Beehive Messages

Young Women's Camp 2011 - Day One

2011-12-28T12:11:00.000-05:00

Day One - YCL'S and Stake Camp Leader's

First...Unpacking!

Second...Lesson on KINDNESS. We started our meeting with a special musical number performed by our Music YCL'S. This year's camp was filled with music which truly set the tone for camp.

Our guest speaker...Sister Ingalls

Kindness Basket full of fun surprises!

KINDNESS CRAFT - each YCL got to paint a letter K and place Vinyl lettering down the side spelling kindness. They turned out really cute and have been displayed in bedrooms.

HORSEBACK RIDING - I was so excited because I too got to ride. I don't have any pictures of me on the horse, but it was a blast and very relaxing!

VOLLEYBALL - a few of our YCL'S are Volleyball fanatics. Here's a few fun pics!

It's raining...It's pouring!
Right before our evening activities it decided to DUMP...literally DUMP!

The rain caused us to stay under the Pavilion for most of the evening allowing the YCL'S to finish making their F.R.O.G. sashes and to work on their special YCL songs.

Evening Devotional by Stake Young Women Leaders based on the theme Finding Your Prince Charming.

Special talk about the Parable of the Purse by Sister Teets.

Camp Song Practice & YCL Sparklers

Young Women's Camp - YCL Fun Camp Handouts

2011-10-03T13:54:00.002-04:00

I love receiving mail and at camp I know the Young Women love receiving mail too. This year I made these little reminders and handouts for them that tied in with activities or topics we would be discussing throughout the day or week at camp. Since our YCL's were FROGS this year instead of ANTS like last year I used a lot of FROG goody's that I found in Oriental Trading.

If you would like a copy of the quotes or messages that were attached...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessages@gmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address.

Young Women's Camp 2011 - Thank You Candies

2011-10-03T13:06:00.000-04:00

There are always many hands that go into helping and preparing for camp. Here is one way we like to thank our helpers. CHOCOLATE wrapped candy bars....in Florida, we have to make sure these stay in a cool place.

If you would like the template...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessages@gmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address!

Young Women's Camp 2011 - Camp Bins

2011-10-03T12:59:00.002-04:00

Pick up area at camp - REGISTRATION TABLE

I found that laundry baskets are the best way to distribute camp supplies to each Ward at Young Women's Camp. This year they were labeled with FROG labels.

The laundry baskets can be used for dirty shoes, clothes, etc...while at camp once the supplies have been emptied out.

Young Women's Camp 2011 - Camp Level T-Shirts

2011-10-03T12:50:00.001-04:00

I love this past year's Level 4 Camp T-Shirt. We have a tradition in our Stake of SAVING and EATING MINNOWS with our 4th year campers. Here's the shirt I designed for our SAVE THE MINNOW CLUB..............

This is our Level 3 Camp T-Shirt that was designed this year by one of our YCL's overseeing the 3rd year campers. She designed a dragon to go along with the camp theme and fire extinquishing activity tradition that our Level 3 Campers do each year. Thanks for the great design Sister Cash!

Young Women's Camp - YCL T-Shirt

2011-10-03T12:28:00.000-04:00

Each year I've tried to make sure that the YCL's get a t-shirt that is in part a thank you for all of their hard work in helping to prepare the younger campers for YW camp. This year we went with a gray shirt with a Daughter of God in the middle. You'll see additional posts with the YCL's wearing these at camp. They look darling on!

Young Women's Camp 2011 - Camp T-Shirt

2011-10-03T12:20:00.000-04:00

This year we went with all PINK t-shirts. It was a ton of work to find shirts in different shades of PINK, but it was well worth it. It was a beautiful sight to see each of our young women and their leaders in PINK representing a Daughter of God and the Personal Progress Program.

If you would like to know more about my t-shirt lady...please let me know. She has great prices and they do wonderful work!

Young Women's Camp 2011 - Lanyards

2011-10-03T12:11:00.001-04:00

These are the lanyards that the Young Women wore this past summer at our Stake Young Women's Camp. I printed them out on light pink marble paper and attached to a white lanyard. If you would like the template so you can add your own stake and names...please contact me by leaving a comment here or emailing me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessages@gmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address.

Young Women's Camp 2011 - Bagged Lunch Reminder

2011-10-03T12:05:00.000-04:00

This was a bagged lunch reminder that I made for our YCL's so they wouldn't forget to bring one for our first day of camp. I attached them to small bags of Goldfish which can be purchased at your local Grocery Store.

If you would like a copy of the bagged lunch reminder...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessages@gmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address.

Beehive Messages - 4th of July Fun

2011-10-03T11:57:00.000-04:00

Family Tradition - our parking lot firework show was as spectacular as always!

Beehive Messages - Braden's 5th Birthday

2011-10-03T11:54:00.002-04:00

The Birthday Boy

Making Bike Helmets & License Plates

See her cute bike plate?

Pop the balloon with your bike wheel game

Skills course - riding between the cones

Skills course - can you keep your bike on the straight line?

Skills course - stop and go game

Bicycle Chalk Art

Over the summer...we also had a very BIG birthday in our family. Braden turned 5 years old on July 3rd. Here are a few pictures from his BIKE birthday party that we held at a near by park. It sure was a blast! We are so thankful for our friends and family!

Beehive Messages - Braden's PreK Graduation

2011-10-03T11:37:00.001-04:00

This is a very proud little Braden as he graduations from Pre K. We were so proud of him and the wonderful show that the Preschool put on that day. Thanks Miss Jenny & Miss Kayla!

Beehive Messages - Update

2011-10-03T11:17:00.000-04:00

It's time for an update!

I have received several emails from all of you wondering what I am up to. I have not forgotten about you, but have had a few months of non-stop family and work action! I have tried a couple of times to update Beehive Messages, but unfortunately my computer and the changes made to blogger have not jived well. I'm attempting again today to see if I can get you all caught up. I have so much fun stuff to share!

Here's what has happened since MAY..........

My husband, Steve, was released as a member of our Stake High Council and put into our newly formed Bishopric. He loves serving our Ward Members, but misses the Ward that he was overseeing and the other assignments he had at the time. He was able to take the Young Men in our Ward on High Adventure up to the Atlanta, Georgia area. Let's just say he had a blast white water rafting and rock climbing.

Our daughter, Chamberlynn, is now a Senior in High School and very much enjoying the fact that this is her last year of High School. She is taking several AP classes in addition to on-line courses that seem to be keeping her busy. She is also on our Stake Youth Council. They are currently planning a Fall Harvest Dance at a local barn. She can't wait to help decorate. Chamberlynn has been a great help to me at our dance and performing arts studio. Chamberlynn is a fantastic tumbler and a wonderful teacher.

Our son, Stockton, has been very sick. He started loosing a ton of weight for no apparent reason and was having a hard time keeping food down. After months of hospital and doctor visits we were blessed to have a GI doctor notice that something didn't seem right with his blood pressure and heart rate. She immediately sent us to a cardiologist and they were able to diagnose Stockton. He has Neurocardiogenic Syncope which we are hoping the new medicine that he is on will cure. Because of this medical condition...Stockton had to leave band, which was a love of his and he is unable to do any physical activities. Not fun! Stockton just turned 16 and is anxious to have a drivers license...we hope this week!

Our son, Braden, graduated from PreK and loves being a big kid in Kindergarten. He loves being able to buy school lunch. Not sure why! I think it's because of the ice cream...not sure. He just started t-ball with his dad as the assistant coach. They have their first game this evening. Braden has been counting down the hours so he can wear his new Atlanta Braves Uniform. He is also part of a performing group and loves Hip-Hop and tumbling classes at our studio.

Okay...here's my big news...I was released this past May/June from both of my callings. I was released along with our entire Primary Presidency. After 20 years in Primary with different Primary callings and responsibilities, I now find myself attending Relief Society. It was such a tough transition that I just had to do something that would living things up so I have strategically placed Tootsie Rolls in my purse that I hand out every week to the sisters on the back row. Bad...I know! But, yummy! I was also released right before our young women's camp as our Stake Young Women's Camp Director which made it even harder to finish planning and pulling off camp. With each passing day...tears built up. So, I'm sure you are wondering....what is her new calling? Well, I've been called as our Ward Seminary Teacher. Yes! Who would have ever thought that I would be a seminary teacher? Not me! The day after YW Camp I headed immediately to a seminary meeting. I have embraced this new calling and I love it! Don't love the hour of the day it's held, but I LOVE working with the youth in our Ward. The young men and young women touch my heart every day. With that said.....there are several additional posts that I need to make to share with all of you some of the fun things we are doing to make seminary a cool place to be at 5:55 am.

This is just a brief summary. I have to thank all of you for you patience, love, prayers, and support through the tough times we have been through over the past few months. We become stronger through our trials and that is what I hope I have become.

Love You All....
Jennifer

Young Women's Camp 2011 - Pen Pals from Around the World

2011-05-29T19:54:00.000-04:00

In an early 2011 Camp Post I mentioned that I would be sharing with all of you information about how to become Pen Pals with our Stake this upcoming summer. I was amazed at how many of you inquired and I'm excited now to finally share with all of you how this will work.

Please see the steps below....

