Thanks To All

We had a great turn-out for our July Meeting.  Surprising for a summer month so a BIG thanks to all who came and all who helped with the evening. 

Brenda H., Kelli Y., and Lisa B. talked about ESP - Emotional, Spiritual, and Physical well-being and we all went home with some good reminders of ways to improve and strengthen ourselves.  It is so nice to have a mid-week "pick me up". 

Shirl T. taught a group of ladies some basic water aerobics and it was a real kick! (Get it?)  Meanwhile sisters were trying their aim at horseshoes and others were visiting.  We don't often have an opportunity to just visit and get to know each other a little better so this was a rare treat to gab.

We want to thank our food committee for the night, Erin L. Annie C. Julie S. Shawna L. and Lisa B. We ladies are always so glad we didn't have to cook for the night!

A very special thanks goes to Susan R. for opening her home, yard, and pool to us.  We all know what kind of work goes in to getting a home ready for company, so we really appreciate Susan for her generosity.  ( And Carl for mowing the lawn)

Grandma's Summer Project

Calling all Grandma's!  Here's a summer project you can do for your grandchildren.  Put together some stories, games, and activities for Family Night.  This is a wonderful Christmas gift and you can make it as simple or as over-the-top as you want.

Start with some basic games that can be used for lesson review or just for fun.  Like Fish: make a fishing pole out of a stick with a string tied to one end and a magnet on the other.  Make fish out of colored cardstock and attach paperclip to mouth.  Who doesn't love a good game of fish??  So simple but an old favorite too.

     Make an all purpose game board that can be pulled out any time to review to a lesson.  The person has to answer the question correctly to move his game piece.

A good place to start with Family Night Ideas is the Children's Friend.  There are tons of stories, activities, and pictures that can be torn out or copied from the magazine or printed from online. Obviously there are many websites and blogs that have FHE ideas.  Place in a file and label.  Include in a zip lock bag the essentials:  chalk, eraser, pencils, markers, crayons, tape, dice, paper, scissors and anything else that would be convenient to have ready for FHE.

Now Mothers, you can jump on the bandwagon too. This could be a fun summer project for you and the kids.  Everyone can get involved coloring, cutting, choosing games and stories.  Once you've made up your stories and activities and organized them into a convenient place, you will always have them.  Especially for those Mondays when time is short and you just want to "grab and go"!                               
                                 Good Luck and Happy Family Home Evening!

F.H.E. Balloon Fun

     Volleyball - Tape or in some way attach a string across a room in your house.  Choose teams for the game.  Score as in regular volleyball.  But the fun part is everyone has to sit on a chair (sit on floor, or kneel) and they cannot move from their seat (or position).  They can stretch and reach but not "lift" off the chair or floor.  You can also play with a giant punch ball.
    
     Balloon Tag - Choose someone to be it.  He must chase other family members around as he hits the balloon. Confine this activity to 1 room.  When he is able to hit the balloon so it touches another person then that player becomes it.

     Octopus - Blow up about 10 to 15 balloons.  Place them in a pile on the floor.  Give the player 2-3 minutes to pick up and hold as many balloons as possible.  They may use any part of their body but must remain standing.  The one who holds the most wins!

     Balloon Juggle - Everyone has a balloon which they throw in the air at once.  The object is to keep hitting ALL the balloons in the air and not let them touch the ground.  You can add more balloons as you get going. See how long everyone can keep the balloons in the air.

     Balloon Bop - Stand in a circle.  Toss a balloon in the air and call someone's name and a body part (arm, hand, nose, etc.) which that person has to use to keep the balloon in the air.  Then "that" person calls another person's name and body part, and so on.
    
     Balloon Stomp - Tie a thread about 12 inches long around a balloon and then tie it around the players ankle.  All players must try to stomp on and break each others balloons.  A player who's balloon breaks is out until there is l person left.  Can play with teams and same color balloons.

     Pass It On -  Everyone sits on a chair in a circle.  Pass the balloon around the circle using only feet.  It can be made more difficult when more balloons are added and direction changes are called out.