Family Home Evening Idea : Listening

prep: clips of different sounds

listening ear headbands

treats

song

prayer

scripture: James 1:19 - Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

activity: have the kids put on their "listening ears" (link to the printable down below) and have them see if they can guess the different sounds. I played 10 sound clips from my computer (5 seconds long) chickens, car horn, cuckoo clock, glass breaking, page turning, phone ringing, video game etc. I tried to find more difficult sounds for my older child and easier sounds for my middle child. 

We talked about how we were able to guess the sounds because we were listening. We weren't distracted with other things like toys or books. We were giving the activity our full attention.

lesson: I read a story from the book, Devotions for Girls (ages 2-5,) called Listen to Me! We then used the discussion questions to talk about the importance of listening (found on page 112.) 

We talked about who we should be listening to. The girls answered with parents, teachers, friends, each other. 

We then talked about the importance of listening to the Holy Ghost. Heavenly Father uses the Holy Ghost to talk to us. We mentioned the different ways we could feel the Holy Ghost and what things he does for us - comforts us, testifies truth etc.

weekly challenge: be better listeners

game: Simon says

prayer

treat 

I have a seven year old, three year old and two year old, so our family home evenings are very simple. You can use this plan and adapt it to fit your family and their needs.

devotions for girls link click here (not affiliated)

link to the listening ears printable

Our Top Ten Favorite Children's Books

Yesterday, I wrote about how we display our book (click here to read that post.) Today I want to share with you our ten favorite books 

#1.

Thelma the Unicorn by Aaron Blabey.

This is my favorite book to read to the kids. It is a story about a horse that dreams of becoming a unicorn. She thought her life would be great and glamorous; however, the rich and famous life isn't as great as she thought it would be. She realizes what is really important in life.  

This book is funny and sweet with a great message for kids about being happy being themselves.

#2.

Pig the Winner by Aaron Blabey

Yes, another Aaron Blabey book! His books are so funny and the illustrations are so perfect. The facial expressions that he gives his characters in the book are hilarious. My kids always try to recreate them. This book is about a pug named pig, and he will do anything to win - even cheat!

He finds out that winning isn't everything (sorta.)

#3.

The Pigeon Needs a Bath! by Mo Williams

You can not go wrong with any of the pigeon books, but this is our all-time favorite one. It has been a go to book for years. The kids aren't bored with it yet, and even more surprisingly, neither am I! I love reading about this rebellious pigeon who doesn't want to take a bath. I feel like I have the same conversations with my kids every night! They never want to take a bath but as soon as they get in they never want to get out!

#4.

I Am Not a Chair! by Ross Burach

This is probably one of (if not the) funniest books I have ever read! The first time the kids and I read it we could not stop laughing; especially, the ending. It is a hilarious book about a giraffe that keeps getting mistaken for a chair. 

He is fed up with it and decides he isn't going to take it anymore!

 Seriously, you have to read this book.

#5. 

Ten Little Dinosaurs by Michael Brownlow

I swear my kids only love this book because of one page. It is the page where the dinosaurs are trying to dodge the poop. Yep, poop. I don't know what it is about poop, farts, or burps that make my kids laugh so much but this one definitely has them giggling every time. I love the pictures in this book and how cute the ten little dinosaurs are. 

#6.

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Suess

This has to be one of the longest children's books we own; however, it manages to keep their attention from start to finish (I have become pretty skilled at reading it at a pretty fast pace.) The kids love all the questions Sam I Am suggests about where and who to eat with it. Eventually, he eats the green eggs and ham simply to get Sam I Am to leave him alone, and he actually likes them! 

#7.

Hedgehugs by Lucy Tapper

This is the sweetest and cutest book on our bookshelves. It is about two hedgehogs (best friends) who can't hug each other. They try all these different ways to try to hug, like using strawberries, leaves, and snow, but they never work. Finally, at the end of the book, they find a soft and cozy solution. Everything about this book is adorable and I love it when the kids pick it to read.

#8.

Pete the Cat I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin

My kids love all books about Pete the Cat; however, this is their most favorite one. They both love singing along with Pete as he steps in different things that turn his shoes different colors. 

Pete is the coolest cat!

These books always have a really cool message about enjoying life no matter what comes your way.

#9.

