New Aaronic Priesthood Holder

My son turned twelve last week. This Sunday, he was ordained a deacon in the Aaronic Priesthood. I had no idea I would be so emotional over this! My parents came, my in-laws and my brother-in-law, sister-in-law, their daughter and another neice came. It was wonderful. I'm glad to have another priesthood holder in my home. He's such a good kid. He loves to draw and is quite good. He loves to play games on the xbox. He hates to read but will read his 20 minutes to get to the xbox so (I can't believe I'm saying this but here goes) I'm actually glad we bought the game system. He helps when asked and will often go the extra mile. He plays with his sisters (mostly) and loves to tease them of course. He gives all of us hugs every night (even his sisters) and tells us all he loves us before he goes to bed. Love ya son. I'm very pleased with your decision to become a deacon.

M & M Christmas Poem

M & M Christmas Poem
As you hold these candies in your hand
And turn them, you will see
The 'M' becomes a 'W',
An 'E', and then a '3'.
They tell the Christmas Story--
I'm sure it's one you know.
It took place in a stable
A long, long time ago.
The 'E' is for the East,
Where the star shone so bright.
The 'M' is for the Manger,
where the Baby Jesus slept at night.
The '3' is for the Wisemen,
Bearing gifts, with which they came.
'W' is for Worship, Hallelujah!
Praise His Name! So as you eat these candies
Or share them with a friend,
Remember the meaning of Christmas:
It's a love that never ends.

First Present Under Our Tree

After we decorated our tree, we turned on the lights and just enjoyed it. Little did I know, there was already something under the tree.

It's our little rescued cat, Lily

Christmas Tree

I start Christmas shopping in July. I've been running out of places to put these gifts. That's why I was happy to get our tree up. I have NEVER had a themed Christmas tree. This year I do. Its snowmen. I really like it. I don't miss the other ornaments this year, but one child sure did. Each year my children get one ornament (or more) for his or her own. Each is kept in their own box in the box of ornaments. This way, when they leave home, they will have a tree full of ornaments even for their first Christmas.

Family Home Evening Halloween Obedience

This is my family home evening that I'm doing on Sunday, October 31, 2010

Advance Prep: You will need two copies of each ghost. One white of each and one yellow, one green, one red, one pink, one blue, and make and extra copy of one white one that you put chocolate chips shapes on and color them brown.

Opening Prayer:

Family Business:


Scripture: Alma 57:21 "Yea, and they did obey and observe to perform every word of command with exactness; yea and even according to their faith it was done unto them; and I did remember the words which they said unto me that their mothers had taught them."


Song: Quickly I'll Obey (Children’s Songbook, page 197)


Lesson: The Chocolate Chip Ghost Story
Once there was a family of ghosts--a mother and 6 children. One day, when the mother was in the kitchen, she discovered there was nothing to eat, so she gathered her children together and told them she needed to go to the store. She said to them, "Remember, don't eat or drink anything. Ghosts should only eat cottage cheese and vanilla ice cream and drink only milk. (I say "ghosts should only eat foods that are white" and then have the children name some white foods) I don't have any of these things." So the mother said good-bye and went to the store.

Well, each little ghost wanted to try something different so, while she was gone, the little ghosts went looking for food. The first ghost opened the cupboard and found a can of corn. He ate them and the next thing he knew he had turned yellow! The second little ghost found some spinach and when he ate it he turned green! The third little ghost found some strawberries outside and ate a whole basket full. Then he looked at himself and, yes, he had turned red! Well, the fourth little ghost found some pink lemonade--after he drank it all he found that he had turned pink! The fifth little ghost found a fruit bowl filled with blueberries. He ate all the blueberries and turned blue. The sixth little ghost didn't want anything to happen to him, so he searched everywhere to find something that a ghost should eat, like milk, cottage cheese, whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. When he looked in the freezer he saw some ice cream. He took it and ate it all. Then he looked at himself. OH NO! He turned polka dot. It was chocolate chip ice cream!

