tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34717088412968626712024-03-14T04:25:25.760+10:00{ This girl loves to talk }This Girl loves to Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810963456640254875noreply@blogger.comBlogger1399125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471708841296862671.post-21565329753004420512021-11-07T15:19:00.001+10:002021-11-07T15:20:27.115+10:00Canberra Trip 2018Its been almost 2 years since our jaunt around tasmania.<br />
I was itching for another road trip {I wanted to drive to Melbourne!}<br />
<br />
Since our kids school doesnt do The big Canberra Trip like most schools do and our kids missed out (loved mine as a kid) we decided to do our own.<br />
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We drove about 3000 km. I wanted to experience the countryside not just drive through the night without stopping. So we basically broke our trip up into 400km stretches with stops to see something every two hours or so.<br />
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Brisbane - Armidale<br />
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<br />This Girl loves to Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810963456640254875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471708841296862671.post-15237181594263966632017-08-09T07:25:00.002+10:002017-08-09T07:25:49.122+10:00Birthday {Camping Theme}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love a good birthday party theme.<br />
Helps me immensely.<br />
We had a few ideas back and forth {unicorn theme is being saved for another day}<br />
and settled on a camping/woodland theme.<br />
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Perfect for winter too. {An aussie winter that is} Party was 5-8pm.<br />
Elements listed below:<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Campfire cake</span></h2>
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Campfire cake instructions found <a href="https://showerofroses.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/a-campfire-cake.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+blogspot/eojD+(Shower+of+Roses)">HERE</a><br />
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This was a chocolate cake with marshmallow fluff (from candy time) covered in chocolate icing, topped with mini flakes (confectionary warehouse) wafer sticks (big w) and chocolate rocks (confectinary warehouse). The flames are made by smashing boiled hard candy (woolworths) and melting in oven for 10 mins then let harden and then crack into flame shapes. I purchased a wood slice to display it on from a Gumtree seller. Decorated with christmas swag and llights.<br />A very easy cake that looked impressive.<br />
I was very happy.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Invite</span></h2>
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I love Canva so much I actually made like 3 different invites. Cute stuff. Above is twig cake toppers. They were a bit heavy for the toothpicks so didn't stand up too long (use skewers maybe) but I just loved them as decorations too. Hot glue and twine and twigs. Super Cute.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Woodslice craft</span></h2>
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I always love to have a craft idea or activity at every party to keep them busy for a while. My brother sliced up a branch for me (how awesome) and every child had a wood slice to decorate. I painted one side with leftover chalkboard paint. I supplied sharpies to decorate the other side along with some wooden feathers (dollar store). The slices had a hole drilled in the top (by dad and the birthday girl!) and children were given twine and beads to decorate as they wanted.<br />
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<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Painted paper trees</span></h2>
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We are lucky to have a resident artist. We rolled out lengths of kraft paper and using a water pen and watercolours painted a birch tree effect. Then cut the paper into trees. Probably would have worked better on white paper but hey we just use what we have... I cut letters out of black card and used double sided tape to stick them to hessian bunting (so it can be reused ;)<br />
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our other decoration was a shanty tent. I would have loved a beautiful big white tent or yurt. That was out of budget so a makeshift tent from old lace curtains, crochet table cloths and some fairy lights.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Fireplace</span></h2>
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We are lucky to have a fireplace. One of the reasons I chose a camping party actually. We made a fire, roasted massive marshmallows and sat on our woodslice and log pillows (kmart). We had hotdogs for dinner and a hotchoc bar with our marshmallows.<br />
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<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">karaoke</span> </h2>
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One of the birthday party ideas we threw around was to go to a karaoke bar. So we ended up with a bit of our own thanks to The MR. He was a perfect DJ. We set up our projector and screen so everyone could see and they all sang along together next to our makeshift tent outside. </div>
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Singing by the fire? (kinda)</div>
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<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Party Thankyou</span></h2>
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I made up little hessian bags with chocolate rocks, gummi hotdogs and caramel swirls (looks like woodslice?) and pop rocks. Each child also got Be wild stationary set ($3! kmart) which they all loved and twig pencils! (oxfam)<br />
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The end. I loved the camping/woodland theme. Would do again.This Girl loves to Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810963456640254875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471708841296862671.post-48920988461319212012017-07-06T21:31:00.001+10:002017-07-06T21:31:14.512+10:0010 minute Glue Gun Birthday Shirt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Ah its that time of year.<br />
I didn't make birthday shirts for the older girls this year.<br />
{sniff sniff.. I'm ok with it} so I almost forgot to make one for the next birthday girls.<br />
<br />
So after some googling to come up with quick new ideas, stencils and glue resist came up.<br />
<br />
This was so easy and I had all the tools at home.<br />
<br />
All you need is a shirt (I got mine $3 target)<br />
Glue Gun and Glue<br />
Spray paint<br />
<br />
<br />
On some baking paper write out the number (or word or whatever) in Glue.<br />
Let dry and peel off.<br />
Place word on shirt and spray with spray paint {place some cardboard between shirt}<br />
I'm sure fabric paint would work better but all I had is white spray paint so I used that<br />
- Miss would have loved some pink spray<br />
<br />
Because the shirt was light and the paint was light the number came out very subtle.<br />
But that's ok. Easier to wear stealthily after the day.<br />
<br />
I also sprayed the bottom back for a bit of fun.<br />
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<br />This Girl loves to Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810963456640254875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471708841296862671.post-4018109812678578412017-06-29T22:55:00.000+10:002017-06-29T22:55:03.888+10:0024 Hrs in Byron Bay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I was annoyed that we hadn't been on holiday in over a year.<br />
Nowhere on the Easter Holidays, nowhere on Christmas, nowhere in September Spring holiday...<br />
The Mr was away for work so I took a quick solo holiday with the girls.<br />
I have never done this before so I was actually anxious! Can you believe it? Gah.<br /><br />We arrived around 3pm Monday and left just after 3pm Tuesday. All up it was only 24 hrs!<br />
But we achieved alot in 24 hrs. Byron Bay is the perfect spot for that.<br />
<br />
We stayed at <a class="" href="http://www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au/nsw/north_coast/byron_bay">Discovery Parks Byron Bay</a> . Mainly because it was cheap and slept 6. Got a cabin.<br />
The girls loved it (kids don't often need fancy. Its lovely that they think anything is awesome ha.)<br />
They were a bit devastated that we were only doing a short stay and it was a bit too cold to utilise the 2 pools and splash pad. They did dip their toes in. The jumping pillow did get a bit of a work out though. Town was only a short drive. Park had some old parts, but some lovely new bits. Reasonable.<br />
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We jumped on the jumping pillow, put our bags in unpacked and jumped in the car to beat the sun so we could watch the sunset while up at the lighthouse. Byron Roads are a bit small so traffic is always interesting. We got a park in the second carpark on the way down luckily. Then ran up that hill. We saw so many Whales splashes! The girls didn't believe me at first when I said look a whale! Wish we had binoculars but we sat and watched whale splashes for quite some time. So fun to think that just a little ways away are a bunch of whales having a grand old time.<br />
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^Next to our restaurant for dinner. Fun.<br />
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Next day we woke and headed off to macadamia castle for pancakes for breakfast. Yum.<br />
Then the scenic route up to Minyon Falls. Road had some potholes and dirt for the last few km but we made it! I'm always surprised to see buses at these types of places. I feel scared enough in a car let alone a bus going up tiny roads. Minyon falls is about a 100 m drop. If we had time I would have loved to walk to the bottom. Next time!<br />
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^sneaky photo bomber fingers</div>
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The night before we went to main beach in the dark after our dinner. I promised we would go back to the beach. I wanted to try another one (insert sads from the kid who wanted to go back to the beach playground.) I missed the first turn off to the other beach and we ended up 6km out of town at Broken Head. Turned out to be awesome as we had the beach to ourselves except for some surfers floating on boards out to sea. score! Two of the girls got into the water. Winter or not nothing was stopping them.</div>
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^^ Panorama - Byron Lighthouse headland this end. Broken Head the other end.<br />
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^^ Heart rock. Byron beaches are just sand - clear of most debris. Lucky to find this one.<br />
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Towelled off, stopped by the Farm and headed back home via Ikea (of course!)<br />And that was our 24 hours in Byron Bay.</div>
This Girl loves to Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810963456640254875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471708841296862671.post-44966077867114995772017-06-20T22:56:00.003+10:002017-06-20T23:07:53.649+10:00Winter Solstice 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been feeling very out of sorts lately. </div>
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I am a spontaneous person who is up for anything but lately I feel we are missing out on everything.</div>
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Especially in regards to the children, family time, taking time, holidays, hikes, long car rides.</div>
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I so feel like our schedule runs our life, not us running our life. And there is a disconnect.</div>
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Don't know what it is about holidays, traditions etc but I find it puts a light under me.</div>
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We've done solstice for a few years now, and just a few days ago I realised its here again! </div>
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Put this together this morning and it was really nice to have candlelit dinner with the kids, talk about seasons, write intentions and burn them in the fire, have kids build fire and take charge and spend some time together away from computers.</div>
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^^ A badly drawn Queenslander in our snow globe:) Love Winter Here.<br />
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^^ Easy to see both Sunrise and Sunset on the shortest days of the year<br />
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^^Early sunset 4:50pm</div>
