Some children, teens, and adults struggle to attend church meetings for a number of reasons.

Over the years we've created a number of resources to help children during religious services.

We are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Our youngest has a very difficult time attending church.

She requested a visual schedule for sacrament meeting, our main hour of worship each week, to help her understand the order of events.

As I prepared a visual schedule for her, I realized that a detailed social story would also be very beneficial.

Sacrament meeting isn't always the same. 

A social story allows for room to explain differences that may occur each week.

I am so excited to be able to share this FREE Sacrament Meeting Visual Schedule Flip Book and Social Story with you.

All images used are from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints media library, representing members of the church from all over the world.

FREE Sacrament Meeting Visual Schedule Flip Book and Social Story

My main goal in creating a Sacrament Meeting Visual Schedule Flip Book and Social Story was to provide my daughter with a point of reference, related to sacrament meeting events.

She likes to know the beginning, middle, and end of events, especially as she struggles with time.

It can be extremely beneficial to her to understand the order in which things occur.

Understanding the order of activities and events, and what they look like through pictures, helps with her anxiety and transition difficulties.

My daughter is huge fan of social stories because they give her more information about events and provide guidance about how she is to act at various times.

The more she reads them, the more her confidence soars in her ability to remain self-regulated during activities and events.

Our Sacrament Meeting Visual Schedule Flip Book and Social Story aren't just meant to be used once.

They can be used on a daily or weekly basis to prepare for Sunday services.

Sacrament Meeting Visual Schedule Flip Book

I am a HUGE fan of visual schedule flip books as opposed to a visual schedule on a single page, especially if there are multiple parts or steps to activities and events.

I also love that visual schedule flip books provide flexibility if plans change last minute.

Children, adults, and teens can add or take away cards as schedules or events change from one moment to the next.

We have used visual schedule flip books for multiple occasions including holidays and vacations as you can see in the posts below.

FREE Christmas Visual Schedule for Kids

Walt Disney World and Special Needs

The Sacrament Meeting Visual Schedule Flip Book is designed to be used in church on Sundays to match the program set forth.

Cards can be added or removed based on what is happening each Sunday.

Baby blessings and convert confirmations do not occur each week.

The number of speakers varies.

There may be a special musical number instead of an intermediate hymn. 

Then there's Fast Sunday, which is different than other Sundays.

The Sacrament Meeting Visual Schedule Flip Book allows for all of these modifications and changes.

How to Make the Sacrament Meeting Visual Schedule Flip Book

When I create a visual schedule flip book, I want it to be extremely durable and last for as long as I may need it.

I print out pages of the visual schedule on cardstock.

Next I cut out each card.

Then I laminate each card.

Once all laminated cards are cut and facing the same direction, I hole punch each card.

Cards are now ready to be put in order and placed on a ring.

If you are not familiar with the order of events of sacrament meeting refer to the social story included and then check your local ward bulletin.

Extra cards not in use go in a storage bag to be pulled out when needed.

I also keep the visual schedule in a storage bag for extra protection.

The Sacrament Meeting Visual Schedule Flip Book is quiet and helps with reference during the meeting.

Sacrament Meeting Social Story

The Sacrament Meeting Social Story is such a fabulous resource to use over and over again to help children, teens, and adults prepare for Sunday services each week.

It can also be used with family, friends, and investigators who have never attended sacrament meeting before at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Social stories are different than visual schedules, as they provide more details about activities and events, and invite questions and conversation.

The Sacrament Meeting Social Story is particularly helpful in that it explains how Sunday meetings may differ from week to week.

The Sacrament Meeting Social Story provides visuals to match each description, as well as guidance on how to act, what to do, and how to respond to what's going on around you.

How to Use the Sacrament Meeting Social Story

When I use social stories in my home I try to keep them as simple as possible, knowing I may need to print out other copies over time due to wear and tear.

First I print out the social story on plain white paper.

Next I make sure pages are in order.

Then I staple the pages together to form a book.

If I know I will be using the social story for quite some time, I may put pages in sheet protectors and place them in a small three ring binder.

I hope that the FREE Sacrament Meeting Visual Schedule Flip Book and Social Story help you as much as they have helped our family.

Our youngest daughter LOVES these resources and speaks about them fondly. 

They help her be her very best during church services.

Source: The FREE Sacrament Meeting Visual Schedule Flip Book and Social Story are a Subscriber's Only Freebie and located in the Mental Health Printables Library.

