Welcome to Positively Peaches! I am Peaches. I am a SAHM of four fun, sweet, crazy, adorable children. Lil' E is eight, Doble is six and Razy is five, and Dimples is almost a year. I love to craft, decorate cakes, and spend time with my family. JBody (the good lookin' man in some of our pictures) is my wonderful husband.
Once again, we plan on focusing on the spiritual parts of Easter. We did this last year and the kids really enjoyed it. I don't mind them having fun with holidays. Candy is fun, egg hunts are fun, and the Easter Bunny is fun. However, more importantly Christ is the whole reason we celebrate Easter. We want our children growing up understanding this. Christmas and Easter both have such spiritual importance and we focus on it each year. This week I will share with you some of the things we do to reinforce the true meaning of Easter.
You'll need 12 large Easter eggs labeled on the outside from 1-12 and put the following items inside:
#1 Sacrament cup (or a small cup)
#2 three dimes
#3 small rope or twine
#4 soap chip
#5 red cloth, thorns
#6 cross (use a toothpick) and one small nail
#7 dice
#8 sponge, stick
#9 rocks
#10 white linen cloth, round stone
#11 spices (bay leaf and clove)
#12 leave empty
Read each of the following scriptures as you open each egg:
#1 Matthew 26:39
#2 Matthew 26:14-15, thus fulfilling the prophecy in Zechariah 11:12-14
#3 Matthew 27:1-2
#4 Matthew 27:24-26
#5 Matthew 27:28-30
#6 Matthew 27:31-32, and he was crucified and nailed to a cross.
#7 Matthew 27:35-36
#8 Matthew 27:46, 48
#9 Matthew 27:50-51, 54
#10 Matthew 27:57-60
#11 Matthew 28:1 (bringing sweet spices to anoint Him) 2, and verse 5
#12 Matthew 28:6 "He is not here: for He is risen as He said."
Yesterday was a the start of what would turn out to be a very spiritually uplifting weekend. It was a very bittersweet day yesterday as we as a family attended a funeral for a family member who had passed away. It was a very unexpected death. One that no one wants to hear has happened. You see, our cousin just lost her sweet little 9 month old to SIDS. The news came on the Tuesday the 20th. Little Ryleigh had passed that morning. Being pregnant added extra emotions for me. I thought of his mother. I thought of the pain, the mourning, and the grief that she must be going through. I know that I could not even imagine to the extent that it really was. For the next week and a half I continued to think of her.
We talked as a family of what had happended on Monday for Family Home Evening. We have been preparing Lil' E for his baptism that will be coming up. We believe that at the age of 8 children are at the age of accountabilty and ready to be baptized. It is the first step in their life that they will take to be able to return and live with our Father in Heaven (for more information on what we believe visit HERE). We have talked alot about this ordinance and wanted to explain to them that although Ryleigh was only 9 months and hadn't been baptized he was going to return and live with Heavenly Father. He was perfect and without sin. We didn't really know what to expect from each of the kids, but we knew it was important for them to be there with us as we went to the funeral.
Yesterday was the funeral. As we listened to Vanessa share Ryleigh's life story, I was in awe of her strength. I was amazed in her faith and her trust she placed in Christ. Although her little baby was taken early she was strong. She knew that he was taken early because he had fulfilled his purpose in life. As a mother of three children myself, I questioned myself. Could I have that much faith? Could I place all my grief in his hands? My testimony of the gospel was only strengthened as each person spoke on the Plan of Salvation. There were many tears shed. Many of us were grieving, if not all. However, the spirit was so strong and I know that every person there was touched by it. Even our little 7 year old, Lil' E, felt it. It was very overwhelming for him. However, as a mother, was so touched that he knew that he was feeling and recognizing the Spirit.
Today we were once again filled with inspiration and words meant for us from our Heavenly Father given through the Prophet, Apostles, and leaders of the church. Tomorrow we once again get to be spiritually filled. Not only were JBody and I able to listen, but each of our kids were able to sit and learn. Yes they got antsy. Yes, there were times that they got distracted. However, they also were able to feel the spirit and be taught.
