Awesome FHE

The older girls have been doing a splendid job with FHE of late. So proud of them and the spiritual examples they are in our home. They are such a strength and a light.

Tobi the Turkey

 

We got to have Tobi over for dinner and do our gratitude turkey together. Always thoughtful and pensive about how blessed we are!!

 

(Enjoyed Eli's thought, "Friends... especially ones like Allen)

Homemade Caramel Apples & Skeletons With Nancy Slater

 

These were really delicious. Gotta say. We'll be doing this every fall now!!

We made the caramel and didn't do the store bought candies... so much better and easier!!

 

Nancy has been my saving grace these past few days. The kids had gone to her house, I can't even remember what day. I think it was before mom died. I don't know. I hate that I can't think.

Anyways, they made these beautiful skeletons together. They've had a lot of fun with her and the many women that have so selflessly given up time to help out. Thanks to Shanna and Kathy too. Man, what would I have done without their help??

Pumpkin Carving.... crazy good results this year!!

 

Pumpkin carving has always been fun, but never has it been this fun or SAFE before!!! We used Master Carvers kits I bought on clearance at Target last year. They were EXCELLENT!!!! So easy, and it felt like no one was going to hack a limb off.

 

Plus.... look at what they made!!! Christina did this vampire. I know!!!

 

Maria did a castle. I helped Eli (scary face) and Ella (bat).

 

Kids had fun, I was happy they were happy!

FHE 100 Years Celebration

 

I have the best children. I was reading the Ensign and saw the suggestion to plan a FHE celebrating 100 years of Family Home Evening. The girls were up to the task and did a beautiful job!! They planned EVERYTHING by themselves!!

 

They decorated and even had a ribbon cutting ceremony to welcome us to the festivities. They had balloons with all our family member's names on them.

 

We played pin the baby in the mom's arms and pin your favorite thing about Family Home Evening on the home.

 

Nina told us a little about Family Home Evening and how it's different in different places.

 

They baked a cake and we sang Happy Birthday to Family Home Evening.

 

Family Home Evening is a night set aside in the week to just spend time together and learn about the teachings of Jesus. I treasure this time each week. We bear testimonies as a family. It's not always perfect (especially with 2 small ones) but the spirit can always be felt. Especially lately, it seems like we've been having some really profound and deep thought.

 

I'm grateful for the gospel and the plan Heavenly Father has to help families be forever. I wouldn't want to spend eternity without these special little souls!!!

 

Some things that we always do for Family Home Evening are designate a leader to conduct, announcements, thank the priesthood (when there), song, lesson, and of course... treat!!! Favorite treat is going out for ice cream!!

FHE Grinch!!

 

It was a Grinch themed day, all leading to watching the film for FHE.

We had Cindy Loo hair.

 

Made Grinch slime.

 

 

Made Grinch art. I LOVE how they turned out!!

 

 

Made hot cocoa packets and handed them out to people driving by for free.

Only a few people stopped, 2 of whom were fellow ward members :)

But they all seemed to appreciate it!

Giving is always better than receiving!

 

 

And then finally, our Grinch pills and popcorn.

 

Glow in the Dark Egg Hunt

 

We had a glow in the dark egg hunt that was really fun. I added scriptures about Christ being the light of the world in the eggs also.

 

It was such a nice time together to reflect on the true meaning of Easter. I felt the spirit strongly as we bore testimonies.

 

I know that no matter how dark, Christ will always be our light. He loves us.

Creation Family Home Evening

Tonight, I wasn't overly excited about having Family Home Evening. Jody was "working". But I know my responsibilities. I know that even though I'm tired, God will provide energy.

And I'm so grateful for tonight. It was a wonderful lesson. The spirit was felt. We learned about the creation and the girls had such educated, thoughtful comments to add. Eli was great and participated and smiled! He sat in Christina's lap the entire time, calm and peaceful.