For your copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

FREE Primary Visual Schedule

We also have a FREE Primary Visual Schedule available for those who attend The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The visual schedule comes in multiple sizes to best fit the needs of every child in primary. 

True-to-life images are from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' website media library and represent children from all over the world.

This visual was such a blessing to us when our youngest was primary age.

Don't forget your free printable!

Directions on How to Obtain Subscriber Only Freebies

1. Click on the Subscriber's link at the bottom of this post.

2. Subscribe to our free newsletter.

3. Open the thank you message you receive in your e-mail, after subscribing. (Be sure to check your spam folder, as sometimes it ends up there.)

4. Click the confirmation link in the thank you message.

5. Once the confirmation is complete, you will receive another e-mail message with the Subscriber Only Freebies.

6. Click on the link.

7. Select the Minimalism, Montessori, or Mental Health Printables Library.

8. Find the printable pack you are looking for listed in alphabetical order, click on it, and voila!

We hope you enjoy your free printable.

Note: If you are already a newsletter subscriber, open your most recent newsletter. At the bottom you will find a link to the Free Printables Library.

Click HERE to Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter

If you liked this post, you may also enjoy the resources below.

 

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Happy New Year from the Eddy Family!

Happy New Year from the Eddy Family! 

As we say goodbye to 2024, we can't help but reflect on all of the growth and healing that has come through so many experiences this past year.

Jason Eddy

Jason started a job at Food Lion in August and is loving it. 

When at home, Jason loves making delicious meals for the family. This year he’s had a blast experimenting with Asian cuisine. 

At church Jason serves as Young Men’s Advisor to the Priests, spending lots of time with Dinomite, Bulldozer, and friends.

Jason is having "fun" adjusting to the life of a middle aged man spending time in physical therapy for his shoulder and knee, and being diagnosed with sleep apnea.

 

Renae Eddy

Renae continues running her online business, Every Star Is Different, supporting Montessori educators and families with developmental, emotional, and trauma-based disabilities. 

She also continues to homeschool Dinomite, Bulldozer, and Princess. 

In January 2025, Renae is reopening her music studio! 

She is currently accepting students ages 5 and up for piano and voice lessons. 

After surgery on her vocal cords in 2023, followed by a year of vocal rest (no singing and only speaking quietly), Renae's voice has healed. 

The doctors have said she may never have the vocal range she had before, but she can sing again!

The year 2024 has provided many medical answers for Renae. 

Thanks to Dinomite, Renae and her doctors now understands many of her physical struggles (including her vocal cords and chronic inflammation), are a result of Ehler's Danlos Syndrome (a genetic connective tissue disorder).

A colonoscopy and endoscopy showed Renae also has a 4 cm hernia in her diaphragm which is causing severe reflux and breathing issues. 

Inflammation in the gut due to struggles with gluten was also noted.

Biopsies and bloodwork confirmed hemochromatosis (a genetic blood disorder related to iron absorption). This has perplexed doctors as Renae has struggled with chronic anemia for years.

 

Renae now refrains from all gluten and mammal products. She also follows a reflux friendly diet.

Big changes in diet and exercise are making a huge difference for Renae!

She has slimmed down two pant sizes and her hair is starting to grow, which is pretty crazy! Lol.

"Dinomite" Eddy

Dinomite, 17, spent 8 months in physical therapy this year because his joints, particularly his shoulders, kept dislocating. 

A geneticist confirmed that Dinomite meets criteria for Hypermobile Ehler’s Danlos Syndrome (EDS). 

The doctor and Dinomite chose to go with the diagnosis of Benign Hypermobility to avoid future medical and insurance discrimination.

Dinomite still follows all the protocol for EDS which includes following a gluten free, lactose free, low sugar, and no processed meats diet, paired with constant cardio and strength training to keep his body together.

Despite hypermobility challenges, Dinomite became lifeguard and CPR certified this summer. 

He participates on swim team, coming home with 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place ribbons from swim meets. 

Dinomite helps coach both middle school and elementary school swim teams. 

His goal for 2025 is to become a certified scuba diver and study photography, to work towards his career choice of becoming an underwater film and photographer (think Shark Week). 

At church, Dinomite serves as Priest Quorum’s 1^st Assistant. 

Dinomite also attends early morning seminary. 

