The Family Home Evening Spot

New Year

2012-01-02T03:17:00.000-08:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
New Year FHE goals

Prayer: Child

Opening Song: Jesus wants me for a sunbeam Songbook #60

Lesson:

We put forth the question to our girls tonight -
What can we all do to make Family Home Evening better this year?

These are the answers that came up:

Chocolate for the treat

An "I love You because..." spot (one person each week and we will list things we love about them)

Bring back 60 second silence (to get our kids to be quiet and get ready for FHE and to practice reverence we use to time to see how long they could be completely quiet for)

Take Turns at teaching the lesson

Outings for FHE once every two months

A hug at the beginning and end of FHE

recite/learn more scriptures

More games

Continue with our 'fancy dinner' night meals before FHE
(we set the table with tablecloth and full settings and fancy cups on monday night and try to have a good quality meal. interesting side note the kids are more acceptable to higher quality (read vegetables) meals on these nights because I say this is what you would get in a restaurant ;)

Act out stories of different prophets in the Book of Mormon and scriptures

Always sing Popcorn and Snowman

Most of these we thought up by our kids. I was very surprised at a few of them. Even though this is a completely SIMPLE idea I thought I would share it because our girls came up with some lovely ideas I wouldn't have thought of myself, or knew that they wanted.

Wishing you all the best with successful Family Home Evenings in 2012!

Prayer

2011-11-05T04:14:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Prayer

Opening Song: A Child's Prayer Children's Songbook #12

Opening Prayer: Child

Lesson:

For this lesson I prepared some strips of paper and made two groups.

One group was "I should pray" the other group was "I shouldn't pray"

I prepared strips of paper that said things like:

When someone is sick
when I am lost or alone
Over my food
For safety and protection
Night and morning
when I am thankful
If I need calming

Or

For lots of money
To ask for a pony or lots of toys
When I want another team to lose
To wish harm upon another person

I read out the strips and each child got a turn at choosing which side the item belonged to. Things that are suitable to pray for, or things that aren't really suitable to pray for. It worked really well and the girls enjoyed guessing and got most of answers right. I then asked them to think of some extra things we could add to our lists.

I originally had 'when I am angry' on the when not to pray side as I meant it in a 'I shouldn't say an angry prayer about how much I hate my sisters and I wish God would do something to show them' way. My girls all said you SHOULD pray when you are angry and it will help you calm down mum! ... so I changed it to 'If I need calming' !

This was a easy simple lesson that worked out well for our family. Any other things you could add to the list of times to pray?

* Idea Inspired by Holly over at Delightful Domestic Science

Closing Song: Search Ponder and Pray Children's Songbook #109

Closing Prayer: Child

Treat:

Lehi's Vision/ Tree of Life

2011-09-18T03:14:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Lehi's Vision

Opening Prayer: Child

Opening Song: The Iron Rod

Scripture: 1 Nephi 9

Lesson:
Earlier Preparation:
- A Tree/bush etc covered in fairy lights
- A rope zig zagged through your house/garden

We read through a few of the scriptures from Lehi's dream. Smaller children can be told/show pictures of the various elements (Iron rod, path, fountain, mist of darkness, Tree of Life)

When then told the children we were going to follow a similar Iron Rod which was a rope that started from the living room and went out the front door and outside and criss crossed our garden and around fences etc. As it was night time we pointed out that this was like "the mist of darkness". The children held tight to the rope and followed it.

It ended at a tree lit up with fairy lights with their Dad standing under it to give them some of the 'fruit' of the tree.

Our children really enjoyed this simple activity and wanted to follow the rope again.

Treat:
Fruit for The Tree of Life or any special treat that could symbolize it

Closing Song: "Book of Mormon Stories" Childrens Songbook #118

Closing Prayer: Mom

*Thanks to my friend Summer who gave me the idea/suggestion for this FHE lesson.

Prayer

2011-07-04T04:19:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Personal Scripture study and Prayers

Opening Prayer: Child

Opning Song: A child's Prayer #12 Childrens Songbook

Lesson:

(For some reason my children prefer me to say their night prayers for them, and always tell me they dont know what to say and want me to do it! Even though I've taught them several times and they can all say food and family morning prayer with no problems! I felt it was time to give them a little push into saying their personal prayers)

I printed a copy of this chart for each child. We talked about the importance of reading our scriptures everyday even if its just a few verses and to say our morning and night prayers.

I chose a simple yet interesting scripture that we all read. I then said they could now colour in one of the scriptures on the chart under Monday. Later when you go to bed you can colour the girl when you say your night prayers. When they have a certain amount coloured I said they would get a small reward.

Activity:

Draw, cut out pictures or write words on a big piece of paper of the things we can pray for

Practice Kneeling, Folding arms and saying prayers

Closing Song: Love is Spoken Here #190 Childrens Songbook

Closing Prayer: Child

Treat:
Prayer Sandwich Idea from Mormon share

Easter Countdown

2011-04-10T23:17:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening

Easter Countdown

Opening Song: Tell me the stories of Jesus Children's Songbook #57

Opening Prayer: Child

Lesson: Mom

Go over to my Personal Blog and see how we made an Easter Countdown

Using Card cut in egg shape, paint, draw, decorate 7 eggs in any way you wish.

Either sew them together as link above, or just stick to wall or tie with ribbons.

On the back of the eggs write down some activities to do as a family.

Here are 7 examples of things you can do leading up to the week of Easter.

If you want a longer countdown calendar add other activities such as Egg hunts, dyeing eggs, bunny and chick crafts etc.

Palm Sunday :

Make a Palm Cross , reenact Jesus on a donkey and people waving palm fronds.

Monday: (cleansing of the temple)

Talk about how church/temple should be a place of calm and worship and not a house of caos.
Make Soft Pretzels (shaped like folded arms for prayer)

Tuesday: (teaching at the temple)

Jesus taught what is the greatest law. Love thy neighbour as they self.
Take a gift for your neighbours

Wednesday:

Mary washed Jesus Feet and offered expensive oils/purfume.
Reenact with children and wash their feet (I find this very humbling and moving)

Thursday: Preparing for Passover

Read the story of the passover John 13:1-11 and make a simple passover meal.
Unleavened bread, lamb, horseradish, Haroset, Parsley and salt water details here

Friday: The day Jesus Died

Make Hot cross buns and discuss Cruxifiction

Saturday: Festival of Light

Make lanterns, candle holders to symbolise those that wait for Jesus resurrection

Sunday: He is Risen

Hold family testimony meeting, attend church.

These ideas all came from Christianity Today Easter Ideas page.

Closing Song: I feel my Saviours Love Childrens Songbook #74

Closing Prayer: Dad

Treat:
Decorate oval shape cookies with frosting and m&m's and mini marshmallows.

Easter

2011-04-03T19:58:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Easter

Opening Prayer: Child

Opening Song: Did Jesus really live again Children's Songbook #64
Lesson:

We created an Easter Tree using branches and painted them white. Over the next few weeks we will be adding things to it. This week I decided to make a modified version of a decoration we make for christmas.

Cut out pictures of Jesus from Old Ensigns, Friend or New Era magazines. I've also found really nice pictures in Deseret catalogues. If you don't have these print pictures found online.

Stick picture to card and on the other side add a scripture verse. Some of the following might be useful

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive (1 Corinthians 15:22)

I am the ressurrection and the life (John 11:25)

Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen (Luke 24:3-6)

Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33)

Because I live, ye shall live also (John 14:19)

And now after the many testimonies which have been given of him,this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!! For we saw him. (D&C 76:22-23)

Laminate (if you desire) add ribbon and hang on your easter reminder tree.
Or add to gift baskets for friends and family.

Closing Song: Easter Hosanna Childrens Songbook #68
Closing Prayer:

Treat:

Easter treats!!

Getting to know the Scriptures

2011-03-12T16:37:00.000-08:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Getting to know your scriptures

Opening Song: "Search Ponder and Pray" Children's Songbook #109

Opening Prayer: Child

Lesson: Dad

Our daughter who was recently baptised received new Scriptures (Quad). We thought a lesson about Getting to know the scriptures would be good. We were surprised! at how little our 10 and 8 year old knew about their Scriptures despite reading them everyday! I suppose when you use a bookmark and open the book daily for them for family scripture study - you are not teaching them!!

We started with a quick perusal of their new scriptures.
They checked out the tabs, ribbon bookmarks, pictures section etc.

We then asked them questions like

What is/find the first book of the Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon

Using the title page to find other books (give them some unusual ones to find)

We chose a word to look up in the Topical Guide. When then followed it to the scripture.

We looked at footnotes and what the little letters mean and then folllowed it back to the Bible Dictionary and Topical Guide

Activity:

Lesson Ideas over at Lds.org

Printable Scripture Cards (like Go Fish)

Make bookmarks to remind children to read scriptures everyday

Closing Song: "Book of Mormon Stories" Children's Songbook #118

Closing Prayer: Child

Treat:

Love

2011-02-13T17:45:00.000-08:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Love

Opening Song "Jesus said Love Everyone" Childrens Songbook #61

Opening Prayer: Child

Scripture:

Lesson: Mom

We started our lesson by rolling out a big sheet of paper with the word LOVE written in big letters in the middle. We asked 'who should we show love to?' The children wrote and drew their answers all around the piece of paper.

Answers included :

Family, Mum and Dad, Sisters, Neighbours, Heavenly Father, Jesus, Cousins, Pets, Best friends, School Teachers, Primary Teachers, etc

We then made some tiny valentines/love notes on bits of card and pegged them to some string. We hung it on our mantle and I said any time you do some service or something kind this week, add another heart/note onto our string.

Activity:

make a Paper Heart Wreath

Play Hide the heart with a toy heart/softie

Make heart cookies/treats to give to family/neighbours

Make heart rocks

Make origami heart note holders

Closing Song Love One Another Children's Songbook #136

Closing Prayer: Dad

Treat:

Using a heart cookie cutter make fairy bread. Spread bread with butter and sprinkle with 100s and 1000's or pink and red sprinkles. Cut out heart shape using cutter.

Heart Chocolates

Emergency Preparedness

2011-02-06T16:49:00.000-08:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
72 Hour Kit

Opening Prayer: Child

Opening Song: I feel my Savior's Love # 74 Childrens Songbook

Lesson: Dad

A devastating flood where we live bought us to attention about our 72 hour packs. We packed our evacuation suitcases just in case we had to leave (we did not) and it reminded us to be prepared.

We are usually good with keeping up to date food in our Kids 72 hour pack. However AFTER the disaster was over we noticed our food was 6 months out of date! We must have missed our last rotation! Lucky we didn't have to drink that curdled long life milk!

For FHE we showed the kids our 72 hour kits and got them to rebag new ones. They were allowed to eat the food in the old ones that was still fine to eat (muslie bars, chocolate etc)

Here is an example of our easy 72hr kit zip lock bags. (that go inside another bag)

Kids bagging them

We have a one litre long life milk, mini cereal boxes, Juice boxes and muslie bars and some plastic spoons in each bag.

It was fun to lay out all the items on the floor and have them sort and bag them.

Talk about why an emergency bag is important.
- Food we can take with us anywhere
- Food that doesn't need refridgeration
- To prevent us from having to panic buy (lots of that happened here)
- So we won't be worried and know that we are safe and will be fed

I have heard that changing your 72 hour kits at conference is a good time to remember to do it every 6 months! These little bags will do till then. We will replenish them again then.

*Whilst I know this is no comprehensive 72 hour pack, its fun and easy for both kids and adults. For more organised comprehensive 72 hour kits click here

Activity:

Noah's Ark.
Draw, act out, gather supplies for your ark.

Closing Song: Keep the Commandments # 146 Children's Songbook

Closing Prayer: Mom

Treat:

Eat food storage food!
Canned fruits, muslie bars etc

Baptism/Blessing Day

2011-01-25T03:28:00.000-08:00

Family Home Evening Lesson

Baptism

Opening Prayer: Child

Opening Song: When I am baptised Children's Songbook #103

Lesson:

My husband came home one monday night and asked our girls to go get on their white dresses. He said Mummy will put on her wedding dress and I will wear my white suit.

Everyone scrambled off and we came together to have a 'dressed in white' photoshoot.

We put the poem My Three White Dresses up on the big screen and had them read it out.

Each of us had our own blessing dresses and we looked at how tiny they were.

We talked about why we wear white.

Why each dress is important.

What promises we make when we wear each dress.

Each girl then tried on my wedding dress and had their photo taken.

A very simple, easy FHE but one my girls LOVED!

I'm so sure I once saw on the net a boys version of the Three White dresses poem, but after googling for those of you who have sons, I found nothing! I'm sure boys can look at their blessings clothes, and dad's white baptism clothes, or pictures from wedding/baptisms on their dad's missions etc for a similar theme

Activity:

SugarDoodle has a great list of baptism booklets, lesson ideas, clipart, poems and number 8 cookies.

White Clothes Dress up

Look through photos of their blessing day

Closing song: Baptism Children's Songbook #100

Closing Prayer: Child

Treat:

White frosted cupcakes

White Candy

8 shaped cookies

Word of Wisdom

2011-01-09T15:07:00.000-08:00

Family Home Evening Lesson

Word of Wisdom

Opening Prayer: Child

Opening Song: "The Word of Wisdom" Childrens Songbook # 154

Lesson:

Using Doctrine and Covenants 89 as your guide ask children to draw some of the following pictures.
(If your children are too young you can pre draw these)

eg
Grapes
Hot drink
Cows
Wheat
Fruit
winter
corn
oats
treasure chest

As you read out the Word of Wisdom found in chapter 89 get the children to hold up their pictures when they hear you say the words.

This type of activity could be used for any descriptive verses found in the scriptures.

Activity:

Excellent WoW ideas found at Sugar Doodle eg making a food pyramid, giving each child a small plant

Cut out pictures of food. Make a collage of healthy and good for you foods.

Fruits, Vegetables, Grains printed game at teach lds children. com

Closing song: "The Lord gave me a Temple" Children's Songbook #153

Closing Prayer: Child

Treat:

Whole grains and healthy foods
Fruit smoothies

Family History

2010-11-28T22:25:00.000-08:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Family History

Opening Prayer: Child

Opening Song: Families can be together forever

Scripture: Malachi 4:6

Lesson: (we did this lesson over two weeks, I've combined it for ease here)

Print out some family photos. We were able to use 2 photos that had four generations of family members in each photo. Cut photo into pieces (like a jigsaw) and hide individual pieces around the house.

Ask children to search the house for the 'missing' photo pieces.

Put photos together. Ask if they recognise any of the people in the photos. Point out any great grandparents/family members they might not know.

Talk about the importance of 'finding our those of our family' who lived a long time ago. We try to remember all our relatives by keeping our family history.

Show a pedigree chart with everyones name on it.

***

We have little voice snippets/video segments of our children saying "Hi my name is ____ I am ____ years old. My favourite thing is ____ . It is so fun to look back on the old ones and how they used to sound. Our 7 year old was mimicing her 4 year old voice after we did this activity. She was surprised at how 'babyish' she sounded.

Since we only have a couple of these snippets we thought it might be a nice thing to record each year. Maybe New Years day would be a good day for it? Anyway we spoke about how we can record our OWN family history about ourselves, so our children and grandchildren can never forget how we were.

We said our names, ages, where we live, what we like to do. Each segment lasted about 30secs to 1min.

We saved them as video files in our documents on the computer.

A fun way to teach family history, and to look back on in years to come.

Closing song: Love at Home

Closing Prayer: Child

Treat:
A family Favourite.

Atonement

2010-10-18T00:03:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening
Atonement

Opening Prayer: Child

Opening Song: "I'm trying to be like Jesus" Children's Songbook #78
Lesson: Dad

(this activity comes from the Nov/Dec 2007 Lds Living Magazine)

Have someone get down on their hands and knees on a towel. Place a cup of water on the person's back between their shoulder blades (ask them to make themselves flat/steady like) As the person to remove the cup without spilling it.

You can either let everyone have a go (and fail) or you can just have one demonstration.

Then ask the child if they can do it. Ask them to think of a way they can get the cup off their back.

Mine didnt - so after some gentle prodding we worked out that PERHAPS we could just ask someone to take it off our back for us.

Things you can teach from this object lesson

Sometimes we are placed in a position to help someone who cannot complete a task alone. Ask children "How do you help mummy?" How do you help Daddy, How do you help your brother or sisters/grandparents etc

For older children we can liken this to the gift of Eternal Life from Jesus. Jesus died on the cross so our sins may be forgiven that we may live in heaven with Heavenly Father and Jesus again. Jesus did something for us that we CANNOT DO for ourselves.

Activity

My girls wanted to keep putting cups of water on their backs!!

Make a little flip book (in those cheap photo albums) of pictures of Jesus. Say Jesus can help us whenever we need him.

Closing Song: Tell me the stories of Jesus Children's Songbook #57

Closing Prayer: Mom

Treat:

Smoothies in your cup

Candy served in cups

Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

2010-09-17T20:39:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson

The 12 Apostles

Opening Song: 'Follow the Prophet' Children's Songbook #110

Opening Prayer : Child

Lesson: Mom

As we are starting to near General Conference Time, I thought I would spend some time with the kids getting to know those who might speak.

Print (and laminate if you want to keep) pictures of First Presidency and The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. These are mine that I have had for a few years that my husband made ( I just realised we didnt have Elder Anderson!! so quickly printed him for this photo!)

See if your children know any of their names.

Stick them on the wall in order.

Play memory or type of game with the pictures.

If you print two copies you can play match.

Read out some interesting information about them.

Talk about the importance of leaders. Why these men mean so much to us. We love them for their words, work, example, love and dedication.

I need this lesson too, as I couldn't name them all off the top of my head :)

We keep our laminated pictures in with our Gospel Art Picture Kit. As new apostles are called we (usually!) print and laminate a new one.

Activity:

Excellent Apostle Recognition games found here at Suite 101

Closing Song: 'Latter day Prophets' Children's Songbook #134

Closing Prayer: Child

Treat: Gingerbread men or cookie people

Voting

2010-08-15T00:11:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson

Voting/Government

Opening Song: "My Country" Children's Songbook #224

Opening Prayer : Child

Scripture: D&C 134: 1

We believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society.

