Fabulous Find Friday - Preschool ideas

With all three of my kids I have had the opportunity to do preschool with them at home.  With my oldest I did one year at home with him and then sent him to a school district sponsored preschool which was only $25.00 a month.  When it came to thinking about sending my middle child I had checked around and could not believe how much it cost.  So, I already had all of the stuff from doing it with my oldest, I decided to just do preschool at home with my middle.  It was the best decision I could have made.   I was able to teach him  the things he needed to know and spend that special time with him.  When it came time for kindergarten, he was not behind at all, actually he was one of the top kids.  Now my youngest is that age. I was debating with him whether to do it at home or buck up and pay to send  him, because he is a little more active and a little stubborn. I decided to try doing it at home.  Again, I think I have made the right decision.  We bought him his own pencil pouch and filled it with supplies and he started his preschool the same day the other two started school.  He has been so excited and he has done so well.  So, I think if you schedule a time each day and are going to be consistent with it, I do not see anything wrong with doing preschool at home and not paying someone else to do it.  It gives you the opportunity to spend some one on one time together. To take that special responsibility of teaching your own child.  It really is so rewarding, to watch them progress and succeed.   Soon enough they will be going to kindergarten and grade school. They still get the social aspect also, with friends, siblings, and church.  Also, most county libraries have fee discovery times once a week.  There are so many wonderful preschool resources out there.  I have printed some stuff online.  Here are some of my favorite sites:

First-School.ws - This website is great.  They have so many different resources and they are all free.  All you have to do is print.

DLTK- Has some fun crafts to go along with the letters you will be teaching your preschooler.

Also, the dollar store usually has some preschool activity books and posters.  I purchased an "ABC" and number poster each from the dollar store and they work great.  I have them on the wall where I do preschool and every day we repeat the "abc"'s and the numbers together.  The activity books work great too.  They have them for letter writing, number writing, colors, shapes, sounds, etc.

Thrifty Thursday- Reuse Advertisement Magnets

You know those advertisement magnets you get on the phone books? Or if you ever go to a home show you are bound to get a few there too.  Well don't through them out.  Instead, use them for something else.  There are a couple different ways I have used them.  One way is using them as a magnet.  Here is an example:

You could use a photo and add some scrapbook paper and ribbon and mod podge or use a  glue stick to glue the magnet onto the back. Or I have also made a little card with my information and put the magnet on the back and given it to the women that I visit teach.

Another way I have used them is as a bookmark. Take a strip of stronger scrapbook paper or card stock, fold it in half and glue the magnet on the inside of each end of the scrapbook paper, so they will pull together.  You can then fold it over the page you are on in a book and it will save your page for you.

There you have it some easy super thrifty ways to reuse those advertisement magnets.

September Primary Sharing Time 2013- Week 1 "Jesus Christ Taught Us How to Serve Others"

Here's an outline for this week's Primary Sharing Time:

Start the sharing time by having a bunch of pictures of Jesus up on the board.

Here is where you can find the pictures:

1- Jesus Christ Blessing the Nephite Children

2- Jesus Healing a Child

3- Jesus Healing the blind

4- Jesus Washing Apostles Feet

5- Jesus Healing the Sick

Discuss each picture with the children.  Talk about what Jesus is doing in each picture.  Then ask them what all of the pictures have in common. (A. Jesus showing us how to serve)  Put the below print out on the board:

Have the children repeat, "Jesus taught us how to serve others", together.  Explain that we are going to play a little game of charades.  

Have the Service hearts up on the board, pick a child to come up and and choose a heart.  Then have the child act out the phrase on the heart.  The rest of the children will guess what it is.  Continue having a child come up and pick out a heart and act out until finished.  Explain that Jesus Taught us by example how to serve other people.  That we should look for ways to serve others just like Jesus did.

Bear your testimony on Jesus teaching us how to serve others.

Wisdom Wednesday - 2 X 4 Fall/Halloween Craft

Ok, yes I know Halloween is still two months away.  But I thought I would get this post in any ways.  We were riding bikes today and you can just feel in the air fall quickly approaching.  This craft is super easy and so inexpensive.

Here's what you need:

-2x4 cut to length you would like, I think mine was probably cut to 4 1/2 inches

-scrap book paper

-paint

-Fabric

-thick button thread

-stamps and ink & foam beauty sponge

-spider web

-clear coat spray.

