Monday Memories—Family Night

Family Night, Family Home Evening – tomato, tomata – we’ve had all kinds. A very few have been spectacular, most have been just regular, and some have been disasters. But regardless of how good they are, in the words of Tevye, they’re tradition.

For years and years our regular family night line-up was rather simple: someone conducted the meeting, we sang an opening song, someone said an opening prayer, the conductor conducted family business and then opened the time up for parts (similar to the event we had in the motel a week ago), a lesson on Christ-like living was given next followed by a closing song, closing prayer, treats, and a game. That was it. Sometimes it took an hour. Sometimes it took fifteen minutes.

I remember one night we were playing hide-n-go seek in the house for games. I was hiding on top of the chairs that were pushed tightly under the kitchen table. The white lace tablecloth hung down both sides. Quiet and still, I didn’t think anyone would ever find me.  I hoped they'd have to call ollie-ollie-oxen-free.  The phone rang right above the table. I didn’t move. After several rings Ty, who was “it,” answered it.

“Hello. This is the Payne’s. May I help you?”

On the other end was one of my stake young women’s counselors – a very lovely, proper, coiffed woman who calculated her humor. I heard her ask if she could speak to me.

Pause. Looooong pause. And then in his little raspy voice, “Nope, she’s busy.”

“What is she doing?”

“She’s hiding under the kitchen table and she won’t come out.”

She never did believe that we were only playing a game.  I suppose we had a talking-to on how much to share with people on the phone during the next week’s business.

Family night is a little different now. A week ago we decided that Calvin, Grace, and I would each take turns organizing it. Last week Calvin made carne asada tacos for supper and then we went to Dairy Queen.  He always plans something good.

September 20th's evening

Tonight was my turn. Calvin was nervous.  He shouldn't have been.  I shared the scriptures “the glory of God is intelligence. . .” and “. . . seek ye out of the best books . . .” and then asked everyone to think of a subject that we would someday like to teach Clara. We went to the cemetery and shared our topics.

Then we went to the library and chose books on our subjects.  Finally we went across the street to the drugstore and picked out a treat to eat while we read our books.

Here’re the topics. Here’re the treats. Can you match them to Calvin, Grace, and me?

Jordan Almonds                                              Reptiles

Jordan Almonds                                              Military

Tortilla chips and cheese dip                            Founding Fathers

                                                                                    (Calvin had to change his topic to owls)

Family Night, Family Home Evening – it’s a tradition.