What the Shek FHE

Anger

2009-11-16T17:04:00.000-08:00

Opening Song: Tyler "Choose the Right"

Opening Prayer: Dad
Scripture: Dylan

Lesson: Mom

We have had a few problems with anger this week and I really liked this idea from The Family Home Evening Spot.

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 place (a safe place for the person to be able to hit things together like pillows, pots and pans or something else). 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 Place and go there for some alone time and make some noisefor stress relief. When someone is angry or not behaving the right way to their family - suggest some time at the Banging Place.

Closing Song: Dylan Families can be Together Forever
Prayer: Tyler

Jesus Walks on the Water

2009-11-09T17:31:00.000-08:00

Song: Families Can Be Together Forever
Prayer: Tyler

Scripture: Dylan

Lesson: Tyler
Tyler read the story of Jesus Walking on the Water from the Friend

We talked about what miracles are and how Peter had to have Faith to be able to walk with Jesus. If we have faith, we can do whatever we are asked to do.

Song: I am a Child of God
Prayer: Arthur

Fire Safety

2009-10-26T17:34:00.000-07:00

Song: Do as I'm Doing
Prayer: Dylan
Scripture: Arthur
Exodus 19:18

Lesson: I borrowed many ideas from Sugardoodle's lesson on Fire Safety

What is Fire?
Can Fire be good? Cooking, keeping us warm
Can Fire be dangerous? Can burn us, our home, mountains and forests
What do we have in our house that can warn us about fires? Smoke Alarm
Show pictures of firefighters in full gear. Sometimes they can be scary to kids. Teach the kids that they should not be afraid of firefighters.
What should we do in case of a fire in the house?

Get out of house as quickly as possible (don't stop for toys or anything)
Stay low on the ground
In bedroom - open window and jump out of window. If you can't get around the house to the front yard, go to the bottom of the yard near the fence. If you can get around the house, go to Carlos house
Upstairs, if safe, go outside and walk to Carlos house. If you can't make it out the front of the house, open a window, put a towel outside the window and wait for help. Do not jump out the window.
We will all meet at Carlos' house or at the bottom of our backyard.
If you catch fire, stop drop and roll

How can we prevent fires? Never play with candles, matches or lighters. Stay away from the stove
Activities: Practice escape route, practice Stop Drop and Roll

Song: Families Can Be Together Forever
Prayer: Tyler

Service

2009-10-19T17:08:00.000-07:00

Song: Love One Another
Prayer: Tyler
Scripture: Arthur

Lesson: Service
Do you know what it means to serve someone? It means to help someone.

Read: A Prophet's Love (Friend Magazine, October, 2009)

How did the Prophet Serve?
Was it easy for him to serve?
What challenges made service hard for him?
Who was blessed by his service?

Activity: Cut up strips of paper. On each paper strip, list one idea of how we can serve each other. Make one strip for each step. Have the children put the paper strips on the stairs. When finished, walk up the steps reading the examples of service.

Song: The Helping Song
Prayer: Dylan

Nephi is Commanded to Build a Ship

2009-06-22T20:43:00.001-07:00

Song: Book of Mormon Stories
Prayer: Dylan

Scripture: Tyler 1 Nephi 17:7-8

Lesson: Kerri

Nephi is Commanded to Build a Ship
(This lesson is a modified version of the one found here on LDSfamilyfun.com)

We reviewed the story of how Nephi is commanded by the Lord to build a ship. We emphasized that Nephi did not have any prior knowlege of how to build a ship before he was given this commandment. Because of his faith in the Lord, he accepted the calling and followed the Lord's council. Laman and Lemuel mocked their brother. They were not faithful and could not understand how Nephi would be able to complete this huge task. They confronted Nephi, so he put out his hands and shocked his brothers. They repented and then helped Nephi build the ship.

Print and prepare the Ship Activity Sheets found in the Activity Section Here - I would recommend printing this in color. It is also a lot more intricate than previously thought. We ended up having Arthur put the ships together, while the boys colored the coloring sheets. As they colored, I reviewed the following questions with them:

1. What was Nephi Commanded to build (A ship) - Fold A to inside
2. Who showed Nephi how to build the ship? (The Lord) - Fold B toward inside
3. What did Nephi need to make tools to build the ship? (Ore) - Fold C toward inside
4. Had Nephi ever built a ship before (No) - Fold D toward inside
5. Who mocked Nephi? (Laman & Lemuel) - Insert E into F. Fold flat and tape to hold
6. What happened to Laman & Lemuel when they mocked Nephi for building the ship? (Nephi streteched out his hand and the Lord shocked them) - Fold G toward inside
7. Did Laman and Lemuel repent and help Nephi build the ship? (Yes) - Fold H toward inside
8. Why did the Lord want Nephi to build a ship? (So they could cross the water to the Promised Land) - Insert I into J. Point on bow whould point away from boat. Tape to hold
9. Why did Nephi know he could build a ship? (He had trust in the Lord) - With printed sides facing out - tape sales together at mast

Closing Prayer: Arthur

The Brass Plates

2009-06-15T20:12:00.000-07:00

Song: Book of Mormon Stories
Prayer: Dylan

Lesson: Tyler

The Brass Plates

Tyler told the story about how Lehi asked Nephi and his brothers to return to Jerusalem to retrieve the Brass Plates. He emphasized how Nephi listened to his father and was happy to do what he asked. His brothers, on the other hand, were not good listeners and complained quite a bit. Then we talked about how Lehi was proud of Nephi for following the commandment to get the Brass Plates. Thanks to his diligence, we are able to read their stories in the Book of Mormon.

