Plenty of Picnics

1 Nephi outline

2012-01-30T16:52:00.002-07:00

Insert this outline in front of 1 Nephi.

Simply run a glue stick along the left edge and stick into the binding between the pages. Now you have the entire book at a glance.

Print and give one to each member of your family.
1st Nephi.outline of 22 Chapters

The BASICS to UNDERSTNADING the words of ISAIAH

2012-01-30T16:42:00.000-07:00

"Great are the words of Isaiah"

Cut this page up and glue it in your scripture journal. It has lots of basic information that will help you as you begin your study of Isaiah.

Timeline for the 12 Tribes of Israel

Most of the information in this handout came from a great book called "Isaiah for Airheads" - I know the title stinks, but the book is really well done.

Isaiah for Airheads by John Bytheway

2012-01-30T16:30:00.001-07:00

Ouch - I know, the title is a killer. I mean it kills any interest I would have, but...

I've been wanting to dive into Isaiah and I need help. My father-in-law gave the book a GREAT recommendation - and my husband just told me to throw away the book cover - so I decided to swallow my pride and read it.

I am so glad I did. This is a perfect book for those of us just beginning our great adventure into the words of Isaiah. It could have been titled.... The ABCs of Isaiah, Isaiah 101, etc. Even a non- map person like me now understands where the 12 tribes lived - what Kingdom divided means, and on and on.

This book is written really well. Organized in a simple to read set up. The author is funny and down to earth. His analogies make a lot of sense. I am so glad I read this book first - now I have a basic foundation to build on! For you know what they say,

"Great are the words of Isaiah"

A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck

2012-01-26T13:55:00.002-07:00

Pure Enjoyment!

Joe and Mary Alice are sent to their Grandma's each summer for one week. Grandma is a hoot! You cannot miss this book! Each chapter tells a story of a different summer. I love it, I laughed in every chapter! Read with your kids, or by yourself! I am going to own this entire series! A year down yonder is just as golden! Can't wait to read the 3rd.

This is a perfect read aloud since each chapter contains an entire event and thus it easy to put it down between chapters till the next time you are ready for a smile and a laugh!

Also I think this would be a great gift for a friend - a fun pick-me-up book.

Junior Fiction

4 of 5 stars

Are we ever Bound?

2012-01-26T11:52:00.001-07:00

What kid can resist a story about a Storm, Fighting, and an Unbeatable Spirit?

Print this for each person in your family to glue in their journals as you discuss 1 Nephi 18 - Nephi being bound on the ship.

Nephi is Bound.1 n 18

Meatball Sandwiches

2012-01-24T18:36:00.000-07:00

I was at Costco today and saw their Kirkland brand Hogi Sandwhich Rolls and thought - they are such a good price, what can I make? I've got Hamburger thawing ...

Super Easy and they turned out very yummy!

I've typed up the recipe to add to my favorites so we can make these again and again and again...

MEATBALL SANDWICHES - MMMM

1 ½ lbs Hamburger

2 Eggs

¾ c. Bread crumbs

1 ½ Tbsp. minced Garlic

1 tsp. Oregano

1 TBsp. Italian Seasoning

¾ tsp. Salt

¼ tsp. Pepper

¼ c. Milk

Dash or two of Balsamic Vinegar (opt.)

1. Mix all together

2. Use a tsp. and scoop out balls, place all over a cookie sheet lined with silpat/parchment paper/foil

3. Bake meatballs in oven at 350 for 15-20 min.

4. Place meatballs in a saucepan with 1 or more Jars Spaghetti Sauce – let warm

5. Butter Hogi Bread and sprinkle with garlic salt

6. Bake 5 min. (or longer) 350 and the last 30 seconds on broil

7. Place meatballs with sauce on buns, top with cheese and enjoy!:)

THE SILENT GOVERNESS by Julie Klassen

2012-01-22T22:04:00.002-07:00

The setting is in the early 1800s. Olivia flees her home, trying to conceal a secret that could be her end, when she accidentally discovers a new secret. I had a hard time putting this one down, and applaud how well it ended. I was nervous the entire time that the author would soggy up the end, but it held strong and I enjoyed it all.:)

4 out of 5 stars

Studying General Conference with your Family

2012-01-22T17:49:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder how to get your family involved in the Conference Ensign?