Some of my favorite things from today:
"Don't hyperventilate about something that happened at 9 o'clock in the morning when the grace of God is trying to reward you at 6 o'clock in the evening." -Jeffrey R. Holland
"Family time is Sacred time." -Boyd K. Packer
Summerized: Our Father in Heaven knows and loves our children. He knows what they need to know to become and return to him. It is not intended for us as parents to teach them alone. We need to turn to him for help with each of our children. -Cheryl A. Esplin
"There is no end in the capacity to Love." -Paul E. Koelliker
"If the foundation of faith is not imbedded in our hearts, the power to endure with crumble."-Henry B. Eyring
"Acting on a twig of faith allows God to grow it."-Henry B. Eyring
"Be Kind and be grateful that God is kind. It is a happy way to live." -Jeffrey R. Holland
"You can't be right by doing wrong. You can't be wrong by doing right."- President Thomas S. Monson
"When one is tone death in the music of faith, he is out of tune with the spirit." -Quentin L. Cook
These are some of the notes I took from today. If you would like to hear more or read everything that was spoken in todays session of General Conference you can visit HERE.
And now it is time to spend some more time with the family before it is off to bed. Then up in the morning for another day of inspiration and spiritual feasting.
What is this? (point to your christmas tree of a picture of one) Why do we have Christmas Trees at Christmas? (enjoy their varied answers!)
The Christmas Tree is a symbol of Christmas because :
The evergreen tree means lasting light and life. The needles of the tree point upwards towards heaven. As many things die in winter but the evergreen does not, it symbolizes life in the midst of death or rebirth.
Talk about why you like to put a star or angel on the top of your tree.
Read this scripture to go with your discussion.
Luke 2:9-12 for Angel
Matthew 2:2 for Star
Here is our Christmas Tree all decorated. I love having a tree in our house and I love the lights on it. I wish that I could get a picture of it with the lights on, but it I can't get one to turn out.
This lesson idea was taken from The Family Home Evening Spot. Please go to her site to share with her your comments on how much you love her lessons. I know I love them and love that she is willing to share them with others.
As many of you know I love The Family Home Evening Spot. This is where I get alot of my ideas for lessons. Well once again she has posted a great lesson.
Every year the first lesson after Thanksgiving we give a lesson on the symbols of Christmas. We explain to the kids why we put a tree up, what the colors mean, and so on. This year I am taking my ideas from The Family Home Evening Spot and focusing on one symbol each week. I think this way the kids will remember them a little better and it gives us time for fun activities, and treats afterwards.
What is this? What does it mean? Why do we have wreaths at Christmas time?
Wreaths are like a circle. Which means no beginning 0r no ending. This symbolizes eternity - the unending cirle of life. The evergreen tree (used to make wreaths) means growth and everlasting life. Holly branches have thorns. When used in a wreath it symbolises the crown of thorns put on Jesus head when he was crucified. The red berries symbolize his blood that was shed for us.
Activity:
Make a wreath
Paper plate wreath instructions found here at filth wizardry very cute.
Coat hanger wreath:
Bend a coat hanger into circle shape. Secure tinsel with tape and wrap Tinsel around and around and around. Secure end with sticky tape. Add bows, decorations as you wish."
(This picture was taken by The Family Home Evening Spot. After our lesson tonight with the wreaths the kids make.)
Thanks again to The Family Home Evening Spot for the great ideas we find on the site. Go over and take a look. I know you will find something that your family will enjoy.
For Family Home Evening this week we are extending the sharing time lesson that was taught on Sunday. The theme for the year is My Eternal Family. The months theme is Family Members Have Important Responsiblities. On Sunday we talked about Fathers preside over, provide for, and protect the family with love.
Opening Song: "My Eternal Family"
Opening Prayer:
Lesson: Fathers preside over, provide for, and protect the family with love.
How does our daddy preside over our family?
How does our daddy provide for our family?
How does our daddy protect our family?
Pin the tie on Daddy's shirt
Cut out one tie per father that you choose to do. I will give examples with the fathers that we chose for our lesson.
On each tie write information about each father.
1. This father prayed for his rebellious son. His son and his son's friends were visited by an angel and became great missionaries (Mosiah 27:8-18) Alma
2. When this father, a ruler of the synagogue begged Jesus to save his 12 year old daughter, the Savior raised her from the dead. (Luke 8:41-42) Jarius
3. This father saved his family by obeying the Lord's command to build an ark (Genesis 6:12-20) Noah
4. This man is the earthly Father of our whole human family (Genesis 3:20) Adam
5. This rich father left all his possessions behind when the Lord told him to flee in to the wilderness. He had two sons that supported him, but the otherr two murmured. (1 Nephi 2:1-3) Lehi
6. This father protects our family. He goes to work each day to provide for our family, but comes home each night to play and teach us. He loves each of you. Our daddy
You may or may not want to use pictures from the Gospel Art Kit to help your children picture who it is you are talking about.