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^^ Cause we love candles. Been a while actually</div>
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^^ Mac and Cheese. It's gotta be hearty on Solstice :)<br />
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^^ I'm pretty fail at fires. Our kindling died out too quick. Bless firestarters to stop sadfaces.<br />
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^^ Mega American Marshmallows kept us going for ages. One is enough!</div>
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^^ Writing things we want to let go of, and then positive things we want to bring into our lives<br />
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^^ A burning intention<br />
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<br />
So technically solstice is at 1pm on the 21st June. We were 20 hrs early. But our only free night.<br />
The long nights last all week, so all forgiven right ;)<br />
Now if there was only no schedule and lots of time to enjoy long dark nights.<br />
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Welcome Winter. Funny thing is - it wasn't very cold tonight :)This Girl loves to Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810963456640254875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471708841296862671.post-27813440877284130062017-06-20T22:12:00.000+10:002017-06-20T22:12:06.483+10:00Ssssweet Ssssixteen<br />
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It's been a while since I've done a themed birthday party.<br />
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This one all started with a chameleon top from H&M.<br />
It's so hard to buy the miss things and I thought she likes reptiles, she might like this shirt.<br />
<br />
Then I thought hmmm maybe we should do one of those reptile parties for her 16th<br />
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To which she replied a resounding yes!<br />
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So with a weeks notice we put together a Ssssweet Ssssixteen reptile party.<br />
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Our host from a <a href="https://www.truebluereptiles.com.au/">True Blue Reptiles</a> was great. Short Notice and everything.<br />
A wonderful woman who engaged the teens so well.<br />
She asked questions about them and taught them a few things. I was impressed.<br />
<br />
When I mentioned a reptile party people told me these parties are only for small children<br />
(I even had several people mock me?! That it was a baby idea for a 16th. Really I was shocked)<br />
However it turned out so great. I was so happy.<br />
The teens were interested, discussion flowed and everyone enjoyed themselves.<br />
It was easy as work for me! bonus! I literally just had to take photos.<br />
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We had a water dragon, water python, blue tongue lizard, turtle, another python.<br />I requested the baby crocodile but it was on its registered day off!!<br />
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^^ See my nervous face up there. I'm not deathly frightened but I've had chances before to touch a snake and the entire idea freaked me out big time. I do not like snakes in the least. However I was glad that the host made it so easy and so comfortable even though I thought I would give it all a wide berth and just be serving food, I soon was giving it a go too. Completely surprised me. I don't think I ever need to do it again but the lovely snake felt like the softest leather. I am so glad I held a snake. I would really recommend a party to anyone esp if you have a small fear. I felt pumped ha.<br />
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The little sisters pretty much thought it was their party too.<br />
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Fun, entertaining and educational. And maybe a dose of healthy fear :)<br />Thanks <a href="https://www.truebluereptiles.com.au/">True Blue Reptiles</a><br />
<br />This Girl loves to Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810963456640254875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471708841296862671.post-57912228377580826332017-03-05T22:08:00.000+10:002017-03-26T14:28:52.404+10:00Elf on the Shelf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I publicly wrote here that I probably wouldn't be doing elf on the shelf.<br />
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EVER...<br />
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even though I really wanted to...<br />
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But wasn't going to for many reasons (we don't do Santa or elves watching anyone/behaviour monitoring, the time, the mess, the DAILY TIME!) even though I thought it was cute.<br />
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Well happy to report that since I found a mega cheap elf (not a proper elf on shelf brand) I thought this year I will give it a go. Since my kids are much older than the target group I thought I would get my older girls to do it for my younger (hmmm that lasted a couple days) as a special seasonal treat to get them all in the spirit and to get the olders giving a bit of sweet service to their little sisters.<br />
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I may have been cursing myself when on the VERY FIRST DAY... YES THE 1st DEC!<br />
when we were out very late at a school function, coming home at 10pm and I think oh my goodness I have to do the elf!! And the first day needs to be good, my kids have no idea about the elf....the darn elf.. I was definitely regretting it already. ON THE FIRST DAY!<br />
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Then when the kids came out the next morning they shrugged, walked by and said<br />
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Mum... thats really creepy... He's ugly.<br />
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I think I may have almost wept.<br />
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HAHAHAHAHAH.<br />
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But I kept on and after a few days they loved it. They wanted to help place him - they did a few times but I did do most of it. They were interested in where will he be tomorrow... and by the end of December they said 'but we don't want Pepermint to leave!!!!!!!' and even had a few sads as they saw me put him away with all the Christmas decorations that get shoved in the roof for storage.<br />
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Since my kids are older now I think it provided a fun little daily seasonal outlet that gave them a bit of joy in the season. I am a little worried that it could become traditional then you would be stuck doing it forever (it is a bit of a job in an already busy time) but for this year I was glad we gave it a try.<br />
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Here is what our Peppermint got up to this season at our house:<br />
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Will Peppermint return next year?<br />
<br />This Girl loves to Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810963456640254875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471708841296862671.post-80790662650829704022017-01-29T21:53:00.002+10:002017-01-29T22:27:58.183+10:00FHE Lesson {Pacific Area Goals 2017}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here is last years <a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2016/01/fhe-lesson-pacific-area-goals-2016.html">2016 Pacific Area Goals FHE</a> lesson.<br />
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Since the goals are similar, refer to both for ideas.<br />
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Watch the Pacific Area Presidency Message <a href="http://pacific.lds.org/2017-pacific-area-plan" style="background-color: white; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" target="_blank">http://pacific.lds.org/2017-<wbr></wbr>pacific-area-plan</a><br />
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While watching have family members write down any thoughts/goals that come to mind<br />
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As listed last year have small children draw or write ideas under four headings<br />
Draw the following symbols<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13px;">house/church - Honor Sabbath Day</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13px;">praying arms - Increase spiritual self reliance</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13px;">a picture of scriptures - share the gospel</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13px;">temple </span><br />
Have children write or draw ideas in each column<br />
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Come up with individual or family goals that suit the pacific area plan that are individualised to your family.<br />
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eg<br />
Choose something that can make the sabbath a delight for your family<br />
- visit relatives, cook something to give each week, do family history together, encourage quiet activities, prepare on saturday so you are more organised on sunday, help the missionaries<br />
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Increase spiritual and temporal self reliance<br />
- set a budget, choose a course of scripture study, choose a skill you will develop or get better at (eg musical instruments, sport, a subject, cooking etc) help a child pay tithing.<br />
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Hasten the Work of Salvation<br />
- Be a better neighbour/friend, smile at others, assist someone in their calling, reach out, make a goal to meet new people, assist in church in extra helpful ways.<br />
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Temple<br />
-Set a goal to attend the temple, invite someone else to go to the temple with you, do family history work, teach an fhe to children about temples.<br />
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I really like <a href="https://au.pinterest.com/pin/280489883012888151/">this idea</a> of drawing a child's hand (reaching for the stars) and on the hand or maybe on the stars write the goals you are aiming for</div>
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Make multiple copies of <a href="https://au.pinterest.com/pin/280489883012844147/">this printable</a> - (I will do ONE thing ...... Today) and each week for FHE write down the one thing you will aim for</div>
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Try a <a href="https://au.pinterest.com/pin/56013589093175296/">goal setting printable</a> for kids to keep track of their goals.</div>
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Choose a few manageable goals for your family or self individually.<br />
Write them down and keep them in a place that can be seen. Review goals regularly.<br />
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<br />This Girl loves to Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810963456640254875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471708841296862671.post-81807926991187657372016-11-21T21:54:00.000+10:002016-11-21T21:58:45.009+10:00FHE Lesson {Advent}<br />
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There are lots of ways to count down till Christmas.<br />
Our family has several.<br />
It's great to do a spiritual one in the lead up to Christmas too.<br />
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This year I am hoping to do this one each evening for scripture reading:<br />
<a href="https://sofestive.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Scripture-Advent-Calendar.pdf">Scripture Advent and candle</a><br />
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We just used our <a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/fhe-lesson-christ-centred-christmas.html">Christ Centred Advent</a> from previous years tonight.<br />
Daily life of Jesus Tag to hang up and a questions game for a FHE included<br />
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Or try the <a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/fhe-lesson-advent.html">4 Sundays (or Mondays) Advent</a> one each week the month of December with an Advent wreath and candle. <a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2015/11/advent.html">or Here</a><br />
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This year I am going to be using this service <a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2016/11/advent-calendar-standing-frame-flip.html">Flip Frame Advent</a><br />
Each day the advent calendar will an act of service or kindness per day<br />