Lesson: Mom

(note: Australians are about to vote for a new Prime Minister. I know this might not be applicable to US residents but thought I would share the FHE we had on this. It is also manditory to vote in australia so it is an important law to teach children to obey.)

Article of Faith 12
We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

We discussed what the kids thought this AoF meant. We discussed the differences between king, president, magistrates etc.

Why is it important to vote for the person that leads your country?

We talked about how and where we vote (we always take our kids with, so they remember from last time)

Activity

Have a vote in the family for someone who could be incharge of the family (for a week or a day) - Make ballot sheets and teach children how to do a vote and place in a box

Vote for new rule or changes you would like at home
Have some different foods out and have children 'vote' for their favourite

Closing Song: National Anthem

Closing Prayer: Child

Treat: A national/cultural food from your country.

Pioneers

2010-07-25T20:49:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson

Pioneers

Opening Song: The Handcart Song Children's Songbook # 220

Opening Prayer : Child

Lesson: Mom

Based on July 2010 Friend magazine article
Even though it isnt pioneer day where I live, we can still remember and celebrate pioneers

What are pioneers?

A Pioneer is someone who goes somewhere or does something first and shows others the way to follow.

We can remember the pioneers from old days who settled areas first and bought our family to our country. We can remember the first person in our family who joined the church. We can remember how hard people worked in previous generations.

How can we be pioneers?

Activity

Pretend to be pioneers going on a trek.
Get children to carry or pull items they would want to take with them

Make (flat) wagons by gluing paddlepop sticks onto paper

If you have girls make bonnets, dress up

Closing Song: Pioneer Children were quick to obey Children's Songbook # 215

Closing Prayer: Child

Treat:

Make Damper (old australian bread recipe)

Eat simple foods

Trail Mix

Missionary Work

2010-07-05T02:40:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson

Missionary Work

Opening Song: "I hope they call me on a mission" Children's Songbook #169

Opening Prayer : Child

Lesson: Mom

Our Bishopric asked us to have a FHE on Missionary Work. This is the lesson my husband came up with

We gave one of our children a packet of lollies (candy)- the type in a roll with several inside.

She came out in front of the others and we asked:

What do you do if you have something special?

(all the other girls immediately said "SHARE!")

How would you feel if she didn't share? (sad, upset etc)

If you didn't see the lollies, how would you know that she had something special? (we wouldn't)

We likened this to sharing the gospel. Talk about missionary work, how we can share what we know with our friends and neighbours. We want all people to know about what we think is special to us. (Share the candy)

Then we gave everyone a candle.

Daddy had the lit candle and said it was like his testimony. He wanted to 'share' it with us.

One by one we lit each others candles 'passing on our testimonies' to one another.

Activity

My husband unpacked everything from his mission :)

He showed photos (most amazing 'cause none of us have ever seen him with hair)
We played with his collection of badges
He showed us letters he wrote and his journals
We practiced some of the languages he learnt
He showed us the mission rule book and read some out
He showed Ezra Taft Bensons Signature to them (old I know!)

Closing Song: "Called to serve" Children's Songbook #174

Closing Prayer: Child

Treat:

Share Candy with one another

I found this lesson very successful and the girls stayed interested for over half an hour!

Everyone is Special

2010-06-28T00:07:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson

Everyone is special

Opening Song: "Can a little Child like me?" Children's Songbook #9

Opening Prayer : Child

Lesson: Mom

Lesson Based on President Monson's Message Canaries with Grey on their Wings from the June 2010 Ensign

The Prophet President Monson was given a canary from a lady in his ward. She had two perfect yellow canaries and one with grey specks on it's wings. The lady said "This canary isnt the prettiest but it has the best song"

Sometimes we might not feel as pretty, or as big, or as smart as others. But each of us is important to the Lord. We must be good and use our talents. There are many people like the canary with grey wings. We might not be perfect but we can be good at other things.

Ask Children "What are you good at?" "What are your talents?"

Activity:

CD Bird Craft (make in yellow)
Egg Cup Bird, Pinecone Bird, Paper Bird, Paper Plate Bird crafts

Share or Show examples of your talents

Closing Song: "I'm thankful to be me" Children's Songbook #11

Closing Prayer: Child

Treat:

Bird Cookies (scroll half way 'Raven Cookies)

Bird Sugar Cookies

Modesty

2010-06-11T18:21:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson

Modesty

Opening Song: "I will follow God's Plan" Children's SongBook # 164

Opening Prayer : Child

Lesson: Mom

This lesson based on Modesty article page 8-10 in May 2010 Friend Magazine

Have some clothes out to do the Modesty Checklist on. Page 10 has a checklist for making sure you look good and clean. Look at items and get children to say yes or no to the checklist questions below

My shoulders are covered, My shirt covers my stomach, My shorts or skirt go to my knees. My shirt is not low cut. My clothes are not too tight, I don't look sloppy, My hair is combed, My clothes are not saggy, torn or holey, Labels or words on my clothes are respectful and not rude or offensive.

Talk about how do we respect our bodies? (healthy food, exercise, modest clothes, dont put anything harmful into our bodies)

For greater enforcement if needed share The Strength of Youth Pamphlet
This page teaches why dress standards must be followed, and also offers guidelines for appropriate dress. These guidelines include:

•No short shorts or skirts
•No tight clothing
•No bare midriff
• No revealing attire
•No clothing that is low-cut in the front or the back.
•No extremes

Activity:

Read the story Modesty at Any Age on page 8 of May 2010 Friend.

Modest Body Collage - Trace around childrens body, use scraps of fabric, paper to create modest clothes for the body outline. The same could be done in a smaller size on paper dolls too.

Sing/speak this modesty song/poem found at Sugar Doodle

It's sung to the tune of “I love to see the temple” (page #95):

My body is a temple;
I treat it with respect.
I live the Word of Wisdom.
I’m modest in my dress.

For my body is a gift from God,
He wants me to protect it.
My mouth speaks clean* words,
My thoughts are pure.
This keeps my temple holy.

*or “kind”

Closing Song: "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus" Children's SongBook #78

Closing Prayer: Child

Treat:

Choose the Right

2010-05-22T21:44:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson

Freedom To Choose

Opening Song: "Choose the Right Way" Children's Songbook #160

Opening Prayer : Child

Scripture: 2 Nephi 2:27

Lesson: Mom

This lesson based on 'Freedom to Choose' chapt 4, Gospel Principles, pg 17

God tells us through his prophets that we are free to choose between GOOD and EVIL. We may choose eternal life by following Jesus Christ. We can also choose captivity by following Satan.

When we choose to do right things it makes Heavenly Father and our parents happy. When you do some Right things it makes it easier to do MORE right things. When we live according to God's plan for us we grow in faith, power, knowledge, and all other good things.

If we keep the commandments and make right choices we will become like Him.

Activity:

Have a bowl with different choices in it (eg stickers, small toys, chocolate etc) Let each child choose something from the bowl. Talk about how in life we make choices EVERY DAY. We hope that they will make good or right choices.

Play Tic Tac Toe/Naughts and Crosses - demonstrating how we can choose when our turn

Show pictures from gospel art kit or elsewhere of GOOD Choices - Going to church, children helping others, saying prayers, Cleaning their room, drawing/playing nicely etc

Make or colour CTR rings/shields

Closing Song: "Dare to do Right" Children's Songbook #158

Closing Prayer: Child

Treat:

A bowl of treats to choose from!

The activity ideas and others can be found here at the Choose the Right Lesson Primary 2 Lesson Manual

The Holy Ghost

2010-05-10T04:08:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson

The Holy Ghost

Opening Song: "I know my Father lives' Children's Songbook #5

Opening Prayer : Child

Lesson: Mom

This lesson based on 'The Holy Ghost' chapt 7, Gospel Principles

As God's children left their home in heaven with him to come to earth to our families, the memory of living with Heavenly Father is taken from us. Heavenly Father did not want us to completely forget or have his influence so he sent The Holy Ghost to comfort and guide us.

What is The Holy Ghost Like? How is He different to God and Jesus?

What does The Holy Ghost do? How does he 'talk/reveal' things to us?

Activity:

Memorise the 1st Article of Faith

Show pictures of activites and ask which ones invite The Holy Ghost (eg Gospel Art Picture Kit of praying, blessings, sacrament, temple, FHE, families together as opposed to other activities)

Holy Ghost Booklet - From Mormon Share

Closing Song: "Listen Listen" Children's SongBook #107

Closing Prayer: Child

Treat:

White foods. Marshmallows, white iced cookies, milk

Feed My Lambs

2010-04-16T21:32:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson

Feed His Lambs

Opening Song:"I'm trying to be like Jesus" Children's Songbook # 78

Opening Prayer : Child

Lesson: Mom
This lesson is taken from the April 2010 Ensign page 2 see it for more details.

Following on from the last lesson: After Jesus had dined with the disciples Jesus asked Simon Peter if he loved him. He said Yes Jesus I lovest thou. Jesus said. "Feed my lambs" (John 21:15)
As followers of Jesus we must help eachother in the gospel. Be kind and help new members, answer questions in primary. Share the gospel. Be kind to others.

How do you care for a real lamb?
Protect from wolves and danger
A safe place to sleep
Food
Water

Who are the Saviour's Lambs? Those who are new or not strong in the gospel.

Activity:

Lamb Egg Carton from DLTK
Lamb Handprint Craft from DLTK
Paper Plate Lamb from About Family Crafts

Closing Song: "Little Lambs so white and fair" Children's Songbook #58

Closing Prayer: Child

Treat:

Marshmallows arranged in the shape of a lamb

Lamb Cakes

He is Risen

2010-04-03T15:01:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
He is Risen

Opening Song 'Did Jesus really live again?' Childrens Songbook # 64

Opening Prayer : Child

Lesson: Mom

And Jesus rose again after being Cruxified. This is the important message from Easter. Jesus was resurrected as we will also be one day. Jesus died for us and our sins so that we may live with him again.

When he appeared to the apostles they were afraid. But Jesus said Peace be unto you. He showed them his hands and feet.

They gave him a fish and some honeycomb and he did eat it before them (Luke 24:36-42)

Activity:

Eat foods from Jesus Time

Check out 12 days of Easter countdown (I know it's too late) but use day 12 idea for tonight - Have an empty egg demonstration for Christ being risen

Christ Centred Ideas from the Ensign
I like the ideas of
holding a family Testimony meeting
Placing Cut out pictures from the Ensign or Friend inside plastic eggs
An egg hunt where the special egg is the empty one

Closing Song: Jesus has risen Childrens song book# 70

Closing Prayer: Child

Treat:

Eat Honeycomb - I got some real organic honeycomb from a farmers market - YUM!

Palm Sunday

2010-03-13T19:43:00.000-08:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Palm Sunday

Opening Song "Easter Hosanna" Children's Songbook # 68

Opening Prayer : Child

Lesson: Mom

Palm Sunday always falls on the Sunday before Easter Sunday. The feast commemorates (an event mentioned by all four Gospels Mark 11:1-11, Matthew 21:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, and John 12:12-19) the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem in the days before his Cruxifiction.

According to the Gospels, before entering Jerusalem, Jesus was staying at Bethany and Bethphage, and the Gospel of John adds that he had dinner with Lazarus, and his sisters Mary and Martha. While there, Jesus sent two disciples to the village over against them, in order to retrieve a donkey that had been tied up but never been ridden, and to say, if questioned, that the donkey was needed by the Lord but would be returned. Jesus then rode the donkey into Jerusalem. Jesus rode into Jerusalem, and the people there lay down their cloaks in front of him, and also lay down small branches of trees.

(info found via wikipedia :)

Activity:

If you have access to palm fronds Have the children act out the triumphal entry. (My girls love to do this)

Go Here to see how we reenact with a cardboard donkey and palm leaves

Use these directions to make a Paper Plate Colt

Palm Leaf Fold and Cut Craft

Disciples untying the colt Coloring In Page

Triumphal Entry Coloring In Page

Make a Paper Plate Palm Leaf Wreath with drawings of coats on it (scroll down half way)

Closing Song: "Hosanna" Children's Songbook #66

Closing Prayer: Child

Treat:

Any foods grown on a palm - coconut, date etc
Cupcakes with tinted green coconut
Eat food served on a palm leaf

Easter

2010-03-01T16:09:00.000-08:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Preparing for Easter

Opening Prayer: Dad

Opening Song: "Did Jesus Really Live Again?" Children's Songbook #64

Lesson:
Have a paper easter egg hunt. I purchased a similar thing from a store, but you could easily make yourself. It had paper eggs, basket to put eggs in and arrow signs to point the directions to go.

On the back of the eggs I wrote about something that happened in the lead up to Easter Sunday. You can have the children collect the eggs in order, or you can put them in order once they have all been found around the house.

Just draw an easy picture or write a few words on the back of each egg about the following things:
Palm Sunday
Washing of Disciples Feet
The First Sacrament
Garden of Gethsemene
Cruxifiction
Easter Sunday- He is Risen

Briefly talk about what happened the week leading up to Easter. Not too much, as I plan to use the other two mondays to go over some of the things in closer detail.

Activity:
Make this paper fan palm branch

Road to Easter Cut and Paste Work sheet

Closing Song: "Jesus Has Risen" Children's Songbook #70

Closing Prayer: Child

Treat:
Easter Eggs
Make Egg shaped sugar cookies
Boiled Eggs
Fill some plastic Eggs with small candy

The Living Christ

2010-02-20T01:48:00.000-08:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
The Living Christ

Opening Song: "I'm trying to be like Jesus" Childrens SongBook #78

Opening Prayer: Child

Lesson:
I read to the children "The Living Christ" I picked out some of the phrases that I thought would interest them. They particulary like Joseph Smiths "His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah" They liked that he was shinier than the sun :)

After discussing the attributes and realities of Christ, I got the children to write their testimony, or a sentence about what they know about Jesus to be real. We wrote them on the back of "The Living Christ" that I printed out. Our 3 year old drew a picture of Daddy holding Jesus hand. It was very cute.

*I received February's Friend Magazine after this lesson. In the middle page is a poster of excerpts from The Living Christ. The pictures are good and would be suitable to use aswell.

Activity:
Make a The Living Christ collage picture frame.
Here is an example of a very cute one at Crystals Craft Spot
or printable one at The Idea Door

Write out/draw testimonies to be kept

Cut out pictures from old Ensigns/Friend Magazines and make collages

Watch a short video of Prophet or Aspostles speaking about Christ.

Closing Song:"Tell me the Stories of Jesus" Childrens Song Book #57

Closing Prayer: Mom

Treat:
Print out a tiny "Living Christ" and attach some Chocolates to be given out

Love

2010-02-07T22:47:00.000-08:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Love

Opening Song: Jesus said Love Everyone Children's Songbook #61

Opening Prayer: Child

Lesson:
Who loves you? (mom, dad,sisters, brothers, grandparents etc)
How do you know they love you?

There is someone else who loves you to, can you guess?
Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love you.
How do you know that Jesus loves you?

Jesus loves little children. When other men tried to turn the children away, Jesus said to let the little children come unto him.

Activity:

we dried our hearts on a skewer

Make Salt Dough hearts. Either make then let dry, or make earlier and paint them for the activity. Use a straw to cut a hole in the heart and you can string it into a necklace or ornament to hang.
Make a Paper Heart Leis
Make Valentines Cards for your family

Closing Song: Love One Another Children's Songbook #136

Treat:
Heart shaped chocolate
Cookie cutter heart shape toast with strawberry topping

Our Heavenly Father

2010-01-28T21:55:00.001-08:00

Note: As I was looking through the Gospel Principles book during RS, I thought the chapters might be good to make FHE lessons from. Most chapters in Gospel Principles are only 2 pages. I thought it might be good idea to have the kids learning some of the same things we are.

Family Home Evening Lesson
Our Heavenly Father

Opening Song: "My Heavenly Father Loves Me" Childrens SongBook #228

Opening Prayer: Child

Lesson: Daddy

How do you know there is a God? (nature, warm feeling, miracles, life etc)

Show picture of space/stars (or use the one on page 4 of Gospel Principles)

Read Alma 30:44 "All things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all the things
that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a supreme creator."

We can see the work of God by looking in the sky and on earth. These things didn't come by chance. The plants, animals, mountains, rivers, clouds, rain, stars - all testify there is a God.

What does God look like?
Because we are made in his image we know our bodies are like His.

God is perfect. He is righteous. He is love, mercy, truth, charity. All good things come from God.

How Can we Know God?
pray, study scriptures, Obey Commandments.

Activity:

I have a body like Heavenly Father coloring in page

Easy Paper folding Star

Make Starlights using a torch and foil

Go outside and look at the stars, look for constellations.

Closing Song: "A child's Prayer" Children's Songbook #12

Closing Prayer: Child

Treat:

Star shaped cookies

Use star cookie cutter, to cut shapes out of bread. Spread with butter and cover in sprinkles.

Remember Jesus

2010-01-05T18:02:00.000-08:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Remember

Opening Song: "I feel my Saviours Love Children's Songbook #74

Opening Prayer: Child

Lesson: Daddy

Show a picture of Jesus. Ask how we remember him.
Read yourself or have an older child read the Sacrament Prayers from the scriptures (D&C 20:77, 79 - Our 8 year old did for us) Ask the children to guess what it is you are reading. (some of kids did, some knew it was familiar, but not sure)

Activity:

Now say you are going to play a memory game. Children have one minute to look at 10 items on a tray. Cover it up and have children write or draw or dictate to you what they remember on the tray. We made sure one of the items was a small picture of Jesus.

Our older girls wanted a go at being the person in charge of the tray, so we played 3 different versions of the game (allowing them to choose the items, but the ONLY Item that had to stay the same each time was the picture of Jesus)

We said that it is important to remember Jesus in our lives, even when it can be difficult. We must make room for and love Jesus.

Closing Song: "Tell me the Stories of Jesus" Children's Songbook #57

Closing Prayer: Child

Treat:

Symbols of Christmas - Christmas Tree

2009-12-04T20:00:00.001-08:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Symbols of Christmas

Opening Song: Have a Very Merry Christmas Children's Songbook # 51

Opening Prayer: Daddy

Lesson: Mommy

What is this? (point to your christmas tree or a picture of one) Why do we have Christmas Trees at Christmas? (enjoy their varied answers!)