-sand paper

-mod podge & foam brush

Here is what I did:

After cutting the 2x4 I sanded all over the block of wood.  Next I painted the back of the wood and all of the sides and edges of the front with orange craft paint.  Then I cut my scrapbook paper to the size of the block and Mod Podged it on.  After letting it dry for a little bit.  I then sanded the edges.  Tip: Sand outwards. If you sand inwards then the paper will catch and you'll end up with some tears.  You can also sand some of the front of the scrapbook paper if you'd like, it just gives it a little aged look.  After sanding, then take a foam wedged beauty sponge, dab it in the black ink and distress the egdes and any where else you have sanded.  Next cut your fabric into a body of a spider and cut your thread into strips for the legs.  Now it is time to just be creative.  Place your legs on first, 4 on each side.  You could just cut 4 long pieces of thread and since your body is going over it there will end up being four legs on each side. I just put some mod podge on them and placed them on so they looked like spider legs, then I mod podged the body of the spider onto the legs.  Now it's time to add some lettering.  I used stamps and stamped the word spider onto the block.  Then I used some spider webbing that I had in my Halloween supplies and just started pulling it from corner to corner around the block.  Lastly spray with the clear coat.  And there you have it a supper easy, inexpensive Halloween decoration. 

Take Care Tuesday - Set a Little Reminder for Yourself

I was thinking what a great way would be to help myself remember how important the things I  do are.  Something that could lift me up.  That is when I decided that I would use my phone and set a reminder on there.  I have it come up every day at the same time.  It beeps just like all of my reminders and I have to check it off too.  This is the message that I put on for myself: "You are a daughter of God, a mother of princes, and a wife to a potential king.  You are smart, you are beautiful, you are important  and what you  are doing is important.  Remember to be the mom your children deserve to have."  Okay, so it is a little pep talk to myself, so when I get going through my busy day and I feel overwhelmed.  I can remember who I am and my great purpose.  Actually when I read it each day I get a little smile.  I don't know if the smile is from the words I am reading or that the smile is that I think it is funny that I set myself a reminder.  Whatever the reason, it works! I know at times I get hard on myself, I do not feel like I am the smartest or most creative. At times I  look at myself and do not think I look that beautiful.  I think as individuals, especially women we are great at pointing out all of our faults, things that others do not see.  So, for me this helps me put everything back into perspective.  That yes, I am a daughter of God and can do amazing things with his help.  I am a mom to little boys whom I am helping to follow the right path so they can reach their divine potential.  Same as with being a wife, trying to work together to achieve our divine potential.  Yes, even though I don't feel smart at times, I am.  Even though I have flaws, I am beautiful.  I am important, what I am doing to help raise my children is a very important thing.  And I do need to constantly remind myself that my children are on loan to me from my Heavenly Father, they are his spirit children.  I need to raise them, teach them and love them the way they deserve and the way my Heavenly Father would want me to.

Everyone has an important role in their lives.  Yours may differ than mine.  It is great to reflect on yourself and your role and then constantly remind yourself of your importance!  Try it...give your self a reminder.

Family Home Evening: My Gospel Standards: I will do those things on the Sabbath that will help me feel close to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

As you may have noticed I have changed from doing Mommy Mondays and have been posting my Family Home Evening ideas instead.  It is too hard to get to posts in on Mondays. Especially with school being in and trying to help with homework and such.

Family Home Evening Outline for: I will do those things on the Sabbath that will help me feel close to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Welcome everyone to Family Night

Sing: "Saturday" pg 196 Children's Song Book

Have a member of the family member say the prayer

Discuss any family business

Scripture:  Exodus 20:10-11 "10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy ^astranger that is within thy gates:

 11 For in ^asix days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord ^bblessed the sabbath day, and ^challowed it."

Lesson: 
Read "My Decision to Keep the Sabbath Day Holy" by: Nathan Jewkes 

Discuss what decision this boy made to keep the Sabbath Day Holy.

Show the Basketball Hoops (Basketball Hoop printable).  Discuss the three reasons why we keep the Sabbath Day holy.

Physical Renewal:  Ask how many days there are in a week (A. seven)  Read this Scripture again Exodus 20:11.  Talk about how we are working by going to school, working, doing chores and playing six days of the week. Just like Heavenly Father and Jesus created the world in six days and then rested on the seventh day, we also need the seventh day to rest physically.