When the mother came home, she cried, "OH MY GOODNESS! LOOK AT ALL OF YOU. Whatever can we do to get you white again for Halloween?” She called the ghost doctor and this is what he told her to do. Keep all the little ghosts in bed for five days and give them nothing but vanilla ice cream, cottage cheese and milk and they should be ready for Halloween. So that is what she did and by Halloween night, the five little ghosts were all white again to go out haunting and spooking and shouting "BOO!" And they never again ate something they shouldn't.


Closing Prayer:

Refereshments: Ghosts in the Graveyard. (Just like dirt cups but using 2 dollops of whipped topping on top with mini chocolate chips for eyes)

Happy Halloween!

How Much!?

I knew this was coming. Braces. I took my two oldest children to an orthodontist for an assesment. If I did what they are suggesting, my son alone would be $3100.00 after the insurance paid. So, I've been looking for a job. What a depressing situation! I have years of experience of working in an office as as receptionist/secretary/office manager and no job prospects. I found one job I would absolutely love but he was going to make a decision on Monday, September 20, 2010 and I did not get a phone call or email. I never knew how depressing it could be to look for a job. Your self-esteem sure takes a hit. I knew it would be harder in the economic conditions that exist now but I didn't know it would be this hard. I've never had a problem finding employment before even though I'm not good at interviewing. I'm trying to get better.
I am still optomistic. I will work wherever necessary to make my children healthy and happy. I just wish I could pay for this stuff while still being home for them.

Nightmare at the Zoo

The zoo is hosting an exhibit called Nature's Nightmares. No, my children weren't on display. Instead, they had bats

and a vulture (who I thought was actually pretty with all the colors on his neck).

The ones I couldn't get pictures of were a piranha, a bird-eating spider (whom was hiding in his hole so we didn't see him well), scorpions, a skunk and a vemenous centipede. It was nice that my husband could come. His arm is healing well. He promised to bring the children to the zoo. It was great to have him along.

Discovery Gateway

My husband severly burned his arm on August 14. This means he cannot do the things he wanted to do. I know this may sound odd but I look at this of a kind of blessing. My husband always has projects he wants to do which does not leave any time to do things with his family. Usually, if I take the children to the zoo, I have to take all three by myself. This week, because he couldn't do what he had planned, he took us to the children's museum at Discovery Gateway. My son got a ticket for up to six people to get in for free. We spent about 4 hours doing projects and watching the children have fun and we still didn't do all that was offered. We played with balls that went through a maze. We played at the store. I think my youngest really loved to shop. She bought mostly fruits and vegetables. She would wander for a minute, pick up a can or two and go back to the produce section. We were able to sit in a real life flight helicopter.

We played with stacking toys and legos.

The girls made tie-dyed bags using permanent markers.

I don't think I could afford to pay for the tickets at full price at $8 to $8.50 each. We did have fun and the children do want to go back. Validation cost me $2.00 for the day.

Logan Zoo

We took a day trip to Cache Valley in Utah to the store to get some of their cheese. We also bought some honey and bread.
After that we went to the zoo in Logan. I don't remember the name but it is run strictly by donations. They have some eagles there. The eagles were injured and can no longer fly so they would die if they were back in the wild. The zoo has permission to display and take care of them. I don't think they were too happy to see us. They had a duck with a n awesome blue bill. I'm sure someone else thinks that's normal but I thought it was just awesome. There were some cougars. Those are not cats I would want to meet in the wild. There was one wandering around in one of the neighborhoods here a month or so ago, but this is close enough for me!

New Pajamas-well sort of

My daughters birthday is in March when it is still chilly. Between that and Christmas, she gets many warm pajamas. She was complaining that she was too hot and doesn't she have any pajamas she can wear that she won't roast in. I figured she probably didn't. So I made her these in her new favorite color-green. Her favorite color has been purple for years so this is going to take some getting used to but she's worth it. :) I made a couple fitting mistakes on it but have since fixed them. She was so excited! I think that's the first time she was actually eager to go to bed!

Apricot Butter

It is way to early in the morning for this but I was so excited. I made 14 half-pint bottles and 1 pint bottle of Apricot Butter. I know! I'd never heard of it either but it is really good-unless you don't like apricots. I tasted only a little bit and it was good. Next batch, I"m going to make some especially for me and my mom (both diabetics). My nephew is diabetic too but I really don't think he'd like it but I'll ask my sister if she wants to try it and let her know its no-added-sugar. Can't say no sugar because there is natural sugar in the frut. Okay, I'm rambling but my excuse is that I am tired. Way past time to go to bed. Here is what 14 half-pints and one pind of apricot butter looks like. Yay me.

