Family Night Fun

Conference Candyland

2010-10-11T22:31:00.000-07:00

Tonight Collin helped me turn our Candyland game board into a general conference review activity. We covered up each sugary character with the face of one of the twelve apostles, clipped from the Ensign magazine. Then I typed up the titles to each of the conference talks (e.g., "The Divine Gift of Gratitude") and put them in a bowl.

Each player draws a slip of paper out of the bowl and counts the number of words in the title to see how many spaces they can move (e.g., 5 words means you get to move 5 spaces). I also put the names of the twelve apostles, the prophet and his two councilors in the bowl. If you drew one of their names, you got to move to wherever their picture was on the board.

On top of the Candyland Castle we put a picture of Jesus. Collin taught us that when we follow the prophet and the apostles, we follow Jesus Christ. We also talked about what it means to "come unto Christ" (Moroni 10:32). When the first person made it to Jesus, we helped others make it their too. We talked about how God wants ALL his children to return to Him.

The kids had a lot of fun playing this. And it was fun for my husband and me to try and remember who talked about what. After the game, we shared some of our favorite parts of conference. We then chose about six talks to use for future family home evenings. We'll definitely do this again after next general conference.

Luke said the closing prayer tonight and one thing he said was, "Thank you that we could have good feelings tonight." After the prayer, I told him those good feelings come from the Holy Ghost. We feel good because we feel God's love for us and because we love each other.

By the way, even little Owen kneels and prays with us now. He's only 18 months old. It's so cute to see him walk over to the circle and kneel down all by himself and fold his arms. He keeps his eyes open, but it's because he's watching all of us.

Owen is always watching, that's what I am constantly reminding my older boys. I love it when they are a good example to him. What a little miracle it is when a child learns to pray. It's a powerful thing.

Oh, and it was Luke's turn to choose an activity. Luke's new favorite activity is one that his dad taught him. We call it "statues". We all hold hands while Dad spins us, when he lets go we have to freeze. Then we take turns guessing what the statues are doing. Sometimes the statues are animals, or career persons, or just people doing something interesting. Merritt, for example, was once a dog taking a whiz on a fire hydrant. What would we do without Dads?

Preparing for a Mission

2010-04-26T22:06:00.000-07:00

"Young men, I admonish you to prepare for service as a missionary...learn the lessons which will be beneficial to you...live the life you will need to have lived to be worthy." (Pres. Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, May 2010)

Song: The Church of Jesus Christ (CS, 77)
Prayer: Collin
Scripture: Doctrine & Covenants 18:10, 15-16

Lesson:
A Prophet's Counsel
Latter-day prophets have counseled all worthy young men who hold the priesthood to serve a full-time mission. Pres. Monson in the last general conference reiterated that counsel. (See quote above.)

Preparing to Serve a Mission
Fill a bag with different items that represent lessons to be learned before a mission (e.g., scriptures, a tie, a cooking utensil, shoe polish, needle and thread, garden gloves, For the Strength of Youth pamphlet, consecrated oil, a journal, a testimony glove, a calendar, a toy iron, a piggy bank, a bicycle pump, etc.). Take turns pulling items out of the bag. Discuss ways you can prepare to serve a mission.

Blessings of Missionary Service
Read the story Pres. Monson shared about a young man who served a mission even though his parents were not members of the church (see Ensign, May 2010). How did serving a mission bless him and his family? Invite your Dad to share how serving a mission blessed his life.

Activity:
Set up four stations where family members can learn to do different things. We learned how to tie a tie, iron a shirt, polish a shoe and read a scripture in Spanish. You might also want to show children how to crack an egg, sew a button, share a testimony, serve another person, give a priesthood blessing, set measurable goals, schedule activities on a calendar, make a budget, or repair a flat tire on a bicycle.

Refreshment:
Apricot Cake

Song: Called to Serve (CS, 174)
Prayer: Dad

I Can Be a Missionary Now

2010-04-19T22:12:00.000-07:00

"Make a commitment to be a missionary for the rest of your life. There are many among your friends who would respond to the gospel if you would have the faith to share the message of the Restoration with them." (Elder Quentin L. Cook, Friend, April 2010)

Song: Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam (CS, 60)
Prayer: Dad
Scripture: D&C 18: 10, 15-16

Lesson:
A Rescue Mission
Read "Come to the Rescue" (see Friend, April 2010). Complete the maze to rescue a friend in need. How is missionary work like a rescue mission? Read the story "Making a Difference" (see Friend, April 2010). What did Ryan do to reach out and rescue? Read more member missionary stories posted on the "Bulletin Board" (see Friend, April 2010). What are some ways you can be a missionary at home, at school, and at play?

Creating a Gospel-sharing Home
Decorate a missionary box. Fill a shoe box with items that you can share with others, such as a Book of Mormon, a church video, pass along cards, Family Proclamation pamphlets, a music CD, etc. (Then you'll always know where they are.) Set a goal to give all of the items away by a certain date. For more suggestions on how your family can share the gospel see, "Creating a Gospel-sharing Home" by Elder M. Russell Ballard (see Ensign, May 2006).

Activity:
Work together to make a bird house or a bird feeder (using pinecones, peanut butter and bird seed). Hang it in your yard and watch for birds. Learn to identify a few bird species in your area. See online Bird Identification Guide.

Refreshment:
Popcorn balls

Song: The Church of Jesus Christ (CS, 77)
Prayer: Luke

Ammon Defends the King's Sheep

2010-04-12T23:53:00.000-07:00

"...show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls." (Alma 17: 11)

Song: The Church of Jesus Christ
Prayer: Luke
Scripture: D&C 18:10

Lesson:
Act out the story of Ammon defending King Lamoni's sheep (see Alma 17-18). What made Ammon such a good missionary? How does serving others "disarm" them and provide opportunities to share the gospel?

Activity:
Plan and carry out a family service project. (We cleaned up litter in our neighborhood.)

Refreshment:
Serve chocolate pudding in ice-cream cones with sprinkles on top.

Song: I Hope They Call Me on a Mission (CS, 169)
Prayer: Dad

Feed My Sheep

2010-04-05T23:09:00.000-07:00

"What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?" (Luke 15:4)

Song: The Church of Jesus Christ (CS, 77)
Prayer: Mom
Scripture: Doctrine & Covenants 18:10, 15-16

Lesson:
Parable of the Lost Sheep
Place 99 items (e.g., jelly beans, pennies or cotton balls) in a jar. After family members guess how many items are in the jar, count them. Explain that there should be 100 but you have lost one. Look for the hidden item until you find it. Read Luke 15: 3-7 and show gospel art. Who are Jesus' sheep? What should we do if one sheep is lost?

