FOR: Mothers of Sons

My husband handed me the following article a few moments ago:  25 Rules for Mothers of Sons, by Tabitha Studer, Deseret News.
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Loved what Tabitha had to share and wanted to share it with you - if you haven't already read it.
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I love being a mother to these two little boys!  (I also love being mother to my two little-to-me girls)
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With Me, In Every Step

This is an inspirational classic:
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MINI DEVOTIONAL/THOUGHT
Footsteps in the Sand, written by Mary Stevenson
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Main Thought: “He is with you, every step of the way.”
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One night I had a dream--
I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord
and across the sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints,
one belonged to me and the other to the Lord.

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When the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that many times along the path of my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest
and saddest times in my life.
This really bothered me and I questioned the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
you would walk with me all the way,
but I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life
there is only one set of footprints.
"I don't understand why in times when I needed you most,
you should leave me."
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Prince of Peace, by Liz Lemon Swindle 
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The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child,
I love you and I would never, never leave you
during your times of trial and suffering.
"When you saw only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."
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written by Mary Stevenson
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*CRAFT ideas - Footprint Inspired
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Sand Cast Plaster Footprints
Capturing footprints doesn't have to be reserved for babies and toddlers.
A tub of sand, plaster of Paris, water, a stick (to stir), and I'm sure a few giggles.
After a 30 minute wait, the girls would have a wonderful personal reminder of His love.
tutorial here, from Noah's Art
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Footprint Art
This would be a fun project for the girls.
Great for display.
Have them each create a footprint, maybe with those things they have been blessed with.
idea found here
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Footprint Pendant
These were crafted in fine silver.
Why couldn't the girls create a miniature footprint
in salt dough and spray paint them silver?
purchase personalized pendants here, from KLMcDesigns
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Candle Art
I would add miniature seashells in place of the flowers and add a sandy base.
You could emphasize that the candle represents the light of Christ in their lives.
idea found here
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Wooden Photo Block 3.5 x 5 x .75 Footprints in the sand
Wooden Photo Block
A simple block of wood with a photograph mod podged onto it.
Quick and easy.
purchase original here, from Longshot Galleries
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baby footprint pendant
Footprint Pendant
tutorial here, from the Artful Crafter

Arise and Shine Forth Slap Bracelet


Do you remember when the Slap Bracelets were introduced in the late 80's?  Remember how much fun they were?  We would start with a stiff, flat bracelet.  Slap it across our wrist - cringing for fear of it hurting, but to our surprise it never did.  Then remove it.  Snap it open.  Slap in on again!  Then repeat.  Snap.  Slap.  Repeat.  Snap.  Slap.  Repeat.  Oh the fun!
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I was so excited to get these in the mail! Arise and Shine Forth Slap Bracelets from RingMasters.  I love the color scheme used, crisp and clean.  These silicone wrapped bracelets are not only awesome, they are quality items.  And big.  So much fun!
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Here's what my daughters had to say about them:
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Maddy (13), "It's a perfect way to show others what I believe in...  plus it's pretty cute."
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Brie (16), "People notice you because you are different... in a good way.  They even notice the bracelets you wear or the shirts you have on!  I explain that "arise" means to stand up for what you believe in.  Don't be afraid of being YOU."
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Maddy took her bracelet to school to see what her friends thought of it - and let them try it on for size.   :)  Looks like they were having fun! 
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She emailed me a bunch of pictures (48 to be exact, silly girl!) she took during their lunch hour, here are just a few of those:
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Her friend Garrett's birthday is this weekend. He was having so much fun slapping the bracelet on and off... guess what is being added to his gift?  :)  Maddy said the others kept asking her where she got it, and wanted one for themselves.  :)
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Let's see, what would be a great occassion to give the youth one of these:
  • Birthday
  • Youth Conference
  • YW Camp
  • YW in Excellence Take-A-Way
  • Stocking Stuffer
  • Just Because they are awesome!*
I also figured out that the slap bracelet fits perfectly around a bottle of water!  :)
Wouldn't this be fun to give the youth after a summer activity...
A nice cold water and something to help them remember this year's mutual theme.
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Join in the party and get your own Arise & Shine Forth
Slap Bracelet from RingMasters !!
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Arise and Shine Forth Slap Bracelet
Arise & Shine Forth Slap Bracelet
$3.95
purchase here
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Other Arise & Shine Forth products
you can purchase from RingMasters include:
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Arise & Shine Forth Guitar Pick Zipper Pull
Both my daughters play guitar,
I am thinking ahead... stocking stuffer!  :)
$1.95
purchase here
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Arise and Shine Forth UV Silicone Bracelet
Arise & Shine Forth UV Silicone Bracelet
The bracelet changes from white to purple in the sun!
How fun is that?
$2.95
purchase here
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Arise and Shine Forth Guitar Pick Necklace
Arise & Shine Forth Guitar Pick Necklace
Love this!
$3.95
purchase here

