24th of July

Pioneer day is always difficult for me. I grew up knowing each heart-wrenching and faith promoting story of the women and men who came before me. No matter how hard I try, it seems, my kids have a hard time getting it. (And I missed Shaunie's Pioneer Day party!) My hope is that when we move closer to our roots they will know, love, and feel the stories like I do.

As for now, I love hearing stories about the "pioneers" who live here in New England. Most who speak of being pioneers are pioneers in the Gospel of Jesus Christ--the first to join the Church in their families, the first to join the Church in the area. Inspiring and amazing stories. I'm trying to collect some of them to add to my own pioneer stories.

Now. Just a little comic relief. Jordan didn't create this on the 24th of July. He did it in January during the Westward Expansion unit at school but it applies to early pioneers filling their wagons with the bare necessities. Clearly, this kid is 100% male.

He's leaving behind clothing, furniture, and cooking utensils.......

.....and bringing a rifle, an ax, a knife, a hat, his scriptures and a light to read by along with flour for survival. When he brought this home I just giggled as I imagined a naked (except for that hat!) armed man sitting on a bag of flour reading the good book by candlelight. Awesome. Jordan makes me smile.