Spiritual Strength:  By keeping the Sabbath day holy we will strengthen ourselves spiritually.  We need that spiritual renewal to make it through all of our activities throughout the week.

Love for God:  Our Heavenly Father has done so much for us.  We need to give him that one day to show complete devotion and love for him.

Have the basketballs laying out randomly.  Have a family member pick a basketball and read what is on the back.  Have them decide what hoop it should go under.  Discuss how that activity is keeping the Sabbath day holy. Continue giving each family member turns until all basketballs are under a hoop.

Next discuss the activities we should avoid doing on Sunday.  Explain that we have 6 other days through out the week to do these things.

Things We Should Avoid on the Sabbath

Elder Ezra Taft Benson, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said:

• “It seems to me that the following should be avoided on the Sabbath:
• “Overworking and staying up late Saturday so that you are exhausted the next day.
• “Filling the Sabbath so full of extra meetings that there is no time for prayer, meditation, family fellowship, and counseling.
• “Doing gardening and odd jobs around the house.
• “Taking trips to canyons or resorts, visiting friends socially, joy riding, wasting time, and engaging in other amusements. …
• “Playing vigorously and going to movies.
• “Engaging in sports and hunting ‘wild animals’ which God made for the use of man only ‘in times of famine and excess of hunger.’ (See D&C 89:15.) …
• “Reading material that does not contribute to your spiritual uplift.
• “Shopping or supporting with your patronage businesses that operate on Sunday, such as grocery stores, supermarkets, restaurants, and service stations” (“Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy,” Ensign, May 1971, 6–7).

Bear testimonies on keeping the Sabbath Day holy

Close with a Family Prayer.

Treat option:

Microwave s'mores:

Take two graham cracker halves, place on a plate.  On one half put a large marshmallow or several small ones. On the other half place a square of chocolate or several chocolate chips.  Place in microwave and cook for approx 15 sec.  Just watch for the marshmallows to start to puff up. Take out of microwave put the two halves together and enjoy!!

August 2013 Week 3 & 4 Sharing Time - Answers to prayers come from Heavenly Father in many ways.

Last week we had a special Stake Conference in our ward, so we did not have a sharing time.  Which made it so I could just do the whole topic for this Sunday.  Here is the layout that I am going with:

I am using this free printable.  It has on it "Answers to prayers come from Heavenly Father in many ways."  I will have this up on the board with some colored rectangle pieces of paper covering each word.  One at a time I will ask one of my primary children to come and uncover a word.  We will go until all words are uncovered.  Then we will read the phrase all together. 

Next, I will have a bunch of different pictures of prophets who have prayed to Heavenly Father.  I will have these up on the board.  Then I will have these apples with scriptures on them.  I will have a child come up and choose an apple and we will read that scripture.  Then the primary child will need to find the picture that it matches.  

Here are where you can find pictures of the prophets:

1- Joseph Smith  (Joseph Smith-History 1:17)

2- Alma (Mosiah 27:11)

3- Daniel (Daniel 6:22)

4- Enos (Enos 1:4-5)

5- Harold B Lee ( Friend March 2002)

6- President Monson (Ensign October 2012) I am going to tell of the story of Pres. & Sis. Monson stranded in Midway, Utah.

Talk about different ways our Heavenly Father answers ours prayers.  Through Peaceful Feelings (smile face), Through thoughts in our minds and feelings in our hearts (Heart & Thought Bubble), Through the actions of other people (Stick person), Through the Scriptures (Scriptures).  Discuss how Heavenly Father knows what is best for us. So our prayers might not be answered the way we think they should or when we think they should.  If time allows ask if anyone would like to share any experiences of their prayers being answered. 

Bear testimony that Heavenly Father Answers our Prayers in many different ways.

Fabulous Find Friday - Cute Fall Decor

There is starting to be a lot of fall stuff coming out.  The air was a little cooler here and you can feel fall approaching. I love this time of year!  The colors, the excitement of the upcoming holidays, the smells of cinnamon and pumpkin, football games, and oh so much more.  Ther are so many fun fall decor ideas out there.  I love finding new, creative inexpensive ideas.

Here are some fun ones I've found:

The picture and the idea comes from Recaptured Charm.  I love these illuminated pumpkins that she did all from stuff purchased at the dollar store.




I love these foam pumpkins which have been cut in half.  I have found this picture many of places, here is the site I'm posting it from.

