Chapman's are Champions

This evening we had a joint family night with all of Trent's side of the family. I was able to put this activity together along with Susan and Kelly. It was one of those nights that I had dreamed of doing for quite some time but didn't do anything about it until I was pushed a bit when I went to my motherhood retreat back in June.

At the retreat we talked about Family Systems and how it was important to create a family identity to unify eachother. I had the thought and inspiration right then that this type of night needed to happen.

I want to do this with my side of the family too one day so that will be next on my next actions list which I learned about also at the retreat.

To preface the night I have to tell you about the homework that we did. I asked each of the families for the month of August at their family home evenings to research a champion and find out the reasons why they are a champion in their minds.

Next we met up tonight to spotlight our favorite one that we picked as a family. We met up at the beach which was a perfect day until the mosquitoes came out. We enjoyed the beach for a bit and then went into our family discussion.

We had a great experience sharing together and I could feel from each of the presenters from each of the families a true love and gratitude for these individuals.

Here is some of the "Champions" each of the families spotlighted:

Jesus Christ
Coach John Wooden (legendary college basketball coach
Jeff Burns (cousin in the family)
Stripling Warriors (in Book of Mormon)
Ameila Earhart (first women to fly)
Travis Chapman (my brother-in-law who 2 weeks ago challenged the whole family to read the Book of Mormon for one hour a day and write down impressions in our journals)

and finally our family choose:

Team Hoyt (father/son duo who runs ALOT) click here to see more.

We chose Team Hoyt because of his devotion to his son and that both of them together changed eachother's lives through their act of service. Running race after race for 30+ years. I admire champions like these who just go and do and don't want to receive praise or recognition they just know that it makes them feel good inside.

I also found this awesome song and please pay attention to the lyrics. Its moving and brought me to tears. Click here to watch.

Wow! What a night this was. A night to remember and when we returned home during our evening prayers Reeghan thanked Heavenly Father for teaching her about champions! This is the moment as a mom when you say, "They got it" At times I don't think much is going in and I just talk and talk and lead by example but until a night like this happens it just makes you feel sooo good inside to know your doing the right thing.

To continue with our theme for the month we will be going to the "Hall of Champions" museum down at Balboa Park tomorrow. It just so happens to be free Tuesday for the particular museum so it worked out perfectly.

Finally on Saturday we will host our first "Cousin Chapman Olympics" where the kids will be able to showcase their way of a champion. I'm looking forward to seeing how this day will turn out.

To be continued.......