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Here are some of the acts of service that I liked </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;">{I wanted easy achievable ones for the month}</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Give someone a compliment today</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Smile at people</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Make dinner for someone in need</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Give cookies to friends</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Leave a finished book you've read in a public spot for someone else to enjoy</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Pick up rubbish in a local park/roadside etc</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Mail a card to someone you haven't seen in a while</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Leave coins at a laundromat/shopping centre ride ons/vending machine</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Find a local home with best Christmas lights and leave a thankyou note</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Give sincere thanks to a teacher and maybe a little gift {school or church or music}</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Offer to babysit for a family that needs it</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Write a letter to a loved one</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Leave anonymous happy notes in public places</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Invite a new friend out/over</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Let someone ahead of you in a line</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Leave stamps for someone to find at the post office</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Leave happy chalk messages around your neighbourhood</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Wash a car</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Introduce what your advent calendar will be this year.</span><br /><br />Tonight we went through the Church's<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1910308048"> </a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><a href="https://www.theredheadedhostess.com/most-popular/lighttheworld/">Light the World Campaign</a> and watched the Light the world video and went through the days on the advent calendar and the suggested activities. </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;">The children suggested some of their own ideas. </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;">We put up the pictures for each day found <a href="https://www.theredheadedhostess.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/LIGHTtheWORLD25WaysPosters.pdf">HERE</a> on the computer.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Then we read out each saying etc "Jesus showed humility..so can you" </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;">'Jesus Healed the sick.. so can you' then read out the suggested acts of service.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Tell the children that you hope to do some of the things listed on the Light the World Advent Calendar each day in December.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Light the world Advent Calendar found <a href="https://www.mormon.org/downloads">Here</a> (scroll down)</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;">I love these little advent journals <a href="https://www.theredheadedhostess.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/LIGHTtheWORLDjournalFinal.pdf">Here</a> {these might work well with older kids}</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Enjoy this time to connect as a family and have a spiritual advent leading to Christmas.</span>This Girl loves to Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810963456640254875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471708841296862671.post-18180571457313419452016-11-16T22:07:00.001+10:002016-11-17T07:32:58.489+10:00Advent Calendar {Standing Frame Flip Advent}<br />
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November means Advent Calendar making!<br />
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This year I've combined the <a href="https://au.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=ikea%20frame%20advent%20calendar&rs=typed&term_meta[]=ikea%7Ctyped&term_meta[]=frame%7Ctyped&term_meta[]=advent%7Ctyped&term_meta[]=calendar%7Ctyped">Standing Ikea Frame Advent Calendars</a> idea with<br />
Random Acts of Kindness Advent Calendars <a href="http://www.muminthemadhouse.com/alternative-advent-calender-24-acts-kindness-kids/">Here</a> <a href="http://www.coffeecupsandcrayons.com/random-acts-christmas-kindness-printable-advent-calendar/">Here</a> <a href="http://lemonsqueezyhome.com/2010/12/wrap-up-of-our-christ-centered.html">Here</a> <a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/service-december/">Here</a><br />
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Needed:<br />
Christmas scrapbooking papers<br />
number stickers<br />
Tags, ebellishments<br />
Double sided Tape<br />
30mm Index Card Ring<br />
Tolsby Standing Frame<br />
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Collect up craft paper and card and embellishments you like.<br />
I would have liked my calendar to be a bit cuter<br />
{but hey all those awesome embellishments add up $$} so I just used 10 for $1 gift tags.<br />
Good news is it will be easy to change/add to if I want in the future<br />
<br />
Measure the inside of the IKEA frame.<br />
The paper needs to flip over so needs to be smaller than 4x6 inside frame<br />
I underestimated how small this would be, some of my embellishments were too big! wah!<br />
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Cut 12 {or 24}rectangles approx 13x8 cm<br />
Cut 12 {or 24} rectangles 10x8<br />
Make sure you have one large and one small rectangle in the same paper for each 'day'<br />
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Using double sided tape stick the shorter rectangles onto the front of the larger rectangles leaving the tops open {so it forms a pocket you can slip a tag or card into with your advent activity/act of service/ scripture/ christmas joke/ whatever you want.}<br />
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Decorate with Christmas embellishments/tags. Add number stickers {mine from Riot}<br />
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Hole punch a hole in each card.<br />
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Attach to the tolsby frame using a index card ring (mine is 30 mm flip chart rings from Daiso}<br />
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Display and flip over each day for a new activity/question/act of service for the month of December.<br />
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Here are some of the acts of service that I liked {I wanted easy achievable ones for the month}<br />
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Give someone a compliment today<br />
Smile at people<br />
Make dinner for someone in need<br />
Give cookies to friends<br />
Leave a finished book you've read in a public spot for someone else to enjoy<br />
Pick up rubbish in a local park/roadside etc<br />
Mail a card to someone you haven't seen in a while<br />
Leave coins at a laundromat/shopping centre ride ons/vending machine<br />
Find a local home with best Christmas lights and leave a thankyou note<br />
Give sincere thanks to a teacher and maybe a little gift {school or church or music}<br />
Offer to babysit for a family that needs it<br />
Write a letter to a loved one<br />
Leave anonymous happy notes in public places<br />
Invite a new friend out/over<br />
Let someone ahead of you in a line<br />
Leave stamps for someone to find at the post office<br />
Leave happy chalk messages around your neighbourhood<br />
Wash a car<br />
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On some days I might pop in another tag with questions from <a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2015/11/advent-calendar-wooden-tree-family.html">Last Years Advent Calendar</a> . {confession : I've left it up all year! We've used it as a noticeboard for motivational photos/posters /sayings the girls collect}I've still got these tags tucked away ready to be bought out again. I love these questions and think they will go well tucked in the pockets of this Standing frame Advent.<br />
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Past Years Advent Calendars:<br />
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<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2015/11/advent-calendar-wooden-tree-family.html">Wooden Tree, vintage photos, family question time Advent</a><br />
<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/lolly-string-advent.html">Lolly String Advent Calendar</a><br />
<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/sewn-brown-paper-advent.html">Sewn Brown Paper Advent</a><br />
<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2011/11/christmas-book-day.html">Christmas Book a Day Advent</a><br />
<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2011/11/advent-calendar.html">Bon Bon Advent</a><br />
<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/pocket-bunting-advent-calendar.html">Pocket Bunting Advent</a><br />
<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/religious-advent-calendar-christmas-tip.html">Religious/Life of Christ Advent Calendar</a><br />
<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2009/11/fourth-day-of-christmas.html">Poke a Cup Lolly Advent</a><br />
<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/advent-calendar-sewn-cardboard-house.html">Sewn cardboard houses Advent</a><br />
<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2010/11/fourth-day-of-christmas-tradition.html">Envelope Activity Advent</a><br />
<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2011/11/add-decoration-advent-calendar.html">Quilted, Hang an Ornament Advent</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1606977912"><br /></a>
I'm excited cause I just ordered 3 of these <a href="http://sellmer-verlag.de/epages/40b88de2-271b-4a8a-b41c-eb8cb8d82544.sf/secde40b8cc01/?ObjectPath=/Shops/40b88de2-271b-4a8a-b41c-eb8cb8d82544/Categories/Large">German Paper Window Advent Calendars</a><br />
so pretty. Don't worry about the $20 tax. It doesn't appear at the checkout in the end. It was freaking me out. Wasn't there last purchase.<br />
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<br />This Girl loves to Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810963456640254875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471708841296862671.post-31947488017098487432016-11-07T13:52:00.002+10:002016-11-07T13:53:37.940+10:00Camping {Bestbrook Mountain Retreat}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Since two family members recently did a long distance walking and basic camping trip and probably couldn't face another so soon we decided to Glamp for ease and comfort.<br />
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We booked a cabin and horseriding at Bestbrook mountain retreat<br />
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Bestbrook Mountain Retreat - Maryvale.<br />
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Pro's<br />
Lovely people. Those running the animal feeding, damper making, horse lessons etc were very friendly and approachable and kind to the children and adults alike.<br />
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There is a small restaurant there if you forget something/ too tired to cook. We had hot chips twice!<br />
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Cabins were well appointed. We forgot clingwrap for a picnic and matches and cooking oil - all there. Every cooking item needed - provided. Had electric frypan, saucepans, slowcooker, bbq etc.<br />
Beds were comfy with good quality sheets and doonas.<br />
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Horseriding available for extra cost.<br />
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Free daily animal feeding and damper making class.<br />
We got to keep the fresh eggs the kids collected daily. YUM.<br />
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Campfires allowed in firepits. {A must for our family}<br />
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A creek to muck around in. Sadly wasnt very much water in though.<br />
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We took a scenic drive to Queen Mary Falls. This was great - the falls are close to the road and only a short walk to view.<br />
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A cattle dog adopted our family. He followed us up a mountain trail walk and stuck by our side and stopped when we stopped then came back to our cabin and dutifully sat outside the entire night. He didnt bark or do anything but let the kids love on him and sit silently by us. I asked the employees and they said that dog always finds one family out of all the campers each week and will choose them and stick to them. It was lovely.<br />