Blindfold one child at a time as they try to place the tie on a pre made posterboard of a men's white shirt.
Mix milk and butter together in a small bowl. Mix sugar and orange rind in a small bowl.
Cut biscuits in half and dip one side in butter/milk mixture and the other side in the sugar/rind mixture. As you go along place dipped pieces into a bundt pan, buttered side down. Bake at 350 for 20 mins. While biscuits are baking mix cream cheese, orange juice and remaining sugar mixture together. Drizzle over hot biscuits and serve.
JBody likes more of the drizzle so we like to use 8 oz of cream cheese, 4 TB orange juice and then add more sugar and orange rind to taste.
Once again JBody is in charge of Family Home Evening. I don't know exactly what or how he is going to do his lesson but the following is what I do know. picture from desertnews.com
Lesson: The lesson is on following the Prophet.
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are blessed to be led by living prophets—inspired men called to speak for the Lord, as did Moses, Isaiah, Peter, Paul, Nephi, Mormon, and other prophets of the scriptures. We sustain the President of the Church as prophet, seer, and revelator—the only person on the earth who receives revelation to guide the entire Church. We also sustain the counselors in the First Presidency and the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators.
Like the prophets of old, prophets today testify of Jesus Christ and teach His gospel. They make known God's will and true character. They speak boldly and clearly, denouncing sin and warning of its consequences. At times, they may be inspired to prophesy of future events for our benefit.
We can always trust the living prophets. Their teachings reflect the will of the Lord, who declared: "What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same" (D&C 1:38).
Our greatest safety lies in strictly following the word of the Lord given through His prophets, particularly the current President of the Church. The Lord warns that those who ignore the words of the living prophets will fall (see D&C 1:14–16). He promises great blessings to those who follow the President of the Church:
"Thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me;
"For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith.
"For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name's glory" (D&C 21:4–6).
Last weekend the boys watched my parents dog, Gunther for them while they were would of town. My mom and dad wanted to pay them for doing it (I think they WAY over paid them, but the boys were so excited). They each were given 10 one dollar bills. I thought this would be perfect to teach them about tithing. I asked JBody to give the lesson for Family Home Evening. Because I don't know exactly how he is going to teach the lesson I cannot put the lesson on our blog. However, I can tell you what he is going to teach and share with you what he hinted on doing.
Lesson: JBody will talk to the kids about tithing and what it is. He is going to give the kids 10 peices of candy. He will then asked each of them to give back one peice. Then he is going to read them Malachi 3:10
10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
After reading the scripture he will pour blessings (whole bag of candy) out to the kids.
Scripture: Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God; (Doctrine and Covenants 88:119)
Lesson: Talk to the kids about the temple. Tell them about how the Temple is the House of the Lord. Ask them what type of place the temple is. Is it clean or dirty? Quiet or Loud? Ask them what type of house we have. Tell them that we want to keep our house more like the temple, but mommy and daddy can't do it alone. We need them to help out. Show them the chore chart that I created. Each chart has things like make your bed, brush your teeth, set and clear the table, pick up toys, ect. For each thing they complete they get a smiley face or something to show that they've completed the task. This way we are able to teach them the importance of helping out in a family.
I am hoping this helps them understand the importance of helping out and not leaving it all to mom and dad. I really do think that it will. We shall see.
Lil' E came home from church on Sunday with this beautiful display of Joseph Smith's first vision. He had made it in his CTR 5 class. I was unable to attend church on Sunday because Doble and Razy were both sick. I thought that it would be nice to talk about Joseph Smith and have Lil' E tell us some things that he learned in his primary class. This way he could help teach the lesson.
The display Lil' E made in CTR 5 on Sunday
He was so proud of it. I'd have to agree with him. I love it.
Lesson: The Prophet Joseph Smith
Purpose:To help family members gain a testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
Scripture: Lil' E
Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant Joseph Smith, I am well pleased with your
offering and acknowledgments, which you have made; for unto this end have I raised you
up, that I might show forth my wisdom through the weak things of the earth.
(D&C 124:1)
Story: Mommy
"My Tiny Book of Joseph Smith" by Marion Passey
Testimony: Daddy
Bear testimony of Joseph Smith.
Activity: Joseph loved to wrestle. Have family members participate in one or both of the following wrestling matches.
