A bit of Spring Cleaning. We got the garage all cleaned out (for now...it seems like the garage gets dirty and becomes a jumbled mess so fast!) The the van needed a good cleaning!
Playing outside and some crazy hair dos. Saydee took a early evening nap on night and wouldn't wake up to eat dinner for anything (she was down for the count) At 1:30 am she woke up and was hungry so I took her downstairs for some snacks. She is looking like she is in a bit of a trance in the picture but she wanted to get all of her bouncy balls that Kohlten had given her before he left on his mission and bring them up to the table with her also, silly girl! (I took the pic for Bre to send to him on his mission since Saydee loves her bouncy balls :)
Static Energized Jumping.
At the beginning of the year, we set out and got on the calendar a family service project for each month to get the kids and us to focus more on others. Our March Family Service project was to bring our local ward missionaries a treat. We made up Easter Baskets for them and delivered them after assembling them and our FHE lesson on Easter Symbols and Comparisons.
We went on a family field trip on St Patty's day Saturday after Josh and mom went to the stake Mother/Son mission-prep activity for the 8-11 year olds. We visited the local fish hatchery in Orting. The kids had a good time learning and feeding the fish.
Josh especially was super interested in the fish and wildlife learning! He had a career day last Friday at school and he said there was nothing there that he was possibly interested in for his future Big-Boy Career and endeavors. After visiting the facility, he said that he thinks it would be cool to go into this field of work :) w shall see!
Ellie's friend Carly filled in for Bre who had prior plans.
Loads - o - fish!
Everyone wanted a turn feeding the salmon.
Josh is super excited to fish in Lake Kapowsin in Graham. We took a drive to the lake after we went to the hatchery.
It was a bit cold and windy but we have been taking advantage of the non-rainy days around here and getting outdoors.
Everyone took turns taking their pics by the lake scenery before heading off to pick up some tacos for lunch.
Spencer was the lucky St Patrick's Day winner who earned the gold at the end of the rainbow. (Family Home Evening weekly incentive on Obedience lesson.)
Before the nicer weather came along, we had another huge dump load of snow. Josh once again was in heaven drifting this time in the snow, he though it was super cool!
Easter FHE Ideas:
1. RED: Red is for the blood he gave.
Jesus Christ’s Atonement means that Jesus suffered and atoned for our sins in the Garden of Gethsemane and when he was crucified on the cross. Since none of us are perfect and we all make mistakes. Jesus through his atonement made it possible for all of us to be able to repent of our sins so we can become clean again. This allows us to return back to our Heavenly Father and to be with our families eternally.
2. GREEN: Green if for the Palms they waved.
As Jesus came closer to Jerusalem, he asked two of his disciples to go ahead of Him. He said, "When you get to the town, you will see a donkey tied up. Untie it, and bring it to me. The disciples were to explain to the people that the Lord needed it. When they brought the donkey to Jesus, some of the disciples took off their coats and laid them on the donkey's back. They did this out of respect for Jesus. Then Jesus rode on the donkey towards Jerusalem. As He was traveling, some people saw Jesus coming and came running towards Him. They had heard He might be coming and they wanted to see him because he had just helped a dead man come back to life.
One by one, they laid their coats on the ground for the donkey to step on. Even the people that weren't wearing coats ran to the fields and trees nearby and cut palm branches and laid them down.
These people knew that Jesus was special. It was like when a King or Queen would come to town, and people would roll out a red carpet for him or her to step on. This is what these people did for Jesus when they laid down their coats and branches. A crowd surrounded Him and started to shout praises to Him for all the miracles He had done: "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna, Hosanna!" The Pharisees thought that Jesus was getting too much attention from the people. They wanted to be the most important, but everyone was listening to Jesus instead. Now Jesus could see Jerusalem and it made Him very sad. He came to help the people, but many people didn’t realized that He was God, and they didn't accept Him. He knew that the Roman Soldiers were going to crucify him.
3. YELLOW: Yellow is for the Sun so Bright.
3. YELLOW: Yellow is for the Sun so Bright.
The day Jesus was crucified, the soldiers beat him with whips. They put a purple robe on Jesus. Then they made a crown of thorns and put it on His head. They laughed at Him and spit on Him. They called Him “King of the Jews.” Many Jews followed when the soldiers took Jesus to a hill near Jerusalem to crucify Him. Then the soldiers made Him carry His own cross, then they laid Him on it, nailed His hands and His feet to the cross, and lifted it up.Jesus prayed. He asked Heavenly Father to forgive the soldiers who crucified Him. They did not know He was the Savior.
4.ORANGE: Orange is for the edge of night.
The disciples were very sad because they loved the Savior very much. He suffered on the cross for many hours. Then He gave up His life. His spirit left His body. The sky became dark, and a big earthquake broke huge rocks into pieces. The curtain in the temple, called the veil, was torn into two pieces. The Roman soldiers were afraid. One of the disciples took the Savior’s body off the cross, wrapped it in a cloth, and placed it in a tomb—a place where people are buried. A big rock was rolled in front of the tomb.