When he has down time, Dinomite loves following and watching his favorite sports teams.

 

"Bulldozer" Eddy

Bulldozer, 16, decided to join the Blue Forest Theater Academy (BFTA), and was cast in his first musical Hadestown this fall. 

Theater matches well with Bulldozer’s passion for cinema. 

He loves acting, singing, and dancing, and has found his tribe.

In 2025 Bulldozer plans to take voice lessons, dance lessons, and participate in all the BFTA shows. 

When not at theater rehearsal, Bulldozer enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, including being her date to homecoming and all other occasions. 

Bulldozer attends early morning seminary on weekdays. 

He also loves following and watching sports with his brother.

 

"Princess" Eddy

Princess, 15, continues to be very passionate about writing and drawing. 

She also enjoys puzzles, LEGO, and all things Marvel. 

Princess has decided she wants to become a surgeon and is focusing on studying all she can to prepare for the future. 

This year has been a huge year for Princess socially. 

She attends early morning seminary and other church activities, is developing many friendships, and has been asked out on her first date.

 

"Sunshine" Eddy

Sunshine, 13, continues to reside in her fifth residential placement due to severe mental illness that jeopardizes the safety of our family. 

We are thankful for a year of consistency in treatment and the healing it has provided for our family.

 Our prayer is that it is possible for Sunshine to heal and someday be safe with her family again. 

Until then, we continue to support her in her treatment. 

Our favorite interactions with Sunshine have been weekly letters we write back and forth to each other with the help of her therapist as well as monthly visits and passes.

Sunshine passions include Hello Kitty and Friends, mermaids, unicorns and other mythical creatures, as well as Burger King.

The highlight of the year for our family was our Christmas vacation to Washington D.C. 

We were able to watch NFL and NHL games, visit museums, take tours of the White House and Capital Building, and meet with our congressman and his staff.

 

Here’s to a Happy New Year in 2025!

Love,

The Eddy Family

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 Are you looking for gift ideas for a 15 year old girl in your life?

Our daughter Princess is 15 this year.

She seems extremely easy to buy for but finding variety is the biggest challenge.

Many of you know we give the 12 gifts of Christmas.

Here is what she's receiving for Christmas this year!

Gift Ideas for 15 Year Old Girls

Sports Attire

Princess has two older brothers who have educated her in the world of sports. 

She has her own favorite teams for every professional and college sport, and she follows her teams.

When it's fantasy football season, she has her own team competing against her brothers and parents.

Like her brothers, Princess enjoys wearing sports attire to show pride and excitement for her teams.

She will love the addition to her sports attire collection this Christmas!

Macaron Silicone Baking Kit and Book

Princess loves to bake. Her favorite cookie is the macaron.

Unfortunately the macaron is a cookie she's never been able to bake.

This year she's receiving all she needs to make macarons successfully by herself.

The cookbook and baking set are going to be a huge hit!

Watch

Though we live in an age when everyone has cell phones, my kids, including Princess, have learned that it's also important to have a watch.

This is especially true in situations where it's not appropriate to pull out a cell phone.

Princess has been begging for a watch for some time. 

I'm excited to give her own with options to switch out bands when she wants to.

Movie

Princess loves movies, especially romantic comedies and silly action movies. 

Each Friday night we watch a movie as a family. 

Due to living in the middle of no where, Wifi isn't available, so we still enjoy DVD and blu-ray discs.

This movie will be a great one to add to our collection. All of us enjoyed the first installment.

Puzzle

Princess loves puzzles. 

They keep her hands busy and her brain occupied.

She's found great comfort in puzzles and often uses them as a coping strategy when anxious or working through past trauma.

At this time she likes 1000 piece puzzles as they provide just the amount of challenge she enjoys.

LEGO Friends Set

Princess has always loved LEGO Friends sets. She has collected them since she was little.

I've learned that my kids don't grow out of LEGO when they become teenagers. 

If anything, they enjoy LEGO even more.

This year Princess will be receiving a fun addition to her collection that goes along with sets she already has.

Marvel Trivia Pursuit Board Game

I have never met a girl who loves the Marvel movies as much as Princess does. She is so passionate about them.

Princess has watched every movie and every TV series, looking for as many Easter eggs as she can along the way.

I'm excited for her to enjoy this game with siblings as it will test all of the knowledge she's gained about one of her favorite topics. 

