I hope you are having a fabulous holiday weekend!  August was a little crazy for us.  Getting ready for school, back to school night, and starting school (and all that comes with that!) has been very busy.  I hope you and your kids are back into the swing of things at your house.  Now is a great time to start Family Council back up if you have let it go for the summer like we have.  With hectic schedules starting back up it is important for everyone in the family to be on the same page.  I’m finding with our sports, activities, school and homework we are needing to set some ground rules!

I am attaching Family Council Sheets for you to use as a reference for your family council meetings.  Begin by setting rules for your family council.  Let everyone know this is their BIG chance to participate in making decisions, setting the schedule and having a say in what your family does.  Each family member should feel important and like they have a voice at family council.  This is also a great time to set some goals for the month.  I suggest having family council AT LEAST once a month.  Having a calendar session every Monday before you begin family home evening could also be very helpful in keeping everyone on track.  You can also hold family council on Sunday if that works better for your family.

Always begin and end family council with a prayer.  The first Monday of every month could be designated Family Council night.  You may want to add a spiritual thought or family activity as well.  Even just having a game night following the meeting will bring your family closer together.  When having family council take the opportunity to teach your children.  Concerns may come up that will be a great teaching opportunity.  Don’t miss out on these.  Make sure you take the opportunity to praise your family for good things that have happened since the last family council.  Give everyone the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings on what is good about your family and what is working.   Set goals and follow through.  Family council can be a very powerful teaching tool.  It is a great opportunity to share your testimonies, to be positive with your children (sometimes I feel like all I do is nag!), and to set some goals for improvement.  Family Council is a great place for your family to reconnect.  Life is so busy make the most out of Monday nights!

Here is a fabulous article from the church on Family Council:   Family Council Article

Now that the older kids

are in school and

YOU get YOUR TODDLERS

ALL TO YOURSELF

It’s time for Toddler Bootcamp!

The word “Bootcamp” is mostly for the mom’s

because raising a toddler takes a lot of work!

If you have a toddler you know they are BUSY little people

and very curious, to say the least.

“Terrible Two’s” is phrase you hear often when

you have a todder, and the “Three’s” are often filled with

the same adventures.

They want to know how everything works,

what it feels like,

and how to do new things.

This curiousity and desire to learn is what

gets them into a little trouble sometimes.

I LOVE to be around toddlers. They actually want to be

wherever you are . . . doing whatever you are doing.

They love to work

and they still think they’re parents are COOL!

To them JOBS are like a game or a new adventure

EVERY TIME

they get to try something new, and once they have

learned a new skill . . . it’s fun to see

their self-esteem blossom!

This chore system is perfect for training.

They can see the pictures and they can even pretend to read them.

Each chore picture says, “I CAN . . . “

and then it will show the picture as well as the word for the action

followed by the words “CAN YOU?”

They get so excited when they can answer, “YES!”

Have your toddler pick some of the jobs he or she would like to do.

I use anywhere from 5-10 cards at a time

depending on the child’s age.

(Boy)

(Girl)

(I think they’re are about 40 different chore options!)

The great thing is that they fit into the child’s hands and can be

carried with them from job to job.

When my boys where younger,

I would point to the words,

“I Can”

and have my boys “read” them out loud.

They began to recognize the words

even if they couldn’t actually read at the time.

Then they would see the picture and say what it was.

They loved pretending to read the big words at the bottom!

(That was back in the old days . . . now days, they’re born reading!)

No Pressure!!!

To Make the Toddler Charts

You Will Need:

To print the PDF.

Cut into individual cards.

Laminate the cards.

Punch a hole in the top of the cards.

You will also need to purchase a “C-Ring”

to keep the pictures together.

That’s it . . . the rest of the work has been done for you!

Boy Toddler Chart Pack-2

Girl Toddler Chart Packet

Remember to work along side your toddlers.

They will love the extra attention!

It’s the perfect time to

TEACH AND ENCOURAGE!

We created this artwork “JUST FOR YOU!”

For personal use in your OWN HOME ONLY and NOT

for RESALE . . . It’s got our copyright!

If you would like to share, please refer them to THIS blog!

Thank My Peeps!

Let me start by saying I’m so sorry that I haven’t posted for a few weeks!  Our computer crashed so we got a new computer and it is a Mac.  That meant that we had to oder it, transfer all of our documents and then I had to figure out how to use it!  Anyway, I now have access to all my documents and I have sort of figured out how it works – definite progress!

This lesson is important for all ages.  My 4 year old daughter is always asking why she can’t wear things that show her back or her whole arm.  She is so funny that way.  It is probably a good thing that I am starting young with her!  This lesson will help your children understand why it is important to be modest and dress appropriately.  I have included a couple of articles and stories for you to read and share according to the guidance of the Spirit.  For some kids this is a no brainer and for others it may be a struggle.  In our world today the lines don’t seem to be so black and white.  I am loving the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet because it is very black and white.  There is a definite right and wrong and it is very clearly laid out.  In my day it wasn’t quite so clear – it didn’t need to be.  In today’s world there is no question what the Lord is asking of us.  It could not be put any clearer.

For the Strength of Youth – Dress and Appearance

http://lds.org/Static%20Files/PDF/Magazines/Friend/English/2010/FR_2010_05_06___09265_000_009.pdf

The older my kids get the more I discover how important this topic is.  Friends can influence our children so much.  If our children can make good friends it helps them make the right decisions.  This Family Home Evening lesson can be given in several different ways.  I have outlined several ideas to pick and choose from depending on the age of your children.  I have attached the lesson as well as a matching game that you can use for younger children.  There are a couple of good articles to read and opportunities to share some of your experiences.  I think our own personal experiences in making the right choice can be a powerful lesson for our children.  Sometimes they don’t realize that we know how they feel because a lot of the time we have been there.   It does look long but it doesn’t have to be – just pick and choose.  My children only have a short attention span so we tend to make it quick and to the point but if you have older children this may be a topic that you want to discuss in depth.  Just pray about what you should share and let the spirit guide you.

For the Strength of Youth – Friends

http://www.mormonshare.com/lds-clipart/friendship-matching-game

For the matching game go to the above website and print out two copies to make it a game or just use the cute pictures when you discuss what qualities a good friend would have.  Thanks to mormonshare.com for the cute graphics!

Have you survived the first few days of summer?  I have a cute sign on my front door that says, “Relax!” I really want to slow down this summer, enjoy my kids, and also feel like I’ve had a break from the crazy routine.  As I’ve thought about some goals for me and my kids this summer, I feel like we need to do a better job at our family scripture study.

The internet can be such a place for good!  I have found some fun ideas to start a summer scripture program for my family.  Let’s make the scriptures an exciting place to spend our time this summer!

*Family Tree Scripture Study Program

*Follow Christ Scripture Study Program

*Scripture Study Chart (My 12-13 yr. old sunday school class uses this chart!)

*How We Started Family Scripture Study (And Stopped Feeling Guilty) Great ideas from lds.org.

*scriptures4kids.com (So stinkin’ cute!  I love this website! They have a fun scripture reading challenge sponsored by Deseret Book!)

Want to emphasize obedience?  Using our “I Will Go and Do” tokens will work wonders in your home.  I have totally loved my “I Will Go and Do Tokens”!!!!  They have been such a saver for myself and my family.  Going from children being slow to obey to ones that try and beat others, was a turn around for me.  This inspiration came directly from Heavenly Father 3 years ago and I am not ashamed to admit it.  When I thought of obedience, the scripture in 1 Nephi 3:7 came to mind and then Heavenly Father gave me the inspiration to use tokens to encourage my children.  I knew I needed a Nephi so I called Tricia and she worked her magic a few years ago.  THANKS again Tricia!!  There are six different colors so that each person can have a color and to keep other children from taking what isn’t theirs.

How I use them:

For every time they are quick to obey or have done something out of the ordinary they earn a token.  The tokens are like money to be used toward the Good Job Jar.  You decide how much each item is worth in tokens, in your good job jar.  They can either use that token right away or save it up for a bigger items later on.  My children go for the Good Job Jar Coupons every time.  Some weeks we highlight a positive trait in a certain child.  All during that week if someone shows exceptional effort towards that trait they can earn extra tokens.  Inspiration that came from Heaven has made my home a heaven to live in.  Not all the time, everyone has their moments, but it was like going from negative to positive.  So here they are for you to use.  Please direct people to our blog if they want to use it.  It helps us know that there are still honest people out there and that you don’t take our hard work for granted.  THANKS!!!

I Will Go And Do Package

Opening Song:  Families Can be Together Forever

Opening Prayer

Scripture:  Read from the Proclamation (the portion at the top of the Family section in For the Strength of Youth pamphlet) then read the Family section in For the Strength of Youth

Discussion:   Talk about what makes a happy family.   Ask:  How can you do your part to build a happy home?  Is our home happy?  When is it happy? (when we are kind and considerate of others)  When is it unhappy?  (when we are selfish and unkind to others)    Talk about what it means to respect your parents.  Ask:  How do you show respect?  (help when you are asked, participate in family activities with a positive attitude)

Activity:

Principles to Make our Family Happy

Application:  Talk about your summer schedule.  Explain what your expectations are each day and have everyone agree to pitch in.  Explain that if everyone helps out in the morning they will have all afternoon to play and have fun.  Being part of family includes showing respect and helping out around the house.  Have them sign the T.E.A.M. (Together Everyone Accomplishes More) committing to being a member of the Family Team!

TEAM

Closing Prayer

Treat :  You can eat the treats you made during cooking time today if you used the job chart I created!   If you didn’t have cooking time make a quick treat together before Family Home Evening so you can eat it when you are finished.  My kids love to make chocolate chip cookies together!

I finally decided the other day I was a crazy Cub Scout Leader and I wrote an email to my cub parent’s to let them know that.  Here is the email I sent:

O.k. I am thinking here, as I enter the awards for my wolves, “How nice would it be to know if one of my cub scouts earns the Art Belt loop, which other requirements or electives that also counts for in their Wolf Book.”  So of course I do an internet search, cause I can’t just let it go at that, and find a website that lists them individually, except you have to click on each belt loop to see the related awards.  So what do I do?  Of course I create a document that has it all in one place.  I promise I have other better things to do.  I guess I just hyper focus on stuff sometimes.  So here it is, in case you were wondering too.  Probably not, heehee, but hey, it comes in handy!  This lists them from Tiger Scout through Webelos Scout.  I should just create my own little scout blog that has all these on there, I am sure other leaders would find them handy.  Does that make me a professional scouter?  Anyway, enjoy!

So then was thinking last night, I have a blog I can post this on, I don’t have to create a separate blog.  So here are just a few things I have put together for my cub scouts throughout the many years I have been a Bear and Wolf leader.  All my parents find them very helpful and I have to say I AM proud of what I did.  If you find it helpful as well, please leave a comment letting me know.  It’s just nice to know that the work I do is appreciated by other people.  Also, please respect all my hard work and direct people to our blog instead of posting it on other blogs.  Thanks a bunch!!

Cub Scout Belt Loop Check Off Sheet- This is a compilation of all the Belt Loop requirements in a check sheet style.  All in one place, no more looking them up online!

Cub Scout Pins Check Off Sheet- This is a compilation of all the Pin requirements in a check sheet style.  All in one place, no more looking them up online!

Related Awards for Beltloops and Pin- This is what I did just recently and it gives a list of all the related requirements and achievements that relate to specific belt loops and pins.  Like a cross reference sheet of what else earning the belt loop and pin counts for.  Tiger through Webelos.

Extra Cub Scout Patches and Awards to Earn- This is a compilation of all the extra Patches a Cub Scout can earn while in the program.  Tiger through Webelos.

Primary Faith in God program requirements- This is a compilation of all the Faith in God requirements and how they cross reference to each of the Cub Scout books.  Tiger through Webelos.

In our area we have been encouraged to use the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet when we teach our children.  I had always thought of this pamphlet as being just for the youth (ages 12-18).  However, I think it is very beneficial to all ages.  I have decided to take it and base my family home evening lessons on its contents for the next couple of months.  This pamphlet is a very useful teaching tool and my kids are responding great to it!  The first lesson is just to familiarize your children with what is in the pamphlet.  I recommend that you read it from cover to cover yourself and pray about what you need to share with your children.  My oldest kids are almost 10 but I have found plenty to share with them.  It is both sad and scary that we have to cover some of the topics in this book at such a young age but unfortunately it is the way the world is today.  I would rather be the teacher than have my children learning things from their friends and older kids in the neighborhood!   I also feel like this is a great way to open the door to important conversations. 

I started by getting a pamphlet for each of my children.  I even gave one to my 4 year old.  She thought she was very important!  We read the message from the first presidency and talked about who they are and why this book would be so important that they would write their message on the first page.  We talked about how important it is to be a good example and to keep the commandments.  In order to keep the commandments and do what we have been asked, we need to understand what is expected of us.  We then read the section on Agency and Accountability.  We talked about what it means to be accountable.  I found this FHE from Families in Zion and I thought it applied to what we were talking about.  It is about being an example and why it is important to make good choices.

Be an example FHE

I plan on covering one section at a time and just covering the information on a level that will make sense to my children.  If you have older kids, you will want to cover each section in detail.  If you have both, you may want to cover the basics with all of them and then go into more detail with your older children later.  If your children understand what is written in the pamphlet and if they know how important it is to live by these standards, it will make their choices and decisions so much easier as they grow in a world with such different morals and values than what we would want them to live by.  Good luck!

Alright, first off, I think I am a Grumposaurus right now.  I worked on this literally ALL day yesterday, just for you guys.  (My computer is so needing replacing.)  SIGH!!  Just know that I really wanted you all to have an awesome copy of this so that’s why I even attempted to make this on my computer.  The problem was, I had to scan in the documents then get rid of all the grey, make sure the lines were really black, etc etc.  Try and do that on a slow computer and still remain a Happyosaurus.  I digress.

This is a great idea to have in your home and you can post the mood of the family at that time.  We all want to strive to be a Happyosaurus, but it doesn’t always happen like we want.  I know that for sure, first hand.  It’s also a great idea to point out which family members are choosing to be awesome happy dinosaurs.  Watch carefully and you will soon see the negative dinosaurs go extinct in your family.

Watch for my additional FHE lesson on Monday to go along with this story.  Also included is the color pictures, I again, made just for you!!!  Enjoy the weekend, I know I will.  I might try and post additional info on this tradition but right now this is what you get today!

Please be sure to reference our blog if you want to share this idea.  These freebies we give you can take long hours and the best way to thank us for all those hours we put in is to link our posts.  There is a handy post linker at the bottom of each post you can use to share these ideas.

Black and White Dinosaurs

Color Dinosaurs