Feed My Sheep
After Jesus was resurrected, he appeared to his apostles on three separate occasions. Tell the story found in John 21: 1-17. How can we, like Peter, feed the Lord's lambs and sheep? Why did Jesus repeat this instruction three times? How does caring for the Lord's sheep show our love for Him?

Missionary Work
How is missionary work like finding and feeding lost lambs or gathering fish in a net? What do these teachings of Jesus teach us about the worth of a soul? Discuss the joy that comes from sharing the gospel.

Activity:
Marco Polo (Revised)
Blindfold one family member. Instruct all others to hide in different places around the room. When the blindfolded person says, "Lost," all the others should say, "Sheep." Repeat this saying until the seeker is able to use his or her ears to find where all the others are hiding. Play until everyone has had at least one chance to be blindfolded.

Refreshment:
Homemade Sweet Rolls

Song: I Feel My Savior's Love (CS, 74)
Prayer: Collin

Topic: Sharing the Gospel

2010-04-04T22:44:00.000-07:00

This month we're focusing on the blessings of sharing the gospel. We are learning the song "The Church of Jesus Christ" (CS, 77) and memorizing the scripture in Doctrine & Covenants 18:10, 15-16. "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God."

We'll have four lessons based on teachings from the following resources.

Resources:
Teaching of Jesus= Parable of the Lost Sheep, Feed My Sheep (see Luke 15:3-7, John 21:1-17)
Children's magazine= "Making a Difference" (see Friend April 2010)
Scripture story= Ammon Defends the King's Sheep (see GAK 310 and Alma 17-18)
Conference talk= "Preparation Brings Blessings" by Pres. Thomas S. Monson (see Ensign, May 2010)

"Young men, I admonish you to prepare for service as a missionary...learn the lessons which will be beneficial to you...live the life you will need to have lived to be worthy." (Pres. Monson)

Resurrection: The Reason for Easter

2010-03-29T12:07:00.000-07:00

TBA

The Book of Mormon: Safety for the Soul

2010-03-22T21:46:00.000-07:00

"I [declare] to the world...that the Book of Mormon is true, that it...was given to bring happiness and hope to the faithful in the travail of the latter days." (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Ensign Nov. 2009)

Song: Scripture Power

Prayer: Mom

Lesson:

The Book of Mormon
What is the Book of Mormon and why was it written? It is another testament of Jesus Christ and it was written for our day. When Jesus was resurrected, he appeared to many in Jerusalem. He also appeared to a group of believers living in the Americas and taught them His gospel (3 Nephi 11).

Safety for the Soul
In the last general conference of the church, Elder Holland testified that the Book of Mormon provides "safety for the soul." How does daily study of the Book of Mormon provide spiritual safety and protection? Share a personal experience about a time when the scriptures helped you.

Sharing Testimony
Elder Holland shared his personal testimony that the Book of Mormon is true. How can we gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon? Read Moroni 10:4-5.

Prepare a testimony glove (see Friend, Oct. 2008). Use the glove to talk about how the Book of Mormon can help us gain a testimony of many things, including a testimony of the restoration and the reality of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ.

Invite family members to wear the testimony glove and practice sharing their own testimony starting with the phrase, "I know that...". Make sure that everyone has an opportunity to share something they know is true.

Song: Search, Ponder, and Pray (CS, 109)

Prayer: Collin

Refreshment: Tres leches cake with strawberries and kiwi

Activity:

Scripture Pictures Game

This game is played like "Pictionary" but uses scripture verses to provide the person, place or thing that will be drawn. See suggested list of scripture references in the Friend, Nov. 2008.

Credits:

Conducting= Mom

Lesson= Dad

Activity= Luke

Treat= Collin

Scripture Power!

2010-03-17T23:36:00.000-07:00

"Scripture Power! Every day I need the power that I get each time I read."

Opening song: Book of Mormon Stories (CS, 118)
Prayer: Luke

Lesson:
The following activities will help familiarize children with the scriptures.

Station 1: Scripture Book Scramble
Write the names of each book in the Bible or Book of Mormon on index cards. Help children find the Table of Contents in the scriptures, then use it to place the cards in the right order. (Older children can form two teams and compete to put a set of cards in the correct order.)

Station 2: Scripture Cookies
Use the scriptures to find the missing ingredients in a recipe for scripture cookies (see "Bulletin Board" in The Friend, March 2010 or "Kitchen Krafts" in The Friend, January 1998). Then follow the recipe to bake the cookies.

Tip: Our children were too young to look up scriptures by themselves, but they got a kick out of watching Mom and Dad race to find each one. (Dad won this game of scripture chase, but it was close.)

Station 3: Scripture Song Circle
While the cookies are baking, place index cards (described above) on the floor in a circle. Walk around the circle as you listen to the song "The Books in the Book of Mormon" (CS, 119). When the music stops, choose a card to stand on. Draw a scripture book out of a bowl. Whoever is standing on that card gets a sticker.

Note: Songs for the books in the Old and New Testaments are also available in the Children's Songbook.

Refreshment:
Scripture cookies
We chose the latter scripture cookie recipe above (from The Friend, January 1998) because we like oatmeal raisin cookies. Yum!

Activity:
We had a backwards night and went for a short bike ride before we started our lesson. That way we didn't run out of daylight.

Closing song: Scripture Power
Prayer: Mom

Credits:
Conducting= Dad
Lesson= Luke
Activity= Collin
Treat= Mom

The Iron Rod (Lehi's Dream)

2010-03-08T00:34:00.000-08:00

Lesson:
Hang a large piece of butcher paper on the wall. As you read Lehi's dream (see 1 Nephi 8), the family can draw what Lehi saw.

Afterword, blindfold the kids and spin them around. Invite them to pluck some fruit from the tree of life (with and without the use of a broomstick "iron rod"). Discuss how the iron rod is like the word of God because it helps us stay on the path that leads to eternal life.

Activity:
Go fly a kite!

Refreshment:
Jello pudding shamrocks. Recipe adapted from The Friend, February 2010 (see "Bulletin Board").

The Light of Truth

2010-03-01T21:56:00.000-08:00

"Ten virgins...took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom...five of them were wise, and...took oil in their vessels with their lamps."

Opening song: When He Comes Again (CS, 82)
Prayer: Collin

Lesson:
Truth is light
In a dark room, provide different light sources one at at time that are increasingly brighter (e.g., a match, a candle, an oil-burning lamp, a flashlight, a table lamp, then flip the switch to light the entire room). In what ways is truth similar to light? How can we receive more light and truth than we already have?