Here are a few tips I use:

Everyone gets their own copy
Put everyones name on the front (I use stickers)
Put small stacks of post it notes on the front to be used to mark special pages
HIGHLIGHTERS - lots of fun colors - any age can now participate
We read & highlight 2 - 4 paragraphs from one talk, talk about it for a few minutes and are done
Sunday afternoon is a great time to do this!
Little treats can help the discussion when we review what we've read (espcially gettting my teens involved)

This Sunday we read Elder Eyring's talk - we talked about how it reminded us of the Liahona.
Below is a print out for your family(or class) to put in their journals or scriptures.

Liahona.the Book of Mormon is the Best Guide.eyring

Tree of Life - Scripture/Journal Insert

2012-01-13T17:44:00.001-07:00

This is a great little insert for your Scriptures or Scripture Journal.

Get the entire family (or class) involved with a simple handout that can be filled in, colored, written on the back etc.

Use a glue stick to glue the left edge and insert into your scripture/journal.

Print and enjoy feasting on this great Vision!

Tree of Life.handout.scripture Insert
Tree of Life.avery 48863

The Book of Revelation - Chapter Outline Printable

2012-01-12T15:39:00.000-07:00

Add a mini outline

to your Bible or Scripture Journal ...

a birds-eye-view of what's about to happen,

you'll see the entire book at a glance,

and you're ready to fly through your studies
with a little more understanding!

Simply print, cut, and use a glue stick on the left edge,

then place inbetween the pages where you want it to last.

Free Printable:

Outline of the Book of Revelation

Now you can sit back and simply enjoy - without getting confused as to where/what/when is happening!

SCRIPTURE JOURNALS

2012-01-08T17:43:00.000-07:00

Who'd have thought scratching a few notes about what you read in your scriptures could be so fun?:)

I am so excited to share with you this great idea from the The Redheaded Hostess , sure it's nothing new, but she gives it a fresh twist that puts a whole lot of fun and color into a basically boring scripture journal.

she has so many great suggestions with pictures that it is easy to understand and lots to gather from her!!

It's so Simple . . .

     #1 - puchase a medium sized notebook (bound not spiral)
     #2 - gather a pen and some colored pencils, note tabs if you want
     #3 - Of course - grab your scriptures
     #4 - discover the joy of feasting on the scriptures
     #5 - When a book is finished - Save it and give them to your children         when you are old (they will cherish them and hopefully gain from them)

Have fun creating a teasure to be cherished by you and your posterity!

Jan. Family Chart: Scripture/FHE/Conference/Memorize

2011-12-26T14:16:00.000-07:00

Chart.fhe.Reading Bofm.memorizing.conf

Christmas Potpourri Mix

2011-12-13T12:34:00.001-07:00

The Smells of the Season!

I love to make this wonderful stove top mix!

Click Here for the Recipe - thanks to Make-it-do.com

CHOCOLATE Christmas Countdown

2011-12-08T14:33:00.001-07:00

Sweeten up someones Christmas by giving them

a "Chocolate Christmas Countdown"

Visit your local SEES chocolates store and pick out 12 of their favorites - and have them put in a box.

Go home and cutsie up the box,

then give it/mail it - and make someone really happy!!

DIRECTIONS: I used a 1 1/8" , 1 1/4", 1 3/8" circle punches

Christmas Scrapbook Paper

Glue dots to attach the paper to the chocolate box

And printed on my home computer a couple messages for the top

Giving a Gift Card? Make it thoughtful by ...

2011-12-05T21:37:00.001-07:00

I wanted to do something fun and thoughtful for my sister this Christmas

- but what she really wants is clothes, which equalls gift card.

I put together this idea to make her gift card go from boring but nice,

to the fun & thoughtful gift I had originally intended!

You can't go wrong with the poem ...

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS!

Use these free gift tags

to give someone you love this poem (and a gift card)!

Twas the Night Before Christmas.gift Idea..

Hallelujah Christmas

2011-12-05T08:30:00.000-07:00

DECEMBER CALENDAR

2011-11-27T15:54:00.001-07:00

Don't let the hustle and bustle push out the most important things you do with your family! Get organized with this calendar!

This chart combines:

FHE - assignments for the month (monday night is Family Home Evening)
Book of Mormon - reading each day and crossing it off
Conference Ensign Study - using Sunday to read a little from the Conference Ensign - or have it read to you (I then furnish a small insentive/treat) (this can also be a prep. for FHE time too)
Scripture Memorizing - Plan ahead on which scriptures you want to memorize as a family (start with one, resite it once a day -dinner, family prayer, before school, etc)

Half the time it's all in organization !:)

Here is our chart you are welcome to download and print - I will continue posting one each month

December FHE Chart

O HOLLY NIGHT

2011-11-20T19:22:00.001-07:00

Luke's Christmas Countdown

2011-11-20T18:41:00.001-07:00

This Christmas Countdown may not give you any chocolate or sparkle -

but it will leave you feeling like you are full of both!