At one point Maria started crying. She was thinking about the final judgement and asked what would happen if we ended up in different kingdoms. I told her that we didn't have to worry about that because God is a loving, merciful God who doesn't lie. He is bound by what He says. When we choose the right, He will bless us. We have been sealed in His holy temple and do our best to make good choices, Jesus will carry us the rest of the way.

Sometimes, I look at her and wonder why at 7 she has such anxiety. I think it's because she's so smart and fully understands and comprehends things. Anyways, it was a good discussion.

She brought up Yaya Sofia who hasn't been to the temple and other family members and friends. It was a nice opportunity to talk about temple work. God is merciful and will always give us a chance if we are willing to take it! I was just touched though at her love and desire to be together as a family and friends for all eternity.

It was just a really peaceful night. Knowledge is power. Christina was talking about a scholastic article she read, that she got a B on, and told us all about crocodiles. She recited almost the complete article by memory. I quickly interrupted her and said that the B was nothing, I was just so grateful that she learned so much about crocodiles and that we as humans, as part of the creation, are responsible to take care of the earth and it's inhabitants. Maria talked about Junie B. Jones and how she wore a real fur coat and people threw tomatoes at her. We talked about how we shouldn't waste the life of an animal for things that are not necessary like clothing and purses.

We talked about cotton and what a blessing plants are. We talked about our favorite plants. Maria loves sunflowers and Christina loves lilies. Eli likes summer plants. Maria told us how they provide oxygen and we provide carbon dioxide for them.

It was such a blessing to share testimony together of the things we know to be true. I know that this earth is our home. It was provided as a place for us to learn and grow. It was provided as a place of testing. I know God wants us to return to Him because He is our loving Father.

I'm grateful for tonight. It was a miracle and a blessing. It was proof that God will bless us when we make good choices. I was thumbing through Christina's work from school and the teacher had them write a persuasive piece on something that people should do. Christina came up with the idea that people should build wells for people in Africa so they can quote, "enjoy the blessing of clean water". It was so thoughtful. I'm grateful that I have children who are close to God and know their purposes in this life. This life is all about everything we can do to help others be happy. Truly happy.

Truly happy is sitting for 30 minutes with my kids and talking about the blessings God has given us. And then enjoying ice cream after.

As a sidenote, I was humbled by something Christina said. She said that she really loved Mondays and looked forward to them because of Family Home Evening.

FHE & SHARE

The other night, Christina gave a beautiful FHE on not judging others. It was really well thought out and she gave excellent examples from the scriptures.

She started with explaining that many times people quote "underestimate" each other. People didn't think David could beat Goliath, and yet he did.

She also tied in how many people don't think Christ was important, and yet He saved us all.

Finally she showed a picture of the temple and talked about how many people think it's just a pretty building, yet inside families can be made eternal.

Now, if that's not impressive enough... she was also tailoring her questions to the different levels. She asked Eli simple questions like "Is the temple a good place to go to?" or for Maria, "What do you think about the quote, don't judge a book by it's cover?" to which Maria responded, "One time I didn't want to read Fablehaven because the cover was scary and I ended up liking it."

Christina tied in that looks aren't everything. It's the inside that counts.

I was totally emotional and it was one of my proudest moments as a mother. To know that my children understand one of life's great lessons.... judgement is God's and God's alone is a good feeling. It gives me peace that they have such wisdom.

I'm so grateful for the church and that our Prophet counsels us to have these sacred times together.

Next note: SHARE
Sexual Health and Reproductive Education

I attended a school district preview night because in 4th grade they start this course. Fortunately 4th grade isn't anything really drastic. They go over basic health, cells and how they change, hygiene and in one class boys and girls separate to learn about their reproductive system. Basically for girls, they learn about ovaries and their uterus. It was great because as I watched the movie, I finally understood how I got pregnant again. :) They don't go into opposite gender reproductive systems until next year. So we're postponing the "talk" until next year.

Christina is so innocent and we have very strong religious beliefs. I want to make sure that at a young age she understands the importance of marriage.

It was just a great video that reminded me of Ryan Hansen for some reason. Maybe the early 90's clothing and catch phrase, "Growing up is different, but exciting and fun!"