The wise have oil in their lamps
Explain that in Jesus' day there was no electricity. They used lamps fueled by oil to provide light (see Gospel Art). Read the parable of the ten virgins (see Matt. 25: 1-13 and Gospel Art). What do you think Jesus was trying to teach us? Discuss how we fill our own lamps with oil (or keep our batteries charged), so that we can have light to guide us in these latter days.

How to receive Jesus' light
Why couldn't the five wise women share their oil with the five foolish women? The oil represented things that can't be shared, like faith in God's promises and obedience to God's commandments. Daily scripture study is one way we can fill our lamp with oil, drop by drop, increasing our faith and our capacity to obey.

Testify that the scriptures are the word of God. Daily scripture study brings us closer to God and helps us prepare to live with Him again.

Closing song: Scripture Power
Prayer: Dad

Refreshment:
Serve chocolate pudding in ice-cream cones and top with candy sprinkles.

Activity:
Family Olympics
Choose about four to eight different events that you can hold in your yard or living room. Assign different family members to prepare for one or two events, including getting or making the needed equipment and materials. Award all family members with homemade gold medals at the completion of your Olympic games.

Ideas for Olympic events can be found in FHE Resource Book (see pg. 318-319, "Family Superstars").

Credits:
Conducting= Collin
Lesson= Mom
Activity= Dad
Treat= Luke

Topic: Feast Upon the Word

2010-03-01T21:37:00.000-08:00

This month we're focusing on the blessings of daily scripture study. We are learning the song "Scripture Power" and memorizing the scripture in 2 Nephi 32:3.

"...feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do."

We'll have four lessons based on teachings from the following resources.

Resources:
Teaching of Jesus= Parable of the Ten Virgins (see Matt. 25)
Children's magazine= Scripture Cookies (see "Bulletin Board", Friend Mar. 2010)
Scripture story= Lehi's Dream (see 1 Nephi 8)
Conference talk= "Safety for the Soul" by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (see Ensign, Nov. 2009)

"...the Book of Mormon is true, it came forth the way Joseph said it came forth and was given to bring happiness and hope to the faithful in the travail of the latter days."
(Elder Holland)

Challenge:
Trace an outline of an oil lamp onto cardstock. Each day you read the scriptures this month, add a yellow circle sticker to represent an added drop of oil in the lamp.

Love at Home

2010-02-08T22:03:00.000-08:00

"All the world is filled with love, when there's love at home." (Hymn 294)

Song: I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus (CS, 78)
Prayer: Mom
Scripture: Exodus 20: 12

Lesson:
Love and Service Go Hand in Hand
Read "The Two Years that Flew" (see Friend Feb. 2010). Talk about what the little sister did to show love to her brother while he was serving a mission. What can YOU do to show love to your family?

Game: My Happy Home
To learn what you can do to show love to your family, play the game "My Happy Home". The first one to fill their home with love (or hearts) wins the game.

Secret Servers
Cut out several red hearts and distribute an envelope full to each family member. Encourage them to secretly serve in the family this week and leave behind a love heart (from "Bulletin Board: Serving with Love," Friend Feb. 2010).

Song: Love at Home (Hymns, 294)
Prayer: Dad

Refreshment:
Heart-shaped sugar cookies

Activity:
Make valentines for friends and neighbors. Learn how to write a poem. Or, make a package for a missionary in your family.

Tip: Melt used crayons into heart shapes and gift them on Valentine's Day with a note that says, "Have a heart." (See instructions at Family Fun magazine.)

Credits:
Conducting= Luke
Lesson= Collin
Activity= Mom
Treat= Dad

Love Thy Neighbor (Compassion)

2010-02-01T22:18:00.000-08:00

"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself." (Luke 10:27)

Song: I Know That My Savior Loves Me
Prayer: Luke
Scripture: Exodus 20: 12

Lesson:
Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself
One day a lawyer asked Jesus two important questions. Read Luke 10: 25-29. To answer these questions, Jesus told a parable. Act out the story of the Good Samaritan (see gospel art). Why did Jesus tell this story? What was he trying to teach?

The Value of Compassion
What is compassion? How did the Good Samaritan show compassion? Point out that compassion is a principle listed in the Family Proclamation. How do we show compassion to our family members? How does having compassion strengthen our family?

Jesus Showed Compassion
How did the Savior show compassion? (He fed thousands of hungry people, he healed the sick, and blessed little children.) Testify that Jesus is our perfect example. Compassion is a principle that will strengthen our family and increase the love we feel in our home.

Song: I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus (CS, 78)
Prayer: Collin

Activity:
Play scripture charades. Write down events from the Savior's life on slips of paper. Act out the stories and invite others to guess what is happening. (Younger children can pretend to be different animals while others try to guess what they are.)

Refreshment: M&M Cookies

Credits:
Conducting= Collin
Lesson= Mom
Activity= Dad
Treat= Luke

More Diligent and Concerned at Home

2010-01-25T22:27:00.000-08:00

"Each family prayer, each episode of family scripture study, and each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls. No one event may appear to be very impressive or memorable. But...our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results." (Elder Bednar, Ensign Nov. 2009)

Song: Love at Home (Hymns, 294)
Prayer: Luke
Scripture: Helaman 5:12

Lesson:
An apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, Elder David A. Bednar, has recently given us counsel about how to strengthen our families. He encouraged us to express love and show it, bear testimony and live it, and be more consistent with family prayer, scripture study and family home evening.

Express Love and Show It
Provide an opportunity for each family member to say something they love about each other. Parents, express your love for each child and tell them how much they contribute to the family.

Bear Testimony and Live It
Parents, take this opportunity to share your testimony with your children. Tell them of things you know to be true. Invite children to do the same, if they wish.

Be Consistent
Read D&C 64:33. Share Elder Bednar's description of the painting that hangs in his office. Describe how family prayer, family scripture study, and regular home evenings with the family have blessed your life. Evaluate how you are doing as a family. Discuss how to become more consistent in doing these important things.

Song: Love Is Spoken Here (CS, 190)
Prayer: Mom

Activity:
Work together to complete a large puzzle.