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Cons<br />
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Lots of horses around. IF you dont like horse poo beware!<br />
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Camground was a lot more hilly than I expected from perusing website.<br />
Bring bikes for kids to get up and down to animals and main house.<br />
Be prepared to walk alot or drive your car back and forth.<br />
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Campsite was a bit too close to the highway for my liking.<br />
Our spot was just far enough away but could still hear traffic occassionally.<br />
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Cabins are what I would describe as 1960's scout camp. So definitely an old feel.<br />
Felt they were a tad more expensive than the budget I would prefer, but had everything you need.<br />
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Not much shower/toilet amenities for those camping.<br />
There is some but bit of a walk depending where you are camping.<br />
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^^ After a 1km steep climb up a dirt road you come to a couch and lookout :) Much appreciated lol<br />
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Animal Feeding<br />
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Near by locations - Queen Mary Falls.<br />
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Horseriding. Kids must do a lesson before being able to do a trail ride. So you have to pay twice :)<br />
Our kids first time on horses. The teachers and horses were gentle and kind.<br />
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Other camping reviews:<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2016/05/camping-wivenhoe-dam.html">Wivenhoe Dam</a></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; line-height: 20.8px;"><a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2013/09/camping-neurum-creek.html" style="color: #5588aa; line-height: 20.8px; text-decoration: none;">Neurum creek</a><br style="line-height: 20.8px;" /><a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2011/05/camp-stories.html" style="color: #cc6600; line-height: 20.8px; text-decoration: none;">Flanagans Reserve</a><br style="line-height: 20.8px;" /><a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2010/04/elanda-point.html" style="color: #cc6600; line-height: 20.8px; text-decoration: none;">Elanda Point</a></span><br style="line-height: 20.8px;" /><span style="color: #3d85c6; line-height: 20.8px;"><a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2014/10/camping-somerset-park-campground.html" style="color: #cc6600; line-height: 20.8px; text-decoration: none;">Somerset Park</a></span></span><br />
<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/camping-sharp-park-riverbend.html" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sharp Park Riverbend</span></a>This Girl loves to Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810963456640254875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471708841296862671.post-28086748131370474422016-08-14T16:08:00.000+10:002016-08-14T16:08:01.399+10:00FHE Lesson {Missionary}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img src="http://www.clipartkid.com/images/119/future-missionary-name-tag-lds-clip-art-gdzMRi-clipart.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Opening Song: "I hope they call me on a mission" </span><a href="http://www.lds.org/churchmusic/detailmusicPlayer/index.html?searchlanguage=1&searchcollection=2&searchseqstart=169&searchsubseqstart=%20&searchseqend=169&searchsubseqend=ZZZ" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">Children's Songbook #169</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> </span><br style="color: #333333;" /><br style="color: #333333;" /><br style="color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Opening Prayer : Child</span><br style="color: #333333;" /><br style="color: #333333;" /><br style="color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Lesson:</span><br style="color: #333333;" /><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Ahead of time: Make missionary name badges - See Here for <a href="http://www.clipartkid.com/lds-missionary-name-tag-cliparts/">Printable Mission Name Tags</a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Get kids to dress up in missionary attire (optional)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="color: #333333;" /><br style="color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">We gave one of our children a packet of lollies (candy)- the type in a roll with several inside.</span><br style="color: #333333;" /><br style="color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">She came out in front of the others and we asked:</span><br style="color: #333333;" /><br style="color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">What do you do if you have something special?</span><br style="color: #333333;" /><br style="color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">(all the other girls immediately said "SHARE!")</span><br style="color: #333333;" /><br style="color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">How would you feel if she didn't share? (sad, upset etc)</span><br style="color: #333333;" /><br style="color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">If you didn't see the lollies, how would you know that she had something special? (we wouldn't)</span><br style="color: #333333;" /><br style="color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">We likened this to sharing the gospel. Talk about missionary work, how we can share what we know with our friends and neighbours. We want all people to know about what we think is special to us. (Share the candy)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white;"><br style="color: #333333;" /><span style="color: #333333;">Then we gave everyone a candle.</span><br style="color: #333333;" /><br style="color: #333333;" /><span style="color: #333333;">Daddy had the lit candle and said it was like his testimony. He wanted to 'share' it with us.</span><br style="color: #333333;" /><br style="color: #333333;" /><span style="color: #333333;">One by one we lit each others candles 'passing on our testimonies' to one another.</span><br style="color: #333333;" /><br style="color: #333333;" /><br style="color: #333333;" /><span style="color: #333333;">Activity Suggestions:</span><br style="color: #333333;" /><br style="color: #333333;" /><span style="color: #333333;">My husband unpacked everything from his mission :)</span><br style="color: #333333;" /><br style="color: #333333;" /><span style="color: #333333;">He showed photos (most amazing 'cause none of us have ever seen him with hair)</span><br style="color: #333333;" /><span style="color: #333333;">We played with his collection of badges</span><br style="color: #333333;" /><span style="color: #333333;">He showed us letters he wrote and his journals</span><br style="color: #333333;" /><span style="color: #333333;">We practiced some of the languages he learnt</span><br style="color: #333333;" /><span style="color: #333333;">He showed us the mission rule book and read some out </span><br style="color: #333333;" /><span style="color: #333333;">He showed Ezra Taft Bensons Signature to them (old I know!)</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Make missionary name badges together - See Here for <a href="http://www.clipartkid.com/lds-missionary-name-tag-cliparts/">Printable Mission Name Tags</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Have adult family members talk about where they served their mission. Show pictures</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Make a missionary schedule to look at/follow for a day (or week)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">prayer, scripture reading, service, teaching a gospel topic</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hold a mini MTC see <a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_292532560"> </a></span><a href="https://www.lds.org/friend/2016/07/family-night-fun?lang=eng">July 2016 Friend </a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Extra for older children:</span><br />
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Inspiration from <a href="https://www.lds.org/new-era/2016/06/the-hardest-part-of-being-a-missionary?lang=eng">June 2016 New Era</a> "The Hardest part of being a missionary"<br />
A list of practical experiences<br />
Being Humble without being humiliated<br />
- try things outside your comfort zone, take on extra activities and responsibilities to show you will improve over time<br />
Facing Rejection-<br />
apply for jobs, try out for teams, ask people on dates and activities, learn from setbacks<br />
Managing Motivation<br />
how to motivate ourselves when bored or stressed, break down problems into small achievable steps<br />
Managaing differences<br />
sincerely apologise and take responsibility, look for compassionate explanations for anothers behaviour, ask for help with problem solving, dont stew over it, use a soft voice in conflict and respect others feelings.<br />
Skill of conversation -<br />
set a goal to talk to someone new, smile and be curious about others, notice when others might attempt to start conversations and be open and responsive<br />
Physical wellingbeing- learn about good nutrition, exercise, care for your belongings, money and time. Manage sleep and get the right amount.<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><br /><br /><br style="color: #333333;" /><span style="color: #333333;">Closing Song: "Called to serve" </span><a href="http://www.lds.org/churchmusic/detailmusicPlayer/index.html?searchlanguage=1&searchcollection=2&searchseqstart=174&searchsubseqstart=%20&searchseqend=174&searchsubseqend=ZZZ" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">Children's Songbook #174</a><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><br style="color: #333333;" /><br style="color: #333333;" /><br style="color: #333333;" /><span style="color: #333333;">Closing Prayer: Child</span><br style="color: #333333;" /><br style="color: #333333;" /><br style="color: #333333;" /><span style="color: #333333;">Treat: </span><br style="color: #333333;" /><br style="color: #333333;" /><span style="color: #333333;">Share Candy with one another</span></span></span><br style="background-color: #aacce3; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.3px;" /><br />
This Girl loves to Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810963456640254875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471708841296862671.post-20822705576983068982016-07-11T21:15:00.002+10:002016-07-11T21:37:18.089+10:00Sydney {Part 2}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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^^ On the Ferry<br />
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^^ To Taronga Zoo</div>
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^^Which has amazing views in every direction</div>
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^^Cause she has always loved reptiles<br />
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^^the lady sitting next to me had a bird steal 20 cents from her as part of the bird show</div>
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^^Bird Show Doves</div>
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^^Seriously the kangaroo's looked dead. Not interested in anything at all.<br />
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^^ I loved the trees everywhere... Maple?<br />
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^^Bye Bye Hotel room. Best Beds I've slept in - Sofitel Melbourne and Sydney. Lovely!<br />
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^^ Elevator Selfies<br />
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^^ Powerhouse. Long Walk to get there. Kids are free!</div>
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^^There was a wiggles exhibit. Dorothys house.</div>
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^^ Cool Yule. Which was to start a few days after we left :(<br />
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^^ The library in Customs house has a scale model of Sydney under the floor. It was very cool. We were so tired from walking, I googled to find a library to hang in to wait for the MR to finish work.<br />
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Bye Bye Lobby. Waiting for our taxi.<br />
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^^ Arrive in a train, leave in a plane. Sounds good to me.<br />
