Get to bed (of course, after you read that chapter)

It's hard to angry at kids for not going to bed when they are reading!

Happy birthday!

General Conference Ideas

I really love General Conference. There was a time I didn't appreciate the amazing learning experience at the feet of apostles and prophets.
Now, I have a notebook just for conference weekends where I can write down thoughts and quotes and inspiration. I've tried to set the example for my children by sitting through all sessions and taking notes. One rule I had when they were younger was they had to listen to the prophet every time he spoke. Now I expect them to be in the room or in listening range of all speakers.
There are a lot of great ideas on how to get more out of the talks and/or keep the little ones occupied and learning as well.



I found a blog that had a great idea of coming up with a list of questions and posting them on a wall. Then with prayer and listening to conference, finding the answers and writing them down. I love this engaging idea! I think we are going to try it this weekend.


What other ideas are out there?

Chez Louise! Would Ferris Bueller approve? Why, yes, yes he would

The Ferris Bueller dance was a hit and the teens could wear our teen clothes.
Like Ren wearing Garth's Judas Priest concert tee.
Meg went with Kaden Simmons and Ren did not go with Jospeh Harbold.

Keeping Summer Sane! W/ Connie Sokol

It's that time again—popsicles, playtime, and perpetually tired moms trying to find the balance between fun and functional. Here are a few tips to do both!

#1. Establish a morning routine. At the end of school, give your children a few days of just sleeping in and doing nada. But then, create a simple list of daily chores or zones that only need deep clean once a week, and a quick tidy the rest of the time. For example, key areas could be the family room, kitchen, entry way, etc. On each child's morning chore list would be this zone, as well as daily chores such as their bedroom and bathroom.
This works wonders because children quickly tidy up the main family areas so the day starts fresh. And, working together helps bonding as well as helps avoid more contention later—after they've worked, they're far more ready to play without fuss.

#2. Create a "Never Bored Board". As a family, brainstorm fun activities to do in the summer, separating ideas by "Inside, Outside, Family Projects, and Rewards!" We do this with a big poster board and tape it to the kitchen cabinet. "Inside" includes things like play dough, easy crafts, simple baking, coloring, drawing, etc. "Outside" includes water balloons, sprinkler attachments (fun water games), sidewalk chalk, sand play. Even include computer games, with fun apps like "Drawsome"—a game that allows two or more people to draw words on iPads while the other person guesses them, wherever they are in the house or car!
To make activities even easier, create a space for a Kids Cabinet where all supplies are stored in an easy to reach place. Children can pull out tubs labeled "Paints" or "Craft supplies" so you don't have to hunt them down each time.

#3. Choose one Family Project a week. This project can be whatever is most exciting or vital to your family: clean out the garage, yard work, painting the deck railings, etc. Involve the family and split it into doable chunks. We do Yard Work I, II, and III—sort of like a horror series, which it often feels like. But Phase I is de-cluttering the yard and eliminating garbage, messes, unused bikes, etc. Then Phase II is weeding and clearing brush and tree branches. Phase III is making it pretty—planting, trimming, caring for the grass. This helps us take it in small steps to decrease the whining (by some) and still enjoy working as a family.
The most important thing is to include rewards after projects or especially working hard. Rewards can be as simple as popsicles, to bigger ones like a trip to the nearby park or a water slide.
Keeping summer fun and functional means parents and children both can enjoy a sane and somewhat productive summer!

Summer self portraits-'Nuff said

Thanks Challenge

I am grateful for my children; their talents, ideas, creativity and love. I love when they share their thoughts and laughter with me as well their favorite toy or game.

This week we drew names for secret pals. We don't have to keep it a secret if we don't want to but by Thanksgiving we are all to write a note of gratitude to our secret pal.

This is the present I got from my secret pal:

Inside I found a handheld game:

My youngest favorite game.

Can life get any sweeter than a selfless gift?

Quotable Monday

DD6 and I were people watching when a young man walked by.  He may have a crooked spine as he walked sort of side-to-side.  

After watching him walk away my young son asked, "Is he handcuffed?"

"Do you mean handicapped?"

"Yeah."

Did your youngun' say something funny recently?  How about something you overheard?  What about your Primary class? Great source of funny sayings and questions! Or do you have a great/funny  photo/video? 

Let me know!  I would love to hear what you have heard!

Leave a comment here or email me at taffy dot lovell at gmail dot com