Refreshment: Apple pie with vanilla ice-cream

Credits:
Conducting= Luke
Lesson= Dad
Activity= Mom
Treat= Collin

Happy Family Detectives

2010-01-18T23:32:00.000-08:00

"Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ" (from The Family: A Proclamation to the World, paragraph 7)

Song: The Family Is of God
Prayer: Mom
Scripture: Helaman 5:12

Lesson:
Proclamation Principles
Name gospel principles listed in the Family Proclamation that help us build a happy family. Read the story "Detective Mya Heritage" (see Friend Jan. 2010), then do the scripture detectives activity below. Have you "caught" family members living any proclamation principles lately? Share what you've observed with your family.

Scripture Detectives
Cut out the pictures included in the story "Detective Mya Heritage" and glue them to index cards. Save the scriptures listed under each picture and put them in a container. Provide magnifying glasses to help children read the small print. Look up each scripture, then match it with its correct picture. (Younger children can just read the name of the gospel principle, then match it to its picture.) How does living proclamation principles help us have a happy family?

Happy Family Treasure Hunt
Conclude the lesson with a treasure hunt that uses proclamation principles as clues (see "Funstuff: Family Treasure Hunt", Friend, July 2000). Detectives will look for clues around the house and eventually end up in the kitchen where a treat is waiting for them, as well as a photo of their own happy family.

Activity:
Build a house or fort in your living room using blankets, tables, couches and chairs. Gather flashlights, then get inside your tent and read stories from The Friend magazine until it's time for bed.

Song: Love at Home (Hymns, 294)
Prayer: Mom

Refreshment: Blackberry Cobbler

Credits:
Conducting= Collin
Lesson= Luke
Activity= Dad
Treat= Mom

What Matters Most Is Family

2010-01-11T10:48:00.000-08:00

"I call upon...committed parents...everywhere to hold fast to this great [family] proclamation, to make it a banner not unlike General Moroni’s 'title of liberty,' and to commit ourselves to live by its precepts" (Elder Ballard, Engisn Nov. 2005).

Opening song: The Wise Man and the Foolish Man (CS, 281)
Prayer: Collin
Scripture: Helaman 5:12

Lesson:
The Family Proclamation
What is most important to you? Elder Ballard taught, "What matters most is what lasts longest, and our families are for eternity." Show a copy of "The Family: A Proclamation to the World". Invite family members to tell you what they know about this document. Explain that it was written by living prophets and apostles to help us understand the purpose of families in God's plan. It also tells us what we can do to strengthen and protect our family.

Captain Moroni and the Title of Liberty
A long time ago, there was a righteous man named Moroni (see GAK 312). He was the captain of an army. He loved his country and believed in protecting the freedom of others. Captain Moroni's story is in the Book of Mormon. When an evil man threatened the freedom of his people, Captain Moroni was inspired to tear his coat and make a flag. He wrote on the flag what was most important, or those things worth fighting for. Read Alma 46:11-12 to discover what Moroni wrote on his flag.

What matters most is family, faith and freedom
Because the family proclamation reminds us about what is most important (families and God's plan for us), it is kind of like the title of liberty. The title of liberty was hoisted up on every tower in the land as a reminder to the people. Today the family proclamation hangs on the wall of every home. Read some of the principles of a happy and successful family from the proclamation. Make your own family flag (using an old pillow case or baby towel) with pictures and words that remind you to strengthen and protect your home.

Closing song: My Eternal Family
Prayer: Mom

Activity:
Indoor Snowball Fight
Dry out a bag of extra large marshmallows. Use them as snowballs in an indoor snowball fight. Wearing protective armor like Captain Moroni is optional. Tip: Set a timer. (Because your kids will want to keep doing this all night long!)

Refreshments:
Snowball Rice Krispie Treats (see recipe in Friend, Jan. 2008)

Credits:
Conducting= Luke
Lesson= Collin
Activity= Mom
Treat= Dad

Building Our House Upon a Rock

2010-01-04T22:17:00.000-08:00

"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock" (Matthew 7: 24-27).

Opening song: The Wise Man and the Foolish Man (CS, 281)
Prayer: Collin
Scripture: Helaman 5:12

Lesson:
The Sermon on the Mount
Place a quarter on a pile of sand and a quarter on a rock. When water is poured over them, which quarter will sink? (Sprinkle water like rain over the top of both of them.) What happened? Read Matt. 7: 24-27. At the conclusion of Jesus' sermon on the mount (see GAK 212), he taught that a wise man will do more than just listen to His teachings. A wise man will live His teachings.

Jesus' Teachings are the Rock
Jesus promised that if we were doers of the word, we could build a strong home and family. Discuss the importance of building your home on a strong foundation. How are Jesus' teachings like a rock, or a sure foundation, for our homes and families?

How to Build a Strong Home
Building a home requires tools and hard work. Someday you'll be a mom or dad. How will you build a strong home and family? Label tools in a toolbox with words from the sermon on the mount. Let children choose a tool, then discuss how each teaching of Jesus helps us build a strong family. Testify that families are eternal, and that no matter the weather we will stay together.

Closing song: My Eternal Family
Prayer: Dad

Activity: Pretend to be a grown-up. Shave like Dad (using whipped cream and popsicle stick razors) or paint your fingernails and do your make-up like Mom.

Refreshments: Peanut butter cookies

Credits:
Conducting= Luke
Lesson= Collin
Activity= Mom
Treat= Dad

New Year Resolutions

2009-12-28T22:26:00.000-08:00

"The message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is that we can and must expect to become better as long as we live" (Pres. Henry B. Eyring, Ensign Nov. 2009).

Opening song: I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus (CS, 78-79)
Prayer: Luke
Scripture: John 13:34

Lesson:
Resolutions & Goal-Setting
Define what a goal is and invite family members to share some examples of goals they have set and what they did to accomplish them. Point out that it helps to write down our goals and tell our family about them. That way they can support us in our goals. Remind children that goals take time, practice and work because they are often difficult to accomplish. (Reference: "Amy's Goal", Friend Jan. 2010)

Jesus Is Our Perfect Example
Our ultimate goal is to become like the Savior. What are some attributes of the Savior? What are some goals we might set to help us become more like the Savior? Invite family members to suggest goals that will help them become more like the Savior. Write down your goals or draw a picture of what you will try to do. Testify that Jesus lived a perfect life and showed us the way to be happy. When we try each day to be like Jesus, we prepare to live with God again.

Jesus Commanded Us to Be Perfect
Pres. Eyring has said, "We believe that through living the gospel of Jesus Christ we can become like the Savior, who is perfect." Read Matt. 5:43-48 and discuss what Jesus meant when He commanded us to be perfect (love everyone, even our enemies). Testify that the Savior loves everyone, including us. Challenge each family member to try to become more like the Savior by showing an increase of love toward others, particularly their family members.

