can be successful.

- Make the most of your friendships. Quality of friendships is largely dependent on how we treat others. Focus on yourself and how you treat others. Be a good listener. Take interest in others lives.

- When we learn to put others first, things and problems tend to work out for the best.

- Bless you to be safe while you are traveling. Bless you to be able to return home safely to us.

- Bless you to be able to say no as you are tempted with things and leave the situation. Others will see your example and follow you. You will be that shining star and example.

- I encourage you to communicate with your mother and father. Keep channels open with Heavenly Father. You can pray anytime throughout the day!