The Christmas Tree is a symbol of Christmas because :
The evergreen tree means lasting light and life. The needles of the tree point upwards towards heaven. As many things die in winter but the evergreen does not, it symbolizes life in the midst of death or rebirth.

Talk about why you like to put a star or angel on the top of your tree.
Read this scripture to go with your discussion.
Luke 2:9-12 for Angel
Matthew 2:2 for Star

Activity:
Click on links for some Tree Crafts
Christmas Handprint Tree
Fun cardboard and sticker christmas tree

Closing Song: Stars were Gleaming Childrens Songbook #37

Closing Prayer: Child

Treat:
Click on links for some yummy treats
Cheese Christmas Tree

Christmas Tree Krispy Treats

Christmas Tree Sandwiches

Christmas Symbols

2009-11-22T18:43:00.001-08:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Christmas Wreath

Opening Song: "Away in a Manger" Children's Songbook # 42

Opening Prayer: Daddy

Lesson: Mommy

In the weeks leading up to Christmas we are doing FHE lessons about the symbols of Christmas. Instead of doing it all at once I have chosen to focus on just one each week, keeping the lesson quick and simple.

Hold up a wreath or picture of a wreath

What is this? What does it mean? Why do we have wreaths at Christmas time?

Wreaths are like a circle. Which means no beginning 0r no ending. This symbolises eternity - the unending cirle of life. The evergreen tree (used to make wreaths) means growth and everlasting life. Holly branches have thorns. When used in a wreath it symbolises the crown of thorns put on Jesus head when he was crucified. The red berries symbolise his blood that was shed for us.

Activity:
Make a wreath

Paper plate wreath instructions found here at filth wizardry very cute.

Coat hanger wreath:
Bend a coat hanger into circle shape. Secure tinsel with tape and wrap Tinsel around and around and around. Secure end with sticky tape. Add bows, decorations as you wish.

Closing Song: "Picture a Christmas" Children's Songbook # 50

Closing Prayer: Child

Treat:

Click here for Wreath Candy using cornflakes and marshmallows.

Hard Candy Wreath found here

Satans Web

2009-10-25T19:03:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Satans Web

This lesson based on one found at Chocolate on my Cranium

Materials Needed: Spider Web,Fake Spider

Opening Prayer: Child

Opening Song: "Choose the Right Way" Childrens Songbook #160

Lesson: Mommy

Hold up a plastic spider or drawing of a spider (I got my girls to draw me a spider earlier ~ they were excited as I wouldn't tell them what I needed it for :)

What is this? What does it do? (catches prey in its web)

Hold up a picture of a web or point to web on your wall
( Halloween is a good time to pick up a cheap web. As it is not widely celebrated in Australia we made our own ~ I got my husband to make this with the girls from wool and some pins on our wall before FHE and they were so EXCITED, as I wouldnt tell them what it was for!)

What is this? What does it do? (Webs are sticky and sometimes hard to see ~ when an insect flies into it , it will be caught and the spider can eat it)

Read this quote
"Now a word of caution to all - both young and old - both male and female. We live at a time when the adversary is using every means possible to ensnare us in his web of deceit, trying desperately to take us down with him (Thomas S Monson, Ensign May 2009)

What ways does Satan always try to trick us?

(Have some prepared written or typed out answers on strips of paper)such as lying, cheating, Anger, Swearing,Laziness, Disobeying parents,Fighting, smoking, drugs, Alchol

Allow children to stick the words in the web (my girls just loved sticking these up and fought over whose turn it was constantly)

Talk about how you can avoid Satans Web

Treat/Activity:
Make Spider Pretzels found at Family Fun

Play a catch type of game

Closing Song: "Dare to do Right" Children's Songbook #158

Warm Fuzzies

2009-10-11T18:54:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Warm Fuzzies

Opening Song: 'Give said the little stream' Childrens Songbook # 236

Opening Prayer: Child

Lesson: Mommy

Ask Child "What things do you like to do for your birthday?

Last year the prophet Pres Monson was asked the same question ~ what he would like for his birthday? He answered "Find someone who is having a hard time or is ill or lonely, and do something for him or her.”

Isn't this a very nice thing? Why should we serve/help others?

Why would the prophet be happy if we go and help others, or visit the sick or lonely?

Activity:

Some Children, after hearing Pres Monson say this started a 'warm fuzzies jar' Each time they did something good for another person they were able to put a warm fuzzy in the jar. They kept going until the jar was full.

We are going to make a warm fuzzy jar too.

Decorate Jar as you desire, have a bowl of pom poms/cotton balls for children to see.
* we decorated our with sticky foam letters that says 'fuzzies' and a ribbon*

Do a service in the house right away and place some 'warm fuzzies' in the jar to get started.

Challenge the children to do something nice for someone in the family, neighbour or friend so they can put more pom pom's in the jar

Find Video Here of President Monson's Talk "What have I done for someone today?" You could play this while you do the activity or have children watch while eating the treat.

Closing Song: ' Called to Serve ' Children's Songbook # 174

Closing Prayer: Daddy

Treat:

M&M's or any other colourful ball shaped candy

Using a cookie cutter cut circle shapes out of slice of bread. Butter and sprinkle with colourful sprinkles of your choice

* I also think this would be a nice activity to do for the month of November for Thanksgiving or December as a Christmas Service Idea for kids

Watchmen on the Tower

2009-10-07T19:58:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Leaders

(This lesson based on one from Chocolate on my Cranium )

I realise this lesson may be a little late as conference has been (we have it a week later in Australia) but I plan to use it as an afterward reminder and play a short conference talk online to go with it)

Opening Song: "Follow the Prophet" Children's Songbook # 110

Opening Prayer: Child

Lesson: Mommy
Show a picture of King Benjamin on the tower or towers from Cocoa's lesson or any picture of towers.

What are these? What are towers used for? (to see far, see danger etc)

Heavenly Father has given us Watchmen on Towers to help us. They are the prophet and 12 Apostles. Just like up on a tower they have a better view of dangers and what lies ahead. They help us to be prepared and ready.

Activity:
With help from us we stuck the pictures of the Apostles to the tower as found in the lesson at Chocolate on my Cranium

We got out our 'Jenga' game and used the blocks to build various towers. Any blocks or building materials could be used.

or you could

Build a tower out of marshmallows and toothpicks

Then

Play a segment from conference for them to watch while eating their treat

Closing Song: Sixth Article of Faith Children's Songbook #126

Closing Prayer: Daddy

Treat:

Chocolate squares (bricks from a tower) or similar shaped foods

*With permission from Cocoa from Chocolate on my Cranium I will feature some her FHE lessons in the coming weeks that I have paraphrased for use with younger children. Check out her lessons - they are great! Chocolate on my Cranium FHE Lessons

Anger

2009-09-14T00:36:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Anger

Opening Song: "Choose the Right Way" Children's Songbook # 160

Opening Prayer: Child

Lesson: Mommy
Sometimes we are mean to those we should love the most. Do you sometimes get angry or sad at Mommy or Daddy or your brothers and sisters? Why should we try our hardest to Love our family and not get angry at them?

Using This Idea from FHE in a Snap
Using a can of cream, squeeze cheese or a travel size toothpaste - Have a member of your family squeeze some cheese or toothpaste out. Then ask him/her to put the cheese/toothpaste/cream back into the can. Of course, this is impossible. Angry words, name calling, mean comments, or hitting siblings are very easy to say/do. But it is difficult and maybe impossible to fix the damage done by angry words.

We must all try better to be happy and kind and have less anger.

Activity:

Introduce The Magic Heart Idea found at Unplug Your Kids.

When someone is angry (or sad, playing up, having a tantrum) The Magic Heart goes to whoever needs it most to remind them that they are loved. That person must keep the heart in a safe place. The recipient keeps the heart until another family member is overcome with sadness or anger, then that person passes it along to the new person in need.

Make a banging Wall. Collect various pots, pans, utensils. Tie lengths of string to each piece and attach to a wall outside. Talk about how sometimes we need some time out when we get angry. We need some space to cool off and when we are calm we can join the family again. Or if BEFORE we get angry we can remember the Banging Wall and go there for some alone time and make some music for stress relief. When someone is angry or not behaving the right way to their family - suggest some time out on the banging wall :)

Closing Song: "A Happy Family Children's Songbook # 198

Closing Prayer: Daddy

Treat:
Cheese and Crackers

Make cup and saucepan shaped treats found Here at Enchanted Kitchen Place lifesaver on each side for a saucepan shape!

Pioneers

2009-08-02T19:26:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Pioneers

(Inspiration from Pratts Pioneer Resources )

Opening Song: "Little Pioneer Children" Children's Songbook # 216

Opening Prayer: Child

Lesson: Mommy
Pioneers - Gospel Art Picture Kit #412 Or show pictures of Covered wagons, Pioneers.

Who are Pioneers? What did they do that was special? What can we learn from Pioneers?

"The air was charged with excitement as the families with their wagons, oxen, sheep, and other livestock gathered at the Missouri River to start the long trek westward early in the spring of 1852.

As twelve-year-old Albert Dickson wandered among the wagons, he saw many children. He even discovered several boys his own age. It was good to know that he would have friends on the long trip ahead.

Albert was just one of thousands of children pioneers who crossed the continent in the migration to the western states in the late 1840s and early 1850s
Pioneers are generally thought of as adults, but the majority of the western pioneers were actually children like young Albert Dickson, who trekked the westward trails and settled in the valleys of the mountain west. As they grew older, they became the leaders of many thriving communities that were literally carved out of a barren and hostile land."
Find rest of story here at Children Pioneers from The Friend

Walk around the house ( or neighbourhood) pulling toy carts or carrying some things. Dress up a little with bonnets, skirts, hats, scarves if you have.

Activity:
Pioneer Children Colouring In/ Feltboard Pieces

Pretzel Log cabin!! VERY CUTE

(I couldn't find straight pretzels nor have a small milk carton so we are making flat house/log cabin shapes on plates using wafers and chocolate finger stick cookies stuck down with peanut butter)

Pioneer Children Toy and Game Ideas

Friend Magazine Pioneer Board Game

Closing Song: "The Handcart Song" Children's SongBook #220

Closing Prayer: Daddy

Treat:

Eat the Pretzels
Homemade biscuits/bread

Strenthening Our Family

2009-07-22T16:51:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Strengthening Our Family

My 8 and 6 year old daughters did this lesson for our family (after being taught it in Primary - some hope for parents of young children - continue with FHE and one day they will do it for you!! :)

Opening Song: "Here we are together" Children's Songbook # 261

Opening Prayer: Child

Lesson: Mommy

What ways can we make our family strong?

be nice to eachother, help around the house, prayers, scripture reading, go to church etc If you have gospel picture kit, show pictures of these things, family proclamation.

Why does our family need to work together, why does it need to be strong?

Object Lesson

Using Oranges/apples or rocks (something that won't blow away) My girls used 2 oranges and they told this lovely (if not cheesy, story they made up :)

"This is the Orange family. They have a mum and dad and 5 kids. They are all nice to eachother and like to help. They are kind and listen and go to church and read scriptures. They clean up and like to play together and love their family"

Then they got a hair dryer and blew on the orange family

When small problems come (put hairdryer on low setting) the family still stayed together. When big problems came (high setting) from THE SIN MACHINE (yes they actually called the hairdryer that - My husband and I were laughing so much!!) the family was still strong and able to work through it.

Next family is the LID family (use plastic bottle lids or something that will blow away)

"This is the Lid family. They don't listen to eachother. They seem to fight a lot and don't like to help around the house. The forget to have their scriptures and prayers and can be mean to eachother. They don't look out for each other as best they should"

When problems come, even small ones (low setting on hairdryer) their family is blown away. They do not stick together. When big problems come it is even worse.

Which family do we need to be like?

What can we do better in our family to be like the Orange family? How can we stay strong?

Activity:
Make a paper chain or something symbolic of your family being joined together

Show how the more pieces of string or sticks tied together the stronger it becomes

Closing Song: “Families can be together Forever" Children's Songbook #188

Closing Prayer: Daddy

Treat:

Eat Oranges or Apples :)
Have one big dessert and some spoons and all 'share' it together

Liberty

2009-06-28T13:16:00.001-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
“Liberty”
(Taken from “Captain Moroni and the Title of Liberty,” Friend, May 1994, 20)

Opening Song: “My Country” (Children’s Song Book # 224)

Opening Prayer: Child

Lesson: Mommy

(I am actually using the entire “Captain Moroni and the Title of Liberty” article for this lesson. Click on the link to use for your lesson. It is perfect and condenses the story better than I ever could with pictures and all.)

Talk about how the Title of Liberty it is a lot like our Flag. If we live the way were are suppose to and follow what the Lord has asked we can be blessed by the wonderful country that we live in.

You can teach your children about respecting the Flag and put “The Pledge of Allegiance” up in your home for your family to see and practice and learn.

***If you don't live in the U.S. and you aren't celebrating the 4th of July this week then instead you could as a family make your own "Title of Liberty" that you could display in your home. Talk about the things that are imprortant to your family and write a "(use your last name)'s Title of Liberty" up on a torn pice of cloth or an old t-shrit or just on a large pice of paper.***

Talk about the 4th of July and the liberty’s that we have in this country and what it means to you and your family.

Activity: Choose any of these fun 4th of July activities from Enchanted Learning.

Closing Song: “My Flag, My Flag” (Children’s Song Book # 225)

Closing Prayer: Daddy

Treat: Make red, white, and blue parfaits by layering blueberries, strawberries, and whip cream in a clear cup or by using red and blue jello with whip cream.

Celebrating All Our Fathers

2009-06-08T11:11:00.001-07:00

Celebrating All Our Fathers
(Adapted from the Every Day a Father’s Day June 1981 Friend)

Opening Song: “Daddy’s Homecoming” (Children’s Song Book # 210)

Opening Prayer: Child

Lesson: Mommy

“Celebrating All Our Fathers”

Ask your family what a Dad is and let them respond. Ask them when Father’s Day is.

Tell them that everyday a Father is a Father and it doesn’t end when Father’s Day is over with. What are some the things that your Dad does every day for your family? What is for favorite thing about your Daddy?

Who else could be considered a Father to your family? (Grandfather’s, Heavenly Father, Father of the ward, Father of our Country, and add any others that pertain to your family.)

Talk about what makes each of these Fathers everyday of the year not just on Father’s Day.

Talk about how you can make each of these Fathers happy every day.

Here are the ideas from Every Day a Father’s Day:

Heavenly Father
Learn to obey Heavenly Father’s commandments by listening to the counsel of your parents and the instructions from your teachers. Pray to Heavenly Father often. He is real and He loves you. Avoid temptation. Satan is also real, and he can entice you to do things that are wrong.

Earthly Father
Few things please a father more than having a son or daughter who is unselfish, helpful, pleasant, and kind and loving to everyone.
Learn to work hard, study hard, and play hard. When a father’s family is happy, it helps him to become a better kind of person.

Father of the Ward (Bishop)
In addition to his own family, a bishop has responsibility for the welfare of a larger family—all the members of his ward. Another big responsibility the bishop has is the care and upkeep of the meetinghouse. Some of the money paid to the bishop as a contribution to the Church is used to light and heat the building and to pay for many other necessary supplies. The bishop and custodian are especially grateful when we treat the building and all its furnishings and grounds kindly. Remember—it is really the Lord’s house, a place that can be acceptable to Him and a place where we can worship Him in peace and safety.

Father of Your Country
Just as fathers of countries hope that their people will be loyal, patriotic, considerate, and law-abiding citizens who recognize individual differences and needs, local public officials or “City Fathers” have the same hopes and concerns for their people.
If you show that you remember your fathers’ enduring love for you by the way you live, every day can truly be a Fathers’ Day.

Song: “Fathers” (Children’s Song Book # 209)

Activity: Make cards for some of the Fathers that you love and let them know just how much you love them every day of the year.

Closing Song: “My Dad” (Children’s Song Book # 211)

Closing Prayer: Daddy

For a treat make your Dad’s favorite desert.

Self Reliance

2009-05-31T19:24:00.000-07:00

(Maybe it is just my part of the world - Australia - but due to world economic situations we have been receiving much counsel on Self Reliance lately. In the last month we have had a stake welfare day, combined PH and RS Welfare lesson, my husband went to regional training that focused on Self Reliance, a lesson based on Elder Hales talk from General Conference and the list could go on. I actually think it is all a little scary and my family definately needs to improve in many areas!! We were challenged on Sunday by our Bishop to do a FHE lesson on Self Reliance, and here is the one I made up )

Family Home Evening Lesson
Self Reliance

Opening Song: "I will be valiant" Children's Songbook #162

Opening Prayer: Daddy

Lesson: Mommy

I got some inspiration for this lesson from Here at Lds.families.com

Talk briefly how it is important for families to be able to look after themselves. You could mention food storage, 72 hour kits, growing a garden, knowing your scripture stories, saving money etc.

Depending on the age of your child choose as many or few activites from below to show/teach your child - This is a hands on FHE!

Spiritual ~
Share Testimonies with each other. Talk about why it is important to have/develop a testimony
Scriptures - look through scriptures and why it is important for us to know the stories therein

Money ~
Have play money (or real) and get children to put in amounts that is spent on food, house, bills, tithing, etc then show how much is left(probably not much LOL!!) - teach it is important to save some money for emergencies (like broken cars, storms, sickness, if daddy loses job etc)

Car ~
Show children where the oil or water or petrol goes in the car, get them to help you. They will enjoy looking at the engine!

Sewing ~
We all need to know how to repair clothes, sew on a button etc. Older children can sew on some scaps of material or a button, younger children could thread beads on string etc

Emotional ~
The need to be happy and be able to move on even when we are sad. Play some games like "If you're happy and you know it" "If you chance to see a frown - turn it upside down" Sit and talk about feelings etc

Food ~
Eat some food storage. Pack 72 hour kits. We have kits with little cereal boxes, muslie bars,chocolate bars, juice box, dried fruit. These go out of date every 6 months so we sit around and eat the contents and pack new ones.

