The Errand of Angels...

The New Year and Goal Setting

2010-12-30T12:51:00.002-06:00

Goals for the New Year

I've never been one to set New Year's goals - mostly because I used to think people who set goals for the new year want to fail. But over the years (mostly in the blog sphere) I've watched as some very reasonable goals have been set and then saw those who diligently worked to accomplish said goals without dropping the ball. When I was at the hospital, I saw how they gave me daily goals and we reached them. It gave me a sense of accomplishment no matter how small. I set a few goals for 2010 and feel I am headed in the right direction for our family such as what to teach for family home evening. We are using Preach My Gospel and have been looking through the Friend and Ensign for paintings, coloring pages, and photos that go with the section we are teaching making it more kid friendly. I've been able to find more family history information and photographs. So as you can see, I need goals to keep me moving forward, doing more of the right things, and feeling happy inside.

It didn't hurt that this scripture has come to my mind over and over again the past few weeks:

Mark 12:30

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

and this one too:

Doctrine and Covenants 4:2

Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.

So what does heart, might, mind, and strength mean exactly? One of my teachers in the MTC said this:

Heart: Emotionally

Might: Spiritually

Mind: Mentally

Strength: Physically

I think that helped me understand how to break down that daunting task and figure out a way to apply it to my own life. So I sat down with a little notebook and began to write down my goals - one or two for each area. I hope that this will help me to love and serve God better. My daughter helped me with some suggestions and it really helped me to see her enthusiasm. She is working on her Faith in God book.

Anyway, I'm not going to share what my goals are just yet incase you decide this is the direction you want to go in your goal setting too. I'll just give you some clues. I'd love to hear your ideas too so please share!

Emotionally: For less worry and more peace of mind I am going to _________________________________.

Spiritually: I want to read _________ and mark each reference to _______________ in ___________ colored pencil.

Mentally: Complete a minimum of ______ ________________ lessons a week.

Physically: Find and purchase __________ snacks with more carbs to prevent headaches and ____________ _____________ each week to prevent colds.

Super Saturday

2010-11-09T11:17:00.002-06:00

We just had our Super Saturday, and it was FANTASTIC! Lots of ideas HERE for Christmas gifts, etc. And if you have any ideas, please, DO share!

Good Things to Come

2010-06-17T18:35:00.000-05:00

Just a little idea...

2010-05-19T15:09:00.001-05:00

We have about eight birthdays this month, and countless birthday parties to attend too. I am trying to make gifts this month to save a little money. This is what I came up with:

I made the apron with some fabric that I had laying around. I add a cake or brownie mix, a little recipe and WA-LA; a baking kit.

I love gifts like this. I really like consumable presents, and then I don't have to find a home for it in the midst of my already too cluttered house.

The aprons were easy. It took me about 2 hours to make 5. There are many patterns out there. I made mine up. Just a simple square of fabric with a few pleats and a long tube for the tie. I made a simple pocket with a monogram. I used my zig zag stitch for that. Then I used bias-tape to outline the pocket. SIMPLE SIMPLE.

I hope our friends will enjoy a day in the kitchen making a goodie.

OH HAPPY DAY!!

My New Life

2010-05-11T14:24:00.000-05:00

I hope you've had an opportunity to watch this video. I love Stephanie's example of faith and love. She truly is an example to me. While the pain I face during my recovery from the massive tumors that used to fill my neck and chest, it is nothing like hers. I still have bad days and probably always will. Even with the limitations I face, I am grateful for the opportunity to still be around to be a mother to my children. I too am grateful for My New Life. I am grateful to have such an example as Stephanie and I feel for her. Going through so much as a young mother is challenging! I've always struggled with my self-esteem but I came to know from my suffering that I was not my cancer, I was not what I looked like or what I could do. At times I didn't even have the strength to hold my new born son even with the support of a boppy pillow. But I learned through a confirmation from the Lord that I was a daughter of God. And this past week I received another little life line for my self esteem. I am a mother, I am a part of Heavenly Father's plan of Happiness. And then at my husband's great aunt's funeral the preacher (she was presbyterian) said that her life was a manifestation of Christ's love for her family and friends. We as mothers, daughters, friends - are we living so that we are a manifestation of Christ's love for others. And so I march on, knowing that Heavenly Father needs me and you in His great plan of Happiness...

Have you heard?

2010-05-03T13:21:00.000-05:00

I received this from my Mother-In-Law

Take a look at #4 -and I checked - there are almost as many dislikes (over 4,000) as there are likes. Let us work together, put your shoulder to the wheel, etc! Make a small but positive difference.

Dear friends,

On May 3, 2010 (perhaps as part of your Family Home Evening program) if all reachable members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints--and any non members interested-- would follow the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkKblIMfmjI and watch the YouTube video of Jeffrey R. Holland bearing testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, we could potentially achieve promoting that video to the YouTube homepage, based on volume of views.

TIPS ON HOW TO ACHIEVE THIS:

1 increased views - multiples views by one viewer count
2 comments - the more comments, the more valuable Youtube sees your video. Comments almost carry as much weight as views.
3 favorites - everyone needs to "favorite" the video.
4 thumbs up - **please take special care to do this as a group of individuals have banned together to "thumbs down" and this can negatively affect the popularity of the video.
5 subscriptions - daily subscriptions have a major impact on popularity. This also has longterm impact on the future videos coming to the channel because they will get emails from Youtube letting them know when MormonMessages posts new stuff.
6 reshare - post the video as a link on your profiles bearing testimony, and also make comments after friends' link so that it shows up in the news feeds, post to blogs and twitter. The more activity surrounding the video the more attention it will receive.

The repercussions of this could be great. YouTube reports:

YouTube Stats (US)
(comScore MediaMetrix April 2009)

"The YouTube Homepage is the highest-profile placement on the site... eleven million unique visitors a day in the US [and] 89.7 Million unique monthly visitors."

The exposure that the Book of Mormon could receive in one day is astronomical. Please keep in mind though, while it is ideal that this video be promoted to the homepage, it is the spirit felt from the message wherein the success lies.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints blessed with the knowledge contained in the Book of Mormon I seek to share with the world what I know to be true; what I know to bring happiness and hope in the times of travail; what I know to be the word of God.

For this challenge May 3 is calculated anytime in the 24 hour time period between 12 am to 11:59:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (for those participating from different time zones), but viewing before and after the event is helpful as well. Please invite both member and non-member alike to feel of the Spirit this message carries, mark your calendars and gather round in your families, wards and stakes and join me, May 3.

All my best,

Erin Jakob

Being a Spectator

2010-04-17T15:08:00.001-05:00

Last week I surprised my husband with a date to see The 5 Browns in concert. They were amazing. Good entertainers and fabulous pianists. Concerts like this are always so bittersweet for me - I love to go, I love to hear, but it's a little painful to think about how mediocre my playing has become. I feel like I'm good enough to know that I'm not really that good after all. That kind of hurts. And it makes me squirm just a bit to think that I've chosen the path of the spectator.

In a way, my spectator-ness comes from how I define my role of wife/mom - we are building our family on traditional roles; Joseph's career provides the income and my career is my family. It means we move where Joseph's job is, it means I spend the majority of my time taking care of other people's messes and problems and needs. A lot of the work I do is invisible (the clothes magically get folded! the dinner is magically placed on the table!) And a lot of the work is instantly undone (the clothes are dirty on the floor again! the children want THREE meals a day, AND snacks inbetween!)

I don't think it's a coincidence that I came upon this quote from President Hinckley again last week. It's pretty applicable here -- I think my real problem is not that my bachelor's degree in music is being 'wasted' or that the burden/blessing of being mom is that I am the invisible center of my child's universe. I think my real problem is that I need to quit whining and be grateful. :)

"Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he's been robbed. The fact is that most putts don't drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to be just people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is like an old time rail journey... delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas, and thrilling bursts of speed.

The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride."

Thank God the spectator can still enjoy the view!

DIY Apothecary Jars

2010-03-29T22:49:00.000-05:00

Over at Living With Lindsay, she just had her 2nd annual $5 craft challenge. Make a craft for $5 or less. There are tons more you can look at, but this was what I came up with: From the Dollar Tree I got a candle stick holder, and a candle holder, and with a little E-6000 glue already on hand made these Apothecary Jars. Great for decorating any time of the year! They were $2 each, but I was having fun and got a little carried away! Fast, Easy, and Cheap. Hope you have a wonderful Easter.

Broiled Tilapia Parmesan

2010-03-25T23:51:00.000-05:00

This is one of our family favorites! It is so yummy and so fast! We like Tilapia because it's not as "fishy" of a taste. Hope you enjoy!

Broiled Tilapia Parmesan allrecipes.com

Rated:

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Cook Time: 10 Minutes

Ready In: 15 Minutes

Servings: 8

"Flavorful recipe for this farm raised fish that is easy and done in minutes! The fish is broiled with a creamy cheese coating for an impressive flavor and texture."

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup butter, softened

3 tablespoons mayonnaise

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon dried basil

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/8 teaspoon onion powder

1/8 teaspoon celery salt

2 pounds tilapia fillets

Directions:

1.	Preheat your oven's broiler. Grease a broiling pan or line pan with aluminum foil.
2.	In a small bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, butter, mayonnaise and lemon juice. Season with dried basil, pepper, onion powder and celery salt. Mix well and set aside.
3.	Arrange fillets in a single layer on the prepared pan. Broil a few inches from the heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the fillets over and broil for a couple more minutes. Remove the fillets from the oven and cover them with the Parmesan cheese mixture on the top side. Broil for 2 more minutes or until the topping is browned and fish flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to over cook the fish.

make a list...

2010-02-23T21:22:00.003-06:00

***** EDITED: I made my version of the daily docket in microsoft publisher. It was just a little easier for me to manipulate for this particular project. If you have publisher and want to customize your own docket, I'd be happy to email you the editable (is that a word?) publisher files. Shoot me your email address in the comments or to taralynnsmail@gmail.com and I'll send 'em over. Sometimes reinventing the wheel is good - sometimes, it's just a pain in the neck!!! :) *****

Are you a list person?? I am crazy (CRAZY crazy) about lists. There are few things in life that give me more satisfaction than crossing items off my list. In fact, I'll even list things for the day that I've already finished, just so I can cross it off (kind of pathetic, but boy is it satisfying!).
Anyway, I was getting sick of the many cute little notebooks full of partially completed lists, the post-its on my computer and wall, the generic planner that didn't really fit my needs and needed every new paper hole punched 6 times. So I decided to just make my own. I did flylady's thing when my oldest was a baby, and had a grand time shining my sink, but it didn't quite fit me anymore. Then I saw SimpleMom's Daily Docket, and I loved it. But, for it to work, I needed to change a few things.
It needed to be small -- I wasn't going to carry around a 2 inch binder along with the other 5 million things in my diaper bag/purse/prepared-for-anything tote. And I wanted it to be cute. Silly, but if it's cute, I really do have better odds of using it. :)

So if you just can't stop yourself from making lists, here are a few of my planner files -- my monthly checklist and my version of simplemom's daily docket. The file is 4 pages long, but it's for two-sided printing, so you'll print pg. 2 on the back of pg. 1, and pg. 4 on the back of pg. 3 (clear as mud?). I like that it's little, I like that I can just print it off at home, punch it with my adjustable 3-hole punch, and slap it in my 'planner' - a half-size binder purchased at a office supplies chain store. I've got a ward directory in there (I just printed it with the paper turned landscape & adjusted the margins so I could trim off the extra), a calendar, a list of birthdays and goals. I also keep a basic budget outline, shopping lists and a list of items I keep on hand in the pantry/freezer/fridge to make shopping easier. There's a little pad of paper in the back for (what else?!) more lists! I made a fabric sleeve/cover for the binder because that makes me happy. :)

I've used this for a little over a year now, and I really like it. It changes a little over time as my needs change - I shared the files with my sister, and she made it better. :) How do YOU organize your lists?

Baby Bonnet Tutorial

2010-02-18T14:09:00.001-06:00

My friend Malauna marches to the beat of her own drummer. I first met her not long after she had broken up with the guy that several of my roommates were secretly in love with. We all thought she was crazy. (She later married him! :)

Anyway, she happens to be very talented, and when she decided she wanted a bonnet for her soon-to-be-born new baby, well, she just sat down and made one.

Then, when I asked her how, she posted a great tutorial on how to make these sweet baby bonnets. How great a friend is that?!

I can't wait to try it!

Click here to see her post. Don't forget to thank her! :)

An Idea... or two.

2010-02-04T22:01:00.001-06:00

I needed a new one...

Something to keep my kids motivated to use manners, and play outside... to not watch so much television and beg to play on the computer

and then...

I stumbled on this:

V and Co. Idea

Here is my spin on it:

Token can be earned, spent, and lost. How?

How to earn tokens:

1 shoes put away

1 coats hung up

1 back pack, lunch pack, papers put away

1 dishes cleared after meals without asking

1 folder brought home

1 hairbows put away, or not lost at the end of the day

1 using a napkin at the dinner table

1 using your manner words

1 (isaac) telling us that you need a diaper change

1 cleaning up your crumbs after snacks

1 staying at the table to eat your snacks

1 listening the first time

1 setting your clothes out for the next day

1 following instructions

1 being kind to your siblings

1 washing your hands after you eat

1 bringing in belongings from the car

1 if mom or dad don’t clean up after ourselves and you catch it and have to do it for us

1 mom or dad speaking unkindly to you when it is not an appropriate thing to get upset about

2 listening and sitting reverently during fhe

2 (stella) taking your dance bag to dance

2 homework done before play time

2 eating all of your food without complaining

3 being reverent during sacrament meeting

3 morning routine done without asking

3 evening routine done without asking

3 extra jobs without complaining

3 good behavior at a store

5 ½ hour playtime outside

5 ½ hour art project

5 ½ hour reading

5 ½ hour quiet time

5 100% spelling test

5 a good report from school

15 (jex) finishing a chapter book

How to Lose Tokens:

1 leave your shoes out

1 socks on the floor

1 coat laying on the floor

1 pajamas not put away

1 clothes laying on the floor

1 making messes at the dinner table

1 arguing

1 wiping your fingers on furniture

1 bothering parents while on the phone

1 not listening

1 not clearing your plate

1 leaving belongings in the car

1 fighting with your sibling

1 anything left laying around that I have to pick up

2 not bringing your folder home from school

2 losing a hair bow

2 tattling

2 getting in to things that you are not supposed to

3 complaining or gagging at the dinner table

3 poor behavior at church

3 poor behavior at a store

10 if I have to clean up your room or playroom at the end of the day

How to spend tokens:

1 package of fruit snacks

2 cookie, or treat(bedtime snacks will be given on special occasions)

2 ½ educational computer time (approved by parent)

2 ½ hour educational television program (approved by parent)

3 popcorn

3 extra story at bedtime(must be paid by all listeners)

5 ½ hour computer time, television, or a full movie

(family movies are free, but designated by parents)

5 extra 15 minutes at bedtime

100 $10 to spend on something you would like

Disclaimers:

Fruit and yogurt and crackers do not cost anything

Mom and dad have the right to add to this list at anytime

Tokens can be handed out randomly for special things and good behavior

You must ask mom and dad before putting tokens in your jar.

This list hangs on our laundry room door. We can refer to it at anytime.

Isaac carried around this little container of tokens all day. He even made his own bed to earn tokens. He told me tonight, "I give you tokens, and watch a "OOBIE?"(that's a movie.) By Golly I think he is getting it.

I bought 3 hundred poker chips for their tokens, and these easy non-breakable containers.

It has already helped with the nagging in our home.

Need one more idea?

Here is another idea that we continue to do:

Super Kid (the idea came from here)

Here is my poster to remind me whose turn it is.

It hangs on the fridge and I change it out each week. Their name is attached with a magnet.

Just tonight, I was trying to decided what easy microwaveable "mom of the year" meal to make the kids; chicken nuggets or corn dogs.

Stella wanted nuggets

Isaac and Jex wanted corn dogs.

I was only making one thing, because each of these are so time consuming. he he

Isaac is super kid so corn dogs won. It really does settle a lot of battles.

Thanks Michelle for this great idea, and Vanessa for helping me be less of a nag.

Memory Keeping

2010-01-30T14:50:00.001-06:00

Recording our Memories is such an important commandment. We have been asked to keep records since the beginning of time.

Our family has a new fun way to record our memories.

We have 4 children, but only one that can read and write. This is our way to record our history.

Here is what we are doing:

I found this cute little file box. I put an index card in there for every day of the year.

Each night at dinner time, we write something on our card.

ie: January 24th: Today we blessed Tessa.

Then next year on January 24th, we will read the card and add to it.

If we miss an evening, we do it at breakfast or lunch for the previous day.

This is so simple, but a great way to record the everyday happenings.

It also teaches our children the importance of record keeping.

Patience and Waiting...

2010-01-18T22:30:00.000-06:00

My friend Mandee, asked me to make this for her for an adoption academy workshop last weekend. She and I have been friends since the mission field, where we were companions twice. I asked her if I could share this now that it's over. I made it for their binder covers. I've loved this tree and always wanted to photograph it. And when my friend told me her vision and the quote, I knew right where to find the perfect tree and take the photo. I've helped her twice make digital scrapbook pages when she was working on adopting and she has since been blessed with 2 little red heads whose birth moms live across the states from each other. Her example of faith and patience is astounding to me. So feel free to print it off and put it somewhere if you'd like. Another friend emailed me last night to say she'd done just that after finding out last week she had serious fertility issues. For me, I think about this quote and it fits with my struggle for good health. The resurrection will be so wonderful. And I wonder who else this might help. What's your story?

How to help little ones contribute to their home and family:

2009-12-14T12:02:00.004-06:00

Well, there are a lot of ways. I just wanted to share one.

The ModEco chore chart

I thought it was really cute. It's a pdf and you can type in the information you want to add. That means you get to decide what chores you want to and if you want to start your week on Monday or Sunday. I stuck the two that I made into an 8.5x11 frame (diploma frame) and I use a dry erase marker to update the dates and check off chores. For now they are excited about it.

