Softened Hearts, Leaves & Cookies:One Last Lesson on Attitude

One more lesson on Attitude that actually transitions quite nicely into this month's new theme, Gratitude.  A great visual for kids is the idea of the "softening of the heart."  Elder Eyring's talk "Write upon My Heart" has some great quotes on this subject of having a heart that is impressionable, moldable (I know that's not a word, but you know what I mean...) and softened.  Here's one of my favorites...

Our goal when we teach our children to pray is for them to want God to write upon their hearts and be willing then to go and do what God asks of them. It is possible for our children to have faith enough, from what they see us do and what we teach, that they can feel at least part of what the Savior felt as He prayed to have the strength to make His infinite sacrifice for us: “And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matt. 26:39).

I have had prayers answered. Those answers were most clear when what I wanted was silenced by an overpowering need to know what God wanted. It is then that the answer from a loving Heavenly Father can be spoken to the mind by the still, small voice and can be written on the heart.

Wow!  Isn't that what we all want for our children?  That their attitudes might be changed, ready and willing to have the Spirit write upon their hearts?  I used 3 objects to teach the importance of having a softened heart...

1) Playdough!  (If you don't have any on hand there are lots of quick recipes online using ingredients you probably have in your kitchen.)

It's easy for kids to understand that when the playdough is fresh and soft we can shape anything out of it. God can shape us into what he wants us to be when our hearts are softened too.  That is when we are impressionable and he can "write on our hearts."  You could even use a butter knife or other carving tool to have them "write" on the playdough.  When our hearts are hardened though and we don't want to change our attitudes or choices, we are stuck the way we are and God can't mold us and help us anymore.  You can have some hardened playdough out to show this too.


2) Leaves!  (Thank you Autumn for providing this item!)

We did a simple craft of making leaf art by gluing leaves to paper.  I asked them which leaves were brightest and easiest to work with.  Of course, the ones that weren't all dry, hard and crusty.  The ones that were still soft and fresh.  I explained that the difference between the dry ones and soft ones was the amount of water still in them.

 Appropriately, Jesus Christ is the Living Water for us.  If we want to have softened hearts, we must turn to him and bring him into our lives.  The same is true for playdough that is starting to dry out.  Often you can add some water to soften it and bring it to life again.  This was a great connection to make with my kids!

3) Cookies!

The best way to compare the benefits of a softened condition is by using food.  Nobody wants to bite into a hard cookie!  My kids found out the hard way (no pun intended) since my "softened" cookies were apparently a little on the hard side. LOL  Hard cookies don't taste good and a hardened heart doesn't feel good.

Feeling happy feels good, and we feel most happy when our lives are in line with Heavenly Father's plan for us.  Truly, choosing to have the attitude of "Thy Will Be Done" is the most simple, yet most important choice we can make.  Our softened cookies have happy faces because they are following God's plan!

I have to add a tender moment we had.  I've been working 4 part-time jobs to try to help get us out of debt and try to figure out which job works best for our family, so I was hurrying to wrap up this lesson and get to work.  But Michael REALLY kept trying to say something.  Finally, it was his turn and he pointed out two jack-o-lanterns in our Halloween decorations.  He showed how one was having a happy attitude and the other one was sad because it wasn't.  He explained how we should be like the happy jack-o-lantern.  How precious and sweet to see that after a month of discussing this topic he is getting it!  He IS understanding how important a positive attitude is!  As I rushed out the door to work it was comforting to know that the little 10 minute lessons we have here and there DO add up to a greater understanding and positive character in our children.  And WE grow as teachers and parents and disciples in the process too!  So excited for another month of activities and learning in November as we discuss, of course, Gratitude!

Love,
Eva

A Personal Story About A Prayer with My 6 Year-old Daughter

Hello Friends!  I feel SO BLESSED to finally have a functioning laptop!  My sweet hubby took some of his things to a pawn shop and traded them so I could have one as a surprise Mother's Day gift.  As a writer and musician hoping to have published media someday, I'm so grateful for my own tool!  I have been making the most of it, taking it with me into the rooms I clean and listening to Conference talks online as I fold laundry and do dishes.

A great talk with some awesome council for parents was "In Tune With The Music of Faith" in this past April's session by Elder Cook.  I loved this story...

I hope we are reading the Book of Mormon with our children regularly. I have discussed this with my own children. They have shared with me two observations. 