The Legend of the Sand Dollar

MINI DEVOTIONAL/THOUGHT
The Legend of the Sand Dollar, The Friend 1976

Main Thought: “Remember Him, and find peace within.”
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Walking slowly along the wet sand—hands in pockets and bare feet kicking the water that lapped at his toes—Guillermo (Gee-yer-mo) wished he had a present to welcome his friend Philip. Soon it would be time for Philip to arrive in Baja, California, after the trip with his family‍ along the Oregon seacoast. Two years ago the two boys had been neighbors in Arizona. Will Philip be the same?‍ he wondered. He was concerned that perhaps they wouldn’t still like the same things.
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Guillermo stooped to pick up a flat, gray, roundish seashell almost hidden in the wet sand. It was a sand dollar! He turned it over in his hand with the feeling of awe and wonder he always felt when he thought about the legend of the shell. He slipped the shell into his jeans pocket as he heard the sound of his mother’s voice floating down from the bluff.
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photo credit: here
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“Guillermo, it is time.”
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He climbed the winding path up the bluff to their red brick home at the top and opened the heavy wooden door to enter a cool, tile-bordered room.
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“Hurry, Guillermo, and help me set the table,” urged his mother. “Philip’s parents will want their lunch so they can be on their way to Cabo San Lucas. How nice that Philip can stay with you for a whole week!”
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Guillermo had just finished putting a bright cloth on the table and had changed into a clean T-shirt when he heard a car pull into the yard.
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“Here they are,” said his mother. “Tell Papa.”
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“Papa, they’re here!” called Guillermo. Then he hurried outside, one hand in his pocket.
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A red-haired boy ran toward him with a package in his hand.
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Hola‍ (hello), Guillermo, como está usted‍ (how are you)?”
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“I’m fine, Philip,” Guillermo replied.
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“I’ve been practicing Spanish,” his friend explained. “Look what I brought you.” He shoved the package into Guillermo’s hand and said excitedly, “Open it, OK?”
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Guillermo opened the package. Inside was a plastic flying saucer.
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Muchas gracias, Felipe‍ (many thanks, Philip),” he said, grinning.
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Again he wished he had a welcoming gift for Philip. Then he remembered the sand dollar he had picked up. He put his hand into his pocket and drew out the flat seashell.
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“I have a present for you, too, Philip. I’m sorry it isn’t wrapped.”
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photo credit: here
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“I’ve never seen a shell like this before,” said Philip. “What is it?”
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“It’s a sand dollar. However, some people call it a keyhole urchin. It’s found on the Gulf coast and Atlantic coast. After dinner let’s go to my room and I’ll tell you about it.”
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Later when they reached his bedroom, Guillermo opened a shoe box on his dresser and took out a dry, sun-bleached sand dollar. “The legend,” Guillermo began, “says that this shell tells the story of the birth and death of Jesus.”
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“How can a sand dollar do that?” asked Philip.
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Guillermo pointed to the shell in his hand.
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“The markings show up better on this dry shell than on yours. See, on the back there’s an Easter lily. In the center of it is the tracing of the star that guided the wise men to the Christ‍ child.”
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photo credit: here
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Guillermo turned the shell over. “Here on the other side are the markings of the Christmas poinsettia. In the middle are five holes, representing the wounds in Jesus’ body when He was crucified.”
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“Wow!” said Philip, “that’s interesting.” Then, looking closely at the holes, he thought of something else and asked, “How does the shell move?”
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“When it’s alive it’s covered with brown, hair-like spines, and it moves with them. It’s an animal like the starfish.” Guillermo pointed to a small hole in the bottom of the shell. “It takes food in through here.” He handed the shell to Philip. “Here, shake it,” he suggested to his friend.
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Guillermo watched as Philip gently shook the shell and sand fell out.
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“What’s inside, more sand?” asked Philip.
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“No. Hold out your hand. Now watch.”
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Guillermo broke open the sand dollar and out dropped several tiny white wing-like objects.
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photo credit: here
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“They’re like folded butterflies made of ivory or bone!” Philip exclaimed.
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“The legend says they are the white doves that spread goodwill and peace,” Guillermo explained.
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“That’s really neat,” said Philip. “Can we look for more sand dollars on the beach?”
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“Sure, Philip. Did you know that some women wear pendants of gold cast from real sand dollars? Other people thread sand dollars on strings and use them for wind chimes.”
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“I can make a chime for my mother!” said Philip excitedly. “Or maybe I could make her a necklace for Christmas. Boy, Guillermo, I’m so glad I came!"
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CRAFT ideas - Sand Dollar Inspired
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No-Sew Bleached Sand Dollar Pillow
This design would be awesome on a t-shirt!
tutorial here, from Crafts&Sutch
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Sand Dollar Art
I think the girls would have fun designing their own sand dollars.
I would!
Arcylic Paints, Watercolors, Oil Pastels, Markers.
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Dyed Sand Dollar Necklace
Take a real sand dollar - dry it, dye it, and seal it for strength.
idea found here, created by Sarah's Sand Dollars
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Sand Dollar Necklace
Another pendant idea. Add a ring clip to a smaller sand dollar.
The one above was created by Eli N Opus.
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Sand Dollar Hemp and Wood Bead Necklace
idea found here
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Sand Dollar Ornament
You could dress up your sand dollars with rhinestones and ribbon.
idea found here, from Nautical by Nature
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DIY Sand Dollar and Twine Garland
A cute and simple decoration for the cabins.
idea found here
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Stamped Metal and SandDollar Charm
With the right supplies, the girls could create a personalized stamped necklace like this one.
They could use metal washers, dog tags, or charms like the one used above.
Whatever budget allows.
You could even use real sand dollars (small ones) and spray paint them in gold or silver.
purchase here, from Simple Starfish
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Sand Dollar Stencil
I love this!  Great design for a t-shirt.
purchase here
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The Legend of the Sand Dollar
purchase book here
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There's a lovely little legend
that I would like to tell,
of the birth and death of Jesus,
found in this lowly shell.

If you examine closely,
you'll see that you find here,
four nail holes and a fifth one,
made by a Roman's spear.

On one side the Easter lily,
its center is the star,
that appeared unto the shepherds
and led them from afar.

The Christmas Poinsettia
etched on the other side,
reminds us of His birthday,
our happy Christmastide.

Now break the center open,
and here you will release,
the five white doves awaiting,
to spread Good Will and Peace.

This simple little symbol,
Christ left for you and me,
to help us spread His Gospel,
through all Eternity.

Author Unknown

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