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Birthday Flowers

The Best Types of Flowers to Gift on a Birthday

Flowers have long been a traditional gift to celebrate birthdays and convey heartfelt wishes. Whether you are surprising a loved one, a friend, or a colleague, choosing the right flowers can make a meaningful impact. In this article, we will explore the best types of flowers to gift on a birthday and offer some helpful tips on presenting and preserving them.

Understanding the Symbolism of Flowers

Before delving into specific flower choices, it is important to understand the symbolism behind different blooms. Flowers birthday greetings have their own unique language, often expressing emotions and sentiments. This language, known as the Language of Flowers, dates back centuries and has been used to convey hidden messages.

Each flower carries its own significance, making it essential to choose the right blooms for the occasion. By considering the meanings associated with flowers, you can add a thoughtful touch to your birthday gift. Let’s explore the fascinating world of flower symbolism further.

The Language of Flowers: An Overview

The Language of Flowers assigns meanings to different blooms, allowing individuals to communicate their feelings through the gift of flowers. For example, red roses symbolize love and passion, while white lilies represent purity and innocence. Sunflowers, on the other hand, symbolize joy and happiness. By understanding these symbolic associations, you can create a bouquet that speaks volumes without saying a word.

It is interesting to note that the Language of Flowers dates back to the Victorian era, where it was used as a way to express emotions that could not be openly spoken. This secret language allowed individuals to convey their true feelings in a discreet and elegant manner. Each flower had its own meaning, and the arrangement of different blooms could create a complex message.

Popular Birthday Flowers and Their Meanings

When it comes to birthday flowers, some blooms are especially popular for their significance. Here are a few examples:

Roses: Roses are classic birthday flowers that come in a variety of colors. Red roses symbolize love and romance, while pink roses convey admiration and gratitude. Yellow roses are associated with friendship and happiness. The beauty and fragrance of roses make them a timeless choice for celebrating another year of life.
Lilies: Lilies are elegant and versatile flowers that make stunning birthday gifts. They symbolize purity, beauty, and the renewal of life. White lilies are often chosen to celebrate milestone birthdays, as they represent the wisdom and grace that come with age. A bouquet of lilies is a perfect way to honor someone’s journey and wish them a year filled with blessings.
Sunflowers: Sunflowers are vibrant and cheerful, making them a perfect choice to brighten someone’s birthday. They symbolize joy, happiness, and positivity, making them an ideal gift for someone who brings sunshine into your life. The bright yellow petals and the sun-like appearance of sunflowers evoke feelings of warmth and optimism, making them a delightful surprise for a special day.

By selecting birthday flowers that align with the recipient’s personality and the message you want to convey, you can create a truly meaningful gift. Whether it’s a romantic gesture, a token of appreciation, or a celebration of friendship, the Language of Flowers allows you to express your sentiments in a way that goes beyond words.

Choosing the Right Flowers for the Birthday Person

When selecting birthday flowers, it is essential to consider the recipient’s preferences and the significance of their birth month. By taking these factors into account, you can personalize your gift and make it even more meaningful.

Birthdays are a special occasion to celebrate the life of a loved one, and choosing the perfect flowers can add an extra touch of thoughtfulness to your gift. The beauty and symbolism of flowers have the power to convey emotions and messages that words sometimes cannot express.

Considering the Recipient’s Preferences

Think about the recipient’s favorite colors or types of flowers. If they have a particular flower they love, incorporating it into the bouquet can show how well you know and appreciate them. Consider their personality and the message you want to convey through the flowers.

Some popular choices for birthday flowers include roses, which symbolize love and appreciation, or lilies, which represent purity and positivity. For a more vibrant and cheerful option, sunflowers are a great choice to brighten up someone’s special day.

Taking into Account the Season of Birth

The season in which the birthday falls can also play a role in choosing the perfect flowers. Each season offers a unique selection of blooms, allowing you to pick flowers that are both meaningful and in line with the time of the year. For example, tulips are perfect for spring birthdays, while chrysanthemums represent autumn.