Optional: Share more excerpts from "Our Perfect Example" by Pres. Henry B. Eyring (see Ensign, November 2009).

Closing song: Love One Another (Hymns, 308)
Prayer: Dad

Activity:
Family Memory Box
Decorate a shoe box or coffee can like a time capsule then fill it with memories from the previous year (e.g. include family pictures, souvenirs from family outings, hand prints made by the children, and letters written about each child). You could also include a written statement describing last year's accomplishments and family goals (or resolutions) for the new year. Open the box one year later and enjoy the memories.

Tip: Prepare in advance a fill-in-the-blank form letter for each of your children, then quickly interview them to fill in the blanks with their own answers (see Friend, Jan. 2005).

Our family adds more letters and memorabilia to the box year after year. It has become a fun New Year's Day tradition to open our time capsule and read the letters we have written to ourselves.

Refreshments:
Caramel Popcorn

Credits:
Conducting= Collin
Lesson= Mom
Activity= Dad
Treat= Luke

The True Gift of Christmas

2009-12-07T14:25:00.000-08:00

"Eternal life is to inherit a place in the celestial kingdom, where we will live in God's presence and continue as families. This gift is made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ" (True to the Faith, pg. 52).

Opening song: Away in a Manger (Hymns, 206)
Prayer: Collin
Scripture: John 8:12

Lesson:
Wisemen Follow a New Star
Turn off the lights and tell the story of the wisemen from the east (see Matthew 2:1-12). Provide paper crowns for the children to wear. Shine a flashlight on the ceiling to represent the new star. (Or, decorate a bedroom ceiling with glow-in-the-dark stars.) Describe how the wisemen followed the star to find baby Jesus. Why did God choose a star to be the sign of Christ's birth? How is Jesus the light of the world?

Wisemen Bring Gifts to Jesus
Use the flashlight to help you walk in the dark to the Christmas tree. Point out the star on the top of the Christmas tree. Explain that it represents the new star that appeared the night Jesus was born. Describe the gifts the wisemen brought to Jesus. What was the significance of these gifts? What gifts can we give to the Savior?

The Gift of Eternal Life
Read John 3:16. What gift did God give to the world? Because God loves us, He sent His Son to be a Savior for us. Explain that the evergreen leaves of the Christmas tree remind us to hope for eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God (D&C 14:7). Write the words "eternal life" on the gift you wrapped. Keep it under the tree to help you remember the gift of life God gave to us through His Son Jesus Christ.

Testify that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of the world. Because of his atoning sacrifice, we have hope for eternal life.

Activity:
Choose a Favorite Neighborhood Light Display
Drive through your neighborhood to enjoy the Christmas light displays. Choose one house that is your favorite and leave an award certificate for best light display along with some Christmas goodies.

Gift Wrap Games
Provide an inexpensive gift that has been wrapped with multiple layers of wrapping paper. Sit in a circle and take turns rolling two dice. The first person to roll doubles will put on a pair of winter mittens and try to open the gift. Meanwhile, other family members continue to roll the dice. As soon as the next person rolls doubles, the mittens and gift are passed to them. They take a turn to unwrap the gift. Play continues until the gift is entirely unwrapped.

Closing song: Stars Were Gleaming (CS, 37)
Prayer: Mom

Refreshments:
Apricot Spice Cake with Caramel Frosting

Credits:
Conducting= Luke
Lesson= Dad
Activity= Collin
Treat= Mom

Because I Have Been Given Much

2009-11-30T13:42:00.000-08:00

"We are the Lord's hands...The needs of others are ever present, and each of us can do something to help someone" (President Thomas S. Monson, Ensign November 2009).

Opening Song: Because I Have Been Given Much (Hymns, 219)
Prayer: Dad
Scripture: Acts 20:35

Lesson:
What Have I Done for Someone Today?
Help children learn the proper way to set the kitchen table. (Tip: Provide a placemat with an outline of a plate, glass and utensils.) Then recount the story Pres. Monson shared in general conference about the McConnell family. What question did the father ask his children each night at the dinner table? (Answer: What did you do for someone today?) Share how this tradition inspired the McConnell children to help others throughout their lives.

How Can I Provide Service for Others?
Invite each family member to share one way they can serve others. Then list the examples Pres. Monson shared. (Tip: Younger children can act out a service and invite others to guess what it is; older children can list as many acts of service as they can on paper and earn points for unique answers.) Read Matt. 25: 34-40. Testify that when we serve others we are serving the Lord.

Service Placemats
Talk about what you can do as a family to follow the prophet's counsel and serve others. Decorate placemats and write on each mat the phrase "What have I done for someone today?". Remember to ask yourselves this question each night at dinner, as the prophet counseled us to do.

Challenge
Plan a family service project, or introduce a "warm fuzzy" jar to encourage daily service. That is, place a colorful pom-pom inside a jar each time you give service to represent the warm fuzzy feeling you get when you show kindness to others. Similarly, you can place a piece of straw (or rafia) in a manger each time you give service to ready the manger for the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day (see photo below).

Activity: Decorate the Christmas tree. Have a family sleepover in the living room under the tree and reminisce about Christmases past.

Treat: Leftover pie from Thanksgiving

Closing Song: Have I Done Any Good? (Hymns, 223)
Prayer: Mom

Credits:
Conducting= Luke
Lesson= Collin
Activity= Mom
Treat= Dad

Things to Be Thankful For

2009-11-23T21:58:00.000-08:00

"Thank the Lord for His restored church. Thank Him for all that it offers you. Thank Him for friends and family. Let a spirit of thanksgiving guide and bless your days and nights" (from Gratitude, True to the Faith).

Opening song: Children All Over the World (CS, 16)
Prayer: Collin
Scripture: 1 Thesselonians 5:16-18

Lesson:
Blastoff Space Explorers!
Read "Matt and Mandy Blastoff" (see Friend, Nov. 2009). Like Matt and Mandy, decorate a large box to look like a rocket ship and pretend to be astronauts. Then explore different rooms in your house (representing different planets) in search of things to be thankful for. Your space mission will include stories and activities from The Friend. (See suggestions below.)

Planet R (Restoration)
Read "Fearless in Sharing the Gospel" and complete the activity that follows. Invite each family member to look up one of the scriptures, then decode the message on the banner to find something to be thankful for. The restoration of the gospel is something to be thankful for!

Planet F (Friends)
Read "The Right Kind of Friend". Find a hidden CTR ring somewhere in the room (and in the Friend magazine), then talk about how important it is to choose good friends. Good friends are something to be thankful for!