Mueller Park Canyon

I haven't been to Mueller Park Canyon for at least 16 years. It was beautiful. Although my pictures can in no way do it justice, I thought I'd share some anyway.

Sunday Birthday Party

My brother died when he was 18. On Sunday, August 1, 2010, my brother would have been 40 years old. My mother wanted to celebrate his life on his birthday this year. We had cake and ice cream in Mueller Park Canyon. There is a nice little covered patio with tables and some stairs down to the creek. I'd never been there before but my uncle said it was old when he was young. He's in his 60's. I think everyone had a nice time. My sister wanted us to bring photos of him. I didn't take many pictures those days. Thanks to my digital camera a take many more now. I can remember one photo I did take and wish I could find it. My parents house had a small wall enclosing the porch. I took a picture of my brother jumping off that wall (it was forbidden of course but we did it anyway). He was a Star Wars fan as many were at the time. He was a fantastic artist. There are just boxes full of his art. One was so cute and humerous, we even had T-shirts made from his drawing. Happy Birthday Big Brother. We miss you.

Activity Days

For Activity Days this month, we went to the park for a picnic. Drinks (Kool-Aid) and dessert (cookies) were provided. We took our meal to the park. After we were done eating, the girls played at the park for a while. The girls had fun using the sidewalk chalk and the playground. I thought I had some pictures of the girls using the sidewalk chalk but there aren't any. Sorry.

Party Day

Tons of fun. If you haven't hosted a House Party, I think you should it. This one was sponsered by Oscar Meyer hot dogs. I loved them. I don't remember ever buying them before the price is more than fair for the hot dogs; some of the best I've ever tasted. We played games with the frisbees and soft balls and then sent them home with the guests. I made cupcakes to look like grills with hot dogs on them . I think they turned out so cute.

Thrill of the Grill Hot Dog House Party

We will be hosting a Thrill of the Grill Hot Dog House Party in less than 2 weeks. I thought it would be great for my daughter because she loves hot dogs. This is my first house party and I am super excited. We recieved our party pack today. The party pack included FREE OSCAR MAYER Hot Dog Coupons for Host and Guests, OSCAR MAYER Tongs, 1 set of OSCAR MAYER Oven Mitts, 8 OSCAR MAYER Soft Baseballs, 8 OSCAR MAYER Frisbees, 16 OSCAR MAYER Wiener Whistles, 16 Heinz ketchup coupons, OSCAR MAYER Plates and Napkins.

My son is a frisbee nut so he is most excited about those, although the whistles have peaked his interest. I was thinking frisbee golf would be a fun game to play. Going to try to put a hot dog twist on it

My youngest daughter (the one who loves hot dogs) is just excited to have hot dogs.

I have a couple more ideas for games and will let you know if they work. Unfortunately sometiems I have high expectations that seems to come crashing around me and still people seem to have fun (or maybe they are faking it)

I am going to make "grill" cupcakes for the guests. You frost the cupcakes with black frosting, top that with orange sugar "coals", pipe black lines for a grill and top them with Hot Tamales candies with "grill lines" painted on with a toothpick dipped in black food color. It looks like little hot dogs on a grill. So cute.

I was thinking I would use the coupons for the hot dogs and then give away a package of hot dogs along with the coupons for Heinz ketchup coupons as a parting gift.

I'm so excited. I can hardly wait.

Doughnut Balls

Doughnut Balls
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups sour cream
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups
vegetable oil for deep-frying
1 cup powdered sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, eggs, sour cream, sugar, vanilla, and salt until well blended. (The batter will be soft.) Heat oil in a deep skillet until oil is hot enough to fry a 1-inch cube of bread in 1 minute. Carefully place dough by tablespoonfuls into the oil. Fry doughnuts, a few at a time, for 3 to 5 minutes or until golden brown on all sides. Remove from pan with slotted spoon. Drain on paper towels. When all doughnuts are cooked, pour powdered sugar into a plastic or paper bag. Add a few doughnuts at a time, close bag, and shake gently until well coated. Serve warm. Makes 25. (Lion House International Recipes, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1997], p. 114.)