Shelter ~
Build a shelter out of blankets, tarps or set up a small tent. Ask Child if they could make shelter if needed be?

Closing Song: "Dare to do right" Children's Songbook #158

Closing Prayer: Child

Treat:

Food Storage foods :)

Speaking Kindly

2009-05-27T09:58:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson

“Speaking Kindly”

Opening Song: “Jesus Said Love Everyone” Children's Songbook #61

Opening Prayer: Child
Lesson: Daddy
Ask your children what kindess is. Explain that kindess is being nice to people. (show a picture of Jesus) Jesus was always nice to everyone and we should try to be like Him. One way to show kindess is to speak nicely.

Object lesson: Filling Other's Jars

Have an empty clear jar or cup on display. You can have one for each child (you can tape a picture of each child on the jar/cup). Then have a bowl of marbles (or candy) and a bowl of rocks (or something the kids don't like eating). Explain that the bowl of marbles/candy represents nice words (you can tape a picture of a smiley face on the bowl) and the bowl of rocks/yucky food represent mean words (you can tape a picture of a frowny face on the bowl). Explain that every time we say something to others it is like putting something in their jar. Give an example of something said recently and put the appropriate rock or marble in the jar. (ex: child A called child B a snot face. Put a rock in child B's jar. OR child A told child B that he loved her. Put a marble in child B's jar) Do as many examples as hold their attention and make them as relevant to the phrases they use or should be using as you can. (You may want to write them down ahead of time so you can remember which ones you want to discourage or encourage)

Ask the children if they would prefer their jars to be filled with rocks or marbles? How do they feel when a rock gets put in their jar? What about when a marble gets put in their jar? Tell them that we are in charge of fillling each other's jars and we should fill them the way that we want ours filled (the golden rule). You can keep these jars on display throughout the week and add the appropriate rocks/marbles as you hear kind words or not so kind words. Make sure to reinforce kind speaking if you hear unkind words. (We are having issues with our 4 year old talking back, so we'll probably do jars for Mom and Dad as well)

Update: My 4 1/2 year old really latched on to the idea of putting rocks or marbles in people's jars. It really seemed to resonate with her and she was able to easily apply the concept. She was able to come up with many things that were considered rocks or marbles throughout the rest of the evening. My 2 1/2 year old just wanted to put the rocks or marbles in her jar, regardless of why...

Practicing Tone: Let's practice speaking in different ways. First say "No Thankyou" but in an angry voice. Now say "No Thankyou" in a happy voice. Which was a kinder tone? Now try shouting "Go get the book!" Now whisper it. Which was better? Now say "I love you" with a frown and a pouty voice, then with a smile and a sweet voice. Point out that it is much kinder to smile while saying nice things. Emphasize that to speak kindly it's not just the words that matter, but it's the way we speak- our tone, volume, expression/body language. You may want to practice more phrases depending on your children.

Suggested Activity:

Play "Kindness ball toss" by tossing a ball to someone in the family and saying something nice about that person. Prompt young children to say easy things like "Pretty eyes", "I love you", or "Nice shirt."

Craft:

Help children to decorate their jars, use sequins, beads, stickers, ribbons, whatever you have on hand. (Both my girls loved this part)

Closing Song: “I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus" Children's Songbook #78

Closing Prayer: Mommy

Treat:

Goblin Tongues from FamilyFun.com (mouths and tongues to emphasize paying attention to what words are coming out of our mouths)

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
	Mini bagels
	Cream cheese
	Bologna slices

1. For each Goblin Tongue sandwich, spread cream cheese between the top and bottom of a mini bagel.

2. Use a butter knife or kitchen shears to cut a tongue shape from a half slice of bologna. Then gently press the base of the tongue into the bagel hole.

Honesty

2009-05-06T03:00:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Honesty

Opening Song: "Our Primary Colors" Children's Song Book #258

Opening Prayer: Daddy

Lesson: Mommy

Using a packet of feather ask children to place feathers in different spots around the room. Tell this story - Imagine you were asked to go around the entire neighbourhood and leave a feather on the doorstep of each person.

Using a book or like blow the feathers from their original spots

The next day their assignment is to gather the feathers from the doorsteps

Explain how it would be difficult to collect the feathers as the wind would have blown the feathers away at night.

This is how satan convinces us it is easy to tell a lie or say mean things about people. It's as easy as placing a feather down. However it is very hard to gather feathers once they have been blown away. As with lying or saying mean things, they come out of our mouth easy, but it is impossible to take them back.

Activity: Place a coin (or chocolate coin) in children's shoes and tell this story from President Hinckleys life (a story his father told him or you can see the video on You Tube Mormon Messages HERE )

An older boy and his companion were walking along a road by a field. The saw an old coat and a worn pair of mens shoes. The younger boy suggested they hide the shoes, conceal themselves and watch the owner wonder where his shoes are.

The older boy, thought that would not be nice. He said the owner must be very poor. He suggested instead that they put a silver dollar in each shoe, and then hide and see what the man does when he finds the coins.

Soon the man came tried to slip on his shoes and found the silver dollars. Wonder and surprise showed in his face. He looked around but could find nobody. Then man knelt down and gave a prayer thanking Heavenly Father for whoever put the money there. The man had a sick wife and children without any bread.

The boys hid until the man was gone. The older boy said "Don't you have a good feeling? Aren't you glad we didn't try to trick the man by hiding his shoes?"

Tell the family members to look in their shoes.

Encourage them to be honest and kind to others.

Closing Song: "I believe in being Honest" Children's Songbook #149

Closing Prayer: Mommy

Treat:

Chocolate Coins

Cotton Candy (is this feathery??)

Family Home Evening Spot Button

2009-05-04T19:46:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in adding a button to your blog for the FHE Spot, just use this code (make sure to change the ( ) to < > or it won't work):

(center)(a href="http://nataliesfhespot.blogspot.com/" target="_blank")(img a src="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn80/utahnatalie/FHEbutton-1.jpg"/>(/a)(/center)

Thanks for all of your support!

Service

2009-04-24T20:53:00.000-07:00

FYI: The Church has come out with a new Gospel Art Book which sells for only $3.50 in comparison to the Gospel Art Picture Kit that is $30. You can pick one up at a distribution center or order online. It would be a great resource for your Family Home Evenings!

Family Home Evening Lesson
“Service”

Opening Song: "Give, Said the Little Stream" (Children's Songbook, 236)

Opening Prayer: Child

Lesson: Mommy

As you begin the lesson, “accidentally” spill some crayons, papers, or other materials onto the floor. Wait a moment before picking the items up to give the children a chance to help you. (If no children volunteer, ask the children to help.)

Thank the children for helping you and compliment them for taking an opportunity to serve. Explain that when we help others without asking for something in return, it is called service. Have the children repeat the word service with you.

Talk about ways that we serve every day (cooking food for others, helping to do chores, giving cookies to someone in need). Point out specific ways that your children have served that day (helping to empty the dishwasher, getting a clean diaper for a baby sibling, throwing something away for you, etc). You can also ask them to come up with ways that they have served or service they have seen Mommy or Daddy do, if they are old enough.

Show picture of Jesus Washing the Apostles' Feet (GAPK 226). Point out that Jesus is serving the apostles by washing their dirty feet. Even Jesus served. He was a good example of service and He wants us to serve others. Jesus gave Himself by serving others. He didn’t give gifts that cost money. He blessed the sick to get well, the blind to see, the lame to walk, and the sad to feel happy.

Suggested Activity:

Have children color a picture or card to send to a grandparent or someone who is sick or in need. Explain that it is a service to send something nice to someone.

Go on a walk in your neighborhood with a couple of trashbags and clean up the trash. Explain that you are serving the earth by keeping it clean and you are serving those around you by making their surroundings beautiful.

For older children: Make three small paper hearts for each child. Tell the children that you want to start a “Service in Secret Club.” Encourage the children do secret acts of service for their family members, leaving a heart in each place they did an act of service. For example, they could make a brother or sister’s bed and leave a heart on the pillow.

Closing Song: "I Feel my Savior's Love" (verse 4) (Children's Songbook, 74)

Closing Prayer: Daddy

Treat: Make cookies or a favorite treat (rice krispy treats are quick and easy) together and deliver one plate to the neighbors. You can ding dong ditch and show the kids how fun it is to do a secret service!

Resurrection Eggs

2009-04-04T01:07:00.000-07:00

Easter

Opening Song: Did Jesus Really live again? Children's Songbook #64

Opening Prayer: Mommy

Lesson: Daddy

Each year my girls love to do resurrection eggs some time during easter. The FHE leading up to Easter is a good time to get them to start thinking about the real meaning of Easter.

This year I bought a proper set of eggs from our local christian bookstore (No LDS bookstores in Australia :( but in previous years I have always made my own from things around the house to be put into plastic eggs

Here is an example of things you can put in the 12 eggs. You could make as little or as few eggs as you desire. This list comes from Rainbow Castle.org

Allow children to choose eggs one at a time to open. Talk about what is inside. The Empty egg should be kept for last.

1. (Bread) Matthew 26:26
While they were eating Jesus took a piece of bread,
gave a prayer of thanks, broke it, and gave it to His disciples.
"Take and eat it," He said, "This is My body."

2. (Coins) Matthew 26: 14-15
Then one of the twelve disciples, named Judas Iscariot, went to
the chief priests and asked, "What will you give me if I betray
Jesus to you?" They counted out thirty silver coins and gave
them to him.

3. (Purple cloth, representing a purple robe) Mark 15:17
They put a purple robe on Jesus. . .

4. (Thorns) Matthew 27:29
Then they made a crown out of thorny branches and placed it on
His head, and put a stick on His right hand; then they knelt
before Him and made fun of Him. "Long live the King, of the
Jews!" they said.

5. (Scourge-a small piece of rope or thick string) Mark 15:15
Pilate wanted to please the crowd, so he set Barabbas free for
them. Then he had Jesus whipped and handed Him over to be
crucified.

6. (Cross) John 19: 17-18a
He went out, carrying His cross, and came to "The Place of the
Skull," as it is called. (In Hebrew it is called "Galgotha.") There
they crucified Him.

7. (Nails) John 20:25b
Thomas said to them, "Unless I see the scars of the nails in His
hands and put my finger on those scars and my hand in His
side, I will not believe."

8. (Sign) Luke 23:38
Above Him were written these words: THIS IS THE KING OF
THE JEWS.

9. (Sponge) Matthew 27:48
One of them ran up at once, took a sponge, soaked it in cheap
wine, put it on the end of a stick, and tried to make Him drink it.

10. (Spear) John 19:34
One of the soldiers plunged his spear into Jesus' side, and at
once blood and water poured out.

11. (Rock) Matthew 27:59-60
Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a new linen sheet, and
placed it in his own new tomb, which he had just recently dug
out of solid rock. Then he rolled a large stone across the
entrance to the tomb and went away.

12. (Empty) Matthew 28:6
He is not here He has risen just as He said.

Other links to resurrection egg ideas online with different ideas of what to put in the eggs
Easy Fun School

Resurrection eggs scavenger hunt

Closing Song: "He died that we might live again Children's Songbook #65

Closing Prayer: Child

Treat Ideas:
Easter Basket Cupcakes

Chocolate Easter Nests

Holy Ghost

2009-03-01T17:28:00.000-08:00

Most of the ideas here came from this lesson posted on ldsfamilyfun.com visit there for more indepth view.

Family Home Evening Lesson
Feeling the Holy Ghost

Opening Song: "I know my Father Lives" Children's Songbook #5

Opening Prayer: Daddy

Lesson: Mommy

Scripture: Doctrine and Covenants 130:22
The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man's; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us

softly sing

Listen to the Still Small Voice,
Listen, Listen.
When you have to make a choice,
He will guide you, always.

Ask Children if they know what song this is? Who is it about?

The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead, a personage of spirit, knows all things, and is known by many names. The Holy Ghost has a variety of roles including witnessing of the Father and His Son, revealing the truth, cleansing sins, and giving us comfort and peace.

Activity:
Light activity found at Family Home Evening Blog
Inside a room, turn out all the lights. Find a single lamp to turn on and talk about how the light gives off warmth, helps us to see and provides a beacon in the darkness. This is what the Holy Ghost can do for us.

Blanket idea from ldsfamilyfun.com
Visual aid - a favourite Blankie of the children's or family's.
Sometimes children have a favorite blanket that they like to have with them when they are in a strange place, or when they feel scared. Like this special blanket, the Holy Ghost can be a comforter to us so we never need to be alone. (John 14:16)

Closing Song: “The Still Small Voice" Childrens Songbook #106

Closing Prayer: Mommy

Treat:

White foods - Marshmallows, mints, candy wrapped up with a message about the Holy Ghost

Some treats presented in a box - This is a gift.. just as the Holy Ghost is a gift to us.

I Can Learn to Listen and Obey---(reposted from 4/16/2007)

2009-02-23T11:16:00.000-08:00

I am sorry that I am reposting an old lesson today, but my daughter really needs this lesson again and since I really need to give this lesson tonight I figured that I would just repost for those who hadn't seen it yet. Thanks-Natalie

Family Home Evening Lesson
I Can Learn to Listen and Obey

Opening Song: “Listen, Listen” (Children’s Song Book # 107)

Opening Prayer: Daddy

Lesson: Mommy

I Can Learn to Listen and Obey

Scripture: Ephesians 6:1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

Story: Use the story of the “2000 Young Warriors” or your gospel art kit picture 313 and read the story on the back.

Activity: Play a game that requires the children to listen and obey directions from the leader like “Simon Says”, or sing “Do as I’m Doing” (Children’s Song Book # 278) or some other following game. Discuss the difference between following these kinds of directions and following the directions of your parents, prophets or leaders.

Closing Song: “Quickly I’ll Obey” (Children’s Song Book # 197)

Closing Prayer: Mommy

Treat: Wacky Cake
Given by: Mom

Sift together in a 9x13 baking pan:
3 cups flour
2 cups sugar
4 Tbs. cocoa
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt

Make three holes in the dry ingredient mixture and add:
1st hole- ¾ cup oil
2nd hole- 2 Tbs. vinegar
3rd hole- 2 tsp. vanilla

Pour 2 cups cold water over the whole thing and mix well with a fork until well mixed.

Bake at 350º for 40 minutes.

Showing Love

2009-02-07T11:00:00.000-08:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
“Showing Love”

Opening Song: "A Happy Family" (Children's Songbook, 198a)

Opening Prayer: Child

Lesson: Daddy

With Valentines Day coming this weekend, another lesson on Love couldn't hurt! Most of this lesson comes from the "I Will Love Others" and "I Will Love my Family" lessons in the new "Behold your Little Ones Manual." It is a GREAT resource!

Display a picture of the good Samaritan. You can use GAPK #218. Open the Bible and tell the children that you are going to share a story Jesus told about loving others. Using simple language, tell the story of the good Samaritan. Below is an example:

One day there was a man who was lying on the ground (point to the injured man in the picture). He was hurt. Two men walked by. They saw him, but they did not help. A third man came (point to the good Samaritan in the picture). He saw the man lying on the ground, and he helped him. He showed love.

Sing or say the words to “Jesus Said Love Everyone” (Children’s Songbook, 61) and do the actions below. Invite the children to join you.

Jesus said love everyone; (spread arms out wide)
Treat them kindly too.
When your heart is filled with love, (put hand over heart)
Others will love you. (hug self)

Gather each child's favorite stuffed animal, doll or toy. Ask each child to give their toy a hug and a kiss. Ask each child to tell the toy that they love it. Smile at the toy and offer to share a pretend toy with it. Explain that these are ways that we show love. Next have children show love to someone in the room. Explain that it is ok to hug and kiss our family members, but with friends we should just hug (we have issues with kissing friends...).

Print and cut out these family figures and place them in a container. Have child pull one figure out of the container and identify what member of the family the figure is. Suggest a way they can show love for that family member (by picking up toys, sharing, smiling, and so on). Invite them to pretend to do the action. Repeat this activity with each family figure.

Add new words to the song “Fun to Do” (Children’s Songbook, 253) to teach the children some ways they can show love for their families. For example, say to the children, “Let’s show how we can love Sister.” Sing “Sharing a toy is fun to do” and do simple actions. Other words you can use are, “Picking up toys is fun to do,” “Cleaning the room is fun to do,” “Giving a smile is fun to do,” “Helping my dad is fun to do,” and so on.

Suggested Activity:

Help children make paper hearts. You can just cut them out of construction paper and help them decorate the hearts. When the hearts are done, read the following examples (or create some of your own), and ask, “Does this show love?” After each example, have the children hold up their paper hearts and say, “Love.”

When you help clean up.
When you say “please” and “thank you.”
When you share your toy.
When you help someone who is hurt.

You can also make extra hearts and throughout the week you can award a child with a heart when you see them showing love. You can tape them on the fridge to display.

Color this picture from lds.org.

You can also make these Valentine Finger Puppets.

Closing Song: "Love One Another" (Children's Songbook, 136)

Closing Prayer: Mommy

Treat:

Raspberry Hearts from Family Fun

or Conversation Hearts!

Love

2009-02-01T17:19:00.001-08:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
“Love”

Opening Song: "Love One Another" (Children's SongBook #136)

Opening Prayer: Child

Lesson: Mommy

With Valentines Day around the corner, now is the perfect time to be talking about Love

Cut out a large red heart and stick to floor. Have each family member stand on heart one at a time. Have the other family members say what they love about the person on the heart.

How can we have better love at home?

Jesus said we must love everyone. How can we love everyone?

In the week leading up to Valentines Day what can we do for others to show that we love them? (Make a list of things you may do as a family to show love to others)

Suggested Activity:
I love these Lollipop heart flowers from FamilyFun.com. You could make a bunch to give to neighbours, friends, family.

