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Love At Home

2012
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Song: Love One Another

Scripture: John 13:34 “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another, as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”

Items needed:

  • Write a letter to each family member and explain to them why they are important and special. Leave the letter in a place where they will find it on the day of your FHE lesson.
  • Make a chart that says Love One Another–see below how to make chart

Adapted from Family Home Evening Resource book:

If Jesus Came to Visit Us

  • How would it feel if Jesus were to come and visit our home?
  • Would we want to change the way we act with each other?
  • What would Jesus think if He came into our home?

Jesus would be unhappy if we were being unkind and unloving towards our family members. He cares so much about us that he wants us to feel the love He and Heavenly Father have for us. We can feel that love in our families.

Inviting the Spirit of the Lord into Our Home

  • Ask how the letters to each family member made them feel.

When we show love and appreciation it brings a good spirit into our home. This is how our Heavenly Father and Jesus want us to feel. The family in the central unit of the Lord’s plan for us.

Love One Another Chart

  • Make a chart by drawing a heart in the middle of the paper with rays around it.
  • Next make lines below the heart to write names on.
  • In the middle of the heart, write “Our Family”

Each time you see a family member show love put id down on the chart. The deed goes onto the rays and you can write the name on the list below. Challenge each family member to help fill all the rays by the next FHE.

Filed Under: Families With Children, Latter-day Saints, Lessons, Tweens & Teens

Secret Server

2012
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Purpose: To gain a testimony of the importance of serving, especially serving without seeking praise or recognition.
Materials:
Picture: Jesus Washing Apostles’ Feet
Clip art for the stories
1 copy of the Service Chart per person
several “You have been Served” calling cards per person

Lesson:
Attention getter:
As you are about to begin the lesson, drop a box of crayons or your papers on the ground with an exclamation such as “Oh no!” or “Oops!”. Wait and see if anyone offers to help you pick them up. If no one does, go ahead and ask for help.
Thank those who helped and explain that Heavenly Father wants us to help one another. This is called service. We can show we love our Heavenly Father by serving his children.

Display the quote on service:

“The Lord answers the prayers of the needy by prompting others to righteous deeds: God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another mortal that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other.” -Spencer W. Kimball

Show the picture of Jesus washing apostles’ feet.

Jesus set the example for us when he, the greatest of all, served his disciples by washing their feet.

Summarize the story.
John 13:4-5, 12-15

Story:

Helping Mom (for very young children)

 

Discuss the story emphasizing that the service was given in secret. * If you have a personal experience in which someone served you anonymously or you helped someone else anonymously, this would be the perfect time to share it. Testify of the importance of serving others and the blessings that come from it.

Activity/Weekly Challenge:

Secret Server Week

You are going to be a SECRET SERVER for the week. Draw family members’ names out of a hat so that everyone has someone else’s name. Don’t tell anyone whose name you have (parents will help the very young ones). Each day of the week you will perform at least one secret act of service for your Receiver. You may leave a “You Have Been Served” calling card with your Receiver’s name on it (this helps the Receiver recognize that an act of service was done in their behalf). For each day you do a special, secret act of service, you will color in a heart on the Service Chart. Have fun and shhhhhhhh Don’t give yourself away!

Dessert: Zucchini Cobbler

*ideas of small acts of secret service that can be done at home
make the bed for your receiver
set his/her place at the breakfast table
draw or color a picture
leave a favorite treat on his/her pillow
put toothpaste on his/her toothbrush
do one of his/her chores
make a favorite meal or dessert with mom or dad’s help
straighten up his/her closet
decorate his/her bedroom
leave a surprise note or treat in a lunchbox

 

Filed Under: Couples, Families, Families With Children, FHE Lessons for All, Newlyweds, Service Project Ideas, Service Projects, Single Groups, Tweens & Teens

New Year Individual and Family Goals

2012
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Purpose: Setting goals and establishing resolutions is the number one way people begin the New Year. The most important aspect is to plan according to what you really want to accomplish in realistic time frames. You can plan for one long-term goal(s), something to focus on throughout the year and you can also do smaller, short-term goals to work on for a few months at a time, or even shorter. The most important aspect is “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”

This lesson is to help jump-start individuals and families to set goals to for the New Year.