Summer birthdays can be complemented with bright and colorful flowers like daisies or gerbera daisies, symbolizing joy and happiness. Winter birthdays can be adorned with elegant blooms such as amaryllis or poinsettias, adding a touch of sophistication to the celebration.

Top Flower Choices for Birthday Gifts

Now that you understand the significance of flowers and have considered the recipient’s preferences and season of birth, let’s explore some top flower choices for birthday gifts:

Roses for a Romantic Gesture

When it comes to expressing love and romance, roses are the ultimate choice. Whether you opt for a bouquet of red roses or a mix of different colored roses, this classic bloom is sure to make the birthday person feel cherished and loved.

Lilies for a Touch of Elegance

If you want to add a touch of elegance to the birthday gift, lilies are an excellent option. Their graceful petals and sweet fragrance make for a truly memorable present. Consider a bouquet of white lilies to symbolize purity and beauty.

Sunflowers for a Burst of Joy

Sunflowers exude happiness and positivity, making them a perfect choice to celebrate a birthday. The vibrant yellow petals of a sunflower are sure to bring a smile to the recipient’s face and brighten their special day.

Another fantastic option for a birthday gift is the daisy. Daisies are known for their cheerful appearance and symbolize innocence and purity. A bouquet of daisies can bring a sense of joy and simplicity to the birthday celebration, perfect for someone who appreciates the beauty in life’s little moments.

Tulips for Grace and Elegance

Tulips are a classic choice that exudes grace and elegance. Available in a variety of colors, each representing different sentiments, tulips can convey messages of love, passion, or friendship. A bouquet of tulips is a sophisticated and timeless gift for a birthday celebration.

How to Present Birthday Flowers

Once you’ve chosen the perfect flowers, it’s time to think about the presentation. Here are a few ideas to make your birthday flowers stand out:

Birthdays are special occasions that deserve to be celebrated in style. When presenting birthday flowers, consider adding a touch of creativity and thoughtfulness to make the moment even more memorable. Whether you’re surprising a loved one, a friend, or a colleague, the presentation of the flowers can enhance the overall experience.

Arranging Flowers in a Bouquet

Create a stunning bouquet by arranging the flowers in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Consider incorporating complementary colors and textures for a visually appealing composition. To add an extra element of charm, you can include some greenery or filler flowers to give the bouquet a fuller look. Remember, the key is to arrange the flowers in a way that showcases their natural beauty and creates a cohesive design. Tie the bouquet with a beautiful ribbon and present it to the birthday person with a warm smile, symbolizing the joy and warmth of the occasion.

Delivering Flowers in a Box

If you want to add an element of surprise, consider delivering the flowers in a decorative box. Opt for a stylish and elegant box that complements the flowers inside. You can choose a box in the recipient’s favorite color or pattern to add a personal touch to the presentation. Adding a layer of tissue paper or fabric inside the box can create a luxurious feel and protect the flowers during transport. This unique way of presenting flowers adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation for the recipient, creating a memorable experience that will be cherished.

Adding a Personal Touch with a Note

Don’t forget to add a personalized note to accompany the birthday flowers. Share your heartfelt wishes and express why the recipient is special to you. Consider writing a meaningful message that reflects your relationship with the birthday person and the significance of the occasion. You can also include a favorite quote, a shared memory, or an inside joke to add a personal touch to the note. This small gesture will make the gift even more meaningful and intimate, showing that you took the time to convey your emotions and thoughts through words.

Preserving Birthday Flowers

To ensure that the birthday flowers last as long as possible, here are some helpful tips:

Tips for Extending the Life of Cut Flowers

Trim the stems and change the water every few days to keep the flowers fresh. Remove any wilted petals or leaves to maintain the bouquet’s appearance. Additionally, keep the flowers away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

Turning Birthday Flowers into Keepsakes

If you want to preserve the memory of the birthday flowers for years to come, there are various ways to turn them into keepsakes. Consider pressing the flowers between the pages of a book, creating a pressed flower frame, or drying the petals to embed in a resin pendant.

By following these tips, you can prolong the beauty and sentimental value of the birthday flowers.