Make an extended family Photo Heart Garland at Sycamore Stirrings, to hang around your home

Paper Heart Animals found at The Crafty Crow

Closing Song: " Jesus said Love Everyone" (Children's SongBook # 61)

Closing Prayer: Daddy

Treat:

Healthy Hearts made from watermelon and oranges
Sweet Heart Rice Krispy Treats

How to Show Reverence

2009-01-18T20:41:00.000-08:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
“How to Show Reverence”

Opening Song: “Father, I Will Reverent Be” Children's Songbook #29

Opening Prayer: Child

Lesson: Mommy

How to Show Reverence:

Ask your children what Reverence is. Explain that reverence is being still and quiet to show Heavenly Father that we love him.

Print this picture of body parts. Ask children how we can use each body part to show reverence.
Have children demonstrate. (Example: feet- "do we stomp our feet?"[stomp,stomp] "or do we walk quietly?" [step quietly or tip toe]. mouth- "do we talk loudly?" [use loud voice] "or do we talk quietly?" [whisper]. eyes & ears- "do we look all around the room when we are praying?" [exaggerate looking everywhere] "or do we close our eyes and listen with our ears during prayer?". arms- "do we clap our hands and touch other people with our hands?" [make busy hands] or "do we fold our arms when are walking and sitting?"[fold arms])

Practicing Reverence: Have children line up and practice quietly walking around the house with folded arms. Have them think of ways they can show reverence for the church, such as putting litter in trash (have trash on floor for them to practice), opening and shutting classroom doors quietly, whispering in the chapel when they need to talk, walking (not running). Have them practice sitting down quietly and raising their hands. Also have children practice thinking of Jesus for 30 seconds or longer (depending on age)-- it might help to show them a picture of Him.

Show picture of mouse: I had a small copy that I cut out for each of my kids. [This was my 4 year old's FAVORITE part of the lesson- she carried her mouse all over the place afterward.]
“What If … ?,” by DaLee C. James, Friend, Sep 1996, 22

If a mouse would ride to church
In your pocket on this day,
What might he tell his family
That he heard you do or say?
Would he tell them you were reverent,
And you listened to your teacher?
Or would he say he’d never seen
Such a noisy creature?
Would he tell them how he loved the songs
You sang so sweet and clear?
Or would he groan from all the talking
That entered in his ear?
Could he take a little snooze
As you walked nice and tall?
Or would he scream with panic
As you galloped down the hall?
Would the little mouse get seasick
From the tipping of your chair?
Or would he feel safe and cozy
As you quietly sat there?
Would the chapel be a reverent place?
The sacrament the same?
Now tell me, would the little mouse
Be really glad he came?
If a mouse would ride to church
In your pocket on this day,
What might he tell his family
That he heard you do or say?

We also have the book "I'm Reverent When..." by Amy Mullins. This would be good to read through with the kids for this lesson as well.

Suggested Activity:
Make this EASY mouse Finger puppet. Or print a picture of a mouse for them to put in their pockets (or tape to their dress) for church next Sunday.

Print this picture about reverent hands and have children cut out the pictures and make a little reverence booklet, gluing the pictures onto strips of paper that you staple together.

Make a Reverence Crown. Use this crown in the future by giving it to children who are being especially reverent during family prayer, scripture study or FHE.

Closing Song: “Reverently, Quietly” Children's Songbook #26

Closing Prayer: Daddy

Treat:
Strawberry Mice

1. Take large strawberries and cut them in half. Put it on the plate the flat side down.

2. Take mini chocolate chip for little eyes and nose and glue it to the strawberry using a little bit of icing.

3. For ears you can use slivered almonds.

4. Red licorice lace works perfect for the tail.

New Year

2008-12-31T15:44:00.000-08:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
“New Year and Renewal”

Opening Song: "The World is so Big " Children's Songbook #235

Opening Prayer: Child

Lesson: Mommy

A New Year:

A few days ago we celebrated the start of a new year - 2009. Tonight we will talk more about how special this is to us, that The Lord has given us another year to do more and become better people

Go here to Sofia's Primary Ideas to see an idea about how we can not run/ or jog forever we need to rest, eat, drink. The New Year is a great time to think about the coming year. Often we are on holidays and have some time to think and reflect. However the Lord has also provided a way for us to do this more often. We do not need to wait a whole year to renew ourselves. Each week when we take the sacrament we can start fresh and new in the sight of God.

Sit down and think of one goal for the family (or if it isnt too much, one goal for each child) to do in the coming year. {This year our family is going to kneel for family prayer both morning and night}

Talk about goals that will be reached this year for each family member

Birthdays
Baptism
School
Kindergarten
New class in Primary

If you haven’t already started the new year with a Fathers/Priesthood blessing for all the children/everyone in the family, do so tonight. This makes a wonderful family tradition to start each new year.

Suggested Activity:
Have a calendar ready and mark off special days in the year - ask for childrens input

In Belgium on New Years children save money to buy decorated paper for writing holiday greetings to parents and god parents. On New Year's morning the children read what they have written to their parents and god parents. Write some New Year Letters to Grandparents, family or just for yourselves. Write your loves and wishes and achievements and keep them somewhere special for the year.

Closing Song: "My Heavenly Father Loves Me" Children's Songbook #228

Closing Prayer: Daddy

Treat:
Round/ring foods are typically eaten in many European countries at New Year. It symbolises a New Year finished, eternal round of time, A new beginning. The Dutch eat donuts on New year, Italians eat round honey balls, Mexico and Spain eat 12 round grapes

Prepare some "round" foods to eat and enjoy with the family.

The Symbols of Christmas

2008-12-11T23:05:00.000-08:00

Opening Song: We Wish you a Merry Christmas

Opening Prayer: Child

Lesson: Daddy

The Symbols of Christmas (taken from this site: Luv's Creations)
Preparation- gather these items: Christmas tree, a star, a red ornament, a bell, a candle (or christmas lights), a candy cane, a wreath with a red bow, Santa Claus picture. You can pick and choose and only do the ones you want. Paraphrase the sections based on the ages of your children.

Christmas tree- Green is the second color of Christmas. The evergreen with its unchanging color represents the hope of eternal life in Jesus. Its needles point heavenward as a reminder that man's thoughts should turn heavenward as well.

A Star-The star was the heavenly sign of promise. God promised a Savior for the world and the star was the sign of the fulfillment of that promise of the night that Jesus Christ was born. God always fulfills His promises and that the wise will still seek Him.

Red-the first color of Christmas. It is the color of the life giving blood that flows through our veins. It is the symbol of God's greatest gift. Christ gave His life and shed his blood for them that they might have eternal life.

Bells-Just as lost sheep are guided to safety by the sound of the bell, it continues to ring today for all to be guided to the fold. Follow the true Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep.

A candle- The glow of the candle represents how man can show his thanks for the gift of God's Son that Christmas Eve long ago. Follow in Christ's footsteps... to go about doing good. Let your light shine before men that all may see it and glorify God. This is what is symbolized when the twinkling lights shine on the tree like hundreds of bright, shining candles, each of them representing one of God's precious children, their light shining for all to see.

A candy cane- White to symbolize the virgin birth and sinless nature of Jesus. The shape 'J' to represent the precious name of Jesus who came to earth as our Savior. It also represents the crook of the Good Shepherd which he uses to reach down into the ditches of the world to lift out the fallen lambs who, like sheep, have gone astray. The original candy cane had three small red stripes which are the stripes of the scourging Jesus received by which we are healed, and a large red stripe that represents the shed blood of Jesus so that we can have eternal life.

A wreath tied with a bright red bow-The bow reminds us of the bond of perfection which is love. The wreath embodies all the good things about Christmas for those with eyes to see and hearts to understand. It contains the colors of red and green and the heaven turned needles of the evergreen. The bow tells the story of good will towards all and its color reminds us of Christ's sacrifice. Even the wreath's very shape is symbolic, representing eternity and the eternal nature of Christ's love. It is a circle without beginning and without end.

Santa Claus- Represents the spirit of family fun and the joy of giving and receiving.

Activity:
Make this Baby Jesus
or this angel ornament
or this Christmas tree

Closing Song: Christmas Bells, Children's Songbook #54

Prayer: Mommy

Treat:
Candy Cane Cookies (Make dough ahead of time. If you kids like Play Doh, they'll love making these!)

1	cup sugar
1	cup butter or margarine, softened
1/2	cup milk
1	teaspoon vanilla
1	teaspoon peppermint extract (I prefer almond extract)
1	egg
3 1/2	cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1	teaspoon baking powder
1/4	teaspoon salt
1/2	teaspoon red food color
2	tablespoons finely crushed peppermint candies
2	tablespoons sugar

Stir together 1 cup sugar, the butter, milk, vanilla, peppermint (or almond) extract and egg in large bowl. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt. Divide dough in half. Stir food color into 1 half. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours. (I didn't need to refrigerate it)

Heat oven to 375ºF.

Stir together peppermint candy and 2 tablespoon sugar; set aside.

For each candy cane, shape 1 rounded teaspoon dough from each half into 4-inch rope by rolling back and forth on floured surface. Place 1 red and white rope side by side; press together lightly and twist. Place on ungreased cookie sheet; curve top of cookie down to form handle of cane.

Bake 9 to 12 minutes or until set and very light brown. Immediately sprinkle candy mixture over cookies. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes

Keeping Christ in Christmas

2008-12-05T14:29:00.000-08:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
“Keeping Christ in Christmas”

Opening Song: “Have a Very Merry Christmas” (Children’s Song Book # 51)

Opening Prayer: Child

Lesson: Mommy

Keeping Christ in Christmas:

Ask your children what Christmas is: (let them answer without prompting, ie. Presents, Santa, etc.)

Read: 3 Ne. 14:12 Therefore, all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them, for this is the law and the prophets.

Print out and read “A Sharing Christmas”

Talk about the true meaning of Christmas. Show picture 201 and 202 from the gospel art kit.

Talk about your family traditions that keep Christ in Christmas.

Talk about some things that you can do as a family that will bring the True Spirit of Christmas into your homes.

Read the words to “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Song Book # 34)

Sing: “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Song Book # 34)

Suggested Activity:
Give each member of the family a few strips of paper. Have each person choose 2-5 things that they can give of themselves before Christmas that can then be given as gifts to Jesus (ie. Make their bed so Mommy doesn’t have to, or pick up toys for their brother or sister, make Christmas cards for their friends, grandparents or neighbors, etc). Make a Christ Ornament for your Christmas tree by mounting a small picture of Christ on some nice paper and if possible put a little pocket on the back so that once you have finished doing the service gifts you can place the strip of paper in the pocket and give that gift to Christ. Keep extra strips of paper so if they finish the ones they have already made they can make more. After opening your presents on Christmas morning take your Christ ornament down and read aloud all the gifts that your family has given to Christ this season.

Closing Song: “Away in a Manger” (Children’s Song Book # 42)

Closing Prayer: Daddy

Treat: Rolo Pretzel Turtles
These are an easy and very kid friendly treat to make that you can use as one of your gifts to Christ. Make a few batches of these and find someone in your ward or neighborhood that your family can make these sweet treats for. They really are good and easy!!!! I made them with my 2 ½ year old last Christmas for her teacher and they were great!!!

A Spiritual Advent

2008-11-25T16:34:00.000-08:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Spiritual Advent Ideas

Opening Song: The Nativity Song ( Children's Song Book #52 )

Opening Prayer: Child

Lesson: Mommy

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-2
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem.
Saying where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east and are come to worship him.

Just as the wise men spent a long time finding Jesus we also wait with excitement and count down the days until Christmas.

Lesson:
Explain that the first FHE in December is also the First day of December and that we are going to begin counting down until Christmas. It is more important to count down the days until the birth of Jesus, than to think about what presents we are waiting for. Jesus's Birthday is the real reason we celebrate Christmas. You could also have the children make a "present they are going to give Jesus" this Christmas. Have a special box for children to put in a drawing of something they are going to give Jesus this year, or write down their ideas on pieces of paper and put into box. These 'gifts' can be the first you open Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning.

Activities:
Printable Nativity Advent Calendar This beautiful printable is available in both black and white and already fully colored. Each day a new "character" is added.

Printable Nativity "Go Fish" game

Printable Advent Calendar from The Friend Magazine

Other Advent Ideas

Closing Song: Picture a Christmas ( Children's Song Book #50 )

Closing Prayer: Daddy

Treat:
Have some little candy/chocolate near your advent calendar for children to have during the month

Have a birthday cake to celebrate Jesus's Birthday (that is coming ;)

Giving Thanks

2008-11-21T23:12:00.000-08:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
“Giving Thanks”
(Adapted from “Sharing Time: I Am Glad for Many Things,” Friend, Nov 2002)

Opening Song: “I Am Glad for Many Things” (Children’s Song Book # 151)

Opening Prayer: Child

Lesson: Mommy

Giving Thanks:

Read Alma 37:37

Talk to your family about what it means to “let thy heart be full of thanks unto God”.

Read “Counting Blessings” By Marianne Wilson McKnight, Friend, Nov 2000
One day, I started writing down My blessings one by one. I filled both sides of seven sheets And still did not get done.
I wrote down, “friends and family, And legs that run and hop, A cozy bed and clothes to wear, And, of course, my mom and pop.”
I’m grateful for so many things— For sunsets, trees, and rain, For eyes to see and ears to hear, For being free from pain.
I wrote the name of Jesus down— I’m thankful most for Him— Then added, “scriptures, music, love, And my new puppy, Tim.”
And now whenever I feel down And don’t know what to do, I get my blessings notebook out And add a page or two.

Talk to your family about some of the things that you are thankful for and why.

Sing: “I'm Thankful to Be Me” (Children’s Song Book # 11)

Suggested Activities:
Blessings Picture Sheet Sharing Time: “I Have Many Blessings,” Friend, Nov 1989
Blessings Finger Scenes Sharing Time: “I Am Glad for Many Things,” Friend, Nov 2002)
Thanks and Giving Trees (you could have your family fill these out all week long and share them with each other on Thanksgiving Day).

Closing Song: “Thank Thee for Everything” (Children’s Song Book # 10)

Closing Prayer: Daddy

Treat:
Make Sugar Cone Cornucopias

I Am Thankful For My Home

2008-11-17T09:04:00.000-08:00

Opening Song: "Home" (Children’s Song Book # 192)

Opening Prayer: Daddy

Lesson: Mommy “I Am Thankful for My Home” (adapted from the primary 1 manual: lesson 31)

What do you think it would be like if your home was in the water? What might happen if your home was in a tree?

Explain that animals and insects live in many different kinds of homes. People also live in different kinds of homes.

Show picture 1-61, Exodus from Nauvoo.

Story: Tell about the early members of the Church who built a city called Nauvoo. They worked hard to build their homes and a beautiful temple. But some people around Nauvoo did not like the Church members and forced them to leave. The Church members traveled with only the belongings they could fit in covered wagons. Because the covered wagons were small, many of the children had to leave their toys behind. Some of the people lived in their covered wagons and in tents for a long time.

Why would it be hard to live in a covered wagon or tent?

Activity: Have the children stand and do the following action verse:
The pioneer children walked and talked (walk in place);
Then they played games and skipped and hopped (hop or jump in place).
When it was night, stars sparkled and gleamed (close and open hands);
Inside the wagons they slept and dreamed (close eyes, lay head on hands).

Activity: Have the children pantomime some things they can do to help keep their homes neat and clean, such as picking up their toys, sweeping the floor, and folding and putting away their clothes.

Describe a situation in which he or she could be a good helper in the home. Ask the child what he or she would do to help in that situation. Use the following examples or make up your own situations to fit your child:

You accidentally spilled a glass of water on the floor. What should you do?

You played with your blocks all afternoon. Now it is time to eat. What should you do with your blocks?

Your mother is in a hurry to get dinner on the table. She needs someone to set the table before the family can eat. What could you do?

Your clothes are washed and neatly folded. What should you do with them now?

You have been playing outside and your shoes are covered with mud. What should you do before you come into the house?

Your bed is messed up when you get out of it in the morning. What should you do to it?

Encourage the children to talk about things they do to help keep their homes neat and clean. Tell the children how you work to keep your home neat and clean.

Explain that the kind of home we live in is not important. We might live in a large house, a small house, an apartment, a tent, or a boat. The important thing is that our homes are places where family members love each other. Tell about your own home and what you do to make it a loving place.

Why do you like to be at home?

How do you know your family loves you?

Closing Song: “Sing Your Way Home” (Children’s Song Book # 193)

Closing Prayer: Mommy

Craft Ideas: Folding House: Mount the folding house and hearts on a heavier piece of paper or lightweight cardboard, and color them. Cut out the house and the slot in the roof. Fold along the dotted lines to create a box house, and glue where indicated. Cut out the hearts. Begin with an empty house each morning. During the day, each time you remember to show your love for a family member, slip a heart through the slot in the roof. At the end of the day, open the lid of your box house and see how many hearts you have collected. Start over each day and try to increase the number of hearts you place in your house. Share this activity with your family, and see how many hearts you can collect together. (Make more hearts as needed.) -From June 1996 Friend

Treat: Making Jesus's first home: Gingerbread Nativity at Fun Recipes

God Created Animals

2008-11-10T12:04:00.000-08:00

Opening Song: The World Is So Big, Children’s songbook #235 (follow link to hear)

Opening Prayer: Child

Scripture: Genesis 1:25

And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.

Lesson: Daddy (Adapted from Primary 1: Lesson 12)

Show picture of the creation with animals.(GAPK #100) Ask the children to point out and name the animals they recognize. Ask who created the animals. Explain that Heavenly Father and Jesus created them on the 6^th day of creation.

Read Genesis 1:24-25: “And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.”

If you have a globe you can point out where different animals live. Or you can print off a picture of the world to talk about it. Talk about the different sea creatures and land creatures, which ones live in deserts and which ones live in rain forests, etc.

Heavenly Father gave us stewardship over the animals. Explain that stewardship means that we are to care for the animals. Talk about how we treat animals, especially any pets you have in particular. Now might be a good time to reinforce caring for your pets when it comes to feeding them, taking them on walks, playing with them or keeping their cages clean.

Show some milk and eggs and ask which animals produce them. Talk about the fact that Heavenly Father created animals for food. If you hunt, you can show pictures of you on a hunting trip and talk about how we only hunt to eat (unless you feel differently…).

Activities:

Gather stuffed animals you have around the house and have the children name the animals and make their respective sounds. Encourage them to pretend to be different animals, make sure to join them on the floor and become your own.