Lesson:

Goals have multiple layers: first, you create a visual in your mind of the goal(s) you would like to accomplish. Once you have in mind what you want to do, you’ve already accomplished half your goal.

1. Visualize yourself at the end point of reaching that goal.

Create a detailed plan to reach that goal. Will this be reached in 3, 6, 9 or 12 months? When will you have accountability on how you’re doing on reaching these goals? How often will you have this accountability? You can invite family and/or friends to help keep you focused on the goal(s) that you create.

What type of goals are you wanting to create for the upcoming year?

Career (do you want to achieve a promotion, finish an important project, increase sales, etc), Financial (pay off one credit card, two credit cards, all debt, pay off car, learn how to coupon and use them weekly, etc), Education (go back to school- finish your degree or begin a degree program, learn a new language, take a community class, etc.), Family (plan a vacation and set a budget, create a budget for your family, etc), Volunteer Service (make goals to volunteer monthly or do toy/food drives, make 24 Hr. Survival Kits, etc.), Physical (make goals to work out, lose weight, run a race, etc.), Personal Enrichment (learn to play a musical instrument, paint, cut hair, etc.).

2. Write it down.

Keeping a written log, journal or even create a blog to keep a daily or weekly record of your experience working towards your goals. Blogging can be a powerful way to keep yourself accountable and to engage others which will help you stay focused.

3. Create the plan.

Use budget sheets, goal sheets, calendars and whatever other materials you can find to get a detailed break down of your goal.

Set SMART Goals (from mindtools.com):

  • S – Specific (or Significant).
  • M – Measurable (or Meaningful).
  • A – Attainable (or Action-Oriented).
  • R – Relevant (or Rewarding).
  • T – Time-bound (or Trackable).

Discussion:

1. Is goal setting important? Why or why not?

2. How can setting goals help you discover new things about yourself and help you live your best life?

Activity:

 FREE Budget Tracking Sheets & other Financial Worksheets

FREE Blog Access (create a free blog to journal your progress in reaching your goals)

Why Set Goals? article

Treat:

Hot Chocolate & Marshmellows and No Bake Cookies

Hershey’s No Bake Cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups white sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
  • 3 cups quick-cooking oats
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
 Directions
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa. Bring to a boil, and cook for 1 1/2 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in peanut butter, oats, and vanilla. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper. Let cool until hardened.
Filed Under: Activities, Couples, Couples, Families, Families With Children, FHE Lessons for All, Latter-day Saints, Newlyweds, Newlyweds, Single Groups, Tweens & Teens

Christmas Family Home Evening Lesson

2011
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Christmas Family Home Evening Lesson

Purpose: To reflect on the true meaning of celebrating Christmas, the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Song: “Away In A Manager”

Scripture:Luke 2: 1-14

Lesson:

Young Children~ Print & Use this Picture Strip of the Christmas Story. *Manger Cut Out
~From LDS.org

Tweens~ Print & Use Nativity Matching Game

Teens, Groups, Couples,Individuals~

 What Is Christmas?

Christmas is prophecy fulfilled. On the eve of His birth, the voice of the Lord came unto Nephi, saying, “Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets.”

What did the holy prophets of old declare? Isaiah, more than 700 years before the birth of Christ, prophesied, “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

On the American continent, King Benjamin said, “For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent … shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay. … He shall suffer temptations, and pain. … And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; and his mother shall be called Mary.”

Then came that night of nights when the shepherds were abiding in the fields and the angel of the Lord appeared to them, announcing: “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy. … For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

The shepherds with haste went to the manger to pay honor to Christ the Lord. Later, wise men journeyed from the East to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. … When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”

Since that time, the spirit of giving gifts has been present in the mind of each Christian as he or she commemorates the Christmas season. Our Heavenly Father gave to us His Son, Jesus Christ. That precious Son gave to us His life, the Atonement, and victory over the grave.