Thrifty Thursday - Options for Flower Pots

It might be that you are sick of paying money every year for annuals and having them die, or it might be that you are tired of it coming to this time of year and your flowers not looking too good, or it might be that you don't want to spend the time watering everyday, or it might be that  your pot is in an area that doesn't get much sun.  What ever the reason there are options.  I like to decorate my flower pots all year long.  In the summer most of my pots are planted with the real stuff and I usually do annuals.  Though I might change in the future.  I have some perenial bushes in my bigger pots.  When it comes to fall, I like to decorate with silk flowers and leaves.  Winter I bring out the silk poinsettias and use pine garland to add a little extra.  There are options to decorating your pots all year long and you don't have to feel like your money is dying away. Don't get me wrong I do love live pots and will continue to plant them.  I am just saying there are thrifty options.


Here are some examples:

Here is a silk arrangement or fall.

And here is a spring/summer arrangement with metal flowers.

Wisdom Wednesday- Workout Calendar Printable

Yes, I am still working out day, I just haven't been posting it.  I didn't know how many people really liked hearing about what I was doing. And I started to  repeat my workouts.  So, I have made this free workout calendar printable instead. It is more of a guideline of what I do. There is a line under each of the times so you can put what workout you would like to do.  I realize that not everyone has the same videos as I do and not everyone enjoys doing the same thing.  So you pick your cardio, sculpting, ab and leg routines.  Plan a head, be motivated, commit to it, keep the habit going, and enjoy it!  I know that for me there are certain moves that I really enjoy doing in a workout, so I look forward to those moves and really go full out and enjoy it when I get to them.

Here's the free calendar:

Some Cardio ideas:  Run/jog, walk(include an incline), bike, swim, dance, DVD it, Gym, Tennis, Make up your own (Jog, Jumping Jacks, Burpies, High Knees, etc)

Some Sculpting Ideas: DVD it, Gym, Free Weights, Machines, Resistance Bands,  Make up your own

Some Ab Ideas: DVD it, Gym, Make up your own (crunches, plank, hip lifts, bicycle, etc)

Some Leg ideas: DVD it, Gym, Make up your own (Pilates and toning exercise are great here)

Remember to be Safe!!!  Consult with a doctor to make sure you are okay to begin a workout. Do exercises with the correct form.  If you feel strain or injury stop and get things checked out.

I would love to hear what your favorite workouts are.  Please leave a comment!

Take Care Tuesday - Finding Motivation and Overcoming Discouragement when Exercising

I find myself at times struggling to be motivated to do exercise. Sometimes it is due to feeling I don't have the time, sometimes it is feeling to tired, and sometimes it is discouragement of not having the results I should be having.  So, how do we motivate ourselves to exercise and overcome these discouragements?

Feeling like I don't have enough time:  I have found that I am more motivated when I find a time to exercise before the day gets too busy.  It is so much harder when I know I want to workout for an hour and I look at the clock and see that lunch time is in half an hour. So, for me working out is better if done 1st thing in the morning.  I am even thinking about getting up before the kids go to school to get my exercising in, but that would also mean I would need to start getting to bed earlier. You might have a different schedule than me. You might wake up early to go to work, too early to get an exercise in.  If that is the case then pick a time that is going to work for you, it might be as soon as you get home from work you exercise.

Feeling too Tired:  Ok, sometimes I feel this way and I can either give in and go back to sleep and still be tired.  Because I find when I do this then I still don't have energy.  Or I can get up and start exercising and gain energy.  I have found that if I can just start, then pretty soon my energy starts to build and I can keep on going.  It is the starting, that is the big deal!  Also, think about how great you feel after you exercise.  I love the feeling I get when I am done.  My body is awakened and emotionally I am re-energized.  It also gives you a great feeling of accomplishment after each workout.

Feelings of Discouragement:  So, my body is not perfect! After being pregnant and having three children my body has changed.  I have also noticed that as my body gets older it doesn't seem to want to change as quickly.  So, what to do?  Acceptance... accepting the fact that it is going to take more work.  I had heard something like this somewhere, sometime: that it has taken your body (insert number) of years to get this way, why should we think that we are going to change in a day or a week or even a month. I think we need to celebrate the little changes.  I know that when I start to see or feel changes then I am definitely more motivated.  Also I think we can not compare ourselves with others!!  I am guilty of this, sometimes I look at the girls on the exercise videos and think, I am doing the program, why aren't my hips and buns as tight as hers, why isn't my stomach as tight, etc.  Well, we all have different make-ups, every ones body is different.  So, take that discouragement and change it into encouragement.  Think about how healthy your body is getting every time you exercise.  Think about how you can use it to get your emotions and frustrations out.  Stay persistent and consistent.  If you start to question if all of the hard work is worth it, remind yourself that it is! Think about if there is anything your diet that is sabotaging your results, then decide to eat more healthy.  Try to make your body the best it can be, not the same as the girl on the video.

