DoNut forget to Pray

Our last week of FHE on prayer was centered around a treat the Stephen picked up in Denver on his way home. HOT Krispy Kreme’s…. well maybe not too hot.

They were in these cool Power Ranger boxes, which made it even more exciting. I printed off a cut printable to add to our fridge collection on prayer.

We discussed Enos and the verbs that are used in that chapter. We talked about how he prayed and how we should. We shared thoughts and ideas on prayer. I think I have sufficiently inundated them about prayer this month, and you know what…. you can tell that we have talked about prayer just by listening to them in our family prayer.

“Prayer unlocks the powers of heaven in our behalf” – Gordon B Hinckley

Speedracing Prayer FHE

The month of February we have been focusing on prayer. One night we pulled out the quote by Corrie Ten Boom to analyze.

We talked with all of the drivers asking them how often they touch and use the steering wheel as they are trying to get to their destination. Then we moved on to the spare tire and asked once again how often that was used. Is it really important to have a spare tire? Of course in an emergency it’s essential however for everyday we MUST have a steering wheel. The steering wheel is what directs and guides us. Yet so often prayer isn’t used like that, but instead in those emergencies of life we pull out a prayer for a plea of help.

After our discussion we headed to the Overdrive Speedway that just opened by the kids’ school. SO much fun!

As we drove home we finished with another discussion of how often they used their spare tire versus the steering while during their race. I challenged them to make their prayers a daily steering wheel guiding them through their days.

Prayer FHE

This month for FHE we are focusing on prayer. One night after our dinner prayer and then later the family prayer, I just couldn’t take it anymore. I felt like we were going through the motions, saying the same lines, rotating through turns of who is supposed to prayer, and basically just doing it because it was routine. I knew that we definitely needed to study prayer as a family a bit more.

We started out with this video montage of movie prayers and talked about how awkward some of the prayers were because there was no relationship or experience praying, yet how heartfelt and sincere other prayers were.





I had printed up the talk from Elder Richard G Scott, “Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer”, and handed out a copy to everyone on Sunday. I told them to highlight and bring it to FHE the next night. I smiled at Jerrica’s copy because it was all a solid highlighted pink. We had an amazing discussion about this incredible talk that is filled with thoughts and ideas on prayer.

Then the pressure was on Rebecca to end our FHE after having just analyzed prayer, but of course she was all over giving the most beautiful prayer ever! We then had to end with a trip to Auntie Anne's because they have a buy one get one free deal. Pretzels are actually associated with prayer because of the monk that designed them YEARS ago so that the children would remember to fold their arms and pray.

I stuck this on our fridge to help us remember our lesson during the week.

I'm really excited about next week's lesson!

Sesame Street FHE

Have you heard about the Power of YET?

I found it so fitting to go with our goal theme for January and for this new year. I delved into the book, TED talk AND the Seasame Street song and believe what they are saying is SO true…

"Yet" refers to an implied time, still, even or nevertheless.

Carol Dweck wrote an entire book (Mindset) on the concept of yet. She says that "yet expresses our required patience and belief in one’s self or another person’s abilities to realize that some things are worth waiting for and those things take work, time and don’t always come in the form of anything that could be remotely easy. It’s a “You can do it!” attitude. It’s a type of “hope” that we have, and it’s not easy, but if you really think about it, it is exactly the process that allows for success; the power of YET."

Dweck’s concept is based on the premise that we are all on a learning journey, and that just because you haven’t accomplished a task yet, does not mean that you cannot or should not try and certainly that you should not give up. Your “yet” is coming, your “yet” is not yet here. It’s a type of hope that is instilled in us to not give up. Keep growing, keep moving forward, goals take time to achieve and don't happen over night. We can't stop when things don't go our way, but instead need to add the word YET and keep putting one foot in front of the other.

"Yet" gives us that possibility for success, and assures us that this is not the end of what we are trying to do. AND just because Sesame Street is awesome we had to end with this....

I should have ended FHE with a testimony that Sesame Street is true becaue I sure loved that show when my kids were little, but instead I ended with a "Don't Give Up because we have the Power of YET!" Now to add this little three letter word reminder when my kids say they don't know or can't do something.

