Making Life Easier...

I really want to make things EASY FOR YOU!  Growing up there are so many people looking out for us and encouraging us, and I think a lot of that support disappears once we're "grown-ups."  There aren't the same teachers, coaches, peers there daily to grade us, cheer us on and give us the positive peer pressure we need.  It's ironic, since we have the most important and difficult res[ponsibility now ever- parenting!  Well, I want to be that cheerleader for you as a caregiver when it comes to teaching your kids, and I hope this new feature will get me closer to that goal.

Safe On The Sea by President Thomas S. Monson is found on page 2 of the October issue of The Friend, but I've also included it as a link!!!  You can read it and print it from here! Now if you ever misplace your issue (I've NEVER done that! :)) or don't have a copy-printer, you can just print the coloring page from here.

We had a lot of fun reading this story last night and coloring the page.  OK, I ended up paraphrasing President Monson's words with multiple interruptions of "Is it time to color yet?"  But it was great that they recognized him, knew his name and were excited to do something together as a family.

 Then we hopped on our "boat" and I added some drama!  I flashed the light on and off to create a storm!  The kids ABSOLUTELY loved this.  Then I asked them to remember things we needed for a safe journey and we ran and grabbed them and put them on the boat one by one.  Each time we added something, the storm lessened, and I flickered the lights less and less.  You can see from the picture our Good Entertainment, Scriptures and Friend magazine to represent the Prophets and Apostles.  My son was proud to be steering and rowing the ship. :)  I was proud to report that we made it through the storm and to heaven together!!!

Kids love role-playing.  I think it is very significant that role-playing is part of the endowment in the temple.  In truth, this is part of the reason I studied Performing Arts.  We can feel a little bit of heaven when we imagine making it there together, just as athletes practice and picture crossing the finish line.  I encourage you to do this simple, fun, spiritual activity with your kids or grandchildren.  Remember, the Gospel is true!  Luv, Eva