Indian Arm Wrestling 1. Have two people sit down and face each other across a small table. make sure the opponents are not too different in size. 2. Both then place their right elbows side-by-side on the table and grip each other's right hands. The left hands must be placed on the table and must not grasp anything. 3. When the players are in position, give the command to start. The wrestlers try to touch their opponent's hand against the table without lifting their elbows.
Indian Leg Wrestling 1. Have two people lie on their backs side-by-side with their heads in opposite directions. You may prefer to have a pad or rug underneath. 2. Count to three slowly. On the count of one and two, both people raise their inside legs straight up. The two heels should meet when both legs are straight. On the count of three, the wrestlers lock legs and try to flip the other person over. The person who flips over first is the loser. (George and Jeane Chipman, Games! Games! Games! , [Salt Lake City: Shadow Mountain, 1983], p. 83-4.)
1 cup cream
In a heavy saucepan combine all ingredients. Cook over low heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Continue cooking, stirring as little as possible. When mixture reaches hard ball stage (260° F.), remove from heat and pour onto a shallow, buttered 9x13-inch pan. Turn edges in with a spatula to prevent candy from hardening. When just cool enough to handle, divide in about 6 lengths and pull candy using buttered fingertips. Continue pulling until light and fluffy. Twist into ropes of desired thickness. With kitchen shears, cut into pieces of desired size. Wrap each piece with waxed paper. Makes 2 pounds. (Julie Badger Jensen, The Essential Mormon Cookbook, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2004] p. 133.)
This week for Family Home Evening we went to my parents house. My mom usually has my nephews come over on Monday nights and has a FHE lesson with them. This week we joined them. She taught them the story the Brother of Jared and the tower of Babel.
A Book of Mormon prophet. He and his brother founded the Jaredite nation when they led a colony of people from the Tower of Babel to a promised land in the western hemisphere (Ether 1-6). He was a man of such great faith that he spoke with the Lord face to face (D&C 17: 1). His story is recorded in the book of Ether. The brother of Jared was a large and mighty man, and highly favored of the Lord, Ether 1: 34. Because of his faith, the brother of Jared saw the finger of the Lord, Ether 3: 6-9 (Ether 12: 20). Christ showed his spirit body to the brother of Jared, Ether 3: 13-20. There never were greater things made manifest than those which were made manifest to the brother of Jared, Ether 4: 4. The brother of Jared warned his people against a monarchy, Ether 6: 22-23. The Lord showed all things to the brother of Jared, Ether 12: 21. The brother of Jared was mighty in writing, Ether 12: 24. Through faith the brother of Jared moved mount Zerin, Ether 12: 30. (Information found at http://scriptures.lds.org/en/gs/j/9)
The boys then had fun building their own towers out of rice crispy treats and seeing the tower fall over. We then played the old gray mare. They love this game.
How to play: One person leaves the room while someone else hides an object. The person who left the room then returns and looks while everyone sings...(the old gray mare he ain't what he used to be, ain't what he used to be, ain't what he used to be. The old gray mare he ain't what he used to be many long years ago. Many long years ago. Many long years ago. The old gray mare he ain't what he used to be many long years ago.) As the person looking gets closer to the object the singing gets louder. As he moves away the music gets softer. The game ends when the object is found. Then start over.
I am trying new ways to blog a little more often. One idea I had is to let you know what our family will be doing for Family Home Evening. For those of you who would like to know what Family Home Evening (FHE) is you can go here.
I think this was the 3rd or 4th take. Doble knows this song alot better, but he thought it was funny to see himself on the computer. He was also having fun laughing with his little sister who you can hear in the background.
Tonights lesson will be on Following the Commandments.
Doble loves the song "Nephi's Courage" so when I came across this lesson idea I was so excited.
The following is the Lesson found from Families in Zion. It is their "I Will Go and Do lesson".
I Will Go and DoPURPOSE
To help family members better understand the blessings that come from being obedient
MATERIALS
-Envelopes for treasure hunt
-Story, The King’s Emerald (below)
-Paper for clues
- A treat for the treasure hunt
SONG SUGGESTION
- “Nephi’s Courage” page 120 in Children’s Songbook
LESSON IDEAS
1. Pre-lesson preparation:
a. Prepare and hide the envelopes (see Treasure Hunt Preparation below)
b. Hide the treasure
2. Share the story, The King’s Emerald (below)
a. Ask your family, “Why was Rupert able to find the king’s emerald?” (He
was obedient)
3. Using Book of Mormon Stories (chapter 4) or the Book of Mormon Stories DVD
(or in your own words) tell the story of Nephi and his brothers going back to
Jerusalem to get the plates of brass.
a. Tell your family to listen closely because it will help them solve the
questions for the treasure hunt.
4. Treasure Hunt:
a. Tell your children that they are going to have a chance to find a special
treasure, but the only way is to be obedient like Nephi and follow the
instructions.
b. Explain that there are five envelopes that contain clues. If they answer the
question on the outside of each envelope they can open it and read what’s
inside. Inside each envelope are instructions to able to find the next
envelope. (Parents can adapt the questions and the clues according to the
situation and the age of the children.)
c. Give them Envelope #1.
5. Testify that if we are always obedient to what the Lord asks we shall be happy
and blessed.
STORY
The King’s Emerald
Rupert stood by the side of the road watching an unusual number of people hurry
past. At length he recognized a friend. 'Where are all of you going in such a hurry?' he
asked.
The friend paused, 'Haven't you heard?' he said.
'I've heard nothing,' Rupert answered.
'Well,' continued his friend, 'the King has lost his royal emerald! Yesterday he
attended a wedding of the nobility and wore the emerald on the slender golden chain
around his neck. In some way the emerald became loosened from the chain. Everyone is
searching, for the King has offered a reward of ten pieces of gold to the one who finds it.
Come, we must hurry.
'But I cannot go without asking grandmother,' faltered Rupert.
'Then I cannot wait. I want to find the emerald,' replied his friend.
Rupert hurried back to the cabin at the edge of the woods to seek his
grandmother's permission. 'If I could find it we could leave this hut with its dampness
and buy a piece of land up on the hillside,' he pleaded with grandmother.
But his grandmother shook her head. 'What would the sheep do,' she asked.
'Already they are restless in the pen, waiting to be taken to the pasture and please do not
forget to take them to water when the sun shines high in the heavens.'
Sorrowfully, Rupert took the sheep to the pasture and at noon he led them to the
brook in the woods. There he sat on a large stone by the stream. 'If I could only have had
a chance to look for the King's emerald,' he thought.
Turning his head to gaze down at the sandy bottom of the brook, suddenly he
stared into the water. What was it? It could not be! He leaped into the water, and his
gripping fingers held something that was green with a slender bit of gold chain. 'The
King's emerald!' he shouted. It must have been flung from the chain when the King was
crossing the bridge, on the highway, and the water washed it here. With shining eyes
Rupert ran to his grandmother's hut to tell her of his great find.
'Bless you, my boy,' she said, 'but you never would have found it if you had not
been doing your duty, herding the sheep.'
And Rupert knew that this was the truth (Ensign, Nov 1999, 49).
ACTIVITY IDEAS (Because our children are small and attentions are short we will be doing the hunt as our activity)- Have the children make a poster of Doctrine and Covenants 82:10, Exodus 19:5,
or 1 Nephi 3:7 to hang in their bedrooms
- Memorize Doctrine and Covenants 82:10 (a seminary scripture mastery scripture)
TREASURE HUNT PREPARATION
Envelope #1:
- On the outside of the envelope – “What was Nephi told to go and do?” (Bring
back the brass plates)
- On the inside – “When we are obedient the Lord will answer our prayers. Look
for your next clue where you usually say your prayers.”
Envelope #2:
-On the outside of the envelope – “Who asked Nephi to go back and get the plates
Lehi or the Lord?” (The Lord)
- On the inside – “When we are obedient to the Lord and keep the commandments
we will be washed of all our sins. Look for your next clue in a place where our
family washes.”
Envelope #3:
- On the outside of the envelope – “Nephi and his brothers walked back to what
city to get the plates?” (Jerusalem)
- On the inside – “When we are obedient the Lord will guide us wherever we go.
Look for your next clue in the place where you keep your shoes.” (Closet)
Envelope #4
- On the outside of the envelope – “Who came to protect Nephi and Sam when
Laman and Lemuel were hitting them with sticks?” (An angel)
- On the inside – “When we are obedient the Lord will protect us. Look for your
next clue in the book that teaches us about angels.” (The scriptures)
Envelope #5:
- On the outside of the envelope: “How did Nephi’s parents feel when he brought
back the plates?” (Happy)
- On the inside – “Obedience makes us happy. Look in the place that keeps our
food cold and you will find a treat that will make your mouth happy!” (We changed to a place that keeps our food warm)
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