Goals FHE

I love a good FHE to kick off the New Year. I think that a FHE filled with stories and object lessons about goals help get everyone going. Now let me clarify that this is MY thinking and obviously not my family’s. This year as I taught the kids I felt like everything was backfiring. I asked the kids what the point of a soccer game would be, if there where no goals. Nathan immediately said that it would then be a fun possession game of soccer. I tried telling them that you couldn’t have a game without the goals and they kept fighting me that possession games were just as fun. (I don’t like soccer. I should have used a basketball analogy)

I then had Nathan keep his eyes on a $20 bill as he walked to get my scriptures from the kitchen counter. I was trying to show how hard it was to get something if your eyes weren’t focused on the object. Of course Nathan took it as a challenge and made it look WAY too easy looking at the $20 and quickly grabbing my scriptures. There went my “keeping your eyes on your goal”!

I couldn’t take it anymore!

I had planned on a little activity with everyone and quickly dispensed with the lesson and moved on with the next part. Why can’t the kids ever cooperate and make the lesson that I plan work out like I intend! Anyway, I copied some invites online that were for personal progress and made them work for our FHE by changing text.

The kids put on their PJ’s and we all piled in the van. I realized that everyone was hungry and that’s what we needed was food. Everything is always better once stomachs are full.

However, once again my plans were all sabotaged when we got to IHOP because all goal talk went out the window and cards came out, with games ensuing.

Still “trying” to pursue my lesson from Monday, I sent out group texts to my fam with meme’s and quotes throughout the week about goals, to which I didn’t get a single response, comment, text, feedback, NOTHING!!!!

I think I give up! If they don’t achieve goals in 2017, they can’t say I didn’t try!!!! Tomorrow I’m putting Stephen in charge. We shall see if they will listen to their dad.

Thankful FHE

Last month for FHE I shared a lesson on expressing thankfulness.  Before the night I wrapped up a box and had it sitting by our fireplace.  In retrospect I should have wrapped up a treat to help in proving my point and then it could’ve been our treat as well for FHE.

We discussed what might be in the package.  Is it something that could go bad or could it last forever?  We talked about how sweet it is to give something to another to enjoy.  We also discussed about the idea of wrapping up a gift and then not giving it.  Could the person or receiver enjoy the gift?  Would we be able to benefit from giving and feel good inside for doing so?  We basically analyzed this quote….

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. 

- William Arthur Ward

I shared a few experiences of people that had complimented or expressed gratitude towards me and how I still remember how I felt as they spoke their sweet words.  Some of the kids then shared as well.

We finished by writing a card to someone.  I told them that they could pick anyone and tell them anything positive.  I smiled at the people that my family chose to write to.

Expressing gratitude is so essential to our well being.  Even when we don’t think we have anything to be grateful for, we can ALWAYS find something!  In the book of John we read the story of feeding the five thousand with the five loaves of bread and two fish.  In chapter 6 verse 11 it says, “And Jesus took the loaves; and then when he had given thanks he distributed to the disciples”.

He didn’t complain that there wasn’t enough for the five thousand, instead he expressed gratitude for what he did have.  This was the first thing he did, AND THEN the miracle happened.  I think that so many times in our lives it is after we express our gratitude for what we have, that we are able to see and find the numerous blessings that surround us.  It is also then that miracles happen.  We are humble.  We are recognizing and giving thanks to our dear Father.  We are grateful for what we do have.

I know that if we pray with gratitude and express gratitude to those around us for the little that we have, our blessings will be multiplied!

Grateful in Any Circumstances

For FHE I shared President Dieter Uchtdorf’s talk Grateful in Any Circumstances.  At times it is hard to find things to be grateful for in the midst of trials.  We wonder if there really is anything positive to be grateful for!  I loved his quote,

“I have learned that there is something that would take away the bitterness that may come into our lives. There is one thing we can do to make life sweeter, more joyful, even glorious.

We can be grateful!

