Friday, November 2, 2012

Learning "He Sent His Son" (Christmas Program preparation)

We are singing "He Sent His Song" for the Christmas program this year, so I am going to start teaching the song today. My original idea was to put pictures that correspond with the lines of the song on the board and to have children identify which pictures went to which lines of the song, but apparently, I did that idea last year, ha-ha. I guess certain songs lend themselves to certain ideas.

I want to do something different this year, so here's this year's version for learning this song. First, you need a flipchart for this song. If you send me your email address, I'll send you my flip chart, but there are several really great ones online already (this song lends itself to great flip charts). Just do a search for "He Sent His Son flipchart" and you will find a good flipchart within your first five search results.

1. First, play "guess that song." To minimize on prep work this time, I will just have the pianist play the first few notes of the song and ask hands to go up as they recognize the song, until every hand in the room is up. Then, I will ask children to raise both their hands if they want me to call on them to name the song. (Update: I added more "guess that song" clues in a 2013 blog post.)

2. Next, tell the children we are going to play a little game with the pictures for this song, so they need to pay careful attention to how each line of the song is shown in pictures. Put up the song again, but this time show the words for the teachers. Sing it one time through.

3. Before primary, cut out several copies of each picture that correspond to the lines of the song. The quickest way to do this is by opening your flipchart, and then in  printer settings selecting to print 4 pages per sheet so that you can print multiple versions at a consistent miniature size.



It will print out one page like this, with each pic area about a 4 x 6 in size (these are the first four pics from my flipchart).



4. Tape each picture under a chair so that different children in each class receive different pictures. This makes it fun for them because they get to look for a little surprise.

5. Ask children to listen carefully so they know when to hold up the picture that corresponds to the line of the song.

The idea here is that children will listen closely and participate because they want to hear their part of the song and hold up their papers. I tried this with holding up the CTR shield when we learned "Choose the Right," and the kids really paid attention, so I am expecting this to work, from past experience.

6. If there is time, have the children trade pictures with someone nearby them, so that they are now listening for a different line of the song to hold up.

Another, easier alternative to the same activity is to give each class the same picture, and teach them their line. This way, the rest of the class hears the line and is "accidentally" learning it, and we'll learn the whole song! I learned the trick about teaching each class one line at a time from my neighbor, Melanie, who has been a primary music teacher.

In the following weeks, I will detail this out more, but I plan to continue to include this song in the music/lesson plan and implement:

  • The standard, cover up a picture as you go game, which I have not done in a long time, and works great.
  • Discussing the lyrics of the song, including looking up scriptures that go with each line. I want to find stories about our Savior that have pictures that I can talk to, to help the children remember the significance of the words they are singing. I will tie that into being thankful for Thanksgiving.




136 comments:

  1. I am a brand new primary choristor and your blog has been a life saver! I would love the flipchart for this song. My email is
    kimchpm@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for your kind words! I went ahead and made a lyric version for you, and sent both. I love using the above version, but I realized it's more for teaching the song to be memorized, so I adjusted it for a "we're just singing it this Sunday" version :)

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    2. If you have received this multiple times I am so sorry. When I click to send my computer keeps freezing so I do not know if it sent to you or not. Could you send me your flip chart for He sent his son? olivagirls@juno.com Thanks Laurie

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    3. I would LOVE a copy of your flip chart please! Thank you so much! shellido@hotmail.com

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  2. I would love the flip chart. Please email sondsun@gmail.com

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  3. Can I get your flip chart? redshoes595@hotmail.com

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  4. Could I get your flip chart also? Thanks for sharing!! Im new to this! joyrsmith@gmail.com

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  5. May I have a copy of your flip chart? I was just given this calling and would love to try out your idea. jamita22@yahoo.com
    Thank you for sharing!

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  6. May I have a copy too? jes.poe@gmail.com

    Thank you!

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  7. What a great idea! May I had a copy also? thanks! jystras@yahoo.com

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  8. I think I sent flip charts to everyone that requested this version - if not, please let me know.

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    Replies
    1. Could I please get your flip chart? That would be super helpful. Thanks!
      staceymarble@gmail.com

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  9. Can I get a copy too? Great idea!!!! kelsnkenz@gmail.com Thanks in advance!