The fall and rising again

2009-12-03T10:23:00.011-06:00

This Thanksgiving gave me a lot to think about. My sister lost a friend over the holiday, and his story is so familiar - until the end. He served an LDS mission, met his wife at BYU. After graduation they headed off to Medical school and had a baby. Now in his second year of medical school, they went back to Utah to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and surprise his parents with news of a pregnancy. He went spelunking in Nutty Putty caves with a few friends and brothers. He got stuck in a tight spot -- he knew what he was doing, he'd been caving before. But he died.

I don't know John and Emily Jones personally. But the familiarity of his story makes my heart ache. I've even been in those caves with my own brother.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland has written of tragedies in the midst of celebrations. He recalls how Joseph and Mary took the baby Jesus to the temple to pay their offering of redemption - two turtledoves. There in the temple, old Simeon met the infant Messiah and said, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A Light to lighten the Gentiles, and the Glory of thy people Israel.... Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel." (Luke 2:29-34)

Elder Holland explains, "You can't separate Bethlehem from Gethsemane or the hasty flight into Egypt from the slow journey to the summit of Calvary. It's of one piece. It is a single plan. It considers 'the fall and rising again of many in Israel,' but always in that order. Christmas is joyful not because it is a season or decade or lifetime without pain and privation, but precisely because life does hold those moments for us. And that baby [God's] own beloved and Only Begotten Son in the flesh, born 'away in a manger, [with] no crib for his bed,' makes all the difference in the world, all the difference in time and eternity, all the difference everywhere, worlds without number, a lot father than [our] eyes can see."

"...In this life no one can have real love without eventually dealing with real loss, and we certainly can't rejoice over one's birth and joy of living unless we are prepared to understand and accommodate and accept with some grace the inevitability--including the untimeliness--of difficulty and trouble and death. These are God's gifts to us--birth and life and death and salvation, the whole divine experience in all its richness and complexity." (from Shepherds, Why This Jubilee by Jeffrey R. Holland, pg. 68-76)

How grateful I am for our Savior, Jesus Christ, the Resurrection and the Life. Believing in Him means we can live again and never die. I sing with heart and soul: Joy to the world -- the Lord is come.

The Jones family has established a few ways for those who can to donate to Emily Jones and her children.

If you would like to contribute, donations can be made to:
The John & Emily Jones Memorial Fund (Utah Community Credit Union and Wells Fargo)
The Emily Jones Children Donations (Zions National Bank)
For those of you not able to go to these places, you can donate online here.

Stephanie over at A Daily Scoop is also hosting an auction. She doesn't know the Jones family personally, but wanted to do what she could to help out. There will be daily auctions, and she gives instructions on how to bid (check out the first auction here). If you would like to contribute an item to be auctioned off, you can e-mail her (stephaniewaite@gmail.com).

Things as they really are...

2009-12-01T23:45:00.003-06:00

Our Stake President and Bishop asked that they teach on this in Sunday School on the 5th Sunday in November. They simply showed the video, which I thought was very powerful. After seeing it we immediately deleted the one violent game on our iphones. And we are going to print it out and work on other things that come to mind. There will probably be something in here that prompts you to make a simple but necessary change. Just click on this link to see it. Make sure you choose the one that says, Elder Bednar May 2009 and it's titled "Things As They Really Are". Sometimes we just need a clear picture of 'the way' we should go and the promptings of the Spirit to let us know personally that it is the right way. I am grateful we have the opportunity to follow the advice of our Apostles and I know we will be protected if we do.

The Blessings of Home Production and Canning

2009-10-08T16:43:00.004-05:00

As I pulled up my potatoes and onions yesterday, this quote kept coming to my mind.

And I felt so strongly about it, I knew I had to share it.

“An almost forgotten means of economic self-reliance is the home production of food. We are too accustomed to going to stores and purchasing what we need. By producing some of our food we reduce, to a great extent, the impact of inflation on our money. More importantly, we learn how to produce our own food and involve all family members in a beneficial project.” Ezra Taft Benson said this in the 70's sometime (Our Community Garden, Ensign June 2009)

Having a garden is new to me. I grew up in a US Army household and we moved often. I started last year. So if I can do this with absolutely no previous experience, then you can do it to. It was a mess because our yard was not in yet and dirt, no, MUD was everywhere as we worked on our sprinkler system. This year has been wonderful by comparison as I've walked across the grass to get to my garden. I grew a whole list of things that were new to me this year. I've learned a lot and asked a lot of questions. I am really grateful for good neighbors who are able to answer those questions. Having had cancer and now having a lot of food allergies it is important to me what goes on my plants because they are going to store it. Of course some of the green beans went to waste because I ended up with pneumonia the end of July beginning of August. I started a compost pile - so I really didn't waste much. I know more about what is going into my body. We eat more veggies because when they are ready, we better be too.

I've gained so much by having my own garden this year. I've had wonderful experiences talking with my children out there and teaching them how to work. I've had great therapy tearing out weeds the week I went in for my first 6 month post cancer treatment check-up.

Anyway, back to the quote. If you think about this - he is so right. Just think about how much an onion costs in the middle of the winter. 1 onion is about $1. And they are about the easiest thing to grow and store. I planted 40 yellow onions and 20 red onions. I'll be planting more next year. Salsa needs a lot of onions. And look at how inexpensive tomatoes are during peak season. Tired of canning tomatoes? Just core them and through them in a freezer bag. puree them later for sauces.

Oh and I learned to can. I canned 2 boxes of peaches and I also canned salsa.

Now I just need to get my garlic planted!

In fact, I better go check the vegetable beef soup that is in the crock pot right now.

"If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear"

I definitely feel more at peace since the time I decided to follow the prophets counsel to have a garden. This is one of those things we can do whether its one 4x4 grow box or 1/2 an acre. Having a garden has blessed my family.

{Alphabet Ideas}

2009-06-24T12:41:00.001-05:00

I am not going to post every thing that we are doing for our Alphabet Summer, but here are a few thing we have done. This might spark some ideas for you.

We kept the letter I just the same. It is one of my kids favorites, so we did nothing different. Here is a peak at the fun day we had:

Indoor Smores, and Indoor Campout

I tried to let Isaac sleep with the kids, but that didn't work so well. So after 1 1/2 hours of fighting with him, he went back to his crib. How will I ever move him to a big boy bed? That step is right around the corner. I have a feeling I am in for sleepless nights, and struggles at nap time.

...and for the letter P....

We Painted Pottery.

We went to this neat little store. The kids got to pick out something to paint, their color choice, and then paint it however they choose. We left it there for about it week while they fired it. Then... we gave them to Dad for Father's Day. He loved it.

I hope this helps you find ways to incorporate learning into your summer.

Preparedness Blog

2009-06-16T17:12:00.000-05:00

My mother in law sent me a link to this prepardeness blog a couple of months ago. I subscribe to the feed and read all the updates. The other day I ran across an entry that made me motivated in the food storage department all over again. I am pretty prepared, but there is always more that I can do. I felt myself hitting a wall with it all and not knowing what direction to go next. Sometimes I feel like I can't rotate the food fast enough, or since I've been pregnant, I've been so dang lazy that I "forget" to rotate all together. Other times I find myself staring at it all wondering how I'm going to get creative enough to come up with meals my family will eat. Am I the only one who has those sort of problems??? So, you have to check out this blog. It's called Prepared LDS Family. Subscribe to get the updates. You never know when you might run into some really helpful information. Here is the post that helped me with 90 menu ideas and kept me moving in the right direction. Remember, every little bit we do helps in the long run. Just take it a little step at a time, but stick with it and you'll see the rewards!

Articles of Faith Candy (not candy bar) Wrapper

2009-06-04T17:22:00.002-05:00

I wanted to share the Candy wrapper (notice this is not a candy bar wrapper - it's for things like Gobstoppers, Runts, Nerds, etc) I made for the children in our ward who memorize The Articles of Faith.

So feel free to print, cut, wrap, and glue them to your own candy boxes. If you share this - please give credit where it is due. Fonts are Autumn Leaves HairBrained, Arial, and Arial Black. It is 5.85 x 10 inches and I used Adobe photoshop and Illustrator to design it.

We want to help the children in our ward memorize all 13 and they can earn a box of candy once a year when they pass them off. We are trying to have the children do this without competing with each other. Pass them off without other children around probably. But we want to give them an incentive. We have a struggling ward with wonderful people in it who just need a little boost. Life is, well, life.

Here is my example:

Summer is in Full Swing...

2009-06-01T15:52:00.001-05:00

First I have to apologize for my lack of blogging here, but you should know that I have hardly blogged on my own. I am almost 19 weeks pregnant, so..... well that explains it!!

It is official!! Today starts the first day of Summer

at the Swenson house. I LOVE IT, I LOVE IT!!

I spent the majority of last week getting prepared for our summer festivities. If you know me, you already know that I like to be prepared.

The kids started asking me in February if we were going to do "Alphabet Summer" this year? I replied, "Yes"; knowing full well that I had some preparation to do.

Last week, I organized all of our Art Stuff. I made sure that each of the kids had their own basket. Each basket has a pad of paper, stickers, glue, scissors, markers, crayons. I cleared off a spot in our pantry so it is easily assessable. Well, it is easy for the older two to access. I don't need the little guy coloring on my walls. Isaac's basket is more age appropriate, and I get it up and down for him. So far, they have followed the rules by using their own stuff, and putting it away when they are done. I knew that would give them one project to entertain them for 15 minutes. It actually entertains Isaac the longest. That boy loves stickers. (Pictures are to come... I am getting my new camera today!! YEAH!!!)

I also organized our bookshelves, so that their books are put in places that they can find them. Because all 3 of the kids are on different reading levels I made sure that they could find a book appropriate for them. We will spend time reading** every day this summer.

**Jex is already on a 2nd grade reading level. I hope he continues. Stella is well on her way to learn. I hope mom can find some time to read as well. As for Isaac, he loves to be read too. It is most certainly his favorite time of day.

I also rearranged our breakfast nook. It is certainly not up to my design standards, but it works for our kids. I added a table for them, and a desk so they can get to whatever they may need to get out their creativity. ( I promise I will share pictures soon.)

I also planned plenty of outdoor activities:

Sports Equipment Organized

Pool and Slip n Slide purchased

Bikes and Helmets ready

I then attacked the activities that we would do outside of our home:

Golf Camp

Swimming Lessons

Pool Pass

Season Passes to local Theme Park and Water Park

Season Passes to the Zoo

Then it was time for the summer schedule: (here is an idea of what we will do)

Morning: Wake Up, Breakfast, Morning Chores, Get Dressed, Free Play and outdoor activities(this gives me time to exercise, clean the house, and get myself ready)

Afternoon: Lunch, 15 minute Reading time, Activity Time(Alphabet Summer or Science), Rest time or Movie time, Free Play

Evening: Dinner, Clean up for the evening, Play outdoors or Family Walk, Baths and Bed.

MWF: Alphabet Summer Days, or Science Project

Tuesday: Library and Park-Playdate Day

Thursday: Outing Day (theme park, zoo, or pool)

The kids are also well aware that I clean on Monday mornings. They are responsible to help with chores, and be patient until bathrooms are clean and floors are vacuumed and moped.

Okay, I know you all must be thinking to yourself... this is one structured lady. BUT.... Believe me when I say that my kids really do better when we have a plan and they know what to expect. It makes our summer go by so beautifully.

Of course I throw in a day when we just mix it all up and do none of those things, but for the most part my kids love every second of it. I also love spending time with them. It goes so quickly. This school year made me realize how fast it really does go. Especially when your kids are in school for the majority of their time. I am happy to fill up our days doing fun, creative things together. I have also found it causes less fights and commotion.

(This was our pet for the day last week.)

We found him in our back yard... such a summer thing.

To quote a line from my favorite children's book...

"All the places to Love

by Patricia Maclachlan,

"Where else, does an old turtle crossing the path make all the difference in the world?"

So... What are you doing this summer?

Do you plan a summer schedule?

Are you a fly by the seat of your pants kind of gal?

However you plan to spend your summer...

MAKE IT FUN, AND HAVE A BLAST!!

My Eternal Family - Primary Theme

2009-05-26T17:40:00.006-05:00

This year I was blessed to be called as the Secretary in the Primary. I am really enjoying it, to my surprise. I spent a few terrible months in a few out of control and extremely large nursery classes about 8 or 9 years ago. Although Junior Primary is spent participating in crowd control, it's still a fun environment. I love the women I am serving with. The stake has made it clear that they do not want any competition whatsoever. I can see why. The CTR 7's and 8's are really quiet and would get to go to class first, every single Sunday. They've been in school a couple of years and are better at self mastery. So as a Presidency, we wanted a sign for each class, then we could mix them up and excuse them quietly using the signs. I couldn't find anything at the distribution center that was the right size so I used a photo of our own. If you want them, here they are. They are 8x10s. Just print them in color on a glossy paper, trim, and adhere to 8.5x11 cardstock. Then have them laminated. They'll last you all year. The photo is by Tyler Vanderbeek - so if you share these, give credit please!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-11T17:05:00.001-05:00

A Child of Royal Birth!

I am a child of royal birth; My Father is king of heaven and earth. My spirit was born in the courts on high. A child beloved, a princess am I. I was nurtured there; I lived by His side In a home where patience and love abide. My Mother was there in that glorious place, Blessing her children with queenly grace. I grew to the stature that spirits grow; I gained the knowledge I needed to know. I was taught the truth and I knew the plan That God and Christ laid out for man. I was there when the stars of the morning sang. My voice was heard when the heavens rang. I was there to rejoice, to praise, and applaud And I shouted for joy with the sons of God. I waited my turn to came to earth. Through the wonderful channel of human birth. The curtains were closed and the past was gone. On the future too, the curtains were drawn. I came to earth and God willed it so- With freedom to choose the path I should go. I must search for the truth; I must serve and obey. I must walk by faith or fall by the way. Someday, I will go back; I will answer the call. I'll return with my record to the Father of all. The books will be opened and so will my heart, And there will be rejoicing if I've done my part. My Father the King with his infinite love Will welcome me back to the mansions above. The curtains will part, and eternity In its light and glory will open to me.

This is one of my favorite poems written by Anna Johnson. The opening stanza is just so empowering to me. We had a great lesson Sunday in Relief Society about our Divine Nature and what it means to be a daughter of God. It was wonderful, and a lesson I needed to hear again as a reminder I guess because Saturday, on our way home from Missouri, I started thinking of what that means (not knowing it was what our lesson was on the next day). And I started singing songs from when I was a youth. The YW Camp song.."Walk Tall, You're A Daughter of God" and others. My husband asked me what I was doing and I told him I was singing to our daughter!

It's an amazing feeling and choice blessing to know that I will be raising..not only this daughter, but our son and other children to come as well. What an amazing blessing, and gift, and privilege it is to be a mother. I feel so blessed for this responsibility, and am so thankful I am able to be a Mother. And even more thankful that Heavenly Father has blessed us in such a way that has given me the opportunity to stay home and take care of my little family full time. I am really enjoying this pregnancy. Not having to work this time-a-round has given me more opportunities to sit and relax and enjoy the little movements inside.

"Chalking"

2009-05-10T21:44:00.003-05:00

If you have a toddler, you need sidewalk chalk. The two go hand in hand, like diapers and newborns. Really, you can't have one without the other.

Or, better said, you really shouldn't have one without the other.

This is sidewalk chalk. It promises hours of entertainment and learning. It won't disappoint.

After careful consideration, Hannah selects just the right color to kick off the "chalking" fun.

This is how I get her to practice her penmanship. It's lots of fun. See?

This is her favorite letter. Obviously, "H" is for "Hannah." But don't be too impressed just yet, this is the only letter she writes.

Ever.

"Hop Scotch" is also a must when "chalking." This is her new favorite game. It's right up there with hide and seek, running around the house screaming, and watching "The Twelve Dancing Princesses."

She loves it so much, she talks about "Hop Scotch" almost as much as she talks about "Dora The Explore-Her."

So you know it's a lot.

And look, if you have a dog, (preferably a stinker-dog, but any dog will do the trick) they too will be completely entertained by this invigorating activity.

No promises on the baby though. I think Dallin wanted to drill a hole in his head . . . being strapped in the stroller, bored out of his brains.

Finding Joy

2009-05-09T21:49:00.001-05:00

“This is our one and only chance at life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now.” - Thomas S. Monson

Barren Awareness Day

2009-05-08T09:28:00.000-05:00

Have you ever been single on Valentine's Day?

Think hard. Back to the days before you met your spouse, or significant other. (Some of you may be very lucky, and the only time you didn't have a Valentine was in Junior High, but the rest of us . . . well . . . I'm sure there were a few years without a Valentine . . . )

Do you remember how you felt? Seeing your friends blissfully in love, opening thoughtful gifts, reading gushy love letters and eating chocolate?

Valentine's day to the unattached person is known as "Single Awareness Day."

This Sunday is Mother's Day. For years, (and I mean years) I met this day with sadness and anger. For many, Mother's Day is a day you recognize your mother, or you are recognized as a mother. As a mother, you find joy in your children, and realize the only reason you have children is because you are a mother.

See, everything goes hand in hand.

For many women, this Sunday, Mother's Day, is a reminder that their oven is empty. To the childless woman, Mother's Day is known as "Barren Awareness Day."

I always dreaded going to church on Mother's Day. 364 days a year, no one notices that you come to church without children. On Mother's Day, it's like you arrive with a blinking neon sign that says "I'm not really a mother. But recognize me because I'm married."

Awkward.

Actually, what I really wanted my invisible neon sign to say is, "Please don't recognize me. It's GLARINGLY obvious I don't fit in. Thanks."

So year, after year, after year, after year, after year, after year, after year, after year, (yes, there were eight years of this awkwardness) I would arrive to church with a smile on my face, hiding the pain that cut so deeply.

I wanted to be a mother.

Did the Lord think I was unfit?

Why, then, was I not blessed with children?

I will never know the answers to these questions.

But, I do know this Sunday will mark the third anniversary of my mommyhood and absence of that obnoxious blinking neon sign.

Thank goodness for that.

Where am I going with this?

I'm not really sure.

If you're a mother, cherish your children and be grateful you have them.