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So happy we got to join the Mr on a work trip. Very happy to be able to take the children out of our state (they haven't been far). Would even say I was happy I took a 14 hour train journey to be able to do so. Also happy to take the children on their second plane trip and finally a plane with individual tv screens!! I had the most tired achy legs from all the walking. So did the kids. I told them this holiday would not be like beach holidays or camping with lots of lazying and swimming. I said this is pure siteseeing and walking walking walking NO COMPLAINING! (they did a little, but I was pretty impressed with how well they held up) I said you can rest AFTER the holiday!<br />
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We were able to walk the entire sydney cbd, opera house, botantic gardens, art gallery, sydney tower, darling harbour, powerhouse museum, ferry, taronga zoo, modern art gallery, the rocks, stare at old buildings and plaques.<br />
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The only downside was as often happens with me-food was a bit of a let down (for starters nothing is open mon, tues, wed night in the cdb) and a family of six can't eat out at expensive restaurants 3 times a day. Ouch. We sightsee till we're exhausted then happen to not be near anything yum when hungry. So sadly we mainly ate subpar junk food apart from buffet breakfasts and a couple yummies from food court. One day I'll get the food thing right. I was happy to be spoilt by the Qantas Lounge food late evening as we were leaving lol.<br />
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I love a good holiday. I love a bargain one which made it possible.<br />
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Where to next?!This Girl loves to Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810963456640254875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471708841296862671.post-53197552165484046092016-07-07T22:14:00.000+10:002016-07-11T21:16:10.950+10:00SYDNEY {Part 1}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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First Full Day in Sydney. Let the fun begin.</div>
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^^ Breakfast of champions. Sofitel Wentworth. So much food.<br />
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^^ Sofitel is heritage listed and is a curved building.<br />
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^^ I loved the Lobby. Every night they light 30 candles. Strong smell but look beautiful!<br />
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^^ We hit the walking trail at 8am.<br />
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^^ Cause Miss G is funny<br />
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^^ We arrived!<br />
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^^ The weather was PERFECT!<br />
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^^ Beautiful Botanic Gardens<br />
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^^ Art Gallery<br />
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^^ Can you see us<br />
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^^ Miss K was happy to see her first Picasso and Monet in real life.<br />
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^^ Queen Victoria Building. <br />
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^^ Zumbo. Love half price Tuesday!<br />
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^^ Rope wall was actually cement. Looks like we aren't the only people who've touched it ;)<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">^^ We went up there. 40 seconds in the elevator.</span></div>
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^^ The views were great<br />
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^^ Gallery of Modern Art. Came across three large blank white light boxes. I totally thought it was interactive. We took heaps of photos in all sorts of poses. Then 5 mins in videoed art started playing on the screens. whoops. Maybe it wasn't an interactive piece after all! Well we had fun. Ha.<br />
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^^ Cause old phone boxes are cool.</div>
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Our Day starts off with an amazing breakfast buffet at Sofitel Wentworth.<br />
Every massive sightseeing day needs to start of with a big breakfast right!<br />
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We hit circular quay early in the morning.<br />
The first things the girls said when we came across the Opera House?<br />
OH. It's not as good as I thought it would be.<br />
Ho Hum.<br />
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Whoops oh well. Crushed one dream of theirs. Maybe it was a bit too hyped up. It is just an old building after all. They did grow to love it over the four days I'm happy to report.<br />
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Botanic Gardens is celebrating its 200 Birthday this year. We had a nice stroll through the gardens, Mrs Macquaries chair, past the pool (from nemo the girls said), the art gallery.<br />
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After hours of walking it was time for Queen Victoria Building and Zumbo cakes for lunch.<br />
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When then went up the Sydney Tower and admired that gorgeous view up there.<br />
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Back to Hotel for late afternoon rest.<br />
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Then back to circular quay, The modern art gallery, the rocks<br />
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Dinner and Bed.<br />
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We walked for kilometers. We all had sore legs. I'm glad my girls are at the perfect age for lots of walking and sightseeing without (too much) complaining. They did great.<br />
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The weather was amazing while we were in Sydney. I'm sure I'm not the only one but since we don't holiday all that often I always freak out that either someone will be sick (and ruin our holiday) or the weather will be bad (and ruin our holiday). I'm always so relieved when neither happen. I feel like I'm holding my breath in the few days leading up to any holiday hoping everything will run smoothly.This Girl loves to Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810963456640254875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471708841296862671.post-71817962723539903512016-07-06T21:56:00.000+10:002016-07-06T22:13:37.606+10:00SYDNEY! {XPT Train}Our Trip to Sydney for four days via the XPT train.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sgnvaJEqTqo/V3zkcGQBFOI/AAAAAAAALZE/uRTq8J1dhdIod3vPXkWuoIEJ6XUCx3WBACLcB/s1600/2016_07_05%2B181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sgnvaJEqTqo/V3zkcGQBFOI/AAAAAAAALZE/uRTq8J1dhdIod3vPXkWuoIEJ6XUCx3WBACLcB/s640/2016_07_05%2B181.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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^^ 6am Bye Bye Brisbane</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-47RyXHTNwxA/V3zkdWpcwiI/AAAAAAAALZI/72expW_19-AOlOintzlmmBciLZwVFNM6gCLcB/s1600/2016_07_05%2B194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-47RyXHTNwxA/V3zkdWpcwiI/AAAAAAAALZI/72expW_19-AOlOintzlmmBciLZwVFNM6gCLcB/s640/2016_07_05%2B194.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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^^Comfy Seats. Plenty of Leg room and recline 40%</div>
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^^ On a train you draw a train of course</div>
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^^ 14 hours equals lots of this, cards, drawing, eating, ipad, colouring, crocheting</div>
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^^ The only bit of ocean you see the entire time. 5 seconds at Coffs Harbour</div>
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^^ You only start to go crazy about 8 hours in :)</div>
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^^ Several River Crossings</div>
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^^ Beautiful Farms</div>
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^^ 8pm Hello Sydney!!</div>
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We woke at 4:30 am to get ready<br />
The Mr, our chauffeur drove us to Roma St Station in the rain to hop aboard our train that left at 5:55<br />
We found our platform (2) and in the dark boarded our train and quietly slipped out of Brisbane<br />
14!! hours upon the train we did.<br />
Through hills and countryside and farms and trees and rivers.<br />
Sydney/NSW was having it's coldest day in 20 years. Glad we couldnt tell from inside the train :)<br />
To arrive in the rain at 8pm in Sydney in the dark standing on a platform not knowing where to go<br />
Till The Mr (who flew and had done a hard days work in the mean time) ran about 20 blocks (far) to meet us and whisked us into two taxi's to our amazing hotel with conceirges awaiting our arrival, where we had room service waiting and chocolates on our pillows. Fanciest Hotel I've stayed at.<br />
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For a few weeks I had been trying to work out ways our family could travel to Sydney to annoy The Mr on a work trip. Most ways we tried were a little out of budget. I got a little excited when I remembered about <a href="http://www.nswtrainlink.info/deals/offers/kids">NSW trainlink offer kids for $1</a>. Yep $1 all the way to SYDNEY! Turns out a kid is anyone under 16 too! And unusually - no limit on amount of kids (as long as they are yours!) My pet hate of family always meaning 2 adults 2 kids. Nice to have something more inclusive for once!<br />
Deal was done. 5 of us travelling to Sydney for the price of 1. Hard earned hotel points and room was covered. Frequent Flier points and flight home covered. Here we come Sydney!<br />
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My thoughts on the XPT.<br />
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I wish it went faster. If it did, even a little would consider it a more viable travel option.<br />
I was surprised at how good my kids were. They seemed to get titchy around 10 am and 3pm. Was able to refocus them on doing something (eating, cards, colouring, music etc) and all was fine. Probably last two hours was difficult (it was dark and they were ready and we seemed near Sydney)<br />
Should have bought more food. Thought I packed pretty good, but its never enough<br />
Chairs were very comfy and lots of leg room.<br />
There is a food cabin. Mainly pies, sausage rolls, sandwiches, chocolates.<br />
Train was half empty for first 5 hours. Plenty of room to spread out.<br />
Beautiful scenery out the window. Sadly its hard to photograph from inside a train with reflections.<br />
I was pleasantly surprised that it was pretty good and nowhere near as bad as I imagined it could be.<br />
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Call me crazy but I would definitely consider doing it again.<br />
(It helps that we flew back.)<br />
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Things seen from the train<br />
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Mist<br />
Tunnels (think I counted 5.. maybe a couple more)<br />
Cows (most seen item the WHOLE WAY - COWS!)<br />
Goats<br />
Horses<br />
Abandoned buildings<br />
Farms<br />
Gorgeous clouds<br />
90% of the time - Bushland<br />
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My saddest regret was I fully expected an amazing sunrise and sunset being up so early and late with expansive views from the train. Due to clouds there was neither. Not even a little bit. Sad face.<br />
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<br />This Girl loves to Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810963456640254875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471708841296862671.post-20377905706843964212016-06-23T21:16:00.000+10:002016-06-23T21:16:05.422+10:00TEN {Sequin Birthday Shirt}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Each year we make a birthday shirt. Just to mix it up a bit I ocassionaly trial different types.<br />
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This year we tried sequins! I had sequin ribbon here and shirt was $3 from Target. Done!<br />
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Sequins were a bit more fiddly to work with than I thought - you have to do a stitch behind every sequin to 'capture' the thread holding them together. My writing turned out a bit wonkier than I wanted as they moved around a bit while sewing but Miss 10 was happy with the outcome.<br />
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^^ Heres an example that I was working on laying out the ribbon in running writing. Turned out this shirt was too tight. Lucky we checked before I spent all the time sewing the ribbon!<br />