What will you and I give for Christmas this year? Let us in our lives give to our Lord and Savior the gift of gratitude by living His teachings and following in His footsteps. It was said of Him that He “went about doing good.” As we do likewise, the Christmas spirit will be ours. ~President Thomas S. Monson

Story:  “Maybe Christmas Doesn’t Come From A Store” ~ Elder Jeffery R. Holland

Activity:

Young Children~ Coloring Pages

Wise Men Still Seek Him Color Page ~ From LDS.org


Joseph, Mary & Baby Jesus Color Page ~ From LDS.org

Meaning Of Christmas Decorations~ from LDS.org

Want an activity for the older children. Have them observe Christmas decorations around the house or around the neighborhood and write down the decorations they see and what they think each of them symbolize. Compare the lists and talk about their meanings.

Decoration Symbolism
Bells Sheep bells
Candy canes Shepherd’s staff
Lights, candles, star The star that appeared on the night of Jesus’ birth
Holly The crown of thorns
Evergreen tree Eternal life
Green, ivy Life and hope
Red, holly berries The blood of Christ


Filed Under: Families, Families With Children, Latter-day Saints, Lessons

FHE Service Project: Write Letters to Sick Children

2011
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Letters to Sick Children Service Project

Purpose: Jesus taught us by His teachings and His perfect example to bless those that are sick and afflicted. There are many seriously ill children in hospitals all over the world that would love to have your letters of hope and inspiration.

Lesson:

Have you ever had an earache, sore throat or the flu and felt miserable for a day, two or maybe for a week? There are many children all over that suffer from more serious illnesses that leave them bound in hospitals. Many are to weak to play and are unable to go outside, jump in piles of leaves, smell the fresh air or even play in the park.

During this holiday season, you can serve other children that are similar ages to those in your family by performing acts of service. One way is to visit them, go caroling at the hospitals, donate toys and even write letters.

Discussion: What are ways in which you can serve someone daily? Weekly? Monthly? How have you felt as you’ve been served? Share an experience of being served.

Goal Setting: Have family, group or ward members write at least one goal to be more active in serving those who are in need– like the sick and afflicted.

Service Project: Write letters to ill children in hospitals

Each member of the family, group or ward can participate in this service activity.

Gather paper, markers, crayons, stickers, etc. to make greeting cards to send to sick children in hospitals all over the country. If you live outside of the U.S., you can send letters to children in your own area/country or surprise some of these children with letters from all over the world!

Visit: Make A Child Smile (click to link to Web site)

You’ll see a list of children who would love to have your letters! You can click on their names to read more about them.

Treat:5-Minute Chocolate Pie

Ingredients: 1 Ready Graham Cracker Pie Crust 1 1/4 C. cold milk 2 pkg. (4- serving size) chocolate instant pie pudding mix 1 tub (8 oz.) whipped topping (thawed) 1. Beat milk, pudding and half the whipped topping together in medium bowl with a wire whisk for one minute. The mixture will thicken. 2. Pour into ready-made crust. 3. Top with remaining whipped cream. You can eat it right away or chill until ready to eat!
(recipe adapted from Keebler)

 

 

Filed Under: Activities, Couples, Families With Children, Family Home Evening, FHE Lessons for All, Lessons, Service Project Ideas, Service Projects, Tweens & Teens

