* This past week, my daughter celebrated her 14th birthday. Pretty exciting... moving up to the Mia Maid class, but mostly because she can go to the dances now. :) * This is how she celebrated with her friends: Battleship {in full color}. She gets all the credit for creating this fun game! I am sharing it here for those of you looking for a fun and colorful group activity. * OUR INSPIRATION Of course the board game Battleship was the source of our inspiration. Maddy has been wanting to play human Battleship for awhile now with her friends. * * We changed the game plan after my daughters and I ran (walked) the Color Me Rad 5K this past weekend. Afterwards, Maddy decided to play Battleship {in full color}! * * I found this on YOU tube. It is the closest thing I could find, to what we would love to have happen. Wish we had a crane! :) But, we have no access to a crane, so we created our own version. * * GETTIN' READY I could not find a recipe for the color chalk bombs, so I had to create my own. I tried a few different concoctions. This was my first attempt. The colors were great! * * INGREDIENTS 1/4 cup corn starch 1 Tbsp water 10 drops food coloring (I used neon) * DIRECTIONS I put all the ingredients into a Ziploc bag and sealed it tight. Next I worked it with my fingers, until it was blended completely. * My initial test run showed that the powder alone didn't stick. I added the powder to a spray bottle full of water, shook it up and it worked good. It was simply colored water, and a bit washed out though. * This next concoction is the one that worked best. Vivid colors, more paint like. We filled small water balloons with the color. * * INGREDIENTS 2 cups cold water 3/4 cup corn starch 10 drops food coloring (I used neon) * DIRECTIONS In a saucepan, combine cold water, cornstarch, and food coloring. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, ONLY until you feel it thickening. It should take less than 2 minutes. Remove from heat immediately. Continue to stir, adding cold water as needed, until desired consistency. * To fill the water balloons, I poured the paint into spray bottles. It was easy to fill the water balloons directly from the spray bottle. Then we filled the balloons and tied them up - carefully, very carefully. It was a messy process, because a few of the balloons popped. Oops! I made a few extra batches of color to refill the spray bottles. I figured the kids would have fun spraying each other too. I was right! Maddy requested a bunch of water filled balloons too. :) * * THE ARRIVAL As her guests arrived, they were given either a hot pink or neon green wristband. This was an easy way to create teams. Plus wristbands are cool! ;) * * BATTLESHIP {in full color} Set-Up: The game was played on a volleyball court. If you decide to play "blind", like the real game of Battleship - spray paint the lines (grid) directly onto the grass with letters and numbers. And use clothes pins and sheets to create a barrier between the two teams. We played with full vision. No barrier. No coordinates. * * Ammunition: We used the mini color bombs, water balloons, and color filled spray bottles. * Game Play: Blind - Have each team create 5 ships, by having team members lie on the ground in groups or individually. Choose a commander who calls out coordinates. Keep track of hits and misses on a piece of paper. When someone gets hit with a {full color} missile, call out "IT"S A HIT!" When a full ship of people get hit, they all yell out "YOU SUNK OUR BATTLESHIP!" Full Vision - Everyone anchored themselves, sat down, on their own side. Once they chose a spot, they could not move - unless it was their turn. In turn, one team member would toss a playground ball over the net, trying to hit one of the other team's "ships". If the ball hit, bumped, or rolled into someone, then that person gets bombed or sprayed with color, by the person who had tossed the ball. I honestly thought playing this way would make it way too easy to hit someone, but these kids kept missing! It made the actual hits exciting! When I could tell they had had enough of the one hit at a time, I yelled out, "All Attack!" They all ran in and grabbed the remaining color bombs, water balloons, and color filled spray bottles. It was an all out battle! * * GROUP GAMES The fun continued with the following games. Dragon Tails Trash Can Gorilla Sharks and Minnows Psychiatrist The sun had gone down, it was dark, and they had to play in the light of a lamp post. But they didn't care. They played Dragon Tails a couple times. When it came to Trash Can they played 3 times. I hadn't realized how competitive this group was! * * I heard afterwards that a number of them said it was the most fun they had had at a birthday party in a long time. I attribute that to the laughter, the cheers, being active, and their friendships! They didn't have their phones in their hands. There was no texting, no web browsing, nothing taking them away away from where they were. They were "all there"! * LET THEM EAT CUPCAKES! We went back to the house and let them hang out for a bit. Maddy requested FUNfetti! cupcakes. Easy peasy. We frosted them with our favorite homemade butter cream frosting, tinted bright ocean blue. * * I frosted enough for them all to have one, but I made plenty more. I left the extra cupcakes and frosting out for them to frost their own. They were not shy! * MOVIE TIME My husband suggested the movie, Battleship. It was on pay-per-view. I put it on for them to watch, as they waited for their parents. *

