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.