Planet H (Home & Family)
Put together the puzzle from "A Happy Home" or complete the activity "Making Your Home a Holy Place". Express appreciation for something that each family member does to make your home a happy place. A happy home where the Spirit of the Lord can be felt is something to be thankful for!

Planet B (Body)
Learn how to communicate a few words in sign language then read "Porter's Terrible Super Day". Learn how to sign a favorite song by watching a video tutorial. Alternatively, read "Jesus Heals a Sick Man" and learn how to transport a person who is hurt or ill (i.e., take turns being carried in a blanket). Having a healthy body is something to be thankful for!

Planet E (Earth)
As you come back to planet Earth, share with your family your favorite creation. The beauty of the Earth is something to be thankful for!

Testify that because God loves us, He has given us many things to be thankful for, such as the gospel, friends, family, a body and this beautiful Earth.

Activity:
Play Dough
Build space ships with Legos or sculpt aliens from Play Dough. (Making homemade play dough is always fun!) Then create planets for them using coffee filters, markers and a spray bottle. Color coffee filters with markers, then spray with water and watch the colors blend. When dry, glue the planet to a black piece of construction paper.

Refreshment: Root Beer floats

Song: For the Beauty of the Earth (Hymns, 92)
Prayer: Dad

Credits:
Conducting= Luke
Lesson= Mom
Activity= Dad
Refreshments= Collin

Don't Ever Forget to Pray

2009-11-16T22:34:00.000-08:00

"And thus the Lord caused stones to shine in darkness, to give light unto men, women, and children, that they might not cross the great waters in darkness." (Ether 5:3)

Opening song: Children All Over the World (CS, 16)
Prayer: Luke
Scripture: 1 Thesselonians 5:16-18

Lesson:
Saying Thank You in Many Languages
Learn how to say thank you in a few different languages (refer to song above). Discuss how Heavenly Father understands the language of all of His children. He knows them and loves them. Through prayer we can communicate with our Father in Heaven. We can thank Him for the great blessings we receive.

The Jaredites Pray in Faith
The Jaredites lived at a time when many wicked people tried to build a tower to reach heaven. To punish them the Lord confused their language. How would it feel to suddenly not understand the language of your neighbors, friends and family?

Did the Lord change the language of the Jaredite family? Let's tell the story and find out (see Ether 1-6 and artwork). Include actions like building a block tower of Babel (see Genesis 11:1-9), kneeling to pray, building a boat (blankets over the kitchen table), and finding sixteen hidden stones. Turn off the lights and get in your "boat", then shine a flashlight on the stones. Talk about how the Lord touched them and made them shine with light.

Don't Ever Forget to Pray
Recall that there was a time that the Jaredite family forgot to pray. Before they set sail for the promised land, they lived in peace by the sea for four years. They began to take their blessings for granted and forgot to thank the Lord. Eventually, the Lord spoke with the brother of Jared and invited him to repent and pray always.

Testify that when we have a grateful heart and pray in faith, the Lord can perform miracles in our lives.

Activity:
Building a Block Tower of Babel
Challenge your family to build a block tower that touches the ceiling! Use blocks, boxes, non-perishable foods, or whatever you can find to make your tower as tall as possible.

Refreshments:
Lemon bars
(See recipe below.)

Closing song: Don't Ever Forget to Pray (see Friend, April 20o6)
Prayer: Dad

Recipe:
Lemon Squares
Crust:
1 c. butter
1/2 c. powdered sugar (packed)
1/2 t. salt
2 c. flour

Mix well. Spread into bottom of greased 9X13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 min. (until slightly browned).

Filling:
4 eggs
2 c. sugar
1/2 t. powder
1/4 c. flour (packed)
1/4 c. lemon juice

Mix together. Pour over hot crust. Bake an additional 20-25 min. at 350 degrees. Sprinkle with powdered sugar on top while still warm.

Credits:
Conducting: Luke
Lesson: Dad
Activity: Collin
Refreshments: Mom

Gratitude Is an Attitude

2009-11-09T21:47:00.000-08:00

"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thesselonians 5:16-18).

Opening song: Count Your Blessings (Hymns, 241)
Prayer: Collin
Scripture: 1 Thesselonians 5:16-18

Lesson:
Gratitude Glasses
Hide a variety of objects (representing blessings) inside brown paper lunch bags, such as an apple, a family photo, scriptures, autumn leaves, etc. Talk about how we have many blessings but sometimes forget them, or have a difficult time seeing them. Present a pair of "gratitude glasses" to your family. Explain that when nothing seems to be going right, these glasses can help you find things to be glad about. Take turns wearing the glasses as you open each bag. Discuss each blessing you discover.

The Ten Lepers
Read the Biblical account of the ten lepers healed by Jesus (see Luke 17:11-19 and art work). Why is it important to thank God for the blessings He gives us? How do we show our thanks to God? Play the game below to help you think about your own blessings.

The Leper Wrap Game
Unwrap a roll of toilet paper (representing leper bandages) and use a marker to write the letters in the word G-R-A-T-I-T-U-D-E. Each letter should be written on a tissue square that is far apart from the others. To begin play, the first person wraps an arm or leg in tissue until he finds a letter (and possibly a hidden candy). He then tears the roll of tissue and says something he is grateful for. The roll of tissue is then passed to the next family member. Continue until the tissue is completely gone and you have a family of grateful lepers. Build the word 'gratitude' and remind children that gratitude is an attitude of thankfulness.

Challenge: Stuff the Turkey
Decorate a paper bag turkey. Each day until Thanksgiving, write something you are grateful for and put it inside the turkey. Come Thanksgiving you will have "stuffed" the turkey. Read blessings aloud on Thanksgiving Day and try to guess who wrote what. Also, invite kids to put on the gratitude glasses whenever they start whining or complaining. It will remind them to have an attitude of gratitude!

Activity:
Handmade Thank You Cards
Decorate your own thank you cards with fingerprint turkeys (see photo below). Write a note inside then deliver them to neighbors, friends, family, teachers, and others you wish to thank for the kindness they have shown to you.

Refreshments:
Coconut Cupcakes
Decorate like turkeys using Nutter Butter cookies for the head and fruit leather for colored feathers (see instructions or recipe below).