It might sound contrary to the wisdom of the world to suggest that one who is burdened with sorrow should give thanks to God. But those who set aside the bottle of bitterness and lift instead the goblet of gratitude can find a purifying drink of healing, peace, and understanding.”

“Could I suggest that we see gratitude as a disposition, a way of life that stands independent of our current situation? In other words, I’m suggesting that instead of being thankful for things, we focus on being thankful in our circumstances—whatever they may be.”

I then divided up the scripture references for the kids to share and read of the people in the scriptures that were able to express their gratitude even though they were struggling.  We also talked about the bed bugs in the book “the Hiding Place” and how they were grateful for them since the soldiers refused to enter their barracks because of the bed bugs.  There is always something to be grateful for!

I made a little hand out from his talk for the kids to put on their bulletin boards in their rooms.

We finished off with Ashley’s scripture - “who [receive] all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto [them], even an hundred fold, yea, more.” ^{DyC 78:19}

The lesson (as always) was more for my benefit.  Sometimes I mope around in my hard times not seeing all of the good around me.  I need to see and be thankful for the “Rain”!

Random

Time for another random post of different bits.  Ashley helped me string plastic eggs for a fun garland.

   

Jerrica helped me with the other decorations.  We love The Golden Egg Book and found the perfect golden egg to put by it.  I also have my favorite picture of Christ by the tomb up.  I’m tempted to not take it down when Easter is over.

This past Monday we did the Egg FHE.  Jerrica decorated them for us when the kids were at school.  This one is becoming a tradition to do during the month of April.

 HERE is the link to the lesson.  Jerrica thought she was all that making them for the lesson.

We had a delicious dinner the other night that consisted of recipes we have made forever, but mixed together.  Stephen grilled chicken that I had marinated in this…

 

Then served it on top of Kim’s homemade Fettuccini Alfredo.  The recipe is filled with shredded parmesan cheese, heavy whipping cream, butter … The grilled chicken is healthy and makes up for all the yumminess in the fettuccini.  :)

Mix that with a salad and you have a meal that the family is already begging to have again.

THIS is another favorite new recipe from this week.

I can’t believe how thirsty and hungry this is making me, and it’s midnight!

I really need to get a post done for Feb and March that has all of our fun activities we have done so that I don’t forget them.  I feel like I forget so easily!

And last but not least, this cute little reminder from Katrina Mayer.

Conference FHE

General conference is this weekend!  I decided to do a lesson to get us pumped about it.  We first talked about learning, the why’s and how’s of learning.  I loved hearing the kids chiming in on the importance of listening, focusing, and trying to understand.

We then moved into this simple youth talk - Making the Most out of Conference.  This summarized what we should do Before, During and then After conference.

Rebecca made this cute hand-out tied with peanut M&M’s for everyone.

HERE is the link to download the handout.

Kaylee ran and got her cute notebook that her leader, Sister Ronco had made.  Of course it made all of her little sisters want to make one.  The notebook has cute color picture tabs of the General Authorities.  She is excited to write in it this weekend! 

 

We ended with this quote, “I promise you in His name if you pray with a sincere desire to hear your Heavenly Father’s voice in the messages of this conference you will discover He has spoken to you, to help you, to strengthen you, and to lead you home into His presence.”  Elder Robert Hales.  It was a great FHE and discussion. 

The other thing I wanted to share was this darling print.  I had it printed up at Costco for a $1.  I want to hang new prints around the house.  I think that everyone gets ‘too used’ to the quotes and don’t read them after a while.  As soon as Kaylee came home from school and saw it, she remembered this frame that we had.  She ran to get it, and immediately the print became hers for her room.  Once AGAIN little sisters are jealous!  HERE is the link to the free download.  

Thought for the Day

Loved this speech. 

We live in a world that believes some types of work are beneath us.  Work truly is an opportunity!

I think I’m going to use it in part of our FHE tonight….

Brushstrokes FHE

Tonight I based a lot of our lesson off of Elder David Bednar’s talk, “More Diligent and Concerned at Home”.  I started out by showing the following two images.