Sing “Old MacDonald Had a Farm"
Make animals out of play doh

Print “Book of Mormon Animals” from the August 2008 Friend (pages 34 & 35) for coloring.

Closing Song: My Heavenly Father Loves Me, (Children’s songbook #228)

Closing Prayer: Child

Treat Ideas:

Animal Crackers and Goldfish!

Animal Toast

1 loaf sliced bread of choice
6 oz. frozen concentrated orange juice, thawed, undiluted
Cinnamon
(Animal shaped cookie cutters)

Cut animal shapes with cutters from the bread slices. Dip each cut out into concentrated orange juice; place on cookie sheet. Place in preheated oven at 250 degrees for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with cinnamon.

Polar Bear Paw Prints

Material Needed: Pear Halves, Sliced bananas, vanilla yogurt, shredded coconut, Small paper plate

Place pear half cut side up on plate, have children use fingers/spoon to cover pear with vanilla yogurt. Place 3 round slices of bananas at top of pear (to resemble a paw print). Again cover banana with yogurt. Sprinkle shredded coconut around paw print on the plate and there is your Polar Bear Paw Print. Yum-yum!!

Following the Footsteps of Jesus

2008-11-01T14:12:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
“Follow the Footsteps of Jesus”

Opening Song: "I'm trying to be like Jesus" (Childrens Song Book #78)

Opening Prayer: Child

Lesson: Mommy

Following the footsteps of Jesus:

Print out some footprints on paper. Stick them on the floor in a line. Next to each set of footprints lay a picture from the Gospel art Picture Kit. (You can find them here if you don't have them at home: Baby Jesus, Boyhood of Jesus, Baptism of Jesus, Jesus Healing, Jesus Praying, Jesus on the Cross, Jesus in Heaven ) You will make about 8 steps. In order, lay a picture of Jesus as a baby, As a child with Joseph, getting baptised, healing the sick, Praying,On the Cross, and Asending into heaven.

Have each child walk on the footsteps. At each stage say " As Jesus was born, so were you", "Jesus was a child, as you are too" "Jesus was baptised and you will be too when you are 8", "Jesus helped the sick and you will too in your life", "Jesus Prays just like you", "Jesus died and one day you will too", "Jesus went to heaven to be with heavenly father and one day you will too".

At the end of the footsteps I had a plate of treats to be their reward in heaven for making it through the footsteps of life.

Closing Song: “I'll walk with you" (Childrens SongBook #140)

Closing Prayer: Daddy

Treat:
Brownies/chocolates to be waiting at the end of the step walk

Peanut Butter Foosteps found at Fun Recipes

I Have a Testimony

2008-10-22T13:43:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
“I Have a Testimony”
(Adapted from “Sharing Time: I have a Testimony of Jesus Christ,” Dec. 1991 Friend)

Opening Song: “The Church of Jesus Christ” (Children’s Song Book # 77)

Opening Prayer: Child

Lesson: Mommy

I Have a Testimony:

Read 1 John 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself.

Tell the story about how Jenny gained a testimony from “Sharing Time: I have a Testimony of Jesus Christ,” Dec. 1991 Friend

Talk about how building your testimony is like building a building. It is built "brick by brick". "One brick could stand for having a testimony of the importance of attending church; another brick, a testimony of the Book of Mormon; and yet another brick, a testimony of prayer."

Get some blocks out and build a testimony tower using the worksheet at the end of the “Sharing Time” lesson. Fill in the worksheet together and show them how a testimony can be built “brick by brick”.

Make the “I Can Gain a Testimony at Church” cards. Print them out on card stock and color them. Punch Holes where indicated and tie them with string so you can flip them over and talk about each card. (Sharing Time: When I Go to Church,” Oct. 1991 Friend)

When you have talked about what the words of this song are saying you can sing it together as a family.

Sing: “When I go to Church” (Children’s Song Book # 157)

Practice bearing your testimonies. Give each member of your family the chance to bear their own testimony and help them if it is needed.

Talk about the upcoming Fast and Testimony meeting and let them know that if they feel the spirit that they are welcome to get up and bear their testimony for the ward.

Closing Song: “Search, Ponder, and Pray” (Children’s Song Book # 109)

Closing Prayer: Daddy

Treat: Make Rice Crispy Treats and cut them into squares beforehand. As you are serving them place each one down on a platter and mention one thing that was said in one of the testimonies. Make sure to include at least one point from each family member’s testimony. Then talk about how we as a family can help to strengthen each other through our testimonies.

Marriage and Eternal Families

2008-10-06T16:30:00.000-07:00

Marriage and Eternal Families

Opening Song: "Families Can Be Together Forever" (Children’s Songbook #188)

Opening Prayer: Child

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:11

Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.

Lesson: Mommy (adapted from Sharing Time: My Family, The Friend Febru ary 2004)

Show The Family: A Proclamation to the World. Explain that the prophet and apostles wrote this so we would know what Heavenly Father and Jesus want us to know about families. Read the first two lines of paragraph s even, “The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan.” Help the children understand that “ordained of God” means Heavenly Father designed marriage and family not just as an earthly union, but one that will endure forever.

Display a picture of the temple.(or use #501 or #502 from Gospel Art Picture Kit) Explain that we get married in the temple for eternity. Emphasize the importance of marriage being between MAN and WOMAN and that they become Daddies and Mommies.

Show pictures from your wedding day and explain that you were married in the temple (or talk about your family goal to be sealed in the temple if you haven’t been yet). Or display #609 from GAPK. Tell your children of your desires for them to one day get married in the temple. Bear testimony of Jesus and his sacrifice making eternal life and temple marriage possible.

Activities:

Finger puppets from Behold your Little Ones: Nursery Manua l: Print this worksheet have children color page, then cut out and tape finger puppets of family. (The fact that they became finger puppets was what made this magic) Then recite the following activity verse and invite the children to join you:

This is Mother. (hold up hand; point to thumb)
This is Father. (point to index finger)
This is Brother tall. (point to middle finger)
This is Sister. (point to ring finger)
This is Baby. (point to little finger)
Oh, how we love them all. (hold both hands to chest)

Build a temple with blocks. Pretend that stuffed animals are going to go get married there. (This one was a big hit)
Play the Families are Forever (to the tune of the Farmer in the Dell):Can be adapted to family size (The kids liked this one too)

In a circle or line sing:

(Daddy stands in the middle with picture of temple) Fam'lies are forever, Fam'lies are forever, hi-ho the temple-o, Fam'lies are forever
(Daddy takes Mommy’s hand) The husband takes a wife, the husband takes a wife, hi-ho the marry-o the husband takes a wife.
(Parents take child’s hand) Then they have a child, then they have a child, hi- ho A fam’ly-o, then they have a child.
(Parents take next child’s hand) And baby makes four, and baby makes four, hi-ho A fam'ly-o, and baby makes four.

Closing Song: "A Happy Family" (Children’s songbook #198a)

Closing Prayer: Daddy

Treat Ideas:

Gingerbread man and woman. Make gingerbread or sugar cookie men and women, have children pair them up. Then frost white for wearing white in the temple. If you don't have time for cookies, use cookie cutters to make men and women out of toast. Have children pair them up. Then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
Marshmallow temples. Just make a temple with your marshmallows. Big marshmallows might work better:

Parable of The Sower and the Seed

2008-09-18T17:26:00.001-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Sower and the Seed

Opening Song: "All Things Bright and Beautiful" Children's Song Book # 231
Opening Prayer: Child

Scripture: Matthew 13:3-8

Lesson: Mommy
There was a man who planted some seeds. Some seeds fell on the hard ground and the birds ate them up. Some seeds fell on stony ground and could not grow. Some seeds fell in the thorns which choked them. Some fell in the hot sun and were burnt. Most importantly some fell on good ground and grew and bought forth fruit. It is important that we are good and be like the seed that fell in the nice ground. That we grow up big and strong and do good things. (You could have some seeds and act out each stage - A paper sun, some stones, some soft dirt)
Image of Sower

Activity:
Plant some seeds in fertile ground/hard ground to compare
A seed and fruit matching activty
Sower Coloring Sheet from DLTK
I'm a little seed Poem
Little Seed Song

Closing Song: "Little Seeds Lie Fast Asleep" Children's Song Book # 243

Closing Prayer: Child

Treat Ideas:
Any Whole Grain treats - whole wheat waffles, bread, cookies
Multi Grain Bread
Sunflower Seeds/ Trail Mix with seeds in it

Following the Liahona

2008-08-24T04:22:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Following the Liahona

Opening Song: Nephi's Courage Children's Songbook #120

Opening Prayer: Child

Scripture: 1 Nephi 16:10,16, 26-29

Lesson: Mommy

Lehi woke one morning as it was time to depart into the wilderness. Outside his tent door was a Liahona. See images here.
It was a round ball of curious workmanship made of fine brass. Within the ball were two spindles and one pointed the way they should go like a compass (show compass if you have one) The ball worked according to their faith and diligence. So if Nephi and his family were GOOD the liahona worked.
The Holy Ghost is like our personal compass. We can pray and ask to know where we should go and what we should do.

Activity:
Using Styrofoam balls and gold paint create your own liahona
Excellent Lesson Ideas from Lillies Lane
Make clues to tell children where to go around the house - finding something special
Talk about how the Holy Ghost is our personal liahona to lead us
Liahona Images
Set up a play tent and pretend to find your way in the wilderness

Closing Song:Dare to do Right Children's Song Book #158

Treat:
Gold foil wrapped Lindt chocolate ball truffles (or similar)
Apricot Balls Recipe nuts can be omited
Trail Mix (wilderness food)
Back a little bag of food to carry while acting out being in the wilderness

The Ten Commandments

2008-08-17T03:05:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
The Ten Commandments

Opening Song: "Keep the Commandments" Children's Song Book #146

Opening Prayer: Child

Scripture: Exodus 20:3-17

Lesson: Daddy

The Ten Commandments were given to Moses for the people of Israel to live by. The commandments are still important for us to live by today. Jesus said people should live the commandments and the prophet President Monson wants us to do the same today.
The Ten Commandments tell us that we should:
Worship God only
No taking Lord's name in vain
Keep the Sabbath day holy (list how to do this)
Honor thy mother and father
Shalt not kill
Shalt not steal
Shalt not lie

We need to try hard to keep God's commandments. They are important to live to be a good person.

Activity:

Excellent Moses Activites at Danielles Place (scroll down)
Make a "mountain" to act out the story of Moses receiving the commandments
Play Simon Says
Mark out roads with masking tape and make little road signs. Have children "follow the laws/rules"

Closing Song: "Choose the Right Way" Children's Song Book #160

Closing Prayer: Child

Treat Ideas:

Flat bread and/or food from Biblical times
Make Commandment tablets by using frosting/edible pens (black colour) to write on crackers

Feeling the Holy Ghost

2008-08-01T15:14:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Feeling the Holy Ghost

Opening Song: "The Holy Ghost" Children's Song Book # 105

Opening Prayer: Child

Scripture: D&C 8:2-3

Lesson: Mommy

In the Doctrine and Covenants chapter 8 (show scriptures to child) Oliver Cowdery is told he has a gift given to him (have a wrapped box for visual for child) This is the Gift of the Holy Ghost. This gift will help him translate the Gold Plates so we can read The Book of Mormon that we have today. The Lord tells him
"I will tell you in your mind and in your heart by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart"
Heavenly Father and Jesus speak to us through the Holy Ghost. We know when we are doing the right things because if feels right in our mind and we feel a warm feeling in our hearts. We can use the Gift of the Holy Ghost to tell us what we should do when we are not sure.

Activity:

Holy Ghost Printable Booklet from Mormon share
Blindfold Game from LDS Splash
Lead small Children around the house blindfolded speaking softly in front of them the way to walk
Extra Lesson Ideas from Mormon Share

Closing Song: "The Still Small Voice" Children's Song Book # 106

Closing Prayer: Child

Treat Ideas:

Candy/Cookies/any treat inside a gift box or wrapped up

You could make a few wrapped treats and ask child for suggestions on who to pass the "gift" to? - neighbor, friends, family

Invisible Food

Taste Test - Have children blindfolded or eyes closed and get them to try and guess the anoyomous food you give to them

Jesus Heals the Sick

2008-07-24T03:48:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Jesus Heals the Sick

Opening Song: "I'm trying to be like Jesus Children's Song Book #78

Opening Prayer: Child

Scripture: Matthew 9:35

Lesson: Mommy

"And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, preaching the gospel and healing every sickness and every disease."(See Matthew 9:35) Who did Jesus Help to make better? (Blind, Paralyzed, Leprosy)

From Karen Ashton, “Sharing Time: Look, Feel, and Help,” Friend, Jul 1996, 44
When Jesus lived on earth, He healed the sick. He fed the hungry and blessed the children. The Savior was often a friend to those who had no other friends. When He looked at others, He used His spiritual eyes and His heart. In this way He could understand how people felt and what they needed. He helped many, many people. He is the best example of someone who looked with His spiritual eyes, felt and understood with His heart, and then helped (see below for matching handouts)

Activity:

Look, Feel and Help from LDS.Org - Printouts

See Danielle's Place for great activity ideas using bandaids and a bandage relay game.

Leper Dolls Another activity from Danielle's Place where you make a paper doll and wrap him in bandages.

Closing Song: "I feel my Savior's Love" Children's Song Book #74

Closing Prayer: Child

Treat Ideas:
Eyeball Cupcakes

lychee eyeball
1 canned grade AA lychee in syrup, drained
1/4 teaspoon cherry, strawberry or raspberry preserves
1 blueberry (you can use frozen)
Take lychee and fill with preserves. Place blueberry, blossomed end facing out, into cavity and skewer.

Heart Cookies

Lehi's Vision/Iron Rod

2008-07-18T19:30:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Iron Rod/ Lehi's Vision

Opening Song:"Dare to do Right" Children's Song Book #158

Opening Prayer: Child

Scripture: This lesson based on 1 Nephi 8

Lesson: Mommy

Lehi gathered his family together and said "I have seen a vision" I was in darkness and prayed to God and then I beheld a tree whose fruit made people very happy. I went and had some of the fruit. I wanted my family to share the fruit so I called them over to have some. While looking for my family I saw a river, then a rod of iron on a straight path leading right to the tree. Some people were lost in the mist of darkness and other where in a large building laughing at those who were eating the fruit. The fruit is the love of God and we have to try hard in our life to walk along the path and hold on the the iron rod which is the gospel. Lehi had a vision of how we need to live and what can happen to us if we don't do the right thing.

Beautiful Tree of Life Paintings

Activity:
Print already coloured Tree of Life Images Tell the whole story using pictures!

Paint your own Tree of Life vision Mural

Act out the story in your lounge room - make an iron rod to lead to some delcious fruit hanging on a makeshift tree

Other Lesson ideas links:
Tree of Life FHE Lesson from families.com
Sugar Doodle Lesson Ideas

Closing Song:"Book of Mormon Stories" Children's Songbook #118

Closing Prayer: Child

Treat:
Fluffy Sky Drink you could use this idea to make a "mist of darkness"

Have some delicious treats hanging off some branches

Fruit or Toffee/caramel Apples

Tower of Babel

2008-07-10T14:06:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
How did all the different languages in the world come to be?

Opening Song:"Children all over the world" Children's Song Book #16

Opening Prayer: Mommy

Scripture: This lesson based on Genesis 11:1-9

Lesson: Daddy

The whole world was of one language. The people began to gather in place called Shinar in a plain (big flat area). They said let us make brick, and slime for mortar. They said lets try and make a tower, that will reach heaven, and make a name for ourselves. The Lord was unhappy with what they were choosing to do. He had blessed them that they had the same language and could work together, but they had too much pride and wanted to be known for building a tower to heaven, this is not being humble. The Lord came down and confounded their language. He changed it so everyone spoke different languages and could not talk to each other. This is how many of the different languages around the world came to be.
Pictures found Here and Here

Activity:

Song - B-A-B-E-L from Suite101
Sing the following song to the tune of B-I-N-G-O:

There was a tower that grew so tall
And Babel was its Name-O
B-A-B-E-L, B-A-B-E-L, B-A-B-E-L
And Babel was its Name-O
God had a plan for this tower
And Babel was its Name-O
B-A-B-E-L, B-A-B-E-L, B-A-B-E-L
And Babel was its Name-O
He mixed up all the languages
So no one could build the tower
B-A-B-E-L, B-A-B-E-L, B-A-B-E-L
And Babel was its Name-O

Teach the children to say Hello in different languages get the big list from WikiHow

Have a building block competition/game. Get all the blocks or any building material and get children to build a tower so big until it falls down

Color in a tower of babel picture found at DLTK's Growing together

Find great activities and Ideas at Danielle's Place

Closing Song:"We are different" Children's Song Book #263

Closing Prayer: Child

Treat:
Build a tower with graham crackers and peanut butter/mashmallow spread from DLTK's Growing Together alternatively use pretzels to make a building

Use Skewers and diced fruit to build tall fruit "buildings"

Build a tower out of mini muffins and icing

Missionary Work

2008-06-26T16:46:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Missionary work

Opening Song: “I hope they call me on a Mission” ( Children’s Song Book #169 )

Opening Prayer: Child

Scripture: This lesson based on Doctrine and Covenants 4

Lesson: Mommy

God said to Joseph Smith in the Doctrine and Covenants that missionary work is a marvellous work. He also says that people are waiting to hear the word of God. We can all be missionaries by sharing the gospel with our friends. When we are 19 (or 21 for girls) we can serve missions for the church and be missionaries for 2 years. God says he loves those who are his missionaries. His missionaries need faith, hope, charity and love. WE can try to have these things in our lives to prepare us to be missionaries.

Activity:

Make little missionary badges out of black card. Write on Elder or Sister ______ in white crayon/pencil with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on it. Pin?stick on to child for the duration of FHE.

Practice knocking on door and sharing the gospel/ pretending to be missionaries.

Missionary Activity- make cookies for non member friends, deliver them as a family.

Write your families testimonies in a Book of Mormon to give to the full-time Missionaries. Ideas from Mormon Chic

Relate Missionary work to being a fisher of men. Make a fish and magnet game and make a small pole and string with magnet as the fishing pole.