First, persistence in reading the scriptures daily as a family is the key. My daughter in a lighthearted way describes their early-morning efforts with mostly teenage children to consistently read the scriptures. She and her husband wake up early in the morning and move through the blurry mist to grasp the iron railing that lines their staircase to where their family gathers to read the word of God. Persistence is the answer, and a sense of humor helps. It requires great effort from every family member every day, but it is worth the effort. Temporary setbacks are overshadowed by persistence.

The second is how our youngest son and his wife are reading the scriptures with their young family. Two out of their four children are not old enough to read. For the five-year-old, they have five finger signals to which he responds in order for him to participate fully in the family scripture reading. The signal for finger 1 is for him to repeat, “And it came to pass” whenever it appears in the Book of Mormon. I have to admit that I love the fact that the phrase appears so often. Incidentally, for the interest of young families, finger signal 2 is “And thus we see”; fingers 3, 4, and 5 are chosen by the parents based on the words contained in the chapter they are reading.

We know that family scripture study and family home evenings are not always perfect. Regardless of the challenges you face, do not become discouraged.

Please understand that having faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and keeping His commandments are and always will be the defining test of mortality.

The number one reason I keep trying to figure out our family's scripture study rhythm is because I want my kids to know and understand the gospel.  Saying it has helped me would be a gross understatement.  It is WHY I'M STILL HERE!  But I want to remember too that learning persistence and patience while having faith are great qualities to have, and I can develop them through the daily endeavors of having family study and worship.

We've been working hard on developing consistence with our children's personal prayer.  Basically, we want them to know that starting and ending each day by talking with their Heavenly Father can bring them guidance, joy and peace.  Choosing to count your blessings, having someone you can always ask for help, and then being able to trust in Him and leave the decision in His hands is priceless!  I had a great experience with prayer with my daughter the other night.... 

It started out the same as many other nights, with her saying "I'm tired....I don't know what to say."  So we tried something new.  I started the prayer.  Then she thanked Heavenly Father for something.  Then I did.  Then she did and so on.  Then I asked for something, and she did and the pattern continued until she concluded the prayer.  When we lifted our heads she smiled a huge-Sophia-sparkle-eyed-smile.  "I like how I feel!" she said.  I explained to her that was the Holy Ghost.  Again, "It feels so cool!"  It does feel cool. :)  We had a great little chat about the wonderful feeling the Spirit can give us when we make good choices and Heavenly Father communicates His love to us.

The Gospel of Christ is true!  It IS WORTH IT!  No, it isn't always easy but nothing worth having is.  I'm grateful that I get to have this difficult, challenging but also extremely rewarding stewardship of motherhood.  Thanks for reading!  Keep it up!  Love, Eva  

This morning I read the sweetest story by President Monson.  It is the message from the First Presidency in this month's issue of the Friend.  Yes, it's the 11th and I'm barely reading it now, but better late than never. :)

It talks about a woman with three canaries...he is such a great story teller and speaker that I am not going to paraphrase it but am just posting it here:

Canaries with Gray on Their Wings

By President Thomas S. Monson

From “Canaries with Gray on Their Wings,” Ensign, June 2010, 4.

 While I was serving as a young bishop, Sister McKee, a widow in my ward, passed away. Among her things were three pet canaries. Two, with perfect yellow coloring, were to be given to her friends. The third, Billie, had yellow coloring marred by gray on his wings. Sister McKee had written in a note to me: “Will you and your family make a home for Billie? He isn’t the prettiest, but his song is the best.”

Sister McKee was much like her yellow canary with gray on its wings. She was not blessed with beauty, gifted with poise, or honored by posterity. Yet her song helped others to more willingly bear their burdens.

We are sons and daughters of a living God in whose image we have been created. Think of that: created in the image of God.

In our world, moral character ofttimes seems secondary to beauty or charm. But from long ago the Lord’s counsel to Samuel the prophet echoes: “The Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

When the Savior sought a man of faith, He did not select him from the throng of the self-righteous who were found regularly in the synagogue. Rather, He called him from among the fishermen of Capernaum. Doubting, unschooled, impetuous Simon became Peter, Apostle of faith. A yellow canary with gray on his wings qualified for the Master’s full confidence and abiding love.

The Redeemer calls you and me to serve Him here below. May a true song come from our hearts as we do so.

(If you click on the article it will take you to the magazine online where there is an activity and coloring page too.)