 

Some of the kids guessed that it was Jacob’s paints mixed together.  Some of them were curious about where I had taken the pictures.  I told them that it was only a tiny piece to something bigger.  We then discussed how small pieces don’t give you the full picture.  They can share detail with you, but the bigger picture is missing.

I then showed them the “big picture”.  It’s actually a very large painting that we have hanging in our piano room.

We then talked about each individual brushstroke that comprises this painting.  Each is vital and important in creating the masterpiece, yet each can not stand alone.  I shared some of Elder Bednar’s talk and then asked what some of the brushstrokes are in our lives.  We discussed the masterpiece that we are each creating for our individual souls.  No one prayer will define us, but many a prayer will create who we are.  No one act of service will completely tell the world that we are kind, yet one act after another will certainly show others who we really are.

I finished by challenging everyone to take a look at the brushstrokes that they are painting in their lives.  I asked them to think about their bigger picture that they are trying to create for themselves.  I also gave them each a littler reminder for their bulletin boards.

We finished the evening off with a big game of “Masterpiece”.  It is an art game that is a definite favorite from when I was a child.  :)

Some Lived, Some Died

We discussed our FHE flowers.  I’m not naming names, but I have one child that hates to read.  This particular child made no effort reading her scriptures this last week, and was honest in not watering her flower.

I told her that I was sad it died.  She said, “Mom, it’s just a plant!  I have been too busy to read.”  I then asked her what we were comparing the plant to and what happens to us spiritually when we neglect our prayers and scriptures.  It led into a really good conversation with her!

I hope my kids don’t die spiritually.  I hope that I can teach them all that I need to before they leave home.  Oh how I hope and pray for them daily!

Spiritual Food FHE

We did this one around the dinner table as we were eating dinner. 

I started out with thoughts from Dallin H Oaks talk on Spiritual nourishment…

“We know that our physical bodies require certain nutrients to sustain life and to maintain physical and mental health. If we are deprived of those nutrients, our physical and mental vitality are impaired and we have a condition called malnutrition. Malnutrition produces such symptoms as reduced mental functions, digestive disorders, loss of physical strength, and impairment of vision.”

What are some signs when we are physically hungry?  Then I continued with the talk…

“Our spirits also require nourishment. Just as there is food for the body, there is food for the spirit. The consequences of spiritual malnutrition are just as hurtful to our spiritual lives as physical malnutrition is to our physical bodies. Symptoms of spiritual malnutrition include reduced ability to digest spiritual food, reduced spiritual strength, and impairment of spiritual vision.”

What are some of the signs when you are spiritually hungry?  Then more of his talk…

“We know the principal sources of spiritual food: prayer, studying the scriptures, attending inspirational meetings, singing the hymns, serving in our callings, fasting, partaking of the sacrament, and making other covenants, such as in the temple.”

 

We then talked about what it means to feast versus snack.  We read and discussed 2 Nephi 32:2.  When we are hungry we feast.  When we are spiritually hungry and depressed, we too need to feast on spiritual nourishment and not just snack.

At Stake Women’s Conference a couple of weeks ago someone shared how her father had given all the kids a plant.  They could only water it AFTER they had read their scriptures.  No reading, no watering, and thus plant dying.  I LOVED the idea, but knew I needed a plant that needed daily watering.

I decided on cute petunias in peat pots.  Peat pots really dry out when sitting by the window, and need daily moisture. 

The kids have their flowers and challenge.  We shall see who is able to keep theirs alive, and in so doing are keeping themselves alive!

Links in the Chain FHE

An anchor is defined as something “that provides stability or confidence in an otherwise uncertain situation.”

I shared this piece from Russell Ballard’s talk at a fireside given at BYU in 1992-

“Have you ever watched a large ship weigh anchor? It is fascinating to see and hear the massive links of chain screeching against the metal bow of the ship as the anchor is raised. Now, the metal links of the anchor chain are incredibly heavy, but their weight is slight when compared to the total weight of the ship. Still, if an anchor is placed properly on the bottom of the sea, it can a hold a giant ship fast, even in rough seas.