Family Home Evening Armor of God

Advanced Prep: For each person get small paperdolls from a scrapbook store or here. We made the dolls to resemble family members. Make your own helmet, shoes, loin cloth, shield, breastplate and sword to fit your paperdoll. Color, if neccessary, and laminate. Make sure you have a die for the game.

Scripture: Ephesians 6:13-17 "Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery dart of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" or

D& C 27:15-18 "Wherefore, lift up your hearts and rejoice, and gird up your loins, and take upon you my whole armor, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all, that ye may be able to stand. Stand, therefore, having your lions girt about with truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, which I have sent mine angles to commit unto you; Taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked; And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of my Spirit, which I will pour out upon you, and my work which I reveal unto you, and be agreed as touching all things whatsoever ye ask of me, and be faithful until I come, and ye shall be caught up that where I am ye shall be also. Amen."

Song: Seek the Lord Early, (Children's Songbook, page 108)

Poem/Thought: “Examine your armor. Is there an unguarded or unprotected place? Determine now to add whatever part is missing. … Through the great principle of repentance you can turn your life about and begin now clothing yourself with the armor of God through study, prayer, and a determination to serve God and keep his commandments.” President N. Eldon Tanner (1898–1982), First Counselor in the First Presidency, “‘Put on the Whole Armor of God,’” Ensign, May 1979, 46.

Lesson: So what is the Armor of God and how can it protect us?

Girt up your loins about with truth -(Ephesians 6:14; D&C 27:16). Loins mean the area between the hips and abdomen. Girt means tied around firmly with a belt. Generally, to “gird your loins” means to prepare for action. We prepare ourselves to take action in the battle against evil by learning the truth through prayer and scripture study

Breastplate of righteousness-” (Ephesians 6:14; D&C 27:16). Why do you think the Lord called it the breastplate of righteousness? A breastplate protects vital organs such as the heart and lungs. We need to have righteousness in our hearts. We need to want to do right with all our hearts. We can keep this in our hearts and be able to withstand peer pressure, have the strength to leave if we find ourselves somewhere we should not be or if we are tempted to do things we shouldn't. Our righteousness, both in thought and deed, protects the core of our spiritual lives.

Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace-(Ephesians 6:15; D&C 27:16). Shod means wearing shoes. “Your feet … represent your goals or objectives in life. … Preparedness is the way to victory, and ‘eternal vigilance is the price of safety.’ … The tide of victory rests with him who is prepared” (President Harold B. Lee [1899–1973], “Message from the First Presidency,” Ensign, Jan. 1971, 2). How can we be prepared? We can study the scriptures, pray to our Father in Heaven, living the teaching of the gospel , going to church to learn of him, (these are some we came up with but you may come up with others) What are we preparing for? The return of Jesus Christ, eternal life with God.

Shield of faith-(Ephesians 6:16; D&C 27:17). A shield is the most versatile and effective means of defense in battle. Our faith, if it is built upon Christ and His gospel, can defend us against the adversary’s numerous onslaughts, just as a shield, if it is made of the right material, will withstand volleys of fiery darts. Why is Satan's weapons compared to a dart rather than a large tank or cannon. A dart makes a small hole in the dartboard and holds on. Satan doesn't start with the big stuff; he starts with the little stuff. Little lies, "just this once". Little things can lead to big things.

“In the Church we can teach about the materials from which a shield of faith is made: reverence, courage, chastity, repentance, forgiveness, compassion. In church we can learn how to assemble and fit them together. But the actual making of and fitting on of the shield of faith belongs in the family circle. Otherwise it may loosen and come off in a crisis.” President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “The Shield of Faith,” Ensign, May 1995, 8.

Helmet of salvation-(Ephesians 6:17; D&C 27:18). A helmet of salvation shall guide our thinking through all our days. Focusing our minds on Christ and His salvation will protect us from unworthy thoughts, keep our “eye single to the glory of God” (D&C 4:5), and guide us in our decisions. How would remembering Christ more regularly help us resist the influence the devil tries to have over us?