This will most likely be played with friends as well.

Backpack Cooler, Containers, and Water Bottle

We are a busy family on the go most weeknights and weekends.

Eating meals at home together is a luxury at this phase of life.

Instead our teens are packing meals to eat as they go between activities they're involved in.

Princess is no exception.

I'm excited to provide a cooler that's large enough to fit multiple meals and snacks.

An extra water bottle is always a bonus!

10 Gallon Fish Aquarium with Accessories

Princess has been envious of her older brother's fish tank for some time and has wanted one of her own.

This year she'll be receiving that fish tank with all the accessories.

I'm super excited for Princess to enjoy this gift as it will provide her opportunities to care for other living things and practice being responsible.

Caring for fish is her "experience" gift this year, as it will be ongoing.

Her older brother's fish keep having babies. He's very excited to give her fish as soon as her tank is ready.

Winter Outfit

It's tradition in our home that everyone receives a new outfit for Christmas.

My kids love receiving clothes as gifts, especially after they learned about the Icelandic Christmas Cat and what happens when children don't receive clothes at Christmas. Lol.

Princess especially enjoys new clothes as she tends to wear through clothing items quicker than her brothers. 

Castle Arts Colored Pencils Set with Pencil Sharpener and Drawing Paper

One of Princess' passions is art, especially drawing. 

She asked for Crayola colored pencils, but knowing just how much drawing she's doing, and how incredible her art work is, I decided to go with some professional colored pencils paired with a new pencil sharpener and drawing paper.

I'm so excited to see her face when she opens this gift as it will be quite the surprise.

Princess loves to have as many colors as possible. She'll be thrilled this set comes with 120 different colors.

Nail Polish Wall Organizer

This gift is one I have been eyeing for years, but couldn't afford from Pottery Barn Teen. 

That is until is went on sale for 75% OFF!

Unfortunately it's no longer available, so I'm unable to provide a link.

But let me tell you, it's the perfect storage solution for all of the nail polish Princess has and will look absolutely beautiful on her wall.

It fits so many bottles of nail polish!

Santa Gift: LEGO Disney Princess Set

After I had already purchased the LEGO Friends Set listed above on clearance, Princess found this LEGO Disney Princess Set and fell madly in love.

She has asked for it almost every week for months.

Her LEGO Disney Princess characters are so old and worn from use that they're starting to break.

Princess is trying to collect all of the LEGO Disney Princesses. This set includes so many!

I'm so excited to surprise her with this set on Christmas morning. She will be over the moon excited.

You're My Person Christmas Ornament

Princess wants to be a doctor, specifically a surgeon.

She knows I have watched and loved Grey's Anatomy for years, but didn't allow her to watch it because of some of the content.

This year after much begging and pleading from Princess, I let her start watching the series from the beginning.

She's made it through Season 9 and LOVES it.

I chose this ornament because it represents her desire to be a doctor, her enjoyment of the show this year, and her growth in forming attachments with others. 

It will be so fun to watch her open this ornament on Christmas Eve!

Christmas Eve Book: Twilight Series Book 1

Princess hasn't been reading as much as she used to this year.

She has shown interest and asked about the Twilight Series.

I'm excited to get her started on a new series that I'm hoping she'll enjoy.

When Princess does read, she goes through books so quickly!

Christmas Eve Chocolates: Lindt Holiday Assorted Peppermint Truffles

Lindt truffles have always been a favorite chocolate in our family. 

Princess loves the white chocolate truffles best. 

She was super excited to find this assortment of peppermint flavored truffles that includes white chocolate as well.

I am so excited to enjoy Christmas with Princess this year and watch her face light up as she opens the gifts she's receiving.

I love that so many help her grow and develop talents!

What are you giving the 15 year old girl in your life this holiday season?

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Here are some fabulous Las Posadas Activities for Tots and Preschoolers to enjoy with Free Printables!

Las Posadas is such a fun part of our Holidays Around the World celebration and learning experience.

I love that this holiday focuses on Mary and Joseph, their journey to Bethlehem with a donkey, and finding room in the inn for the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

At the same time Las Posadas incorporates the poinsettia, piñata, and so many more fun Christmas themes, all while studying the country Mexico!

There is so much to learn while having so much fun.

Las Posadas Activities for Tots and Preschoolers with Free Printables

P is for Poinsettia Do-a-Dot Page

My Las Posadas Printable Pack includes various do-a-dot pages for all to enjoy. I've chosen to focus on the poinsettia themed one in this post.

