Early Mornings.

Mar started early morning Seminary this week. Bill snapped a couple of pics on the first day (again, issues with the focus - I'm not impressed with our new{ish} point-and-shoot so far).

Three days down, many more mornings to go.

It may take us a while to get back into the swing of things.

Mar volunteered to give the spiritual thought for day two.

("When our teacher asked for volunteers, there was just silence for a long time... so I raised my hand.")

She found this fun handout online

and we spent our FHE on Monday night discussing this talk, printing out handouts, laminating, cutting, and adding magnets to the back - Mar thought she could encourage the kids to hang them up in their lockers.

We've already had several opportunities to talk about values and high school. Unfortunately, they (values and high school) don't match up very well. One of Mar's comments after the first day of school was, "The language in high school is way worse than in middle school. Even the teachers use bad language." So, so disappointing! I had a discussion with a good friend who has a sophomore son who can hardly tolerate the foul language used by coaches and teammates in high school sports. She pondered for a long time how to handle the situation... all through summer break. She read the school's Code of Conduct policy that every student and parent signs (electronically) every year (Under the School Climate heading it states the following: "Students, staff, parents and community will behave in a manner which fosters a positive school environment"; with some of the key indicators: "Use courteous and polite language and behavior," "Show sensitivity towards others," and "Exercise self discipline.") 

She prayed about how to approach the topic with coaches and/or administrators. She drafted a letter to the Athletic Director of the school, however had not sent it. Sometime during the first week of classes, the choir director (who is a favorite teacher at the school and beloved and respected by many students) told his elite choir classes (including her son) that during the upcoming choir retreat there would be NO PROFANITY. PERIOD. It simply will not be tolerated. My friend sent him an email thanking him for his professional example and high standards, and had her answer for handling the situation she had pondered and stressed over for so long: she now had a POSITIVE example to share along with her CONCERN about the lack of professionalism and respectful language apparent among many of the coaches and staff at the school. She called to schedule an appointment with the principal. When we talked, she was waiting to hear back from his secretary. She is such a great example to me! 

Mar, Bill and I have also had discussions about dating, "going out," and pairing up. 

So many kids Mar's age are jumping into "relationships," and she has felt pressure from friends to join in. I believe the counsel in For the Strength of Youth is meant to be taken literally, not just as a suggestion:

"You should not date until you are at least 16 years old. When you begin dating, go with one or more additional couples. Avoid going on frequent dates with the same person. Developing serious relationships too early in life can limit the number of other people you meet and can perhaps lead to immorality."

Mar's caught between a rock and a hard place because she doesn't want to be rude, but she'd like the pressure to stop already. Sweet daughter, heed the counsel of your loving mother and avoid the "relationship" temptation - even after dating age - until you're out of high school. {Please?}

Mar had her Patriarchal Blessing on Sunday. It was beautiful.

Her comment as we left the Patriarch's home: "I couldn't stop smiling."

She can't wait to get the written copy to read and re-read.

I know it will be an incredible help to her as she navigates high school and the rest of her life.

Here's one of her Instas from this past week:

You go, girl!