Sword of my spirit-(Ephesians 6:17; see D&C 27:18) How is the sword different from the other pieces of armor listed? It is a weapon rather than just protection. A sword is a weapon used to strike at the enemy. The word of God is “sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). With our testimony and the power and peace of God’s Spirit, we can strike against and conquer the enemy of all righteousness.

I gave them bookmarks that I printed from here. I thought these were great as they point out everything and what it means. Hopefully, the visual will help them remember.

Activity: The object of the game is to be the first to "put on the whole armor of God" on your figure. Each person got a boy or girl figure. There were 6 piles of armor. The first player rolls the die. If he gets a 1 he can get a helmet and roll again and try to get a 2 then 3, etc. until all pieces of armor have been collected in order. If he does not roll the number he needs, die goes to the next player. Each player must receive each piece of armor in the order given. Key: 1-helmet, 2-breastplate, 3-lions, 4-legs and feet, 5-shield, 6-sword Closing Prayer:

Refreshments: Doughnut Balls

Eternal Families

In the very beginning the Lord taught Adam and Eve the importance of the family. The scriptures record, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” (Gen. 2:24.)
In the temple, we perform sacred ordinances. One such ordinance is celestial (or eternal) marriage, where wife is sealed to husband and husband sealed to wife for eternity. When most people are married, they are married “til death do you part”. but eternal marriages performed in the temple may exist forever. Children born to a husband and wife after an eternal marriage are automatically sealed to their parents for eternity. If children are born before the wife is sealed to her husband, there is a temple sealing ordinance that can seal these children to their parents for eternity, and so it is that children can be sealed vicariously to parents who have passed away.
About a month to six weeks before a temple is dedicated, the temple is opened up for anyone and everyone to come see it. After it is dedicated, it is held so sacred, a nature that purity of life and strict adherence to standards of the Church become qualifications for admittance.
Gordon B. Hinckley, was a prophet and president of my church. He explained it well when he related what happened to him as a couple exited the open house of the Wahsington D.C. temple. "On that occasion thousands of curious but earnest people stood in long lines to gain entry to the building. A policeman stationed to direct traffic observed that it was the first time he had ever seen the English eager to get into a church.
Those who inspected the building were asked to defer any questions until they had completed the tour. In the evenings I joined the missionaries in talking with those who had questions. As a young couple came down the front steps of the temple, I inquired whether I could help them in any way. The young woman spoke up and said, “Yes. What about this ‘marriage for eternity’ to which reference was made in one of the rooms?” We sat on a bench under the ancient oak that stood near the gate. The wedding band on her finger indicated that they were married, and the manner in which she gripped her husband’s hand evidenced their affection one for another.
“Now to your question,” I said. “I suppose you were married by the vicar.”
“Yes,” she responded, “just three months ago.”
“Did you realize that when the vicar pronounced your marriage he also decreed your separation?”
“What do you mean?” she quickly retorted.
“You believe that life is eternal, don’t you?”
“Of course,” she replied.
I continued, “Can you conceive of eternal life without eternal love? Can either of you envision eternal happiness without the companionship of one another?”
“Of course not,” came the ready response.
“But what did the vicar say when he pronounced your marriage? If I remember the language correctly, he said, among other things, ‘in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse, till death do ye part.’ He went as far as he felt his authority would permit him and that was till death separates you. In fact, I think that if you were to question him, he would emphatically deny the existence of marriage and family beyond the grave.
“But,” I continued, “the Father of us all, who loves His children and wants the best for them, has provided for a continuation, under proper circumstances, of this most sacred and ennobling of all human relationships, the relationships of marriage and family.
“In that great and moving conversation between the Savior and His Apostles, Peter declared, ‘Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God,’ and the Lord responded, ‘Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.’ The Lord then went on to say to Peter and his associates, ‘And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven’ (see Matt. 16:13–19).
“In that marvelous bestowal of authority, the Lord gave to His Apostles the keys of the holy priesthood, whose power reaches beyond life and death into eternity. This same authority has been restored to the earth by those same Apostles who held it anciently, even Peter, James, and John.” I continued by saying that following the dedication of the temple on the following Sunday, those same keys of the holy priesthood would be exercised in behalf of the men and women who come into this sacred house to solemnize their marriage. They will be joined in a union which death cannot dissolve and time cannot destroy.
Such was my testimony to this young couple in England. Such it is to you today and such it is to all the world. Our Father in Heaven, who loves His children, desires for them that which will bring them happiness now and in the eternities to come, and there is no greater happiness than is found in the most meaningful of all human relationships—the companionships of husband and wife, parents and children."
I believe that if I live my life using Jesus as my example and follow him, I can live with my husband as husband and wife after we die. Our children will be our children forever. I was married and sealed to my best friend 16 years ago. I am glad I was married in the temple I am glad to know that my family can continue as as family for eternity and not just "til death to ye part".

