When the Bugle Sounds

Growing up, my mother made certain that we had family scripture study/family prayer each day. I clearly remember getting up, grumbling, before 6 am to read with the family before my dad walked out the door for work. With four other siblings, we would wrestle over who got to drape their bodies over the ‘coffee table' – known as the ‘hot chocolate table’ to us. Our hot chocolate table was divided into three sections, the middle part being wood with my mom’s latest fashion creation displayed on top, and the two ends holding cushions perfect for catching a few more zzz’s while pretending to listen.

Remember those tables?

They were the latest fashion in the 80’s.

Not that this picture was taken in the 80's - this was the 90's - phew!

This is the best picture I could find to show off our hot chocolate table. This is James Johnson – my very best guy friend growing up. We hung out quite a bit and went to a few dances together either to avoid asking someone or to avoid someone asking us out. Guy friends are good that way. Of course once he fell in love with Ruth our senior year – I had to hear ALL about it – he was doped. It’s a good thing she said yes after a few years.

Anyhow, about family scripture reading…. fortunately, my mother’s example rubbed off on me. Ever since Makayla was three years old, we have always had family scripture time. Cameron traveled A LOT, so I relied on the children’s scripture stories and Gospel Art Pictures as part of our reading program to make it easier for me and my little ones. We held our ‘study’ at night before bed, then we moved to morning reading, then breakfast reading and back to nighttime reading. After eight years of ‘study’ without Cameron, I was done. Really. DONE! I think Cameron was done too, because he switched jobs two years ago and has been home EVERY single night and morning since then. I gladly handed the scripture assignment to him and told him to let me know when to show up.

After a few months, we found a good schedule that worked for all - yeah!

After Cameron sounds the bugle (hollers down the stairs), you can find us gathered in the living room wrapped in blankets in all sorts of positions every morning at 7.

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.