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Previous Birthday Shirts:<br />
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<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2008/07/my-baby-is-no-longer-baby-wah-wah-wah.html" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #5588aa;">Paint Stencilled Birthday Shirt</span></a></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;" />
<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2011/02/8-is-great.html" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #5588aa;">Felt and Fabric Birthday Shirt</span></a><br />
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This Girl loves to Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810963456640254875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471708841296862671.post-76861671436847076432016-06-19T14:07:00.000+10:002016-06-20T20:44:04.182+10:00Winter Solstice 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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^^ WOOD! We are running low. Thanks to kids and neighbours for collecting.</div>
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^^ Blessings to burn in the fire to release. We are mid school year so always need learning help.<br />
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^^ I've just learnt how to crochet stars. I'm starting now for Christmas but thought they went well with the longest night of the year.<br />
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^^ First technical? Day of winter.<br />
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^^ Mega Mallows. Took me ages to Eat!<br />
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Our family has done a small winter solstice family tradition the past few years. Usually it involves watching the sun set and having a fire and warm yummy food. This year I've added the tradition of making some blessings, wishes, thoughts that we will pop in the fire. Basically write down something you would like to release to the world. Some people like to give thanks for all the blessings and challenges each year brings. Some opt to write life difficulties to let go of them, but I think we will write all the things we are grateful for and for positive things we want to release into the world. I'll let the girls write their own. We've wrapped them with some rosemary (just because thats all I had - anything would be fun)<br />
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See our previous celebrations:<br />
<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2015/06/winter-solstice-2015.html">2015</a> (the purple sky last year! We had takeaway hot choc)<br />
<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2014/06/winter-solstice.html">2014</a> (too warm for a fire)<br />
<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/winter-solstice-2013.html">2013</a> (we were sick, a perfect way to get snuggly)<br />
<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/winter-solstice.html">2012</a> (it was a hot day!)<br />
<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2011/06/winter-solstice.html">2011</a> (there was live music, and we built our own fire without the MR)<br />
<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2008/06/what-another-celebration.html">2008</a><br />
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Solstice is the 21 June. We will probably do ours a day early - but there isn't much difference between the shortest day/longest night of the year, compared to the second shortest right?! (a few mins) I'm sure any day this week will do. As its also FHE night we will do a small lesson about being grateful for the seasons, the sun and stars, nature and creation.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.8px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The astronomical definition comes about as the winter solstice is the day when the Sun is at its furthest north, it is at its lowest in the sky and the length of daylight is the shortest in the year. The North Pole of the earth will be tilted toward the Sun, which will have reached its northernmost position in the sky and will be directly over the Tropic of Cancer at 23.44 degrees north latitude. This is the first day of summer (summer solstice) in the northern hemisphere and the first day of winter (winter solstice) in the southern hemisphere.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.8px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now to tuck into bed and enjoy the longest night of the year!</span></span><br />
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<br />This Girl loves to Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810963456640254875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471708841296862671.post-39866292485479136792016-05-19T17:29:00.003+10:002016-05-19T17:29:45.313+10:00Camping {Wivenhoe Dam}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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^^Our sweet set up<br />
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^^Canoeing all weekend<br />
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^^ We saw lots of kangaroo's and Pelicans</div>
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^^One of the mornings was really foggy. Couldn't see the other side at all.<br />
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^^My first time in a canoe in a LONG time. I think I have a fear of deep dark water.<br />
I was scared when we got far out!<br />
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^^Heart Cloud. The clouds had been amazing for a few weeks April/May. White and fluffy and big.<br />
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We went to <a href="http://www.findacamp.com.au/camp-site.php?camp=1138">Captain Logan Campground</a> Wivenhoe Dam for the May Day Long weekend.<br />
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We spent two and half days camping with about 30 people that we knew and about 90 in our group. We loved it. The kids had automatic friends to play with and it was nice to know that if you forgot something (inevitable) you could just ask the people in the tent next door or five up!<br />
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The campground is right on the water so it was perfect for the kids to go for a swim, or paddle and canoe. It made for lovely sunsets. There were no mosquitoes (could just be the time of year) and it was super peaceful and quiet (crazy animal noises at night can freak me out sometimes). We did see plenty of kangaroo's and pelicans and woken by kookaburras, but nothing nefarious :)<br />
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We packed for the cold but it was unseasonably warm. I was actually HOT in the tent! Crazy.<br />
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Showers were $1 for 3 mins which is surprisingly long enough. I pushed two kids in at a time.<br />
Tent Sites were $25 night with $8 extra per child (a little $$ if you have a large family I felt)<br />
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The camp area is quite hilly so I was worried about sleeping downhill. A tent pad area is scraped back from the hills to give you a bit of flat area. I had put this campground off for this reason (thinking it was not flat enough for our big tent) but the one positive is that it means the tents are spread out and you arent in anyones pocket. The gentle hills give a good space between each allocated area (definitely needed with our loud family) so what I thought was a negative turned into a positive in the end.<br />
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It's been a long while since we've been camping for a few reasons so I was very happy to get the kids back out there. A whole weekend no electronic devices, kids amused and no grumbles or fighting?<br />
Yes Please! Camping is hard hard work (thanks to the dear Mr who does the hard yards!) but worth it.<br />
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Other Camping Reviews of places we've beeen:<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6; line-height: 20.8px;"><a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2013/09/camping-neurum-creek.html" style="color: #5588aa; line-height: 20.8px; text-decoration: none;">Neurum creek</a><br style="line-height: 20.8px;" /><a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2011/05/camp-stories.html" style="color: #cc6600; line-height: 20.8px; text-decoration: none;">Flanagans Reserve</a><br style="line-height: 20.8px;" /><a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2010/04/elanda-point.html" style="color: #cc6600; line-height: 20.8px; text-decoration: none;">Elanda Point</a></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.8px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6; line-height: 20.8px; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2014/10/camping-somerset-park-campground.html" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6600; line-height: 20.8px; text-decoration: none;">Somerset Park</a></span></span><br />
<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/camping-sharp-park-riverbend.html"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sharp Park Riverbend</span></a>This Girl loves to Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810963456640254875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471708841296862671.post-6578484338786918312016-05-16T20:29:00.003+10:002016-05-16T20:29:33.248+10:00FHE LESSON {Speak Kind Words}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>We set a challenge for each of our kids to find a inspirational poster/saying/meme during the week in preparation for this FHE</i><br />
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Opening Song: <a href="https://www.lds.org/music/library/hymns/let-us-oft-speak-kind-words?lang=eng"> Let us Oft Speak Kind Words #232</a><br />
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Opening prayer:<br />
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We had each family member share their inspirational quotes/posters.<br />
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{you could print/display some. We had some from New Era magazine}<br />
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Discuss. Point out what you like about them.<br />
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Why can inspirational posters be motivating? Why do we feel good?<br />
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Is it much nicer to hear kind words than demeaning words?<br />
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For the Strength of Youth: {Under Language}<br />
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<span style="background-color: #ebedee; color: #30393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px;">Good language that uplifts, encourages, and compliments others invites the Spirit to be with you. Our words, like our deeds, should be filled with faith, hope, and charity.</span><br />
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Warning scripture against anger, contention, rumours, foolish and vain imaginings<br />
3 Nephi 11:29-30<br />
Proverbs 16:32<br />
Helaman 16:22<br />
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Activity:<br />
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We put a chair out in front and had each family member have a turn sitting in it.<br />
As they sat their each person said "I love you...... {insert answer}<br />
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{For some reason this may feel uncomfortable and sometimes silly to me but it is always the sweetest game - and sometimes makes you think deeply for kind words and reasons why you love someone}<br />
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Closing Song:<br />
Closing Prayer:This Girl loves to Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810963456640254875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471708841296862671.post-49553877491058378422016-03-30T07:16:00.000+10:002016-04-08T05:06:42.334+10:00Sunrise 2016<br />
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Each year we try to see the sunrise at least once <a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2010/06/sunrise-on-queens-birthday.html">2010</a> <a href="ttp://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2011/06/that-golden-glow.html">2011</a> <a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/long-weekend.htm">2012</a> <a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/sunrise-on-anzac-day-2013.htm">2013</a> <a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2014/04/coochie-holiday.html">2014</a> (didn't blog 2015)<br />
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This year we decided Good Friday was the day.<br />
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And it was a good one!<br />
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^^ Leaving home 5am</div>