Just as ships need anchors to keep them from drifting away on the open seas, people need spiritual anchors in their lives if they are to remain steadfast and not drift into the sea of temptation and sin. Faith in God and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, is the main anchor we must have in our lives to hold us fast during times of social turbulence and wickedness that seem to be everywhere today.”

We then discussed how important the massive anchor chain is.  Suppose a beautiful sailing ship having been manufactured from the finest materials and reinforced for the roughest seas.  The mast and sails are sturdy and seaworthy.  The anchor is above standard size, weight, and craftsmanship.  BUT for some reason the chain attached to the anchor is inferior and weak.  Visualize what would happen the first time the anchor is lowered, or the first time a strong wave pushed the anchored ship out to sea.  If any link of the chain holding the anchor broke, the anchor would be left to rust on the bottom of the ocean floor, and the ship would drift aimlessly perhaps even be destroyed.

We then came up with the links that we need to strengthen in order to keep us with our Heavenly Father.  We made our own paper chain with the various ideas that were mentioned in our discussion.  We also talked about how easy it might be to neglect one link and then what happens to the chain as that one link is weakened.

Of course our chain is on our fridge by my little reminder poster –

Making paper chains, being together as a family, and discussing the gospel made for a perfect Family Home Evening.

New Year Posters

Jerrica has been dying to make these.  She has asked for months now, when the holiday is that we make our goal posters.  Well, today was the day!  We cut and cut and cut, then pasted together what we wanted our year to look like.  I love goals and new beginnings.

This is my favorite FHE lesson for the new year - Using Time Wisely.  It’s filled with stories and ideas to help you use your time wisely.  I think I use it every year just for ME to hear it again and again.

 

Always have liked this quote from the lesson, “Time is all the capital stock there is on the earth; … if properly used, it brings that which will add to your comfort, convenience, and satisfaction,”

Vote FHE

Thanks for all of your emails and comments about California.  All of you made me excited about the trip and gave me so many ideas.  THANK You!

Stephen shared a lesson tonight about government.  He read DyC 134:1.  He had the kids recite the 12th article of faith.  Then discussed with the kids the importance of voting and being a voice in what you believe.   We finished by voting for our Tuesday’s meals.

It does get a little tricky when you have an even number of 8 voting.  We had a tie on something.  :/  Hope that tomorrow doesn’t end up in a tie!

Jack-O-Lantern FHE

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matt. 5:16)

Start with a happy little pumpkin with his candle lit.

Have you ever been just afraid of the dark? Have you ever been in a place that was so dark that you couldn’t see your hand in front of your face, even with your eyes wide open?   Think of when we have been camping and used just a small flashlight to see our way around.   What a difference it is to have light!   Even a small light makes a big difference in a dark place.

Jesus Christ taught those who followed Him were “the light of the world.” He said that you don’t light candles and put them under baskets. When you light a candle, you put it on a candlestick so that it gives light to everyone in the room. He told us, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (See Matt. 5:14–16.)

What happens when you cover this pumpkin with a blanket?  Is the light as bright?  Eventually the light will go out.  What happens when you don’t share your light?  Would it be hard to relight the light within you, when it goes out?

How can you let your light shine? One way is by keeping the commandments and choosing the right. When we are honest, when we keep the Sabbath holy, when we are kind, we are letting our lights shine. When we obey the Word of Wisdom, when we dress modestly, when we use the names of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ reverently, we are letting our lights shine. Each small light makes a big difference!

Uncover the pumpkin and talk about how good it feels to have light in a dark situation.  Then testify and share how good it is to be in the light!

Of course this is perfect for carving pumpkins as the activity!  :)

Communication FHE

 

We had a Family Home Evening on communication, and the above picture in now hanging on our fridge as a reminder.  I knew it was needed in more ways than one!  The kids needed to communicate better with their teachers, friends, coaches and ME!  However, the lesson was probably more for me, as is usually the case.

