Back to School Bash

Sara, Addison, Callie, Abby, Madi, Alisa, Mori, Gaby, and Jayden

Char and Sarah

Jayden, Gaby, and Alisa

Mori and her compadres

Char, McKenzie, Owen, Seth, Kira, Ashlyn, Renae, Nicole, and Chris

We had a back to school party at the park.
We let each of the kids choose a few friends to join us.  We had hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, watermelon, and dry ice root beer.  We played kick ball, laser tag, and a few night games.  The kids were cute by and large.  The ones that wanted to had a great time.  You might want to stop reading here.  I have a HUGE pet peave, HUGE.  I know it will be discussed ad nauseum in this post.
Which leads me perfectly to my soap box moment.  I absolutely DESPISE when kids come to a party and REFUSE to participate.  It drives me nutty.  On almost all invitations I clearly state what our main activity is going to be.  We had a few lovely, darlings who will remain nameless that WOULD NOT participate.  If you don't want to play, STAY HOME.  I'm not sure if it's an attention thing or what, BUT it drives me crazy.  I also despise when people pair off in a group setting.  It is just rude. At this point any well mannered adult would kindly step off of their soap box. There are places where cliques are acceptable...well not acceptable, but expected.  CHURCH and FAMILY SHOULD NEVER!!! EVER!!!! Ever, I really, really, really mean  NEVER be cliquey!!!!!!  I firmly believe that!  Church and Family should be a place that EVERYONE feels loved and accepted.  IF NOT, clearly there is a misunderstanding of the gospel of JESUS CHRIST!  We need to love, and accept others without strings attached!  That doesn't mean compromise standards,and go and do things you should never do.   As leaders and parents we lovingly encourage, and model correct behavior.  It's easy to play favorites, really nice to hang around all of the people we enjoy most, and comfortable to hang around those that are easy to be with, BUT I think we miss out on some great experiences/people when we are constantly avoiding what/who God has placed in our path.  It makes me think of the Book of Mormon scripture 4 Nephi 1:15-18 And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people. And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.  There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites; but they were in one, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God.  And how blessed were they! For the Lord did bless them in all their doings; yea, even they were blessed and prospered until an hundred and ten years had passed away; and the first generation from Christ had passed away, and there was no contention in all the land.  Obvisouly we aren't there yet, but it doesn't mean we shouldn't strive to not have any ites. AND of course Matthew 5:46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

What does all of this scripture have to do with some insignificant back to school party? Not all, but most of these kids were LDS.  I expect LDS kids to have elevated behavior from other kids. One of the girls' mothers is a good friend prior to the party and said you know the girls wanted to invite a few other girls (not giving names), but they always pair off and refuse to participate, and the best times we have is when everyone will play together. The mom strongly believes that each of her kids have natures, and they shouldn't forced to do something they don't like to do.  We all have a natural man, and it's our job to become who our Father in Heaven wants us to be.   Ironically, her daughter came and would have nothing to do with anyone BUT one girl, REFUSED to participate, AND then did EVERYTHING she could to try to be snotty, and rude to the other kids, she would not listen to anything I said, and tried everything in her power to LEAVE the party with the other little girl unsupervised. The other kids were happy, polite, well adjusted, kind kids, JUST one snotty child, and I just preach!  I just loathe cliquey groups whether it's family, ward, or anywhere really.  Stepping off of my soap box now.  I'd honestly love to hear your input on this.  It is something I'm not perfect at, my kids aren't perfect at, my husband isn't perfect at, BUT we are striving to be like the Savior.  We are so imperfect at our house I sing a lovely little diddy to the tune of Fievel's "There's No Cats in America", but it's main line is "There's no Cliques in our Family!"  My kids LOVE it!  They groan in agony, I mean squeal in delight, every time I sing it.  I even bought myself a microphone last Christmas. It's hot pink, with leopard print.  I can  push a button for applause, or drum roll.  It's awesome!