When preserving birthday flowers, another creative idea is to dry the blooms and use them to make potpourri. This fragrant mix of dried flowers and herbs can be placed in a decorative bowl or sachet, filling the air with a lovely scent that evokes memories of the special occasion.

Furthermore, if you have a green thumb, you might consider propagating new plants from the cuttings of the birthday flowers. With the right care and attention, these cuttings can root and grow into new plants, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the original bouquet in a different form.

In conclusion, choosing the best types of flowers to gift on a birthday requires considering the symbolism, the recipient’s preferences, and the season of birth. Roses, lilies, and sunflowers are popular choices, each bringing their own unique message and beauty. The way you present the flowers and care for them can also enhance the birthday experience for the recipient. With thoughtful selection and presentation, birthday flowers can serve as a heartfelt gesture that will be remembered for years to come.

Other resources: How to Surprise Someone with Birthday Flowers at Work

Birthday Flowers

How to Surprise Someone with Birthday Flowers at Work

Birthdays are special occasions that provide an opportunity to make someone feel appreciated and celebrated. One way to surprise someone on their birthday is by sending them flowers at work. This thoughtful gesture not only brings joy to the recipient but also creates a positive and festive atmosphere in the workplace. In this article, we will explore the importance of birthday surprises at work, the role of flowers in expressing appreciation, and the impact of surprises on employee morale. We will also discuss how to choose the right flowers, plan the surprise, deliver the birthday flowers, and handle potential hurdles.

Understanding the Importance of Birthday Surprises at Work

Birthdays are milestones in a person’s life. They mark personal growth, accomplishments, and the passage of time. Celebrating birthdays at work goes beyond just acknowledging these milestones; it is an opportunity for colleagues to come together, show support, and foster stronger relationships. When someone receives a surprise at work, it not only makes them feel special but also boosts their morale and engagement. Recognizing birthdays in the workplace is vital for building a positive and inclusive work culture.

The Role of Flowers in Expressing Appreciation

Flowers have long been a symbol of love, appreciation, and beauty. Happy birthday bouquet of flowers have a unique way of conveying heartfelt emotions without words. When it comes to expressing appreciation, flowers are the perfect choice. By giving someone flowers on their birthday, you are not only recognizing their special day, but you are also conveying a sense of gratitude and admiration for their contributions in the workplace. The presence of a beautiful bouquet can instantly brighten up someone’s day and leave a lasting impression.

The Impact of Surprises on Employee Morale

Surprises have a significant impact on employee morale. They create a sense of anticipation and excitement. When an individual receives a surprise at work, it shows that their colleagues and superiors care about them and value their presence. This feeling of being appreciated translates into increased job satisfaction, motivation, and loyalty. Birthday surprises at work contribute to a positive work environment where employees feel genuinely supported and valued.

Furthermore, birthday surprises can also foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among colleagues. When everyone comes together to plan and execute a surprise celebration, it creates a bond and strengthens relationships. The collaborative effort involved in organizing a surprise party encourages communication, cooperation, and a shared sense of purpose. It reminds employees that they are part of a team that cares about each other’s happiness and well-being.

Moreover, birthday surprises can serve as a morale booster not only for the individual celebrating their birthday but for the entire team. Witnessing a colleague’s joy and excitement can uplift the spirits of everyone in the office. It creates a positive atmosphere where people feel motivated and inspired to work together towards common goals. The ripple effect of a birthday surprise can extend beyond the immediate celebration, leaving a lasting impact on the overall work culture.

Choosing the Right Flowers for a Birthday Surprise

Selecting the right flowers for a birthday surprise depends on various factors. Consider the recipient’s preferences, personality, and the message you want to convey. Different flowers hold different meanings and symbolism. It’s essential to choose flowers that align with the recipient’s taste and convey the right emotions.