Step One: Please have your Stake Young Women's Camp Director, Ward Camp Director, or Young Women's President contact me via email at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com to let me know that you are interested in being Pen Pals with us this summer.

Step Two: Generate a list of the Young Women that will be coming to camp via Camp Level using the Young Women's First Name and Last Initial.

Step Three: Send your list to me via email at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com along with the mailing address of the main contact person (Stake YW Camp Director, Ward Camp Director, or YW President). In return I will send you my personal mailing address.

Step Four: While at camp have your Young Women write a letter to one of our Young Women in the same camp level and we will do the same. Have the Young Women write the name of the individual you have assigned to them on the envelope and enclose all of the letters in one package that will be sent back to us. We will do the same!

Step Five: Include in your package anything fun that your Young Women would like to share with our Young Women including a video/picture slide show of your camp and a special memento or two that means something to your Young Women from their camping experience this summer. We will do the same in return. Send off package!

Step Six: Set up a time after camp to reunite with your Young Women to share the Pen Pal letters and special Pen Pal Package. Talk to your Young Women about the Young Women's Program and how there are Young Women around the world with the same values and standards that they have. Have fun watching the video and learning more about others.

Step Seven: The rest of the Pen Pal experience can be shared personally between the Young Women as they meet each other from around the world.

It is my hope that the girls will have so much fun with this that they will want to stay in touch with each other for year's to come! There are so many ways these girls can get to know each other. Please be sure that they do not exchange any personal information unless their parents give them permission to do so.

If you can get in touch with me by the end of June...that would be great! Our camp is in July!

Please email me at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com if your Stake or Ward would like to be our summer camp Pen Pals. Be sure to include your email address and contact information.

Sincerely,

Jennifer

Primary Music Idea - Daddy's Homecoming

2011-05-29T18:50:00.000-04:00

I loved this Primary Father's Day song when I was a young girl. I used to get so excited when my Dad would get home from work that I would sing it to him. I decided that this was a Father's Day must!

Because today was a 5th Sunday, I was in charge of a 5th Sunday Music Sharing Time. I wanted to make sure there was time to introduce our Father's Day song as well as have time and a way to review other songs we have sung throughout the year. So...I decided to tie the two of them together by creating an atmosphere where the Primary Children could become my Assistant Coaches. As the Head Coach I forewarned the Primary Children that they must be extremely reverent to have the opportunity to be an Assistant Coach. I brought clip boards with the Father's Day Song attached and started calling up front my Assistant Coaches who had the opportunity to each share something that they liked to do with their Dad, Grandpa, or Special Guy in their lives. After all of our Assistant Coaches were up front we sang Daddy's Homecoming.

Next, to lead into the songs that we had been working on throughout the year, I had placed several pieces of sporting equipment in a large blue bucket. I asked for some additional helpers aka Assistant Coaches to come and pull out of the bucket an item found within. Each of our Assistant Coaches had to help in leading their TEAM to victory by helping us to lead and sing the song that went with that piece of equipment. All are listed above in the photo. The Primary Children had a wonderful time singing together as a TEAM and talking about their Dad's.

I've included a special Father's Day Sheet that could be copied and used as a way to thank Dad's and Father Figures for all that they have done in coaching our Primary Children.

At the very end of the activity, I showed the Primary Children a picture of the Savior and told them that He was the best Coach that we could ever have leading our team and everything that we need to know in following His game plan can be found in our scriptures.

I hope that all of you have fun teaching the Primary Children the Father's Day Music this year!

If you would like a copy of the files above...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessages@gmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address. By the way...I have never printed on lined notebook paper, but it turned out great and looked the part! You'll have to try it...it was fun!

Beehive Messages - Cotillion Southern Cafe...A Florida MUST!

2011-05-29T18:24:00.000-04:00

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to meet one of our Ward Camp Director's, Sister Amy Widmann, at a FANTASTICALLY yummy restaurant here in Florida owned by Kathi Vincent a member of the Leesburg Ward. This Southern Cafe was absolutely darling and the food was to die for! I wanted to temp some of you to come to Florida to visit by showing you some of the pictures I took while visiting the restaurant. If you are looking for a little southern hospitality...this is the place!

Cotillion Southern Cafe is located in Wildwood, Florida.

These are some pieces of China that Sister Vincent is going to let us use for Young Women's Camp this year for our Royal Ball. Darling...right?

I wanted to dive into each and every one of these cakes. They all looked so tasty. I ended up trying a piece of the Red Velvet Cake....it went down so quickly!

You must try a piece if you are ever in the area.

Sister Vincent - Owner

Isn't this a darling baby's blanket that she made?

Can you say CHEESE GRITS? Yes, for the very first time in my life I had the opportunity to try some. I like the flavor, not so sure about the texture. If you are a GRITS fan...you will love these!

This is one of the restaurants hot items. They fly off of the shelf every day and you can order this on-line. Sister Vincent makes this herself every day. This is the WORLD'S BEST SYRUP...I'm not joking! Thanks Amy for the yummy bottle that we now have at our house to enjoy!

Love,

Jennifer

Young Women's Camp 2011 - PRE CAMP

2011-05-19T15:38:00.000-04:00

Pre-Camp 2011 "Daughter's of a Noble Birthright"

Well...if you have been wondering what I have been up to lately...here it is! I've been busy working on getting our YCL's, Leaders, and Young Women ready for our 2011 Pre-Camp Celebrations. It all paid off as you will see!

Each Young Woman as they walked into the church building stopped at our Pre-Camp Registration Table and placed on their shirt a NAME BADGE. The day's events were also available at that table.

Then, the Young Women were escorted to the third overflow where they entered into a setting staged to look like a meadow. I'm not sure that we accomplished this completely, but that was the look we were going for. They were each greeted by our YCL'S who were wearing black and white with a special Princess Vine Headpiece in their hair. While the Young Women were waiting for everyone to arrive we showed pictures from all of the Ward Camp Kick-Off's (I still need to post pictures from all of them on the blog). Soft music was played and the room filled with bubbly Young Women anxious to learn more about this year's camp. We started with Opening Exercises. The Young Women and Leaders were recognized and we sang Love One Another found on page 308 in our Church Hymns. The Invocation was given followed by us saying together the Young Women's Theme. After our opening exercises the YCL's started our Pre-Camp Program that we had been working on at our YCL Meetings. We started with the video clip from last year's 2010 Young Women's Broadcast which you can find on line at www.lds.org under YOUTH. Then, we went into what we called our Parable of the Princess Story section of the meeting. We started by having a Senior Primary Child sing I Am a Child of God. I'd like to thank Kate for doing a wonderful job singing that day. Kate is in my Ward and she is an angel! We had one of our YCL's read a narration about the Young Women's Program and the Personal Progress Program (Thanks Jessica!) and then had a talk by one of our YCL's by the name of Shea on how much the Young Women's Program and Personal Progress Program means to her. Shea just recently finished her Personal Progress. Way to go Shea! I had asked the YCL's from the Eustis Ward to sing the song Fit for His Kingdom which was sung beautifully and then we started into the well known story The Parable of the Princesses by Jenny Phillips. I had asked Brother Smith, a friend of mine to read the story. He has the perfect narrator voice. He stood over by a picture that we had on display of the Salt Lake Temple. President Jackson, a member of our Stake Presidency stood as the King with his three daughters Sarah, Katie, and Allison all YCL'S. They were each presented a copy of the Book of Mormon from the King as they were sent into the Kingdom to be tested. Sarah played the role of Rose. She stood in front of a mirror and when the narration for her section of the book was complete she came and sang the song Nothing Matters More. Katie playing the role of Hazel sat on the floor by some rocks and a larger copy of the Book of Mormon that was on display. After her section of the story was complete she stood and sang Beautiful Heart. She was accompanied by two Young Women. Maura on the guitar and Rebecca on the flute. As the story continued it was now time for Allison's part as she played the role of Ebony. Allison was on the floor with chains attached to her. When it was her turn to sing she got up off the floor and went the piano. Allison is a wonderful musician who sang and played the piano along with Lauren on the violin. These Young Ladies were phenomenal! Allison sang the song Mercies. At the very end of the story...one by one our YCL's stood up and walked to the front of the room where they sang Daughter of King by Jenny Phillips and did the sign language for this song each time they sang the chorus. We had been working on this at the YCL Meetings and the girls did such a nice job. The Spirit was incredible! Way to go YCL'S and Leaders!!! Thank you for all of your hard work!!! I took some time after to introduce each one of our YCL'S and the Leaders that had been assigned to work with them. We then started our Pre-Camp Breakout Sessions.

We had four rotations for each of the camp levels to travel to while at Pre-Camp.

Rotation One:
Rotation One was our Princess Hats and Photo Room located in the 2nd overflow. While in this room each one of the Young Women were able to make their own Princess Cone hats. I had purchased these from Oriental Trading because they were pre-cut and ready to go. All the Young Women had to do was glue blue fabric on, attach the sides, and place ribbon at the top of the hat. One of our Leaders, Sister Toronto from the Eustis Ward, is a very well known artist and she was kind enough to make a tower for us as our backdrop for our Pre-Camp Princess Photos. They turned out darling and I greatly appreciate her talents!

