I seriously cannot believe that it's mid-december. If you are crazy busy and need to do a lesson for RS, YW or Primary then this is something that you'll like. We've done this activity in  our family on and off since 1993. And I've done it in my callings and it's been a wonderful experience. A big plus is that it's super easy to put together.

​ Print, Cut, Order, Ring, Sing!

Now that I've explained myself, I'll share another side of my life. I'm an artist and designer and have another website ShannonsStudio.com. I wanted to share something with you that I designed for a friend that I'm not sharing on that blog. I think you'll like it. 

It's a quote from James E. Faust that was quoted on a show recently. It's about us mothers. I got mine in the mail and wore it today. I really like it. If you'd like one ($15) click the the photo link above. I think they'll be available at the BYU bookstore at some point. I don't get anything from the purchase I just thought some of you would want one. Do you like it?

This is my minimalist decorating side.

You need:
     1 dozen roses (WalMart or Target approx. $10 -$15)
    12 vases (approx. $2 each Target)
     1 white tablecloth (Always have 1 white one, so versatile)

So easy. So quick. So simple. So beautiful.

This is my "if a thing's worth doing, it's worth over doing" decorating side.

It's my Celebration Suitcase™ series. This one is titled "Old School". You basically put all your themed decorations in a container and pull it out whenever you (or someone else) have a need to decorate big. The decorations can be set up differently every time. And everything (except food) fits inside the suitcase so you just have to grab, go and set up. It is so helpful. And it looks so fun.

Just some ideas for you.

I've also done this print for my husband who wakes up the kids by singing, "Rise & Shout the Cougars are out!" Needless to say the kids aren't thrilled with the song. But I hope you're thrilled with the watercolor printable. Click the image below or here.

Share this with a sports fan you know.

I got these prints back the other day and framed them and I just really like them. So much so that  several other phrases are on the list to do. Do you like them? Or is it just me? 

If you'd like to buy one they're in our Etsy Shop. Just so you know, if you buy one you can print if off up to 100 times. That way if you want to share it in your calling or as gifts (wedding, house warming, just because) you can.

In the comments, tell me a phrase you'd paint.

Being a nice big sister she also made a ring for soon to be Elder Christensen. 

It says, "SERVE". Very cool. Perfect for our soon to leave missionary. She has these in her shop too. You can put whatever on them - "choose" or "love more" - as long as it's only 8 characters. I see some more of these rings in my life. Thanks Alisha!

You might recognize the LDS iconic text. Also, I'm learning some new skills (surface pattern design) and thought I'd try them out. It's an 8.5" x  11" DIY printable.

I had to add some blank ones as well so that they could be used for other occasions. Just add your own handwritten text and you have a personalized gift.

My kids saw them and asked if they could make them for me for Mother's Day. It wouldn't be much of a surprise but I'd like them anyway. Nice way to store a year's supply of soap. No?

Of course you could use the wrappers for something else. Any ideas?

So that's what I've put in our Etsy Shop - Primary Song Sing•Along Fabric Panel.

Singing the songs are so important for teaching the gospel. I think this is what I'm going to be giving to each of my grandkids when they're born. But I could see it being used as a babysitter blanket, wall hanging, singing time bean bags (cut down smaller), or pillowcase. 

What would you make out of the Primary Song Sing • Along Quilt Fabric Panel?

Handout for "Why are covenants important in my life?"

Handout for "What does it mean to take upon myself the name of Jesus Christ?"

Handout for "What covenants did I make at baptism?"

Journal cards: 

If you enjoy using our handouts or find them to be helpful make sure you pin and share them with your friends!

PS>>Nathanael and I moved to Georgia for a little while and you can read about what we are up to here.

Okay, so we were talking about St. Patrick's day. See how sidetracked I get with the kissing stuff? Go get my gift Kiss O' The Irish print here. Then kiss someone. And then tell me how you've handled the kissing question in your family.

Because of all my new learning I haven't finished anything for LDS NEST lately so I went back through my files and found a camp craft I haven't shared with you. It's a flower clip and the gift download is here. You'll find photo instructions and supplies list. We gave this to the YCLs and they taught it to the girls.

As I was looking through things I couldn't find another camp craft that I thought I posted. I'm sure I posted it but figured if I couldn't find it then maybe you wouldn't be able to either. So, I'm re-posting that too. That gift download is here.

Well, that's just a little update of my good busy life. How's yours going?

The Nested Family - Collected Bits to Build Unity. This series will include 40ish tips on how to build family unity. Today is only the first tip, COMMITMENT, but it's pretty necessary. Maybe you might want to discuss the level of commitment needed for an eternal family for FHE tonight. Read it below or you can get our gift download for later reading here. 

Here's the third page that gives you space to write your Personal Commitment Pledge. Then you can put it on your Ring Thing for handy referencing. (Download our Nestie gift to you here.) 

This is part of my RESET One Word Resolution which leads to taking my family COMMITMENT to the next level. 

Does family unity come easy to you? 
Happy FHE tonight.