If you're not a mother (yet) and you long to be one, channel your energy into loving your own mom. Your time will come. It may not be in this lifetime, but it will come.

If you know someone who is struggling to have children, be extra sensitive to them. Especially on Mother's Day.

Happy Mother's Day everyone!

Gospel Art Books and GC Packet

2009-04-02T10:00:00.007-05:00

Have you seen the Church's NEW Gospel Art BOOKS?? They are AWESOME! Go to lds.org and scroll down a little and you can watch the video! They are only $3 each unless you buy 20 or more, then they turn out to be only $1.50 each! You can get a group of your friends together and order them together! They are great for Primary Lessons, FHE, Quiet Books during Sacrament Meeting, Birthday/Christmas Presents...! You name it! Hope you find them as wonderful as I did!!

Here is a General Conference Packet for the kiddos too! Looks like fun!

I Get It

2009-04-02T08:48:00.012-05:00

Warning: This is not an announcement, because there is nothing to announce. I am only noting an observation.

Phew! Now we have the disclaimer out of the way clearing up a topic I haven't even mentioned yet . . .

I know why people do it. You know, get pregnant while their baby is still,-- well, a baby.

Don't judge (never mind that what I'm about to explain is me judging others . . .), but I used to be pretty opinionated about motherhood, and when to have children, how many you should have and how far apart they should be spaced.

I'm not going to mince words here, I used to think that mothers who had children 18 months in age or closer were whacked out of their minds. Whether those childbirths were accidental or intentional, no one, and I mean no one, in their right mind would want children so close in age. I don't care how sleep deprived you are, logical people just don't think like that.

Then, I became a mother.

After several blissful months of caring for and loving the most easy-going baby sent to earth, I was hooked. I need another one. Right. A. Way.

I was addicted to my baby.

I needed another fix.

It was bitter sweet to see her grow and develop so quickly.

Why can't they be frozen in their cute little bodies?

Worried that the second time around getting pregnant would take another nine years (yes, it took almost nine years for us to get our first), we decided on baby number two much sooner than we would have had we known my body would get pregnant easily.

Both shocked and excited with pregnancy number two, we were well on our way to becoming the ideal American family of four.

Four is good. It's an even number. All basic dinner tables have seating for four. The average American home has three bedrooms, (ideal for a couple and two children). If you ever win a trip somewhere, almost always, the prize is for a family of four.

So why would I consider making our family an odd number?

Maybe it's because my eight month old baby always smells like bubble gum. Maybe it's because his cheeks are so soft and kissable. It could be because he just sprouted his first tooth after waking up so happy with adorable bed head.

I'm not sure, but something is pulling at me saying, "You need another one. He is developing so fast (my son is only eight months old . . .), YOU NEED ANOTHER FIX."

So I get it now. It's like you don't have a choice. You just start listening to the voices in your heart and go for it.

Like I said before, this is not an announcement in any way, shape, or form (don't even read through the lines). All I'm saying, is that my new-open-minded-non-judgmental-self GETS IT.

You want to have seven children all spaced 11 months apart?

I won't judge.

Digital Scrapbook characters

2009-03-26T11:03:00.003-05:00

Like so many others this year, my friend Jon lost his job. With 5 kids, a wife, and a mother in law to take care of, his savings is dwindling quickly while he looks for more employment. Jon is an amazing artist. For years his work graced the windows of many Cache Valley business. So if you absolutely love these Chubby Animals, then please help Jon and his family by spending the $3 to purchase these character. (I told him I'd love to see Zoo Animals too - so we'll keep you posted)
Just click here to go to We Are Storytellers to see them!

Wiping Snotty Noses Really Does Matter

2009-03-25T08:12:00.002-05:00

I've been having one of those days. You know the kind. The days when you do a lot of stuff (or so it seems) but you have nothing to show for all your hard work when the day is over?

My kids are great sleepers. This I can't complain about. I know many women would LOVE to have their kids take scheduled naps. Or heck, any nap, for any length of time. I only feel a tiny bit guilty requesting one thing of my little Dallin and Hannah . . .

Would it be possible to take your naps at the same time?

Honestly.

I spend all day like this: (after every second item you can insert, wipe snotty noses and change poopie diapers)

Get up.

Dallin is awake.

But only for one hour.

Feed him.

Put him back to bed for an hour.

Then Hannah wakes up.

She starts talking the second her eyes open.

Get her dressed.

Feed her.

Take Paris out.

Feed her too.

Check email.

Dallin is now awake from his first morning nap.

Hannah and Dallin play while I start laundry.

Dallin is tired again.

Listening to Hannah talk all morning is tiring.

He goes down for a second morning nap.

Hannah is still talking.

And playing.

And rearranging the chairs in the kitchen.

Making a fort.

Dallin wakes up again.

They both eat lunch.

Hannah goes down for a long nap.

Dallin is up for the long haul.

He is busy.

VERY BUSY.

Always finding something to get into.

He get's stuck standing in precarious spots.

I am tired.

Maybe I should get ready for the day.

Or at least brush my teeth.

Maybe I should wash my face too.

Hannah wakes up.

Dallin is ready for nap number three.

Hannah makes more forts.

She plays with all my kitchen utensils.

Dallin wakes up again.

Just in time for dinner.

Dave may or may not be home. (He works a light 70 hours a week at the hospital.)

The kids have one hour together before they both go to bed for the night.

And then the house is silent and I kind of want go into their rooms and kiss them.

Because I miss them.

I'm not making any sense.

But this did make sense when I explained it to my sister. You see, when I have a problem, complaint, exciting news, or nothing to talk about at all, I call my sister Jenn. We actually chat on the phone old school style. (Rarely do we email each other even though email is the preferred way I chat with others.)

We can chat for hours.

David, Hannah, and my mother-in-law can attest to this.

Where was I? Where am I going with this?

Oh yeah, I was, in essence, complaining about not having any personal time. No "Emily time." No time to think to myself, do something for myself, or heck, enjoy an afternoon nap with the kids. (See, wouldn't that be nice? All three of us sleeping at once?)

So, as I was describing my daily routine to Jenn, she told me a about a quote she has on her fridge by General Authority N. Eldon Tanner. ( He was from before my time.) She looks at it every day.

A mother has far greater influence on her children than anyone else, and she must realize that every word she speaks, every act, every response, her attitude, even her appearance and manner of dress affect the lives of her children and the whole family. It is while the child is in the home that he gains from his mother the contribution he will make to society."

The phrases "every response" and "her attitude" have stood out to me loud and clear the last few days. This quote has made me think about my response to my kitchen being a big fort all day, and being happy about it.

Free Digital Recipe Card Download from CottageArts

2009-03-13T14:23:00.002-05:00

I really hate to put anything above that beautiful video! But you need to check out these free recipe cards available at CottageArts.net - and if you haven't signed up for the newsletter - seriously, what are you waiting for. It's filled with great ideas, the latest products, and freebies! Designer Trish even used my pre-made page template from the Life's Journey album I designed with Michelle as the background. Super cute! See it on the CottageArts blog with a quick click to download the freebie!

CREATE!

2009-03-10T13:33:00.004-05:00

Don't you love this talk?! A friend posted this video on her blog, and I just sat there and cried for joy. I had been grumpy

all morning, but it never fails -- when I feel the Spirit, I become just a little bit better. Here's to being a little bit better!!!

Preach My Gospel FHE Lesson - How sweet is repentance!

2009-03-09T16:08:00.001-05:00

I am working now to update the archive of our FHE lessons on Preach My Gospel. Visit the post here to access the ones that are done.

Tonight's lesson will be on Preach My Gospel Lesson 3, Heading 3 "Repentance."

This lesson uses the beautiful, powerful story from the Book of Mormon about the Lamanites who repented and buried their weapons. I love this story!

It also teaches about the bitter feelings of remorse and guilt we have when we sin, using chocolate (unsweetened and regular) to help your family compare those feelings to the sweet, peaceful feelings of being forgiven.

How everlastingly grateful I am for the Atonement of Jesus Christ! How overwhelmingly amazed I am that He would choose to feel those bitter, awful pangs of sin so that I can repent! I know He did this because He loves us. He is our Redeemer and our Savior.

Preparing this lesson was a joy and a reminder to me to repent more often. It is already paid for, and infinitely worth it!

Link to Lesson 3 Heading 3 pdf ~ "Sweet Repentance"

Mother's Who Know

2009-03-04T09:23:00.001-06:00

Preach My Gospel FHE Lessons Archive

2009-03-02T09:01:00.001-06:00

I thought it would be helpful to gather all of these into one post, especially since I haven't managed to be regular about posting them!
-- Here's a link to my original post about why we started using these for FHE lessons and my feelings about using Preach My Gospel to teach my children. --
I will update this post with the new links whenever I post a new lesson. We have a bunch more done, just not uploaded and linked yet. Here's what we have so far. . . .
Note: We take turns preparing the lessons for Family Home Evening, so there is a wide variety in lesson style for these! If it's one I prepared it tends to be more elaborate. If it's one my 10-year-old son prepared, it tends to be very simple. :)

Preach My Gospel
Lesson 1 - The Message of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Heading 1 "God is Our Loving Heavenly Father"
Heading 2 "The Gospel Blesses Families"
Heading 3 "Heavenly Father Reveals His Gospel in Every Dispensation"
Heading 4 "The Savior's Earthly Ministry"
Heading 5 "The Great Apostasy"
Heading 6 "The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Joseph Smith"
Heading 7 "The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ"
Heading 8 "Pray to Know the Truth through the Holy Ghost"

Lesson 2 - The Plan of Salvation

Heading 1 "Pre-Earth Life: God's Purpose and Plan for Us"
Heading 2 "The Creation"
Heading 3 "Agency and the Fall of Adam and Eve"
Heading 4 "Our Life on Earth"
Heading 5 "The Atonement"
Heading 6 "The Spirit World"
Heading 7 "The Resurrection, Judgment, and Immortality"
Heading 8 "Kingdoms of Glory"

Lesson 3 - The Gospel of Jesus Christ

Heading 1 "Through Christ We Can Be Cleansed From Sin"
Heading 2 "Faith in Jesus Christ"
Heading 3 "Repentance"
Heading 4 "Baptism, Our First Covenant"
Heading 5 "The Gift of the Holy Ghost"
Heading 6 "Endure to the End"

Lesson 4 - The Commandments

Part 1 "Obedience"
Part 2 "Pray Often"
Part 3 "Study the Scriptures"
Part 4 "Keep the Sabbath Day Holy"

thinking back...

2009-02-05T14:21:00.002-06:00

It was 25 years ago today that I was confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, in sacrament meeting by my father. The day before, I stepped into the font in the Cardenas Ward building in Panama (the country) and was baptized by my father. It had been about 10 years since he had joined the church, so it was full circle for him. I remember how cold the water was and that we forgot my towel. My mom made me a beautiful white dress to wear that day but I had to wear one of those white jump suits for the actual baptism. I remember the warm feeling inside, feeling loved by my Heavenly Father. I know deep within that I made the right decision to be baptized then. I can't believe it's been 25 years. 25 more years of scripture study, prayer, church attendance, and serving in church callings. Next year, my daughter will have the opportunity to be baptized herself. And I hope that years from now, she too will know she made the right decision.

I served a mission and returned 10 years ago (as of next week) and I watched several people I taught get baptized. I've sat in the temple with a few of them. Some were there in the temple with me on my wedding day. I've had the privilege of seeing photos of them baptizing their children. That is when you know what you taught really stayed in their hearts, because they received it by the Holy Ghost. I know they know that they made the right decision. As I reflect on all of these things, my heart is filled with joy and I know that the Savior feels joy when he sees us making the right decisions. Have you ever thought of that? Being able to bring joy to the Savior. Sometimes I just think of the Garden. Today I am thinking about the joy.

An inspirational quote

2009-02-05T11:22:00.001-06:00

The beginning of last week, I was reading through some conference talks and I came across a quote that I just can't get out of my mind. Not that I want too. I love this quote! So I thought I would share it.

"In the strength of the Lord, I can do all things."

Sister Elaine Dalton

We, as women are always trying to overcome something. Big or small. Whether it's a trial, whether it's pushing ourselves to become better at something, whether it's just making it through the day. There is always something. I know with all of my heart, that with Heavenly Father by our side, we truly can do all things. We can make it through all of the trials that he sends our way and endure all that he asks of us to endure. He wants to be there to help us do it. He doesn't expect us to do it on our own and he isn't going to ask us to do anything that we can't do. Even when we feel like we can't. During every stage of our life, there is going to be something to overcome. Ten years from now, it will be something different than it is today. Ten years from now, we will still have our Heavenly Father by our side, telling us that we can do it. That we can do all things!

Cold Day Activity.

2009-02-04T14:33:00.001-06:00

My friend gave me a great cooking with kids cookbook this weekend. Yesterday, Stella and I just couldn't help ourselves. We just had to try one of the recipes. So we made...

Homemade Face Paint

It was so easy and fun to use. We turned Stella into a butterfly. I loved watching her pretend all afternoon to be just that. This was a wonderful activity. It makes plenty to use on another day, and it washes off beautifully.

The Recipe:

1/2 Cup Cornstarch

1/4 Cup Cold Cream(I used Ucerin Cream because I had that on hand)

1/4 C. cold water

Food coloring

Mix Cornstarch and Cream together until well blended. Stir in water. Then separate in to the bowls depending on how many colors you would like. Add food coloring one drop at a time, and stir well.

I used a fine paint brush to paint her face.

You can store the left overs in the fridge covered with saran wrap to be used again.

When you are ready to remove it, wash it gently off with a warm wash cloth. I didn't even use soap, and it came right off.

I can't wait to paint up a new adventure.

What Being a Woman Means to Me

2009-01-30T17:21:00.002-06:00

This past Sunday, I was asked to speak to the Mia Maids & Laurels in my ward. The topic they gave me was "The Joys of Being a Woman/What Being a Woman Means to Me". Hum...the "joys" of being a woman...would that include the spreading hips that come with pregnancy, or maybe the sleepless nights that come after the baby is born, or changing a million diapers a day, or breaking up at least 33 fights an hour, or my new favorite...cleaning gum off the carpet!?!

Anyway, I decided to sit down & make a list of little joys that I've had throughout my life because I am a woman. I posted it on my personal blog & had a lot of women say it was exactly what they needed to read that day, so I decided I would post it on here as well. So, here you go (it starts at birth & works its way up to motherhood)...

Being a woman means that, as a baby, I can be blessed in a beautiful white dress
Being a woman means my mom gets to glue cute bows on top of my bald head so that no one thinks I’m a boy
Being a woman means I get to wear cute frilly dresses
Being a woman means that I can hold tea parties with my friends & teddy bears
Being a woman means I get to play dress up & wear my mom’s high heels and my grandma’s wigs
Being a woman means that I get to watch all the Disney princess movies & dream about MY Prince Charming that will come someday
Being a woman means that I can dress in pink from head to toe & TOTALLY pull it off
Being a woman means playing with Barbie dolls & listening to my Whitney Houston records (What? It was the early 80s, give me break!)
Being a woman means I get to look up to my mom & dream about the day when I, too, will be a mom
Being a woman means that I can be a friend and example to my sisters
Being a woman means that I can be baptized...& then make everyone wait afterwards while my mom blow dries my hair for 10 minutes
Being a woman means that I get to join Young Womens when I turn 12 and get away from the “annoying boys”
Being a woman means that I can attend Young Womens camp every year…which is WAY more fun than scout camp
Being a woman means that I have the ability to be outgoing & make friends with anyone I meet
Being a woman means that I can wear my hair a variety of ways…long, short, curly, straight…whatever I want
Being a woman means doing my best in school to gain as much knowledge as I can
Being a woman means not having to shower together after PE like the boys do
Being a woman means actually using stalls in public bathrooms…YAY FOR PRIVACY!!!
Being a woman means I don’t have to collect fast offerings in the freezing cold!
Being a woman means that I can be a good friend
Being a woman means that I can be a good example to those friends
Being a woman means having sleepovers with my friends & staying up half the night talking about boys
Being a woman means that I can figure out what my talents are & then work on developing them
Being a woman means that I can learn more about my Heavenly Father & Jesus Christ through studying the scriptures daily
Being a woman means that I can smile at others as I walk down the halls in school
Being a woman means that I can sing into my hairbrush when I’m alone in my room
Being a woman means getting 100% on a test that I studied really hard for
Being a woman means that I can develop my own personal relationship with God & Jesus Christ through prayer
Being a woman means that I can babysit to earn money…which is a lot better than mowing lawns in the heat of summer
Being a woman means that I can serve in my Young Womens class presidency & help the other girls
Being a woman means that I can use yummy smelling shampoos & lotions
Being a woman means that I can have faith in my Heavenly Father & that I can help others increase their faith as well
Being a woman means that I can talk to my friends on the phone for hours…as long as my homework is already done
Being a woman means that I can go to chick flicks with my friends & then laugh when we’re all crying at the end
Being a woman means having integrity & the courage to stand up for what I believe in
Being a woman means that I can use makeup to cover up all my zits & use one of God’s greatest creations…mascara!
Being a woman means that I can develop my own testimony of the gospel, instead of relying on others’
Being a woman means I want to serve others, so that I know what Christ like love feels like
Being a woman means that I can learn all that I can about the gospel by attending church & seminary
Being a woman means that I can wear modest clothing & still looking smokin’ hot
Being a woman means that I can be asked out on dates
Being a woman means my date opens doors for me & pulls out my chair for me to sit down because I deserve it
Being a woman means that I can come home from that date & talk to my mom for an hour about it
Being a woman means I get to shop for a prom dress
Being a woman means that I can break up with a boyfriend for not treating me the way I deserve to be treated
Being a woman means that I am allowed to eat a pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream because of the aforementioned breakup
Being a woman means figuring out for myself what my divine potential can be
Being a woman means that I can exercise and take care of my body
Being a woman means I can accessorize, accessorize, accessorize!
Being a woman means that I can choose who I think would be best to lead our country & vote for that person
Being a woman means I don’t have to register for the draft like the boys, but can join the armed services if I choose
Being a woman means joining Relief Society & being part of the largest women’s organization on earth
Being a woman means having faith
Being a woman means having hope
Being a woman means having charity
Being a woman means serving God wherever I am needed
Being a woman means going to college & gaining as much knowledge as I can
Being a woman means realizing I can be anything I want to be as long as I’m willing to work hard to get there
Being a woman means that I can set a goal & really accomplish it
Being a woman means deciding whether or not I want to serve a mission
Being a woman means realizing that, even if I don’t serve a mission, I am a missionary everyday of my life
Being a woman means I can wear red, patent leather pumps
Being a woman means I can choose any career I want and probably do it as good as or better than any man would!
Being a woman means finding that Prince Charming that I’ve been dreaming about my whole life!
Being a woman means marrying my Prince Charming at the right time, in the right place & by the right authority
Being a woman means that I get to plan my wedding & feel like a princess for the day
Being a woman means that I can be a good visiting teacher
Being a woman means that I can be a good listener when someone needs to talk
Being a woman means I can support my husband & be his soft place to fall
Being a woman means I am the first one to see the result on the pregnancy test
Being a woman means being able to buy myself a whole new wardrobe…even if it IS maternity clothes
Being a woman means feeling my baby practice his soccer kick on my insides
Being a woman means sending my husband to Taco Bell at 3 am because “the baby” wants a chalupa
Being a woman means knowing my life will never be the same the second I see that new baby
Being a woman means I am the CEO of my family
Being a woman means that I am the one my boys come to when they are hurt or sad
Being a woman means that I am the first teacher & main influence in my children’s lives
Being a woman means realizing that through influencing my children, I influence the next generation of leaders
Being a woman means I can make sure my family is holding Family Home Evening, family prayer & family scripture study
Being a woman means making sure homework is done, carpool is driven & that there is a lunch in everyone’s backpack
Being a woman means being there when my children go to school & when they get home too
Being a woman means being my children’s biggest cheerleader
Being a woman means constantly putting the toilet seat down!!! Seriously...is it really that hard boys?
Being a woman means cleaning pee off the wall! Why do little boys (and sometimes big boys) have such bad aim?
Being a woman means that I can teach my boys how to work
Being a woman means that I can teach my boys to respect women…and to put the toilet seat down
Being a woman means everyone has to eat what I want to eat, because I’m the one that does the grocery shopping
Being a woman means that I can use PMS as an excuse for being grumpy
Being a woman means I can make a “honey do list” & then just sit back and “supervise”
Being a woman means that I can have a night out with my friends when I need a break
Being a woman means realizing that I need to put myself first sometimes, and not feel guilty about it
Being a woman means being able to wear pink from head to toe and STILL pull it off…even at 30!
Being a woman means being a leader in Heavenly Father’s church & realizing that I really can have an influence on others
Being a woman means realizing that I can be an “angel” in someone else’s life
Being a woman means that I can pull my family through any trial it may encounter & we can be stronger because of it
Being a woman means having lots of other women to look up to as role models
Being a woman means realizing that I am a role model for others
Being a woman means I can choose to be happy
Being a woman means that I can continue to gain wisdom everyday of my life
Being a woman means that I am one of God’s greatest creations (remember, a woman was God's final creation...after He had worked out all the kinks on the man)
Being a woman means REALLY realizing what it means to be a daughter of God & ACTING LIKE IT!