Song: Jingle Bells (Dylan's choice)
Prayer: Tyler

Sacrament Helps me Remember Jesus

2009-06-08T20:00:00.001-07:00

Song: Reverently, Quietly (#26)
Prayer: Tyler

Scripture: Arthur
Luke 22:19-20

Lesson: What was the scripture about? Sacrament

(This lesson came from the Nursery Manual Lesson 27)

Story: Right before Jesus was going to return to his Father, he sat with his Apostles and taught them about the Sacrament. Because they would not see him, he asked them to take the Sacrament and to remember Him. After Christ was crucified and Resurrected, he visited with the Nephites. He taught them about the Sacrament as well. He wanted them to take the Sacrament and always remember Him. So, this is something that we do as well. When we take the Sacrament, we remember Jesus.

What are we supposed to think about when we take the Sacrament? Jesus
Hold up a picture of Jesus
What are we supposed to think about when we eat the bread? Jesus' Body
What are we supposed to think about when we drink the water? Jesus' Blood

Hold up picture of Family taking the Sacrament
What do you notice about the family? Are the kids playing, screaming, or fighting when they take the Sacrament? Are they under the bench playing? No, they are sitting reverently.
What are the Mom and Dad doing in the picture? Sitting Reverently
What do you think the family is thinking about? Jesus
When we sit reverently, we can think about Jesus.

Activity - we cut out the pictures of the kids taking the Sacrament and colored them. I then compiled them into a book. We will take these books to church to remind the family how to behave during the Sacrament.

Prayer: Dylan

Work

2009-06-01T20:06:00.000-07:00

Song: Families Can Be Together Forever
Prayer: Arthur
Scripture: Dylan

Lesson: Kerri

Work (from http://www.ldssplash.com/fhe/fhe_lessons/work/work.htm)

What is work? Where does Daddy go everyday? (work) How does his work bless us? (he earns money to support us as a family). Do we work here at home? How do we work at home?

How do you feel when you have done your chores?

Heavenly Father wants us to learn how to work because it helps us be more like Him.

Read and talk about each line of the song "Put your Shoulder to the Wheel"

The world has need of willing men
Who wear the workers seal
Come, help the good work move along
Put you shoulder to the wheel

Put your shoulder to the wheel push along.
Do your duty with a heart full of song.
We all have work, let no one shirk
Put your shoulder to the wheel.

Younger children:
Memorize the song "Put your Shoulder to the Wheel" Put tape on the back of the visual aids and tape them on the wall as needed.

The world has need of willing men (Blue suited worker)
Who wear the workers seal (tape seal on workers shirt)
Come, help the good work move along (man yelling HELP!)
Put you shoulder to the wheel (put shoulder on wheel)

Put your shoulder to the wheel push along. (point at shoulder on wheel, then put up people pushing boulder)
Do your duty with a heart full of song. (heart with music)
We all have work, let no one shirk (two hands working, kid watching T.V.)
Put your shoulder to the wheel. (point to shoulder and wheel again)

Song: Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel

Prayer: Tyler

Activity: Yogurtland

Disneyland

2009-05-25T20:05:00.000-07:00

Today was Arthur's Birthday, so we celebrated by going to California Adventure.

Love One Another

2009-05-04T17:08:00.001-07:00

Song: Love at Home
Prayer: Dylan
Scripture: Arthur

Lesson: Love One Another

We are using this lesson from Stephanie Hawkins that I found on the SugerDoodle website.

Activity: Hide and Seek

Song: Families can be Together Forever
Prayer: Tyler

Mini Golf

2009-04-27T16:49:00.000-07:00

This week for FHE, we went over to a local Miniature Golf course to play golf.

Priesthood

2009-04-20T15:44:00.000-07:00

Song: Love is Spoken Here (Children's Songbook #190)
Prayer: Dylan
Scripture: Arthur

Lesson: The Priesthood Blesses Our Family

I used a Lesson 28 from the Nursery Manual to teach about the Priesthood:

Tell the children that the priesthood is God’s power; God gives the priesthood to older boys and men so that they can bless their families and others.

Blessing Babies:
Show the picture on page 118 and invite the children to pretend to hold a baby. Explain that babies can be blessed and given a name by men who have the priesthood.

Blessing the Sick:
Show the illustration on page 119 of a blessing for the sick. Tell the children that a person who has the priesthood can bless those who are sick so that they can feel better. Turn to the picture on page 26. Point to Jesus and explain that in this picture Jesus is blessing someone who is blind.

Sacrament:
Show the picture on page 114. Remind the children that we take the sacrament each Sunday. Explain that it is prepared, blessed, and passed by those who have the priesthood.
Activity: Put together the Priesthood FlipBook to reinforce what we use the Priesthood for:

Additional Activity: Play Robot - from LDS Living Magazine
Have Dad be the robot. Little children sit on his shoulders, larger ones control him standing beside him. Two taps on his head tell him to go forward. One tap means to stop. A tug on the right ear means to go to the right, and a tug on the left ear means turn left. Let everyone have a turn “controlling” Dad. Remind the family that Dad holds the priesthood and that gives him the authority to act in God’s name. When he is using the priesthood, he needs to listen to God and follow His commands.

Song: Tyler's Choice
Prayer: Tyler

Easter Eggs

2009-04-13T15:36:00.000-07:00

Song: Tell me the Stories of Jesus
Prayer: Dylan
Scripture: Arthur

Lesson: Easter Eggs

We had 13 Easter Eggs filled with items to represent the story of Easter. As the kids opened the eggs, we would tell how the item represented a part of the story.

