Day 239 & 240

      Our Internet was down yesterday...  Katie is doing really well.  We have 5 days left before she goes back in for a spinal tap and chemo.  We are going to enjoy the next 5 days and be glad for them! 
     If I get stern or upset about something, Katie will take my face in her hands, put her face close to mine, look me deep in the eye and say, "Friends?"  I can't help but smile at that and I reply, "Friends!"  She will then give me a big smile and a hug.  I have no idea where or why she came up with that, but it is sweet.
    President Benson's 10 suggestions for successful parenting:

1. Take time to always be at the crossroads in the lives of your children, whether they be six or sixteen.

2. Take time to be a real friend to your children.

3. Take time to read to your children. Remember what the poet wrote:

You may have tangible wealth untold;

Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.

Richer than I you can never be—

I had a mother who read to me.

4. Take time to pray with your children.

5. Take time to have a meaningful weekly home evening. Make this one of your great family traditions.

6. Take time to be together at mealtimes as often as possible.

7. Take time daily to read the scriptures together as a family.

8. Take time to do things together as a family.

9. Take time to teach your children.

10. Take time to truly love your children. A mother’s unqualified love approaches Christlike love (see Ezra Taft Benson, To the Mothers in Zion, pamphlet, 1987, pp. 8–12; see also Ezra Taft Benson, Come, Listen to a Prophet’s Voice, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1990, pp. 32–36). (Thomas S. Monson, “Memories of Yesterday, Counsel for Today,” Ensign, May 1992, 4–5).