Forgiveness

2011
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 Family Home Evening: Forgiveness
Purpose: Each of us has done something to hurt or disappoint someone else and most likely have had the same happen to us. These unfortunate acts can be small or they can be life-changing. It is sometimes easier for us to hold a grudge against someone who has wronged us, or hold back from forgiving ourselves if/when we’ve been the one to cause pain rather than exercise the powerful commandment of forgiveness. This lesson hopefully will help share some ideas on how to begin to forgive others and forgive yourself.
Lesson: In October 2006, a milk delivery man in Pennsylvania who had been experiencing some difficult tormented memories drove to an Amish schoolhouse and committed a terrible crime.
His actions that day left 5 little girls dead. His actions that day left a lot of broken hearts and created a lot of sorrow. However, the Amish community showed tremendous courage, love and a deep understanding of the healing power of forgiveness when they reached out to the shooter’s family.
President James E. Faust, in the April 2007 General Conference spoke about their remarkable example of forgiveness: (Excerpts in red from “The Healing Power of Forgiveness”)
“If we can find forgiveness in our hearts for those who have caused us hurt and injury, we will rise to a higher level of self-esteem and well-being. Some recent studies show that people who are taught to forgive become “less angry, more hopeful, less depressed, less anxious and less stressed,” which leads to greater physical well-being. Another of these studies concludes “that forgiveness … is a liberating gift [that] people can give to themselves.
Dr. Sidney Simon, a recognized authority on values realization, has provided an excellent definition of forgiveness as it applies to human relationships: 
Forgiveness is freeing up and putting to better use the energy once consumed by holding grudges, harboring resentments, and nursing unhealed wounds. It is rediscovering the strengths we always had and relocating our limitless capacity to understand and accept other people and ourselves.”
Most of us need time to work through pain and loss. We can find all manner of reasons for postponing forgiveness. One of these reasons is waiting for the wrongdoers to repent before we forgive them. Yet such a delay causes us to forfeit the peace and happiness that could be ours. The folly of rehashing long-past hurts does not bring happiness.

Some hold grudges for a lifetime, unaware that courageously forgiving those who have wronged us is wholesome and therapeutic.”

Elder Richard G. Scott taught, “Recently . . . I encountered a large temporary sign declaring Rough Road Ahead, and indeed it was. Had I not been warned, that experience would have been disastrous. Life is like that. It’s full of rough spots. Some are tests to make us stronger. Others result from our own disobedience. . . . Each one of us encounters unique challenges meant for growth.” (“Finding Forgiveness”- New Era, March 2010)


Discussion:
What does forgiveness mean?
How do we forgive one another or ourselves?
When have we been forgiven and how did it make us feel?
Is there someone in our lives today that we can begin to forgive?

Activity:
Fill a bag or sack with five heavy objects (such as books or rocks) that have each been labeled with one of the following words: revenge, hurt, hate, resentment, and anger. 
Have each family member take a turn trying to carry this heavy load. Explain that carrying those feelings in our hearts is an even greater burden than carrying the heavy bag. 
When we really forgive, we forget all of these feelings and are free from the burden of carrying them. 

Activity from lds.org
Treat:
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups cold milk
  • 2 packages (4-serving size) chocolate flavor instant pudding & pie filling
  • 1 tub (8 oz.) frozen non-dairy whipped topping, thawed, divided
  • 1 Keebler® Ready Crust® Graham Pie Crust

Directions

  • 1. In large bowl beat milk and pudding mix with wire whisk for 1 minute. (Mixture will be very thick.) Whisk in half of whipped topping. Carefully spread in crust.
  • 2. Spread remaining whipped topping over top.
  • 3. Garnish as desired. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

 

Filed Under: Latter-day Saints

The Ties that Bind

2011
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Objective: Include the family in learning their history, personality, and what makes you, you.

Song: “I Am A Child Of God”

Scripture: D&C 110:15

Talks: “The Phenomenon That Is You” by President James E. Faust

Materials: Any can be from the past or present.
  • Journals to write in and read from
  • A list of names used by the family
  • Birth dates
  • Habits and Hobbies
  • A list of where the families been/lived.
  • Physical and Personal characteristics
As a family read through these scriptures; Genesis 11:10-32, 25:12-18. Through out the Bible there are many records kept of the various generations and lineage of the Prophets and Kings. Discuss why these records are included and important for us to read through as we study the scriptures. How important is it to keep track of family history? What can learn from our family history?