Song: Do As I'm Doing
Prayer: Tyler

Easter Shoes

2009-03-16T15:03:00.000-07:00

Song: Did Jesus Really Live Again (p.64)
Prayer: Dylan

Scripture: Arthur

Lesson: I used this lesson from the Friend (April 2007 Sharing Time Idea #2)

Display three shoe boxes, and ask the children to raise their hands if they like to try on new shoes. Explain that you want them to imagine trying on some other people's shoes, but more important you want them to imagine what it would be like to actually be that person. One by one, take out a pair of shoes from each box. (You can also display pictures or drawings of shoes.)

Boots: Show a pair of boots to represent the soldiers who guarded Jesus's tomb. Use detail to tell the story in such a way that the children can imagine being there when Jesus Christ was laid in the tomb.

Sandals: Use a pair of sandals to tell the story of Mary Magdalene. Ask the children how it might have felt to have been at the garden tomb when the resurrected Savior appeared.

Church Shoes: Last, show a pair of shoes that children in your area commonly wear. Ask how it feels to be a member of the Church and to have the knowledge that you will be resurrected because of the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Bear testimony that the Easter story is the most glorious story in the world. Testify that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He died and was resurrected.

Song: Children's Choice

Prayer: Tyler

Easter - Atonement

2009-03-09T17:28:00.000-07:00

Song: Did Jesus Really Live Again
Prayer: Dylan

Scripture: Arthur

Lesson: We did this lesson again to teach about the Atonement

Song: I am a Child of God
Prayer: Tyler

My Family

2009-02-23T17:22:00.000-08:00

Song: I have a Family Tree
Prayer: Dylan

Lesson: Arthur

My Family

We used this lesson from the Friend to teach about our family.

We used representations for our Grandparents, parents, 2 boys, and a baby (for the baby soon-to-be born).

We took turns by saying something that we love about each family member. Once we finished talking about that family member, we put them next to the home.

We emphasized that our home is a place where our family can feel loved.

Song: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Prayer: Tyler

Gospel Bingo

2009-02-16T17:11:00.000-08:00

Today we played Gospel Bingo with M&M's. This is a favorite game for the kids and they learn a little about gospel principles.

See this post for a full description.

Chinese New Year

2009-01-26T17:23:00.000-08:00

Since today is Chinese New Year, we will be celebrating!

On Saturday, we went to eat some Dim Sum with some good friends at Empress Pavillion in China Town.

Tonight, we will order some good Chinese food, and make Chinese Lanterns, and Glitter Fireworks.

Following in Jesus Footsteps

2009-01-15T12:57:00.001-08:00

Song: Tell me the Stories of Jesus
Prayer: Arthur

Lesson: Jesus lived on Earth to teach us how to live. We needed someone to show us and teach us the things that are most important in this life. Jesus was that perfect teacher. Even though he lived a long time ago, we still follow in his footsteps by doing the things that he did.

Activity: Footstep Activity

I used an activity I found online (see the link above). I printed off pictures from Christ's life and footsteps. Each picture had a pair of footsteps to go with it. The pictures were then taped to the floor all around our house. The boys took turns "following" in Jesus' footsteps by walking around the room and placing their feet on the footstep. We then talked about each part of Christ's life and whether or not we would do those things in our lives. At the end of the path was a plate of cookies for all of use to enjoy.

Song: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Prayer: Tyler

New Baby

2009-01-05T12:54:00.000-08:00

Song: Families Can be Together Forever
Prayer: Dylan

Lesson: We discussed that we would soon have a new baby in the family and how excited and blessed we are. Then we watched the video of the ultrasound to show the kids what the baby looks like right now.

Song: I am a Child of God
Prayer: Tyler

Gratitude Turkey

2008-11-24T16:01:00.000-08:00

Song: I am Thankful to be me (Children's Songbook #11)
Prayer: Dylan

Scripture: Tyler Alma 34:38

Lesson: Kerri
Why is it important that we celebrate Thanksgiving?
Who should we be grateful to for giving us so many blessings?
What are some things that we should be thankful for?

Song: I am a Child of God
Prayer: Arthur

Activity: Gratitude Turkey
I found this activity online and thought it was simple enough for my family.

The Story of Jesus

2008-11-10T17:00:00.000-08:00

Song: Tell me the Stories of Jesus
Prayer: Dylan

Scripture: Tyler Luke 2:4-7

Lesson: We put together these little books that tell the story of Jesus. After we were done, we reviewed the story and shared how important Jesus is to us.

Song: I am a Child of God
Prayer: Arthur

Treat: Rice Krispy treats

Heavenly Father Loves Me

2008-11-03T18:03:00.000-08:00

Song: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Prayer: Arthur
Scripture: Tyler D&C 59:18-20

Lesson: Heavenly Father Loves Me

I found this lesson (under "Creation") that ended up working very well for our kids. I prepared a box filled with a candle, some colorful leaves, and some M&M's. I kept the lid on the box.

Heavenly Father loves us all so much. He created so many things to help us be happy and experience joy.

Can you think of anything that Heavenly Father created? Sun, Moon, Stars, Trees, Pictures, Lights

This box is full of things that will help us remember how much Heavenly Father loves us.

Heavenly Father gave us noses so that we can smell beautiful things. Take out the candle and pass it around so everyone can use their nose to smell.

Heavenly Father gave us eyes so we can see wonderful creations. Sprinkle colorful leaves on the floor.

Heavenly Father gave us mouths and tongues to be able to taste delicious food. Have kids close their eyes and put an M&M inside their mouth.