Afterwards, I blathered on for the rest of the time about something...but I, honestly, can't remember what I said exactly. Then, I closed with this quote from Elder Holland:

"I want you to be proud you are a woman. I want you to feel the reality of what that means, to know who you truly are. You are literally a spirit daughter of heavenly parents with a divine nature and an eternal destiny. That surpassing truth should be fixed deep in your soul and be fundamental to every decision you make as you grow into mature womanhood. There could never be a greater authentication of you dignity, your worth, your privileges, and your promise. Your Father in Heaven knows your name and knows you 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. Because of this divine heritage you, along with all your spiritual sisters and brothers, have full equality in His sight and are empowered through obedience to become a rightful heir in His eternal kingdom, an heir of God, and joint-heir with Christ."

How can you not read that without feeling like you are the coolest thing on the planet? While there are many things I don't like about being a woman, I've decided that there are MORE things that I do like about being one! I don't know if what I said helped the girls. But, I hope they left knowing how awesome it is to be a woman & that they have the potential, with Heavenly Father's help, to become all the wonderful things they are meant to be! So, here's to some girl power my sistas!!! We rock!

Digital Scrapbook Classes by CKmedia

2009-01-20T17:26:00.004-06:00

If you are interested in learning digital scrapbooking, or wanting to take it to a whole new level, let me recommend this:

click on this link to learn more

Registration begins June 3rd. I'll be there for sure ...

Free LOOT, FOR ALL OF YOU.

2009-01-20T08:07:00.003-06:00

No, not here, but go to Mormon Mommy Blogs to enter to win some great stuff!

Young Women Values

2009-01-18T18:00:00.003-06:00

In our Young Women we are trying to incorporate using the values more. So, I made these blocks. We are going to display them all together at big activities (New Beginnings, Young Women in Excellence, etc...) and then every month we'll have the value that we are highlighting sitting on our front table. They were pretty inexpensive. We used 1 2x6 piece of wood which was cut into 8" pieces and painted white. This cost about $3 at Home Depot. Then used vinyl letters, a lady in our ward cut them, but they would'nt have cost very much. The ribbon was our biggest expense but I was able to find most of it on clearance at Michael's.

Using "a carrot and a stick" in teaching your kids to Be Nice

2009-01-17T22:48:00.001-06:00

Or rather, "beans and rice".

This is another gem from my very own parents (see Super Kid post).

Do you ever feel like you are always asking your kids to do the same exact things? (put away your shoes, put away your backpack, put away your dirty socks, etc.) Or NOT to do the same exact things?! (please stop chewing with your mouth open, please stop provoking your brother, please stop singing the Thomas song, etc.) Can you tell I have all boys? :)

Do you ever feel sad that your sons don't open the door for you? Or that no one appreciates the okra stew you spent two hours making?

Do you ever wish that you could ask your children to do/not to do something without that sound of barely subdued rage in your voice?

Well, I do. (I actually don't make okra stew, though. That sounds faintly disgusting.)

Mom and Dad also got fed up with this type of repetitiveness in parenting, and devised the following method.

1. Get a bowl of beans (dry pinto beans) and a bowl of white rice

2. Get cute little containers, one for each of your children who are old enough to be expected to obey, and label them with their names.

3. Explain to your little sweethearts that there is a new game you'll be playing every day. And there will be a prize at the end of each day.

4. "Here are the rules: When you do something nice, I will give you a bean. When I ask you to do something and you cheerfully do it, I will give you a bean. When you do something REALLY nice without my asking (like hold the door open for me when I'm Primary President and trying desperately to carry armloads of handouts and my scriptures and your "reverence" stuff into the church without letting your little brother escape back to the parking lot), you get MORE, like maybe even FIVE BEANS.

"When you do something naughty, I give you a rice. When you disobey, I give you a rice (think: then make sure you obey! :).

"For each rice you have, you will lose two of your beans when we count them."

5. At the end of the day (I usually do this after supper, when they're still at the table), I bring over the cute little containers, and we tally up the scores. For each bean, I give the little sweethearts an MnM or a chocolate chip. Some days they don't get any! But usually they get probably around 15-20.

Another way of rewarding with the beans is to let them save up for something. Like, "when you have 50 beans, I'll take you to DQ for a dilly bar." (Or if you prefer something more healthy, "when you have 50 beans, I'll make you your very own pot of okra stew.")

Anyway. It's a great system! Our boys have started racing to the door to open it for me (good thing there are two sets into the church!) :)

Tweak this any way you would like. . . .whatever works in your family! It's nice to have a ready reward and a ready consequence even for the little things.

Thanks to Wikimedia Commons for the pix, except the "bean and rice cart" one is my very own.

Crock Pot Recipes

2009-01-17T19:21:00.002-06:00

I think that the Crock Pot (or slow cooker) is one of the best things ever invented. It can make life SO much easier. For me, it seems I have time to think about dinner early in the day but by the time it's time to make dinner, there is no time! So, this useful little tool solves my dilemma. There are so many YUMMY! recipes for them. One of my favorite recipe books is the "Fix It and Forget It, Lightly" book. I found mine at Sam's club for less than $10. I thought I would share a couple recipes that are super, super easy and just as yummy!

Swedish Meatballs (lower fat)

Meatballs (I use the ones from Sam's club they're about $12/bag)
fill the crock pot about 1/2 full with meatballs

2 cans of chicken broth (I use low sodium)

2 Tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce

Cook on low for 4+ hours.

About 15 minutes before serving, remove all meatballs and mix in 2 Tablespoons of corn starch and mix until lumps are gone.

Return meatballs to crock pot and let cook for 15 minutes or until sauce is thick. Serve over rice or noodles.

I got the original recipe from "Fix It and Forget It, Lightly" they made turkey meatballs it would be lower fat, but that was too much work for me! ;)

French Dip

2-4 pounds Sliced Roast Beef (frozen or from Deli)

2 cans beef broth

1 Au Jus seasoning pack

1 Italian Dressing packet (dry)

Put in crock pot and let cook until warmed all the way through. This can cook as long as you want it to.

Serve on rolls. Yummy!!!

I hope you like them. If you try them be sure to let me know if you and your family enjoyed them.

It's finally here!

2009-01-15T22:47:00.002-06:00

Remember this post? Angels in Real Life

Well, my album kits are now for sale. A portion of the profits are going to support cancer research through the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as well as the American Cancer Society. But you don't have to have a dramatic illness to want the albums. They are perfect for sharing your story of triumph over cancer or other illnesses, difficult times in your life, achievements you've worked hard for, everyday moments, and more. Of course, if you know someone who has or has had cancer, this is a great album on which to record their Journey through Cancer Treatment.

Here is what they look like. There is even a professional use license available for pro photographers and the like.
CottageArts

Here are the links to the albums:

Here are the links to the albums:
One
Two
Three
Four

Now I must tell you, Doris and Michelle made the papers and the elements. I put the albums together using their work and re-colored a few things and I made one or two bits and pieces myself. But can we give a high five to those talented ladies! And to Michelle for all her work with her site!

Silhouettes...

2009-01-14T22:30:00.001-06:00

I know these are floating all over the Internet right now. I have had them on my to-do list for months. I finally finished it, and it is so easy. Here is how I did mine:

1. Took some great profile shots of the kids.

2. Download them on your computer, and then import them into a program that allows you to make smaller or bigger. I used Photoshop Elements, and placed it on a 5x7 document(my frames are for a 8x10 picture, but I knew I wanted white space around it so 5X7 was perfect.)

3. Drag it to fill the whole page. Print it out on Card stock.

4. Cut around the profile.

5. Trace it on Black Card stock, and cut again.

6. Glue it on the center of white Card stock that is trimmed to fit your frame.

7. Place in your frame.

8. Hang on your wall, and enjoy.

P.S. I got my frames at Hobby Lobby. They were half off. That made them $8.00 a piece.

Happy Birthday Club and free Ice Cream!!!

2009-01-07T14:00:00.002-06:00

If you love Cold Stone Icecream as much as I do, then you'll want to sign up for their Birthday club and every year about a week before your birthday they'll send you a coupon via email for free ice cream. This time I enjoyed the Love It size creation (medium - which is more than enough!). I love this because it means I get to go at least 4 times a year and someone in our family is at least enjoying their treat for free. You can sign up every family member but unless things have changed, you have to use a different email for each person (which can be difficult when you have a lot of little ones). And it's nice because they don't send junk mail. Go here to sign up:
Cold Stone Creamery

Rocky Road Popcorn

2008-12-18T09:50:00.003-06:00

I just wanted to share this recipe with all of you. I've taken it to the church Christmas Party and served it at our Polar Express movie party in our theater room. And it was a hit!!! After some fine tuning I think we've got it where we really like it. I don't put the almonds in mine because I am allergic to nuts so I just call it Triple Chocolate Popcorn for me. If you need a higher resolution copy let me know. And you might take some copies of the recipe with you to hand out because you just might get asked...

fonts: American Typewriter and CK Becky - I made the popcorn elements and the background paper too.

Have a Merry Christmas!

Not another Healthy recipe that is for sure...

2008-12-16T09:51:00.001-06:00

I wanted to share this yummy recipe I tried the other night. It is not for you health conscious people out there. Do not get me wrong, I eat healthy most of the time, but every now and again you need to throw a fattening meal in there; just to remember what they taste like.

Chicken Chimichangas

with Cheese Sauce

1 Pound of cooked shredded chicken

1 8oz package Monterey Jack Cheese

1 80z Package of Cream Cheese(softened)

1 package Taco Seasoning

Mix the following together in a bowl, and then place a heaping spoonful inside the tortillas and roll up. You will need 8 flour tortillas. Then add enough vegetable oil to the bottom of a frying pan to cover the chimi's halfway. Cook on both sides until golden brown.

Meanwhile mix the following in a blender:

1 Can Cream of Chicken soup

1 Can fiesta nacho cheese soup

1 can diced green chilies

2 T. fresh lime juice

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped

Once mixed, pour into a saucepan, and heat. Serve over the browned chimis, and top with sour cream and green onion.(optional)

My husband loved these, and said they were better then any that he has eaten at any Mexican restaurant. Enjoy!

FHE Chart Ideas

2008-12-11T20:28:00.004-06:00

I've been working on a few crafts for Christmas gifts that I can't post yet, but here is one I have done for our family. I realize my family is not this big yet, so for now we will just double up our pictures. I have little tiles that I will put our pictures on and hang from the knobs with ribbon. Then we will just rotate them each week. This idea can also be used for a chore chart! and it would make a great Christmas gift.
.

Fun (and Frugal!) Idea for Making an Advent Calendar

2008-12-03T08:37:00.001-06:00

I know it's already December 3rd, but I couldn't resist this delightful idea, and wanted to share it with ya'll.

It's from Chris at Just a Girl. She guest-posted the instructions on another blog here.

She used matchboxes, spray-painting the inside piece and covering the outside, so it can be used year after year.

Each box has an idea for something fun and Christmas-y for the family to do together. (I'm thinking to borrow some ideas from past December Friend magazines for ours!)

Speaking of Angels...

2008-11-28T19:29:00.002-06:00

I recieved an email today from a woman named Marika. She shared a song with me that she worte about Angels; specifically children who are angels. It talks about what they would be doing if they were angels on Christmas night. I thought this was a cute addition to our blog.

Thank you Marika!!
It is beautiful.

Angels - in real life

2008-11-25T00:00:00.002-06:00

Attention digital scrapbookers - free digital kit downloads from Summertime Designs. I love her work. But first check this out:

First you have to take a minute and read about this little angel:
Baby Bree

Then you have to read about the Angel in Charge of This Effort.

And then you HAVE to read about all the other amazing Angels that came to their rescue.

Being a cancer survivor myself (December 7th will mark 2 years in remission for me) I can attest to the fact that it's the little things that make all the difference in the world. The Angel/Person that listens to the Spirit and just drops by to say 'hi' who has no idea how lonely you are. The person that praises you for your courage to go bald in public. The person that mows your lawn so your husband can play with the kids and you can nap. The person that brings two take and bake pizza's over 'just because'. The person who invites you over to a scrapbook night so you can get out for a change. The person that drives you to your next doctors appointment. Cancer/Chemo/Radiation/Medicine take so much out of you as you live only moment by moment. I can't imagine being a 7 month old with cancer and or being the parent who works tirelessly to save your life. But I can tell you, Angels do exist. I have seen them and every little tiny bit helps.

I am releasing a kit, a pre-made album of sorts, this week at Cottage Arts that is designed for cancer patients and their families to record their story. All you have to do is add your photos and text. There are three pages of Word Art and two BONUS card designs and 26 pages as well as a full cover design should you choose to print it at Shutterfly. Although I must say it's just so cute (hey, I put the album together - I did not design the papers) that anyone could use it. You don't have to use all of the word art the way I did. That's why we left it separate. It would make an awesome Christmas Gift for ANYONE! And guess what, I also made 6 instructional videos just for this album. So anyone who uses Photoshop Elements or Photoshop can use it. I will post the link as soon as it is up - we are hoping Wednesday. And if you want to, feel free to post info on your personal blogs about this digital scrapbooking kit. I also want you to know this, Michelle, owner of CottageArts, has a mother who has undergone treatment for breast cancer. She just retired in May from nursing. And the day I sent the first page designs to Michelle, she told me they'd been at the hospital all day with her mom and the cancer has spread to her bones. She arrived at the Mayo Clinic yesterday for testing and will start a new treatment plan tomorrow. One in three people will have cancer in their lifetime. So let's be each others angels, especially this time of the year, whether you buy this kit, help Summer's friend, pray specifically for another person, and/or do something nice for someone else. Believe me your prayers can be felt. And so will your kindness!

A fun little paper craft...

2008-11-20T20:40:00.001-06:00

In January of 2008 I switched from paper scrapbooking to digital scrapbooking. When I told people, the first sentence out of their mouth was; "What are you going to do with all that scrapbook stuff?" Well here is an example of what I will do with all that stuff. I had so much fun making this, and I created it in just a few hours.

I hung it in my kitchen window to adorn it during the holiday season. It says believe, and I think it is a wonderful word to ponder over this time of year. The night we put up our Christmas tree, I am going to talk to the kids about this word and let it be our theme for Christmas this year.

I specifically want the children to believe that a baby was born in a manger, and that he lived and died for us. We will talk about this as they unwrap their own Nativity that I had my mom buy them for Christmas. It is so cute. I wanted them to have a Nativity of their own that they could drop, pick up, and play with. After they unwrap the Nativity, I am going to let them tell us the story of the Savior's birth using the Nativity figures.

Christmas is such a magical time of year.... I BELIEVE that we can all choose to make it a memorable one as we focus on what the true meaning really is. I want my children to BELIEVE more in magic of the season, and the true reason for the season. Don't get me wrong, I still want my kids to BELIEVE in that man with the beard who comes down the chimney. I am not ready to give that up yet, but I hope to put less emphasis on that this year.

