One Small Step, One Giant Leap

Tomorrow is Leap Day.  That extra day we are given, only every four years.  I have been thinking about what I can do to make this extra day an extra fun day for my family.
I started with the obvious choice - frogs.  But everything to do with frogs is green, and with St Patrick's Day in the horizon I decided to reserve all the green for then.
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Then I thought about actual leaping.  How fun would it be to have a Leap-O-Thon?  Games and activities with a lot of leaping, jumping, hopping.  Using the trampoline, playing hop-scotch, jumping ropes, playing leap frog, doing the bunny hop, etc..  Even if we don't have an actual Leap-O-Thon, we will definately have to incorporate something active!
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Maybe we have a contest to see who can use the most phrases throughout the day with "leap" in them... like "Leapin' Lizards!" from Annie - I like the way Carol Burnett says it as Miss Hannigan!  :)  Or "By Leaps and Bounds", "Look before you Leap",  _________________ (any more ideas?).  :)
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Or, a Quantum Leap marathon.  Did any of you watch that television series?  Sam Beckett, the scientist, trapped leaping through time, landing in a new time period and different body each week.  I used to love that show!  (watch full episodes here)
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But, it seems that the majority of my ideas are building around the quote, "One Small Step for Man, One Giant Leap for Mankind", by Neil Armstrong - famous words as his left boot touched the surface of the moon.
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I'll give you details - after the fact.  :)  But, here is a teaser of how I plan on celebrating Leap Day this year:
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Moon Inspired GOODIES
The Original MoonPie
all things MoonPie here
purchase here
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Homemade MoonPies
recipe found here
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Jimmy Zangwow's Out-Of-This-World MoonPie Adventure
find book here
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ON A SPIRITUAL NOTE
I wanted to share a talk I came across: One Small Step For A Man; One Giant Leap For Mankind, by Elder Carlos E Asay, General Conference, April 1990.  It would be a great resource when teaching about the restoration of the gospel and Joseph Smith.
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Here are a few excerpts from his talk to give you an idea of the wonderful message:
  • On July 20, 1969, astronauts landed on the moon, a planet located some 239,000 miles from the earth. Millions of people the world over witnessed this historic event on television and stared in amazement as the lunar module came to rest on the moon’s surface. All were thrilled when Neil Armstrong exited from the space craft and announced: “One small step for a man; one giant leap for mankind.”
  • Joseph Smith’s prayer and first vision in 1820 were no small things, even though they began as “one small step for a [young] man.” Over the years they have proven to be “one giant leap for mankind”.
  • Joseph did not emerge from the grove with lunar rocks in his pocket or with moon dust on his shoes. He emerged with a changed countenance and with a gold mine of truth lodged in his mind and heart.
  • His prayer was - one small step for a [young] man, [but] one giant leap for mankind. [It proved that] There isn’t a thing that man cannot do, [if he has faith, trusts in the Lord, and] If he takes one small step at a time.

What Girl Doesn't Like Shoes?

I have to share these fun finds.  They would be perfect for a night focused on...  "Putting Your Best Foot Forward" (meaning:  embark on a journey or task with purpose and gusto), a "Step Up and Make a Difference" service night (Do Things That Make A Difference, Elder M. Russell Ballard, Ensign, June 1983 - Ten Ways to Make a DifferencePresident James E. Faust, New Era, November 2004), a "High Heels and High Standards" night, or a "Personal Progress: A Perfect Fit".*
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I am going to add to this so check back.  I have some more ideas running 'round my head!  :)
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High Heel Cupcakes
found here
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Paper Flip Flops
found here
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High Heels and Flip Flop Cupcakes
found here
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Paper Shoes
template and tutorial found here
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Paper Sneakers
found here
I just had to show you these.  Aren't the amazing!
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Vintage Paper Shoe
found here
template from here
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Paper Sneakers
found here
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Paper Shoe Favor and Table Number
idea found here

Hope Chest and Testimonies

Maddy, my daughter, asked me to help her with a spiritual thought for mutual.  Her Beehive class activity for the night was going to be focused on the hope chest.  (Yea!)  Maddy said it was her idea.  (Double Yea!)
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We started by reading a few different scriptures to see if anything we found went along with the idea of a Hope Chest.  We began focusing on 2 Nephi 31:20, "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of god and all men.  Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father:  Ye shall have eternal life."
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Maddy practiced what she was going to say - a few times.  We both, in our own minds could see the correlation, but agreed it was a stretch.  So we tried something else.
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I am a visual learner.  If I can see it - I usually get it.  So, Maddy and I went to the whiteboard.  This is what we drew, as we talked about the correlation between a hope chest and a testimony:
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A hope chest, historically, is a box where a young women collects items:  linens, dishes, a special dress, etc... - in hope/preparation for married life.  The box being portable, so she can take it with her.
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A testimony, is a place in your heart where you continually add to it:  prayer, scripture study, service, etc... - in faith/preparation for eternal life.  A testimony is the one thing you take with you.
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It is amazing what you can learn when you put a some thought into something.  I especially enjoyed the conversation Maddy and I had as we were brainstorming our ideas.  :)
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As for the activity, the girls were asked to bring an item, a momento, to place into their hope chests.  When Maddy came home at the end of the night she was holding a box that her young women leaders had given her to begin her very own hope chest.
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I love that the leaders are encouraging this! 