Enjoy the reason for the season!:)

Print off this bookmark and read one of the 24 Chapters in John to Count down to Christmas!

**This would be a cute gift for a friend if you gave the bookmark with a little box of 24 candies to suck on as they read their chapter each day. Wrap it up with cuteness and a little card w/directions!

Luke's Christmas Countdown

THE APOTHECARY by Maile Meloy

2011-11-08T11:33:00.000-07:00

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

For all those who have dreamed of flying - this is your book! (and I will say no more, you must read it to understand!)

1952 sets the stage for this interesting adventure/mystery. America, London, Russia, the stage keeps getting more and more interesting! I must applaud the author - she actually wrote an amazing adventure story, and let the main characters have parents!(Imagine that, adventure and your not an orphan?)

Do you think this is all to my book review? I've left some of the best for last --- the ART!!! I loved how she tucked in a few illustrations, it had a little feel of Hugo Cabret, and added immensly to the feel and flow of a great story!

Allow for the Possibilities!:)

LIVE IN THANKSGIVING DAILY

2011-11-07T12:19:00.001-07:00

Howls Moving Castle by Diana Jones

2011-11-05T14:01:00.004-06:00

Honestly this book is just fun!

Diana Jones has a great imagination - who'd have thought, a moving castle! I really like her down to earth, full of fault, heros/characters.

With a little bit of magic & mystery, danger & drama, friends & family, royalty & loyalty, adventure & animosity -what's not to like?

It's one of those books that is enjoyable from the start, and as you finish you're sad it is over.

A great read for ages 10 -100. (I am going to read this to my younger kids and give it to my 13 year old for Christmas)

Please go enjoy this book! And I plan to beat you to the store to buy the rest of the series!:)

5 Stars! Loved it!

ORGANIZE the BEST parts of your LIFE!

2011-11-01T19:23:00.001-06:00

To Start the Month out right...

I decided to ORGANIZE some of THE BEST things we do as a Family - and thus increase our chances for Success!!

This chart combines:

FHE - assignments for the month
Book of Mormon - reading each day and crossing it off
Conference Ensign Study - using Sunday to read a little from the Conference Ensign - or have it read to you (I then will furnish a small insentive/treat) (this can also be a prep. for FHE time too)
Scripture Memorizing - Plan ahead on which scriptures you want to memorize as a family (start with one, resite it once a day -dinner, family prayer, before school, etc)

Half the time it's all in organization !:)

Here is our chart you are welcome to download and print - I will continue posting one for each month a couple days before the new month arrives!:)

Organize your Scripture Reading and FHE

Silent Star

2011-10-13T20:05:00.001-06:00

Silent Star by Tracie Peterson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Great short read! This book was really a 3.5. A small town losing all their boys to war, and at the same time unknowingly killing some of their boys at home. This book opened up my eyes to how important it is to watch - be aware and think more of those around me. I love a book that is fun to read, but leaves me thinking.

2011-10-07T11:38:00.001-06:00

I use these pass off cards when our Activity Day girls pass off each Article of Faith. They fit in the baseball card sleeve so they can be easily collected! These little cards are a great little insentive and work well for the boys too!

13 Articles of Faith Pass Off Cards!

A Sweet Spiritual Message

2011-10-03T21:08:00.001-06:00

While Visiting Teaching

take along this little baggy to leave with each sister's home!

"This Halloween

May the Ghost that

Spooks you into Action

Be the

Holy Ghost"

Ghost on Bag.visiting Teaching Handout

2011-10-01T18:51:00.000-06:00

"Great Power can come from Memorizing Scriptures" (Elder Richard G. Scott)

Scriptures you've memorized . . . becoming an enduring friend

Use this great little Memory Box as your work on Memorizing Scriptures, with your children or by yourself! I love it this system!

Scripture Memory Box.tutorial

I SPY CONFERENCE

2011-09-30T18:58:00.000-06:00

i Spy Conference

Celebrating the 400th Anniversary of the KING JAMES VERSION of the HOLY BIBLE

2011-09-25T16:33:00.001-06:00

CANDYBAR COMPLIMENTS

2011-09-23T15:09:00.000-06:00

Candybar Compliments

THE VINEYARD

2011-09-04T21:39:00.000-06:00

http://vineyard.lds.org

Discover a way to help people all over the world!