5. BLACK: Black is for the sins we made.
Heavenly Father knows that we all sin and make mistakes. Because of his great love he has for all of us as his children, Heavenly Father provided us with his plan of happiness which includes a Savior Jesus Christ to suffer for our sins so that we can repent and become clean. When we repent and keep the commandments, we can return back to our Heavenly Father and have Eternal Life with our families.
6. WHITE: White is for the grace he gave.
We all want eternal life, but we aren’t perfect so it is impossible to attain it alone. If we repent of our sins and wrong-doings then ask Christ for grace he can make up the difference through the power of the atonement.
In this life, through our trials, pains, sufferings, teaching and serving others- we are all expected to do our part and give it our absolute best (and that best is personal to each of us, every one is different and Heavenly Father knows our weaknesses and strengths.) After doing and giving our honest best, then we ask Christ for help through for grace.
7. BLUE: Blue is for the hour of sorrow.
Jesus and the Apostles went to the Garden of Gethsemane. The Savior asked Peter, James, and John to go with Him into the garden and wait while He went farther and prayed. He knew He would suffer for the sins, sorrows, trials, sicknesses and all hardships of all people. He did not want to suffer, but He chose to obey Heavenly Father. Peter, James, and John fell asleep while Jesus prayed. Jesus saw them sleeping and asked them to stay awake. He prayed again. Peter, James, and John wanted to stay awake. But they were very tired and fell asleep again. Jesus again saw them sleeping. He went back to pray. As Jesus prayed, He began to tremble. He suffered so much that blood came out of His skin. He was suffering for the sins of all people so if they would repent, they could be forgiven. While He suffered and prayed, an angel came to strengthen Him. Jesus woke up Peter, James, and John and he told them He would be betrayed, then he would be killed by wicked people who were coming to get Him.
8. PINK: Pink is for the new tomorrow.
Jesus Christ was resurrected three days after he died which means he came back to life after he died. Jesus made it possible for all of us to be resurrected like he was. When people die, their spirits are still alive. Someday they will be resurrected, which means their bodies and spirits will come together again like Jesus’ did. Jesus is alive right now in heaven, and he will never die again. Many people saw Jesus after he was resurrected. Jesus taught his friends and showed them his resurrected body. He had his friends touch him so they would know that his resurrected body had flesh and bones. After teaching the people, Jesus went to live with Heavenly Father again. This is the wonderful reason why we celebrate Easter, that Jesus Lives!
Easter eggs and baby chicks- Eggs and chicks symbolize new life. Eggs have been a symbol of spring since ancient times. An egg also is a symbol of the rock tomb out of which Christ emerged when he arose again. The chick, hatching out of the egg, symbolizes new life or re-birth. Easter bunny - The rabbit, or hare, was a symbol of abundant new life in ancient times, and reminds us of spring and new life. Easter Lilies- The white blossoms symbolize the purity of Jesus. Lilies, emerging from the earth in the spring, also symbolize new life and the resurrection of Christ. All About Easter Lilies. The lamb - Represents Jesus, "the Lamb of God". The cross - Symbolizes Jesus' victory over death. Palm branches- Represents when Jesus arrived in Jerusalem on the first Palm Sunday and people waved palm branches, welcoming him. Easter hats and wearing new clothes for Easter- Symbolizes new life offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Hot Cross Buns- Hot cross buns have a cross of icing on the top to remind people of Christ. Candles - Symbolize Jesus, "the light of the world". Pretzels - A food eaten during Lent- the twisted shaped symbolizes arms crossed in prayer. Easter and Spring flowers- Daffodils and tulips bloom in the spring, and symbolize spring and new life. Baby animals- Baby animals born in the spring also represent spring and new life. The Butterfly- is one of the significant symbols of Easter. Its whole life cycle is meant to symbolize the life of Jesus Christ. The first stage, is the caterpillar, which stands for His life on Earth. Second phase begins from the cocoon stage, portraying the crucifixion and burial of Jesus. The third and final stage is the butterfly, representing His raising from the dead in a glorified body and peace.
10. The Lord Jesus Christ lives. He is our Redeemer and our Savior. “Through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved” (Articles of Faith 1:3). He presides over this Church. He is no stranger to His servants. As we move into the future with quiet confidence, His Spirit will be with us. There is no end to His power to bless and direct the lives of those who seek truth and righteousness.
What can the scriptures teach me about the Atonement of Jesus Christ?
The principal purpose of the scriptures is to testify of Jesus Christ, helping us come unto Him and partake of His Atonement. As we search the scriptures diligently, we will learn about the Savior through teachings, stories, and symbols.
Taken From LDS.org, "Come Follow Me" and “The Reason For Our Hope”: President Boyd K Packer
1. In His own words, the Savior has declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).
2. And from the Book of Mormon, He declares: “Behold, I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people. Behold, I am Jesus Christ. … In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name; and they shall become my sons and my daughters” (Ether 3:14).
3. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we are all redeemed from the Fall of man, which occurred when Adam and Eve partook of the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, as stated in 1 Corinthians: “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22).