These are just 3 of the things that Heavenly Father gave us so that we can experience joy and happiness in our lives.

Song: I am a Child of God
Prayer: Tyler

Activity: Head, Shoulder, Knees and Toes

Fall Celebration

2008-10-30T18:02:00.000-07:00

Tonight we carved and decorated our pumpkins for Halloween.

Book of Mormon

2008-10-20T20:01:00.000-07:00

Song: Book of Mormon Stories
Prayer: Dylan
Scripture: Tyler 2 Nephi 4:15
Lesson: Book of Mormon - the coolest gift

I used this idea and told everyone that I had forgotten to do the lesson. Had anyone else prepared a lesson? What are we going to do? I then had Arthur secretly call our home phone and I pretended to have a conversation with an unknown person.

Do you hear that? They are coming? Listen carefully, they are getting off the freeway! I think I hear them driving down the road! They are going to bring us the coolest thing ever! Wait, I hear them pulling into the driveway! Do you see them! Oh, they are walking to our backyard! Hurry, let's see what they are going to bring us!

We ran downstairs and the boys opened the door to find a gift bag on the deck. We then opened it up to find it contained the Book of Mormon.

I then told them how much I love the Book of Mormon and how cool it has been in my life.

I had them sit down to listen to my favorite Book of Mormon story.

3 Nephi 17:19-24
I showed a picture of Jesus with children to illustrate how much Jesus loved little children and how he personally blessed them. I read quite a bit, but I wanted the kids to hear directly from the scriptures.

Song: The Helping Song
Prayer: Arthur

Sharing

2008-10-13T16:40:00.000-07:00

Song: I am a Child of God
Prayer: Arthur
Scripture: Tyler

Lesson: Kerri

Sharing

Kerri and Arthur acted out several scenarios and asked the kids if we were sharing (thumb up) or not sharing (thumbs down).

Do you feel happy or sad inside when you share your toys?
Do you think Heavenly Father wants us to share with others?
The happy feeling that you feel inside is Heavenly Father telling you that he is proud of you.
Heavenly Father wants to share all that he has with us. In order for us to be able to receive those things, we need to be like him and learn to share all that we have with others.

Activity: Sharing Cube Game found in the Nursery Manual

Song: Helping Song
Prayer: Tyler

Testimony

2008-10-06T22:15:00.001-07:00

Song: I want to Be a Missionary Now
Prayer: Tyler

Lesson: Kerri

A testimony is a strong belief in something. In church, it is important to have a belief in many things. That belief will allow us to have a testimony which will help us to grow spiritually. When we have trials, our testimony will carry us through and help us overcome any obstacles. Tyler mentioned that it is important to have a testimony of Jesus, the prophet, and temples.

Activity: We cut out the pictures from this lesson from the Friend magazine. We taped them onto our fingers. As we taped them on, we talked about what each picture stood for and why we needed to have a testimony of it. As members of the Lord's church, it is crucial to have a testimony of these things.

Song: I Love to See the Temple
Prayer: Dylan

Prayers of Gratitude

2008-09-29T22:23:00.000-07:00

Song:
Prayer: Arthur

Lesson: Kerri

I read the story, Pirates, from the Friend Magazine. We talked about how a simple prayer from a little girl helped save all the people on the boat. It is important to Thank Heavenly Father for all of our blessings in our prayers. We then talked about some of the things that we are grateful for in our live.

Activity: I used the activity from this page in the Friend. We listed all of the things that we should thank Heavenly Father for in our prayers.

Prayer: Tyler

Noah's Ark

2008-09-15T18:50:00.001-07:00

Tyler has been very interested in the story of Noah's Ark, so I asked him to give the lesson this week.

Song: I have a Family Tree
Prayer: Arthur
Scripture: Kerri
Genesis 7:1 And the Lord said unto ^aNoah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation

Lesson: Kerri and Tyler

Picture 1: Ark on dry land with animals walking inside

The people on the Earth were very wicked. Every one except for Noah and his family were wicked. God decided to flood the Earth but wanted to preserve the faithful. So, He asked Noah to build an ark for his family the animals on the Earth

Picture 2: Ark floating on water

The rains began and the Earth flooded. The ark held up perfectly through the storm

Picture 3: Animals inside the Ark

Even though there was a terrible storm, the animals were all safe and comfortable inside the Ark.

Picture 4: The skies are clear, a dove retrieves an olive branch

Noah sent out the dove to see if there was any dry land. The olive branch was a sign that there was dry land and they could get off the Ark.

Picture 5: Ark on dry land with animals departing. Rainbow in the sky

Noah and his family and the animals were kept safe through the flood. The rainbow is a sign from God telling us that he will not flood the Earth again.

Song: The Helping Song
Prayer: Dylan

Father's Blessing

2008-09-08T20:50:00.001-07:00

It has been a month of illness, vacation, and out-of-town conferences. We are back in full-swing with FHE and will post regularly again.

Song: The Helping Song
Prayer: Dylan

Lesson: Priesthood Blessings

This was a pretty basic lesson to introduce blessings.

1. What are blessings? A special prayer given by a member of the Priesthood to someone who is sick or in need of counsel, comfort or healing.
2. Can Mom give blessings? Can Tyler give blessings? Can Dylan give blessings? No, only Daddy can give blessings in our family because he holds the Melchizedek Priesthood.
3. Have you ever seen a blessing? Baby Blessings
4. Father's Blessings are special blessings that a father can offer to any member of the family at any time.

Tonight Arthur gave Tyler a father's blessing to prepare him for his upcoming school year.