When it comes to selecting the perfect birthday flowers, the options are vast and varied. From classic roses to exotic orchids, each flower carries its own significance and beauty. The art of gifting flowers lies not just in their visual appeal but also in the emotions they evoke.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Flowers

When selecting birthday flowers, consider factors such as the recipient’s favorite colors, their personality traits, and the significance of different flowers. Some individuals may prefer bold and vibrant blooms, while others may appreciate delicate and soft petals. Take into account the recipient’s preferences to ensure a truly personalized surprise.

Furthermore, the season can also play a role in choosing the right flowers. Spring blooms like tulips and daffodils bring a sense of renewal and freshness, while winter flowers such as poinsettias and amaryllis add a touch of festive cheer. Consider the time of year to select flowers that are not only visually appealing but also in tune with the natural surroundings.

Popular Birthday Flowers and Their Meanings

There are several popular birthday flowers that carry specific meanings. For example, roses symbolize love and admiration, making them an excellent choice to express appreciation. Lilies represent purity and elegance, while sunflowers symbolize happiness and joy. Orchids, carnations, and daisies are also commonly associated with birthdays. Consider the symbolism behind different flowers to add an extra layer of thoughtfulness to your surprise.

Each flower has a unique story to tell, a language of its own that transcends words. By carefully selecting the right blooms for a birthday surprise, you not only brighten someone’s day but also create a lasting memory filled with beauty and sentiment.

Planning the Birthday Surprise

Planning is key to ensure a successful birthday surprise at work. From timing your flower delivery to coordinating with colleagues, careful planning helps create a seamless and memorable experience for the recipient.

When planning a birthday surprise, it’s essential to consider the recipient’s preferences and personality. Think about what would make them happiest – whether it’s a bouquet of their favorite flowers, a personalized gift, or a surprise party with their closest colleagues. Tailoring the surprise to their likes and interests adds a thoughtful touch that will make the celebration even more special.

Timing Your Flower Delivery

Timing is crucial when it comes to surprising someone with birthday flowers. Consider surprising them in the morning to kick-start their day on a happy note. Alternatively, you can choose to have the flowers delivered during lunchtime, allowing the recipient to enjoy their surprise in the presence of their colleagues.

Another creative idea for timing the flower delivery is to have them sent towards the end of the workday. This way, the recipient can end their day on a high note, taking the beautiful blooms home to continue enjoying the celebration with their loved ones. The element of surprise combined with thoughtful timing can turn a regular workday into a memorable occasion.

Coordinating with Colleagues for the Surprise

Coordinate with colleagues to make the surprise even more special. Involve other team members in the planning process, such as organizing a small celebration or decorating the recipient’s workspace. Collaborative surprises not only make the recipient feel valued but also strengthen camaraderie among team members.

Encourage colleagues to share their ideas and suggestions for the birthday surprise, fostering a sense of teamwork and unity within the workplace. By involving multiple people in the planning process, you can create a more elaborate and impactful surprise that showcases the collective effort and thoughtfulness of the entire team.

Delivering the Birthday Flowers

When it comes to delivering birthday flowers, there are multiple options to consider. You can choose between personal delivery or professional services to ensure a timely and secure surprise.

Birthdays are special occasions that deserve to be celebrated in a memorable way. The act of delivering flowers can convey love, appreciation, and thoughtfulness. It’s not just about the flowers themselves, but also about the effort and sentiment behind the gesture.

Choosing Between Personal Delivery and Professional Services

If you are in close proximity to the recipient’s workplace, personal delivery can be a more intimate and touching experience. However, if the recipient works in a different city or if you prefer a professional touch, consider utilizing flower delivery services. Professional services ensure that the flowers arrive fresh and in impeccable condition.

Personal delivery allows you to see the recipient’s reaction firsthand and share in their joy. On the other hand, professional services offer convenience and reliability, especially for long-distance deliveries. Whichever option you choose, the goal remains the same – to bring a smile to the birthday celebrant’s face.

Presentation Ideas for the Flower Surprise

Presentation is everything when it comes to a flower surprise. Consider creative ways to present the flowers, such as using a decorative vase, adding a personalized note, or including a small gift alongside the bouquet. Personal touches enhance the overall surprise experience and make it more meaningful for the recipient.