Now read the talk by President Faust

Activity: Have each family member take turns in choosing a topic, from the list above, about the family. Such as how many birthdays are in the summer. Who shares the same initials? How many people enjoy the same hobbies? Who has the same smile/eyes/nose. Who participated in the same school activites? How many different jobs and careers has the family worked through. Be sure to include all family members; past, present and distant when discussing these fun tidbits of your history.
Dessert: Call up Grandma or an Aunt for a family recipe and enjoy making it together. Or have fun putting together this Skor Cake from grouprecipes.com (Make the cake earlier in the day)

Ingredients:
•• 1 baked devils-food or german chocolate cake (sheet cake) •• 1/2 jar of fudge topping (I like the Smuckers) •• 1/2 jar of caramel or butterscotch topping •• 1/2 can of condensed milk (I like Eagle brand) •• 6 Skor candy bars (these are like large Heath Bars) •• 1 tub of Cool Whip Directions:
1. Preheat oven (temp is on cake box) 2. Do not remove cake from pan. 3. Let the cake cool 10 min. 4. Make holes in the entire top of the cake 5. (one at a time) let each flavor soak in before adding the next. 6. Pour fudge, 7. Pour carmel or butterscotch 8. Pour condensed milk 9. Crush 3 of the Skor candy bars and sprinkle on the top. 10. Frost the cake with the whipped topping 11. Crush the 3 remaining Skor bars to decorate the top. 12. You may have an extremely hard time not eating it right out of the pan.

Filed Under: Latter-day Saints

Sidewalk Service

2011
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Family Home Evening Service Lesson: 
Sidewalk Service
Purpose: If your summer days are dragging on and you’re wondering what adventure you can do next, then pack up your sidewalk chalk and go for a little service stroll.
Lesson: Service is a trademark attribute of the followers of Jesus Christ. There are many, many ways in which we can serve others. At times we may have the thought that someone could use a visit, but do we choose to go and visit them?
The Lord uses us to help his children here on earth. He has entrusted each of us to serve one another, as He would serve us as if He were here. 

“Service is an imperative for those who worship Jesus Christ.”(Elder Dallin H. Oaks)
Service helps us to set aside our selfish thoughts and desires by putting others first. Doing kind acts help each of us grow in character, as well as in testimony of the importance of serving and being served.
Discussion: Serving others doesn’t have to be a huge under-taking. Review these questions with your family, group or ward.

- How does it feel to serve others?

- Why is important to serve others?

- Have you ever received service from someone else? How did it feel to be served?

- What are some ways you can serve someone this week?
Activity:
Think of 2-3 people or families that you can create a “Sidewalk Service” to. Be sure that adults supervise and OK which homes you visit and where you draw your pictures. 
Create a happy message to let the family/individual know how much they are loved and appreciated. 
You can leave a note on their door so that they can find your drawing.  
Treat: 


1 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
Preheat oven to 325-degrees.  Mix everything together until well blended.  Refrigerate for 30 minutes.  Roll into 18 balls.  Place 2″ apart onto ungreased cookie sheet.  Flatten each ball in a criss-cross pattern with a fork.  Bake for 18 minutes.  Cool.
  

 

Filed Under: Couples, Families With Children, FHE Lessons for All, Lessons, Newlyweds, Service Project Ideas, Service Projects

Friendship~ Latter-day Saint version

2011
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Family Home Evening: Friendship
Purpose: Elder Jeffery R. Holland said, “There are many other examples of true friendship in the scriptures, but perhaps noting these three will suffice. A common thread runs through them all—namely, that living the gospel and being true to gospel principles is the key to true, lasting, triumphant friendship.” It is vital that we learn how to be good friends to others and teach children how to be a good friend and to surround themselves with good friends.
Scripture: Proverbs 17:17
Lesson:
Elder Holland teaches about some great friendships found in the scriptures. This excerpt is from his article: “Real Friendship”