Activity: Water Balloon Fight

As a side note to this lesson, I wanted to mention that the blessing was a great thing to witness. Tyler was very quiet and stayed still the entire time. He felt very special to be able to receive such a blessing. Immediately after the blessing concluded, he jumped off the chair and exclaimed, "I have to go pee!" and ran to the bathroom. When he finished, he came out and said, "Mommy, that was a REALLY long prayer!"

Learning about Baptism

2008-08-04T20:50:00.000-07:00

Song: The Helping Song
Prayer: Dylan

Scripture: Arthur Alma 15:12 - this is an example of someone (Zeezrom) being baptized in the scriptures. There are many other times when the scriptures have mentioned people getting baptized, too.

Lesson: Kerri and Tyler
Learning about Baptism
I used various parts from the August 2008 Friend

We are going to learn a little about baptism tonight.
Can anyone think of someone very special and important that got baptized? (Jesus Christ)

Show a picture of Jesus getting baptized.

Jesus got baptized to show us how important it is for all of us to be baptized.

How old do you have to be to get baptized? (8 years old or older)
Where do you get baptized? (in the water)
What color do you wear when you are baptized? (white)
Who in our family could baptize you? (Dad)

Tyler used the pictures from the activity "When I am Eight Years Old" (Friend, Aug 2008 pg. 33)
to tell us what order things happen when he will be baptized.

1. He will turn 8 years old and will have a birthday party
2. He will talk to the bishop about baptism.
3. He will get baptized.
4. He will receive the Holy Ghost.

Song: Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree
Prayer: Kerri

Sons of Mosiah

2008-07-28T20:40:00.001-07:00

Song: The Helping Song
Prayer: Dylan
Scripture: Arthur Mosiah 28:6-7

Lesson: Missionary Work

Have you ever seen a missionary? Where? (church, riding bikes on the street)

How do you know they are missionaries?(their name tags, what they are wearing)

What do missionaries do? (preach the gospel, serve others, be good examples)

Can we be missionaries? How? (be good examples of the church, invite friends to primary, help others, teach our friends)

Activity: Tyler and Kerri taught the family this activity from the Friend Magazine. It illustrates the story of Mosiah's sons and how they became successful missionaries who baptized many.

Song: Called to Serve
Prayer: Tyler

Treat: Fresh pineapple

Title of Liberty

2008-07-21T20:56:00.000-07:00

Song: The Helping Song
Prayer: Kerri

Lesson: Kerri
I bought some white fabric and made a Title of Liberty. I attached it to a pole.

Show American Flag - what does this mean to you? (Freedom, America, Liberty, Opportunity, Peace)

Flags have been used for many years to symbolize different things for people. They unify groups of people and help to remind them of what is most important.

The Nephites were being threatened by the Lamanites. The Lamanites wanted to take their land and enslave them. If this happened, the Nephites would have lost their ability to worship freely. Captain Moroni created the Title of Liberty to remind his people about what was most important to them.

What were the most important things that Moroni valued? God, Religion, Freedom, Peace, Wives, and Children

The flag rallied his people together in a common goal and they were able to defeat the Lamanites and protect their livelihood.

Song: Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree
Prayer: Arthur

Activity: We went to a local ice cream shop for dessert

Understanding the Sacrament

2008-07-07T16:35:00.000-07:00

I just found this great site for flannel board stories. I admit, I don't have a flannel board, but the pictures are cute and perfect for our young family.

Song: Before I Take the Sacrament (Children's Songbook #73)
Prayer: Arthur
Scripture: Tyler D&C 27:2

Lesson: Kerri

I used this lesson to teach about the Sacrament. We printed off the pictures and used them to tell the story of the Last Supper (Matthew 26:26-28). Then we related that to how we take the Sacrament each Sunday in church

Activity: Prepare Homemade ice cream
Song: The Helping Song
Prayer: Tyler

Miniature Golf

2008-06-30T17:17:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy month for us, so we decided to spend some quality time as a family playing miniature golf again.

Joseph Smith and the Golden Plates

2008-06-23T07:37:00.000-07:00

Song: The Golden Plates
Prayer: Arthur
Scripture: Arthur

Lesson: Tyler and Kerri

We used this story from the May 2008 issue of the Friend. I cut out these figures and colored them. Tyler and I then told the story by acting it out with the characters.

At the end, Tyler made the point that the Golden Plates that Joseph Smith had found would one day become our scriptures.

Song: The Helping Song
Prayer: Dylan

Activity: We played a Thomas the Tank Engine card game
Treat: Otter Pops

I Can Be a Friend

2008-06-16T16:23:00.000-07:00

Song: Give Said the Little Stream
Prayer: Tyler
Scripture: Arthur

Lesson: I Can be a Friend

1. Who are your friends?
Use 3 hand puppets (1 sad, 1 mad, 1 happy)

Let me introduce you to a special friend of mine. Pull out sad friend
Is she mad, sad, or happy?
what do we do when our friends are sad? ask her what is wrong? offer to help

Pull out mad friend
Is she mad, sad, or happy?
what do we do when our friends are mad? ask her why she is mad. offer to help.

Pull out happy friend
this is how our friends feel when we help them or make them feel better.

I have a picture of another very special friend. Do you know who this is? (Show a picture of Jesus)

How do you know that Jesus is your friend?

Explain that Jesus loves us and would do anything to help us. He teaches us good things and wants us to return to him and Heavenly Father. Good friends want us to do good things and be good boys and girls.

Activity:

Have the children stand and sing “Fun to Do” (Children’s Songbook, p. 253), using the phrase “Sharing my (toys, book, or whatever else the children suggest) is fun to do.” Have the children make up actions to go along with the words.