My Holiday goals are to:

1. Make the Holidays relaxing and joyful as we share them with our family.
2. Create meaningful traditions, that put more emphasis on the Savior's birth.
3. Make sure my children understand why we celebrate Christmas.

What are your Holiday expectations?

Thankful Tree

2008-11-17T15:15:00.005-06:00

You might remember seeing this in a previous post...

Tonight it's going to become this...
This is our Thankful Tree. For a family home evening last year, the kids helped me cut out those leaves (I saved them) and we wrote what we were thankful for. This year I'm going to switch it up a bit. This will be our family home evening activity for tonight, but we are going to keep adding leaves to it each night. We will end it around the table during Thanksgiving dinner. This little tree of ours is going to end up having a ton of leaves and I will probably be searching high and low for more branches to add, but it will be festive and fun. I might make the leaves a little cuter this year and make them different shapes and add some pretty ribbon to it...we'll see what I can get accomplished in the next couple of hours before FHE and how many helping hands I have! :)

Fun Gift Idea For Christmas

2008-11-15T12:42:00.004-06:00

My son experienced playdough for the first time about a month ago in his little Nursery class at Church. A few weeks ago I decided to make some. I googled and found this great recipe! In the comments people were saying it only lasts for a week or so, then it becomes too sticky, but I have had mine for a month now and it is still in perfect shape, just follow the directions carefully and it will work.

A couple months ago I went to a craft fair and they had some cute little kid aprons with lots of pockets for cooking tools. I made one tonight using the leg of an old pair of jeans I had that had a hole in the knee. Not the greatest apron, I was kinda' winging it..I need a pattern before I make any more, but it works! And my son will keep his clothes clean! I love recycling!

Then I found this cute little baking set in the dollar bins at Target..it was $2.50, but sooo cute and the kids thought it was great. It comes with a rolling pin, spoon, a bunch of cookie cutters that are perfect for little kids -and wire whisk (which doesn't work too well for play dough, but the rest of it does!) My son and his little friends have had fun playing with it.

Easy Belts for Kids!

2008-11-15T12:35:00.002-06:00

I love getting hand-me-downs for our son. Since clothes can be costly (especially on a student budget) we greatly appreciate, have, and continue to receive them from a few different neighbors (thank you), then we use and pass them on to someone else! At this age they grow out of clothes so quick that the clothes are usually still in great shape. Since he is between sizes right now, all of his pants are a little bit too big, but I don't want to buy any either because he already has so many. I have been looking everywhere for a belt that would fit my little guy (18 months) and finally decided to make some. Even if I had found ANY, they probably would have cost $8-$10. These were VERY inexpensive ($2 I think) and SO quick to make. Hooray! Now we can keep the pants up!

I found the belt loops at Jo-Anns. The buckles were in the 'make your own purse' section, but they were the smallest I could find in the store and a perfect size for a little guy, or gal! I used a crop-a-dile for setting the eyelets in the belt for the buckle holes. The other buckles are in the buckle section. Hope you can use this idea!

Free Photo Book!

2008-11-13T13:26:00.003-06:00

Did any of you watch Oprah yesterday? I happened to turn Oprah on at the right time when she announced a great giveaway for all viewers. Snapfish is giving away a free photo book to everyone! Click here and create your free book! It must be uploaded by midnight Sunday. I have made several digital photo books before, but I have always used My Publisher (which I have loved) and out of curiosity, I have wanted to try other digital photo book companies to see different layouts and styles. Now we all can, FOR FREE!

Perspective

2008-11-03T23:23:00.002-06:00

I just spent the last 2 hours researching the candidates and issues to solidify my opinions before I go stand in line to vote tomorrow. My research was quite depressing. Taxes, education, healthcare, the economy. All these words put a pit in my stomach. I was reminded why I avoid thinking too much about politics, but I know it is important to be informed and exercise our agency by voting.

After wallowing in my misery, I watched the slide show previously posted about Christ and His life. My perspective immediately changed as I was reminded of our Savior and the Plan of Happiness. I know our prayers are answered by a loving Heavenly Father. We are watched over and loved. What a comfort that is during these stressful times. What really matters is that we love one another and ease one another's burdens, just as the Savior did. I'm grateful for the Eternal Perspective the gospel of Jesus Christ give us. May we do those things daily that remind us to keep an eternal perspective!

Why Do We Care About Proposition 8?

2008-11-01T21:26:00.006-05:00

My sister in California has been actively involved in promoting Proposition 8 over the past few months. She and her husband have gone door to door and made phone calls informing California residents about the importance of voting YES and the impact on society if it does not pass. This last weekend, she (and many members of her ward) held picket signs at a busy intersection to spread the word and create a buzz. Not all motorists were enthused with her position, but overall, the response was positive.

I came across this blog that mirrors my opinion completely. Please click here to read this author's insight about Proposition 8.

Cut the Crazy

2008-10-30T06:49:00.002-05:00

I posted this on my blog, but I really felt like I wanted you all to see it. Things are changing, and I think it is so important we keep our perspective, what a wonderful way this is to do it.
My friend Debbie is starting her class at Big Picture Scrapbooking today. I am so excited for her and Georgana! I wish I was able to take this class, these ladies are amazing and this concept is amazing. If you can, go take the class. It's on line and it costs $30 and I'm sure it will be wonderful. Debbie also started a new blog, wow, I love it! Make sure you read the post about "Unplug the Christmas Machine" it really makes you think.
I think this Christmas is going to be different for a lot of people (you know that economy thing),but I think that makes this concept that much more important. I think we may all be realizing this very important concept; "He puzzled and puzzled till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas... perhaps... means a little bit more!" Here's wishing you all a delightful upcoming Christmas season! Enjoy the things that are most important to you.

Who wants five bucks?

2008-10-29T21:48:00.005-05:00

Each year, the day after Halloween my children are offered $5 in exchange for their Halloween candy. I allow them to pick 10 pieces, and then they sell it to me for $5.

It is actually a win-win situation for them. You see, they get to pick a treat from our "task treats basket" each day after school. IF... and only IF... they've completed the seven tasks on their task chart before heading off to school.

Getting dressed
Putting PJ's away
Saying prayers
Eating breakfast
Making bed
Brushing teeth
Having hair done

If tasks are accomplished they get a really awesome sweet treat to go along with their Healthy after school snack. They always get the Healthy snack, regardless of what they have accomplished.

This year, their leftover Halloween candy will be used to fill up the "task treats bucket." So, they are actually getting to eat it. However, it is on my terms instead of theirs, which would be eat until they get SICK and/or my dentist bill is outrageous.

Thank Heaven for Grace!

2008-10-29T11:28:00.003-05:00

I've seen this a couple times over the last few months, and I just love it. I love the music - I've been thinking alot about how to learn about Christ, to focus more on Christ, and become more like Him. I know we're usually our own worst critics, but I've been feeling particularly inadequate lately. I keep remembering wise words from one of the wonderful women in my congregation at church -- to paraphrase, "If you feel like you aren't enough, like you can't do enough or be enough, it's okay, because it's true. That is why we have the Savior. It is only with Him that we are enough, that we can do enough, that we can be enough." I love the words, "Oh, to Grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be. Let Thy Goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to Thee. Prone to wander - Lord, I feel it! Prone to leave the God I love.... Here's my heart -- oh take and seal it for thy courts above."

I love that the images in this slideshow are photographs -- so real. It reminds me that He really lived, and still lives today. It reminds me that His miracles are real, and were not just for the past, but are also for my present.

Now if I can just remember that the next time I break up a fight between my kids or the next time I have to tell them something 5 (or 10 or 20) times before they obey or the next time I have to clean up the spilled juice/milk/vegetables/soup/main dish off the floor after another unsuccessful attempt to get my three year old to EAT HIS DINNER....

Thank Heavens for GRACE!

Halloween Cookies

2008-10-25T11:05:00.002-05:00

Every Halloween, the kids and I make sugar cookies. I have been told that my recipe is one of the best. I stumbled upon it right after Jonathan and I were married and I must say they are delicious; but I am a COOKIE LOVER!!

Sugar Cookie Recipe
1 t. soda, and 1 C. Sour cream mixed together and set aside

Combine:
1 1/2 C. sugar
1/2 C. shortening
1/2 C. butter
2 eggs
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1 t. vanilla

Once the sour cream has become fluffy, add that to the mix. Then add 3 to 4 C. of flour.
Chill dough for atleast one hour. The roll it out and cut into desired shapes.

Bake for 8-10 minutes at 350.

Frosting:
1/4 cup of softened butter
a dab of milk
1 t. vanilla
powdered sugar to desired consistency
Secret ingredient: 1 t. almond extract

YUM!! DELICIOUS!!

Be Bold...

2008-10-25T10:53:00.004-05:00

About a year or so ago when we were living in Kansas City, I had a missionary tell me that we must be bold in our missionary efforts. AHHH!! It is so hard to be bold. Since that time, I have prayed for missionary opportunities and the courage to be bold.

This week I was able to be just that;BOLD!! During a conversation with some friends, I invited them to church for the 25th time. They explained that they are finally happy with the church they have just settled in to. They have been on the hunt for some time, but have not wanted to try ours. I looked at him and said,"I am here to tell you that we belong to the true church." He said, "Everyone thinks they belong to the true church." I said, "Okay, but don't come crying to me in heaven when you find out I am right, because I told you." We laughed about it, but I have to believe that my words will remain in his heart. It is all about planting those seeds, and in this day and age we must be BOLD about it.

It is so hard to explain to someone that there is nothing for me to gain in you coming to church. I don't get a percentage of the church funds, I don't get a pink cadillac, and I won't be moved to a paid position. I may receive more blessings(which is wonderful). If the people we love only knew that we just want them to KNOW what we Know, and believe what we believe, and do as we do. The gift of knowing is what brings peace and joy to our soul.

So.. I challenge you to be BOLD. Our missionary efforts are so important right now at this time.

Budgeting 101

2008-10-23T18:42:00.007-05:00

As I watch the news everyday, I am blown away by the economic situation our country is in right now. I found myself asking, "How did we get here?" I guess we can blame the mortgage giants, or Barney Frank, or the congress, or President Bush...but the truth is that the problem started with everyday Americans. Our country has lived beyond our means for decades. Had we not bought homes that were too expensive, purchased cars that we couldn't afford, and charged oodles of things to credit cards that we didn't have the money to pay for, this situation would not be happening.

This post is depressing, I know. But, I believe that it is something we need to talk about. We can't change the bad decisions that have been made in the past...but we CAN change the decisions we make in the future. We need to start living within our means...starting TODAY. The first step to living within our means, I believe, is to make a budget. I know, I know...you hear the word "budget" and tune me out. Who wants to live with restrictions like that? Well...ME for one. I actually LOVE budgeting. Crazy, I know. I absolutely adore it! I was lucky enough to take a "Family Finance" course while at BYU. It seriously changed my life! If I were to go back and choose a different career, I think I would have become a financial advisor. Figuring out money situations is almost a game for me. It's me versus the Benjamins...and I WILL win! (That's my competitive side coming out) I think EVERY family, whether you make 25K or 250K a year, needs to live within a budget! It really is the key to financial freedom & achieving the goals that you want for your family.

My husband & I used to teach the "Marriage & Family Relations" class in church up until a few months ago. One of the lessons is about managing family finances and is based around Elder Tanners's talk, "Constancy Amid Change". It's an awesome talk. If you want to read it, the link is here. Anyway, everytime I got done teaching this lesson, I would have at least 2 or 3 couples come up to me & ask me to teach them how to budget. I was amazed at how many people did not have a budget and had no clue how to even start setting one up. Because of this, I made up a simple step-by-step form (based on the college course I took) of how to set up a budget. Considering the situation our country is in right now, I thought I would share it with all of you. Here you go...

Steps to Creating a Successful Budget

Step 1:
Make a goal. Something you want that you don’t have now (i.e. more savings, family vacation, build up your food storage, finish your basement, get out of debt, etc.) This is probably the most important step. If you have a goal that both partners want & are willing to work toward, living within a budget becomes easy & almost kind of fun.

Step 2:
Track your expenses for at least two weeks. Write down EVERYTHING (even if it’s just 50 cents in the pop machine). You'll be surprised by how much money you waste on things you really don't need.

Step 3:
Decide what you can live without. At the end of two weeks, sit down and look at the money you’ve spent. Go through the list of expenditures and decide what can go. Can you pack a lunch to take to work instead of eating out? Can you go without that soft drink everyday? Can you eat out a little less than you are now? Do you really need that pair of new shoes every month? Do your children really need to be dressed in Baby Gap clothes every day of their life? Etc.

Step 4:
Divide your expenses into three groups: bills, needs, wants

Example:

Bills
Tithing (Yes, this is a bill...the first one you pay)
Fast Offerings (This too)
Mortgage
Utilities
Car Payment
Car Insurance
Phone
Etc.

Needs (These are things your family CAN NOT live without...nothing more)
Groceries
Gas
Clothing
Etc.

Wants
Savings
Entertainment
Gifts
Hobbies
Vacation
Home Improvements
Misc. Stuff
Etc.

Step 5:
Add up the amount of money you spend on all bills & needs (not wants) each month. Then figure out how much money you bring home after taxes each month. Do you bring home more or less than you spend on bills/needs each month? If you bring home more than you spend, you’re in good shape. If you’re bringing home less, figure out what can go or what you can get for cheaper. Example: Can you sell your car and get one with a lower monthly payment? Can you get other quotes on insurance to see if there is another company that is cheaper? Do you really need a cell phone or can you live without? Can you live with fewer TV channels in order to get a cheaper monthly rate? Do you need to sell your house for something smaller and less expensive? (These things are good to ask yourself even if you still have money left after paying bills/needs. Every dollar you save here is a dollar you can put toward a goal you want to achieve.)

Step 6:
If you have money left over after paying all bills/needs, then you can move on to your wants. You should rank your wants by importance. For example, savings should probably be more important than going on vacation. Give each want a $$ value. For example, a family finds that they have $500 left over each month after paying all bills/needs. By tracking their expenses, they figure out that most that money is going to eating out ($125 a month), miscellaneous expenses ($75) & hobbies ($300). However, they would like to save more money for an emergency savings fund, start saving for retirement & save money for a family vacation in a few years. They decide to put $100 a month in their emergency savings fund, $200 a month in a company 401K, & $50 a month in a vacation fund. To compensate, they decide to only spend $50 a month on eating out (rather than the $125 they were spending before), $50 on miscellaneous expenses (instead of $75), & only $50 a month on their hobbies (a BIG sacrifice from the $300 they were spending before. But, they decide that sacrifice is worthwhile because they would rather be able to build up their savings & eventually go on a vacation). This is just an example that came out of one of my text books, it in no way tells you how YOU should allocate your money.

Step 7:
Write your budget down and then continue to keep track of your expenses. Example: Every time you go out to dinner, write it down. Once you hit your limit, discipline yourself and don’t eat out for the rest of the month.

Step 8:
Sit back and enjoy the reward of watching your money go further than you thought it could ever go…and achieving the goal you made in Step 1!

There you go...8 simple steps. Take them or leave them, but I know that they have helped my family to track our money & make sure it's going to things that are important to us.

Ironically, our church leaders warned us during both General Conferences in 2005 that this situation would be coming & that we needed to get our homes & finances in order. (Get out your old Ensigns and read through them...it will shock you how much it was talked about). Hopefully, if we didn't listen to them then, we will listen to them now. Living within our means is the key to financial freedom & temporal preparedness. If every family in America started living within their means TODAY, we could prevent a financial crisis like this from happening again.

(Sorry this was such a depressing post, I promise something a little more upbeat next time!) :)

2008-10-21T18:29:00.010-05:00

Here is what we are doing for our next "Get R' Done" Enrichment group. I still have quite a list of crafts I want to do, but think this is a fun, cheap, easy one and a great gift idea for Christmas! They were easy and fun to make. You could make them to say.."Faith, Hope, Charity", or "Eat, Play, Sleep", or "Splish, Splash, (picture of a bathtub)", or anything else you can come up with.
With a Cricut Machine and a little vinyl, the possibilities are endless!

Halloween Costume

2008-10-21T18:00:00.003-05:00

Last year my son was a "Hot Red Chili Pepper" for Halloween. I found the costume at a 2nd hand children's store for $4. Great money saving tip! $4 vs. $15 for a costume they'll use once or twice!

This year he'll be a dinosaur! I made the costume from some pajamas and some felt I already had on hand. I also already had a green ear muff hat so I just sewed some triangles and stuffed them onto the pajamas and hat and tail (that I also stiched) and voila! Easy, cheap and so cute! I used light stitches so I can take them out when he's done and he can still use the hat and pajamas all winter! The greens don't match perfectly, but they are good enough for 1 night costume anyway!

Quinoa

2008-10-20T18:28:00.002-05:00

In our Enrichment Food Group this week, a couple of our sisters taught us how to cook using Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah). Have you heard of it? It is an amazing little "Super Grain". The Incas called it the "Mother Grain"

Our information says it is "packed full of protein (9 amino acids - making it a complete protein), calcium (more than milk), Omega 3 Fatty acids, a good source of manganese (necessary for metabolizing calcium), Vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorous, iron and copper and Fiber (1/4 cup has between 5-6.5 grams of fiber).

The sisters bore their testimonies about following the Word of Wisdom more fully and the blessings that come by eating meat sparingly and adding more grains into our diets.

"Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly;

"And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine.

"All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth" (Doctrine and Covenants 89:12-14)

You can use Quinoa for substitutes... meat substitute in ground meat recipes, grains in rice recipes, and for beans in Mexican recipes. You can add it to soups, salads, salsas, breads, cookies, pilafs, and more. Cook it at a 1:2 ratio Quinoa:Water..(like rice) but it cooks a little faster.

She showed us how to cook it and let us taste test a bunch of different dishes. I am sharing a recipe that she gave us. I made it for dinner last night and my husband LOVED it!