17 Easy Ways To Prank Your Friends On April Fools' Day

Rankle, Master of Pranks Magic the Gathering Art from Throne of Eldraine Set by Dmitry Burmak

Are you looking for the best practical jokes that are relatively easy to pull off? Check out our sneakiest and funniest harmless pranks!

Who knew that there were so many trick foods just waiting for you to make? Your family and friends might not find them funny...but you will!

April Fools’ Day is fast approaching, so whether you choose to prank your significant other, your BFF, or your entire office, it’s time to come up with a game plan NOW. Of course, there are some stellar April Fools' Day pranks that are over-the-top…

This post contains affiliate links. I am a member of the LDS church. All of the leadership positions are volunteer positions that we are called and asked to do. I have two callings. I teach the 4 year old children each Sunday and I am part of a group who is planning girls' camp for

We have LOVED working on RS Lesson Kits - picking out quotes, coming up with a creative handout for each one; it really has been a cool experience to dive into the lessons that way. Sadly though, MANY of you don't teach RS or are serving in other organizations, but have expressed how you wished you could get the tags to use in your non-RS calling without having to buy each full lesson kit... (since you don't need lesson visuals, word strips, etc). SO... we decided to make a handout/quote bundle for you!! CHURCH HANDOUT BUNDLE As we looked back over the last 12 Lesson Kits, we realized each handout and quote isn't "Relief Society-Centric" at all... these are tid-bits of basic gospel principles that apply to all of us! From prayer and testimony - to resurrection and restoration - to the gift of the holy ghost and being daughters of God... so many AWESOME topics are covered! These tags can easily be used for lessons in any class, organization or activity... or even used as VT drop-bys or maybe there's one that would be just the right nudge of encouragement for someone you love! So, whether you are in YW, Activity Days, Primary, Seminary, Sunday School or RS - this bundle will be a great one to have at your fingertips! Here's a close up of each tag and quote... However you decide to use them - they are now available OUTSIDE the Lesson Kits and come in a bundle of 12 tag/handouts (with suggestions) + 12 quotes on coordinating topics. Each one, of course, derived from the Gordon B. Hinckley Lesson Manual. We'll make a second bundle at the end of the year that will combine all the handouts and quotes she does for July-December. CHURCH HANDOUT BUNDLE | RS LESSON KITS Happy Printing! Don't miss new printables, freebies and discounts! FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, PINTEREST or SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTER SHOP NOW | WHAT IS SCRAPBOOK MAX? | TERMS OF USE | DISCLOSURE | CONTACT

I originally saw this cute Idea on Pinterest, It linked me over to marciecoombs.blogspot.com. I changed a few of the "UP's" and made alittle 4x6 printable. Just print and attach to a 7-UP I've also had a few request for a girls camp Uplifting handout.

This fun April Fools Day dinner activity will make the whole family laugh! I’m not a big prankster on April Fools Day—or any other day for that matter. But I still wanted to find a fun way to celebrate April Fools Day with my kids. I remembered that I had done these mystery dinners at...