Sharing my toys is fun to do,
Fun to do, to do, to do!
Sharing my toys is fun to do,
To do, to do, to do!

Prayer: Arthur

This lesson was adapted from Primary 1:Lesson 33

Family Tree

2008-06-09T14:44:00.001-07:00

Song: Families Can Be Together Forever
Prayer: Arthur
Scripture: Tyler

Lesson: Family Tree

Read all of or a short part of the The Family: A Proclamation to the World
Summarize that Heavenly Fathers wants us to have families that love each other.
What is a family? Grandmas and Grandpas, Moms and Dad, Brothers and Sisters, Sons and Daughters

Activity: Put together a family tree. I printed out small pictures of our family to glue to the apples and stick on the tree.

Song: The Helping SonPublish Post
Prayer: Tyler

The Anti-Nephi Lehies

2008-06-02T16:51:00.000-07:00

Song: Dylan conduct - Book of Mormon Stories
Prayer: Arthur
Scripture: Tyler

Lesson: Anti-Nephi Lehies

A group of Lamanites had been converted to the gospel of Christ by the sons of King Mosiah. Before learning about Christ they were very wicked people who lived a life of violence.

Give children safe "swords" and have them fight one another. Does Heavenly Father want us to hurt each other?

Once they learned about Christ, they understood that they had not been good. They wanted to say sorry for hurting their brothers.

Have the children say sorry to each other.

They prayed to the Lord and said that they would never pick up their weapons of war again. They buried their weapons deep into the earth and vowed to never hurt anyone again.

Have the children bury their "weapons" under a blanket".

They changed their name to the "Anti-Nephi Lehies" to signify that they were no longer part of the violent Lamanites. The Lamanites came to battle with them and many were killed. But, they lived up to their covenant and did not fight back.

Have a parent come and pretend to fight with them, but instruct the children not to fight back.

Heavenly Father blessed the Anti-Nephi Lehies by softening the hearts of the Nephites so that they would give them a land of their own.

Have the children move to another room to show that they were able to live peacefully in their own land.

The Anti-Nephi Lehies were able to live peacefully and lived up to their promise to God by never picking up weapons of war again.

Song: Dylan conduct - The Helping Song
Prayer: Tyler

Activity: Decorate cupcakes

Helping our Neighbors

2008-05-19T18:10:00.000-07:00

Song: I'm Trying to Be like Jesus (Children's Songbook #78)
Prayer: Tyler
Scripture: Arthur

Lesson: Helping our Neighbors

We love our neighbors. They love us and help us in so many ways. Can you think of any way that our neighbors have helped us?

1. Babysitting
2. Love us
3. Let us borrow stuff

Serving others means to help them.

Heavenly Father has asked us to love and serve our neighbors. When we serve them, it makes Heavenly Father happy. How can we help our neighbors?

1. Offer to help
2. Give love in return
3. Be good examples

Song: The Helping Son
Prayer: Arthur

Activity: We received several Family Emergency Prep Guides from a Stake Relief Society that reference the Provident Living website. I can't find a copy online, so I am not sure if it was put together by a local church group (as it has local telephone numbers and addresses). For our activity, we served our neighbors by delivering these guides to them.

Gospel Bingo

2008-05-12T10:42:00.000-07:00

Song: I love to see the Temple
Prayer: Tyler
Scripture: Kerri 3 Nephi 27:21

Lesson: Arthur

We played LDS Bingo. Arthur found these cards online and as each principle was chosen, he would review how it was part of the gospel.

Song: The Helping Song
Prayer: Kerri

Treat: M&M's that were used in the Bingo game to cover our cards

Miniature Golf

2008-05-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

We didn't get our act together to plan a spiritual lesson this week. So, we stole an idea from one of our friend's blogs and went Miniature Golfing at a small local golf course. Stay tuned on the family blog for pictures from the night.

Oahu Sightseeing

2008-04-28T17:31:00.000-07:00

Since we are in Hawaii, FHE was spent sightseeing the island. We hiked up Diamond Head, visited the Byodi-In Temple, and took a scenic tour around the southeastern shores of the Island. Heavenly Father's creations are spectacular!

Learn about Hawaii

2008-04-21T17:27:00.000-07:00

Since we are leaving for Hawaii this week, FHE was spent learning about Hawaii. Arthur planned the lesson by printing out a map of Hawaii as well as beautiful pictures of Hawaii beaches, pineapples and hula dancers. The boys loved the map and would stare at the pictures in excitement. When we got to Hawaii, the map was a favorite for the boys to review when we were driving.

FHE - Lexi's Bad Day

2008-04-14T16:22:00.000-07:00

Song: Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam
Prayer: Arthur

Lesson: Kerri

Sometimes we have good days and sometimes we have bad days. Here is a story about a little girl named Lexi. She was having a bad day.

Lexi's Bad Day (Friend April 2008)

Why was Lexi having a bad day?
What did she do to turn her bad day into a good day?

Mommy, Daddy, Tyler and Dylan have good days and we have bad days. When we have a bad day, sometimes just singing fun songs can make us feel better.

Song: Give Said the Little Stream
Prayer: Tyler

The Courage of Abinidi

2008-04-07T20:41:00.000-07:00

Song: The Temple Song (conducted by Dylan)
Prayer: Arthur

Lesson: Arthur
We used hand puppets to reenact the story of Abinidi. Since Tyler and Dylan are still very young, we substituted out the part where Abinidi and King Noah are burned to death. Instead, we said that they were spanked.