Closing song: Children All Over the World (CS, 16)
Prayer: Mom

Credits:
Conducting: Luke
Lesson: Collin
Activity: Mom
Refreshments: Dad

Let the Holy Spirit Guide

2009-10-30T23:18:00.000-07:00

"I witness that as you gain experience and success in being guided by the Spirit, your confidence in the impressions you feel can become more certain than your dependence on what you see or hear" (Elder Richard G. Scott, “To Acquire Spiritual Guidance,” Ensign Nov. 2009).

Our activity tonight included reading past journal entries. This is Collin's journal entry Nov. 1, 2008, which was about Halloween last year. The drawing includes our Star Wars family costumes and all the candy Collin collected trick-or-treating. His favorite? Bubble gum, of course.

Opening song: The Lord Gave Me a Temple
Prayer: Collin
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (Bible, New Testament)

Lesson:
I have five senses that help me.
Take turns using your five senses to identify different items. For example, use your eyes to find a hidden object (picture of Jesus). Use only your sense of smell to identify a food (peanut butter). Use only your sense of touch to identify an in a bag (toy dinosaur). Use only your ears to identify the source of a mystery sound (squeaky door opening). Use only your sense of taste to identify a food (grape). How do each of our five senses help us? Explain that our senses help us learn about the world around us.

The Holy Ghost helps me.
Another way we can learn something is through the power of the Holy Ghost. When the Holy Ghost testifies to us, we can know the truth even more surely than when we rely on our senses. (See quote from Elder Scott above.) The Holy Ghost speaks to our mind and our heart through feelings and impressions. With practice, we can learn to recognize and trust this still, small voice.

I always want the Holy Ghost to be with me.
Show a photo of Elder Scott and explain that he is a living apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. In the last general conference, he taught us what we must do to be taught by the Holy Spirit. Invite a family member to eat a grape and a jalapeno pepper at the same time. Can you taste the grape? Why not? Can your other senses be masked too? (Use an oven mitt to mask your sense of touch, plug your nose, wear ear plugs, etc.) Read the following quote from Elder Scott:

"The inspiring influence of the Holy Spirit can be overcome or masked by strong emotions, such as anger, hate, passion, fear, or pride. When such influences are present, it is like trying to savor the delicate flavor of a grape while eating a jalapeño pepper. Both flavors are present, but one completely overpowers the other. In like manner, strong emotions overcome the delicate promptings of the Holy Spirit...

What does Elder Scott say will prevent us from tasting the fruits of the Spirit? (strong emotions, sin, pornography, etc.) What can we do to welcome guidance from the Holy Spirit? (be obedient, exercise faith, have patience, practice listening, be prayerful, be humble, be grateful, etc.)

Testify that the gift of the Holy Ghost is given to us by a loving Heavenly Father. When we keep our mind and body clean, the Holy Spirit is welcome there. Our body can be bright like a temple when we have the light of the Spirit to teach and guide us.

Activity:
Enjoy family journals, scrapbooks and home movies
Set a timer and write in your journals together until time is up. (Younger children can draw a picture.) Then share past experiences that you have recorded in your journals, look at family scrapbooks, or watch home movies. Refer to the story Elder Scott shares about the importance of recording spiritual experiences (see Richard G. Scott, “To Acquire Spiritual Guidance,” Ensign, Nov 2009, 6–9).

Refreshments: Ghost sugar cookies (Happy Halloween!)

Closing song: Let the Holy Spirit Guide
Prayer: Luke

Credits:
Conducting= Luke
Lesson= Mom
Activity= Dad
Treat= Collin

Modesty Matters (Backwards Night)

2009-10-26T22:01:00.000-07:00

"The human body is God's sacred creation. Respect your body as a gift from God. Through your dress and appearance, you can show the Lord that you know how precious your body is" (from Modesty, True to the Faith).

Tonight is backwards night! That is, we will reverse the order in which we conduct our family home evening. Our kids love backwards night because the treat and activity come first, i.e. before the lesson. We even read our scripture backwards, which the kids find entertaining.

Closing song: I Love to See the Temple
Prayer: Collin

Activity:
Leaf Memory Game
Go for a nature walk to collect autumn leaves. Be sure to collect at least two of each kind. When you're back home, glue or tape two of each kind to index cards to make a leaf memory game. Play the game together with your family.

Refreshment: Upside-down Pumpkin Pie (see recipe below)

Lesson:
The Lord's Standard of Modesty
Display a copy of "My Gospel Standards". Read and discuss the standards listed below.

I will dress modestly to show respect to Heavenly Father and myself.
I will only read and watch things that are pleasing to Heavenly Father.
I will keep my mind and body sacred and pure.

What does it mean to dress modestly? How does dressing modestly show respect for Heavenly Father? When we are modest, we do not draw attention to ourselves. Instead we invite the companionship of the Spirit and exercise a good influence on those around us.

Avoid Pornography
Read the story "The Best Coach" (see Friend, Oct. 2009). How is the Holy Ghost like a coach? How did the Holy Ghost help Jacob choose the right? If you are reading or watching something (books, magazines, TV, Internet) that starts to make you uncomfortable, what can you do?

Fill Your Mind with Good Things
Just like your body must be filled with healthy foods, your mind must be filled with uplifting thoughts and good memories. What you see and hear stays in your mind for a long time. (Refer to the leaf memory activity above.) When we keep our mind pure, the Holy Ghost can be with us to teach and guide us.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (Bible, New Testament)
Opening song: The Lord Gave Me a Temple
Prayer: Dad

Recipe: Upside-down Pumpkin Pie
1 can (29oz) Cooked Pumpkin

1 can (12oz) Evaporated Milk

3 Eggs

1 c. Sugar

1t. Salt

3 t. Cinnamon

1 box Yellow Cake Mix
1 c. Sliced Almonds or Chopped Pecans
3/4 c. Melted Butter

Mix the first six ingredients until well blended. Pour into a 9X13 pan. Sprinkle cake mix evenly over the top of the mixture, then sprinkle with nuts. Pour melted butter over everything. Bake 50 min. at 350 degrees. Serve warm and top with homemade whipped cream.

Credits:
Conducting= Luke
Lesson= Dad
Activity= Collin
Treat= Mom

The Word of Wisdom

2009-10-19T20:45:00.000-07:00

"People who obey the Word of Wisdom are more receptive to spiritual truths" (Preach My Gospel, pg. 78).

Opening song: The Lord Gave Me a Temple
Prayer: Mom
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (Bible, New Testament)

Lesson:
What is the Word of Wisdom?
The Lord revealed to the prophet Joseph Smith a law of health called the Word of Wisdom. The health of our physical body affects the health of our spirit. The Word of Wisdom teaches us how we can care for our bodies so the Spirit of the Lord may be with us.