Rotation Two:
Rotation Two was our First Aid Room located in the Young Women's Room. Our Camp Nurse, Sister Woolwine, took some time at Pre-Camp to teach all of the hands on requirements for First Aid. She also surprised the Young Women with a few unwanted visitors...some FLORIDA SNAKES!!!!! Let's just say there were several faces that I wish I could have captured on film. Of course they shared the little snakes first and ended with the mother of all snakes at the end. Our girls should be 100% prepared if they encounter one at camp. Thanks Sister Woolwine for everything you did to help us that day!

Rotation Three:
Rotation Three was located in our Family History Center. While there the Young Women were able to do some more research on their Family Crest or Coat of Arms. At camp this year they will be creating one of their own. They spent a lot of time with some of my favorite Family History consultants Sister Downer and Sister Bowlin. Thanks ladies for making the Young Women feel special. They always love working with you! I love that our Young Women are getting excited about Family History work.

Rotation Four:
Rotation Four was our Camp Level Skills Room. I wanted our YCL'S and Leaders to have a chance to learn more about the Young Women they would be serving at camp. While in this room they played a game called Once Upon A Time which was my way of letting them all be part of a story. One by one they got to introduce themselves by saying...Once upon a time there lived a xxx who like to xxx in a xxx. The girls filled in the blanks with their answers - a ton of fun! While in this room they also had a chance to deside on the Camp Level Meal they would be preparing at camp and sign-up for camp activities too. Our YCL'S gave a brief summary of what to expect for each camp level.

At the very end of Pre-Camp we met back together in the 1st overflow which was set up to represent the Pioneers and the direction we are going with some of our camp activities that will tie in with Emma Smith and our Camp Theme. I took our camp logo and blew up the middle section which was the Pioneer Silouette and made 8 of them to represent each one of our Young Women Values. These were hung around the room with the Value next to it. The tables were decorated in blue and white with a mirror for each Young Women to take home with them. The back of the mirror was their camp supply list and attached to the front was a poem I had found on Individual Worth. We are planning to have a class on inner and outer beauty at camp so this was a nice tie in. The Young Women will be bringing the mirrors to camp this year to use in our Camp Beauty Bar. Bagged lunches were provided and while in the room I had one of our Leader, Sister Widmann, read a story about two Pioneer Sisters found on page 20 in the July 2010 Friend Magazine. The title of the story is Pioneer Parasols. Two of our YCL'S, Megan and Chamberlynn (my daughter) played the role of these sweet sisters. Thus...the white umbrellas that you see hanging from the ceiling.

This was a fabulous day and I have so many to thank! I love working with the Young Women and I'm so thankful for the wonderful talents that these young ladies have.

PDF Files available for the following that were shown above...

Once Upon A Time Story -

Music Sign Up Sheet-

Beauty Bar Sign Up Sheet -

Camp Registration Sheet -

Camp Level Meal Option Sheet -

Camp Mirror Supply List -

Small Mirror Camp Logo Stickers -

I Am of Infinite Worth Poem on Mirrors -

If you would like copies of the information shared...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessages@gmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address!

Primary Music Idea - Lucy Smith Music Time

2011-05-16T14:24:00.000-04:00

I apologize! I was not able to post this prior to Mother's Day this year, but still think that this is an activity that you could use before the end of the month in Primary. For Mother's Day this year I wanted to make sure I stayed close to our monthly Primary theme. I immediately thought of Joseph's Smith's mother, Lucy. I knew that the Primary Children probably wouldn't know too much about her so I went searching to see what I could find. I located a Lesson from our Primary 3 Book - Choose the Right B Lesson 4 based on Joseph Smith's Childhood. It talks a lot about Joseph Smith's Family and Lucy. Just what I was looking for. I decided to take in a Pioneer Bonnet and some word strips that could be discussed about how Lucy was a wonderful Mother in teaching her children to not only serve, but to love the Lord.

Here's how Music Time unfolded...

I invited a young lady to come up front and I placed the Pioneer Bonnet on her head and asked the Primary Children if they could tell me if they could figure out whose mother we were going to be talking about today. With a little help and a few hints they pieced together that we were going to be talking about Joseph Smith's mother, Lucy.

Then, I invited other Primary Children up front to hold signs one by one as we discussed everything that Lucy had done to teach her children.

The first sign read OBEY - Lucy taught her children how to OBEY. Joseph knew the Bible and knew that the Bible said, "Honour thy father and thy mother." Joseph honored his parents by being loving and obedient. After discussing this sign...we sang STAND FOR THE RIGHT.

The second sign read SERVE - Lucy taught her children how to work and serve others. Jesus taught that we should serve others. Joseph Smith was a good worker and always tried to do his share of the work without complaining. He served his family by being helpful and working hard. After discussing this sign...we sang CALLED TO SERVE.

The third sign read LOVE - The Smith Family LOVED each other. One of Joseph's best friends was his brother Hyrum, who was six years older than he was. All the brothers and sisters in Joseph's family played together often. They tried to show their love for one another. After discussing this sign...we sang LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

The forth sign read READ SCRIPTURES - Lucy taught her family to love the scriptures. Joseph knew that the teachings of Jesus Christ are important. He often thought about Heavenly Father and Jesus. He wanted to learn more about them, so he often read in the Bible and prayed. After discussing this sign...we sang BOOK OF MORMON STORIES.

The fifth and final sign read PRAY - Lucy prayed to Heavenly Father when Joseph Smith was sick. Heavenly Father answered her prayers and helped Joseph get well. You can share the story of Joseph's leg if you have time. After discussing this sign...we sang PRAISE TO THE MAN.

I hope that you will feel the Spirit as we did in our Primary on Mother's Day this month while sharing these sweet stories about our Beloved Prophet's Mother. If you would like a copy of the word strips...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessages@gmail.com. Be sure to leave me you email address!

Young Women's Camp 2011 - Pre-Camp Invitations

2011-04-30T19:19:00.000-04:00

This past week we had our Stake Leadership Meeting - which was WONDERFUL! I made these Pre-Camp Poppers for the Young Women and Leaders for our upcoming Pre-Camp Celebration. I thought you might like to see them. I've recreated the invite...just in case any of you would like the template that I used. I have been saving our family's empty toilet paper rolls for a long time just for this occasion and had just enough to create 120 poppers. I love reusing things...don't you? Inside the toilet paper roll I placed the invite and a little flower mint. I wrapped each in white wrapping paper and tied them with blue ribbon. I found in the wedding section at Wal-Mart the little flowers you see pictured that I placed on each as an embellishment. I was able to get 500 flowers for around $5. I thought that was a great deal! I'm looking forward to posting more about camp after our big celebration happening soon.

If you would like a copy of the invite...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessages@gmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address!

Primary Music Idea - Praise to the Man

2011-04-30T19:04:00.000-04:00

"I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other - This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!" (Joseph Smith - History 1:17)

I am so excited that this month our Primary Children will be learning more about the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This song was not an easy one to come up with a teaching idea for. I decided that some of the lyrics were larger words then what our Primary Children may be used to hearing so I thought it might be neat to share the definition of some the words with them. I've got the vocabulary word printed out on blue paper and the definition on yellow. With the Junior Primary I plan to just introduce these words to the children and with Senior Primary I'm going to mix up the definitions to see if they can match up the word with it's definition. I've cut some ribbon to use as a way to match them up on the black board. Bearing your testimony at the end of teaching this month would be an added touch in allowing the Primary Children to see and hear that you too have a testimony of the Restored Gospel.

I found this really neat Joseph Smith Bookmark at our local LDS Bookstore. This was a great find because it has a complete timeline of his life on the back. I highly recommend purchasing one if you have access to picking one up.

If you would like a copy of the words and definitions...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessages@gmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address.

Beehive Messages - Happy Easter!

2011-04-23T00:29:00.000-04:00

Have a wonderful Easter weekend remembering the LOVE that our Savior has for all of us!

Love,

Jennifer

Primary Music Idea - He Died That We Might Live Again

2011-04-23T00:27:00.000-04:00

I apologize that I was not able to get this song idea posted until today. Two Sunday's ago my husband was called into our Bishopric and it has been a non-stop for us with exciting things happening in our family as well as lots of crazy things happening at work, church, etc... I did want to share yet another idea for Easter just in case you are scrambling trying to get ready for this weekend. I pulled out this neat little word strip card holder and printed out the words to the Primary Song "He Died That We Might Live Again". I also printed out pictures of the Savior to display while teaching the song. I used the pictures to talk to the Primary Children about all that our Savior did for us in Atoning for our Sins. This was very simple, but this song is not one that needs any fluff and I wanted the Primary Children to feel the Spirit and to know that this song should be sung with respect and love.

If you would like the PDF files for this song...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessages@gmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address!

Primary Music Idea - Easter Bonnets

2011-04-23T00:12:00.000-04:00

Yes, this is another EASTER find at the local dollar store. A few weeks ago I just happened to walk into the dollar store as they were putting their Easter supplies out on the shelves. I saw these darling Easter Bonnets and couldn't resist picking up one in every color they had. At the time I was thinking Mother's Day, but I've been anxious to use them and thought they could be really fun for this week's Senior Primary Music Time. I'm going to place the Easter Bonnets on a table or the floor and ask for one of the Primary Children to come up front and lift up a bonnet to see what is hiding underneath. I've made some Easter Bonnet Music Cards to hide under them with the names of some of the Easter Songs and a few of the songs that we have been working on the past few months during singing time. I plan on having some additional photos of the Savior displayed as well. I left one of the cards blank just in case you have another song you would like to sing instead of the one's that I have chosen for this week.