Song: The Helping Song (conducted by Dylan)
Prayer: Tyler

Food Storage

2008-03-31T20:38:00.000-07:00

My mom has been urging our family to get better prepared with our Food Storage. Tonight, the family went to Costco to purchase rice and canned chicken. It is our goal to purchase at least one food storage item on each Costco trip.

Our stake has also come up with a handy list of important Emergency Preparedness items. We have a long way to go, but if we continue to work at it, we will be prepared.

Easter

2008-03-23T20:35:00.000-07:00

We held our FHE on Sunday night this week because it was Easter. We used this lesson to illustrate the story of the Atonement.

Moroni hides the Plates

2008-03-18T18:19:00.000-07:00

Song: He Sent his Son (Children's Songbook #34)
Prayer: Tyler

Lesson: Arthur
Arthur explains that the Gold plates are hidden by Moroni so that Joseph Smith can find them in the future. The Golden Plates become the Book of Mormon. For a reference, use: GAK 320

Song: The Helping Song
Prayer: Kerri

Treat: Green Jello (in honor of St. Patrick's Day)

Jesus Can Heal Us

2008-03-10T18:17:00.000-07:00

Song: Tell me the Stories of Jesus (Children's Songbook #57)
Prayer: Mom

Scripture: 3 Nephi 17:110

Lesson: Tyler and Mom
Show picture of Jesus Healing the Nephites (GAK 317)
When Jesus came to visit the Nephites, he taught them many things. They could not understand a lot of them, so he told them to go home and rest and come back later.

The people wanted to stay with Jesus and he knew that they did not want to leave. So, he asked them to bring those who were sick and afflicted to him. He healed each of them.

If we have faith in Jesus, he can heal us.

Song: The Helping Song
Prayer: Dad

Activitiy:

1st Presidency

2008-03-03T18:12:00.000-08:00

Song: I love to see the Temple
Prayer: Mom

Lesson: Dad

We reviewed what the 1st Presidency is in the church. We had a print-out of their pictures and names. After reviewing who they are, we had the boys cut the pictures and names and play a matching game.

Song: The Helping Song
Prayer: Tyler

Activity: Chutes and Ladders

Treat: Ice Cream

FHE - Nephi tied to Ship

2008-02-25T17:21:00.000-08:00

Song: Tell me the Stories of Jesus (Children's Songbook #57)
Prayer: Tyler

Scripture: Arthur

Lesson: Nephi and his family are on the ship sailing to the promised land. Nephi's brothers begin to sing, dance wildly and not say nice things. They are not nice to Nephi. Nephi tried to remind them to be good, but they get mad and tie him to the mast of the ship. There is a great storm and the ship begins to rock. They get lost and don't know where they are. 4 days later, Nephi's brothers realize that they need to say they are sorry. The storm is calm and they are able to figure out how to find the promised land.

If we obey and listen to Heavenly Father, he will tell us where we need to go and what we should do.

Song: Choose the Right (Children's Songbook #160)
Prayer: Arthur

Activity: Chutes and Ladders

Our New Prophet - President Monson

2008-02-04T17:19:00.000-08:00

President Hinckley passed away last week and President Monson was recently called to be the new prophet of the world. We reviewed pictures of him and read about his life.

FHE - I have a Body

2008-01-14T13:58:00.000-08:00

Family Home Evening
I have a Body

Song: I am a Child of God
Prayer: Tyler

Lesson: Kerri

I have a Body

What is a body?
Point out various parts of our bodies (eyes, ears, fingers, feet, etc.)

Do Heavenly Father and Jesus have bodies?

Show GAK 216

Ask children to find Jesus' hands. Now have them point to their own hands.
Ask children to find Jesus' feet. Now have them point to their own feet.
Continue as needed

We have bodies just like Jesus and Heavenly Father.

Song: Head Shoulders Knees and Toes
Prayer: Arthur

Activity: Hokey Pokey, Wheel Barrow or Dance

FHE - Noah's Ark

2008-01-07T13:58:00.000-08:00

Family Home Evening
Noah's Ark

Song: I am a Child of God
Prayer: Tyler

Lesson: Arthur
Noah's Ark

Tell story of Noah's Ark using animal cutouts and a boat

Matching Game - find matching pairs of animals and attach them to the boat

Song: Helping Song
Prayer: Kerri

FHE - Christmas Lights

2007-12-17T14:19:00.000-08:00

Tonight, we plan to visit Hastings Ranch to admire the Christmas lights.

Family Home Evening - Being Thankful

2007-12-10T10:53:00.000-08:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Being Thankful

Opening Song: "Christmas Bells" (Children's Songbook #54)
Opening Prayer: Tyler

Lesson: Being Thankful

What are we Thankful for?
(family, church, friends, house, etc.)

Some people don't have those things in their life. We are very fortunate to have been blessed with these things.

Reminder that even though Christmastime brings presents, we should be show our thanks for everything we already have.

How do we say Thank You?
(say prayers, be kind to others, share)

Activity: Create Gratitude Chains (1 inch strips of green and red paper - write things you are thankful for and chain them together)

Closing Song: "Christmas Bells" (Children's Songbook #54)
Closing Prayer: Arthur

FHE - Christmas Carols

2007-12-03T03:24:00.000-08:00

This week for FHE, we sang some of our favorite Christmas Carols.

FHE - Christmas Star

2007-11-26T03:13:00.000-08:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Christmas Star

Opening Song: "Christmas Bells" (Children's Songbook #54)
Opening Prayer: Tyler

Lesson: The Christmas Star

Look outside and see how the stars can provide light in the night.
Tell the story of Jesus' birth and how a very bright star was in the sky. This let the whole world know that the Savior was born. It also helped the 3 Wise Men know where to find Jesus. The Star is a very important part of Christmas because it reminds us of that night.