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  10. This idea looks wonderful! Could I also get a copy of the flipchart you made? Thank you!! jesicajm@msn.com

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  11. I love your pictures because they don't actually have the words all written on them. May I please have a copy? rematar@gmail.com

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  12. Love the pictures you use! Could I also get a copy? Thanks so much! mmistya@yahoo.com

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  13. Can I please get a copy? Thank you!
    Lacymcdonald@hotmail.com

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  14. May I get a copy? Nataliemontague@hotmail.com

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  15. May I also get a copy? Thank you tamiblotter@gmail.com

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  16. Would love a copy as well. dianalbean@gmail.com

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  17. Me too! :) danamariew@hotmail.com - love the under the chair idea!

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  18. Love your flip chart with no words and the smaller size pictures for the kids to hold up. Can I please have a copy? Thank you! brookemhanks@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. Hi Brooke, you can print the smaller pictures by telling your printer to print four pages to a sheet. Let me know if you have problems with the directions - (I just emailed you the flipchart so you can just reply to the email) and I will help you the best that I can!

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  19. I looked at several flip charts on-line, but I love how simple yours is. Could you email it to me too? Thanks! mwoller@gmail.com

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  20. Could you email it to me please... roxanneheg22@gmail.com
    Thanks!

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  21. Could I get a copy as well? Thanks! lisaphelps22@gmail.com

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  22. As a non-musical, new to Primary song leader, I am forever grateful to your blog and other blogs like yours! Thank you for all your wonderful ideas and thanks for being willing to share! My email is: heathercureton78@hotmail.com Thanks!!!

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  23. agree, your flip chart really is the best i have found as well. will you please email me a copy if you get a chance? gaileysunbeams@hotmail.com thank you so much.

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  24. Can I please get a copy of your flip chart...thank you so very much. michwren@gmail.com
    Michelle

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  25. I would love a copy too. Thank you!!!
    Alvord.laura@gmail.com

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  26. I think I sent flip charts to everyone above. If you do not see it in your inbox, pleaes let me know! Subject line: "He Sent His Son flipchart"

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  27. Can you send me a copy of your flip chart too? Thanks!
    nicolehymas@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. Can you send me a copy of your flip chart? Thank you so much.
    carrie.knapp@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Your blog is helpful! I've used several of your ideas over the past year. Will you please email me a copy of the flipchart? lindaballerina@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. For some reason my comment didn't post, but I would REALLY appreciate your flip chart!

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  31. Could you send me a copy of your flip chart. Love your great ideas. Thanks. hallions_6@msn.com

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  32. I would love a copy of your flip chart for He Sent His Son. Email address is Laurie04181960@gmail.com Thanks Laurie

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  33. Can you send me a copy of your flip chart. Thanks!
    emcutler@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. Could I please get a copy of your flip chart too? Thanks!
    meglogoo@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hi can I get a copy? My email is tvoncannon@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. Can I please get your flipchart? alyssawahlquist@gmail.com Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  37. I would love a copy of the flip chart as well! Thank you so much for sharing your hard work with us :) kirsti.clark (at) gmail.com

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  38. Can you email a copy of your flipchart to me too? Love it! Thanks in advance! lizabeth283@yahoo.com

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  39. hi! Can I please have a copy of your flipchart as well? Thank you! Kaytbell@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. May I please have a copy also? Silverdaisies2@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. Hi! I love your flipchart! can i have a copy please?
    jeanielangdon@sbcglobal.net
    THANK YOU!!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Hi! I am new to primary and your ideas are so helpful! Can I get a copy at tkgoodman@gmail.com please?