That's Not My Puppy by Fiona Watt

This is Beck's number one pick. He loves anything to do with dogs, dinosaurs and cars. I love that this book is interactive for him. On every page he can touch and feel different reasons why this isn't his puppy. It could be that his ears are too shaggy or his collar is too shiny. 

He gets so excited when we finally find the right puppy.

#10.

Rex Wrecks It! by Ben Clanton

This is Beck's other pick when it is his turn to pick the book. 

Rex is a dinosaur that wrecks all of his friends creations. They decide the only way Rex won't wreck it is to have him build it with them. They all work together to build the biggest, strongest and awesomerriffic thing ever! It is so fun to see what his friends let Rex do after they spend all this time building.

Those are our favorite books (at the moment.) We love to read books together and I hope that never changes. Please let me know your favorite children's books.

How To Display Children's Books

I LOVE children's books!

I love reading the stories to the kids and looking at the beautiful illustrations.

I always knew I wanted to display them with their covers showing; instead of the traditional way with the spines showing on a bookcase.

After looking at a hundred different pins, I decided to go for the Ikea picture shelf which you can buy for about $10. 

I didn't do anything fancy to determine the spacing between the shelves. I simply put the tallest book we own on the shelf (the same book for all the shelves,) and went up a couple inches and voila! 

At the top, we have all our Fancy Nancy books because the kids don't reach for those very often. The next three shelves have hard covers, and the bottom shelf is full paperbacks (we pick those up from Hannah's school book fairs.) 

I love the display, and appreciate that my kids don't pull them down just cause (I wish they felt the same way about their toy boxes!)

I hope that gave you an idea of how you can display your books. 

As Hannah gets older and she starts reading more chapter books, I will have to figure out a way to display those. 

to see some of our favorite books click here

Mummy and Lilly Belle Playtime!

While Hannah is at school and Beck is (hopefully) taking a nap, Lilly Belle and I have some much needed one on one time. We spend it playing whatever she wants. I thought it would be fun to film us playing together. This way I can capture that cute little laugh she has, and the way she pronounces words.

here are some of the videos

School Lunch Ideas for Picky Eaters

In early August, we started getting ready for back to school. One thing I was really excited about was school lunch! I had seen so many cute ideas about all the cool food you could pack for your child. From make your own lunchables to tuna bagels. There were pictures of how to send leftovers (which looked better than any dinner I have ever made,)  and tons of fruits, veggies and snacks. One lady even posts her child's lunchbox menu on the fridge. Everyday that lucky kid was taking something new and delicious to school. 

This was my goal. I wanted to be that Mum - the only thing standing in my way was my very picky (creature of habit) six year old. I showed her all these cool ideas and her response every time was, "That's OK Mum, I just want a ham sandwich and grapes." 

Really!?

But we have made it work by adding some fun touches, like the sandwich cutters and the fruit picker. 

Under each pic will be Hannah's list of things she will eat. Overtime, I'm hoping to continue to keep adding to her list.  

I do want to point out that if it was completely up to Hannah she would fill her lunch pail with potato chips, candy, and fruit snacks; however, she goes to a school that promotes healthy eating (the teachers aren't even aloud to have soda cans in their rooms,) and so we try to keep things semi healthy for that reason. 

Hannah's "Sandwich"List

ham (no cheese)

instead of a sandwich she will eat

crackers and peanut butter

crackers and small slices of ham

bagel (cinnamon and raisin) and cream cheese

hot dogs (cold)

Hannah's Fruit or Veggie List

grapes

watermelon

 peaches

apple slices

cucumbers and ranch

Hannah Extras List

string cheese (mozzarella kind only)

fruit strip

raisins

pudding cups (although she did have a slight accident with that)

Hannah's Treat List 

this is what I allow her to take

Hello Panda

brownies

popcorn

 She packs her delicious lunch in her LOL surprise doll lunchbox. 

fun fact: that circle on the front of the lunchbox flips up to show an LOL doll but she doesn't like it so NEVER has it flipped! I love her!!

Whatever she doesn't eat during lunch (which I do not think is long enough) she will munch on during the ride home. 

I hope there were some ideas in this post that work for you and your picky eater

If you have a picky eater what do they eat for lunch? 