I had a few communication experiments to start the lesson.  I had Ashley come in front of everyone and I stood behind her.  I then said something that could be taken two ways depending on my tone and body language.  I kept my tone the same, but expressed a lot of emotion in my face and hands, which Ashley couldn’t see me doing.  The rest of the family knew exactly what I meant because they could see my body language, yet Ashley was clueless that I was mad because she couldn’t see my body language to help her understand me.  We then talked about eye contact, hand gestures and facial expressions.

Then I had Rebecca come up for the next example.  I told her to say the ABC’s in her mind over and over as I talked.  She of course was concentrating on her ABC’s and when I was done had absolutely no clue what I had been saying.  I then used this as an example of what happens when others are talking to us and we aren’t concentrating on them, but instead thinking about other things in our head.  I expressed the importance of keeping your mind open to the conversation and the other person.

Next, I had Jacob come up.  I told him that he had to understand what I was explaining without asking any questions.  I was then VERY vague in an explanation of something.   Of course he was clueless as to what I was trying to say, and we then discussed the importance of asking questions so that there are no questions.

We then talked about people that can express themselves well, and how they communicate.  We all agreed that we love people that compliment and make us feel good. 

There are many ways to communicate and we need to always be aware if we are being as effective as we can be.

I finished off the night with a game and treat.  We divided the kids into two teams.  They had to designate a person to relay the instructions and two to carry them out.  We told the two relay leaders a very detailed explanation of where their team’s treats were hidden.  They had to remember the details and relay them to their team.  Their teammates then ran to find their treats.  It was interesting how a few details that were left out created a lapse in getting the treat. 

Days after we had this lesson, I would get Nathan’s comments as I would yell for him to do something … “Oh sorry mom, I couldn’t see your body language with that and couldn’t really understand what you wanted”  He is such a smart-aleck!  :)

Back to School

It’s that time of year again.  The summer winds down and the schedule of school ensues.  Scavenger hunts for school supplies are endless.

Decorations are brought out trying to get the kids excited.

Family Home Evenings are planned to help the kids.  Rebecca did this one for us on Monday (she found it online somewhere).  I have another fun one planned for this coming week.

Countdown chains have been made for the much anticipated first day of pre-school.

Obviously some are more excited than others.  We tied a little raffia to our first day of school gifts for teachers.

Next Tuesday is the big start day for all of the big kids.  I cry every year.  I kick myself every year for not doing more over the summer.  It’s just that every year this first day of school comes around quicker and quicker.  :(

The Plan FHE

I want the kids to start planning what they want to accomplish and do this summer, SO I pulled out a talk that I gave when I was the Young Women’s President.  I dusted it off and used it on my kids…

I pulled out our blueprints for our house.  I told the kids that I KNEW the plan was important but didn’t realize how VERY important it was.  Every subcontractor, builder, and inspector would use these plans.  It was the picture of the final product we were tying to achieve.  Any dispute or problem was resolved by looking at “the Plan”.

I talked to the kids about all of the different subcontractors that worked on the house.  We then discussed all of the tools that were used from a little tiny screwdriver for plumbing to a huge, giant crane for the trusses.

When we were all finished, how exciting to see our picture that we drew standing in real life.  How proud we were!

I then talked to the kids about how they can plan ANYTHING and achieve it.  We talked how important it is to write down and plan out.  Then we can refer to “our plan”.  We also discussed the people that could help us with our goals and some of the tools that we could use.  I love hearing the kids answers.  When we were talking about people helping us, Nathan piped in that a coach could and Jerrica piped up that a grandma could help.  :)

I did tell them that many are willing to help in the blueprint of our lives, whether we want their help or not.  We must be careful in whom we select to help.  Just as I wouldn’t want a choreographer doing my plumbing, they need to be careful in who they trust and use to build their goals.

I then went into depth about the foundation of our house.  How deep and thick the cement is.  How it had to be tarred.  You can’t just start building, you have to start with a strong foundation to build on.  Plan the base of your goal and work up.

I then gave them a little blueprint paper to write some of their goals for the summer on.  I LOVE seeing the light in their eyes as they get excited about their goals and all they can accomplish.  Now to set a few goals for myself.  ;)