We have already had our girls camp this year. We went to Camp LoMia for the first time as a stake and the only week they had available was ...

Nothing has plagued the homeschooling movement more than the idea that a child, who is not immersed in a traditional classroom setting, would be deficient in social skills. In fact, some families have shunned the idea of educating their children at home because they feel the choice would turn their kids into social outcasts. This is a complete fallacy. There are a myriad of opportunities for homeschooled children to learn how to get along with their peers, though, summer often provides the most varied choices. Some of the most popular include: Camps: Some homeschool co-ops organize their own summer camps, … Continue reading →

Being a part of a brand new YW presidency, we felt like we needed to pay visits to all of the girls in their homes. As part of that, I thought it would make the initial few moments a little less awkward if we presented them with a small gift during our visit. When researching what would be a meaningful and cheap gift, I came across the idea for a back-to-school survival kit. I found a very cute printable version of a kit over at Apples 4 Bookworms , which I used for the cards (except for two which I designed myself). Here are the quotes for the back. I bought all of the supplies for about $30 and was about to start putting them all together, but decided that it still needed a little something more. In the end I decided that I wanted them to pack a little more of a spiritual punch, so I decided to add scriptures and quotes to the back of each card. Here is a glimpse at how they turned out, along with the quotes/scriptures that I used: "Remember your great worth!" (100 Grand candy bar) "Wherever you are, whatever your circumstances may be, you are not forgotten. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you with an infinite love. Just think of it: You are known and remembered by the most majestic, powerful, and glorious Being in the universe! You are loved by the King of infinite space and everlasting time!" Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf ______________________________________________________ Stick to your principles even when things get hard! (a stick of gum) "When you keep the commandments and follow the Savior’s example, it’s like holding up a light. Your good example helps others to find their way in a darkening world. It takes courage to do what you know to be right even when it is hard, very hard. But you will never lose your courage unless you choose to." Sister Ardeth G. Kapp ______________________________________________________ Your Young Women Leaders Love You! (Hershey Hugs or Kisses) ______________________________________________________ Be a m&m member missionary! (pack of M & M's) "The most effective way to share the gospel is to live it. When we live like disciples of Christ should live, when we aren’t just good but happy to be good, others will be drawn to us because we are “distinct and different—in happy ways,” as President Kimball prophesied (“The Role of Righteous Women,” Ensign, Nov. 1979, 104). Happy about the way we’ve chosen to live, happy because we’re not constantly reshaping ourselves in the world’s image, happy because we have “the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost” (1 Ne. 13:37), happy to stand tall so that we will stand out....No woman is more persuasive, no woman has greater influence for good, no woman is a more vibrant instrument in the hands of the Lord than a woman of God who is thrilled to be who she is. I like to think of us as the Lord’s secret weapon.” Sister Sheri Dew ______________________________________________________ It's important to laugh! (Snickers or Laffy Taffy) "...a good sense of humor is a useful quality to have. It will often help you to keep your sanity when life gets too serious or too difficult. If you remember to be honest, considerate, and kind in what you say to or about others, you’ll be on your way to developing a “good” sense of humor. And that’s something everyone can enjoy." Chris Crowe, Ensign, May 1986 ______________________________________________________ Prayer can be a LIFESAVER when you need help! (lifesavers) "Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day." Alma 37:37 ______________________________________________________ Be a SMARTIE and study hard! (smarties) "Secular knowledge and spiritual knowledge can complement each other. Because God created the earth and the things that inhabit it, studying geology, physics and biology teaches us more about the greatness of our Creator. Authors and poets can write with heavenly inspiration, so reading their work can give us insight into the nature of our souls and what it means to be human. Sometimes listening to a piece of music can help us feel God's love. Both secular knowledge and spiritual knowledge benefit from dialogue. Both require observation, work, and practice. So although we sometimes think of secular and spiritual as opposites or even as contradictory, a true knowledge