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^^ A plane flew over adding to the awesomeness. The trail stayed for ages.<br />
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^^ We took our own wood because having a fire in a wood bbq is the best. This weekend we were able to feel like camping without going camping which is great because we are unable to do so this year. It feels so good to get up to see the sunrise. It also felt good to have a nap at 10am cause I was tired!This Girl loves to Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810963456640254875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471708841296862671.post-3718455252935986502016-03-21T21:32:00.000+10:002016-03-21T21:46:59.496+10:00Easter 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Each year I try to do a little Easter Craft. I was pretty excited to make these cute fella's this year.</div>
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These will serve as our Easter baskets this year. Each girl can put out the bunny pillow to be filled.</div>
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Pattern found via <a href="http://www.willowday.com/2013/03/bunny-basket-pillows.html">Willowday</a></div>
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Past Projects Here: We still have and display some of these</div>
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<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2011/04/fleece-bunnies.html">Fleece Bunnies</a> (gah how cute was Miss N!)</div>
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<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2009/04/old-school-bunnies.html">Facewasher Bunnies</a></div>
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<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/pretzel-bunnies.html">Dough Bunnies</a></div>
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<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2010/04/buns-and-bunnies.html">Finger Puppet Bunnies</a></div>
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<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2014/04/parable-of-bunnies.html">Fabric and Felt Bunnies</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Easter Tree Decorating 2016</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E33vt7mPxRE/Vu_WvK3yqwI/AAAAAAAALR0/NmdPVjCXEiUiyK3InbPJd0igZ07K8bwJQ/s1600/2016_03_21%2B284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E33vt7mPxRE/Vu_WvK3yqwI/AAAAAAAALR0/NmdPVjCXEiUiyK3InbPJd0igZ07K8bwJQ/s640/2016_03_21%2B284.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PJ-afArjymY/Vu_WvGvWFEI/AAAAAAAALR8/qY3bc0n1Aq8202TScTiEjkoobDfUytwfw/s1600/2016_03_21%2B286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PJ-afArjymY/Vu_WvGvWFEI/AAAAAAAALR8/qY3bc0n1Aq8202TScTiEjkoobDfUytwfw/s640/2016_03_21%2B286.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pv4FPscXqDE/Vu_WwSxiGcI/AAAAAAAALSA/2h6pwbheRfMxmVD5Xb2K4AtcQGpqUvw2w/s1600/2016_03_21%2B289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pv4FPscXqDE/Vu_WwSxiGcI/AAAAAAAALSA/2h6pwbheRfMxmVD5Xb2K4AtcQGpqUvw2w/s640/2016_03_21%2B289.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Because its a tradition for me to photograph it. They were so tiny once doing the same thing.<br />
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<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/2015-easter-tree.html">2015</a><br />
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<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2014/04/easter-tree-2014.html" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px; text-decoration: none;">2014</a><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;" />
<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/easter-tree-2013.html" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #5588aa;">2013</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/easter-tree.html" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #5588aa;">2012</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2011/04/easter-tree.html" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #5588aa;">2011</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VG_UQZ6AlRg/Vu_bRoPN-rI/AAAAAAAALSg/gu4KRzFHtwkm1ZEx6In4ZKKRsPlPb3q6w/s1600/2016_03_21%2B372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VG_UQZ6AlRg/Vu_bRoPN-rI/AAAAAAAALSg/gu4KRzFHtwkm1ZEx6In4ZKKRsPlPb3q6w/s640/2016_03_21%2B372.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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We made Onion Skin/ Serbian Eggs again! I love the process. Tutorial <a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/imprinted-onion-skin-eggs-serbian.html">Here</a><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2uVxsFQFVnU/Vu_Wx_1Nl1I/AAAAAAAALSU/whwZy2K52lcm8jzgvMbNEeB38CCXoaReg/s1600/2016_03_21%2B400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2uVxsFQFVnU/Vu_Wx_1Nl1I/AAAAAAAALSU/whwZy2K52lcm8jzgvMbNEeB38CCXoaReg/s640/2016_03_21%2B400.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We've also got our wheat grass tomb blooming. Tutorial <a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/fhe-lesson-easter-tomb.html">Here</a><br />
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And thats it for this year. I'll add more if anything special happens :)This Girl loves to Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810963456640254875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471708841296862671.post-31583439499381868702016-02-07T20:53:00.000+10:002016-02-07T20:53:45.881+10:00FHE LESSON {LOVE}<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b3YnW_VamrU/VrcdbaPno8I/AAAAAAAALRk/XylZmSpfEm0/s1600/2016_02_07%2B037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b3YnW_VamrU/VrcdbaPno8I/AAAAAAAALRk/XylZmSpfEm0/s640/2016_02_07%2B037.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Some of our heart collection</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Have a heart on display {paper heart, toy heart, drawn whatever}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What do you think of when you see a heart {LOVE!}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #414042; font-family: inherit; line-height: 26px;">Find out how your child likes to feel loved by asking “How do you know when someone loves you?” Think about your own answers to this question also</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #414042; font-family: inherit; line-height: 26px;">List ways mentioned. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #414042; font-family: inherit; line-height: 26px;">This will help us to remember how to show love to others too.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #414042; font-family: inherit; line-height: 26px;">{Being hugged. Saying I love you. Showing Support. Being Kind. A kiss before bed etc}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #414042; line-height: 26px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #414042; line-height: 26px;">Everyone should know that they are loved!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sing As I Have loved you</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Learn in sign language for extra fun</span><br />
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<img src="http://media.ldscdn.org/images/media-library/primary/childrens-songbook-illustrations/sign-language-love-one-another-1416354-gallery.jpg" /><br />
OR for a simple activity teach children sign language for I LOVE YOU<br />
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Jesus gave us the ultimate example.<br />
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John 13:34-35<br />
<div class="" style="background: 0px 0px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/scriptures/nt/john/13.34">
<span class="verse" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">34 </span>A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="35" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a><span class="verse" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">35 </span><span style="line-height: 25.2px;">By this shall all</span><span style="line-height: 25.2px;"> </span><span class="clarityWord" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-style: italic; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">men</span><span style="line-height: 25.2px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 25.2px;">know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love</span><span style="line-height: 25.2px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 25.2px;">one to another.</span></div>
<div class="" style="background: 0px 0px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/scriptures/nt/john/13.34">
<span style="line-height: 25.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">He didn't suggest. It is a commandment to love others.</span></span></div>
<div class="" style="background: 0px 0px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/scriptures/nt/john/13.34">
<span style="line-height: 25.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Just as we love to be loved, we should love others also.</span></span></div>
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See here for <a href="http://whatsinthebible.com/three-bible-stories-that-teach-kids-about-love/" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'open sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px;">3 Bible Stories that teach kids about love</a><br />
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Activities:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cuHVYdZwB0g/URhWOfLli7I/AAAAAAAAHpE/TrsVzYsT85g/s1600/2013_02_11+257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #cc6600; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cuHVYdZwB0g/URhWOfLli7I/AAAAAAAAHpE/TrsVzYsT85g/s400/2013_02_11+257.JPG" style="border: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); padding: 4px;" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #414042; font-family: inherit; line-height: 26px;"><a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/fhe-lesson-love.htm%C2%A0">Make Heart Maps - Lesson Here</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.8px;">{idea found </span><a href="http://chocolateonmycranium.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/heart-maps.html" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6600; line-height: 20.8px; text-decoration: none;">here</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.8px;"> at Chocolate on my Cranium } to show all the things you love</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.8px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.8px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.8px;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #414042; font-family: inherit; line-height: 26px;">Make some Random acts of kindness - write a sweet happy anonymous notes and put in your neighbours letterbox. We've also left happy notes on post its and left them in places around the neighbourhood {the public phone box, toilets, park, walkway, benches} </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #414042; font-family: inherit; line-height: 26px;">You are LOVED would be a good one! I've also heard of people who like to slip upbeat notes into library books waiting for unsuspecting people to find.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #414042; line-height: 26px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #414042; line-height: 26px;">Have a toy heart and when children do a kindness or love one another they can keep the heart {or leave it at the spot of the good deed} have the children use the heart all week to show love around the house. Alternatively you put the heart around the house during the week in spots you've seen lov</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #414042; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px;">e.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #414042; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px;"><br /></span>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #414042; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px;">
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><a href="http://www.momentsaday.com/activities-to-teach-children-about-love/">10 ways to teach children about love</a></span><br />
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Closing Song: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%C2%A0https://www.lds.org/music/library/childrens-songbook/where-love-is?lang=eng">Where Love Is #138</a><br />
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Closing Prayer:<br />
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Treat: Heart chocolates</div>