If you would like a copy of the Easter Bonnet Music Cards...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessages@gmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address!

Primary Music Idea - The Golden Easter Egg

2011-04-23T00:02:00.000-04:00

This is a twist on an idea that some of you have probably used before during Primary Music Time. I found at the dollar store some foam cut out Easter Eggs and thought that it might be fun to use them this week during Junior Primary. I'm going to hand a colored egg to each Primary child and have them sit on it very reverently. I will then ask one of them to be our special Primary volunteer. They will be brought up front and asked to keep their back to the rest of the Primary. While they have their back turned I'm going to switch out one of the colored Easter Eggs with the GOLDEN EGG. The Primary children will then begin to sing one of the Primary Songs based on Easter. They will be asked to sing softly when the HUNTER is far away from the GOLDEN EGG and a little bit louder when the HUNTER gets closer to the individual that has the GOLDEN EGG. I figure the Junior Primary Children will probably need something active this week.

Have fun hunting for the GOLDEN EGG!

Beehive Messages - Prom 2011

2011-04-22T23:50:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe that it's already Prom Season. Seems like just yesterday I was posting pictures from last year's Prom. Last weekend, our daughter Chamberlynn, had the opportunity to go to LDS Prom with a group of friends from our Stake. They had a wonderful time getting ready and taking pictures at the lake prior to the big event. It was so windy here in Florida last weekend. The poor girls had worked so hard on getting their hair just right and by the time we were done taking pictures you wouldn't have known all the work that had gone into looking beautiful. With that said...they all looked darling and I'm sure they dolled up even more after photos were taken. Here are just a few pictures that I took of Chamberlynn that I thought you all might enjoy!

Love,
Jennifer

Seminary Handout - Joseph Smith - Prophet of the Restoration

2011-04-03T20:37:00.000-04:00

Happy Conference Weekend Everyone! Wasn't it wonderful? I know we enjoyed watching it as a family. I am always touched by the messages shared.

This is a handout that I will be using tomorrow morning while teaching seminary. I love that the seminary manual asks the youth to ponder and think about the life of Joseph Smith and everything that he did to restore the gospel. These are just a few of the questions that is suggests that the youth consider. I thought it would be more meaningful to them actually write down their answers vs. responding as a group. I'll probably ask a few of them to share their thoughts, but this will at least allow everyone to take some time to really think about what they have learned this past year. I know I have learned a lot my reading and studying Doctrine & Covenants this year.

If you would like a copy of this handout...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessages@gmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address!

PS...I noticed this past weekend that some of your emails were sent to my JUNK email box. I don't always check all of my JUNK mail so if you have not heard back from me on files that you have requested...please try again. I may have missed some of your emails due to this...SORRY! I really do try to respond to everyone's emails on a weekly basis.

Primary Music Idea - There is safety in following the Prophet

2011-03-26T17:52:00.000-04:00

Explain to your Primary children that road signs keep us safe and warn us of danger ahead. Then explain that the prophet's directions are like road signs because Heavenly Father protects and blesses us when we follow them.

Invite three Primary Children to come up front. Put on their safety patrol gear (I made mine out of ribbon that I had at home. I'm all about using what I have!) and give them each a paper bag street sign. On your command ask them to help direct the song "Stand for the Right" found on page 159 in the Children's Songbook. The other Primary Children will follow along either singing slow or not singing at all, etc... I'm sure all of our Primary Pianist will love it!

If you would like a copy of the signs I used and the little paper badges...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessages@gmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address.

Be safe!
Jennifer

General Conference Packet April 2011

2011-03-26T17:40:00.000-04:00

Here's just a sample of the 27 pages included in my Beehive Messages April 2011 General Conference Packet. If you would like a copy...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessages@gmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address!

Enjoy Conference Weekend!

Love,
Jennifer

Primary Music Memo - March 2011 Week Four

2011-03-26T17:36:00.000-04:00

Heavenly Father Speaks to Us through His Prophets.

Here is this week's Primary Music Memo. Encourage families to talk about finding safety in following the words of our Prophet.

If you would like a copy...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessages@gmail.com. Be sure to leave your email address!

Beehive Messages - Bijoux by Chamberlynn

2011-03-24T20:09:00.000-04:00

It's Spring Break here in Florida! My daughter, Chamberlynn, has been busy making bracelets that she is selling for $5 plus shipping. She has already sold these to friends and family locally and would like to be able to expand and sell her creations outside of our community. They are fantastic gifts!

If any of you are interested in purchasing a bracelet please comment here or email me at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessages@gmail.com and I will have Chamberlynn get back in touch with you.

Seminary Handout - Sign or Wonder

2011-03-20T18:11:00.000-04:00

Many signs and wonders will occur before the Savior's return. These signs fulfill prophecy and help prepare the righteous for His return.

This upcoming lesson will be based off of D&C 133. This chart that is shown in the seminary manual is a wonderful chart to help point out all of the signs and wonders that will take place prior to the Savior's Second Coming. I've recreated the chart so that we can use it while reading this section of the Doctrine and Covenants in class.

If you would like a copy of this handout...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessages@gmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address!

Seminary Handout - Eternal Marriage

2011-03-20T18:06:00.000-04:00

When a temple marriage is authorized by God and sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise, the marriage will be in force for eternity. Couples who are sealed and continue faithful to God's law will be exalted.

I'm thrilled that this is Spring Break, but looking forward to teaching a lesson the following week based on D&C 132 which talks about the difference between a Non-Eternal Marriage and an Eternal Marriage. This is a handout that I've created for the seminary students that we will work off of in discussing the difference between the two.

If you would like a copy of this handout...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessages@gmail.com. Please be sure to leave me your email address.

Seminary Lesson - D&C 124

2011-03-20T18:00:00.000-04:00

The threefold mission of the Church is to proclaim the gospel, perfect the Saints, and redeem the dead.

As part of this lesson the manual suggests using a camera displayed on a tripod to provide an object lesson. I asked the seminary students to tell me what purpose a tripod serves in taking pictures and what might happen to your picture if your tripod were missing a leg. I took this a little further and asked them to write their answers on a piece of post-it note paper. One by one they came up front and displayed their answer on the tripod. After each had their chance to share their response...we talked about the threefold mission of the church. I really loved this object lesson and thought it might spark an idea for those of you teaching other lessons based on this same theme.

The mission of the Church is Glorious!

Seminary Lesson - D&C 121-122

2011-03-20T17:50:00.000-04:00

Adversity...who needs it?

Those who righteously endure trials will receive knowledge, experience, and the blessings of the priesthood and will be exalted.

While subbing for our early morning seminary teacher we had a lesson on the trials that Joseph Smith faced while in Liberty Jail. As part of this lesson based on D&C 121-122 I had the seminary students create their own slogans for fighting adversity. Pictured above are just a few that they designed in the early morning hours. I thought I would share this idea with you. Who knows...maybe you could use this idea for a lesson or a youth activity. After they were finished I had each seminary student come up front and share their slogan and the reason why they created it. It was a ton of fun! You'll have to try it!

Seminary Handout - Turn your Burdens into Blessings

2011-03-06T18:56:00.000-05:00

D&C 121 - 122

I've been asked to fill in for one of our Seminary Teachers for the next few weeks and thought some of you might like this handout that I made for tomorrow's lesson on Trials and Tribulations. This handout is called Turn your Burdens into Blessings and is information that I found while reading a book called Adversity by Elaine Cannon. This book is a great resource for any of you that might be facing a trial in your life at this time. It was published in 2000 by Bookcraft.

Enjoy!

If you would like a copy of Turn your Burdens into Blessings...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessages@gmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address!

Primary Music Memo - March 2011 Week Two

2011-03-06T18:50:00.000-05:00

Prophets speak for Heavenly Father.

Practice singing this month - Stand for the Right, Latter-day Prophets, and Follow the Prophet during Family Home Evening. Take time to visit with your family about ways that our Prophet speaks to us.

This month's Primary Sharing Times are a perfect way to get the Primary Children and their families excited about General Conference. I personally can't wait!

If you would like a copy of this week's Primary Music Memo...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessages@gmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address!

Beehive Messages - Florida Strawberry Festival

2011-03-06T18:45:00.000-05:00

YUMMY! It's STRAWBERRY TIME in Florida!

This past weekend we had the chance to travel to Plant City, Florida, for the Florida Strawberry Festival. We have lived in Florida for 14 years and have never had the chance to go. So, yesterday, my husband decided it was time to take off on an adventure to go check it out. When we arrived it was so crowded we could hardly move. We rode a few of the fair rides and then walked the property. My tummy shouted - WHERE'S THE STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE? Just then...we saw crowds of people lined up to get just that. I have to say that our son, Braden, loved it too. However, for some reason he ended up sharing one with us and most of the cool whip went into his tummy. All that aside it was still very delicious! We took a few pictures that I thought you might enjoy. If you're ever in Florida the first week of March...be sure to check this out.

Love,
Jennifer

Primary Music Idea - Stand for the Right

2011-02-27T18:25:00.000-05:00

Heavenly Father Speaks to Us through His Prophets

I love that this month's Primary Song is simple, but has such a strong message. I decided to create a prop that the children could use while singing. I plan on dividing the Primary in half. One half that will have the prop with the BEE on it and the other half that will use the prop with the word TRUE. On the word BE all of the Primary Children on that side will raise their hand with the prop in the air. On the word TRUE all of the Primary Children on that side will raise their hand with that prop. On the words STAND FOR THE RIGHT all of the Primary Children will STAND and raise that side of the prop up in the air.

Their are two different ways that you can use the prop. One way would be to attach it to a Popsicle stick and the other you can just leave an opening on the bottom and they can slide their hand into the paper. I think I'm going to go with the slide on version. If you go with the other version...I would recommend using the larger Popsicle sticks so they will be more sturdy.

Encourage the Primary Children to STAND FOR THE RIGHT in all that they do this month and encourage them to invite their families to do the same. This is a great reminder for all of us this month to always strive to make wise choices.

If you would like a copy of this month's Primary Song Stand for the Right...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessages@gmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address!

Happy Spring Everyone!
Love,
Jennifer

Primary Music Scripture Clips - March 2011

2011-02-26T15:08:00.000-05:00

Stand for the Right!

Invite your Primary Children to look up in the Old Testament - Deuteronomy 6:18. Read with them the scripture and have them mark it with their Primary Music Scripture Clip. Encourage them to read the scripture again at home with their families for Family Home Evening and sing Stand for the Right afterwards.

If you would like a copy of this month's Primary Music Scripture Clips...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessgaes@gmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address!

4th Sunday Music Share Certificate - March 2011

2011-02-26T15:01:00.000-05:00

Present each Primary Child with a 4th Sunday Music Share Certificate after they have participated. Pictured above is the certificate that I made for this month. If you would like a copy...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessages@gmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address!

4th Sunday Music Share Sign Up Sheet - March & April 2011

2011-02-26T14:58:00.000-05:00

Pictured above is the sign up sheet that I will be using for March and April's 4th Sunday Music Share. If you would like a copy...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessages@gmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address!

Primary Music Memo - March 2011 Week One

2011-02-26T14:56:00.000-05:00

Prophets speak for Heavenly Father.

We have our Stake Conference this weekend so I'm taking advantage of a few extra minutes this weekend to post materials that I have prepared for the month of March. This is the first week of March - Primary Music Memo. Share messages this upcoming month on how our Prophet speaks for our Heavenly Father and get your Primary Children excited for our upcoming General Conference.

If you would like a copy of this week's Primary Music Memo...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessages@gmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address!

Primary Music Memo - February 2011 Week Four

2011-02-26T14:50:00.000-05:00

I will follow God's plan.

This week our Primary Children will learn that they have the freedom to choose right or wrong. It's important for all of us to make wise choices.

If you would like a copy of this week's Primary Music Memo...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessages@gmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address!

Beehive Messages - Space Shuttle Discovery Launch

2011-02-23T14:41:00.000-05:00

Be sure to watch Discovery's FINAL launch into space tomorrow - February 24, 2011, at 4:50 pm EST!

Beehive Messages - Happy President's Day

2011-02-21T15:30:00.000-05:00

Wishing all of you a Happy President's Day!

It's in the 80's here in Florida today and we have loved spending time together as a family. We are preparing our backyard for a Spring Garden and doing a little Spring Cleaning around the house. This is always dangerous because it gives me time to think about new ideas that I would like to share with all of you. I am working on an idea for next month's Primary Song of the Month which I will post as soon as it is finished and I have been traveling around our Stake attending Ward Camp Kick-Off's. My last one to attend is this upcoming Wednesday and after it is over I will share everything with you that the Young Women and Leader's have been preparing. I've seen some really fun things! I also need to share with you what we have been up to at our YCL meetings. Our girls are off and running with camp and I have so much that will be coming your way. I've had the chance this past weekend to visit with some of you via telephone. Please don't ever hesitate to call me 407.832.3343. I love chatting and sharing ideas and learning from all of you too!

Here's a little family update:

Chamberlynn (our 17 year old) - Had her 17th Birthday this past month and has spent the weekend going back and forth from our home to Youth Conference. The youth planned a Youth Conference this year based on Missionary Work. Chamberlynn has been fighting an illness, but managed to be part of some of Youth Conference which she didn't want to miss. She loves serving on the Youth Council. I think she is starting to realize that it won't be long before she is a SENIOR!

Stockton (our 15 year old) - Stockton has been going crazy with school work. He's got it in his head right now that he wants to graduate at the top of his class. He's been studying non-stop and his grades are showing it. I don't think you can get much better then 100% in a class...can you? Well, maybe!

Braden (our 4 year old) - ALL BOY! Braden has been learning to read. We are having so much fun listening to him every night as he reads the scriptures and other children's storybooks. He's having a blast in Pre-School and can't wait until he starts big kid school in August. Braden is learning how to play sports, sing, dance, tumble, and much more.

Me & Steve - Well...we still have our church callings and stay busy with those. We love serving those in our Stake. Steve stays busy with work and I just opened with a friend a new performing arts studio in town which has been a dream come true. I am still not sure this is real, but it is! Life is good!

I hope all of you are having a great month too!

Love,
Jennifer

Beehive Messages - Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-13T18:53:00.000-05:00

Wishing all of you a day filled with LOVE!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hugs -
Jennifer

Young Women's Camp 2011 - Camp Plans

2011-02-13T18:45:00.000-05:00

Summer - Camp - Fun - Friends - Bugs - Campfire - Crafts - Activities - Etc...

I have received numerous emails asking me about our plans for this summer's Young Women's Camp. I have been hinting that I would be posting some of our plans on the blog since last summer. Honestly, there is so much that goes into planning Young Women's Camp and it would take hours to share everything that has already been planned and what is in the process of still being planned. However, I would love to share just a little sampling of what we have going on in our Stake. Every year I put together a little outline of the activities that I would like to see covered. Some of the original ideas come in to play while other plans get used for activities outside of camp itself or they simply are ideas that don't get used at all. This year is no exception! I am going to share with you a few of the ideas that are in the works and will try to do my best in sharing more information as we continue our planning with the YCL's and other Camp Leaders. I could seriously spend hours sharing camp ideas and plans so if you see something here you would like to know more about in greater deal...please don't hesitate to email me or call me. I'm happy to visit with any of you with regards to Young Women's Camp.

If you would like the PDF file of all of the pages that I'm about ready to share...please email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessages@gmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address! My cell number is 407-832-3343 for any of you that feel more comfortable calling me. If I don't answer my phone please leave me a message and I will get back in touch with you as soon as possible.

We do a flag ceremony every morning and night. We have our YCL's help the younger campers. You can see our outline and the assignments that have already been given to the camp levels.

The past few years we have done an early morning exercise program. This is something we are not going to be doing this year, but I thought I would share the page with you anyway in case you like the idea for your campers.

Our Campfire Sing-A-Long's are always a camp favorite. We use these to highlight the many talents of our Young Women. It's almost like a mini talent show. We also love singing some of our beloved camp songs.

This is an activity that only our YCL's will be participating in. I felt that our older campers needed to learn more about kindness prior to the younger campers arriving at camp the next day since they will be the one's having to be the example. If the YCL's are KIND our younger campers will be KIND to other's too.

This is going to be our Stake Devotional on Monday night just for our YCL's. This will take place after the YCL's go horseback riding. I thought that would be kind of fun since we usually think of our Prince Charming riding in on his horse.

Every morning at the same time as our morning Flag Ceremony we will have YCL's that are assigned to give a 5 minute morning devotional based on the above assignments. This went over really well last year and I can't wait to see what happens this year!

Boy Oh Boy do our YCL's have something fun planned this year to welcome our younger campers to camp. Wish I could share it with you, but you'll have to email me in private to learn more.

Each Ward has been assigned a Fairy Tale that they will be representing at camp this year. They will be decorating their cabins and we will be using each as part of our Camp Opening Ceremonies.

Our YCL's are going to be FROGS this year instead of ANTS like last year. Yes...there are some more fun things that have been planned. I'll share more information about this in an upcoming post. Our YCL's have been busy, busy, busy! This will be something that they will do during our Prayer, Journal Writing, and Scripture Time.

We are probably not going to use this at camp, but another idea to share.

Every year we have a Nightly News Program that some of our YCL's help to plan. This year they are planning something out of this world. Can't wait to share more!

This year we are going to have a ROYAL DINNER to go along with our ROYAL BALL. The Young Women will learn all about manners and how to set a dinner table.

This is going to be our Stake Devotional that will be shared with all of the campers on their first night at camp this summer.

The Royal Ball...more to come!

This is just a page that I share with the Camp Director's about the Camp Levels, etc...

This is going to be one of our Camp Crafts this summer along with making pillows.

Every year we try to do a camp service project that can go way past Young Women's Camp. Our Young Women are already in the process of collecting Children's Storybooks for local organizations. My hope is that they will all collect way more then what they are expecting!

This activity is one that we are using as part of our Ward Camp Kick-Off's to introduce the Ward Camp Values. This book LIVING THE YOUNG WOMEN'S VALUES is one that my Aunt Janette Hales Beckham gave to me when I was a Young Woman and it ties in so nicely with our Camp Theme this year Daughter's of a Noble Birthright. You can purchase this book on-line. I highly recommend it!