Thai-Style Lettuce Wraps

1 chopped onion
3 chicken thighs, or 2 large breasts finely sliced
1 TB oil
2 garlic cloves, minced

In a large saute pan, combine all ingredients and cook over med-high heat until chicken is no longer pink. Add into the pan:

1 C water
2 TB soy sauce
2 square inches worth of grated fresh ginger root
1 chicken bullion cube
1/4 tsp Thai red curry paste (to taste)
1 tsp. curry powder
3 TB peanut butter (+/-)
1 tsp basil
Dash of nutmeg

Bring all ingredients to a boil, stirring continuously. Cook until a thick consistency is reached. If it gets too thick, just add more water. Now add in:

1 C cooked white quinoa

Stir to combine, remove from heat. Serve in lettuce leaves with lime juice.
Great toppings:
shredded:cucumber, carrots, red cabbage
Flaked coconut
Chopped peanuts
Cilantro, sweet peppers
Anything that you think would be great

You can also choose to leave out the chicken and just do a vegetarian wrap!
Enjoy!

Smarty Pants Me

2008-10-18T23:26:00.003-05:00

I know some of you out there depend on my vast knowledge of shopping malls. Because of this, I thought I would pass along a valuable nugget of mall information regarding Halloween.

Did you know you can Trick or Treat at the mall? Because you can. And zillions of kids turn out every year to go Trick or Treating to stores instead of houses. I looked forward to working Halloween every year to see all the cute little kids that made it into our store for treats.

You can Trick or Treat at any time of the day (well, you might want to contact your local mall to find out for sure, but the malls I worked at had kids coming in at 10:00 AM) ALL DAY LONG.

Why is this great? Well, what if your kid secretly goes to bed kind of early and you want them to score some great candy for you? What if you want to take your kid in the afternoon? What if you don’t know or like your neighbors? What if it is too cold outside? What if your kid looks impossibly cute and you want as many people as possible to see them? These are just a few questions to think about when considering going to the mall instead of the alternative; going DOOR TO DOOR in the DARK when it may be FREEZING COLD.

I plan to take my kids to the mall to score some good sugar. That night, I’ll even let my two year old daughter, Hannah, stay up to see some of the Trick or Treaters that come to the door.

What a treat that will be for her.

I know what you’re all thinking right now . . . I’m such a smarty pants.

Simple Halloween Costume...

2008-10-18T11:04:00.004-05:00

If you are still stewing over Halloween Costumes this year, I have a great, easy and inexpensive little girl costume.

My little girl wants to be Fancy Nancy for Halloween. I decided to make her a tutu as part of the costume. You could use this idea to make a beautiful Ballerina costume.

I found the instructions here. And this is how it turned out.It was so cheap,(well free, my Mother-in-Law had the fabric)but you could do it for about $5. It took me about 1 hour to make it.

A Return to Virtue

2008-10-17T10:25:00.003-05:00

(A few random thoughts tonight)

I LOVED Sis. Elaine S. Dalton's talk in conference.
'A Return to Virtue'
A few of the points
~"I can do hard things" vs. "In the strength of the Lord, I can do all things."
~"..be the one to stand for right, even when it means to stand alone"
~"There is no friendship more valuable than your own clear conscience."
~"..slowly desensitized" >Lahonti - poisoned by degrees (tolerate - accept - embrace)
~change the world through our virtuous influence.
~"Never underestimate the power of your righteous influence"

Listen to the Conference Talks
I am so thankful for General Conference, I NEED and look forward to it every 6 months.

another thought-
We are strong, and our testimonies are grounded, but I just want to cry all day when I see how wicked the world is. My heart aches at the disobedience of Heavenly Father's children.

I received the video in an e-mail today about Proposition 8. It amazes me that this is an issue. The video is to the people of California but it could affect us all. I am so thankful for my beliefs and the things I was taught about on the importance of the nature of the family. I am grateful to the Prophets, SEERS, and Revelators of the Church for publishing, "The Family: A Proclamation to the World", when they did. They know what is to come and it is an amazing document.

some of what it says:
(click on the picture to view the whole proclamation)

"All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

"The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife.
"Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children.

"The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity."

It says so many times MAN and WOMAN, HUSBAND and WIFE. I know marriage is ordained of God. That 'Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.' (1 Corinthians 11:11) I am so sad for the people who feel otherwise, that same sex marriages are okay or even good. I wish I could help them understand the beauty of marriage and family, the importance of husband and wife. The Proclamation says:

"We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets."

I guess all we can do is to be a good example. To declare in word and deed, to do our duty and vote. We need to do all we can.

"For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it—(Doctrine and Covenants 123:12)

"Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." (Doctrine & Covenants 123:17)

Children are so vulnerable and moldable, so innocent and trusting. If we don't act now, they could be the ones that are blinded by the 'subtle craftiness of men'. I pray that Heavenly Father will give me the wisdom and the words by the spirit when this subject comes up in our home. I am thankful to be a member of the church and have the Gospel in my life, and that I can teach it to my children. I am thankful for my testimony. I know that Heavenly Father loves us and that "In the strength of the Lord, I can do all things." I am thankful for my husband, and that together we can honor these sacred marital vows. That we can raise a family in righteousness, and that Heavenly Father has and will continue to show us the way to do that in a changing world.

My favorite fall pleasure is....

2008-10-13T17:43:00.004-05:00

Baking!!

I enjoy baking so much in the fall. I don't know what it is. I even enjoy cooking more. Many of my posts over the next few months will probably be food related, just because that is what I find myself doing this time of year. A few of you asked for my Cinnamon Roll recipe from my Traditions post, so here is is:

Sweet Dough

2 C. Hot Milk
1 Cube margarine
1/2 C. sugar
2 1. salt

Combine and let the margarine cool.

Add:
2 T. yeast
4 eggs
7 C. of flour and NO MORE!!! (dough will be sticky, add more flour when you roll them out, as needed)

Let it rise until double in size then roll them out. If I am making them for just my family, I split the dough in half. I make one half cinnamon rolls, and the other half yeast rolls. They are delicious both ways. For the cinnamon rolls:

Roll the dough out in a square shape about 1/2 inch thick. Spread with melted butter, and then sprinkle sugar and cinnamon on top. Then roll it up from the long side. Once you have it all rolled up nicely, then I use a piece of string to cut them. Slide the string under the roll about an
1 1/4 inches in then cross the string and pull it down. It cuts the dough so nicely. Lay down on a greased cookie sheet, and let them rise until double in size. Bake at 350 for 14-18 minutes, until starting to brown on the edges.

Glaze: You want this to be runny.
milk, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Mix together to the consistency of a runny glaze. Spread on the rolls as soon as they come out of the oven.

For the Yeast Rolls:

I roll the dough out in to a big circle about 1/4 of an inch thick. Then spread with melted butter. Cut the dough like a pizza, into 16 slices. Roll the dough up from the biggest. side. They will look like crescent rolls. Lay down on a greased cookie sheet, and let them rise until double in size. Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes.

A whole batch of Cinnamon rolls will make about 24.
A whole batch of rolls will make about 30.
Half and half will be 12 cinnamon rolls, and 16 yeast rolls.

ENJOY!!

This is my other fall favorite:

The summer that we moved home from Saba, we stayed with Jonathan's parents for about a month. Jonathan's mom had made homemade granola, and I couldn't wait to get up in the morning and eat it. Since that time, she taught me how, and I make my own.

I love to make it in the fall. It seems like such a fall food. The smell of it baking is such a pleasure to the senses. I enjoy eating this plain, just like a bowl of cereal. It is also great on yogurt, or on your favorite cereal to give it a little crunch. I want to share this favorite with you.

Nutty Berry Granola
4 C. regular rolled oats
2 Cups puffed brown rice
3/4 C. Bran Flakes
3/4 C. wheat germ
3 Tbs. raw sunflower seeds
3 Tbs. chopped nuts
1/4 C. dry milk
Combine this together in a big bowl, and stir well.
Heat:
3/4 C. honey
1/3 C. olive oil
together and stir until well-blended. Do not boil; stir in:
1/2 tsp. Almond extract
1 tsp. vanilla

Spread onto a large non-stick baking sheet. Bake 1 hour @ 225. Stir every 20 minutes.
Add: 1/2 C. dried cranberries
1/2 C. dried blueberries the last 10 minutes, and toss gently.I double this recipe, and then store it the #10 cans that food storage comes in. It is so delicious. I hope you enjoy it too.

More FHE lessons from {Preach My Gospel}

2008-10-10T13:01:00.001-05:00

Hello, sisters! I am so sorry about getting behind on posting these. It's a little trickier when I'm not the one preparing the lesson that week! (Not everyone writes down what they plan. . . :)

Here are two of the missing lessons. I'll post the other one ("The Great Apostasy") soon!

The Savior's Earthly Ministry and Atonement - Lesson 1, Heading 4 - Google Doc

The Savior's Earthly Ministry and Atonement - Lesson 1, Heading 4 - pdf

The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Joseph Smith - Lesson 1, Heading 6 - Google doc

The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Joseph Smith - Lesson 1, Heading 6 - pdf

This time of year...

2008-10-08T12:49:00.007-05:00

...is just the beginning of much holiday decorating. Which is a lot of fun, but it can bring on the headaches too! Last week I pulled out my fall box and got my house decorated. I realized that I didn't have as much as I remembered having. (I think I got rid of a lot before I moved). So I kept it simple. I did a lot with the mini real pumpkins. I like this because I can have it out in October through Halloween and still keep it out in November. (I don't like to put things out and take them down over and over again through the holidays). Here are a couple pictures of some of the things I did.

The piece above, usually has greenery in it. I wanted to switch it out for fall, so I went on a walk and gathered some twigs for my house (free). What's more fallish than twigs? I thought it could use a little color so I went to Hobby Lobby and got two stems of these berries. They just happened to be on sale. I got them for $1.00 each.

When I was in Arkansas, Andrea had found this (below) on clearance at Target. I had to run on over and get one for myself! Then I just filled it with gords and a little pumpkin Once I put my fall wreath up outside, my summer flowers were seriously clashing next to it, so I planted a fall version. I did this same arrangement in a couple of my other pots in the front yard. I don't usually do too much as far as Halloween decorating goes. But I decided I wanted some touches of Halloween in my house, just for fun (my kids like it).

This wreath is hanging on my pantry door in my kitchen. I was at Walmart one day and grabbed a plain wreath, and some spider web and little spiders. I had extra black spray paint outside and my husband was nice enough to spray it for me. It only cost me about $4.oo to do this. Here is where I got the idea from.

Sometime in the next couple of days I'm going to do this while Drew does this. Mine is going to say BOO. I have all of my supplies sitting out on my counter right now, ready to go. I have to do serious talking to myself before I start a craft. I enjoy it, once it's done and I have found just the right spot for it. It's the "doing it" that is sometimes hard for me.

Lots of linking in this post, but I have to give credit to the blogs that bring me inspiration!

Simple Christmas-my way!

2008-10-07T00:21:00.002-05:00

Although I wouldn't classify cleaning and organizing as an actual hobby of mine, I do appreciate a simple, uncluttered home. I've always been a simple person-my dress, words, home and interests are all simple. I love the word simplify; less is truly more. So, I've made a decision to keep Christmas simple in my own way.

The consumerism associated with Christmas has always bothered me because (for me) it detracts from the simple reason we celebrate this holiday in the first place. Superfluous STUFF makes me hyperventilate. When I'm bombarded with lots of STUFF on Christmas morning, I hardly enjoy it in the midst of my thoughts of, "Where am I going to put all this STUFF? I don't NEED this STUFF." So, here are a few things I do to keep Christmas simple in my own way:
(1) I keep Christmas paraphernalia contained to one storage container. Sounds crazy, I know. But, for simplicity's sake, I must be able to 'take down' Christmas in an hour or two instead of a day or two. I love holiday decorations and I love my home to be filled with the Christmas spirit, so instead of the same decorations year after year, I have my children make new and wonderful things each year that we enjoy during the season and toss when it's over. Gingerbread ornaments, fresh cranberry and pinecone garlands, sweet 3 year old drawings of the nativity (this one I may keep!).
(2) To keep our traditions simple, we try to do 3 things each holiday season: attend a Christmas concert of some sort, decorate a family gingerbread house, and enjoy an evening looking at Christmas lights in our community. I can manage that! (3) I try to stay simple in my gift giving as well by keeping presents practical, useful, and often consumable. I've given jars of homemade jam or bags of simmering wassail scent (oranges, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves and cranberries to be simmered on the stove top) to friends. Gifts that offer an experience rather than more STUFF are also something to consider. How about tickets to a musical, movie, or a gift certificate for a message? A year's membership to a museum or $ to spend on a family outing have been some of our favorite gifts.

I hope my ideas for a simple Christmas are useful to someone! I know there are many definitions of simple, so may we all celebrate Christmas in the way that best helps us remember our Lord and Savior's humble beginnings here on earth. Happy Celebrating!

Family Journal

2008-10-06T14:11:00.006-05:00

A couple of years ago, I was reading in my Family Fun magazine about a tradition one family had. They would gather their kids together one night a month and ask a couple of questions and write them down in their Family Journal. Sometimes they were silly questions to make the kids laugh and sometimes they were serious ones to get them to think. Then they would curl up together and read some favorite books. I loved this idea and decided to start doing this with my family. We do ours every first Monday of the month for Family Home Evening. After we are done asking our questions and writing down every ones responses, we set individual goals for the month. We write these down in our family journal too, but I also type them up and hang them on our fridge as a reminder. After that, we pick out a scrapbook and reminisce about all the fun we've had together. This has been a great way for us to look through pictures, instead of forgetting about them. Then we have a treat. This is what you would find us doing tonight and this is what our treat is going to be.

What did you learn?...

2008-10-06T10:57:00.005-05:00

I learn so much every time I listen to our leaders speak. This time, I learned....

1. To Enjoy the Journey!! (Pres. Thomas S. Monson) He reminded us of just how fast these precious years go, so enjoy them!! One day we will look back, and long to have sticky fingerprints on all of our things.

2. That our morning and evening prayers should be a continuation of each other. Our prayers should be continuous. (Brother Bednar)

I am thankful for these two poignant thoughts, that I need to reflect on.

What are you reflecting on?

Traditions... and Conference Weekend

2008-10-04T11:57:00.002-05:00

It is raining outside, and the weather seems just a little cooler. This always seems to happen on Conference Weekend. I love this weekend, and look forward to it every six months. As a my kids get older, I have tried to make it a special weekend. I have tried to make it a weekend of tradition. I want it to be full of great things for my children to remember. I wanted to share with you some of the fun things that we do:
On Saturday morning, we make "Skinny Pancakes." We always make Skinnies(crepes), but on Conference weekend in the fall they are special because we make them look like pumpkins. My kids love this for breakfast.
Here is the recipe:
1 C. flour
1/2 C. milk
1/2 C. water
1/4 C. butter
1 t. salt
1 egg
Mix all the ingredients together, and then pour 1/4 of a cup on a warm skillet. Roll the skillet around until it fills the pan, and is a skinny circle. Cook on both sides. Fill with fruit, whipped cream, and powdered sugar;or syrup and powdered sugar.( I add orange food coloring to the batter to make them orange.)

On Sunday morning, we make my favorite Pumpkin Pancakes with Apple Cider Syrup. I got the recipe from my sister-in-law, Lorinda, and angel blogger. I don't think she will mind if I share it.

Beat 2 eggs, and stir in 3/4 C. Pumpkin
2 T. Sugar
1/2 t. each ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, soda , salt
1 1/4t. Baking powder
1/4 C. oil
1 1/2 C. Flour( I use Whole Wheat)
Stir in 1 1/2 Cups of milk
Cook on the griddle

Syrup:
Mix in a saucepan:
1 C. sugar
2 T. Corn Starch
Add:
2 C. Apple cider or juice
2 T. Lemon Juice
Boil one minute, serve over pancakes

After breakfast, we get dressed in our Comfy clothes. We spend the whole weekend wearing something that is comfortable. It helps make the weekend relaxing for all of us.

Then we prepare for conference by talking with the kids about the activities that they can do while they listen. I usually have worksheets ready. I always explain them all before hand, and then I prepare in the most valuable way; I always have M&M's on hand.

Among the activities for the kids, I usually have a little stack of projects for myself. I try to have a few things that will not distract me. I am putting pictures in albums and pictures frames this weekend. Then I take notes of important topics.

Our last tradition... is my husbands favorite by far. Tomorrow I will make Homemade cinnamon rolls. We will enjoy these after Conference. Each family member is responsible to share their favorite talk as we savor the yummy rolls.

Preparation and Tradition help our family enjoy and get the most we can out of such and important and special weekend.

I am thankful for the blessing of Conference. I know that it is a gift. I also believe that listening to our leaders and following their counsel is as valuable to us as the scriptures. They both have great purpose and meaning.

I hope you have a wonderful Conference Weekend also.

Love It

2008-10-02T15:05:00.002-05:00

Hello to all. My name is Stephanie and I'm a new contributor to this blog. I am also Jennifer's little sister. She told me about your blog and after a couple of times of oohing and awing over it, I asked to join. Lately I've been feeling like my spirituality is lacking and this has been so uplifting for me to read every one's posts and help me "focus" on the important things in life. So with that a BIG thank you to all. I'm so excited to be apart of this blog.

I've been wanting to make a post all week but for some reason, I get so nervous when I think about it. So today I just told myself I must do it!! I'm a Christmas FANATIC!! Jenn can back me up on that one. Christmas music is played in my house ALL YEAR. I was thinking all week of our Christmas traditions and realizing that we are still in the "beginning stages" with our traditions since our kids are so little. One that I have carried over to my children from my childhood is a new ornament every year. I LOVE the post below about having a picture/story book to go along with them. Every year when I was growing up, we'd have a new ornament in our stocking. I was always so excited to see which one I got and when I moved out, I was able to take all them with me and now my kids enjoy seeing "mommies" ornaments. I loved that my first Christmas as a young married and BROKE gal, that my tree had some pretty cool ornaments on it. So, I decided when we started having kids to carry on that tradition but I changed it up a little. Each year, once I put the tree up (I'd have it up now if I could) I'd take them to the store and they got to pick which ornaments they wanted. I get the biggest kick out of what each of my children pick and they LOVE being able to see their ornament all Christmas season. Any one who walks through our door, my daughter makes sure to take them over to the Christmas tree and show them her ornaments. I also buy one for me and my husband because when the day comes that my kids are grown up and have taken their ornaments with them, we still have ours.