Children place a poinsettia stamp in each of the dots using the stamp and stamp pad provided.

The poinsettia stamp I have came in a Christmas stamping kit purchased at a local craft store years ago.

Source: The printable for this activity is part of my Las Posadas Printable Pack. 

Las Posadas Character Match Up

In this simple activity, young children match up the characters Mary, Joseph, and the donkey to picture cards.

If you wanted the activity to be more challenging, you could include the entire nomenclature card set with objects, or include more objects and cards that are included in the printable set.

The objects used are part of a nativity scene I purchased a few years back on Etsy from Layers on the Journey.

Source: The printable for this activity is from my Las Posadas Printable Pack.

Las Posadas Door Matching Activity

Part of the Las Posadas celebration is going door to door looking for room in the inn.

In this activity, young children match up doors. I love that all of the doors look so different.

Source: The printable for this activity is from my Las Posadas Printable Pack.

Sequencing Las Posadas Activities

This activity is so great at teaching children the sequence of Las Posadas celebration events.

I love the true-to-life images.

Young children place the cards in sequential order.

Next they can open the box to match up numbers or description cards, depending on their skill level.

Source: The printable for this activity is from my Las Posadas Printable Pack.

Nine Months of Pregnancy Nomenclature Cards

The celebration of Las Posadas lasts nine days to represent the nine months of pregnancy until the Savior's birth.

This activity is the perfect introduction to how a baby grows in the womb, specifically how baby Jesus grew in Mary's uterus.

Young children can use these cards as match up cards or nomenclature cards.

Source: The printable for this activity is from my Las Posadas Printable Pack.

Counting Poinsettias Activity

Young children can practice counting using these beautiful poinsettia cards and silk flowers from the local dollar store. 

There are enough poinsettias for every card in the basket.

If you don't have silk flowers, cards can be used on their own as matching cards or nomenclature cards.

Source: The printable for this activity is from my Las Posadas Printable Pack.

Las Posadas Size Sorting Activity

This printable is a perfect way to teach children the difference between small, medium and large while learning about different aspects of Las Posadas.

Children sort cut out images, placing them under the small, medium, and large boxes.

<[>Source: The printable for this activity is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Mary and Joseph Coloring Page

Sometimes I love to add a simple coloring activity to work shelves. 

Coloring is a great way to develop fine motor skills, practice the pincer grasp, and so much more. 

My favorite colored pencils are Crayola Erasable Pencils.

I provide a pencil sharpener in case colored pencils break in the process of coloring. 

Source: The printable for this activity is from my Las Posadas Printable Pack.

Poinsettia Pin Poking Activity

Pin poking is also a great way to develop fine motor skills!

In this activity young children pin poke a poinsettia. 

The poinsettia can be used in any way you'd like. In our classroom, I'm excited to use poinsettias for a class decorating project.

Source: The printable for this activity is from my Las Posadas Printable Pack.

Poinsettia Painting Activity

After pin poking, a child can paint and decorate their poinsettia to be used as a classroom decoration.

I have provided red washable Crayola paint and red glitter.

Children are invited to use the tiny spoon provided to transfer glitter from the jar to the poinsettia.

If young children aren't ready to pin poke yet, the teacher can cut out poinsettias to be used in this activity.

Source: The printable for this activity is from my Las Posadas Printable Pack.

Celebrating Las Posadas in the classroom can be so much fun and rewarding!

Don't forget your free printables!

Directions on How to Obtain Subscriber Only Freebies

1. Click on the Subscriber's link at the bottom of this post.

2. Subscribe to our free newsletter.

3. Open the thank you message you receive in your e-mail, after subscribing. (Be sure to check your spam folder, as sometimes it ends up there.)

4. Click the confirmation link in the thank you message.

5. Once the confirmation is complete, you will receive another e-mail message with the Subscriber Only Freebies.

6. Click on the link.

7. Select the Minimalism, Montessori, or Mental Health Printables Library.

8. Find the printable pack you are looking for listed in alphabetical order, click on it, and voila!

We hope you enjoy your free printable.

Note: If you are already a newsletter subscriber, open your most recent newsletter. At the bottom you will find a link to the Free Printables Library.

Click HERE to Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter

If you liked this post, you may also enjoy the resources below.

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