of God and the world He created shows us that understanding one helps to understand the other." mormon.org/learning ______________________________________________________ You are writing the story of your life...What does your story tell? (a pen) "My dear brothers and sisters, we would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most. Let us be mindful of the foundational precepts our Heavenly Father has given to His children that will establish the basis of a rich and fruitful mortal life with promises of eternal happiness. They will teach us to do “all these things … in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that [we] should run faster than [we have] strength. [But] it is expedient that [we] should be diligent, [and] thereby … win the prize.” Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf ______________________________________________________ Remember the cleansing principle of REPENTANCE! (Individually wrapped hand sanitizing wipe) "If any has stumbled in his journey, there is a way back. The process is called repentance. Our Savior died to provide you and me that blessed gift. Though the path is difficult, the promise is real: “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18). President Thomas S. Monson "Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I the Lord, remember them no more." Doctrine and Covenants 58:42 ______________________________________________________ The decisions you make will affect you NOW & LATER! (Now & Later candies were hard to find. I eventually found them at a drug store, but you can also order them here or here) "Young people, you live in tumultuous times. You have choices to make—choices with eternal consequences. But you are not left unaided in your decisions, however small or however large they may be....Precious young people, make every decision you contemplate pass this test: What does it do to me? What does it do for me? And let your code of conduct emphasize not “What will others think?” but rather “What will I think of myself?” Be influenced by that still, small voice." President Thomas S. Monson ______________________________________________________ Everyone makes mistakes sometimes....be forgiving (to yourself and to others)! (eraser) "Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. It’s wonderful that you have strengths. And it is part of your mortal experience that you do have weaknesses. God wants to help us to eventually turn all of our weaknesses into strengths, but He knows that this is a long-term goal. He wants us to become perfect, and if we stay on the path of discipleship, one day we will. It’s OK that you’re not quite there yet. Keep working on it, but stop punishing yourself. ...many of you are endlessly compassionate and patient with the weaknesses of others. Please remember also to be compassionate and patient with yourself." Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf ______________________________________________________ PICTURE OF THE SAVIOR (I had ordered some from the LDS distribution center, however they did not arrive in time, so I used packs like this and this and this and this (packs of 3x4-inch prints) from Deseret Book that I happened to have in the house) "Your Father in Heaven knows your name and knows your circumstance. He hears your prayers. He knows your hopes and dreams, including your fears and frustrations. And He knows what you can become through faith in Him. Seek to comprehend the significance of these doctrines. Cherish your esteemed place in the sight of God. He needs you. This Church needs you. The world needs you." Elder Jeffrey R. Holland ______________________________________________________ SHOPPING LIST (drugstores such as CVS or Walgreens tend to have the best selection and prices for candy) erasers (and pencils if desired) Now and Later candies (They were hard to find around here, but eventually I found them at a family-owned (non-chain) drugstore. You can also order them here) Individually wrapped hand sanitizing wipes (at a drugstore near the first aid supplies, a box costs $2-$5 depending on brand) Pens Smarties Lifesavers Snickers or Laffy Taffy Snack size bags of M & M's Hershey Hugs or Kisses Snack size 100 Grand bars Gum Cute lunchbags (Target had 40 colored lunchbags in red or blue for $1) OTHER MATERIALS cardstock--colored or white hot glue gun with glue or tape (to attach the candy) glue sticks (to glue the quotes on the back) binder clips, paper clips, or staples (to hold the bag shut) magnet tape (for the back of the picture of Christ)

Happy Halloween! You made it through the week! Let's spark some motivation and spread some kindness! This is an idea YOU HAVE to use in your classroom! It will motivate your students, spread kindness

Next week is summer camp for our Children’s Ministry. The 5th & 6th Graders we take to this experience always get stocked about camp. As we’re putting the finishing touches on this …

This recipe is so easy to put together, and it's so tasty it will be requested more than just on April Fool's Day! —Julie Foltz, Newport News, Virginia