This talks about our Camp Traditions Night...fun times!

Each Young Woman will be making their own Family Crest to represent their family in modern times. Prior to camp the Young Women will be working in the Family History Center to learn more about their families.

This will be one of the classes that we will be offering at camp. I can't wait for the girls to hear the message shared.

We are going to have a Beauty Bar and Pen Pal Station at camp this year. The Beauty Bar will be available during free time and by appointment only. We will also be having a class on Beauty during the week. We are looking for Stake's from around the world that might like to be our PEN PALS this summer as part of this activity. If you are interested...please let me know. It should be a ton of fun!

We have a special evening devotional planned this summer based on the American Flag. More details to come!

I'm not sure if we are going to be having a Camp Level Challenge this year, but in the past it has been a nice way to see what the Young Women have learned throughout the week.

This is another camp idea. Great for a camp class!

This is a camp activity that the Ward's will be planning on the same day as the Young Women's Broadcast. Originally, this was going to be part of our closing exercises at camp.

Yet another Camp Activity based on Emma Smith - An Elect Lady. I can't wait for this activity. Our Young Women will be making bonnets in their Value Colors and will be learning one of the Hymns from the original Hymnal that they will share with the rest of us. This activity will be based on Emma Smith and the transition from Young Women's to the Relief Society Program.
I hope that these ideas will help to spark some of your own.

Happy Camping!
Jennifer

Primary Music Idea - Jesus Loves Me

2011-02-12T18:56:00.000-05:00

I love this time of year when we get to think about how much our Heavenly Father & Jesus have done for us. We truly are blessed to know that they love us so much - no matter what!

This week for Primary, I wanted to be able to talk about the love they have have shown us through the different songs that I have chosen for us to sing. I've chosen the following songs and will mention next to them what I plan to talk about with the Primary Children once that song is chosen.

1. If I Listen with My Heart - Talk about the Scriptures, Prophets, and the Holy Ghost
2. I Will Follow God's Plan - Talk about the love that our Father in Heaven has for us and the Plan of Salvation
3. If You're Happy - When we are Happy our Heavenly Father is Happy
4. Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam - Heavenly Father & Jesus created a beautiful earth for us to live on
5. Jesus Said Love Everyone - We are to follow His example and love everyone
6. Love One Another - Loving others is a commandment
7. I'm Trying to Be like Jesus - Try every day to show your love back to your Heavenly Father & Jesus
8. I Am a Child of God - Heavenly Father loves us so much and He wants us to be able to return to live with Him again someday

I have placed these songs in little Valentine Pillow Boxes that I created by using the template above. I cut mine out of scrapbook paper and attached some ribbon around each. When a Primary Child gets a turn to choose a song place a badge on them that says "Jesus Loves Me" and ask them to mention a way that they know that Jesus LOVES them. Then, sing the song and talk about how that song shows that our Heavenly Father loves us.

Happy Heart Day!

If you would like a copy of the attached that goes along with the music idea Jesus Loves Me...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessages@gmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address.

Primary Music Memo - February 2011 Week Two

2011-02-12T18:34:00.000-05:00

Jesus Christ created the earth for me.

Encourage the Primary Children in your ward to create a Family Home Evening for Monday Night based on the Creation of the Earth. Invite them to sing songs such as "Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam" and other songs that mention the different parts of the Creation. They might even enjoy drawing pictures that they can share as they talk about each section found in Moses Chapter 2.

If you would like a copy of this week's Primary Music Memo...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessages@gmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address.

Primary Music Scripture Clips - February 2011

2011-02-12T16:10:00.000-05:00

Happy February!

Thanks to several comments from friends of Beehive Messages...I've decided to add the scripture reference to the Primary Music Scripture Clips. I loved the idea so much and thank you for writing me. I really love when all of you have ideas that you share with me too.

If you would like a copy of this month's Primary Music Scripture Clips...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessages@gmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address.

Happy Scripture Marking!

Love,
Jennifer

Primary Music Idea - I Will Follow God's Plan

2011-02-05T20:55:00.000-05:00

I will follow God's plan.

This month our Primary Children will learn about the Plan of Happiness. I struggled in how I was going to teach this song. I wanted to show the Primary Children that we made the choice to come to earth and if we will follow God's Plan we can return to live with Him again someday. I remembered that I had a laminated poster of an outline of a body that I use while teaching teachers how to become better teachers. It hit me that I could use it for this song. Down the middle of the body I have put the questions that our Primary Outline suggests that we ask while teaching this song. Who? Where? Why? What? I'm going to place them on the body as I ask the Primary Children those questions. I might even take a dry erase marker and add some of their answers underneath. Then, throughout the beginning of the song it talks about our lives and continues into what we will do now to work hard to return to our Heavenly Father. For the beginning part of the song I've placed those thoughts on the left side of the body and the I WILL portion is on the right side. Showing that our lives were given to us and we will do all we can to follow his plan. You can be creative and use different colored pieces of paper to highlight the sections of the song too. My hope is that they will all make wise choices every day to be able to have the Spirit in their lives.

If you would like a copy of the words that I used on my poster...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessages@gmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address!

Additional Tips:
Posters can be made at local office supply stores for very inexpensive. Download a JPEG file of an outline of a Gingerbread Boy and take it to them on a flash drive. You can also use butcher paper to create a person or a Cricket Machine cut out of a paper doll.

4th Sunday Music Share Certificate - February 2011

2011-02-05T20:37:00.000-05:00

Every singer that participates in the 4th Sunday Music Share deserves a certificate...don't you think? Enjoy this month's!

Side note....we are loving having families come in and sing together. The Spirit is so strong when they sing!

If you would like a copy of this month's 4th Sunday Music Share Certificate...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessages@gmail.com. Be sure to leave your email address!

4th Sunday Music Share Sign Up Sheet - January 2011 & February 2011

2011-02-05T20:34:00.000-05:00

Here is the sign-up sheet for last month and this month's 4th Sunday Music Share. I love these! Hope you do too!

If you would like a copy...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessages@gmail.com. Be sure to leave your email address!

Primary Music Memo - February 2010 Week One

2011-02-05T20:31:00.000-05:00

Heavenly Father has a plan for me.

Encourage parents to ask their child/ren questions during Family Home Evening such as:
Who am I?
Where did I come from?
Why am I here?
What will happen to me after I die?

Invite each family to sing "I Will Follow God's Plan" - Children's Songbook, page 164-165 after answering the questions above. Parents can share their testimonies of the Plan of Salvation.

If you would like a copy of this week's Primary Music Memo...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessages@gmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address!

Scripture Reading Ideas

2011-01-29T20:41:00.000-05:00

I love to read the Holy Scriptures!

With this being a 5th Sunday our ward has planned a special 3rd hour focusing on Family Scripture Study. I've been asked to share a few tips/ideas for reading the scriptures together with your family. Our ward is going to be focusing on this throughout the year so while I'm in visiting with the adults, with other speakers from the ward, the youth and primary will also be receiving a message on Family Scripture Study. We love reading the scriptures together as a family and have tried many different scripture reading ideas over the years. I thought I would share some of those with you and with everyone tomorrow. Who knows...it might just spark something new you could try and if you have an idea you would like to share I would love that too! We have in our home two children in High School and a Pre-Schooler so our scripture study time has to be one that all will enjoy.

With that said...here are a few of the ideas I plan on sharing tomorrow -

Additional Tips:

Don't forget to carry an additional copy of the Book of Mormon with you at all times to share with a friend or stranger that might be interested in learning more about the church.
Sit down with your children every month to read the scriptures found in the Personal Progress Pamphlet, Duty to God, and Faith in God Booklets.

While Visiting Teaching and Home Teaching ask to share a scripture with those you are visiting with. If they are unable to read or ill read to them.

If you would like a copy of the Scripture Reading Ideas shown above please comment here or email me at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessages@gmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address so I can get a copy to you quickly.

Primary Music Memo - January 2011 Week Five

2011-01-29T20:17:00.000-05:00

This is a great week for families to review everything that you have covered in Primary this past month. I love 5th Sunday's...don't you?

If you would like a copy of this week's Primary Music Memo...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or beehivemessages@gmail.com. I have had a few issues with my hotmail account this month so don't be afraid to reach me via my gmail address or via telephone. I will do my best to get files to you as quickly as I possibly can.

Love,
Jennifer

Primary Music Memo - January 2011 Week Four

2011-01-23T17:32:00.000-05:00

I can know the scriptures are true.

This week the Primary Children will be invited to share their testimonies of the scriptures at home during family home evening. I know that we have had a fun time lately in our home as we have made the transition from reading the children's version of the scriptures to the REAL thing this past month with our four year old, Braden. Braden, has been learning sight words at Preschool and over Christmas Break we noticed that he was pointing out a few words to us while we were watching some college football games. We decided that it would be neat to see how many other words he could pick up on while allowing him the opportunity to read from the Book of Mormon one verse every night. In just a month...he is reading almost the entire verse on his own. Wow! I never realized how many sight words there were in those verses until this little adventure. We have always read the scriptures with him being part of it with our older children, but we have gone through different stages in having him be part of our reading and this is such a joy to watch. Your children may be young, but they can learn at a young age to grow to love the scriptures as they read them.

If you would like a copy of this week's Primary Music Memo...please comment here or email me at beehivemessages@gmail.com. Please be sure to leave me your email address.

Primary Music Memo - January 2011 Week Three

2011-01-15T11:40:00.000-05:00

The words of Christ will tell us all things we should do.

Invite parents to share examples from their life when the scriptures have taught them what they should do. Have them explain to their child/ren that following the teachings in the scriptures can helped them to come closer to the Savior. During Family Home Evening families can sing The Iron Rod found on page 274 in the HYMNS.

If you would like a copy of this week's Primary Music Memo...please comment here or email me at beehivemessages@gmail.com. Be sure to leave your email address!

Primary Music Scripture Clips - January 2011

2011-01-08T21:13:00.000-05:00

I presented to you last week my idea for this year's Primary Music Club and wanted to share with you another part of it. At the beginning of the month during music time I'm going to have the Primary Children open their scriptures and mark the scripture that goes with the song that we will be focusing on. We'll read the scripture and then use our special Primary Music Scripture Clips as a quick way to reference back to it throughout the month. The Primary Children can also share these scriptures with their families during family home evening. Some of the Primary Children may even decide to highlight the scripture with a scripture marking pencil. I feel this will be a great way to encourage them to read their scriptures and to learn that many of the songs we sing are based off of scriptures we read.

To make your own Primary Music Scripture Clips...you'll need to purchase some JUMBO paperclips and a package of Avery File Folder Labels template number 5202. Print the labels as shown above and fold the label in half on top of the paperclip. Make one for each child and mark your Music Scriptures.

If you would like the PDF file of this month's Primary Music Scripture Clips...please comment here or email me directly at beehivemessages@gmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address!

Primary Book of Mormon Necklace

2011-01-08T20:50:00.000-05:00

Many of you may be looking for a way for the Primary Children to keep track of the chapters they are reading in their scriptures. I came up with the idea of having a Primary Scripture Necklace. For each chapter that they read the children can receive a scripture charm to go on their special scripture reading necklace. The necklace shown here is for the Book of Mormon. Throughout the year I will probably post the additional Standard Works. I think the Primary Children will enjoy this...don't you? It's very simple to create and you can use yarn, string, or ribbon that you already have laying around your house.

Another thought...........

Primary Music Leaders can use these when teaching the Primary Songs based on the names of the books within the Standard Works. I think I'll use the necklace idea to see how well they remember the song. For every book of scripture that we remember while singing...the children will receive a charm. Once we remember all of the lyrics and the names of the books within our necklaces will be full. I think this will be a great motivator in learning them all.

If you would like to receive the PDF file for the Primary Book of Mormon Necklace...please comment here or email me directly at beehivemessages@gmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address.

Thanks Mer for your help in making this idea a fantastic one!

Primary Music Memo - January 2011 Week Two

2011-01-08T20:32:00.000-05:00

We are to feast upon the words of Christ.

Encourage families to discuss their goals for family scripture study this week by coming up with a plan as to when that would take place. In the morning, evening, etc... Sing songs that talk about the scriptures.

If you would like a copy of this week's Primary Music Memo...please comment here or email me directly at beehivemessages@gmail.com. Please note this is a different email address then what I normal share with you. I seem to be having an issue this week with my hotmail account. Thanks for your understanding! Be sure to leave me your email address.

Lots of Love,
Jennifer

Young Women's Camp 2011 - Princess Cones (Camp Mailboxes)

2011-01-06T19:10:00.000-05:00

These easy to make Princess Cones will serve two purposes for Young Women's Camp this summer. Between now and camp the Young Women can use them as a decoration to have in their bedrooms to collect money in for camp. Then, when camp arrives the girls can bring them to camp and hang them to use as a camp mailbox. The Young Women will love making these...I promise!

Be creative! Use them for an additional Young Women's Activity such as a service project, fundraiser, gifts to others in the ward, etc...

You will need to have the Young Women help you decide what color scrapbook paper they would like to use. Each girl will need a 12x12 scrapbook piece of paper. Cut the paper to look like a cone and roll together each side to make the cone shape. I used brads to attach the sides of my cones that you see shown above, but you could also use a hot glue gun. Attach ribbon or string and decorate to your liking. Then, hang in your room or on a tree branch.

Side Note...you may decide to add some plastic inside the cones to protect the paper.

If you would like the paperwork that I put together above that can go in your Camp Binder...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address!

Young Women's Camp 2011 - Save the Date Cards

2011-01-06T18:53:00.000-05:00

It's never to early to get the Young Women excited and planning for camp this upcoming summer. I created these little save the date cards as a quick reminder so that families can be preparing now to make sure their daughter's can attend.

If you would like a copy of the Save the Date Camp Cards...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address!

Young Women's Camp 2011 - Camp Binders for Leaders

2011-01-06T18:48:00.000-05:00

One of the key things to keep in mind when planning Young Women's Camp is to be organized. I always love filling a binder with fun new fresh ideas so every year that I've been the Stake Young Women's Camp Director I've presented the other camp leaders with a notebook that they can fill too. This year I created the notebook with pages that would divide the different parts of camp that we would be working on. You'll notice that there is a page that slides in for the front cover and a little column you can use for the side of a 3-ringed binder to make them look fancy on the outside. When you open the binder, I found a quote from Sister Dalton that I used and then pages that could divide CAMP MEETINGS, YCL MEETINGS, WARD ASSIGNMENTS, PRE-CAMP, and CAMP. I also included some general information pages with regards to our camp theme, camp scripture, and camp theme song. There are a ton more camp 2011 pages to share, but they will be shared in separate blog posts so I can explain them in greater detail for you. As time permits...more will be posted so stay tuned!

If you would like a copy of the Young Women's Camp 2011 Camp Binder Pages...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com. Please be sure to leave me your email address!

Young Women's Camp 2011 - What to look for in a Camp Director

2011-01-06T17:58:00.000-05:00

For those of you that are Stake Young Women Camp Director's or Young Women Presidency's looking to fill the role of Camp Director for this upcoming year...I have created a list of things you might consider when looking for that right person to be your Ward Camp Director, Assistant Camp Director, or Stake Camp Director. This is a list that we have worked off of this year and is specific to the needs in our area, but I thought I would share it with you so that you could use it to create your own list. This may just spark an idea that you could share with your local Bishopric or Stake Presidency.

If you would like a copy...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address.

PHOTO CONTEST

2011-01-06T17:47:00.000-05:00

Hi Friends of Beehive Messages!

Over the holidays I received an email from Parent Magazine looking for fun pictures of children from over the holidays. They were having a photo contest and for the fun of it I decided to submit a few pictures of our son Braden. I never thought anything of it until the other day when we received an email that one of the photos of Braden was in the running to win a prize. They are going to be announcing the winner soon and we have from now until January 9th to receive the most votes. I thought I would share his photo with you and if you feel like voting...please click on the link below. Thanks in advance! I'll keep ya posted!

Love,
Jennifer

http://photos.parents.com/category/vote/photo/657186?esrc=nwphotofaves3

Primary Spotlight 2011 Continued - Scripture Scholar Backpack Questions

2011-01-02T15:25:00.000-05:00

Remember the Scripture Worm that was posted a while back on the blog? Well...here is the continuation of that spotlight. Invite a member of your Bishopric to be your SCRIPTURE SCHOLAR that will come and help you to spotlight a child in your Primary. They will be suited up with a backpack and your Scripture Worm. Have them invite the child/ren up front that you would like to spotlight that week and have them pull a couple of questions from the SCRIPTURE SCHOLARS BACKPACK. Once they have answered the questions they get to sign their name on the Scripture Worm with a fabric marker. At the end of the year the Scripture Worm can be presented to your Bishop from the Primary Children to show that they have become SCHOLARS of the SCRIPTURES and the GOSPEL.

At the end of spotlighting the child...present them with a LDS Scripture Marking Pencil and the Apple that was shown with the WORM (earlier post).

Side Note...some of these questions are not appropriate for Sunday. You may choose to create a JOURNAL JAR separate from this spotlight that the children can use at home with their families throughout the year. Our Prophets have taught us that keeping a journal is something that we should take the time to do each day so that our thoughts and memories can be shared with those we love in years to come. What a great way to get the Primary in the habit of writing each day.

If you would like the PDF file with the Spotlight and Journal Questions...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com. Be sure to leave your email address!

Primary Scripture Journal 2011 - Inside Pages

2011-01-02T14:28:00.000-05:00

Shown above are some new pages that you can include for this year's Primary Scripture Journal. For those of you that have been following Beehive Messages throughout this past year you know that each month I take the Friend Magazine Scripture Journal Page and turn it into a sheet that you can copy and share with your Primary Children. Last year's Journal was a large composition book which I personally still love, but this year my sister decided to use the smaller composition books for her Primary. Either way...your Primary Children will have the chance to write about the things that they are learning at home and at church about the scriptures allowing them to strengthen their testimonies.

If you would like the PDF file for this year's Primary Scripture Journal inserts...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com. Please be sure to leave your email address!

Stay tuned for additional Primary Scripture pages throughout the year!