Sealing A Family Forever

On Saturday, May 22, 2010 my brother-in-law, sister-in-law and their two children were sealed together in the Salt Lake Temple for time and eternity. After twenty years of marriage they were able to be sealed. Its wonderful knowing that the family bonds will continue after death if we will be obedient to God's commandments. It was beautiful and the first time I've ever seen a family sealed together.

Lagoon 2010

We had the opportunity to go to Lagoon on Friday, May 29, 2010. I wasn't sure if it would be more or less busy becuase of Memorial Day Weekend. The only bad thing (besides the outrageous price) was that it was COLD! We had planned on staying longer but becuase the children were cold, we cut it short and went home early. One of these days, I'm going to actually ride the Wicked. No one else wanted to go with me and then it starting getting cold and the children were ready to go. Before the sun starting setting and we all starting freezing, it was fun. I'm really happy that I had all the family together (including DH) and that the children enjoyed themselves.

Wax Museum

As a project in school, everyone researched a historical figure, made a poster about the person and then had to dress up as that person and pretend to be a wax figure. My son wrote about Wild Bill Hickock. One thing we couldn't find was why he was referred to as "Wild Bill" His real name was James Butler Hickock. He traveled with Annie Oakley in a traveling "Wild West Show". The man who killed him, Jack McCall, claimed he was avenging his brother. McCall had only sisters.

Anniversary

Yesterday was my anniversary. We've been married for 16 years. Sometimes its hard to believe 16 years has gone by so fast and others times it seems like soo many more years than just 16!

My husband brought home roses, "mommy candy" (Lindor chocolates-my littlest one calls them mommy candy) and a sweet card to me yesterday morning. I wasn't done with my gift for him so he had to wait until after work. I made him a candy gram. Yes, I know. I haven't made one in quite awhile and just thouht it would be unexpected and kinda new. I bought more candy than would fit on the poster board but my children didn't mind.:)

In case you are interested and can't read it, it says(the underlined words are the candies):

To my Big Hunk

I know this is corny but please don't Snicker(s). U-No I love you. You are my SweatTart(s). You make me feel like 100 Grand. You give me Mounds of happiness. Though sometimes it has been a Rocky Road and you've wanted to make a Fast Break, instead you Take 5 and think of all the Good (and Plenty) times and the (Almond) Joy we've shared. B Twix you and me, I think of our lives as a Symphony, (of) beautiful music. Look at what we have and I think you'll agree that though sometimes we amy drive each other (Planters Honey Roasted Pea)nuts, we never go to (Reese's) peices. Kisses, Love Rachel.

Okay I said it was corny but it was fun and he got a kick out of it.

Fertilizer Friday

Oh, I'm so excited. Took some pretty pictures of my flowers and now I even get to use them on Tootsie Time!

To see some more beautiful pictures visit Toostie Time.