Imagine the delight on the recipient’s face when they receive a beautifully arranged bouquet in their favorite colors, accompanied by a heartfelt message from you. The presentation of the flowers can turn a simple gift into a cherished memory that will be remembered for years to come.

Dealing with Potential Hurdles

While planning a birthday surprise at work, it’s essential to be mindful of potential hurdles that may arise. Addressing these challenges in advance helps ensure a smooth and successful surprise.

When organizing a birthday surprise at work, it’s not just about the act of giving; it’s also about the thought and care put into the gesture. Taking the time to consider the recipient’s preferences, workplace environment, and any potential obstacles demonstrates a level of attentiveness that can truly make the surprise stand out.

Addressing Allergies and Workplace Policies

Before surprising someone with flowers at work, consider any potential allergies or sensitivities that the recipient or other colleagues may have. If allergies are a concern, opt for hypoallergenic blooms or non-scented flowers. Additionally, be aware of any workplace policies regarding the gifting of flowers and ensure that your surprise does not violate any rules or regulations.

Furthermore, when selecting flowers for the surprise, think about the symbolism behind different blooms. For instance, roses are often associated with love and appreciation, while sunflowers can symbolize happiness and positivity. Choosing flowers that convey a meaningful message can add an extra layer of thoughtfulness to your birthday surprise.

Handling Unexpected Situations

Even with meticulous planning, unexpected situations may arise. For example, the recipient may be absent from work, or there may be changes in the workplace schedule. Be flexible and adaptable in such situations. Consider rescheduling the surprise or finding alternative ways to celebrate the recipient’s birthday.

Moreover, it’s important to remember that the element of surprise itself can sometimes lead to unforeseen reactions. While most people appreciate a thoughtful gesture, some individuals may feel uncomfortable being the center of attention. Being attuned to the recipient’s reactions and emotions can help ensure that the birthday surprise is a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Surprising someone with birthday flowers at work is a thoughtful and memorable gesture that brings joy and appreciation to the recipient. By understanding the importance of birthday surprises at work, choosing the right flowers, planning the surprise, and handling potential hurdles, you can create a truly special experience that will be cherished by the recipient and remembered for years to come.

Other resources: The Best Types of Flowers to Gift on a Birthday

Christmas cookies

HEAVENLY MORSELS: The easiest cookie you’ll ever make

It’s holiday cookie time! I’m sharing with you one of my family’s favorite Christmas cookies. They are called HEAVENLY MORSELS. It’s a vintage recipe from my Granny. We make them every year, not just because they are scrumptious and chewy, but because they are sooooo simple.

These cookies take only 3 ingredients. THREE! The holidays are busy enough.

My Granny used to make these cookies. Then My Mama made them every Christmas. Now I make them too. (I’m so glad Granny didn’t pass down a complicated recipe–KUDOS to Granny!).

Here is what you need:

1 pkg of chocolate chips

16 whole graham crackers

1 can sweetened condensed milk

Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs.

I put mine in a ziploc bag and crush with a rolling pin.

Mix sweetened milk and the chocolate chips in a bowl.
When chocolate chips are coated, add the crumbs.
(I didn’t show this exactly . . . I wanted you to see all 3 ingredients together. So make sure you mix the first two before the crumbs are added). I mix it all by hand with a spoon.

Other resources:
The Best Types of Flowers to Gift on a Birthday
How to Surprise Someone with Birthday Flowers at Work

summer snowball

Indoor Snowball Fight Ideas

I love snow. Well, I love snow until about February, because after that it’s just dirty and hard and cold. But the fresh snow of December is heaven. Remember my summer snowball game from our simple Frozen Birthday Party? Well, I realized it makes a great indoor snowball game as well. Perfect for holiday games or Christmas decorations as well as just a fun winter blues buster! So I was feeling crafty and decided to make some FREE Snowball Fight Printables and show you what I did for my Indoor Snowball Fight Kit (plus some other ideas if you don’t have time to make it).

