S'mores & Preisthood Ordinances: A Delicious Object Lesson

We wanted to make s'mores and it was Monday night, so I decided to tie it in with our theme for the month, ordinances.  I thought about the graham cracker squares, sweet chocolate pieces, and white marshmallows and came up with this...   

I loved explaining with s'mores to my kids that just like a s'more could theoretically keep being added to and keep going and going, families and covenants are meant to also.  

They go on and on and bind us forever.

And now just some fun pics of my kids cooking.  

Sammy doing a happy dance over graham crackers...

 Roasting the sweetness!

 

 Proud girl!

 Even Sammy gave it a try.

 He was super proud.

 So was I...

 I like trying a variety of chocolates in my smores.  We related this to our endowment, teaching our kids that some people get endowed before their mission, or before getting married, or when they are older.  It's different for everyone, but still sweet!

 Proof I was there!

  Some fun jumping on the trampoline!

 Proof Dad was there!

 Sophia was gone for a while and came out with water for everyone.  What a thoughtful surprise!

I was so proud of her.

FHE can be short and simple sometimes and still be a great night.  When it's "wholesome" like the Proclamation on the Family describes, relationships grow, love is felt, and that is the perfect environment for learning.  The Gospel is true!  Love, Eva

Chutes & Ladders to the Temple

We've had a really nice month learning about the 6th Article of Faith, covenants, and the steps to having Forever Families.  It's actually been a great past 6 months!  But there has been some adjusting time as we as we've dealt with my father passing, some major home remodels and setting up our home school.  So, it's time to play catch-up!!!
Here is CTR Chutes & Ladders, an easy and fun activity to use anytime, but that fit in quite nicely with this month's theme...

I made these little slips of papers to cover some of the squares of a Chutes & Ladders game.

Here's a closer look at the ones with writing.  Basically, I tried to choose good steps that lead us toward making and keeping covenants.  Some of those things are ordinances and keeping God's commandments.  Then wherever there's a ladder I taped one of the accomplishments at the bottom and a smiley face at the top.

The kids were excited to play this game before bed.

When someone landed on a chute and slid down we talked about how they could fix the mistake they had made.  I would ask them if their little character repented.  After a "Yes!" they were allowed to go back up the chute and resume their place in the game.

I really believe in strengthening our testimonies of repentance and forgiveness.  We all make mistakes.  I hope I can instill a confidence in Jesus' and Heavenly Father's love in my children so they never doubt that miracle of the Atonement.

I even played too!

The best part of the night was the good sportsmanship of my eldest daughter when my son won.  Five minutes earlier there had been arguing over whose turn it was to spin the spinner.  I reminded them that the whole point of this game was to learn how to choose the right more, in a tired and frustrated mommy voice.  So hearing her be so proud and happy for him was music to my ears.  As well as seeing Michael smile and say once he reached the top "I made it to the temple!"

Remember, every effort we make to teach our children is eternally valuable.  The Gospel IS true!  Good luck this week!
Love, Eva