4. The Book of Mormon teaches, “For it is expedient that an atonement should be made … , or else all mankind must unavoidably perish; yea, all are hardened; yea, all are fallen and are lost, and must perish except it be through the atonement … an infinite and eternal sacrifice” (Alma 34:9–10).
5. We may not live perfect lives, and there are penalties for our mistakes, but before we came to earth, we agreed to be subject to His laws and to accept the punishment for violating those laws. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23–24).
6. The Savior’s Atonement provides a way for us to become clean. Jesus Christ is the resurrected Christ. We worship and recognize Him for the pain He suffered for us collectively and for the pain He endured for each of us individually, both in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross. He bore all with great humility and with an eternal understanding of His divine role and purpose.
7. Those who will repent and forsake sin will find that His merciful arm is outstretched still. Those who listen to and heed His words and the words of His chosen servants will find peace and understanding even in the midst of great heartache and sorrow. The result of His sacrifice is to free us from the effects of sin, that all may have guilt erased and feel hope.
8. If He did not accomplished the Atonement, there would be no redemption. It would be a difficult world to live in if we could never be forgiven for our mistakes, if we could never purify ourselves and move on.
9. The mercy and grace of Jesus Christ are not limited to those who commit sins either of commission or omission, but they encompass the promise of everlasting peace to all who will accept and follow Him and His teachings. His mercy is the mighty healer, even to the wounded innocent.
Resurrection Egg #1: When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the people waved branches because that’s what people used to do when a king walked by.
Mark 11:8-9 And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees,
and strawed them in the way. And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying,
Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:
Mark 11:8-9 And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees,
and strawed them in the way. And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying,
Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:
Resurrection Egg #2: Later, Jesus had a special dinner with his friends. A woman came and poured perfume on his head. This showed that she knew that he was the Christ and she knew that he would die soon. Mark 14:3 And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.
Resurrection Egg #3: The next day, Jesus had another special meal with his friends. We call this The Last Supper. Jesus said that people who followed Him should have bread and wine or water to help them remember Him. Luke 22:19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it,and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
Resurrection Egg #4: Jesus went to a garden to pray. Matthew 26:36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
Resurrection Egg #5: Judas was supposed to be one of Jesus’ special helpers, but instead he helped other men arrest Jesus. He did this because those men paid him money. Mark 14:10-11 And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them. And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.
Resurrection Egg #6: After Jesus was arrested, the soldiers were really mean to Him and made fun of Him. One thing that they did was to put a purple robe on Him. Only kings wore purple robes. They didn’t realize that He really was a King, they were just teasing Him because people thought He was a king! Mark 15:16-18 And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Prætorium; and they call together the whole band. And they clothed him with purple, and plaited a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,
Resurrection Egg #7: Jesus was crucified. Mark 15:25 And it was the third hour, and
they crucified him.
they crucified him.
Resurrection Egg #8: When the soldiers put Jesus on the cross, they pounded nails into
His hands and feet. Acts 2: 23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and
foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain.
His hands and feet. Acts 2: 23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and
foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain.
Resurrection Egg #9: Another thing the soldiers did to make fun of Jesus was to put a sign
on the cross that said “THE KING OF THE JEWS” Again, they thought they were making fun
of Him, they didn’t realize that He really was the King of the Jews! Mark 15:26 And the
superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE
JEWS.
on the cross that said “THE KING OF THE JEWS” Again, they thought they were making fun
of Him, they didn’t realize that He really was the King of the Jews! Mark 15:26 And the
superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE
JEWS.
Resurrection Egg #10: After Jesus died, His friends put his body in a tomb. Later, some of
the women who followed Him came to the tomb to put spices on His body and wrapped Him
in white cloth. That was something they did back then when someone died. Mark 16:1 And
when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of
James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and
anoint him.
the women who followed Him came to the tomb to put spices on His body and wrapped Him
in white cloth. That was something they did back then when someone died. Mark 16:1 And
when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of
James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and
anoint him.
Resurrection Egg #11: The tomb had a rock that could roll over the opening to seal it. While
the women were walking to the tomb, they wondered how they would get the stone out of the
way. Mark 16:3-4 And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away
the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And when they looked, they
saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.
the women were walking to the tomb, they wondered how they would get the stone out of the
way. Mark 16:3-4 And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away
the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And when they looked, they
saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.
Resurrection Egg #12: When they got to the tomb, they were amazed to find that the stone
had been rolled out of the way – and Jesus’ body was gone! Then an angel came and told
them, “He is risen; he is not here” This egg is empty because Jesus’ tomb was empty. Jesus’
tomb was empty because He was resurrected! Mark 16:6 And he saith unto them,
Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is
risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.
had been rolled out of the way – and Jesus’ body was gone! Then an angel came and told
them, “He is risen; he is not here” This egg is empty because Jesus’ tomb was empty. Jesus’
tomb was empty because He was resurrected! Mark 16:6 And he saith unto them,
Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is
risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.