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This Girl loves to Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810963456640254875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471708841296862671.post-54100940701637071392016-01-31T13:17:00.002+10:002016-01-31T15:18:20.417+10:00FHE Lesson {Pacific Area Goals 2016}<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hW26WsZK97A/Vq16TJO3SNI/AAAAAAAALRQ/JinZdMHduHw/s1600/2016_01_31%2B061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hW26WsZK97A/Vq16TJO3SNI/AAAAAAAALRQ/JinZdMHduHw/s640/2016_01_31%2B061.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DlIOBIJPxIE/Vq16SzeSnyI/AAAAAAAALRM/53zcZphZYP4/s1600/2016_01_31%2B062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DlIOBIJPxIE/Vq16SzeSnyI/AAAAAAAALRM/53zcZphZYP4/s640/2016_01_31%2B062.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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We are encourage by the Pacific Area Presidency to Hold a Family Home Evening on the 1st of February to discuss how each family can come up with a 'tailored to them' list to complement the Pacific Area Goals.<br />
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2016 Goals are:<br />
Honour the Sabbath day at Home and Church<br />
Increase Spiritual and Temporal Self Reliance<br />
Hasten the Work of Salvation<br />
Seek the Blessings of the Temple<br />
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Find four pictures to match the Goals.<br />
{We will probably draw ours on our whiteboard}<br />
eg Draw a house/church, praying arms, a picture of scriptures and a temple.<br />
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Think of ONE or Several goals your family could make under each heading.<br />
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Some examples:<br />
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ONE thing we will do different on a Sunday. One new activity you will do.<br />
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Make an educational goal for individuals<br />
learn spell words, improve maths, set alarm to make it to school on time every day,<br />
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Make a spiritual goal.<br />
Read the Book of Mormon.<br />
Assist seminary aged kids in learning scripture mastery<br />
Ponderise a scripture each week/month<br />
Hold family prayer at a set time daily<br />
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Think of someone who you can help/befriend at church this year<br />
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Hold FHE about the temple. Take small children to visit the outside of the Temple<br />
Complete 15 in 15 Family History. Show pictures of relatives. Teach children about their ancestors.<br />
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Copy and make this <a href="https://www.lds.org/blog/making-a-sabbath-day-plan?lang=eng">Sabbath Day Plan</a> from lds.org<br />
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<img src="https://www.lds.org/blog/bc/images/Download-780x650.jpg" /><br />
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To keep kids busy if need use old church magazines, print things online have them cut out pictures that will match your goals, even draw to make a collage of all your ideas.<br />
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Find pictures that represent a goal in each category. Stick these pictures on a chart with the four headings. Use it to play a matching game with kids.<br />
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Set achievable and measurable goals for your family. Pray that the outcome will be the area of vision To strengthen families and individuals by increasing faith and trust in Heavenly Father and in Jesus Christ and in the Atonement.<br />
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Closing Song:<br />
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Closing Prayer:<br />
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<br />This Girl loves to Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810963456640254875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471708841296862671.post-23975182637242322792016-01-27T13:54:00.003+10:002016-01-27T13:54:59.515+10:00Melbourne<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fg0W9-hHYgw/Vqg8dNIds6I/AAAAAAAALQw/yBQio5UkEmw/s1600/118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fg0W9-hHYgw/Vqg8dNIds6I/AAAAAAAALQw/yBQio5UkEmw/s640/118.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I would never thought that I would have two holidays within a month of each other.<br />
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Never happened ever!<br />
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I was super excited when all the stars aligned<br />
{no work commitments, babysitting sorted, OUR birthdays, flights on points, work hotel}<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Like ALL the stars aligned.</span><br />
Unheard of ;) and I was able to go to Melbourne for my birthday!<br />
I talk {beg} of joining The Mr on work trips ALL THE TIME {poor guy} so its nice to really happen<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SJpFTZlKxSA/VqgUfpVyrwI/AAAAAAAALMc/Ykieeyx1cKw/s1600/2016_01_25%2B129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SJpFTZlKxSA/VqgUfpVyrwI/AAAAAAAALMc/Ykieeyx1cKw/s640/2016_01_25%2B129.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
^^ Novotel was great! Large rooms, good breakfast. Pillows and sheets are amazing.<br />
I googled to see if you could buy them - <a href="http://eu.soboutique.com/en/mybed">MyBed</a> (Yikes!) <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4AXXKaSAaRQ/VqgUh3vN0II/AAAAAAAALNI/UGkAdowA2vQ/s1600/2016_01_25%2B155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4AXXKaSAaRQ/VqgUh3vN0II/AAAAAAAALNI/UGkAdowA2vQ/s640/2016_01_25%2B155.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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^^Hosier Lane<br />
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^^ Late sunsets are so weird to me. Kept thinking it was early. Was shocked when Lindt wasn't almost going to let us sit and eat cake for The Mr's birthday on a friday night as it was almost 'closing time' pfftt. Then we felt we had to rush.<br />
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^^ Cause I love Advent Calendars. The city horses are adorable but I hope they are treated nice I feel a bit sorry for them always around exhaust fumes and cars - but gave a magical touch to the city.<br />
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^^ Birthday. I bought the candles all the way from home. I arrived after a long week at work.<br />
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^^ My birthday breakfast <a href="https://www.zomato.com/melbourne/the-hardware-societe-1-cbd">The Hardware Societe</a> trendy little cafe.<br />
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^^ Duck and Hollandaise eggs on brioche bun.<br />
Yoghurt, musli, croissant, the vanilla peaches and raspberry were yum<br />
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^^ Hopetoun Tea Rooms. SO MUCH FOOD in Melbourne. It's a shame there isn't time to eat it all.<br />
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^^ NGV National Gallery of Victoria.<br />
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^^ Interactive installment at NGV. Running in the mist was fun. It kept disappearing while we were trying to get photo's of us though :( There was a model doing a shoot in the mist by the trees.<br />
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^^ Ai Weiwei and Andy Warhol installments on at the moment.<br />
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^^ Trying to capture the rainbow. NGV has waterfall glass.</div>
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^^ My Birthday 'Cake'(s)<br />
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^^ Luna Park Just because.<br />
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^^ Botanic Gardens<br />
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^^ War Memorial. Shrine of Remembrance. It was really moving on a Sunday morning.<br />
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^^ The view of Melbourne from on top the War Memorial is the Best!<br />
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^^ Hard to see but the tiny white building middle of photo has a 'face on it' someone pointed it out while we were up the top. <a href="https://www.google.com.au/search?q=building+with+face+melbourne&espv=2&biw=1920&bih=955&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjnpaeK_MjKAhXEJZQKHYs7CMwQ_AUIBigB"> See Here</a> for close up - pretty neat if you ask me!</div>
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^^ Love the trees in Melbourne.<br />
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^^ Bye Bye. Hard to see but there were beautiful air balloons and sunrise view from the taxi as we left. It was gorgeous. I felt like I was in a movie. Very sad to leave. I didn't get to eat all things yet!<br />
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^^ Home again Home again.<br />
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^^ My darlings met me with the amazing cake for my belated birthday. Miss them but the weekend away was sooo good!<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1960501239"><br /></a>
See my last <a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/melbourne.html">Trip to Melbourne</a> here.<br />
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This time:<br />
Eat Eat Eat - Italian and Greek food this time.<br />
We walked every street of the city.<br />
National Gallery of Victoria<br />
Botanic Gardens<br />
St Kilda - Beach, Bakery Row, Luna Park<br />
Church<br />
Train out to 'almost' Geelong :)<br />
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Sadly I had the same problem again. Didn't buy anything! Nothing! {other than food of course}<br />
Why am I so fail at buying something to remember a trip by/ or splurging a gift????<br />
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I dream of a jet setting life with plenty of money to spend on hotel rooms and food and entertainment! oh well. Where to next?This Girl loves to Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810963456640254875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471708841296862671.post-67147445522154396992016-01-25T20:54:00.001+10:002016-01-25T20:54:32.892+10:00Back To School Dinner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Pretty low key but we held our annual Back To School Dinner. </div>
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Raided the house for decorations.</div>
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I chose these succulents the older girls bought home from high school.</div>
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Plants and growing and knowledge... you know...</div>
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We moved the ever changing chalkboard.</div>
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Add the crystal goblets</div>
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Add our theme</div>
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And done</div>
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We had <a href="http://www.designmom.com/2015/09/recipe-white-chicken-chili/">White Chili Chicken</a> and sparkling drink and Homemade Cheesecake.</div>
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We spoke of education and its importance and that we are blessed to have access to it </div>
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We spoke of their favourite moments from the last school year.</div>
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We spoke of goals for the coming year.</div>
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Each Child received a Fathers Blessing for the coming year.</div>
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Then we sent them to bed early. Getting prepared for the new routine ;)</div>
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I find everyone so much more engaged when dinners are special and we have questions and discussion ideas. It certainly makes me think of the special time we are squandering on most days. </div>
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Past Back to School Dinners.</div>
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<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2015/01/back-to-school-dinner-2015.html">2015</a><br />
<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/back-to-school.html">2013</a><br />
<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/back-to-school-dinner.html">2012</a><br />
<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2011/01/back-to-school-traditions.html">2011</a><br />
<a href="http://thisgirllovestotalk.blogspot.com.au/2010/01/back-to-school-dinner.html">2010</a><br />
<br />This Girl loves to Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810963456640254875noreply@blogger.com0