Once the girls and their BeeHive friends realized that if they worked really hard they could earn their young women medallions, they started setting goals like crazy. As a mom and a young women's leader, it was super fun to watch. Lauryn and Clara each worked on many goals on their own and they did some together and some with their class. One of the goals is to read the Book of Mormon all the way through. Clara read it on her own in about 3 or 4 months. She was determined to do it. The rest of the girls decided to read it together. Clara joined them as well. They decided to do a 24 hour Book of Mormon read. The girls tried to plan this for several months but it just wasn't happening. Lauryn and Clara finally volunteered our home. I wasn't super excited about it in the beginning. Who can blame me and bunch of 12 year old girls in my home for 24 hours. As I watched them plan and saw how excited they were to do it I became more excited about it too. They got all the supplies ready.
crayons and coloring pages for every girl. They also made snack assignments and they were very clear about having healthy snacks and no sugar.
We posted motivational and inspirational quotes in the room.
The girls all gathered up in our playroom. They had pillows and blankets and they were ready for business.
We read some and then listened when we were falling behind. They were very good about paying attention. The hardest part was that we didn't have time to stop and discuss.
They asked if President Teshima, our old stake president could come and read with them. I thought this was very sweet and he was so happy to come and do it.
Of course he showed up just in time for the chapter about Joseph Smith.
These girls love president Teshima. He is a very special man.
Sometimes it got hard to stay awake.
The girls planned different activities for in between each book. Face masks was one of them. They also did hair braiding and singing.
This is Kate Bowler. She is the one who drove this activity and persisted until it happened.
My cute little Beehive.
All masked up
To break it up I even read to them while they were in the hot tub and the pool. They had to have a change of scenery from time to time.
We had some guest readers. Some of their parents came and the young women leaders stopped by.
I was so proud of these girls. I had an amazing spiritual experience over this weekend. When we were reading Moroni 10 the spirit was as strong in that room as I had ever felt it. The girls felt it too. At first I thought it was just because I was tired but I soon realized that the Spirit was once again confirming to me that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. It is powerful. I learned that there are many ways to read the Book of Mormon and none of them are wrong. I felt a change in me through this experience and I felt such a connection to the prophets in the Book of Mormon. I turned around and read it again over the next three months. I love the Book of Mormon. I am so thankful for the power in that book. I love studying it this year with my family. I have been more dedicated and consistent with our family study because I want my children to develop the same love for The Book of Mormon that I have. I know it will be a blessing to them in their lives.
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