Closing Song: “I want to be a Missionary Now” ( Children’s Song Book #168 )

Closing Prayer: Daddy

Treat:

Bake a treat for friends or neighbors

Make a 3 ingredient/easy to make dish and teach child about learning easy to cook food to help when they are on their mission some day.

Sermon on the Mount

2008-06-15T16:49:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Sermon on the Mount

Opening Song: “Choose the Right Way” ( Children’s Song Book #160 )

Opening Prayer: Child

Scripture: This lesson based on Matthew 5

Lesson: Daddy

Jesus fasted 40 days and 40 nights, then he began his ministry. One of the first things he taught was called the Sermon on the Mount. (Show Gosple Art Picture Kit #212 ) - He and the apostles went up a mountain and this is what Jesus taught - To be humble, be sad with those who are sad - and give them a hug or help them, look for good things and read the scriptures, forgive others and don't fight, be kind, and have a good heart. Then he said You are a light and you have to be an example to others - share what you know to be true and don't hide it. We follow Jesus and we have to be good and show others.

Activity:
Print out key words from the sermon on the mount - Kind, Forgive, Good, Meek, etc and have child stand on a "mountain" (couch,pile of pillows - what ever you build) and have them hold the paper and say I will be..... Kind... etc if you have Childrens Song you could play "I am trying to be like Jesus" in the background.

Give each person a candle, light one candle and then light the next candle by having them touch - pass on the flame to each candle and say this is an example how we pass goodness on to eachother. *only for children you can trust with fire* (our children have done this and loved it , but they are old enough to know not to touch)

Closing Song: “Love is Spoken Here” ( Children’s Song Book #190 )

Closing Prayer: Mommy

Treat:
Heart shaped candy
Make Pancakes/cookies/cake/jello in heart shape
Serve type of food from Biblical times - flat bread, olives, fruit
Serve NO FOOD as Jesus fasted 40 days (hee hee ... is that too mean??)
Jello Hearts

Use half the amount of water suggested on the packet. Set Jello in a flat dish. When set use heart cookie cutter to cut shapes out.

The Brass Plates Teach us about Geneology and Record Keeping

2008-06-04T19:56:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
The Brass Plates Teach us about Geneology and Record Keeping

Opening Song: “Book of Mormon Stories” ( Children’s Song Book #118 )

Opening Prayer: Child

Lesson: Mommy

Scripture: This lesson based on 1 Nephi 3-6

Lesson.
Lehi tells his sons to go back to Jerusalem to get the Plates of Brass. The Brass Plates had their Family History in it. This is a list of all their relatives like grandparents and great grandparents. Lehi didn’t want his people to forget their history. Nephi gets the plates from Laban ( you may tell child if you feel it is appropriate how he does this) and brings them to his father. Lehi searches the plates - The books of Moses – they are like scripture to him – they tell of Adam and Eve, A record of the Jews, and their geneology. They knew it was wisdom from God that they should have these plates to help them preserve their language

Activity
This story teaches us two things. That our family history is important and that we should keep records – write things down for our future relatives.
Apple Family Tree
Teddy Bear Tree <
Wire Photo Tree *If you are crafty*

Give a journal/notebook to each child – ideas include:

Draw/write the best things that happened during the week

Find out about a Color Journal Here Each night they choose a “color” of their day and they do a scribble/drawing

Short Term Journals - write about experiences of a certain time in your life - A Summer Journal, A holiday Journal about somewhere you are going, Trip to Grandparents etc

Use quotes from Elder Eyrings Talk “O Remember, Remember” Nov conference 2007 and glue into front of the journals (good treat for you parents)
"Did God send a message that was just for me? Did I see His hand in my life or the lives of my children? I will do that. And then I will find a way to preserve that memory for the day that I, and those that I love, will need to remember how much God loves us and how much we need Him"

Our family uses regular school notebooks for our children’s journal. We use 5 mins of our FHE for them to draw their favourite things that happened during the week, and we right the words underneath. This is a great introduction to Journal Keeping and it only needs to be done weekly and it can be used to “lengthen” out FHE.

Closing Song: “Family History” ( Children’s Song Book #94 )

Closing Prayer: Mommy

Treat
If you use the apple chart have apple type desserts
- Apple pie, Apple Crumble, Toffee apples

Healthy treat - Apples/Fruit cut into pieces or dried Apple

Edible Paint on Bread – write on bread for a fun journal/ family history example using milk and food coloring

Noah and the Ark

2008-05-28T17:26:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Noah and The Ark

Opening Song: “Follow the Prophet ( Children’s Song Book #110 )

Opening Prayer: Child

Lesson: Mommy

Scripture: This lesson based on Genesis 6 - 9

Lesson.
Noah ( Gospel Art Picture Kit Picture #102 ) was chosen by God to build an Ark. The people on earth were very bad. The Lord wanted to flood the earth. Noah and his family listened to God, because of this they were saved. Noah had to work hard to build the ark – it was very big. Two of every animal had to fit inside. ( Gospel Art Picture Kit Picture #103 ) Ask children to find toy animals (that you have previously hidden all around the house) and bring them to the ark (I used my fisher price plastic ark – if you don’t have similar make one out of cardboard or have a drawn picture stuck on the wall, or a feltboard) Have children rock the boat while you talk about how long the ark was in the water. Noah and his family and the animals were looked after by God and landed on dry ground eventually. God put a rainbow in the sky as a promise that he would not flood the earth again.

Action Song
Noah built an ark so big (outstretch arms);
He knew just what to do (place finger on side of forehead).
He hammered, sawed, and measured (make motions as indicated)
As he’d been commanded to (nod head).
And Noah called his family (beckon with arm)
To march onto the boat (march quietly in place)—
And, two by two, the animals (hold up two fingers)
Came aboard to float (make floating motion with hands).
The heavy dark clouds gathered (place hands above head),
The rain began to fall (wiggle fingers imitating rain)—
And all the earth was covered (make a sweeping motion with hand and arm);
There was no land at all (turn head from side to side).
The ark just floated safely (make a floating motion with hands)
Many a day and night (put hands together on one side of face),
Until the sun came out again (place arms in a circle above head)
And shone so warm and bright.
And all the water dried right up (cross arms across chest);
Dry land did appear (open arms and extend hands).
Noah’s family gave their thanks (bow head and fold arms)
That God was always near.
(Adapted from a verse by Beverly Spencer.)

Activity
There are many Noah themed activities on the internet. Here is a selection for you to choose from
Ark Coloring In Picture
Printable Ark and Story window
Interactive Noah and Ark Songs
Hidden Animal Products in a Bag Game
Paper bag Animal puppets

Closing Song: “Quickly I’ll Obey” ( Children’s SongBook #197
Closing Prayer: Mommy

Treat
Marshmallow Animals Using different sized marshmallows, raisins, toothpicks, and other items
Animal Themed Party Food Ideas
Animal crackers
Make your own sugar cookies and use animal shaped cookie cutters

Joseph Smith and the Doctrine and Covenants

2008-05-20T19:35:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Joseph Smith and the Doctrine and Covenants

Opening Song: “Search Ponder and Pray ( Children’s Song Book #109 )

Opening Prayer: Child

Lesson: Daddy

Scripture: This lesson based on Doctrine and Covenants 1. esp. v 37-39

Lesson.
Joseph Smith ( Gospel Art Picture Kit Picture #401 )was chosen by God to be the first prophet in the latter days. He translated the Book of Mormon for us. He also gave us other scriptures called the Doctrine and Covenants.(show) The first chapter tells us that we need to search the scriptures. What does this mean? It says the scriptures are true and the promises in them will happen. It also says that the prophets words are the same as Gods words. He tells the prophet what to say. God tells us that what Joseph wrote in the Doctrine and Covenants (the record) is true. And today what he tells President Thomas S Monson is true too. We are so glad that God gave us true scriptures to help us live the right way.

Activity
Make a magnifying glass from here (or use a real one if you have) for child to find written scriptures around the house or objects from around the house. Alternatively use this alphabet game to collect items that match with the Doctrine and Covenants

D & C lesson for older children with activity from Sugar Doodle

Closing Song: “An Angel came to Joseph Smith” ( Children’s Song Book #86 )

Closing Prayer: Mommy

Treat:

Question mark shaped cake see instructions here

Or

Bake brownies, cut up into squares and using icing/frosting or powdered sugar write a letter on each square that put together spells a word – such as scripture, prophet, Joseph Smith, D&C.

Brownie recipe courtesy of CuisiNie

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces, plus more for pan
1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 1/4 cups sugar
3 large eggs

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush a 9-inch square baking pan with butter. Line bottom and two sides with a strip of parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the two sides. Butter paper, and set pan aside. In a small bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
2. Place butter and chocolate in a large heatproof bowl set over (not in) a saucepan of gently simmering water. Heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes; remove bowl from pan. Add sugar; mix to combine. Add eggs, and mix to combine. Add flour mixture; mix just until moistened (do not overmix). Transfer batter to prepared pan; smooth top.

Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, 50 to 60 minutes. Cool in pan for 30 minutes. Using paper overhang, lift brownies out of pan; transfer to a rack to cool completely (still on paper). On a cutting board, using a dampened serrated knife, cut into 16 squares. Store in an airtight container at room temperature, up to 2 days.

John, Jesus and Baptism

2008-05-15T03:09:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
John, Jesus and Baptism

Opening Song: “Baptism” ( Children’s Song Book #100 )

Opening Prayer: Daddy

Lesson: Mommy

Scripture: This lesson based on Matthew 3. Have Scriptures for visual.

Lesson.
John the Baptist taught in the wilderness. He told the people to repent. He wore clothes made of camel hair and ate locusts and honey. (Allow children to put on a wool coat/jacket or something similar) Show picture of John Gospel Art Picture Kit #207 Jesus came to John to be baptised. John was surprised. He thought Jesus should baptise him. He knew Jesus was perfect and didn’t think he would need to be baptised. Jesus said it was a commandment from God and he wanted to obey. John baptised Jesus in the Jordan River. The Holy Spirit descended as a dove and God spoke from Heaven saying “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” Show picture of the baptism Gospel Art Picture Kit picture 208

Activity
Do a dove craft. Click here for different dove craft ideas from paper or here for a felt peace dove.

Closing Song: “When I am Baptised” ( Children’s Song Book #103)

Closing Prayer: Child

Treat:
Eat honeycomb. Honeycomb can usually be bought at health food stores or farmers markets, if you can’t get this you could just eat honey, or for sweet treat honeycomb candy, violet crumbles or crunchies or recipe below.

Honey Joys

90g (about 3 Tbs) butter or margarine
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon honey
4 cups Kellogg's® Corn Flakes

Preheat oven to 150°C (300ºF).
Line 24 hole patty pan (mini muffin pan) with paper cases.
Melt butter, sugar and honey together in a saucepan until frothy.
Add Kellogg's® Corn Flakes and mix well.
Working quickly spoon into paper patty cases.
Bake in a slow oven 150°C (300ºF) for 10 minutes.
Cool.

*If you like the honey coating double the mixture of honey and sugar - I do.

Recipe from Kellogs website

Lehi's Family and the Gold Plates

2008-05-11T17:16:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Lehi’s Family and the Gold Plates

Opening Song: “Book of Mormon Stories” (Children’s Song Book #118)

Opening Prayer: Daddy

Lesson: Mommy

Scripture: This lesson based on 1 Nephi 1, have scriptures to show child.

Lesson
In the beginning of the Book of Mormon who is the first family? Lehi’s Family. They live in Jerusalem. Nephi says his parents are good. He makes a record about what happens to his family. Lehi tells the people to repent and be good. He is a prophet like our prophet today Pres Thomas S Monson. Nephi is writing this all down for us. The plates (show gospel art picture kit pic #325) become The Book of Mormon (show book) and it is about Jesus visiting the people from the Americas (show Gospel Art Picture Kit pic # 316).

Activity
Turn aluminium foil into some “plates” to write on. Take a large piece of foil and fold in half and half again to make a small “book”. Using a pencil, knitting needle, or the like, write onto the “plates/foil”. Small children can draw on the foil, or you could write out 1 Nephi 1:1.

Closing Song: “The Golden Plates” (Children’s Song Book # 86)

Closing Prayer: Daddy

Treat:
Turn square rectangular cookies into Golden Plates. I used Nice and milk cookies (Australian brands). Graham crackers or similar for USA readers. Make yellow icing/frosting and spread over cookies. Decorate to make words or use licorice or fruit straps to make bookmarks. Eat and Enjoy.

Mothers

2008-05-07T02:38:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Mothers

Opening Song: “Mother Dear,” (Children’s Songbook, p. 206)

Opening Prayer: Mommy

Lesson: Daddy

Scripture:
And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it. (Alma 56:48)

Lesson
Have your family take turns sharing favorite memories about their mother or grandmother. Have each person give a one-sentence description of his or her mother or grandmother and write/draw these on another paper. If you have them, look at photos of the women in your family.

Why do we have mothers? Why are mothers so special? Did Jesus have a mother? (Show gospel Art picture kit picture 242) How did he treat his mother? How can you (child) show your mother you love her? What was yesterday? (Mothers Day) How can we act like it is Mothers Day all year round?

Activity
Write/draw on a heart shape something child/husband will do for mother this coming week.

Closing Song: “The Dearest Names” (Children’s Song Book # 208)

Closing Prayer: Mommy

Treat:
Heart shaped cookies
or MOM shaped cookies, roll dough into long thin rope and shape into letters.

This lesson would have been better in the lead up to Mothers day, but it can't hurt for a little reinforcement after Mothers Day.

click here for a wonderful Mothers FHE lesson for older children, by LDS LIVING

Family Home Evening Charts

2008-05-06T19:32:00.000-07:00

Our FHE Chart - made by my Sis in Law

One of the best ways to get organised for Family Home Evening is having a chart. I have browsed the internet and found a few ideas for you to try. Since I didn't find too many printable ones, I might try my hand at drawing some for you.

Wheel Charts
House shape Chart
Daisy chart – good for larger families
Wooden Chart
How to decorate a wall around a FHE chart
Mormon Share Chart Ideas
MormonChic

FHE Lesson- My Brother Jesus Christ

2008-05-06T13:28:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
My Brother Jesus Christ

Opening Song: “I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus” (Children’s Song Book # 78)

Opening Prayer: Daddy

Lesson: Mommy

Learning about Jesus:
Show this Picture of Jesus or use your favorite Jesus picture.
Ask: “Who is this?”
“What do you know about Jesus?”
“Is Jesus related to us?”
Jesus is our Elder Brother. Jesus lives with our Father in Heaven. He listens to our prayers and helps us when we need him. He came to earth and died for us so that we can live with our Father in Heaven again. Jesus loves us very much and wants us to obey. But, if we make mistakes he has made it possible for us to repent and for our sins to be washed away.

Sing: “’Give’ Said the Little Stream” (Children’s Song Book # 236)

Activity:
Color the picture of Jesus and talk about him and what he brings to your family.

Closing Song: “I Feel My Savior’s Love” (Children’s Song Book # 74)

Closing Prayer: Mommy

Treat: Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Given By: King Arthur Flour

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup Baker's Special or granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon Island Spice Flavor (optional)
2 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 3/4 cup)
1/3 cup milk
1 cup King Arthur 100% White Whole Wheat Flour
1 cup King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup chocolate chips
1 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
1 cup cinnamon Flav-R-Bites(tm) (optional)

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar till they're smooth. Beat in the egg, flavoring, banana and milk.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients, then gently stir them into the butter mixture. Spoon the batter into 18 regular-sized lightly greased muffin cups.

Bake the muffins for 20 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center of one comes out clean. Remove them from the oven, and after 10 minutes turn them out of the pan to cool.

Yield: 18 muffins.

FHE Lesson- I Can Use My Manners

2007-05-12T16:18:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
I Can Use My Manners

Opening Song: “Kindness Begins with Me” (Children’s Song Book # 145)

Opening Prayer: Daddy

Lesson: Mommy

I Can Use My Manners:
Talk about what manners are. Explain that using manners helps us be kind and thankful. I shows others around us that we can be Christ like. It helps us feel closer to our Father in Heaven and keeps the spirit in our home and with us all day long. But, when we don’t use our manners and we are rude and selfish the spirit cannot abide with us and leaves our side. It is very important for us to remember to use our manners each and every day.

Activity: Manners Super Hero’s
Don't you just love super heroes? Wouldn't it be a great world if every one would act like a super hero? It would be easy to love one another if everyone acted like one. Well, we can't control the world but we can control ourselves.Now, a super hero doesn't have to be large and strong. He doesn't have to know how to fly or shoot webs from his hands, He only needs to treat others like Jesus would treat them. Having good manners shows others that we love them and that we believe they are special. There are six special rules we can learn to help us have good manners. These rules are like super heroes too. So, meet the GREATEST Super Heroes of ALL TIME!(Hold up each super hero and read the back)

Sing: “Smiles” and “A Smile Is Like the Sunshine” (Children’s Song Book # 267a) and (Children’s Song Book # 267b)

Closing Song: “I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus” (Children’s Song Book # 78)

Closing Prayer: Mommy

Treat: Chocolate Crinkles
Given by: Mom

½ cup shortening
1 2/3 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 eggs
2 1-oz squares unsweetened chocolate, melted
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1/3 cup milk
powdered sugar

Thoroughly cream shortening, sugar and vanilla. Beat in eggs, then melted chocolate. Add dry ingredients alternately with milk. Chill 3 hours. Form into 1-inch balls. Roll in powdered sugar. Place on cookie sheet 2 to 3 inches apart. Bake at 350º for 15 minutes.

(If you like them soft and chewy, bake them for around 12 minutes at the most.)

FHE Lesson- I Can Be Reverent

2007-04-23T09:54:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
I Can Be Reverent

Opening Song: “Reverently, Quietly” (Children’s Song Book # 26)

Opening Prayer: Daddy

Lesson: Mommy

Reverence Is Love:

Read the words to the song Reverence Is Love

Reverence is more than just quietly sitting:
It’s thinking of Father above,
A feeling I get when I think of His blessings.
I’m rev’rent, for rev’rence is love.
When I’m rev’rent, it shows in my words and my deeds.
The pathway to follow is clear.
And when I am rev’rent, I know in my heart
Heav’nly Father and Jesus are near.