This week I have felt like a canary with gray all over it's feathered body.  I've felt like I'm too impatient with my children.  I've felt fat while I'm jogging down the road.  I've felt stressed and worn down (probably because I haven't been writing here- this always lifts my mood!)  But as President Monson said, it's our song that matters.  It's our heart that matters.  And I know my heart is in the right place.

So I will be patient with myself, appreciate more that moral character I have within and trust in the Lord's timing for all things.  After all...

 Luke 12:6-7  

Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is ^aforgotten before God?  But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

I hope these thoughts help you realize you "are of more value than many sparrows" and never forgotten before our God.  I love ya!  The Gospel IS true!  Thanks for reading!  Luv, Eva

More Than Two Parents...

Yesterday my baby woke up EARLY.  My husband has a half hour commute and starts work at 6 AM, and Samuel had woken up about 45 minutes before my husband even does, so he definitely needed to go back to bed.  After giving him a bottle and cuddling with him he was finally asleep.  The only problem was I didn't know what time it was or what time my husband's alarm clock was going to go off.  See, our bedroom and Samuel's bedroom are right next to each other.  This isn't a problem when the doors are closed, but if they are open and he hears the alarm, he is awake!

It may sound silly, but I said a prayer.  I needed inspiration if I should go ahead and take him to his room or try to hold him and sleep uncomfortably on the couch, during which he would probably just wake up when Chad came out to make his lunch.  I felt prompted to walk to his room right NOW, so I did.  I hustled, put him down, covered him with a blanket and closed his door.  "BEEP, BEEP, BEEP..."  I had made it just in time.

This morning we were hurrying to my daughter's school to be part of a field trip.  It involved a walk and would be several hours, so I wanted Samuel to have his pacifier.  I wanted to look for it as it was probably in his crib, or on the floor in the living room.  But something inside me told me not to worry about it.  Right then my other little boy asked for help putting a rubber band on his  construction paper "map," so we could get to the school. :)  As I looked down to assist him, there, nestled in a pair of pants my daughter had left on the floor, was Samuel's pacifier.  I would NEVER have looked for it there, but in his own way God had helped me find it.

As we finally got to the school the first parking spot I found was very far away.  Usually I do laps until I find something closer, but something inside me said to just take that spot!  So I did and hurried to get Samuel in the stroller and all of us in the school.  We were late and had to navigate ourselves through the building and out the back in hopes of finding her class outside.  Once we got there, there was no sight of them anywhere!

For a moment I panicked.  I had just hustled my two kids into town for nothing!  Michael would be so disappointed.  Sophia would be even more sad because I told her I would be there for this activity.

But I could faintly hear children's voices, so again I listened inside too and felt we should run down a block to the right.  We did and turned and saw them four blocks ahead of us.  If we hadn't taken that parking spot and hurried and listened I would of missed the only field trip my daughter had this year, one I had told her I would be there for.

 

We had a great time seeing the fairgrounds, walking from station to station and petting animals.  It was truly special to be there with her class.  As we walked back I felt so grateful to be part of that experience with her.  We had spent over 3 hours together outside, enjoying a beautiful morning.  But now storm clouds were rolling in.  As we approached our car from the front office what had started as a few sprinkles started to turn into faster sprinkles.  Just as I got my children in the van it poured!  Seriously, POURED!  It HAILED!  In the time it took to fold up my stroller, get it in the back of my van and get in the front seat I was soaked through to my underwear! LOL

Again, I was so grateful that God had held that moisture in those clouds until the kids were in the van, and not still 6 blocks away!  And I was grateful I had to spend a minute in it.

It made me imagine the pioneers, coming across the plains with their children, enduring similar and harsher weather.  Only they didn't have van's to hop into while they waited it out.  Still, they knew the Lord was on their side.  They still had faith and "endured it well."

Sometimes I get overwhelmed thinking that my kids rely on my husband and me for so much.  They do, to a certain degree.  But all of us are really relying on our Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother and Savior.  They are the ones providing insight, inspiration, parking spots, sunny mornings and even the occasional, necessary rain clouds.  I am grateful I have them on my team as I raise my children, or really, their children.

I don't believe in coincidences.  Our Heavenly Parents love us to much to leave our lives to chance.  I love them and know they are watching over us with confidence and love, supporting us through the good times and the bad.  As the scriptures and latter-day prophets have told us, the Holy Ghost speaks to us through the voices of angels and angels do surround us!  I'm so glad I started my day with prayer, no matter how humble, to help me be a little more able to listen to those angelic voices.