Alma and the Sons of Mosiah

The Book of Mormon teaches of a very special friendship that became stronger when it was focused on gospel principles. Early in their lives Alma and the sons of Mosiah rebelled against the teachings of their faithful parents and went about destroying the church of God. They were very cunning and very successful, later confessing that they were the “vilest of sinners” in their efforts to destroy the faith of other members of the church (Mosiah 28:4).
But in response to the prayers of their parents, other members of the church, and the power of God and his angels, these young men were dramatically converted to the truth and immediately set out to “repair all the injuries which they had done to the church” (Mosiah 27:35).
The sons of Mosiah declined the kingship which their father held and chose rather to be missionaries to the Lamanite people. Alma followed in their footsteps, choosing to serve a mission among the Nephite people. What had been an unworthy and destructive association now turned into a powerful and binding friendship, solidified by acts of personal righteousness and devotion.
After 14 years of long, hard, demanding missionary service—service that had included sorrow and opposition as well as miracles of every kind—Alma and the sons of Mosiah were reunited briefly before continuing their work for the Lord. The description of that reunion reveals how strong their friendship and love had become, even in their prolonged absence from one another.
“Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God.
“But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God” (Alma 17:2–3).
Discussion:
1. What does it mean to be a friend?
2. What are some important attributes that good friends have?
3. How can you be a good friend to others?
Activity:
Friendship Letters~
Write letters (or draw pictures for the little children) to your friends letting them know the attributes that you love about them. Also be sure to thank them for being your friend. 
Decorate the envelopes and deliver these to your friends. 
If you have friends that have moved away, send them a letter in the mail to let them know how their friendship influenced you.  

Treat:

Cinnamon Spice Drop Cookies (from allrecipes.com)
  • 1 1/2 cups butter flavored shortening
  • 2 cups light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 cups cinnamon chips

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter flavored shortening, light brown sugar and dark brown sugar. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the milk and vanilla, blending until the mixture is light and fluffy. Combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda and salt; stir into the batter until well blended. Mix in cinnamon chips and if using, pecans. Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared cookie sheets about 2 inches apart.
  3. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, just until the cookies lose their gloss. Remove from the cookie sheets to wire racks to cool.
Filed Under: Latter-day Saints

Starting Your Family History

2011
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“Starting Your Family History”
Purpose: Knowing our family history can be rewarding and the lessons we can learn from our ancestors may help us in our own lives today. We can start this process by doing our family history. This Family Home Evening lesson is to help give you ideas on how to start your own family history.
 
Lesson: Have you ever wondered if you had famous inventors, pioneers, civic leaders, kings or queens and so on in your family history? Our ancestors are as much a part of us and our genetic make-up as our mothers and fathers. You can learn about all of those people that came before you and learn about their trials, tribulations and see what you can learn from them and about them. 
Starting your family history can seem so daunting. Here are a few suggestions on what you can do to get started during this Family Home Evening. 
*Note: Be organized. Make sure you prepare to organize your papers after this activity in an area that will remind the family members to work on the family history as often as possible. A large 3-ring binder is a great place to start.

Activity:
1. What we know~ Select a family scribe to keep notes/chart as you brainstorm names, dates, events, etc. during this first activity.
With each family member participating, write down all the names of your family members and chart them on a Pedigree chart. Go as far back as each person can remember, be sure to mark off for ordinances already received for these individuals. 
You can also start a Family Group Record for individual families as well. These forms provide more space for detailed information. 
See what areas are missing information and highlight them and make a list of what information still needs to be collected for each person. 
2. What others know~ With your list of missing information, prepare letters, e-mails and so forth to other family members who may know the missing information such as wedding dates, death dates, etc. Gathering this information to complete your forms will help you have complete records that will help in your research as well as preparing their names for the temple. Be sure to check information in family Bibles, journals, etc.
3. Use online tools to help in research~ There are some great genealogy sites available to aid in the research and using these tools will help you find information and people you’re looking for as well as being able to see if someone has already done some of your family history and/or temple work. You could connect with others who may also be working on your family members and receive information from them.  
There are FREE online classes via the Latter-day Saint Web site for learning to do family history. 
Family History Web sites:
Research site lists (from familysearch.org) 


*Please leave a comment with other great Web site helps that you know about! 
Treat: Fix a family favorite treat– perhaps one of your grandparent’s family treats since we’re on the subject of family history. Include the recipe in your family history binder.

 

Filed Under: Couples, Families With Children, Latter-day Saints, Newlyweds
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