Activity: Decorate Christmas Tree

Closing Song: "Christmas Bells" (Children's Songbook #54)
Closing Prayer: Arthur

FHE - Disneyland

2007-11-19T03:08:00.000-08:00

This week's FHE was spent at Disneyland.

FHE - Baptism

2007-11-12T13:31:00.001-08:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Baptism

Opening Song: "Baptism" (Children's Song Book #100)

Opening Prayer: Tyler

Lesson: Mom

Baptism

Show pictures of Baptism (GAK 208 and GAK 601)

When we are 8 years old, we can be baptized into Heavenly Father's church. Baptism cleans us from all of our sins so that we can live with Heavenly Father again.

Do you want to live with Heavenly Father?

If we do bad things and are unclean, we cannot live with him. So, we need to be baptized to make sure we are good boys and girls.

Dirt Lesson - have everyone put their hands into dirt and then have them put their hands in clean water to represent the cleansing that takes place when we are baptized.

Closing Song: "Baptism" (Children's Song Book #100)
Closing Prayer: Dad

Activity: Bake Pumpkin Bread

FHE - Prayer

2007-11-05T15:18:00.000-08:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Prayer

Opening Song: "A Prayer Song" (Children's Song Book #22a)

Opening Prayer: Dad

Lesson: Mom

Prayer

1. If we want to talk to Grandma and Grandpa, what do we do? (call them on the phone)

2. How do we talk to Heavenly Father? (pray)

3. Who was Dad just talking to when he said a prayer? (Heavenly Father)

Show Young Boy Praying picture (GAK 605)

What is this boy doing?

Who is he talking to?

What do you think he is saying?

We can talk to Heavenly Father any time we want. If we need something, we can always pray and ask Heavenly Father for it.

Tell Daniel in the Lion's Den Story and show picture (GAK 117)

Activity: What's Missing game - put several items on a tray. Allow everyone to look at the objects. Have everyone close their eyes and remove one object. Everyone tries to figure out what is missing from the tray.

Closing Song: "A Prayer Song" (Children's Song Book #22a)
Closing Prayer: Tyler

This idea adapted from Primary 1 Lesson 4

FHE - Joseph Smith

2007-10-29T16:23:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
Joseph Smith

Opening Song: "Follow the Prophet" (Children's Song Book #110)
Opening Prayer: Tyler

Lesson: Dad

Who is Joseph Smith?

Show Joseph picture josephsmithconferenceloc.byu.edu

Who is Joseph Smith? He founded our church and was the first president.

He didn't know which church to go to when he was a boy, so he prayed one day in the sacred grove. As answer to his prayers, he found out that there was no true church and that he was to restore the truthful church to the earth. He would receive revelation to bring the Book of Mormon to the people.

Show Grove picture grove.

Closing Song: “The Sacred Grove” (Children’s Song Book # 87)

Closing Prayer: Mom

Activity: Game

FHE - What is the Temple

2007-10-25T16:14:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
What is the Temple

Opening Song: "I Love to See the Temple" (Children's Song Book #95)

Opening Prayer: Dad

Lesson: Mom

What is the Temple

Show temple picture (GAK 502)

Discuss the beauty of the temples, pointing out the spires, windows, and doors. Explain that on an outside wall of each temple are the words The House of the Lord. Members of the Church go to the temple to learn about Heavenly Father and Jesus and their love for us.

Explain that if they keep Heavenly Father’s commandments, they can go to the temple when they are older. Explain that in the temple we make special promises to Heavenly Father to obey his commandments. We can also be married in the temple, and we can be baptized for people who weren’t baptized while they lived on the earth.

Have the children hold up three fingers and repeat three things they can do in the temple when they are older:

“In the temple I can make special promises to Heavenly Father.”

“In the temple I can be married.”

“In the temple I can be baptized for others.”

Activity: Turkey Foam Kit

Closing Song: “When We’re Helping” (Children’s Song Book # 198b)

Closing Prayer: Tyler

This idea adapted from Primary 1 Lesson 26

FHE - I Can Be a Helper

2007-10-15T08:37:00.000-07:00

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: Dad

Lesson: Mom

“I Can Be a Helper”

Story: The Little Red Hen

Activity: Carving and decorating Pumpkins, preparing seeds for toasting

Closing Song: “When We’re Helping” (Children’s Song Book # 198b)

Closing Prayer: Tyler

This idea came from http://nataliesfhespot.blogspot.com

FHE - We Love our Prophet

2007-10-08T14:38:00.001-07:00

Family Home Evening Lesson
We Love Our Prophet

Opening Song: “Stand for the Right” (Children’s Song Book # 159)

Opening Prayer: Dad

Lesson: Mom

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: Tyler

Treat: Muddy Buddies (recipe found on Chex cereal box)

This idea came from http://nataliesfhespot.blogspot.com

New Blog

2007-10-08T14:32:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening is a time each week that we get together as a family to learn good principles and have fun. Our church recommends that we hold FHE once a week. We have not been very good at this, and have made a family goal to be more consistent.

I am hoping posting our ideas to a blog will inspire us to be better. I am not a creative person, so most of these ideas will probably come from other places on the internet. I will try to reference those sources as much as possible.

Because we have a highly energetic 3 year old, and an inquisitive toddler, these lessons are pretty basic. Feel free to use our ideas and contribute your own!