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Pioneer Day Festivities

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Living in Salt Lake City, we are lucky. Not only do we get to celebrate the 4th of July, but the 24th of July, too. Pioneer day! And, let me just say, that pioneer celebrations are huge in Utah. We like fireworks. Lots of them. I wonder what the pioneers think of our celebrations? My little family had a great day. We started out with our ward breakfast. This is a tradition in our ward. Pancakes, eggs, bacon, you name it. Then, at the end, there is a “parade” by all the kids in the ward. The kids bring their … Continue reading →

Celebrating Our Pioneer Heritage

July is a month where I always think about my pioneer ancestors. The pioneers sacrificed to come across the plains and to establish the church in Utah. All of the early members of the church made significant sacrifices to help to establish the church. It had to be difficult to leave your family, your home and everything you knew to go to a new place and start over. With travel conditions being so difficult, most people realized that they may never see their families again. In Utah there is a state holiday that celebrates these sacrifices, but for everyone living … Continue reading →

Pioneer Day

Since today is Pioneer Day, I thought I would write a little bit about the pioneer heritage that we have in our church. The pioneers crossed the plains in great difficulty fleeing persecution and seeking a new life. There were many immigrants from Europe that came and then crossed the plains to join the saints in Utah. There are always many stories to read about the sacrifices that the Saints have made. Since I grew up in Utah, I grew up distinctly celebrating the holiday. Businesses close down and there is big parade in downtown Salt Lake. In many ways … Continue reading →

Pioneer Games

This summer try playing some of these fun games that pioneer children used to play. For more fun pioneer activities see my blog Celebrate Pioneer Day. Shadow Tag This game needs to be played on a sunny day. The person who is it tries to step on another player’s shadow. If their shadow is stepped on they have to stand still. The game continues until every person has been tagged. Then the first person tagged becomes it. If a player gets tired of running they can lay down. Then the player who is it can’t tag them. Ducks Fly This … Continue reading →

Celebrate Pioneer Day

Pioneer Day is July 24th. Whether or not you had any ancestors who crossed the plains in search of religious freedom, better farmland, or even gold, this month is a great time to remember the many men, women, and children, who made the long trek across the plains to settle the west. So take some time this month to celebrate the pioneers. Share Pioneer Stories Pioneer stories are a great way to share the pioneering spirit with your children. Many stories are faith promoting; others express the dangers of pioneer life, while some are humorous. If you had ancestors who … Continue reading →

Teaching Your Children About Their Heritage

Today is a special day here in Utah, it is the day we come together as a community and celebrate our pioneer ancestors who settled here so many years ago. Children gather in the streets as they watch our biggest parade of the year. With floats, handcarts, horses, and wagons children cheer in excitement. This is a time for each of us to remember the great sacrifices they made as they continued on their journey west. Without this annual celebration, many children may never have the opportunity to see a handcart. As parents this is a great teaching moment. Whether … Continue reading →

Barack Obama’s Big Win and Tragic Loss

As you know, the Illinois Senator Barack Obama pulled off the biggest win of his political career last night. Last night, as the incumbent president gave his acceptance speech, he was surrounded by his family and approximately 240,000 supporters. He should be on top of the world at this particular moment in time. (Photo has been released into the public domain by the photographer, Tim Bekaert) But, there was something that put a damper on Obama’s history making win. His maternal grandmother, Madelyn Payne Dunham, died two days before the election. Madelyn and her husband, Obama’s maternal grandfather Stanley, raised … Continue reading →

LDS Family Week in Review: July 22-28

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From pioneers to the scriptures to helping our youth, this week has brought a great deal of variety. I hope you will find something to help you in your spiritual walk. Monday, July 23rd: In Pray for Comfort, we talked about praying throughout our trials. In How Do You Know When You’ve Lost the Spirit?, we talk about the slow and gradual loss of the Holy Ghost. And in General Conference: “To the Aaronic Priesthood: Preparing for the Decade of Decision,” we reviewed Elder Robert D. Hales talk to the young men of the church. Tuesday, July 24th: In Dinner … Continue reading →

Primary Time: Five Ideas for Quarterly Activities

It is the beginning of the new year, if you are in the Primary presidency, then you are most likely planning the quarterly activities for the entire year. Here are five ideas for activities that may be fun for your Primary to complete. 1) One fun activity is to have the Primary have a cultural Christmas party. You can ask different returned missionaries from your ward share a little bit about the countries that they served in, and how those countries celebrated Christmas. You can have the guests set up in different rooms, and have the children rotate through. You … Continue reading →

Creative Celebrations: Home School Activities for July

Everyone knows that July 4th is American Independence Day, but did you know that the whole month of July is National Blueberry Month? Or that National Ice Cream Day is July 15th? It’s fun to add a little spice to your curriculum and daily routine by celebrating unusual events and holidays; and thus begins my Monthly Activity Calendar Blog. Peruse through to find interesting facts, unusual holidays to celebrate and even better: ideas, links and activities to go with these special days! July is National Blueberry Month!! Surely if blueberries get a whole month just to themselves they are worthy … Continue reading →