Transitioning from Kindergarten to First Grade

I knew the shift from afternoon kindergarten to all day school would be an adjustment for Hannah. I didn't realize, however, just how big an adjustment it would be for ME! We are a family that doesn't move very fast in the morning. We enjoy sleeping in and then casually going about our day. There are no routines. . . . . or there use to be none. 

On the first day of school, I had boldly set my alarm for 6:30am. This would (in theory) give me half an hour to

get ready before having to wake Hannah up at 7. Yeah, I hit snooze again and again, so much so that by the time I finally gave it and got up it was already 7am. I, like a zombie, headed to the kitchen and made Hannah a pancake breakfast which she barely touched. Instead, she decided to head to the couch and cover herself in a blanket. A part of me just wanted to leave her there all bundled up; but instead I helped her pack her lunch and get dressed. Moving as slow as we were inevitably time got a little away from us. The last ten minutes involved us running up and down the stairs making sure we had everything. We were a little unsure of the route we wanted to take and how early we would need to leave, so we ended up arriving at her school with just minutes to spare. We walked her to the outside door (this school doesn't allow you go in the classroom to get the traditional sitting at her new desk pic,) and said our goodbyes. She, of course, was so excited to be back at school. She was now wide awake and ready to see all her old friends again. My day went on forever! I was tired and missing my baby girl. Finally, after what seemed like ages, it was time to go

pick her up. The traffic at the school was horrendous! Apparently, there were a lot of parents who were equally as excited to pick their kid(s) up from school.

She loved her first day which made me happy.

My only hesitation was knowing that we would have to do it all over again tomorrow and again after that. 

By the end of the week I was exhausted!!! Hannah was equally as tired and ready for a couple days off.

It has now been a a month of being back in school and I finally feel like we are finding our groove. The mornings are running much better since I  caved and now let her eat cereal in the morning (she doesn't want to eat hot breakfast first thing in the morning. ) I also now voluntarily wake up at 6am to enjoy some quiet time before waking Hannah up. I drop her off at school  early enough that she can play on the playground before heading into class. I also make sure to get in the pickup line early (I am definitely one of those parents who arrive ridiculous early!) I have always wondered how early those parents must get there to be at the front of the pickup line, and now I know. 

We have already dealt with a pretty intense head cold that resulted in her missing three days of school, and an email from her teacher explaining how much Hannah loves to play outside and doesn't like to come in from recess (she is doing so much better now.)
We are still trying to figure out an afternoon and evening routine, but as we learn how to juggle homework, swimming lessons, eating and bathing, it will start to flow. All in all I think we are doing alright.  

I love Hannah's school and enjoy watching Hannah learn and figure out new things. She is also making lots of friends which makes me so happy. 

My goals for Hannah this year are to improve her reading skills, make lots of friends, and develop a deeper love for learning. I miss her the second she leaves the car and count down the hours till pickup. I can't wait to see how far she goes this year. 

How has your transition back to school been? Does your child go to a public school or do you home school?

"The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you."

B.B. King

How to Create a Spiritual Environment in your Home

"The most important work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own home."

- President Harold B. Lee

With the hustle and bustle of day to day life, it can sometimes be hard to feel the spirit. My house often becomes a dumping ground for mail, shoes, and an endless array of toys. My sweet little two year old  leaves a trial of cars all around the house. I can only laugh when I find them next to my bed, in the bathroom, or in the pantry (I have usually found them because I have stepped on them.) I love my boy!
As we juggle cleaning the house, running errands and getting kids to and from school, we can forget to simply stop and take a breath. Usually I have found that it is in these quiet moments that I feel the spirit more pronounced. We need his companionship with us always.

"Strong eternal families and spirit filled homes don't just happen. They take great effort."

- Cheryl A. Esplin

here are some helpful tips that have been working for me

1. embrace the chaos - My house isn't going to look clean all the time (or most of the time) and that is fine. I am going to have kids running around and being loud, so I'm just going to enjoy it!
One thing that I do, however, is I wake up an hour before my kids. I use this time to pray and study the scriptures. This one habit ensures that my day begins with the spirit. I can take my time and really listen to what Heavenly Father is trying to teach me. When I had a newborn, a toddler and a 5 year old, I was not waking up any earlier then needed. During this time, I would have quiet time in the afternoon. Baby would be sleeping, toddler would be napping (hopefully) and big sister would be playing quietly with some toys. I would then have time to study my scriptures and/or the words of the prophets. Some days it was just ten minutes and other days it was a good 30 minutes. What ever your situation, make the time to pray and study the scriptures. 