Family Home Evening 4th Article of Faith

Opening Prayer:
Family Business:
Scripture: Fourth Article of Faith "We believe the first prinicples and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Song: The Fourth Article of Faith (Children's Songbook, page 124)
Poem/Thought: [We] are given the four requirements...which are essential to membership in Christ's Church; viz., faith, repentance, baptism, and the reception of the Holy Ghost, ...
There are many roads being point out as leading to the kingdom of God, but there is only one gate through which entrance and citizenship therein may be obtained. Christ plainly pointed this out when He was among men; and he has again revealed it through the Prophet Joseph Smith. The way is simple and easy to find." The Teachings of David O. McKay, page 21
Lesson: "The first principles and ordinances of the Gospel" What is a prinicple? A prinicple (not principal) is a teaching that comes from God. God's prinicples are true. What is a ordinance? An ordinance is what we do when we believe God's prinicples.
The principles listed in this Article of Faith are what? Faith and repentance. Faith means to believe strongly in something you can't see but still believe is true. It is important to have faith in Jesus Christ. Repentance is being sorry for something we have done, trying to make it right and not doing it again.
The ordinances listed in this Article of Faith are what? Baptism and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. Baptism is done by immersion. Immersion means to go completly under the water. We are baptized when we are eight because by then, we are able to tell if something is good or bad. Children under eight do not need to be baptized. The laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost is done when we are confirmed members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are commanded to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. That means we have to live worthily to have his spirit with us to guide us.
Because son is working on memorizing this and daughter should know it too, I have a hint to help us all remember this Article of Faith. Number 4 has 4 parts to it. Go back over the Article of Faith and point out the four parts.
Closing prayer;
Refreshments: Mint Brownies

Preschool Fun Kool-aid Playdough

As we are learning about senses, I thought this project would be appropriate and fun because it combines smell, sight and touch. We made Kool-aid playdough.
Kool-Aid Playdough
2 1/2 c flour ( I actually used more)
1/2 c salt
1 T alum (in the spices aisle)
2 envelopes Kool-aid (or generic)

Mix in heavy duty mixer (I used my kitchen-aid), then slowly add 2 c. boiling water + 3 T. vegetable oil. This is hot. Let mixer knead until smooth. Let cool. Stores well in fridge.

The children loved it. We split the amout in fourths because it makes a huge batch.

Family Home Evening Sabbath Day

Advance Prep: Gather paper and pencils.
Opening Prayer:
Family Business:
Scripture: Mosial 13:16 Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Song: Remember the Sabbath Day (Children's Songbook, page 155)
Poem/Thought: "There is a growing tendency throught the land to disregard the observance of the Sabbath day. The command: ‘Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy,’ is as much the law today as it was when it was given to Israel on Mount Sinai.” President Joseph F. Smith
Lesson: God has commanded us to keep the Sabbath Day holy. Of the 10 commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai, keeping the Sabbath day holy is number four. What blessings do we receive from keeping this commandment? We can find some answers in D & C 59.

1. "Keep thyself unspotted from the world" (verse 9). Though there are numberous interpretations, I think spots represent sins. The Sabbath can help us develop our strenghts and help us overcome temptations.
2. "rest from your labors, . . . pay thy devotions unto the Most High" (verse 10) It is not just a day of rest but a day of rest from our everyday labors. This is the day to show our devotion to God.
3. Verse 11 says we should be righteous everyday not just on the Sabbath.
4. "Offer thine oligations . . . unto the Most High" (verse 12) In the 1981 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants says that obligations are "offerings, whether of time, talents or means, in the service of God and fellowman," The Sabbath is a day to offer our time in the service of God. (Home teaching and visiting teaching is a great way to do this).
5. Verses 16-20 says the fullness of the earth is made available to those who strive to keep the Sabbath holy as well as to obey the other commandments of God.
6. Verse 23 promises us that righteousness brings "peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come."

Many people focus on the "Can't"s of the Sabbath. Instead of focusing on "I can't do this" or "I can't do that" we should focus on what we can do and what would help us grow closer to God. If we want to keep the Sabbath day holy, what can we do?

Activity: Divide into groups. Give each group a pencil and paper. Give everyone ten minutes to list things that would be appropriate to do on the Sabbath. If you have Finch Family Games you could also play Fishing for Sunday Activities.

Closing Prayer:

Refreshments: No Bake Choco-Peanut-Oatmeal Cookies

Need ideas for Sunday activities? Here is a list of 22.