Well I guess I got over my nerves because that was a pretty long post. Thanks for letting me be apart of this and sharing just a bit of my life.

Spotlight - Krysta Moes

2008-10-02T13:41:00.006-05:00

It is past due for my turn to take the Spotlight - unfortunately! :) I have to say thank you to Laura for taking my place while I was trying to get things back to normal after Hurricane Ike. Thank you also to Andrea for being so patient with me and letting me get this done on my own time frame, which sometimes can be a little bit of a wait!

Where to start??? I'm really not that interesting, but we'll see what I come up with! I grew up in California. A place called Clovis, it's right outside of Fresno. After graduating high school, my parents and siblings moved to Dallas, Texas and I moved away to school. I started out in Rexburg at Ricks College and after a semester of that, I decided it was way too cold for my California blood and headed to Texas to spend a little bit of time with my family, then ventured on to Utah. Which is still a very cold place, but I fell in love with Utah! I knew that I wanted to be there for a long time. Shortly after moving there I also fell in love with my husband. We got married in the Salt Lake Temple and headed up to Logan to go to Utah State. He graduated from Utah State and I graduated from beauty school and became a cosmetologist. I worked in a salon for several years and even worked at home after having my kids. We had three kids there and were absolutely loving life in Cache Valley, when all of the sudden we decided that we needed to change things up a bit. We didn't want to leave Cache Valley, but we felt the need for a new job. Since there wasn't much to choose from in my favorite little town, we had to look outside and chose a job offer in the Houston area. This has been a blessing for us to stretch ourselves out of our comfort zone. There are so many wonderful missionary opportunities all around us. I need to keep stretching myself even more in that department! We have been here now for a year and we really love where we are in life right now.

Casey and I have been married for 10 years. He is a consultant for a small software company just about 8 miles from where we live, which is a blessing all in it's own. The Houston commute is AWFUL! We have 3 adorable, spirited children. Kaylee is 7 and in second grade. Jake is 5 and in Kindergarten and Drew is 3 and stays at home with me. I am blessed to be able to have "retired" from doing hair and now stay at home with my kids and take care of them, without having to squeeze in time for work. Somedays I wish I had somewhere to hurry off to... BUT there are always little moments in my day that make me realize, with absolute certainty, that I am doing what I know I should be doing right now. My family is my life. Everything I do, I do with them in mind. Even my hobbies are linked back to my family...how did that happen??? :) They are just so cute, I guess I can't help it!

In addition to my family, I have 3 passions in life that I just can't seem to escape.

SCRAPBOOKING - I have been an avid scrapbooker for as long as I can remember. Even in my years of growing up I remember putting albums together and adding extra things to make them special, instead of slapping just a picture on a page. I didn't realize what I was doing until I moved to Utah after high school and was opened to the scrapbooking world. A world of bringing pictures to life, making friends and treasuring family memories. I have since been converted to digital scrapbooking about a year ago and now I am trying to soak up as much information as possible about this new passion!

PHOTOGRAPHY - This also goes way back in my childhood. I remember wondering why my mom didn't love taking pictures. How could you not like to take a picture??? I would go and find my parents camera and snap shots all the time. I always felt the need to document important events and highlight the fun things that were going on. This passion has never gone away, it's only gotten more passionate! I love looking at good, quality pictures. I find myself on photography blogs all the time, staring at their pictures and wondering how they get them to be so...perfect! I have recently bought my first SLR camera and I am enjoying every second of it. I am also trying to learn everything I can about this, as well!

DECORATING/ORGANIZING/CLEANING - I love to decorate. Anyone who knows me already knows this. BUT, I also love to organize and clean. Sounds CRAZY, I know, but it's true. There is something soothing and so calming about it to me. I am not a very calm or soothing person when my house isn't organized or clean, so that's motivation enough for me. These 3 things: decorating, organizing and cleaning are great tools for me as a mother that I am constantly using to better myself and my family. I love to do anything that makes my house a home and a special place for my family to be.

The very most important tool I have as a mother, wife, friend and all the other titles I carry, is the gospel in my life. I am so thankful for the gospel to teach me what my purpose is in life: where I came from, what I'm to do here and where I'm going after this. I can't imagine not knowing this and that makes me want to be a better missionary. I also have a testimony of prayer. I absolutely know that every single one of our prayers are answered, no matter how big or small they might be. The power of prayer is real and it is there for us to use...daily. I am thankful for the scriptures and for the infinite amount of knowledge that is available for us through the words of our prophets. I know that the scriptures are here for us to search and ponder about...daily. (so hard to do sometimes), but every time I take advantage of this blessing, my day turns out so much better which makes it worth the daily sacrifice.

Thanks for reading about me. I can't wait to get to know all the other girls contributing to this blog even better!!

Edit: I forgot to choose someone to go next on the spotlight. Steph Austin...I pick you!

Christmas Ornament Books

2008-10-01T17:43:00.014-05:00

We have been sharing our favorite Christmas traditions lately and I wanted to take a quick second and share mine with you. This is one of those I have remembered as a child and am passing on to my children, actually my mom is passing it on to my children and I am helping with it. Here is how it started:

When I was growing up my grandma started a tradition for all of her grandkids. She loved to shop for Christmas ornaments, so each year she would buy each of us a really nice ornament to hang on the Christmas tree. Some years we would each get the same one and other years she would shop individually and get one that reminded her of us. We absolutely loved this! We always knew what to expect from her and we knew it would come in the mail a couple of weeks before Christmas so we could hang it on the tree that year. They were really nice ones and the whole family would ooh and awe over them. We knew that one day, when we were all grown up and married, that they would hang on our very own Christmas trees. My mom was sad when the day came that each one of us packed up our ornaments and she had to start over with her tree. This tradition also helped my grandma because she didn't have to keep up with all of the things we did like and all of the things we didn't like growing up (since it was always changing and their were so many grandkids). It was so much more personal than money and they get to stay with us forever. I love, to this day, pulling out my ornament box and hanging them on our tree. My grandma was going to stop this tradition once we got married, but I sweetly convinced her that I loved it way too much and she couldn't just STOP! So, we still get an ornamnet each year.

My mother has continued this tradition with my children. I am proud to say that my kids love this tradition just as much as I did growing up.

Here is where the helping from me comes in. There is always a picture involved in anything I do. So I had to turn this tradition into a picture book. I started this when my oldest got her first ornament. There was a little story of why my mom picked each one and I wanted them to remember it, plus between the three kids, I wanted to keep the ornaments belonging to the right person. So I take a picture of each ornament every year and put it in a book and then journal the story. Here are some pictures of the books:

Two of them are the same because I bought two at the same time. The third one is different because I didn' t think of getting three of the same book. The two that are the same are just normal flip photo books with two different types of ribbon on them to hide the "normalcy" of the book. Here's what the inside of it looks like:
It's just a 4x6 picture on the left side and the page on the right is the story typed up on some cardstalk. I usually add a little something scrappy to the journaling page. The other book is a paper book I found one Christmas at Michael's in the dollar isle. I had to get creative with this one because their wasn't anywhere to put pictures in it. It just had plain white cardstalk paper inside with out any sleeves or pockets to hold anything. I decided to use my scrapbook scraps to put the pages together. I cover the white cardstalk with paper and then cut out another scrap (smaller) and staple it to the page. That serves as my envelope to hold the picture. Then I cut out tags and use my 2 in. square punch to size the picture and stick that on the tag. I flip the tag over and type up the story. It's a fun little book that I have been happy with.

These books will go with my kids when they leave the house, along with their ornaments. They will know the story behind each ornament and I will be able to remember which ornament belongs to who. It's so nice to have a meaningful Christmas tradition. I enjoy looking back on each Christmas and having a gift to remember. I also love that this gift will never get tired of and eventually end up in the garbage, like toys and other things do. Instead, we are creating a family keepsake that my children will inherit and their children will inherit. I hope my kids love putting their ornaments on their own tree someday just as much as I do.

Congratulations!!

2008-09-30T17:07:00.000-05:00

...to Elizabeth, one of our Angels. She had a baby boy this week. This is her first baby boy, and her fourth child. He is beautiful, and we wish her the best. We love you Elizabeth.

Christmas Traditions

2008-09-28T23:59:00.001-05:00

So I'm a little late, but I thought I'd go ahead and post a few of our Christmas Traditions!

My favorite Christmas tradition came about by accident. When I was about 7 years old, we began a tradition of making my parents breakfast in bed Christmas morning. It sounds very sweet, but it was really quite self-interested. Mom and Dad had a rule that we had to eat breakfast before we could open our presents! So when the kids woke up at 5 am, we excitedly examined our wrapped gifts, checked out the contents of our stockings, and then trooped off to the kitchen to make breakfast for mom and dad. At first it was just a bowl of cold cereal and a glass of orange juice on a tray, but we got more complicated as the years went on. French toast was the very first thing I learned to cook on my own, all because of our Christmas morning tradition.
Last year we had Christmas morning in our own home (the second time in the seven years we've been married), and my husband helped the kids make me breakfast in bed! So I'm hoping that this is a tradition that will continue for generations.... :)

Another of my favorite Christmas traditions is a classic: the kids acting out the Christmas story on Christmas eve, dressed in old sheets, curtains and towels toga-style. As you can see, last year baby Jesus was a doll with a pink checkered bonnet - you pick your battles, right? We also include Samuel the Lamanite's prophecies -- my little nephew nearly exploded with excitement when he stood tall on Grandma's coffee table and yelled out, "Repent!" And of course, all the other grandsons had a blast pretending to shoot at him with imaginary bows and arrows.

When we're with my parents, we also read "Davey and the First Christmas." It's a sweet old children's story my mom's family read when she was a kid. She had memorized it, so at first she would just recite it to us, because the book has been out of print for years. But a few years ago, she found a copy on ebay! So now we read from an original 1950's edition pop up book with a game on the back. :) It's a classic. I googled it and found the story here if you want to read it.

We also do Christmas Eve pajamas, a silly gift passing game (where you pass the gift to the left or the right every time you hear the word left or right in the story), several years we've done a 12 Days of Christmas Secret Santa, and we always do lots and lots and LOTS of singing around the piano. All told, I think it's the music that makes Christmas Christmas for me. The Christmas music starts after Halloween in my house, decorations go up the Friday after Thanksgiving. My husband rolls his eyes, but helps me anyway. :)

Anyway, there's a few of our traditions I love. Two years ago, in an effort to feel a little less frantic, I used bits and pieces from www.organizedchristmas.com. Some of it is a little over the top for me personally, but it's always nice to start with a ready-made plan, so you're not reinventing the wheel. You might check it out if you're a list person. :)

Wondering what to do for FHE ?

2008-09-28T22:37:00.003-05:00

Ever need a quick lesson that even the little ones can enjoy? Print this out on white cardstock, cut them out, and then laminate them. This small version can be put inside a snack size plastic bag and placed in your scripture case for easy storage. I used to carry a simple version I made with plain paper and crayons in my scriptures as a missionary. I taught Lesson 18 in the Joseph Smith Manual last Sunday. Although that only covers part of the plan - go back to lesson 17 to get the first part of it. I figured it was just the push I needed to finally use Adobe Illustrator to 'draw' these illustrations of our Heavenly Father's Plan of Happiness. I made a large version for the chalk board, but this small version is great for use in Family Home Evening, small classroom settings, or Visiting Teaching - used it just the other day with a Sister just getting back into activity. You can even give it as a gift for someone going on an English speaking mission. I will be working on making an Elder to add to the plan. Hopefully you'll see it sometime in the next few weeks.
Feel free to print as many copies as you would like and share it with your friends and family. If you are going to place this someplace online, please give credit where credit is due - Illlustrations by Laura Vanderbeek www.vanderbeekimages.com Thanks!

Personal Revelation

2008-09-28T17:44:00.003-05:00

As General Conference draws near, I have been thinking about the wonderful gift we as church members share. That is the gift of revelation; personal and from our Heavenly Father through our prophet. I am excited to listen, and ponder on the revelation this next weekend.

However, my mind had been focused on the wonderful gift of personal revelation. Today, I wanted to share with you my feelings and testimony of this wonderful blessing.

Yesterday, at the General Relief Society meeting, Sister Beck said, "We can do the Lord's work if we seek, receive and act on personal revelation. We must heed all revelation. We must be still; revelation takes serious mental effort."

As sisters of the Relief Society we all have a responsibility to organize, teach and aspire all. I am thankful for personal revelation to assist me in this effort.

I would like to share a few things that I have learned about personal revelation. Elder Robert D. Hales said, that prayer is the firm foundation for revelation. We should then study it out in our minds. Revelation comes on the Lord's timetable, so we must move forward with faith.

Please note: I am paraphrasing from his talk. When it is a direct quote I will note.

President James E. Faust also taught that the church has flourished because of the divine direction that is given to all individuals. This direction is to help lead us to eternal salvation. I am so thankful for this wonderful blessing to help lead me. I am now working on using it, and listening to it.

How do we use it? Personal Revelation does not extend beyond our own Stewardship. This includes revelation for us, our family, and our calling.

Where does the revelation come from? The Holy Ghost is the revelator.

How do we recieve personal revelation?
I will tell you in your mind and in your heart. (D&C 8:2)
By the Still Small Voice (1 Kings 10:11-12)
A still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper, and it did pierce even to the very soul
(Helaman 5:30)

We really must listen if we expect to hear personal revelation, because most times it is a very quiet voice that whispers what we should know. I have often times had revelation when I am on a walk, in the shower or just quietly minding my own business. I will receive a thought in my mind, and it is often later on in the day that I recognize it as personal revelation.

President Faust gave us a few guidelines to follow when seeking revelation.
1. Keep the commandments
2. Be spiritually attuned
3. Ask in a humble prayer
4. Exercise your faith

Our responsibilities as members is to seek after revelation for ourselves, and listen to the responsibilities given to us. Just the other day I felt prompted to call a friend. I am so glad I did. She was in the hospital, and had just given birth to a new baby. I was able to wish her congratulations, and tell her I care about her. I am thankful I acted on the prompting to serve.

I have also had moments of revelation when I am reminded of the blessing I have been given. Almost as if, the Lord is telling me, "I gave that blessing to you to bless your life for this purpose." I love recognizing those thoughts, and knowing that they are put there to strengthen my faith. It also reminds me that I am loved by our Heavenly Father, that he knows me, and recognizes my needs. I know that it is through the small and simple acts of faith that miracles are wrought.

I want to close with this thought from Elder Robert D. Hales. He said, "Miracles will usually be tender mercies gently bestowed through impressions, ideas, feelings of assurance, solutions to problems, strength to meet challenges, and comfort to bear disappointments and sorrows."

I hope you can recognize the gift of personal revelation in your own life. I also pray that you can remember the blessing of Latter-Day revelation as we listen to our prophet this weekend. As one last reminder, President Wilford Woodruff said, "The church could not live 24 hours without revelation."

Resources:
Communion with the Holy Ghost by President James E. Faust
Personal Revelation by Elder Robert D. Hales

It is that time of year... YEAH!!!

2008-09-28T17:39:00.002-05:00

It is time to prepare to listen to our leaders. I am so excited and thankful for General Conference.

As it draws near I have been thinking about ways to keep my children focused. My friend Angela sent me a wonderful packet last year. I would love to share it with all of you. It is a 12 page PDF file full of church worksheets to help keep the kids focus during conference.

If you are interested please leave your email or contact me through email. My email is listed in the left column.

I can't wait to listen to the wonderful words that our leaders have to share with us. I hope you are getting as excited as I am.

Words of a Prophet

2008-09-26T09:38:00.001-05:00

I am so excited for tomorrow night's Relief Society broadcast! I just realized it will be Pres. Monson's first time to address the women of the Church as our new prophet. Wow, isn't it wonderful to live on the earth at a time when we have the Lord's prophet among us?

Here are some words from our beloved Pres. Hinckley, given at the Relief Society meeting in 2003. They really mean a lot to me, and I want to share them to whet our appetites for tomorrow! :)

He addressed women in many different life situations--single moms, older moms, women without children. Here is what he said to mothers with young families. . . .

To you young women with small children, yours is a tremendous challenge. So often there is not enough money. You must scrimp and save. You must be wise and careful in your expenditures. You must be strong and bold and brave and march forward with gladness in your eye and love in your heart. How blessed you are, my dear young mothers. You have children who will be yours forever. I hope that you have been sealed in the house of the Lord and that your family will be an everlasting family in the kingdom of our Father.

May you be given strength to carry your heavy load, to meet every obligation, to walk side by side with a good and faithful and caring man, and together with him rear and nurture and bring up your children in righteousness and truth. Nothing else you will ever own, no worldly thing you will ever acquire will be worth so much as the love of your children. God bless you, my dear, dear young mothers.

"See you" tomorrow night!

Spotlight - Laura Vanderbeek

2008-09-25T00:46:00.000-05:00

Since Krysta is just getting back into the swing of things after hurricane Ike, they asked me to go next. So here we go!

I've lived in Tacoma, Washington; Enterprise, New Brockton, and Ft. Rucker, Alabama; Fairbanks and Anchorage, Alaska; El Paso, Texas; Albrook AFB and Ft. Amador, Panama; Rexburg, Idaho; Lexington Park, Bowie, New Carrolton, Silver Spring, and Kensington, Maryland; Dugway Proving Grounds, Hyrum, Logan, and Providence, Utah. Yep, I was an Army brat.

I served in the Washington D.C. North Mission from '97-'99 and fell in love with the East Coast. I had 16 companions -several three-ships (my own term for 2 comps instead of 1). The photo of me below is with my last two comps was taken on my last day in the field, at transfers. I'm the short one!

I currently live in a house in the middle of a wheat field - the photo below was taken from my backyard.

