Linkity and Scripture Study

We are constantly trying to find new ways to keep the kids listening during family scripture study. We are reading in 2 Nephi right now which contains alot of Isaiah's writing. So needless to say it hard to explain to the girls what going on when we are confused ourselves. So we have been pulling out the game "Linkity." It is a game with a stack of cards with a letter of the alphabet on each card. We divide the cards among them and then as they listen to us read the scriptures they listen for words that start with the letter on their card. For instance if they are holding a card with a "L" on it and hear the word "Liahona" they quietly say "Liahona" and put their card in the pile. The first one to get rid of their cards wins. I've never seen them listen so intently. I was actually surprised at how well Gentry did as well. They might not be understanding everything we read, but they are sitting, they are listening, they are being quiet, and they aren't poking or bugging the person next to them (a miracle in itself.) So here's an idea just in case you have a family like ours where it's hard enough just to sit and get through a chapter a night...play a game. I'd love to know some of your ideas that you do in your home that have seemed to work.

Congratulations Callister!

Not only did Calli make three baskets in her last basketball game

(you go girl!)... But she has also memorized all 13 Articles of Faith. She was recognized in primary with 2 other kids and given this certificate. Way to Go Calli, We are so proud of you!

Happy Valentines!

With Valentines being on a Saturday this year, we decided to turn it into a Family Fun Day! We had a great time spending the entire day laughing and playing together.

Happy Valentines Day Calli, Sadie and Gentry! I am the luckiest mom in the world to have you as my daughters. You are the best. I Love your guts forever! And Happy Valentines day to my best friend and husband, Adam. I feel so blessed to have you in my life. You truly are one in a million and I'm so glad you're mine. I Love you with all my heart.

School Valentine Parties

This year the girls class parties were on Friday. I spent the day helping in their classes. Sadie's party was before lunch and Calli's was after, so Gentry and I packed our lunch and just spent the day at the school. Gentry loves eating lunch there. She is so excited to start kindergarten next year. The girls had a hard time finding any valentine cards they liked, so we decided to make them.

We pulled out the Cricut and got creative.

Calli made an airplane out of candy that said "You're just plane awesome"

Sadie made suckers hooked to paper lips and mustaches.
And Gentry made Smarties butterflies. Also for their teachers we made hearts that said "you warm my heart" and hooked it to a box of hot chocolate. They were all so easy, but tons of fun to make and actually turned out pretty cute!

Valentines morning they woke up to a Valentines breakfast and some Valentine surprises.

It's Raining, It's Pouring!

The girls were so excited to see that it finally decided to rain Saturday night that they "Danced in the rain." Then they all ran in the house soaking wet yelling "cold, cold." After a nice warm bath and pajamas, we did one of favorite traditions when it rains.... Hot Chocolate and Toast in the Garage.

We go out in the garage set up our blankets and pillows, open the garage door and drink Hot Chocolate and eat toast while watching the rain and listening to the thunder. This is a tradition Adam and I started right after we were married and has continued for the last 13 years. The girls love it and rarely let's us miss a big storm.

Round Abouts and Family Scripture Study

To understand the following post, you first need to know about one of our family's silly little quirks. We have this thing where everytime we go around a Roundabout, someone in the car will yell "ROUNDABOUT" and then everyone in the car puts their hands in the air and yells "Put your hands in the air like you just don't care, like you just don't care, like you just don't care, put your hands in the air like you just don't care, woo woo" It has become so much fun that now neighbors and friends have started doing it in their own cars. (I know we're nerds) Anyways, now the following post will make more sense.

In Primary this year the kids have been challenged to read the entire Book of Mormon by November. We have decided to do it together as a family.

We each sit around together and take turns reading. Gentry on the other hand has a hard time sitting and makes it hard for the Calli and Sadie to concentrate, so we let her wander around a bit, as long as she stays in the living room and still takes her turn. The other night as we were reading; Adam Read 1 Nephi 21:18 "Lift up thine eyes round about and behold"...from around the corner we hear "ROUNDABOUT" from Gentry. Wow! She has actually been listening. I was so impressed.