2. clean at night - says the girl who is done with the day once dinner is on the table. I don't know about you but I am much more productive in the morning then I am in the evening; however, I love waking up to a clean house. In order for that to happen, I muster up whatever energy I have left and get that dishwasher loaded and turned on before heading to bed. I quickly pick up whatever random things were left in the living room and wipe down the dining room table. It always feels so good to get those things done and, if I am honest, it never really takes that long to do. When morning comes around, I am able to pray and study the scriptures at my table without my mind going crazy about the mess around me. I find, for me, it is easier to feel the spirit when my house is clean and organized.  

3. play some music - It does not have to be LDS music! I will definitely put in a plug for The City of Enoch here because their music is beautiful, but I also love listening to piano or violin music as well. In the morning, Hannah (my oldest) really enjoys listening to a playlist called deep focus (you can find it on Spotify.) She calls it her calming music.
I also really enjoy listening to podcasts and General Conference talks. The church has a podcast/YouTube video series called gospel solutions for family on the mormon channel (you can click here to read my blog post on it.) One podcast they did talked about was how we can teach our children to feel the spirit. I would highly recommend you listen to or watch that one.

4. put pictures of the temple and savior EVERYWHERE -  I love having pictures of the temple and the Savior in my home. It makes me feel good. I love when my kids point to Christ and call him Jesus. It melts me. The pictures on the left are in my children's bedroom. They are of the Provo City Center Temple and the Salt Lake Temple by Kelsey Carlson art. I love the gold outline and how they get brighter as the light touches them. My girls keep them right next to their beds so they can see them often. My dream is to have a house filled with beautiful artwork. I love the feeling art brings into our home.

5. have a place to go - in my old apartment, where space was limited, this was my kitchen counter. I made sure it was kept clean so I could focus solely on my scriptures or whatever conference talk I was studying. Now that we are in a townhouse with lots more room, I set up a little nook in my bedroom with a desk and  bookcase. This nook is where I think, write, and set my goals. Even though my main scripture study is done at the table (so I don't disturb my sleeping husband,) I will do any additional studying or lesson prep here. I love having a place that is all my own to be on my own. I encourage you to find a similar place to escape (even for just a little bit.)

"Every home is different, but every home where even one individual seeks for truth can make a difference."

- Cheryl A. Esplin

I hope you liked these ideas. Please let me know what you do to create a spiritual environment in your home, car, or work.

Remember, the Lord knows your hearts and will bless any effort you make in creating a spiritual environment. He understands our crazy lives because he knows and loves us individually. He is aware of our circumstances and our struggles. Stay close to him and the spirit will stay close to you. 

Spritual Slumps and How to Navigate your way out

"Let today be the day you give up who you've been for who you can become."

- Hal Elrod

I'm not entirely sure how I ended up in my "spiritual slump." It probably was the result of not praying or not reading my scriptures enough, but, if I am completely honest with myself it was the fact that I chose not to do those things. Ultimately, I made the choice to lay down in bed without praying first. I made the choice to NOT read my scriptures because (insert any excuse here, too busy, too tired, can't remember where I left finished the last time.)

It was fairly soon after we moved into the townhouse we are currently renting that I started thinking about how easy it would be to not go to church. People get lost in the shuffle of moving all the time (or so I assume.) That one (quite scary) thought made me reflect about my own spirituality. I honestly couldn't remember feeling the Holy Ghost ,very prominent, in my life lately. It felt like a piece of me was missing. A light had gone out inside me and now I needed to decide if I wanted to turn it back on.

"Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays."

- Soren Kierkegaard

I immediately got down on my knees and offered a heartfelt prayer to my Heavenly Father. I asked to simply feel the sweet feeling of the Holy Ghost again. Later that day, we arrived at our brand new ward. In Relief Society, I was asked to read this quote. "Sometimes we can't hear heaven's signals because we are not worthy. Repentance and obedience are the way to achieve clear communication again. The Old Testament word for repent means "to turn" or "turn around." When you feel far from God, you need only make the decision to turn from sin and face the Savior, where you will find Him waiting for you, His arms outstretched. He is eager to guide you, and you are just one prayer away from receiving that guidance again." 
Are you kidding me!? Seriously, that is the quote I was asked to read! What was more shocking was there were no comments that followed. The instructor moved on with the lesson while I sat there completely speechless and enveloped in my Heavenly Father's love.
 Anyone in the class could have been asked to read that quote, but it was given to me. The girl who was desperately seeking to feel the spirit again.

"It will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, and comforting influence of the Holy Ghost."

- President Russell M. Nelson


I went home from church that day feeling excited and motivated to make some changes.
 Of course the obvious answers came to mind; such as, putting my phone down more, watching less TV, and being more present. However, I had this nagging feeling that it was bigger than just simply not checking social media randomly throughout the day. It had to be an inner (more spiritual) change. I had be more intentional with choosing to fill my day with spiritual things.

Here are the steps I took (am still taking) to get (and keep) me out of this "spiritual slump."

• Prayer - It sounds so simple to get down on your knees and pray, yet, it can be the most difficult thing to do. However, if we want to feel spiritually connected to our Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ this is the perfect place to start. 

• Scripture Study - I committed to read my scriptures everyday that upcoming week and I did it. I focused on reading 2nd Nephi 9 and also the reading assignment for Sunday School. I was blown away by the things that I learned and all the precious things the spirit whispered to me. 

This was my notebook after a week of studying 2nd Nephi 9. I had to stick more pieces of paper on the page because I kept running out of space. It is such a beautiful chapter about the atonement, Christ's love for us, and what we need to do to return to live with God again. 

• Invest in a good book - I am currently reading, Living Your Covenants Everyday by Jennifer Brinkerhoff Platt. This is where the challenge to read 2nd Nephi 9 everyday for a month came from (although I just did a week.) It has been such a great aid in my journey to feel the Holy Ghost more. It is all about intentionally living our covenants everyday.  I have several other books I purchased from the church bookstore which I am excited to start reading soon. 

• Change what you are listening to - This was a big one for me, but one that I know has helped me tremendously to feel more spiritually anchored. Some of the things I did was no electronics in the morning; instead, I play uplifting (or calming) music while my oldest is getting ready for school (and now she asks for the calming music.) I also decided no radio in the car when it is me and the kids. This way we can talk and I can find out about their day or things that are on their mind etc. I also get to listen to them talk with each other which is always entertaining (most of the time.) Surprisingly, I haven't missed blaring and dancing to my playlists on spotify (although I agree there is a time to do this. For our family it is when we are cleaning.) Lastly, I listen to inspiring podcasts throughout the day - mostly when I'm getting ready or making dinner. My favorite is gospel solutions for families, but I also enjoy some fitness, mom, and goal oriented ones as well. 

• Get Outside - It is amazing what some fresh air can do for us. Go for a walk, sit on the porch, or take your kids to the playground. Being outside is refreshing and the change of environment could be just what our soul needs to reflect and  make any necessary readjustments. 

"Don't you quit. You keep walking. You keep trying. There is help and happiness ahead - a lot of it."

- Jeffrey R. Holland

It isn't always the easiest thing to do but it is so worth it. I have been a lot happier during the day since doing these things because I have been spiritually feed first.

Motivational Monday #44

Do you ever have those experiences where a quote, a podcast, a scripture speaks straight to your soul.? I sincerely hope that you do. I had one just last week while reading, Living Your Covenants Everyday but Jennifer Brinkerhoff Platt. One small paragraph jumped off the page, slapped me in the face, and pierced my soul (I understand that sounds way over dramatic but that is how if felt.)

I read:

For too long, I have sat on the sidelines watching others compete in the race. For too long, I have worried about what others might think of me if I joined the race. For too long, I have stayed in the shadows while my dreams remained just that - a dream. 

Guys, I'm 33! If I don't get in the race soon, I may never experience the thrill of the race at all!! I can't let that happen. I want my children to know that dreams are real, but you have to work your butt of the get them. 

Each of us have been given specific talents from our Heavenly Father to help us fulfill our dreams. We CAN make them a reality if we are willing to be vulnerable and get in the race.