I am a work at home mom. My husband is an amazing photographer and even after he stopped working at a studio in town to become a Certified Financial Planner with Keystone Wealth Management, he still got calls. So we started a little side business that has now become my business. We have a studio in our new house, under our garage. I love wedding photojournalism, photographing newborn babies, and pregnant bellies. My husband does all the rest of the portraiture. Needless to say, we keep things pretty calm around here. We never photograph on Sundays or Mondays and we try to only photograph the last hour before the sun goes down. We charge almost double for Saturdays so that helps keep our weekends free. We limit the number of weddings we photograph to 2 a month. I work on retouching photos during nap time and for a few minutes after my kids go to bed if I need to. I have a Photography BlogI love photography, but I love a lot of other things too!

Speaking of other things I love, I love my family. I love my husband. We met because of a photo. He saw my missionary plaque in the hall at church after he returned from the Germany, Dusseldorf mission. He was in the other ward but decided to attend my ward one Sunday to hear mission homecoming talk. He introduced himself to me on the stand right after Sacrament meeting was over. 6 months later we were married in the Bountiful Temple. That was 9 years ago.

I am a mother of two. My daughter is 6 and my son is 2. My daughter really changed the way I felt about children and about hugs. When I got married I thought I would have my first child to fulfill my duty and a second child because I didn't want an 'only' child. I just wasn't sure what to do after that. Well, I fell in love with my children and they have changed my life forever. Now, I will not say it's easy, but I feel it is worth it to dedicate myself to them. I'm learning a lot about children and I believe they will be my greatest investment, hands down. I've come a long way! And I still have a very long way to go. My daughter is in first grade and loves it! My son loves all the 'one on one time' he is getting now. We work on all kinds of little projects together. We love going Jeeping and 4-wheeling up in the Mountains. We especially love going camping as a family. In the winter we love to go tubing across the street in Grandma's backyard. One day I hope to go skiing again and teach my children too - it's been 7 years - and I used to have season passes!

Now, the reason I wanted Krysta to go first was because I know this is a Spotlight - heavy on the light. And well, what I want to talk about for a little bit is maybe a little too heavy. So I hope that you will forgive me but I feel it is worth talking about. When I was pregnant with my second child, I started having some serious problems. I was itching so severely that only ice water and scratching my skin off my legs would help. I spent a lot of time in ice baths. My Dr. induced me 4 weeks early hoping whatever was causing the severe itching would go away. I had a perfect baby boy but things only got worse. I knew something was seriously wrong and the Spirit whispered to me that it would be a difficult road but that I would be okay. 4 weeks later, just a few days after the actual due date I was diagnosed by my dermatologist with Hodgkins Lymphoma, cancer of the lymphnodes.

The problem with being young is that they think cancer is an old person's disease and usually diagnosis comes late in the game. It took 4 doctors and 2 specialists before I was diagnosed. I was stage 2b, meaning that it was in several lymphnodes. But my tumors were 3 inches wide and went from the bottom center of my chest cavity, up around my heart and between my lungs all the way to my collar bone. My heart was being crushed. Needless to say, we are very lucky that my son is here and we are both alive.

We then went on quite the journey - a biopsy between my heart and lungs, a bone marrow biopsy in my hip, 6 months of chemo, and 5 weeks of radiation. I started a personal blog to share my progress with anyone who wanted to know how I was doing. It's been 19 months since I completed treatment and I am still in remission. I can honestly say that more good came from having cancer than bad. It helped me see things in a better perspective. I learned that Heavenly Father loves me personally and that I truly and a daughter of God. It taught me about service. It taught me more about Heavenly Father's Plan. It taught me to give other's the benefit of the doubt (especially while driving)- you just never know what is really going on in someone else's life. It taught me the true value of my family. I could go on and on, but I can do that later. Losing my hair was really hard - here is a funny take on how things have changed.

I have many goals in life, but the two that are the most important to me are to raise my children the best I can with my Heavenly Father's help and to work as hard as I can along side my dear husband so that we can get become full time missionaries again as soon as possible. It's really nice to think long-term again. And after meeting all those missionaries in Nauvoo this summer, I really have the bug! Anyway, thanks for letting me share a little of my life with you. I am really looking forward to getting to know the rest of the girls here and all of those who comment.

Christmas Traditions

2008-09-24T22:32:00.002-05:00

Christmas is such a fun time of year. I love the feeling in the air, the caroling of the bells, the hustle and bustle of people in the stores. It's a time to make memories, a time to remember, and a time for traditions.

My husband and I have been married a little over two years, so this will be our 3rd Christmas together. Thus far, we have spent Christmas with our families, but one day we will want to wake up in our own beds for Christmas morning and have our children experience being in their own home for the holidays. Combining Family traditions has been fun, and it will be interesting to see what of those traditions we will want to carry into our family. Some are to help us remember the true meaning of Christmas, some are goofy games, but all are cherished memories. We have a few traditions, it's hard to just pick one to share, so I will broaden it a little and tell you about what we eat!

* Christmas Eve we have Fish and Chips (Fish and French Fries) for dinner because that is what the Savior ate. My dad has always been a big fisherman, so we have a good fish fry! It's an easier dinner so we can get to bed earlier.

*For breakfast we have Homemade Cinnamon Rolls that I make the night before from an amazing cookbook I got from one of the Arlington, VA. Ward...here's the recipe:

Cinnamon Rolls

2 1/4 C. hot water
1/2 C. butter
3/4 C. evaporated milk
1/2 C. sugar
2 tsp. salt
1/2 C. dry potato flakes
2 eggs
2 Tbsp. yeast
4 C. flour
4-5 (more) C. flour

~Combine hot water, evaporated milk, and butter. Add to the above the sugar, salt, and dry potatoes. Add one at a time and mix the (4 C.)flour, eggs, and yeast. Mix for about 4 minutes. ~Add remaining flour (4-5 C) until it pulls away from the side of the bowl. Place in bowl and allow to rise until double (about 1 hour).
~Divide dough in half (or thirds, depending on pan sizes). Roll out; spread with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar mixture (1/2 C. sugar and 2 Tbsp. cinnamon). Roll up and cut with a string in 1 inch slices. Place in pan and allow to rise about 1 hour.
~Bake at 350* for 12-15 minutes. Frost while still warm.

Buttercream Frosting

6 Tbsp butter
4 1/2- 4 3/4 C. powdered sugar
1/4 C. milk
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

~In a small mixer bowl, beat butter till light and fluffy. Gradually add about 1/2 of the powdered sugar, beating well. Beat in the milk and vanilla. Gradually beat in remaining powdered sugar, then additional milk, if necessary, to make frosting of spreading consistency.

A Christmas Treat

2008-09-24T21:54:00.002-05:00

For my Christmas post (better late than never), I have a fantastic recipe which makes an excellent and a not-so-ordinary replacement for a typical plate of Christmas cookies to give out to friends and neighbors. Last year I gathered all necessary ingredients, assembled them in layers in cute decorated Christmas bags (you could of course use jars or whatever), printed off directions sized to fit on a business card and tied them to the bags. I even made extras to have handy when carolers and unannounced visitors came to our door. Here goes:

Cranberry Waffle Mix

1 cup all purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. dried orange peel
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup dried cranberries (coarsely chopped)
Layer ingredients in order listed.

DIRECTIONS
1 recipe Cranberry Waffle Mix
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup milk or orange juice
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
3 TBSP. butter, melted

Preheat waffle iron. Place contents of the waffle mix in a bowl. Stir until well blended. Whisk together buttermilk, milk (or o.j.), egg, and vanilla. Add to flour mixture and stir until just moistened. Stir in melted butter. Add addtional milk (or juice) 1 Tbsp. at a time if batter is too thick. Cook in waffle iron as directed.

They make very yummy waffles!! Enjoy!

Blog Slacker...

2008-09-24T21:35:00.005-05:00

I must say that I have been somewhat of a blog slacker lately, but..... it is all for good reason. Our family has been spending some quality time with the Moes Family.(Krysta's family) They were without power for quite some time so they decided to join us. We had a blast, but neither one of us spent much time at the computer. So... I must apologize to my angel sisters for slacking. I asked each one of them to take the time to post a Christmas Tradition, and I haven't followed through on the task I presented. So... here is mine.

Not only is this one of our Traditions, I also think it is a wonderful way to save money and cut down on some of the expectations that our kids have at Christmas.

We give our children 6 gifts from Santa, and 6 gifts from us. We have a short little poem that explains this, here it goes:

Something to wear

Something to read

Something you want

Something you need

Something to play with

...and something fun indeed!!

This a wonderful option for our family. Our kids know they are only getting two toys, two outfits, two items on their wish list(wants), and two surprises that are up to us. (fun indeeds) It also helps us cross off some of the needs that they may have, like our son got a back pack last year, and our daughter new mittens. They also know that they are getting some new books. Which I think is so important.

I love this idea because it cuts out all the fluff, it makes shopping easy, and my kids know what to expect.

To make it fun... I have made up tags that I recycle from year to year. They say what is inside like... something to read. This saves me so much time. All I have to do is tape the tag on. I found these adorable tags in the $ section at Target, and then some of them I made with rubber stamps. Our kids like to line up all their gifts once they have opened them and see what each gift is;this is my something to wear, something to read, and etc. You could also make them guess which gift it is.

When that is all said and done, then they have two family gifts to open, a game and a movie. Then we always do some treats in the stocking. This has helped my sanity at Christmas time. I am so thankful for this idea.

I guess you could say this is not only a tradition, but also a way to cut out some of the unnecessary of Christmas.

And the winner is....

2008-09-24T21:15:00.003-05:00

Dayna Blauer!!

You have won the free nursing cover from Stylish Nursing Covers. Please email me your info, and I will get it to the company.

Thanks to everyone who entered, and a big thank you to Stylish Nursing Covers.

Crazy Day!!

2008-09-24T17:22:00.002-05:00

I will post the winner to the nursing cover tonight. Sorry ladies... I will explain later.
Andrea

Preparedness Fair Blog

2008-09-23T09:51:00.003-05:00

I have been helping put together a Preparedness Fair Blog. Our Tri-Ward HFPE Preparedness Fair is tonight, and rather than printing off hundreds of copies for everyone we decided to put it all on a blog that people could go to. The blog will only be up for a month or two, so check it out quick! It has a lot of recipes with ingredients from food storage, among other information and things. If you have any more recipes I would love to add them. You can send them to me at: haircuttingqueen@yahoo.com. Thanks. We will most likely be adding stuff for the next few days, so check back.
Hope you enjoy!

Christmas Tradition

2008-09-20T21:30:00.004-05:00

I love Christmas. I think about it all year long. A couple of years ago I realized that we didn't have much money and there was not really much to buy gifts with. At first I was so upset, then I realized that wasn't really what was important. I decided I would do the best I could, decorate my house with what I had, and love the season for what the season was. This year changed my attitude and my relationship with Christmas. Because of grandparents and other family, the gifts ended up working out and my kids definitely had more than they needed. As I recorded in my "Cut the Crazy out of Christmas" binder; "This was the best Christmas ever! And we truly know that Christmas is more than gifts- it's feelings and relationships."
We have quite a few traditions in my family. And we are lucky enough to be able to live close enough to both of our families that we can spend time with both families. One of our favorite traditions is so much fun! Every year my mom has a "Grandma" party. She invites all of us over, but it's mostly for the grand kids. We usually eat and then the kids decorate cookies. While we are busy the door will open up and in will walk Santa. The kids love it and I love to see the "awe" in their faces! Santa has ornaments for each of us and everyone has to sit on Santa's lap- even Grandma-Great. The ornaments are always handmade or represent something big that happened to each individual that year. It could be a hobby, a major milestone, or perhaps just a favorite character or activity. It is so fun!
We also try to act out the nativity. We all dress up as the different characters and someone reads the scriptures. This is often a highlight of the season! Sometimes we laugh and sometimes we cry. What a joy this is!
This isn't a tradition, but I have to mention it because it was so good! Last year my husband's mom did "The 12 Days of Christmas" for us. She gave us two big boxes full of presents and we could barely wait to open them. Everyday there was a gift for us to open. They were all based on "Memories" from past Christmases (sp?). Some of them were memories we all had and some were from when my husband was young. They were all fun for us to hear about and remember. Some of the presents cost very little but all came from the heart and were accompanied by a card explaining the gift. This was the highlight of the season, it took the "anxiety" out of "waiting to open presents" and it brought us all closer together.
Above I referred to my "Cut the Crazy Out of Christmas" binder. This is a wonderful tool that my friend Debbie Raymond and her friend Norma created. It is a wonderful system that helps you decide what is really important and keep track of all the important details. After I started using this book Christmas was changed for me! It is so much less stressful and so much easier to "keep it all together". Debbie is teaching a class on this binder. I was able to have a little bit of input into this class (based on my experience using it) and after hearing all their ideas, I truly believe it is going to be a WONDERFUL class! Go check it out, and I would suggest, take the class, if there is anyway you can!

GIVEAWAY!!

2008-09-16T09:53:00.006-05:00

This is so exciting. We are hosting another giveaway. YEAH!!! I am so happy to share this product with you. I used one with my last baby, and I absolutely love it. I would recommend it to every nursing mother.

I am very pro-nursing. If you are able to nurse, and it works for you, I think you should go for it. It has blessed my life, and my children immensely. However, I do know how uncomfortable you can feel when you are trying to do it in public. Heaven knows, that sometimes we have to do it in public. Right after I had my third baby, I had to go to the lactation clinic in our hospital. I needed a few products, and I stumbled upon this beautiful piece of fabric, and I must say... that is what caught my attention. I looked it over, and wondered what it was. I realized that it was a nursing cover. I loved the fabric so much that I just had to have it even if I never did use it. Little did I know how much I would really use it. This was my third child, and I pretty much had to nurse on the run. I nursed him while we were waiting to pick up my son from Preschool, I nursed in the grocery store parking lot, the playground, the mall, and pretty much every where we went. It was so helpful to have this cover, and not feel uncomfortable. I felt at ease to just nurse my baby freely, and I used it at least twice a day. My splurge for something pretty turned out to be the best baby product I ever bought.

What I love about it:

* the fabric is so much fun

* it is practical

* it covers well

* it has some boneing in the top so that I can see down to look at the baby, but no one else can.

* the fabric cleans up well

So when stylish nursing covers contacted me about a giveaway, I was thrilled. This is what they are giving away:

Isn't it adorable?

What do you need to do? check out the blog http://www.stylishnursingcovers.blogspot.com and then leave a comment here about what you like about their covers.

The giveaway will close next Tuesday, Sept. 23rd at 12:00 am. Then we will pick a winner, and post it here on Wednesday by noon. If you enter please check back, or leave a way in your comment for us to contact you. If we can click on your name and get to your blog, that is just fine. If your profile is closed, please leave an email. Thank you, and GOOD LUCK!!

Thank you to Stylish Nursing Covers for this great giveaway!!
P.S. Still enter even if you don't have a nursing baby. They make a great gift!!

Christmas Traditions and Family History

2008-09-15T13:18:00.008-05:00

This week we are going to share more about our Christmas Traditions so that if there is anything that sparks your interest, you have time to get a few things ready in time for the season. For me there is always decorating the tree and the mantle in my new home. I finally got the Nativity set that I have always wanted (thanks to the extra cash from publishing my scrapbook pages). But for me, I like to share more about my family with my family. I've always shared photos I've scanned and fixed, but in the past 2 years I have a new focus.

Well, for those of you who don't know me yet, there are a few hobbies that I love and that take up my spare time:
#1 Digital Scrapbooking since 2002 (see my son's birthday invite and treat bag in the Oct/Nov 08 Digital Scrapbooking Issue)
#2 Family History (since 1985 - thanks Dad!)
#3 Gardening (since 1994 - I studied Landscape Architecture for a few years in college)
#4 Crochet (since 1986 - thanks Grandma!)

It's really nice that the first two go together so well! My dad is a convert to the church and joined in his early twenties. This has left the work of family history up to him. So at the ripe old age of 9, I started helping him (it's never too early to get your kids involved). I had good eyes and tiny fingers and that allowed me to find the right microfiche in the family history center at the church in Enterprise, Alabama in record time.

Over the years, things have kind of evolved and my Dad and I are always corresponding back and forth about family stories and new finds. Together we've collected about 13,000 names on his side of the family alone. We are currently working on getting their temple work done before we research any more. So that means that I have some time on my hands to record stories, edit photos, and compile things in a way that my children will enjoy them!

Last year I got the idea to make Chapter Marker pages for my family, after reading through Becky Higgins Family History Scrapbooking Book. Scroll down to June 5th to see a little more about it.

Here is what I did...
I made a page with a photo and a summary about that person. When they were born, who their parents are, brothers and sisters, where they grew up, their occupations, who they married, their children, where and when they died (if they've passed away).

This first one is of my Dad. I used his high school Senior photo. The rest of the pages are what go in the album after the chapter marker page. You may have seen the Almost Drafted Page in Lisa's 50 Moments Book. And then I added in a page about my Dad and the old helicopter he used to fly in the Army, after his Chapter Marker Page.

Here you can see the one I made of my Grandfather, my Dad's dad. I added his birth and death year to the bottom of his photo as well.

And this is my Dad's Mom's father - I didn't have a formal portrait of him, so I just used one that I thought was very 'him'.

I gave my sister and her husband an 8x8 scrapbook album with all the pages I completed last year, my brother also received an 8x8 album, and my parents received a 12x12 album filled with pages. This is one of the things that makes Digital Scrapbooking so wonderful! I can make instant copies of all my pages in a variety of sizes.

So what did my family think of their family history scrapbook albums? Well, everyone cried a bit, my sister talked about it in church, my mom showed her copy to every friend and neighbor she could find. What are they getting this year, more family history - I received another huge box of photos from out of my Grandmother's storage unit. I've been working to scan and prepare more photos for their pages. They are definitely getting CD so that each person has a copy of this precious work - just in case my computer dies or my house floods, or...anyway, you get the picture!

Sorry...

2008-09-15T12:19:00.002-05:00

Hiatt Family!!

I waited and waited to hear from you, and when I clicked on your name there was no way to get in touch with you. We had to draw a new name.... So the winner of the Scribbleit Tin Wreath
is:

Becky Brunson!!!

Yeah Becky!! I will need your info. Please email me @ cutiewithclippers@yahoo.com, and we will get you your prize. Thanks again to all those who entered, and thank you to Scribbleitonline.