Primary Chair/Door Sign for 2011

2011-01-01T22:57:00.000-05:00

Are you looking for a way to let children, teachers, and parents know where the Primary Children are to sit or which class they are in for the new year? Then, this might just be what you are looking for.

These were printed on regular paper and attached to a clip magnet. You can purchase these at your local office supply store. Then...create a list of the children in each class and attach.

If you would like a copy..please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com. Please be sure to leave your email address.

Primary Music Memo - January 2011 Week One

2011-01-01T22:30:00.000-05:00

The scriptures are the word of God.

Encourage families to sing the new Primary Song "If I Listen with My Heart." Invite parents to talk about the Standard Works at Family Home Evening and have the children share with their parents their favorite scripture stories. Families might even enjoy drawing pictures of their favorite stories as an activity to be placed on the refrigerator for the rest of the week.

If you would like a copy of this week's Primary Music Memo...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com. Please be sure to leave me your email address.

Primary Helpers - Labels for 2011

2011-01-01T21:52:00.000-05:00

When we're helping we're HAPPY!

This is a very simple idea for reminding your Primary Helpers about assignments that they have been given for the upcoming week. Have your Primary Secretary fill out the information needed and then simply place the label on the child that has been given the assignment. Remind them that they must keep the label on long enough to make sure their parents have seen it.

These work perfectly with Avery Labels template number 5163. Size 2x4 - 10 per page.

Under "questions" on the label place the name and phone number of the individual in your Presidency that could be contacted if parents have questions.

If you would like a copy of this year's Primary Helpers Labels...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com. Be sure to leave your email address.

Primary Birthday Idea 2011

2011-01-01T21:18:00.000-05:00

You've Had a Birthday Shoot Hooray!

Everyone loves birthday's and this year try singing the song with these words instead:

ONE YEAR OLDER AND "SMARTER" TOO, Happy Birthday to you!

Because we are focusing so much on the scriptures...we (my sister and I) thought it would be fun to talk about how SMART you will become in reading them. This fun birthday idea will help tie in that message. After singing to each birthday child and teacher present them with their very own roll of SMARTIES to celebrate! You can purchase these at Wal-Mart and on-line by looking at websites that sell candy in bulk.

If you would like a copy of the 2011 Birthday Clip Art...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com. Be sure to leave your email address!

This is an early Happy Birthday to all of you this upcoming year!

Primary Sharing Time Idea - Introducing 2011 Primary Theme

2011-01-01T20:55:00.000-05:00

The Scriptures Are the Word of God

This week there is a lot of excitement for those of us in Primary. I know many of you are preparing for the BIG day...the first day of Primary this year!!!!!!! My sister, Merrilee and I have been on the phone non-stop working on ideas to share with all of you. This is a book that she has put together for tomorrow's Sharing Time that I just couldn't resist sharing with all of you. She put hours into this and I'm excited because I plan on using it for Music Time in my ward. This is her take of what the Primary Outline says to do for Week One in January. As we were talking we decided that it would be fun to introduce the theme with a conversation about the Standard Works followed by songs that could be sung out of the Children's Songbook. We hope you will all have a chance to use this too!

Here are the songs that I will be sharing after each section of the book is shared:

Old Testament - Follow the Prophet CS, 110
New Testament - Tell Me the Stories of Jesus CS, 57
Book of Mormon - Book of Mormon Stories CS, 118
Doctrine & Covenants - Seek the Lord Early CS, 108
Pearl of Great Price - When He Comes Again CS, 82

If you would like a copy of the Introduction 2011 Primary Theme...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address!

Primary Music Club 2011 - Music Skills to Treasure Club

2011-01-01T20:20:00.000-05:00

Music Skills to Treasure Club

Each year I try to come up with some fun skills that the Primary Children can work on throughout the year during Music Time. I have found that if I call it a "CLUB" they seem to want to try harder in achieving our goals for the year to become the BEST SINGERS we can possibly be. This year I decided to create a monthly calendar that I have placed on a ring for each child. Just past the cover page your will see the list of tasks our Primary Children will be encouraged to work on this year. Then, I have included the monthly theme and scripture. I figure it never hurts to reinforce those! The following page is for our monthly song and the scripture that co insides with it. I want the Primary Children to help me look those up each month and mark them in their scriptures (I have another fun POST that I will share on this later). I'm hoping the Primary Children will read those often. Each week, I will have the Primary Teachers watch their children to see who is participating and helping to make Music Time a success. If the children in their class are super fantastic helpers...they will receive a stamp under that week. Each teacher will have their own stamp to use. I'm also hoping this can be used as a Music Time REVERENCE help.

If you would like a copy of this year's Music Skills to Treasure Club...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com. Be sure to leave your email address so I can get back with you.

Primary Music Idea - Music CD 2011

2011-01-01T19:16:00.000-05:00

One of the best ways to allow the Primary Children to learn the music that you will be teaching is to encourage them to sing at home with their families. It has become a tradition in our Ward to present the Primary Children with a CD each year on the first Sunday in January. I have made a CD that includes all of the music for this upcoming year that they can play in the car or at home during Family Home Evening. I usually only make one per family...that way you are not spending hours making one for each child. Be sure to make a few extra or save your files in case you have new children enter your Primary throughout the year. I made a generic white CD label and placed the finished CD's in a white CD sleeve cover. I used the Primary 2011 clip art that I shared in an earlier post as an embellishment that I glued to the front of the cover for fun!

You can find this year's Primary Music on the http://www.new.lds.org/ website or in the music section of http://www.lds.org/. Simply download the songs you would like to include and burn your own CD's. Once you have the songs listed and saved on your computer you can make multiple copies pretty fast. Best of Luck!

If you would like the PDF files for the CD labels that are shown above...please comment here or email me at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address.

Beehive Messages - Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T19:06:00.000-05:00

Happy 2011!

I can't believe I'm here typing Happy 2011. Where did 2010 go? The past few months have go by so fast. With that said...I can't wait to see all of the wonderful things that will take place in 2011. I wish all of you the BEST upcoming year possible.

Cheers!
Jennifer

Primary Music Idea - If I Listen with My Heart

2010-12-31T10:15:00.000-05:00

Primary Children around the world will love this new Primary Song written by Sally DeFord.

I am so excited about this year's Primary Theme " I Know the Scriptures Are True." I know that they will learn messages that will stay with them throughout their lives as they listen to the lessons that will be taught and the music that will be sung. Testimonies will be strengthened not only for the Primary Children, but for the adults working with them as well.

I had received this past year a really cute calendar from my Mom that was placed in a CD jewel case. I loved it and have been saving the idea to use for teaching a song in Primary up until now.

Here's what you will need in order to share this song with your Primary Children:

1. Find a CD jewel case that you are not using...I'm sure you all have one of these some where in your home. Make sure the front cover can bend in all directions so it can become a stand for the photos, etc...
2. Email ME at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com to receive the PDF file for If I Listen with My Heart.
3. Print the song. I used regular white paper. I don't recommend card stock!
4. You will need to cut the pages pretty close to the dotted lines so that it will fit snug in the slots of the front of the CD jewel case.
5. Place the front cover in front...this will be the song title sheet.
6. Place the rest of the pages behind. You should be able to store the sheets right in the CD case. Isn't that AWESOME? Super easy storage!
7. As you teach the song you can slide out the pages as you sing them. The CD case is easy to hold in your hand and also cute on a table. Be creative in how you use it!

I have also included a sheet with just a heart on it. I thought I might use the heart another week to have the Primary Children listen for the word and when we say/sing HEART they have to hold up their paper HEART or something fun like that. It also looks cute as the back cover.

Another twist.....create other songs that can be sung with pictures that can be taken into NURSERY. Because the case is so small and can be held in your hand this might be just what you are looking for to take into the Nursery Room. I know I plan to create more that can fit inside. Once those are complete...I'll be sure to share.

Enjoy!

Love,
Jennifer

If you would like the PDF file to If I Listen with My Heart...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com. Be sure to leave me your email address!

Primary Logo 2011

2010-12-31T09:46:00.000-05:00

Here's just a quick little look at some fun things coming your way for Primary 2011!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy New Year!!!!

If you would like a copy of the Primary Logo above...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com. Be sure to leave your email address.

Thanks Mer for this darling design!

Primary Music Idea - The Greatest Christmas Gift

2010-12-27T14:40:00.000-05:00

I had spent hours trying to decide what would be the best way to celebrate Christmas through music the week before Christmas. I had received a phone call from my sister Stacy who had mentioned she was going to be using one of the Mormon Messages as part of her Sunday Young Women's Lesson. I loved the video so much that I too decided that this was what our Primary children needed to see that particular Sunday. At first, I asked the Primary Children what it was that they were hoping to receive that week for Christmas. The Primary Children fell for it and began listing every toy you could possibly imagine. Then, I said that I had a video to share with them about a family on Christmas morning and that I wanted them to pay very close attention to what was happening in their home that day. After the video, I asked them what they had noticed. They all noticed that the most important gift of Christmas is the birth of our Savior. I had placed several pictures of the Savior's birth and life into gift bags and packages with the name of a song that we could sing in conjunction with the picture. This activity brought the spirit into our Primary Room that day and continued to be a message that the Primary Children remembered throughout the holiday season.

If you would like a copy...please comment here or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com. Please be sure to leave me your email address!