Talk about what the words of this song are saying.

Sing: “Reverence Is Love” (Children’s Song Book # 31)

How can we show our reverence to our Heavenly Father? (Refer to the words of the song and add any other things you can think of and that your child will understand.)
Sitting Quietly
Thinking of Heavenly Father
Thinking of our blessings
Folding our arms
Bowing our heads
Using a quiet voice
Reading books about Jesus
Coloring pictures of Jesus

Activity: Put a “Reverence Packet” together for your child. Gather pictures of Jesus for them to look at, books about Jesus that they can read, and objects that will remind them to be reverent. Print Pictures of Jesus, prayer and reverent things from (Here) or take them from your home Gospel Art Kit. Print coloring pages of Jesus, a child in prayer, the Temple, or other pictures that promote reverent thinking (I like to use Jenny Smith). Or use Jenny Smith’s “Reverence Book” pattern and put this together for your child.

Closing Song: “Reverence” (Children’s Song Book # 27)

Closing Prayer: Mommy

Treat: Pineapple Cookies
(Given by: Nicole Johnson)

1 c. soft shortening
1 ½ c. sugar
1 egg
9 oz. can crushed pineapple w/juice
3 ½ c. flour
1 tsp. soda
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp nutmeg

Mix shortening, sugar, egg and pineapple thoroughly. Sift together the flour, soda, salt and nutmeg and stir into the batter.

Chill at least 1 hour. Drop onto greased cookie sheet.

Bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes.
Makes 5 dozen cookies.

FHE Lesson- I Can Learn to Listen and Obey

2007-04-16T13:44:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
I Can Learn to Listen and Obey

Opening Song: “Listen, Listen” (Children’s Song Book # 107)

Opening Prayer: Daddy

Lesson: Mommy

I Can Learn to Listen and Obey

Scripture: Ephesians 6:1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

Story: Use the story of the “2000 Young Warriors” or your gospel art kit picture 313 and read the story on the back.

Activity: Play a game that require the children to listen and obey directions from the leader like “Simon Says”, or sing “Do as I’m Doing” (Children’s Song Book # 278) or some other following game. Discuss the difference between following these kinds of directions and following the directions of your parents, prophets or leaders.

Closing Song: “Quickly I’ll Obey” (Children’s Song Book # 197)

Closing Prayer: Mommy

Treat: Wacky Cake
Given by: Mom

Sift together in a 9x13 baking pan:
3 cups flour
2 cups sugar
4 Tbs. cocoa
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt

Make three holes in the dry ingredient mixture and add:
1st hole- ¾ cup oil
2nd hole- 2 Tbs. vinegar
3rd hole- 2 tsp. vanilla

Pour 2 cups cold water over the whole thing and mix well with a fork until well mixed.

Bake at 350º for 40 minutes.

FHE Lesson- We Love Our Prophet

2007-04-09T15:24:00.001-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
We Love Our Prophet

Opening Song: “Stand for the Right” (Children’s Song Book # 159)

Opening Prayer: Daddy

Lesson: Mommy

We Love Our Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley
Show Picture of President Hinckley
Ask: “Who is this?” Talk about what our Prophet means to you.

Coloring Page: Color Picture of Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley

President Hinckley teaches us. He as given us 6 “B’s” he wants us to follow.
Be grateful. Say thank you when people are nice and help you. Also remember to thank Heavenly Father every day.
Be smart. Keep learning. Try to learn new things each day.
Be clean. Keep our minds and bodies clean.
Be true. Follow what our Church leaders teach us always be a good example.
Be humble. Being meek and humble keeps us teachable.
Be prayerful. Go to your Father In Heaven for guidance and help.

Sing: “Latter-day Prophets” (Children’s Song Book # 134)

Activity: Color and Hang the “6 Be’s Poster”

Closing Song: “Seek the Lord Early” (Children’s Song Book # 108)

Closing Prayer: Mommy

Treat: Fruit Crisp
(Better Homes and Gardens)

5 cups sliced, peeled apples, pears, peaches, or apricots; or frozen unsweetened peach slices.
2 to 4 Tbs. sugar
½ cup regular rolled oats
½ cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup flour
¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
¼ tsp. cinnamon
¼ cup margarine or butter
¼ cup chopped nuts or coconut

Preheat oven at 375º.

For filling, thaw fruit, if frozen. Do not drain. Place fruit in an 8x1½-inch round baking dish. Stir in sugar.

For topping, in a mixing bowl combine oats, brown sugar, flour, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Cut in margarine or butter till mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts or coconut. Sprinkle topping over filling.

Bake at 375º for 30 to 35 minutes (40 minutes for thawed fruit) or till fruit is tender and topping is golden. Serve warm with ice cream or light cream.

***Blueberry Crisp: Prepare as above, except, for the filling, combine 4 Tbs. sugar and 3 Tbs. flour. Toss with 5 cups fresh or frozen (thawed but not drained) blueberries.
***Cherry Crisp: Prepare as above, except, for the filling, combine ½ cup sugar and 3 Tbs. flour. Toss with 5 cups fresh or frozen (thawed but not drained) unsweetened pitted tart red cherries.
***Rhubarb Crisp: Prepare as above, except, for the filling, combine 1 cup sugar and 3 Tbs. flour. Toss with 5 cups fresh or frozen (thawed but not drained) unsweetened sliced rhubarb.

FHE Lesson-I Can Be a Helper

2007-03-19T14:37:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
“I Can Be a Helper”

Opening Song: “I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus” (Children’s Song Book # 78)

Opening Prayer: Daddy

Lesson: Mommy

“I Can Be a Helper”

Story: The Little Red Hen

Activity: Color the “Helping Hands Badge” or make them into stickers.

Song: “When We’re Helping” (Children’s Song Book # 198b)

Activity: Making place mats for each member of the Family and showing how we can help Mom by setting the table for dinner.
To make placemats have a large sheet of paper for each member of your family (I used 12 x 18) and have each member make there own placemat. You can trace around a fork, knife, spoon, plate, cup, and napkin to help the children know how to set the table. You can even put each members picture on their own placemat if you would like. Decorate and laminate with clear contact paper or take it to a copy shop to be laminated.

Closing Song: “A Happy Helper” (Children’s Song Book # 197a)

Closing Prayer: Mommy

Treat: Busy-Day Cake
(Better Homes and Gardens)

1 1/3 cups flour
2/3 cup sugar
2 tsp. baking power
2/3 cup milk
¼ cup margarine or butter, softened
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
Broiled Coconut Topping

In a bowl combine flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add milk, margarine or butter, egg, and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed till combined. Beat on medium speed for 1 minute. Pour batter into a greased and floured 8x1½-inch round baking pan.

Bake in a 350º oven for 25 to 30 minutes or till a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Frost warm cake with Broiled Coconut Topping, if desired. Or, cool in the pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Remove cake from pan. Cool thoroughly.

Broiled Coconut Topping:

¼ cup packed brown sugar
2 Tbs. margarine or butter, softened
1 Tbs. milk
½ cup flaked coconut
¼ cup chopped nuts (optional)

In a bowl beat sugar and margarine till combined. Stir in milk. Stir in coconut and, if desired, nuts. Spread over warm cake in pan. Broil about 4 inches from heat for 3 to 4 minutes or till golden. Serve warm.

FHE Lesson- I Can Say I'm Sorry

2007-01-19T16:05:00.000-08:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
“I Can Say I’m Sorry” (adapted from the primary 1 manual)

Opening Song: “Jesus Said Love Everyone” (Children’s Song Book # 61)

Opening Prayer: Daddy

Lesson: Mommy

I Can Say I’m Sorry:
Story

Tell the following story in your own words, use illustrations to tell it:

Travis and Matt were having fun playing at Matt’s house. Travis liked Matt’s toys and wished they were his own. Travis decided to borrow some of the toys, and he put them into his pocket without asking Matt.

When Travis played with the toys at home, it wasn’t much fun. His mother asked why he was unhappy. Travis told his mother that he had borrowed Matt’s toys without asking and that now he felt bad about it.

Travis’s mother told him that it is wrong to take something that belongs to someone else. She asked Travis what he should do to correct his wrong choice. Travis wanted to take the toys back, but he was afraid Matt might be angry with him. Travis’s mother said that even though Matt might be angry, returning the toys was the right thing to do. She also told Travis that telling Matt he was sorry would help take away the bad feelings he had for doing something wrong.

Travis took the toys back to Matt. He said he was sorry for taking the toys without asking and promised never to do it again. Matt was happy that Travis brought the toys back. Travis was glad that he told the truth and made things right (adapted from Pat Graham, “Travis Repents,” Friend, Mar. 1987, pp. 40–41).

Talk about the story and what Matt did wrong? Talk about what we need to do when we do something wrong.

Activity: Color the stories illustrations and practice saying “I’m Sorry”. As each family member says “I’m Sorry” give them an I can say “I’m Sorry” medallion on a string or ribbon. Practice using these for the week as a reward for saying Sorry.

Tell the story of Alma the Younger and how he wouldn’t listen to his Father Alma or to Heavenly Father and Jesus. And how he told the people lies about the Church. Found in (Mosiah 27:8-37).

Closing Song: “I Want to Live the Gospel” (Children’s Song Book # 148)

Closing Prayer: Mommy

Treat: Brownie Pudding Cake

Brownie Pudding Cake
(Better Homes and Gardens)

½ cup flour
¼ cup sugar
3 Tbs. unsweetened cocoa powder
¾ tsp. baking powder
¼ cup milk
1 Tbs. cooking oil
½ tsp. vanilla
¼ cup chopped walnuts
1/3 cup sugar
¾ cup boiling water

Preheat oven to 350º. Stir together flour, the ¼ cup sugar, 1 Tbs. of the cocoa powder, and the baking powder. Add milk, oil and vanilla. Stir till smooth. Stir in nuts. Transfer batter to a 1-quart casserole. Combine the 1/3 cup sugar and remaining cocoa powder. Gradually stir in boiling water. Pour evenly over batter. Bake in a 350º oven about 30 minutes or till a toothpick inserted into cake comes out clean. Serve warm.

FHE Lesson- Love at Home

2007-01-18T20:24:00.000-08:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
"Love at Home"

Opening Song: “Love Is Spoken Here” (Children’s Song Book # 190)

Opening Prayer: Daddy

Lesson: Mommy

Love at Home:
Read 1 John 4:7-12, 16-21 and talk about these scriptures.

Explain that without love our home is just black and white. There is no color. If we love each other we love God and that brings light and color into our home. Color the “Love at Home” coloring page.

Song: “Love at Home” (Hymn # 194)

Activity: “My Family Loves Me” mirror coloring page. Color and cut out heart and place it on a mirror.

Make a list of 5-10 things you can do as a family to show each other how much you love each other and post it in a place that the whole family can see it and remember to make home a more loving environment.

Closing Song: “Where Is Love” (Children’s Song Book # 138)

Closing Prayer: Mommy

Treat: Blueberry Buckle

Blueberry Buckle Recipe

2 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
¾ cup sugar
¼ cup butter
1 egg
½ cup milk
2 cups blueberries
½ cup sugar
1/3 cup all purpose flour
½ tsp. ground cinnamon
¼ cup butter

Preheat oven to 350º. Grease 9x9x2 inch baking pan; set aside.

Stir together 2 cups flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside. In a medium bowl, combine ¾ cup sugar and ¼ cup butter. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until combined. Add egg; beat until fluffy. Alternately add flour mixture and milk to egg mixture, beating on low speed after each addition just until combined (batter will be slightly thick). Gently fold in blueberries. Spread batter in prepared pan.

For topping: In a small bowl combine- ½ cup sugar, 1/3 cup flour, and cinnamon. Cut in ¼ cup butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle topping over batter; sprinkle with additional sugar.

Bake for 40-45 minutes or until topping is golden and toothpick inserted in center come out clean. Serve warm. If desired, serve with whipped cream.

FHE Lesson- I Can Be a Friend

2007-01-18T15:58:00.000-08:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
“I Can Be a Friend” (adapted from the primary 1 manual)

Opening Song: “Kindness Begins with Me” (Children’s Song Book # 145b)

Opening Prayer: Daddy

Lesson: Mommy

I Can Be a Friend
Who are your friends? Get pictures of some of your child’s best friends (and family). And ask them who the pictures are. Display the pictures of their friends and talk about why they are your friends.

Jesus is Our Friend- Show picture of Jesus (Gospel Art Picture 240). Tell why Jesus is a very good friend to us.

Story: Tell about Jesus raising Lazarus for the dead. (John 11:1-7, 17-44) Talk about how Jesus was friends with Lazarus and his sisters Mary and their home and have dinner with them.

How Can We Be Good Friends?
Be Nice: Don’t hit! Don’t bite! Don’t pinch! Don’t fight!
Love: Give hugs! Give kisses! Take turns playing and play together.
Sharing: How do we share? What can we share? It is nice to share.

Story: Tell about Jesus feeding 5,000. (John 6:1-13) Talk about how the little boy shared his food and Jesus was able to make it feed 5,000 people.

Song: “Fun to Do” (Children’s Song Book # 253b)

Share: Treat/Activity: Chocolate Clay

Friendship Wheel: Pick an activity on the friendship wheel that will help us be good friends. Each day for a week pick something we can do to be a better friend.

Closing Song: “Jesus Is Our Loving Friend” (Children’s Song Book # 58b)

Closing Prayer: Mommy

Chocolate "Clay" Recipe

10 ounces of chocolate (chopped chunks or chips)
1/3 cup light corn syrup

Note: the chocolate can be substituted with almond bark, or colored candy disks to create different colors.

Melt the chocolate in a microwave for 1 minute. Stir. If chocolate is not completely melted, return to the microwave for 30 seconds at a time and stir until smooth. If you don't have a microwave, place the chocolate in the top of a double broiler over hot water and stir until melted.

When the chocolate is melted, add the corn syrup and blend. Pour the mixture onto a waxed paper sheet.

Spread the chocolate with your fingers until it's about 1/2-inch thick. Cover loosely with waxed paper and let it stiffen for at least a couple hours or overnight. The chocolate will become very pliable.

FHE Lesson- Learning to Pray

2007-01-18T11:49:00.000-08:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
"Learning to Pray"

Opening Song: “I Have Two Little Hands” (Children’s Song Book # 272)

Opening Prayer: Daddy

Lesson: Mommy

Learning to Pray
We Fold Our Arms- ask everyone in the room to show you how they fold their arms. (Coloring Page “We Fold Our Arms-Girls” or “We Fold Our Arms-Boys” - color and hang on the wall in bed room as a reminder)

We Close Our Eyes- ask everyone in the room to show you how they close their eyes. (Coloring Page “We Close Our Eyes-Girls” or “We Close Our Eyes-Boys”- color and hang on the wall in bed room as a reminder)

We Bow Our Head- ask everyone in the room to show you how they bow their head. (Coloring Page “We Bow Our Head-Girls” or “We Bow Our Head-Boys”- color and hang on the wall in bed room as a reminder)

Talk about being reverent and the importance of being reverent during prayers. Ask everyone how they can be more reverent and to promise to be more reverent especially during prayers. Coloring Page "I Can Be Reverent" - color and hang on the wall in bed room as a reminder)

Talk about the parts of prayer and display a "Prayer Train” to hang on the wall to help them learn how to pray. (I used this train and saved it into draw and edited it to have each phrase listed below in the cars. You could also just print the page and glue the phrases on.
“Dear Father in Heaven…”
“We thank thee…”
“We ask thee…”
“In the name of Jesus Christ”
“Amen.”

Closing Song: “A Prayer Song” (Children’s Song Book # 22)

Closing Prayer: Mommy

Treat: Microwave Chocolate Pudding

Microwave Chocolate Pudding Recipe

1/3 Cup Sugar
2 Tbs. Cocoa
3 Tbs. Corn Starch
¼ tsp. Salt
2 ¼ Cups Milk

Mix all ingredients well in a medium sized microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 5 minutes, stirring only once. Take pudding out of microwave and stir again. Microwave 1-2 minutes more, just until thick. Then stir in 1 tsp. Vanilla. Refrigerate until time to serve.

The Family Home Evening Spot

New Year

Prayer

Lehi's Vision/ Tree of Life

Prayer

Easter Countdown

Easter

Getting to know the Scriptures

Love

Emergency Preparedness

Baptism/Blessing Day

Word of Wisdom

Family History

Atonement

Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Voting

Pioneers

Missionary Work

Everyone is Special

Modesty

Choose the Right

The Holy Ghost

Feed My Lambs

He is Risen

Palm Sunday

Easter

The Living Christ

Love

Our Heavenly Father

Remember Jesus

Symbols of Christmas - Christmas Tree

Christmas Symbols

Satans Web

Warm Fuzzies

Watchmen on the Tower

Anger

Pioneers

Strenthening Our Family

Liberty

Celebrating All Our Fathers

Self Reliance

Speaking Kindly

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:

Honesty

Family Home Evening Spot Button

Service

Resurrection Eggs

Holy Ghost

I Can Learn to Listen and Obey---(reposted from 4/16/2007)

Showing Love

Love

How to Show Reverence

New Year

The Symbols of Christmas

Keeping Christ in Christmas

A Spiritual Advent

Giving Thanks

I Am Thankful For My Home

God Created Animals

Following the Footsteps of Jesus

I Have a Testimony

Marriage and Eternal Families

Parable of The Sower and the Seed

Following the Liahona

The Ten Commandments

Feeling the Holy Ghost

Jesus Heals the Sick

Lehi's Vision/Iron Rod

Tower of Babel

Missionary Work

Sermon on the Mount

The Brass Plates Teach us about Geneology and Record Keeping

Noah and the Ark

Joseph Smith and the Doctrine and Covenants

John, Jesus and Baptism

Lehi's Family and the Gold Plates

Mothers

Family Home Evening Charts

FHE Lesson- My Brother Jesus Christ

FHE Lesson- I Can Use My Manners