Remember, the Gospel is true!  You are a great parent because you are trying your best!  Thank you for ALL YOU DO!!!  Love, Eva

 

More With Prophet Pictures...Inviting them Into Your Home

 While at BYU Women's Conference we were blessed to listen to Elder Neil Andersen and his sweet wife Sister Andersen.  Surrounded by so many faithful women, listening to inspired words, I asked a friend to take a picture of me with the friend who invited me to Women's Conference.  I did not want to forget how I felt there in that moment, after having just been taught by a prophet and singing "I Know That My Reedemer Lives."

 Later in the day I was in the home of another dear friend from my youth. 

It was so inspiring to see her after she gave birth just 4 weeks ago (isn't she beautiful!,) taking care of her 3 kids, and even having this on her dining room wall...

She told me that after reading the bio on back she had selected one image to represent an interest of each of these prophets and apostles.  Then they worked on learning about each person.  This way when her children saw them speak at General Conference they would hopefully remember their name and something about them. 

Her kids are all 6 and under!  I was so impressed and grateful to have a good friend, being an example and strength to me.  Although they had planned to take the pictures down when they were done learning the names, they've decided now to read the adresses in the conference Ensign and put up a new image next to each picture to represent what that prophet spoke about. 

Since returning from conference I have been so much more patient with my kids.  I have felt a stronger love for my husband.  I have heard the Spirit's voice more clearly.  It has been easier to keep the Lord's commandments.  All of this is not because of some magic pill or potion.  It is simply because I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the words of the prophets.  The words of the prophets are the words of God.  They are our friends, cheering us on to righteousness and victory.  Have you made time to hear your personal cheerer today?  Have you read a message from our sweet prophets?  Do so with your family.  You won't regret it. :)

The Gospel IS true.  I feel so lucky to have attended this conference.  I feel recharged and reenergized.  But I also know that I can feel this way, full of spiritual strength everyday, by reading and learning from the scriptures.  Off to feast!  Love, Eva

We're Sisters

Several years ago I had the opportunity to sing in a fireside.  One of the songs that was part of the program was Cherie Call's song "We're Sisters."  The lyrics describe women in different places in life, with varying  longings and goals.  But when it comes down to it, they are all sisters.  They have the same BIG goals.  This is true for all of us.  We want our families to succeed.  We want to feel loved.  We want to know our Heavenly Father knows us by name.

I just got to my motel room after enjoying the concert performance at BYU Women's Conference.  What I feel inside, more than ever, is that truth: WE'RE SISTERS.  We might have different daily roles.  Some of us work inside the home, others outside.  Some of us are married and others are single.  Some of us have lots of money and some of us don't.  But when it comes down to it we are all living through our own trials and challenges, to refine and shape us.

I feel so blessed to be here.  I'm rooming with a sweet friend, her sisters and mothers and you know what?  We're sisters!  They have taken me in as one of their own and we are learning and growing and laughing together.

I want to publicly thank my husband for watching our three kiddos, including our 10 month-old Sam.  I told my kids I was going to "mommy school," to learn to be a better woman and disciple of Christ.

I have so much I'm excited to share with you on this blog!  I am learning SO much.  Best of all, I know my family can succeed.  I feel loved.  I know my Heavenly Father knows me by name.  Enjoy Cherie Call's song lyrics below...The Gospel is true.  I consider all my readers my sisters and brothers.  Take Care!
Love, Eva

We're Sisters

Artist: Cherie Call
Album: Women of Destiny, Volume 2

It's Sunday morning
In this little town
With people waking in houses everywhere
And there's a woman in a kitchen
Eating breakfast all alone
While another one is putting ribbons in her children's hair
And many drive away to the church house down the street
While others stay at home wondering what they all believe

And we have more in common than we ever choose to see
We care about so many of the same things
We all belong to all one Father on high
But we hardly think of that as we pass each other by
We're sisters

Maybe you're the woman sitting in the front row
Singing praises to the Lord on high
And maybe I'm the one all the way in the back row
Who hardly sings at all and isn't there half the time
Maybe you'd think that we would never get alone
That I'm a hopeless cause
But you'd be wrong

We have more in common than we ever choose to see
We care about so many of the same things
We have a Father who loves all of us the same
Don't you think it'd be time that we asked each other's names?
We're sisters

Some of us are 80
Some of us are 20
Some of us are hungry
Some of us have plenty
Some of us are lonely
But few of us would be
If only we could see we are a family

And we have more in common than we ever choose to see
We care about so many of the same things
We all belong to the same God above
And we all have things to learn about that redeeming love

We're sisters
Let us love and lift and pray for one another
We're sisters.