    ReplyDelete
  43. Could I please get a copy of your flip chart too! Thanks for making it! aubs3@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. Could I get a copy as well? Thanks! hooperke83@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. I would love a copy! Thanks for your great ideas.
    karmahep@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. Can I have a copy? Thanks!
    jabbrian3@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. Could I get a copy? Thanks I love your pictures!
    pamollivier@aol.com

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  48. Could I also get a copy? Thanks you so much, beautiful work. alicia.larsen@idla.k12.id.us

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  49. I would love a copy of your flipchart. I like that it is only the pictures, and not the words. Thanks!
    hpssjenkins@q.com

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  50. I would love to have copy of your flipchart, it does seem to be the best out there.
    Thank you!
    fuzzylarsen@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
  51. I love your post and your flipchart. May I have a copy? Thanks so much!!
    -Natalie
    gnatwalker@gmail.com

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  52. Yikes, I just saw all the requests. I guess this is too late for those with 9 a.m. church but I just sent this to everyone above. If you did not receive a copy and still want one, please let me know. This means I typed in your email incorrectly :p

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  53. Hi, This is such a great idea! Would you mind emailing me a copy too please? marbles2fly@yahoo.com

    Thank you!

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  54. I would also love a copy of your flip chart...with and without words if you have both! You are amazing for doing all this hard work. Thank you a million times!
    libparr@hotmail.com

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  55. Could I please get a copy of your flip chart? Thanks so much. kristywalker@gmail.com

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  56. I'd love a copy of your flip chart! Thanks!
    cjm2kids@gmail.com

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  57. Can I get your flip chart? Thanks so much
    falfer80@yahoo.com

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  58. Can I also get a copy of your excellent flip chart? I love that it's made up of pictures, and so easy for non-readers to follow. Thank you for sharing your inspiration!
    prettykristyn@gmail.com

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  59. Could I please have a copy of this flip chart. It is great! Thanks for sharing! kclover41@gmail.com.

    ReplyDelete
  60. I would also love a copy of your flip chart. Thank you!
    betsydavis02 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  61. can i get a copy too? aubreyannie at gmail

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  62. I would also like a copy when you have time. please and thank you! marcusalley@yahoo.com

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  63. I would love a copy of your flip chart too, please. :) Thanks so much for sharing your talents with us! sascoresby@gmail.com

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  64. Could you please send me one as well? Lindsaybingham@gmail.com Thanks!

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  65. Would you mind sending me one, too? Love your ideas!! garyandamy@gmail.com

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  66. I'd love to have your flipchart! Please send me a copy at farmerh@gmail.com

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  67. Can I get your flipchart too!?? Haha- you are awesome, thanks for sharing your ideas (and consequently saving so many primary singing times)!! michelle_youlikeit@yahoo.com

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  68. i sent out another batch of responses yesterday - let me know if a flipchart somehow didn't make it to you!

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  69. I would love a copy! Thank you so much! Kaylister@gmail.com

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  70. Can I get a copy of your pics that go with the song please! I love the ones I can see and it would be super helpful! Thanks Juls_14_2004@yahoo.com

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  71. I am new in primary and would love a copy of your pics to go along with the song 'He Sent His Son' my email sheri.winona@gmail.com thanks

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  72. I was just called as chorister. Could I get the pics for He Sent His Son? Thanks in advance. welker49ers@juno.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry! Missed this comment. Sent ... probably too late :(

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  73. Could I possibly get a copy of your flipchart? I just got called into this calling and none of the program songs have been taught yet, so I am trying to come up with ideas for all 5 songs fairly quickly. my e-mail is t-lam@juno.com Thank you!

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  74. Hi your pictures look great, could I please have a copy? Thanks Kirsty keekies@hotmail.com

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  75. This is wonderful! I'm really struggling with the kiddos getting this song….would you please send me the copy of your flip chart? Thanks so much!
    jbagley1972@yahoo.com

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  76. Hi, we're rehearsing for our program and we're planning to sing this song in two groups, questions and answers, and your flipchart is perfect for the cues. Could I beg for a copy of it? rosmaryal@hotmail.com. Thanks!

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  77. Not sure if my previous submission went through... Can I please get a copy of your flipchart for use with my autistic son? (this would be perfect for him). My email is ju@staceywright.com

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  78. can I please get a copy of your flip chart? This is just what I was trying to create with no success. I love it! Thanks!
    heatherfausett@yahoo.com

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    Replies
    1. Just sent! let me know if you didn't get it ... sorry I haven't been checking my blog emails recently. Hope it wasn't too late to be helpful for you :p

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  79. Hi, your blog is amazing! Could I get a copy of the flip chart for He Sent His Son? Thank you! mckennajohansen1@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you!!! Let me know if you didn't get it - just emailed to you.