Family Home Evening - Back to School

Tonight's FHE I decided to focus on learning, knowledge and going back to school.  We went over our children's school and class policies with them and discussed any concerns they might have.

Here is an outline to follow:


Family Home Evening Outline for: Going back to school and learning new things.

Welcome everyone to Family Night

Sing: "Teach Me To Walk In The Light" pg 177 Children's Song Book

Have a member of the family member say the prayer

Discuss any family business

Scripture:  D&C 46:18 "To another is given the word of knowledge, that all may be taught to be wise and to have knowledge."

Lesson: 
Read "Be Smart" by Caroline H Benzley
As a family discuss the importance of receiving a good education and doing our best at school.  Discuss school and classroom policies and being respectful to teachers and classmates.  Discuss what kind of study habits are to be expected.  Talk about how learning can be fun.

Show this picture from the March 2007 Friend Magazine:

Bear testimonies on education and learning.

Close with a Family Prayer.

Treat option:
Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Ingredients:
1/4 cup shortening (no tans fat)
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg
Mix the above ingredients together. Then add:
1/4 and 2 TBSP wheat flour
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 to 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Mix well then add:
1 cup Quick Oats
Mix then stir in:
1 cup of chocolate chips (if you would like you could do 1/2 cup chocolate chips and 1/2 cup white, peanut butter flavor, or butterscotch chips, or you could do raisins)

On a lightly sprayed cookie sheet place large spoonful of cookie dough and flatten out slightly with back of spoon. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Makes 1 and 1/2 to 2 doz cookies (depends on size you make them).

Fabulous Find Friday - Personalized Stamped Jewelry Spotlight

Today for my Fabulous Find Friday I wanted to spotlight some jewelry that one of my friends makes.  She has an etsy shop named Mickey Mae Creations. They are personalized and hand stamped.  They are really cute!  This is one of my favorites:

Photo and pendant by Mickey Mae Creations.

If you would like to see more of here custom made Jewelry click this link to her etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MickeyMaeCreations

My workout

Here's today's workout:

15 min cardio: Beach Body Turbo Fire Hitt 15

30 min sculpting: Beach Body Turbo Fire Sculpt

Thrifty Thursday - Making do...

Have you ever heard the sang, "Make do, or do with out"?  It seems like at times something that is perfectly good gets tossed aside because we think we need want something better. I think that what we don't realize is that we can make the original thing we have better, we can make do with it.  I have not tried this but I love this idea.

Make your door knobs and fixtures bronzed.  All it takes is some sand paper, spray paint and a little elbow grease.  A lot cheaper then paying for all new door knobs. Here are a couple great tutorials.

This picture and a great tutorial is from Judy at Cleaning Junkie.  Click here for the tutorial.

Here is another tutorial from Carefree Blonde, click Here to view. This tutorial shows that she did it to a towel rod also.

I would love to try this out on my bathroom facets.

My workout

So today I didn't get in everything I wanted to.  But that is okay, some days are like that.  This is what I got in:

30 min of Cardio: Beach Body Turbo Fire, Fire 30

I did use the weighted  gloves and pushed hard, it was a great workout.

What else I wanted to do:

10 min toning

10 min abs

Some days might be busier than others and we can workout as long as we'd like.  The important thing is to make sure to get some workout in to keep the habit going.  Then get back to the longer workout then next day.

Wisdom Wednesday - Ran out of time

Boy today was a crazy day, lots of yard work and errand running going on.  So,  I didn't get a Wisdom Wednesday post today.  I know I have an hour until the day is over, but I do not feel like that is enough time to get a good post put together.  Hang in there, another post will be coming tomorrow.

My Workout

Today I did:

30 min cardio:  Beach Body's Brazil Butt Bum Bum workout

35 min sculpting:  Beach Body Chalene Extreme Burn Circuit 1

I used 6-15 lb weights on the sculpting.  The bum bum workout is kind of like toning cardio.  I was sweating good at by the end.

Take Care Tuesday - Relieve Stress Tips

The day can get stressful!  Whether is be being a mom or dad 24-7, working, or other stressful responsibilities, you may find yourself at the end of the day with your shoulders stressed up into your neck.  Here are some stress relievers that I have found helpful.

1) Take a few minutes to yourself.  This could be taking a warm bath, reading a couple pages of a favorite book, or just going outside and enjoy the beauties.

2) Take some breaths.  Not hyperventilating breaths but deep ones.  Throughout the day don't forget to breath.

3) Do some stretches or yoga.  We carry so much tension in our neck and shoulders.  So take some time and stretch your neck and shoulders out.  A nice neck massage does wonders too.

4) Take the time to notice the little things.  We always seem to be in such a hurry, the days go by like a blur and so do the weeks and months.  If we just take a second to appreciate life then we slow down just a little.

5) Laugh.  Laugh at life. Smile. The people who laugh and smile and look at the positive. Are so much happier and less stressed then those who are always dwelling on the negative.  My grandma used to always tell me, "Smile, people will wonder what you did".  I think a smile is contagious and we need more smiles in this world.

6) Exercise.  One of the best stress relievers is exercise.  Take time in the day to do it.  You deserve it!  Today I did an exercise where I was doing some punches and the instructor said to make some loud noises out.  So I did and I punch harder and got some emotions out.  Wow, what a great stress reliever.

So take a few minutes, take a deep breath and blow the stress away.

My Workout (Tuesday day 8)

Here's today's workout:

48 min cardio: Punch, Kick and Jam by Beach Body & Chalene Johnson (Turbo Jam)

10 min ab: Ab 10 from Turbo Fire by Beach Body & Chalene Johnson

8 min toning: Booty Burn by Michele Rogers on Comcast On Demand

See I told you I would get around to doing a non-Beach Body workout.  It was a good buns workout.

Mommy Monday - My Gospel Standards FHE wk 5: I will use the names of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ reverently. I will not swear or use crude words.

Family Home Evening Outline for: I will use the names of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ reverently. I will not swear or use crude words.

Welcome everyone to Family Night

Sing: "Let Us Oft Speak Kind Words" Hymnal pg 232

Have a member of the family member say the prayer

Discuss any family business

Scripture:  “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” (Ex. 20:7.)

Lesson: 

Watch the conference talk by Ted E. Brewerton, titled, "Profanity and Swearing". This is an amazing talk on the subject.

Read "Josh and the Dragon" by: Lauri Walker. Talk about how Josh felt like he was the protector of his brother and sister and that he did not want them to hear the bad words.  Talk about how each of us can stand up to swearing and profanity and protect others from it as well.

Show them the Speak Reverently Free Printable.

Have a family member place the word strip "Heavenly Father" on the heart. Say the name "Heavenly Father" reverently.  Next, place the word strip "Jesus Christ" on the heart. Say the name "Jesus Christ" reverently.  Explain that we should only use these names in a reverent manner and with love. They should not be used in anger or in a joking matter.

Show the Garbage Mouth free printable.

Free Download of Both images

(I love the quote on this. I have had it since I was a young women and have kept it on my mirror.) 

Read the quote.  Explain that when we use swear words or crude words we are not keeping Heavenly Father's commandments.  We need to find other ways and words to express our emotions.  Have some little papers cut up prior to family home evening.  Talk about what kind of word we should not say.  Have each family member write on a piece of paper what kind of word we should not say. Examples: Mean words, hurtful words, words out of anger, hate, etc.  I would probably suggest that you do not have them actually write the swear words.  Then have them think about words they should say in their place. Have each family member write the replacement word on another piece of paper. Take the words we should not say crumble them up and through them in the garbage (you could use an actual garbage, a small container or this printable, cutting a hole in the top)  

Read "Sometimes I feel like swearing. Is it really so bad?" by: L. Tom Perry

Talk about the ways we can overcome using bad language.

Bear testimonies on Using Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ's names reverently and not using profane and crude words.

Close with a Family Prayer.