I guess randomly the other day at school some girl was bleeding in the bathroom. She had gotten her period and wouldn't go to the nurse, so all these little girls were huddled in the bathroom extremely upset and worried about her because there was blood everywhere. I don't know if Christina was there or not, I heard it from another mom. I'll have to ask her today.

A while ago I had explained "periods" to the girls because they had seen me using pads. I explained all about it... but again, it was a while ago. So when I asked Christina if she remembered our talk on periods, she gave me a look and said, "Of course mom. I learned that years ago. You use them at the end of sentences." Looks like we might have to revisit the subject.

Finally, it was entertaining to me that when Joe and I got home from the preview night I told him that I thought it was sad that the district wont comment on homosexuality or transgender issues. I think that if a child has a question and doesn't feel like they can talk to their parents that they have someone they can. I wouldn't mind at all if a teacher told the class that having "feelings" for the same gender is something people feel, and that's OK. I guess liability issues. But I found it funny seeing as how we are LDS. A lot of people don't research the church's position thoroughly on gays. But the prophets teach that some people are born a certain way. God has created us all. We are all His children and He's given us the power to choose. Yes, the church does state that marriage is between a man and a woman. But the church also let's gay people hold temple recommends and church positions as long as they are living worthy of it. Of course, that means not acting on their feelings. It's a hard topic, that's for sure. But I know the underlining message is to just love and leave the rest in God's hands. Children should feel loved and not scared. It's too bad more homes can't be that loving environment where children feel free to talk and share.

Carving Pumpkins!

 

This year, we opened up Christina's pumpkin and the smell was a bit overwhelming.

Funk-ay.

So she carved my pumpkin and we all enjoyed getting out the mushy insides.
Except for Eli, he passed out... but in all honesty.... he's kind of crazy with knives.

It was probably for the best.

 

The girls also decided to paint and glitterize their pumpkins.

Our kitchen is very sparkly of late.

Ah, Reverence.....

Oh my word. This was a good one. Tonight for Family Home Evening, a time set aside and recommended by prophets to teach family members gospel principles and spend quality time together... ended up quite possibly one of the funniest ones EVER.

I admit, I'm usually tired and grumpy at the end of the night... so I find I'm a little more strict. After I had just warned about reverence.... I almost peed my pants. The activity was to show gospel pictures and ask questions about the gospel story. After, the kiddos roll a dice and we build a snowman together by drawing.
I made this chart to go along with the activity and also posted it on my primary blog... hopefully they wont run into the same problem AT CHURCH.

 

Maria rolled a 6 for body and made.... drumroll please.....

 Best. Family. Home. Evening.  EVER.

I'm so glad the girls had no idea why we were laughing so hard.

FHE- Annual Pumpkin Patch

Oh how we love the pumpkin patch! Especially how each year we need to go to the bathroom and there are only johnny on the spots, creepy darkness nightmares... then we decide to wait. Then we think we can make it home and someone tries to jump out of a moving car because others are joking around about potty hogging that person.

Ah. Thank you Lord for keeping us safe.

 

Ferrari farms offer just the right amount of stuff to do. We saw animals, played a ball game, explored tractors and took a great hay ride in the dark. It was just the right amount of spooky!

Eli's 1st pumpkin patch trip!!! He loved it!!

 

Similar? Possibly.

 

 

Hooray for the "daddycycle". He pulled us all around FAST!!  On a side note, on the way there we noticed a couple fast food restaurants. The usage of the word "Hell" starts flying. I try not to laugh, but it's hilarious. Brainwashing? I don't know about that. Let's compare it to the child at the pumpkin patch who started, "You know we can't do that. Our family is poor. POOR! And you know why. Because of Obama!! That's why!! He took all our money. And now we are sooooooooooo POOR. So that's why we're going to vote for Romney."

I wonder how many slaves employees at McHell can even afford to take their children to a pumpkin patch?

Babbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbling baboons that smile!!!!!!!

 

Fun times!!! We have such a blast together as a family!!