Clue Ideas for Where's Waldo

I have had a number of requests for the clues used in the Where's Waldo activity.  Those who have asked for them have been disappointed to hear they are no where to be found.  I did not put that activity together, so I had to make a few calls and send a couple emails - I really have tried to locate them.  :)
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I was happy to finally have someone who was willing to share their creativity with the rest of us...  Marie Page shared the following clues for a  activity their youth recently had.  Thank you for sharing!
  • A&F really stands for “Abs and Fragrance.” Come find me fast, I’m getting a headache from the smell! (Abercrombie and Fitch)
  • It seems like I’ve been in the dark for one hundred years. I wish I had more popcorn. (Century Theaters)
  • I ate Wheaties for breakfast this morning, so I fit right in here. (Champs Sports)
  • I’m easy to spot, since this is a place just for children. (The Children's Place)
  • Come find me in the stacks. I’m not sipping coffee, but I am enjoying the free Wi-Fi. (Barnes and Noble)
  • This is the happiest place in the mall! (Disney Store)
  • I just found a new best friend. He hasn’t eaten anything, but he’s stuffed. (Build-A-Bear)
  • I’m looking at a cat, a dog, and a palindrome. (Hannah the Pet Society)
  • I know it’s cheesy, but I pictured being here all day. (The Picture People)
  • I’m hanging out with Prophets,_______________ , and Revelators. (Sears)
  • I am in the most patriotic store. But if you burn it, you buy it! (Yankee Candle)
  • All I’m missing are palm trees and ocean. And the sun, of course. (Sunglass Hut)
  • They card everyone here, but you don’t have to be over 21 to buy something. (Hallmark)
  • I stink. But I won’t by the time I’m done shopping here. I’m spraying all the testers and picking out a new Wallflower. (Bath and Body Works)
  • Friends Abercrombie & Fitch wanted to go play. They tried their friends Macy and Dillard but they weren’t home. So they went to Justine Chase instead.  (JC Penney)
  • Where you go to be non-pc, eat a big mac or take a bite out of an apple? (MAC Store)
If you wanted to, the night could end using the Where's Waldo activity as a gospel lesson.  Here's one idea, it's a stretch, but it might work!  :)   "Clue, Ponder, Play = Joy in finding the Waldos" - "Search, Ponder, Pray = Joy in finding the answers."

Saturday, A Special Day

Do  you remember Saturday mornings when we were kids?  We didn't just clean. We "detailed". The smell of Pledge still makes me envision the 70's style coffee table - so many nooks and crannies to dust!  I still use newspaper and Windex to clean our windows (which really need to be cleaned right now!).  Using old toothbrushes to clean around the sink.  And vacuuming, how I loved making perfect lines in the carpet.  And how mad I would get when someone walked on it, messing it all up!  The memories.
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Growing up, the only exception to Saturday morning chores was Saturday morning volleyball or basketball games at the Stake Center. Which reminds me to make a shout out to Kim's Young Women: Congratulations on your winning season! Gook luck at Regionals!"
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This morning as the girls were "detailing" the banister and stair railing (they did such a good job!), the boys and I were pulling the cushions off the couch.  We discovered a couple toys and remains of countless bowls of dry cereal and crackers.  It made me a little sad.  Not because of the mess, but because the joy they were missing out on.  :)
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Let me explain my thoughts...  when we were young, do you remember fighting to be the one who cleaned out the couch cushions?  Why was it one of the coveted chores?  The rewards of course!  Back then pockets were usually filled with change - pennies, dimes, nickels and even an occasional quarter or two.  When someone would sit down on the couch, the coins would fall out of their pockets and into the cushions of the couch.  So, when it came time to clean beneath the cushions, there was always a treasure to be found = joy!  I just threw a few coins in the couch, along with a couple toys, for next week - so they can experience the joy of cleaning.  :)
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If I don't have music in the background already, it is hard to resist the urge to break out in song while doing chores!  "When We're Helping" is always the first song to escape my lips.  Many a dishes were washed by hand singing that song growing up.  And I should add... many bubbles flew!  :)  The Primary song, "Saturday" is always a favorite. Do they sing that in Primary anymore?
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I got thinking about Lisa, our cousin, today as chores were being done.  For those of you who don't know our cousin, she has a wonderful blog: Almost Famous.  She has some great thoughts on teaching kids how to clean, as well as ideas on how to make my cleaning experience more enjoyable.  :)  Just thought I'd share.  Here are a few links to her posts on cleaning:

Arise and Shine, Sunshine

Kim's ward had their YW New Beginnings this past week...  "Kim, I love how it turned out!  The 'You are my Sunshine' lyrics are amazing!  And I love that you made the posters sparkle.  By the way, I love you sis!  Happy Birthday tomorrow! Wish I lived close enough to join in the celebration!  ((hugs))"
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Here are the details of their night:
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INVITATION
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DECORATION
I took each of the following prints down to our local print shop and the enlarged them to the size of half a poster board. We are all about the sparkle this year so we chose a few key words, raindrops or beams and glitterfied them with gold. (Your eye always catches the glitter) The YW loved the signs so much they all want one to hang in their rooms, that will be another activity. (click each poster to go to the original link - I could not find the original source for all posters)
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We hung twinkle lights and bright yellow pom poms above provided by each leader and YW.
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Our focus was on the Savior and how we can be a beam for him. We made a sun and each beam represented the Young Women, adorned with glitter stickers.
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THEME GIFT
Pillow case with the 2012 Mutual Theme ironed on it (adorable)... went off what mom would tell us every morning.  :)
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REFRESHMENTS
Each leader brought white or yellow treats:
Yellow Cake Balls
Lemon Sugar Cookies
Lemon and White Chocolate Popcorn
Lemon Poppy Seed Bread
Bright Yellow Gum Balls with Smiley Faces
Cupcakes adorned with the Sun
Lemon Meringue Cupcakes (Kim, I added this for future reference)  :)
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Our Drink was a sunshine mix:
Frozen Pina Colada Mix, Frozen White Grape Juice and Sprite
Served in a canning jar with a slice of lemon and a white and yellow striped paper straw (Huge hit!)
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PROGRAM
We stuck right to what the hand book said when it came to the program... introduce the Young Women program and spotlight the new upcoming Beehives.
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Welcome: __________
Song: Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam (it was fun to watch the girls sing that song, they were kinda silly)
Prayer: __________
Introductions: (class officers and girls in each class)
We had the Presidents introduce their presidency and each girl in their class.
The President assigned a girl to read what the class motto was and another showed the symbol and tied it in with the sun (The Laurels symbol is a wreath, she talked about how the wreath is like the sun... eternal.)  The girls stayed up front until the Beehives were done and them they all repeated the theme.
Spotlight: Each new upcoming beehive came up one at a time and their mom or dad spotlighted them.
YW Motto and Logo: One of our Laurels spoke on the meaning of the torch and having the light "Sunshine" of Christ in our lives. Did you know that D&C 115:5 "Arise and Shine forth that thy light shall be a standard for all nations" is the basis of the Young Women Program? Kinda cool to know that!
Speaker: YW Pres. Talked about the purpose for New Beginnings, how Christ is our center and how each YW can radiate his love through faith, divine nature, individual worth, choice and accountability, good works, integrity and virtue. etc...
Special Musical Number:  "You Are My Sunshine" (performed by one of our laurels - playing her ukulele)
Here is the video:
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Here are the lyrics - additional lyrics written by Brenda Dobry, one of the young women leaders (amazing!):
You are my sunshine,
My only sunshine
You make me happy
When skies are gray
You'll never know dear
How much I love you
Please don't take my sunshine away.
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Arise and Shine forth
Just like the sunshine
Let your light shine everyday
You'll never know dear
How much HE loves you
Shine your light for him today.
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You are a daughter
Of Heavenly Father
Saved for this day
To light the way
He will direct you
He will protect you
You'll shine brighter every day.
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(everyone joined in on the last verse)
You are my sunshine,
My only sunshine
You make me happy
When skies are gray
You'll never know dear
How much I love you
Please don't take my sunshine away.
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Personal Progress Introduction: Given by PP Leader - tied in the PP with the Sunshine
Year in Review: "Get ready to be loved and shine!"
Theme Gifts Given to the Young Womenpillowcases
Closing Remarks: Bishop
Closing Song: Shine On
Closing Prayer: __________
Refreshments:  (see above)
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It turned out to be a great night!

YOUshare: Shine

We wanted to create a place for YOU to share your inspirations with us.  Especially if sparked by one of our idea shares  - here on Sisters in Zion!  :)
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Here is our first YOUshare post:
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Kimberly Panter shared these photos from her ward's recent YW New Beginnings:  "I just wanted to thank you for your inspiration for the YW New Beginnings Theme Shine. I really appreciate all of your talent and sharing it with others. As you requested I have attached a few photos from the New Beginnings I did using the theme. I'm now getting ready to plan a Mother Daughter Personal Progress activity and am considering using your Personal Progress: A pattern for Life idea. Seriously you have great ideas to spark my creativity. Thanks again."
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Kimberly,  thank you for sharing!
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