Sweet Treats

We have a tradition. It is this. Ever year, at the end of the school year, we hold a Family Awards day. This is a special time set aside to recognize all of our family members for the accomplishments and achievements that they have made over the year. We always present them with a candy-gram after we've finished extolling their wonderful qualities. They love that part the best. This year, we wanted some new candy bar names to work with, so we found a store that spoke to our creativity.

Every year, I love to reflect on how much growth and learning each of my children has attained. I am a blessed mother. I have children who are kind and considerate of their parents, they help when asked and sometimes even when they are not asked. They enjoy school and do relatively well in it. They are happy and cheerful (except for when they are not). They are fun to be with, and the love that I feel for each of them is multiplied exponentially with each bit of self esteem and growth they gain. I love my children so much, and our awards ceremony celebrates the love their father and I have for them.

Awards are always fun to receive! It is so nice to know that others recognize the good in you, that they appreciate your talents and strengths and that they are willing to help you recognize your own growth and potential. Come to think of it, Heavenly Father does all of those things as well! He doesn't hand out paper awards each year or even a chocolate bar, but I think that when we receive our credits for the life we have lived, we will have the best feeling of acceptance and love that there ever was! Heavenly Father loves us no matter what we have done, no matter what we say. He gently encourages us to be better, but His acceptance is complete, especially when we are doing our very best to please Him. I feel much the same for my own children. I love them from the bottom of my toes to the very top of my head. They are my joy, my delight and my song! Our 'Valued Family Member Awards' are a very minuscule token of that love and the joy that they bring to me.