Treat option:
Garbage Bag Treat Mix (aka Muddie Buddies) recipe can be found on Betty Crocker's Website
9 cups of Chex Mix
1 cup of semisweet Chocolate chips
1/2 cup of Peanut butter
1/4 cup of butter
1 teaspoon of Vanilla
1 1/2 cups of Powdered Sugar

1. measure out the cereal and set it aside

2. In a 1-quart microwavable bowl microwave the chocolate chip, the peanut butter. and the butter for about 30 seconds or longer, until you can stir it smooth. Then Stir in the vanilla. Pour the mixture over the cereal and stir it in until all the cereal is evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon plastic bag.

3. Add powdered sugar. Seal the bag, and then shake it until all the cereal is coated with it. Spread it out onto waxed paper to cool, then put it in an airtight container to cool.

My Workout (Monday day 7)

Today I did:

15 min cardio:  Beach Body Turbo Fire Hitt 15 class

40 min of weight training/sculpting: Turbo Jam's Turbo Sculpt (this is also a Beach Body workout done by Chalene Johnson)

I used 6-15 lb weights or the sculpting exercises.  They were just perfect for me. I love doing strength training exercises, I can feel my body getting stronger.

My Saturday Workout Day 6

Today's workout was a good one!  Here's what I did:

38 minutes of cardio: Beach Bosy Insanity Pure Cardio by Shaun T

19 minutes of abs: Beach Body Brazil Butt Lift Tummy Tuck

About 15 minutes of Leg Toning: Beach Body Brazil Butt Lift High and Tight floor with weights, but I didn't use the ankle weights today

Insanity is always a great cardio workout the push-up jacks at the end are a killer.  Tummy Tuck, is amazing. It is longer than most ab routines I do.  It definitely works the abs.

I didn't use the weights today on the floor routine because it was my first time doing it in a while.  I think you can get an amazing workout without the weights, especially if you control your movements and tighten and resist.

Fabulous Find Friday - Lds.org

If you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints then this find is probably not new to you.  If you are not a member or are and haven't visited lds.org, you need to.  The site is for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, there are so many amazing resources on this website.  If you have ever wondered what the beliefs of the church are your can find them on this site. If you have ever had a desire to read The Book of Mormon or any other church scriptures you can find it there.  The best part it is all free.  There are resources for any age.  For children there are videos , The Friend Magazine, Games and activities.  For teenagers there are things specifically for them, including the New Era Magazine.  One of my favorites for my children is you can view videos of scripture stories.  All of the Hymns and songs from the Children's song book can be found there.  Lesson Manuals, General Conference Talks, magazine articles, training videos and materials can allbe found  there. This site has so much to offer, so take a look.

Visit www.lds.org. You will not regret it!

My Friday Workout Day 5

Today I did:

30 minutes cardio: Beach Body Les Mills Combat; Combat 30 Kick Start

30 minutes sculpting: Beach Boday Turbo Fire Sculpt 30 Class by Chalene Johnson

My arms are a little shaky after both these workouts. I used weighted gloves on the cardio and resistance bands on the sculpting.

Thrifty Thursday - 5 Inexpensive Beauty Tips

We all want to look the best we can, but don't always want to spend a fortune doing so.  Here are some expensive little beauty tips that can help us look great.

Tip 1:  Use baby oil as shaving cream.  I did this the other day and it worked great. It also left my skin so soft.  ** Caution though, it is oil so be careful getting in and out of bah or show it might be slippey** I also mix a little bit of baby oil with some shimmery lotion I have that I think is a little too shimmery.  I applied it to my legs and it maked them smooth and shimmer, but not too much.

Tip 2: Read labels.  Look at the store brand items and compare their ingredients with the name brand. If they are the same and the store brand is cheaper then why not buy it.

Tip 3: Use your make-up multiple ways.  I have a brown eye liner pencil that is also the perfect shade for my eyebrows.  Light eyeshadow could be used for highlights. You can use an old clean wand from mascara as an eye brow brush.

Tip 4: Water...is our friend.  Drink enough water each day our body craves it.  About 60 percent of an adult body is made of water. So doesn't it make sense that it is important that we get enough.

Tip 5: Baby Powder use it like dry shampoo.  What I like to do is sprinkle it in my hands and rub them together and apply to roots then brush or comb out.

My Thursday Workout Day 4

Wow, I am sore!  I love it!  Yesterday's workout must have been a good one.  I am embracing the soreness, because that means things I've worked hard and changes are coming.

Today I did:

45 minute cardio: Beach Body Turbo Fire 45 min Fire workout by Chalene Johnson.  This is one of my favorites, because it has fun music and moves.  I used my weighted gloves.