And yes, in case you are wondering I have actually had an indoor snowball fight with my kidlets and these fun little puff balls. It happened randomly one day after school. We were running all around throwing these snowballs. We were giggling all over the place and not a single decoration or child (or mama) was hurt in the process. I highly recommend a good, random snowball fight every so often. Click here to read about Caramel Apple Kit.

FREE printable Indoor Snowball Fight Tags. Click the link for more designs.

Party Ideas

Simple FROZEN Birthday Party Ideas

Before we moved in May, we threw a birthday party for Baby Girl with a FROZEN theme. My girls’ loved the Disney movie, and she really wanted it to be all about Anna and Elsa. Now, don’t freak out and think I carved ice sculptures and created my own snow for this party. I kept it sooo SIMPLE. I’ve seen so many ideas online for Frozen birthday parties. Some are so perfectly beautiful that I can’t imagine inviting a bunch of kids to the party. I didn’t do that. We had 12 girls at the party. These are simple, fairly realistic ideas. I hope they help someone out there trying to come up with Simple Frozen Birthday Party Ideas.

Invitations

Invites were a free printable from Homeketeers. They were great. Easy to download and use.
Here’s the link:
Free Printable Frozen Party Invites from Homeketeers. Click here to read about HEAVENLY MORSELS: The easiest cookie you’ll ever make.

Decorations

I used easy things from Dollar Tree and even some of our winter and valentine decor. We kept the color scheme of purple, teal/aqua, and silver. I looked for anything sparkly and pretty. Anything with snowflakes, snowmen, hearts, etc. Much of this I already had around the house. I also used a simple, plastic tablecloth and paper plates and cups from Dollar Tree.

Found a bag of these gems at Dollar Tree too. I used them as decor in a fancy bowl as a centerpiece.

Kindness Activities

Christmas Kindness Elves

I swore I would never ever do any kind of Elf on the Shelf thing. I thought it was ridiculous that we had to add another “store-created” Christmas tradition just because it was trendy. My Baby Girl began to wonder why she was the only kid who wasn’t visited by a skinny elf during the holidays. I told her it’s because she was already trying to be a good girl (she really does try hard), and I didn’t like how the elf came to check on you and remind you to be good, and then did naughty things himself. BUT this year I found on The Imagination Tree that there is an alternative. They are Kindness Elves and I decided to try it.

Kindness Elves are an alternative to the regular Elf on the Shelf. They encourage kind acts of service and love. The bring in the Christmas spirit. In many ways they are like the Elf on the Shelf. They still sneak around your house while you sleep and each morning you find them in a different place. They also suggest a way for our family to be kind or help someone that day.

This is our letter from the Kindness Elves. The letter reminds my kids that Santa knows they are trying their best to be good.

Update! This year our kindness elf came with these cute cards attached to her! You can print them for free below!

Other resources:
The Best Types of Flowers to Gift on a Birthday
How to Surprise Someone with Birthday Flowers at Work

Party Ideas

Sugar Popcorn Treat (Quick & Cheap)

Oh, I have got the BEST recipe for you today. It’s low-cost. It’s colorful. It’s fun. It’s easy. Sugar Popcorn is the perfect treat or snack for a big party or crowd. You can make a lot quickly and hardly spend anything. Think of it for church groups, birthday parties, school ideas, etc.

This popcorn has a very sweet, sugary flavor. It’s very basic and simple. Click here to read about Indoor Snowball Fight Ideas.

This recipe is actually from My Mama. She used to make this for me when I needed to bring a GREEN food to school on St. Patrick’s Day. She could whip it up in minutes and have enough for my whole class.

My Little Son calls it “Painted Popcorn”

These are the ingredients you need (exact amounts below):

Party Ideas

Easy Halloween Minute-to-Win-It Party (plus printables)

This past week my Little Son had a birthday party. He wanted just a few friends for a simple Halloween Minute-to-Win-It party. I’m glad he wanted simple because I knew with My Man’s busy medical schedule there was a high chance I would be doing it single-parent-style. I only do friend parties every other year (like Baby Girl’s FROZEN party in May). Mostly because they do take time and money and some years I just don’t want to worry about that. But this year the birthday party was easy and affordable. I used Dollar Tree like crazy and my own computer to make the printable invites, thank you cards, and more. Plus, I’ve added the FREE Halloween Party PRINTABLES I made for you at the bottom of this post.

DECORATIONS

Like I said, I used Dollar Tree for a lot of the decor and games. Here’s what we decorated with. click here to read about Sugar Popcorn Treat (Quick & Cheap)

Again, Dollar Tree for the eyeballs and candy containers. For water bottles I peeled off the label and just put a sticker instead of finding a printable label like everyone is doing these days (though in my opinion you really can just leave the regular label on, but I wanted you to see this idea). AND yes, those are cheeseballs. Before you scorn me for the junk food on this table, I must tell you that we never ever get cheeseballs and that is why Little Son wanted them so much for his party (a special treat!)

sweet surprise

Caramel Apple Kit

A couple of years ago, on a rainy autumn day, my friend Alison brought our family a sweet surprise. It was Caramel Apple Kit. It was the perfect thing to liven up a dull rainy day. Our kidlets enjoyed making apples with Mom and Dad, and I loved that I didn’t have to prep anything or remember to get the stuff at the store. It was a ready-made family activity.

So today I’m passing Alison’s idea onto you. I made my own this year for two women in my church family that I check on and visit from time to time. It was a rainy day. We had fresh apples from a local farm. And this really wasn’t hard to put together. Click here to read about Simple FROZEN Birthday Party Ideas.

I used stuff I already had. Scrapbook paper leftovers, paper sacks, ribbon. Cut, glue, tie. DONE.

Kindness Activities

I’m a Mormon . . . please let me explain

I realized recently that with as much that I share on this blog, I often do not share the most important part of my life. It’s the part that makes up who I am to the very core of my soul. It’s a very special part of me. So today I’ve decided to share this part of me, realizing I may risk losing some of you. Though I hope I don’t. I hope you’ll accept me for who I am, as I accept you. Will you be open to what I have to say and appreciate my honesty? As a blogger, I am vulnerable to my reader. I share and put myself out there, not usually knowing if anyone cares or even likes what I have to say. I open myself up to praise or ridicule–sometimes never knowing which I receive. But I hope you’ll at least listen for a moment. Click here to read about Easy Halloween Minute-to-Win-It Party (plus printables)

I am a Mormon. Have you heard of Mormons? It means I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Another name for us is LDS or Latter-day Saint. But Mormon is a common nickname, even though it’s not the name of our church. Being a Mormon, or being LDS, means that I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe He is my Savior. I believe in God also. I think of Him as my Heavenly Father. I believe they created this earth–the stars, the sunsets, the flowers, the oceans and all the beautiful things upon it, including people. I believe God watches over me and that Jesus died for me. I believe God put us here on earth for a purpose. We are children of God and He is always watching over us.

Being Mormon means I also believe that families are eternal. Our families can be forever. When someone dies, it is not the end, and we will see that person again. Our Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us and we are never alone. God wants us to be happy. He wants us to learn and make choices. He wants us to do good, keep His commandments, and help other people.

Being a Mormon means I believe the true gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth again. I believe Joseph Smith helped bring about this restoration and that he was a prophet, like the prophets of old in the Bible. Many think that God does not speak to us on earth. But He does. There is a modern day prophet who helps guide us through all these hard, confusing times. And each person can know these things for themselves. Heavenly Father helps those who seek truth. He loves each one of us. Each soul is precious in the eyes of God.

As a Mormon I read the scriptures. I love the Bible and also The Book of Mormon. I read the scriptures every morning with my husband and children. I read them on my own too, as often as possible. The scriptures help me learn, they also bring me peace and understanding to problems in my life. I pray often as well–actually everyday. I pray alone. I pray with my husband. I pray with my children. Everyday. I know God listens to our sincere prayers. I know He answers too.

I believe in goodness. I believe in pure happiness. My life is not perfect. I’m a freckle-faced girl and dumb things happen to me everyday–sometimes even hard or painful things. But I think I can truly say that for the most part I am happy. I have found peace by living as I do.