Just One Scripture CAN Make A Difference...

Last week we printed out this coloring page from www.lds.org/friend.  The picture is of a child inviting another child who looks lonely to play a game of basketball.  The caption beneath it reads
"Jesus Christ is the perfect example for me."  Then the following scripture is printed:

For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. (John 13:15)

We talked about what was happening in the picture as they colored.  By the end of this activity there was an argument about markers and my son was complaining his hands were tired so he couldn't clean up and ended up throwing a fit...ugh.

But another night, again, we looked at this picture and read the verse as our family scripture study.  Sometimes, actually quite often, one scripture is all we get for family study since we are all frazzled and tired and ready for bedtime (well, at least my hubby and I are.)  Reading just one verse kind of felt like a cop-out but I felt like something was better than nothing...

Imagine my sweet surprise to hear the following when my little boy said prayer last night:

"And if we're playing basketball and somebody is sad please help us let them play with us and be nice to them."

What more could I ask for from a 4 year-old?  Seriously.  Every time I feel like giving up on this whole teaching-my-kids thing, or I'm frustrated or don't feel like my efforts are making any difference, Heavenly Father blesses me an experience to show it IS worth it and my attempts DO matter.  In fact, to that little boy they mattered a lot.

I'm reminded of one of my favorite quotes by our late prophet, President Hinckley:

"...be strong and bold and brave and march forward with gladness in your eye and love in your heart...You are doing the best you can and that best results in good to yourself and to others" (Gordon B. Hinckley, "To The Women of The Church," Ensign, Nov. 2003, 113).

The Gospel IS TRUE!  You ARE doing the BEST YOU CAN and that best DOES result in GOOD to yourself and others!!!    LOVE, Eva

Family Time Is Sacred Time: From "I Love You" to "I'd Love To..."

I wish I could say that we sat as a family and watched every session of conference together, pens and crayons in hand, taking notes, setting goals and growing stronger as a family!  But I can't. :) I know some families do it and I have so much respect and admiration for them, but the Barnett family isn't quite there yet.  What a comfort it is to know that many of the homes our apostles were raised in were kind of like mine, or even less spiritual... 

I learned during this conference that Elder Packer and President Eyring both had less active fathers; President Eyring's father wasn't even baptized.  Yet, these men are still incredible spiritual giants fulfilling the Lord's purposes for them on earth.  I feel very lucky that I do have the spiritual support of my husband and pray for the women doing it on their own.  Stick with it!  The Lord is mindful of you and loves you!  

I'm so grateful that in the Saturday morning session first we heard from President Monson and then the next two talks were really geared towards parents.  They must have been inspired to know that it was close to nap time and us parents might not be able to hear the latter part of the morning session easily. :) I referenced Sister Esplin's talk last time, and now I'd like to reference President Packer's "And A Little Child Shall Lead Them":

There are many things about living the gospel of Jesus Christ that cannot be measured by that which is counted or charted in records of attendance. We busy ourselves with buildings and budgets and programs and procedures. In so doing, it is possible to overlook the very spirit of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Too often someone comes to me and says, “President Packer, wouldn’t it be nice if … ?”

I usually stop them and say no, because I suspect that what follows will be a new activity or program that is going to add a burden of time and financial means on the family.

Family time is sacred time and should be protected and respected. We urge our members to show devotion to their families.

So, I can't say that we sat there with our ears devoted to every session.  But I CAN say that there were a few moments of sacred, family togetherness.  That for at least a few minutes we sat with our children on our laps, curled up in comfy blankets and listened to the comforting words of the prophet.  My heart glowed when my daughter said "That's President Monson!  I love President Monson."  I got goosebumps when my son asked "He's talking to us right now?" and I could answer truthfully, "Yes, he's talking to us right now."

My daughter's been having trouble falling asleep.  She's afraid of "monsters" and the only thing that's helped has been playing church songs from her little Hello Kitty music player.  I'm a strong believer of using the hymns with children.  This way they have spiritual connections with songs that they will continue to hear as an adult and can hopefully still strengthen them.  "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" from the EFY album Forward With Faith and "The Olive Tree" from the seminary soundtracks are some of her favorites.  She especially likes it when I sing I Know That My Redeemer Lives as a bedtime lullaby because it's so long. LOL

Anyway, the other day my son laid a blanket out on our living room floor and borrowed his sister's music player and asked if I would lie down and listen to the songs with him.  It's for little moments like this I'm so glad that we've chosen to pinch pennies and let me be home with our kids.  It's so hard to not have money for vacations or new things, but it's worth it.  I know it's a blessing to even have this option now, and isn't an option for everyone, but if you can, do it.