      Delete
  80. Could I please have a copy of the He Sent His Son Flipchart? I love it. I especially like that it doesn't have lyrics so they are forced to memorize them. Thanks for your great work! juliewthomson@hotmail.com

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  81. Can I get a copy of your flip chart? beltchel@gmail.com
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Just sent. Let me know if you didn't get it!

      Delete
  82. All right, I think I've sent flipchart to everyone that has requested one over the years, though I don't always put a reply directly on the blog. If you still have not received it, please contact me again! I haven't tested this out but if you don't want to post your email address I think you can click the Google+ link to link to me, and we can exchange info that way ...?? Haven't had time to experiment with this ...

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  83. I would love to have a copy of your flip chart for "He Sent His Son" ...would you please email me one? woodlandelights@gmail.com Thanks for sharing =-)

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  84. May I have a copy of your flip chart?
    bethany306@gmail.com
    thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  85. Could you please send a copy of your flip chart to katiegail_2000@yahoo.com?

    Thanks!
    Katie

    ReplyDelete
  86. May I please have a copy of your flip chart, snhdial@hotmail.com

    Thank you,
    Heidi

    ReplyDelete
  87. I believe I've sent one to everyone that has made a request recently. Please let me know if I missed you!

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  88. Hi Esther - love your flipchart - could you send me a copy if you still have it - sarahlouiseblack@gmail.com.

    Thank you :)

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  89. I would love a copy of your flipchart if you are still sending it out. Thanks. terryandkori@earthlink.net

    ReplyDelete
  90. Can I get a copy of your flip chart? Thanks!

    markandr2001@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  91. Is this still available. I am new at the music and just came across your site. I'd love a copy if so. rozlaolsen@gmail.com

    Thanks for sharing :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just sent it to you! Let me know if you didn't get it.

      Delete
  92. Yes! I just emailed it to you. Let me know if you didn't get it!

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  93. I would absolutely love a copy of your flipchart! Thank you SO MUCH! sdixon04@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I either missed this request yesterday or I just sent it a second time :) Let me know if you didn't get it!!

      Delete
  94. I would love a copy of your flipchart! Thanks for being willing to share!
    alysonshulz@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Just sent! Let me know if you didn't get it!

      Delete
  95. Could you send it to me monikovalle@yahoo.com thank you in advance ...

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    Replies
    1. Let me know if you don't get an email with the attachments!

      Delete
  96. Can I also have a copy of your flip chart? sngrluv6893@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Let me know if you don't get an email with the attachments! (Sent.)

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  97. Would you send me a copy? Jenny.ashby@comcast.net

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    Replies
    1. Just sent it! Have fun singing this song with the Primary!

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  98. I would love a copy of this brianna.eagar@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  99. I would love a copy of this please. Thank you for sharing your talents.
    jlingo21@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  100. Can I get a copy of this? jenessa49@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  101. Can I get a copy of your flipchart He sent his son? doriane.havrenne@gmail.com
    Thanks a lot in advance!!!

    ReplyDelete
  102. I would also appreciate a copy, thank you so much. jtstedham@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  103. i don't know if you still see this but if you do I would love a copy!!! jandjsharpie@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I do, and hopefully I haven't missed anyone. I will send you a copy today!

      Delete
  104. I know this is so long ago, but your flipchart and idea is perfect for what I was wanting to do with this song! Could I possible get a copy? Thank you so much for sharing your time and talent!!

    breeanalhollinger@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow, has it really been 7 years since I posted this?? The crazy thing is that I was in Primary all that time (just left 5 months ago for a new calling) ... anyway, absolutely, I am emailing it right now so let me know if you don't see a copy in the next little bit.

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  105. Wow that is a long time! I love primary, but it is busy, so bless you! And yes I got it, thank you so much!!

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  106. May I also please have a copy of the flip chart. I just got this calling and this is such a great idea. Thanks for sharing. cheyneywebb@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  107. I would love this flip chart. Please and Thank you
    kathy_diether@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  108. I too would love the flip chart if you are still sharing them! They look terrific!
    Valpalmoir@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  109. Can I please have a copy of your flipcart? Send to hightowerjill367@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete