Free Come Follow Me Activities for Esther

This week we are covering one of my favorite stories, Esther. I think it's one of my favorites because my children love to watch the Liken movie, Esther and the King and so its one I am very familiar with. Her story and bravery are truly remarkable. This week as I studied my love for this book grew even more. Here are a few thoughts I had this week while reading and studying these chapters. First, I want to be more like Mordecai! The more I learned about him the more I saw his deep love for Esther, he took her in as his own and continued to love and care for her in anyway he could.   Another thought, in their deepest trial their response was to fast.  Fasting is not just a sign of faith but a sign of hope. The last one is I learned this week is that God is not mentioned anywhere in this book but I there is evidence of Him and His involvemnt is everywhere. He really is in the details of our lives. As you look for Him in your life you will always find him and begin to recognize Him more clearly. 

I am so excited to share these activities with you! We actually have three topics this week, service, bravery, and fasting all centered around the book of Esther.   The instructions are in the download below. Let me know if you have any questions and I hope there is something that works for your family or primary class this week. Have a wonderful week!

Download Here

 

Free Come Follow Me Lesson Helps: Genesis 28-33

 This week we are covering Genesis 28-33 and are learning more about Jacob. A few topics we are coving are Jacob's dream, Covenants and the temple, the story of Jacob and his brother Esau, and showing love to our families. You may also like the additional idea section, there are some fun activities about being honest.  They are some of my favorites I've created.  I apologize for late this week-life is busy :) I hope you find something that works for your family or primary class.  

I'll be back soon with the March Holiday Calendar and Next weeks Come follow Me lesson helps. Have a wonderful weekend!

Download Free Printables Here

Staycation Printables

Following a busy winter break traveling to meet family, you may find yourself so exhausted you need a vacation from your vacation! However, for most of us, taking time away every time you want it isn’t always possible. Thankfully, you can still have the rejuvenating experience of vacation without needing to go very far...maybe you don't even leave home. Next time you’re craving a trip, try taking a staycation instead. Plan a weekend in your city exploring sites and stops that you’ve never seen before. Or, spend a weekend in with a few at-home spa days and movies in the living room. You don’t have to spend a ton to unwind and reconnect with your family. 

This is a busy time of year for our family and its impossible to get away with my husbands job.  A staycation is the perfect compromise for our family for our winter and spring break fun.  Have you ever tried a staycation? I love some ideas!!!

Mint created a set of really cute printables to make planning and enjoying your staycation as easy as possible. Create a trip itinerary with their planning template and keep your budget in check with their budget tracker. I perfsonally love their printables that turn your home into a hotel with interactive menus to experience the luxury of room service. I know my kids will loved this!. You don’t have to go to a new city to treat yourself and your family to foods you don’t normally eat! Are there some restaurants close by that you've been dying to try?

No matter what’s available in your area or what you plan for your staycation, the best part of your time is sure to be bonding with your family. A purposeful stay in town is a great way to carve out time together. Check out all the printables to get the most out of your rejuvenating staycation.  

Amazing Life Lessons I'm Learning from My Toddler

Some times you just need to take a break from everyday life.

 Stop and do something you enjoy.

 Learn a new skill or improve the ones you have.

 Sometimes you just need to slow down and relax.

 Find joy in the little things.

 Take a little time to just be you.

These are a few lessons my 3 year old tries to teach me every day.  I am learning slowly.  This past weekend I decided to follow her lead.  I dusted off my sewing machine and made this sweet dress for my little girl.  I haven't made to many dresses and this was my first time with real sleeves.  I have a feeling there will be many more to come.  It was so nice to take a little bit of time and do something I love for someone I love.  

What are some skills you want to learn or improve?  Mine is definitely sewing.

I used The Bella Pattern from this shop.  She's on vacation mode right now and I'm hoping she comes back because her patterns are awesome!

Temple Pictures-wedding gifts

 

I loved the quote "A true love story never ends" and this printable but her etsy shop was closed.  So I decided to make my own.  I used free pictures from the church website  I downloaded them to my computer and opened them in Picmonkey.  Added text (the quote and wedding date) and edited them to have an aged appearance.  I made one for each of my 3 siblings that were getting married and while I was at it one for myself, my parents, and my other sister that is already married.  Most of the pictures I was only able to print 5x7 to have it look nice.  Mine I was lucky and was able to do an 8x10.

Family Motto

Erika from Oops I craft my pants started an online craft club. Such a fun idea. Each week she posts a new "inspirational idea" and on Friday everyone links up their project. I jumped right on board (you know I love a good challenge). This weeks project was to make your own artwork using mod podge, wood, and your computer. It didn't take me long to decide to use our new family motto for my project. Here's how I did it:

You need:
a quote or design
Computer and printer
Pattern paper (optional but is so cute and saves ink)
paint
sandpaper (optional)
wood (mine's from walmart for about $3.50)
Mod podge(forgot to picture) I typed up my quote (our motto) in Word and printed out on cute pattern paper. I then cut it down to size and rounded the edges. (*In word I set up a text box and changed the shape to have rounded edges. I love doing it this way because I can easily size it and it makes cutting so easy-just follow the lines)

Sand then paint the edges of your board (anywhere that will show)

Sand the edges and all over the paper for a fun distress look. (notice the difference in the two sides of my paper)

Once the paint is dry sand the edges and anywhere you want to distress it.

Add mod podge to the top of your board

Add your paper and mod podge to the top of it. Smooth out any wrinkles. Now here's where I had a problem. I didn't realize the edge of my brush touched black paint so when I went to apply mod podge I got a big black streak down the middle. I tried to wipe it off but tore some of the paper (I almost cried) Well instead of just throwing it away and starting over (not an option because I really wanted to use this color of paper) Once the glue was dry I dipped the edge of my finger in the paint, wiped off most of it and then streaked it randomly across the paper. I then quickly rubbed a paper towel over it until I got off all that I could (just be careful not to rip the paper).

Let it everything dry.

Its not quite the look I was going for but it worked and its growing on me.