I was in the middle of cleaning but couldn't say no to some quiet time with my little man.  But I asked that we move the blanket outside since it was actually sunny and kind of warm.  We stretched out the blanket, lied down and listened to the sacred music together in a quiet scene of perfection.  I know God gave me that moment.  See, it wasn't until I stepped outside that I could see huge dark clouds to the east and west of us.  In fact, about twenty minutes later we had to hurry inside because winds and rain were upon us.  But for a moment, time was suspended and we were there in this little pocket of sun, listening to songs about the Savior.  

A couple times Michael got up to pick some dandelions and bring them to me.  Looking up at him, his smiling face surrounded by blue skies, his little hand stretching out freshly picked flowers for me, I felt what heaven must be like.  I can only describe it as a moment of godliness.  Life is so often chaotic, burdened, stressful...how grateful I am that I stepped away from my to-do list for this gift of a moment with my son.  There with him, I helped him recognize that feeling of love and calm he had inside as the Holy Ghost.  And I recognized that feeling in me too, in  a way I hadn't felt in a long time.

I often feel like the three words I say the most to my children aren't "I love you" but "Just a minute."  They ask for things...drinks, playtime, help and I find myself saying "Just a minute" over and over again because I'm so focused on me.  Well, I hope I change that.  From now on I hope I say "I'd love to."  Because really, saying you'd love to do something for someone or with someone is just another way of saying "I love you."  It's showing "I love you."  It's making family time, which we learned from President Packer is "sacred time."  It's serving them, which in reality is serving the Savior.  What could be more important than that?

The Gospel is true!  I hope you enjoy sacred, holy, special time with your family this weekend.  Love, Eva

P.S.  The pictures in this post are from some family time we had by a lake near our home.  None of the pictures have been digitally enhanced- those are the actual colors of that beautiful day together!  And that is my actual, beautiful son! :)

All Good Things Must Come To An End?!

Not if your subscription is current! :) September's Issue of The Friend came in the mail so we are ready for next month!  It's funny, I've never been so excited to get that magazine.  I figure even if we only do a third of the activities I read and plan about, that's still way more than we used to do.  AND, I'm way more prepared and spiritually minded to make little moments with my children count.

Like, for example, last night we got home late from a school carnival.  Usually I would have decided to do FHE another night (and then it would probably just not happen.)  Instead, since I'd already looked at the magazine, I opened up to the inside of the back cover and we talked about the picture.  We talked about how Nephi chose the right even though people made fun of him.  This was perfect since my daughter has started kindergarten and I'm sure will be faced with times when friends don't want her to do things that Heavenly Father or her parents want her to do.  So, we likened the story of Nephi building a boat to our family's current situation.  I felt so powerful!  Like I could really teach my children because I had something from inside to pull from!  I was even able to recite Nephi 3:7 from my seminary days! 

Now was the rest of the night perfect?  No.  My son ended up throwing up on multiple stairs as he ran down them trying to get to the bathroom.  My daughter started complaining that she was sick so she needed to stay up and watch a movie.  Needless to say I did not get to the photography work or housecleaning that's been piling up.  BUT, we did our FHE and that counts for more than I probably realize.

The last few pages of The Friend are awesome.  Here are some ideas for how to use them at home...


Friends In The News, Pg. 47
Take the opportunity to find out more about your child!  See if they have similar interests to the children pictured, and if not, find out what some of their interests are.  One little girl in this month's page says she likes writing stories even though she's only 3.  I would love to help my daughter write a story and would not have thought of it without her suggestion!  Thanks Lucy!

Guide To The Friend, Pg. 48
Here are 5 great ideas for FHE that you could do anytime you want to squeeze in some gospel teaching.  There's also a Topical Index and the form to sumit your own artwork or drawings or letters to The Friend.

Back Cover
I already mentioned that this page has a poster and the back cover lists online resources for you too.  We use the online music resources, as you can play the songs and watch music videos at www.lds.org/friend.

So much good stuff!  Make the most of your parenting and remember the Gospel is True!  Luv, Eva