Blessings of Obedience
The Word of Wisdom is an example of modern-day revelation (see Doctrine and Covenants, Section 89). This law teaches us that we are to eat healthy foods and avoid harmful substances, including alcohol, tobacco, tea and coffee. It was given to the prophet Joseph Smith in 1833, long before people were fully aware of the harmful effects of these and other drugs. Those who followed the prophet and were obedient to this law received blessings of physical health and spiritual protection.

Daniel Refuses the King's Meat and Wine
Tell the story of Daniel and his friends requesting different foods in the court of King Nebuchadnezzar (see Bible, Daniel 1). Explain that Daniel and his friends refused the king's meat and wine because they knew it would not be good for them (see artwork). What are the similarities between the Word of Wisdom and the law of health that Daniel followed? Discuss the need for additional warnings given to us now.

Testify that we are blessed physically and spiritually for our faith and obedience to God's commandments, including the Word of Wisdom.

Activity:
Carving Oranges
Cut a hole in the top of an orange and scoop out the fruit inside. Then carve a face into the orange peel to make a mini jack-o-lantern. Fill with fruit salad if desired (see recipe below).

Puppet Show
Make finger puppets from used gloves by cutting off the fingertips and dressing them with yarn hair, felt clothing and googly eyes. The puppets can represent Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abed-nego, King Nebuchadnezzar, the King's servant, etc. Make a small stage out of a box and draw scenery pages to exchange on the back of it. Then use the puppets and stage to re-tell the story above, as well as other stories about these heroic men, e.g., Daniel in the Lion's Den (see Daniel 6) and Three Men in the Fiery Furnace (see Daniel 3).

Refreshment:
Fruit Salad
Mix 3-4 cups of fruit with 1/3 c. brown sugar and 1/2 c. sour cream. Suggested fruits include, strawberries, grapes, apples, pears, oranges and bananas. Serve in orange bowls carved to look like jack-o-lanterns.

Closing song: The Word of Wisdom
Prayer: Collin

P.S. This photo depicts my favorite part of the story. Here Collin is showing Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego in the fiery furnace with Jesus protecting them. When Collin did this it just made me smile. It looked so cute! And Collin ended the story like this, "When we keep the commandments we'll be protected just like Daniel and his friends." What a sweet little testimony from a little five-year-old boy. Love you Collin.

And Owen really loved the fruit salad...

Credits:
Conducting= Luke
Lesson= Collin
Activity= Mom
Treat= Dad

My Body Is a Temple

2009-10-12T19:57:00.000-07:00

"Our bodies are temples, and the Spirit of the Lord should dwell there and shine through" (Elder David A. Bednar, Friend, June 2008).

Opening song: My Heavenly Father Loves Me
Prayer: Luke (age 3)
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (Bible, New Testament)

Lesson:
What is a temple?
Display photographs of a modern-day temple. (See "Questions and Answers about the Temple", Friend, October 2009.) Explain that a temple is literally a house of the Lord, a place where the Lord may come. It is a holy place where we can worship and commune with God.

How is our body like a temple?
Our physical body houses our spirit, and is a place where the Spirit of the Lord may come. Our body is also holy, meaning it is sacred and worthy of respect. Just like the temple, our bodies can be clean and beautiful and bright both inside and out. When we keep our mind and body pure, we qualify for great blessings including the companionship of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus Cleanses the Temple
Read John 2:13-22 and show the accompanying artwork. Jesus worked very hard to keep the temple a clean and sacred place. After doing so, He compared His body to a temple and prophesied it would be destroyed and rebuilt (or resurrected) in three days.

Game
What must we do to keep our body clean like a temple? Play this game to help children learn to care for and respect their physical body. Divide the family into two groups and provide a Mr. Potato Head for each group (minus body parts). Take turns drawing slips of paper from a container that list a variety of items that are either good or bad for the body (see suggestions below). If the item is good for the body, add 1-2 parts to your potato. If the item is bad for the body, do NOT add any body parts. Continue until both teams complete a Mr. Potato Head body.

Challenge
Invite each family member to set health goals for the upcoming month.

Activity:
Family Aerobics
Take turns calling out an exercise the family can do together. Just try to keep it fast-paced, get your heart rate up and have fun! The exercises we did included running, jumping, galloping, skipping and marching across the room. We also showed the kids how to do sit-ups, push-ups, jumping jacks, cartwheels and headstands. Weight lifting, skipping rope and yoga would also have been fun to try!

Refreshment:
Gingerbread cookies

Closing song: The Lord Gave Me a Temple
Prayer: Dad

Credits:
Conducting= Luke
Lesson= Mom
Activity= Dad
Treat= Collin

Personal Note

2009-10-12T10:48:00.000-07:00

Midway into the family aerobics activity, Collin noticed 7 month old baby Owen hadn't had a turn to call out an exercise. I asked Collin what exercise he thought Owen would choose if he could talk. Collin thoughtfully responded, "Crawling!" So we all got down on our hands and knees and crawled across the room and back.

Owen smiled wide and you could tell he was happy we were all at his level. You could tell it made him feel loved. He didn't crawl with us, even though he could have. He just stared and smiled in amazement. And we all just smiled and laughed back at him. It was one of those moments where you could actually feel your family growing closer together. Very sweet.

Also, I'll officially record the health goals each of us set. We will add pom-poms to our jar each time we succeed, the reward being a family outing to the indoor pool. Dad's goal was to exercise more. Mom wants to go to bed earlier, specifically before 11:00 PM. (I really need more sleep.) Collin set a goal to wash his hands after he goes to the bathroom. Luke needed Mom and Dad to help him choose a goal. We went back and forth about whether it should be teeth brushing or watching less TV. Hmmm.....

By the way, the items we listed for our Mr. Potato Head game included fruits, vegetables, grains, milk products, meat/protein, tobacco/cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, caffeine/coffee, modest clothing, sleep, exercise, washing hands, baths, brushing teeth, tattoos, body piercings, extreme hair styles/faux-hawk, good music, good books/scriptures, violent movies, hugs, touching private parts of the body, etc.

This was a good time to introduce these health concepts to Collin (age 5). He just started kindergarten and is about to experience his first "Red Ribbon Week". I want him to learn to say no to drugs, but I felt it should be taught at home first. Also, Collin has become privy to the faux-hawk hairstyle and has repeatedly asked me to help him make his hair look "spiky". I don't really feel comfortable with my five-year-old son wearing a faux-hawk. I'm hoping these discussions about treating our body with respect will cure him of that. We'll see.