All right, so I am actually posting on time this week!! Hurray to me! This week I studied different family theories. These theories help explain how families function. A fact I learned was that families do not function in a linear manner. They actually work in a circular fashion. Something that occurs in my family is an example of the systems theory. There are different subsystems within the system of my family. The "big girls" consist of the three oldest girls, "the boys" consist of the boys in the middle, and "the babies" consist of the three youngest children. Sometimes these systems work as a unit within our family. Also, there is a subsystem that involves me and the youngest two kids. In this subsystem I act as a type of caregiver or second mother. This is because I love to help children and Kessie and Scout are so adorable. Serving them brings a joy in my life that is not present when I worry about myself. This class is helping me to understand how my own family functions.

This post is a week late, sorry! I was confused about the assignment, but here I am. Last week I learned about the difference between the world's view and the Church's view on families. Some interesting parts of the world's view include delayed marriage, delayed children, cohabitation, increased working mothers, and a myriad of other issues. Generally the Church's standpoint is against much of what the world has to say. Something that struck me was that the Church really encourages marriage and having children early. This is not to hinder members of the Church, but to keep the commandments that have been set forth. General authorities have counseled members not to put off having children. The blessings involved with raising children far out weigh the sacrifices required. I loved learning the contrast between the world and the Church. It is not so much that the world has it completely wrong, it is just that the gospel of Christ has the whole, entire truth.

This should be fun! I have to create a blog for my Family Relations class. If I enjoy blogging this semester, I might continue, who knows