Pioneer Children Song

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Here is a cute (and simple) idea for teaching the song, “Pioneer Children Sang as they Walked“.

Items needed:

– a rectangular laundry basket
– items one might find in a pioneer handcart (clothing, food, dishes, etc.)
– doll (to represent the people that might have to ride in the cart)

To introduce the song, hold up each item before putting it in the cart (basket) and ask them why each item is necessary.  Tell them that the pioneers couldn’t bring a lot of things because they needed to be able to push their carts a long, long way.  So the only things they took were essentials.

Choose three or four children to push (walk) the cart around the room while the song is being sung.  (Create a clear walkway for them before Primary begins so you have more time to sing.)

It’s easy to sing it multiple times because the children will all want a turn.  🙂

Man of Might Printable

IMG_7264Hi friends,
Today is my oldest son’s fifth birthday.  I cannot believe that he is 5!  Time just goes so fast, right?!   He is just the best of kids and I love his sweet, perceptive, and intense personality.  Like most moms do, I worry about him as well as my other two sons.  I worry about the type of trials they will have.  I worry about how they are treating others.  I worry and pray that I am doing enough to teach them and to help build their testimonies. There are so many things I want for them to know.  Besides the basics of laundry, picking up after yourself, and how to treat others, (especially girls, gulp) I desperately want them to know who they truly are as Sons of God.  President Monson worded it perfectly with this quote in the latest priesthood session, and I KNEW I wanted it displayed in each of my boys rooms with their picture and baby blessing outfit.
Even though two out of the three are not able to read yet, this quote also helps me remember who these boys really are.  They aren’t really mine.  They have been entrusted to me to raise them to be “men of might.”  When I am tempted to lose my temper with them, or when I am just plain burned out, this quote helps me remember how I should be treating them, and gives me the strength to be a better mama.

ManofMight-Listing-02This printable is perfect to be displayed in any boys room, in an office space, or to be given as a gift to your missionary. You can find this printable here for $2.50.  It comes in 2 sizes, 8×10 and 5×7.

Heart,

Melanie B.
SageWood Ave. Designs

 

Our favorite summer tradition

I thought I would share one of my favorite summer traditions with you today.  Some traditions are passed down from one generation to the next.  Other traditions can be started with you and your family.

Our tradition is very simple and yet has become very meaningful to our family.  What is this tradition you ask?  Well, a couple of years ago it started by packing up some food, board/card game, soccer ball, frisbee, etc. and taking our meal outside once a week.

We choose a different location each time (mountains, park, swimming pool, concert, etc.), and we choose different activities each time but the most important thing is it has become dedicated time for us to eat, talk and play together.

One of our favorite games right now is Tapple….(pictured here):
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It has been fun to get out of the house, enjoy different parks/scenery and spend some one-on-one time together. We all look forward to our meal outside…without electronics and daily distractions.

Our family traditions are important, because they help our children see the value and priority we place on family, particularly OUR family.  What are some traditions you’ve started with your family?

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