10 minute abs: Beach Body Turbo Fire Ab Igniter this is different then the ab routine I did on Tuesday. This one you use resistance bands.

10 minute toning:  Beach Body Brazil Butt Lift High and Tight Floor work with bands.

My Wednesday Workout Day 3

Today, I did:

29 min of Cardio: Beach Body's Brazil Butt Lift Cardio Axe by Leandro Carvalho

36 min of Sculpting: Beach Body's Chalene Extreme Burn Circuit 1 by Chalene Johnson

It was the first time for me doing the Burn Circuit ( it was a bonus I received with another workout). I  uses 6-10 lb weights.  Next time I think I could use a little more weight.  It was a good workout.

Wisdom Wednesday- August Sharing Time 2013 wk 2- Heavenly Father wants me to pray to Him often—anytime, anywhere

August Sharing Time 2013 wk 2- Heavenly Father wants me to pray to Him often—anytime, anywhere.

For this weeks sharing time I made these printables that would be great to hang up on the board.  You could either have everyone read and repeat the scripture together or have an older child read the scripture.  Explain to the children that this scripture talks about places that Zenos prayed.  Tell the children that just like Zenos we can pray to Heavenly Father anytime and anywhere.

Cut off the word strips that are in boxes on the last printable and cut the boxes out. Place these on the board.  Have the primary children replace words in the scripture with these word strips.  Explain that these are some places that we can pray.

Wilderness - Lost or Alone

Field- Park or Yard

Closet - Private

Congregations- in Class

Ask the children if they have any examples of when they have prayed or places where they have prayed.

Bear testimony on the importance of prayer and of how our Heavenly Father wants to hear from us no matter where we are or what time of day it is.

My Tuesday Workout Day 2

Today was my cardio, abs & toning day.  I did:

- 43 minutes of cardio : Beach Body's Turbo Jam Cardio by Chalene Johnson

- 10 minutes abs: Beach Body's Turbo Fire ab routine by Chalene Johnson

- 10 min toning: Beach Body's Brazil Butt Lift High & Tight Standing leg exercise with band by Leandro Carvalho.

Yes you see the theme... I have a lot of Beach Body workouts.  I do have some others, I just seem to like these the best.   There are other good ones out there that I will probably get around to.

Take Care Tuesday - Gratitude Journal (free printable)

There is so much going on in the world around us. So many things pulling us in so many different directions. There are trials and sorrows and obstacles that we each have to overcome.  Some times it is hard to think about all of the good stuff.  But the most happiest people on the earth are those who focus on all the great things in their lives. They are grateful and appreciative for even the little things.  I know that I myself need to be more focused on each little blessing. So, I made a little printable that can be used a few different ways.  You could print out the page cut it apart and give each family member one and have them right 3 things that they are grateful for every day for a week.  Or you can use it personally and print it out fold it accordion style into a little booklet and write the date of the week at the top and write 3 thing that you are grateful for every day for about a month (28 days).  I don't think that it will be hard to come up with 3 things each day, there are so many things all around us to be grateful for. I think that at the end of the week or the month that those who do this will be happier. Think if everyone focused more on the good stuff!

Free Gratitude Journal Printable

Mommy Monday - My Gospel Standards FHE wk 4: I will be honest with Heavenly Father, others, and myself.

Family Home Evening Outline for:  I will be honest with Heavenly Father, others, and myself.

Welcome everyone to Family Night

Sing: "I Believe in Being Honest" Children's Song Book pg 149

 Have a member of the family member say the prayer

Discuss any family business

Scripture:  13th Article of Faith "We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul - We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things."

 Lesson: 

Read the story the "Apple Adventure" by: Lindsay Law Wilcox found here.

Print out the three printables below.

Cut out the apples and tape them onto the tree.  Have each family member take turns picking an apple off of the tree. Read the coordinating question with what number is on the chosen apple. Discuss the answers as a family.  The questions are geared more towards primary age children, you may want to make different questions for mutual age.

Discuss why it is important to be honest.  If we are honest then others will trust us. We are also keeping our Heavenly Father's commandment and we will be blessed for doing so.

Bear testimonies on honesty.

Close with a Family Prayer.

Treat option:

APPLE DIPPERS

Cut up some apples and dip them into your favorite dipping  (Caramel, white chocolate, Milk Chocolate, or even dark chocolate, Peanut Butter)