1. Write letters to missionaries, grandparents, friends, servicemen, etc.
2. Read the scriptures, Church magazines and other uplifting materials.
3. Have Family Home Evening.
4. Play quiet games as a family.
5. Prepare lessons and work on other Church materials. (children could prepare FHE using The Friend.)
6. Visit family members, shut-ins, widows, elerderly neighbors, lonely people, etc.
7. Prepare and inspirational program. Present it to those listed in #6.
8. Write in a journal or do other family history work.
9. Sing songs together and have family talent shows.
10. Do home teaching and visiting teaching.
11. Attend Church meetings, including special broadcasts and firesides.
12. Share lessons taught at church.
13. Look at family pictures.
14. Take gifts to those who are sick.
15. Study the lives and teachings of the prophets.
16. Hold family council meetings.
17. Read with the younger children.
18. Hold interviews with family members.
19. Visit the temple grounds. (Salt Lake is the only one you can visit, isn’t it?
20. Watch uplifting videos, movies, etc. at home.
21. Go on a nature walk.
22. Do a secret act of service for someone.

No Bake Choco-Peanut-Oatmeal Cookies

No Bake Choco-Peanut-Oatmeal Cookies (makes 4-5 doz enough to share with others for FHE)
1/2 cup milk
2 cups white sugar
3 tablespoons cocoa
3 tablespoons peanut butter
1/2 c butter or margarine
3 cups rolled oats
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Wipe 1 inch wide band of butter around the rim of a 3-quart pan to prevent boil over.
Combine milk, sugar, cocoa, peanut butter and butter or margarine.
Stir and bring to boil over medium heat. Let boil for 1 1/2 minutes, do not stir.
Remove from heat. Stir in oats and vanilla. Stir until oats are evenly distributed.
Drop by teaspoon onto waxed paper. Cool.

Family Home Evening Clean Minds

Most of the ad slogan list came from Marika @ http://www.completeleeblog.blogspot.com/

Clean Minds
Opening Prayer:
Family Business:
Scripture: D& C 88:118 And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out the the best books words of wisdom; yea, seek learning, even by study and also by faith.
Song: Hum Your Favorite Hymn (Children’s Songbook, page 152)
Lesson: Things that are repeated to us over and over again tend to stick with us. For instance, Can you complete these ad slogans:
Melts in your mouth, not in your hands..........M&M's
Plop, plop, fizz, fizz, oh what a relief it is ..........Alka Seltzer
Nobody doesn’t like..........Sara Lee
Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese..........McDonalds Big Mac
Mmm, mmm, good..........Campbell's Soup
Just do it..........Nike
With a name like _____; it has to be good..........Smuckers
Be all that you can be..........U.S. Army
Breakfast of champions..........Wheaties
It keeps going, and going, and going..........Energizer
Just as we keep our bodies clean and healthy by following the Word of Wisdom, we should keep our mind clean by giving it nourishing “food”.
Though it is okay to occasionally have something that tastes good but may not be that good for you, your mind is not the same. You must be careful about what goes in to your mind. Once you’ve seen something, you can never go back. It can come back into your consciousness at any time. You don’t always have control over what comes into your head but you do have control over what stays. You should always be prepared to have something good to put in to your mind in case something bad pops in. Good music is a good way to do this.

We also need to be careful what books we read, what TV shows and movies we watch.

Closing Prayer: Closing prayer before the activity so we don’t forget after the movie.

Activity and Refreshments (combined for the night): This could also be used as family home evening in itself Family Night at the Movies- Give each family member 3 tickets for refreshments: popcorn, drink and a cookie-each item individually packaged and wrapped of course.

Crock Pot Baked Potatoes

After my daughter's baptism, we had a baked potato bar. We cooked the potatoes in the crock pot. You wash and dry them then cover them with aluminum foil. Don't add water. They were small so they were only in there about 3 hours. It is now the perfered way to cook baked potatoes in my house. My son is even willing to help make them.

Daughters Baptism

Introducing the newest member of our ward!

Last Saturday, April 10, my oldest daughter was baptized. She was kinda afraid to go under the water but she did great. She was so excited. She was up around 6:30 am which is amazing because its hard to get her up for school at 7:30 most mornings.

She was baptized and confirmed by my husband. Many family member were there to show support. My nephew had broken his leg on his mission and had to come home until he could walk so many miles without pain so he was able to come also which was awesome.

We had a potato bar afterwards. It was fun to have so much of the family there. We missed those who weren't able to come.

We are happy with her decision. She has also expressed how happy she is.