With only a few minutes to give, here is a service I love doing!

It is simple, plus I can drop it mid-work and pick it up a week later!

There is so much work to do - thus the harvest is ripe, and the workers are needed!

Check it out yourself!

THE VINEYARD has a varity of ways you can serve on-line.

Family History Indexing
Translating church Publications
Prepareing Church Media for Publication
Translations
and more!

Lots of variety for lots of personalities and people with different time schedules! On-line means on your time, whenever you can, and as much as you can!

This is an amazing place to spend some time one some things that matter most!

BE HAPPY!

Pillow Covers Tutorial

2011-09-01T21:24:00.000-06:00

This is a great way to revive any room - or gift any friend!

Easy and Tasteful - and cheaper to mail than most gifts!:)

This pattern is for a Square Pillow Cover
18 " x 18 "

Front Fabric -
Purchase 18 3/4" x 18 3/4" ---I suggest going to the home decor and picking out the thicker tapestry fabrics used for curtains and covering cushions - they have tons of GREAT DESIGNS!

(You can do any size you want though! Look at your pillow forms, make up your own size, cover any boring cushion and measure it! Then cut the two back pieces just about 3-4 inches shorter on the width)

Back Fabric -
Purchase 2 pieces measured:

first back piece - 13 3/4" x 18 3/4"
second back piece - 13 3/4" x 18 3/4"

I like to use the thicker tapestry fabric for the back also

Cut both back pieces

Fold in 2-3" and iron, then sew thefold down

Set fabrics front and both backs right sides together overlapping back pieces

Pin in Place
Sew 3/4" seam all the way around and then clip the corners

Turn right side out - YOU ARE DONE!!!:)

The pillow shown had a wool felt front and a tapestry fabric for the back.
It measures 17" x 20".
cut front - 17" x 20" of black wool felt
cut 2 back pieces - 17" x 16"
wool felt circles - 3" large cirlces, 2 3/4" small circles

If you would rather just buy one I found a great shop with style and low prices!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheLaceyPlacey?ref=seller_info

EAST by Edith Pattou

2011-08-30T10:47:00.000-06:00

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a fun tale from start to finish. The author did a great job with quickly pulling you in and setting up the story. Ice, snow, bears, mapmaking, weaving, music - this book is packed full!

A Simple way to Learn about Bible Customs

2011-08-14T22:14:00.000-06:00

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great book! Easy to read with lots of information about bible customs you never knew.

What I like best is that it has a simple lay-out of one paragraph topics that have pictures and scripture references all right there. This is book is for anyone wanting to learn more about the bible! It's easy to read a little bit at a time and then put it down and pick up later.

It starts with Genesis and takes you all the way through each book in the Old and New Testaments.

Great for any age!

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

2011-08-03T20:07:00.000-06:00

My rating: 3.8 of 5 stars

Loved it! Calpurnia grows up in the hot hand of Texas and there discovers her love of the world around her and her mysterious Grandfather! Wonderfully told story, you must read this Newberry Winner!

As you read remember to sit back and enjoy - it's not an adventure, drama, romance or fantasy - it's the real thing - her life and the pure joy of it!

I highly recommend this book to those who love a great story - but especially girls like Calpurnia - age 12 and discovering life!

It is Time to COUNT!!

2011-08-01T17:28:00.000-06:00

Case-Lot Sales are coming to the Grocery Stores and I needed to know what I have at home so while I'm at the store I stock up on the right items! Spend the morning counting what you have and then stuff this inventory in your purse!

Now your ready to spend wisely!

Purse Inventory.take It to the Store With You!

THE BLUE SHOE by Roderick Townley

2011-07-15T12:41:00.000-06:00

3.5 stars! I really enjoyed this cute tale!

I would definitely suggest it as a 4 star for kids 8 - 14 year olds!

Very quick fun read! This blue shoe sits in the window display of a shoe cobbler. Hap is his apprentice. Hap may be a thief, he may be poor, he may be a bit optomistic, and he may be just what the town needs to save them from the oppresive mines on Mt. Xexnax - where Hap may soon end up if he's not careful!

A Year of Homemade Yummies!

2011-06-14T19:18:00.000-06:00

Are you wondering what to give one of your favorite people?

Here is a fun idea....

A YEAR OF HOMEMADE YUMMIES!

Directions: Each time this empties -

simply return and await a refill!!

Purchase a medium sized container with a snap on lid. Bake a special treat, fill the container, and then attach this little tag. This gift keeps on giving all year round!:)

-- only for those who enjoy baking:)

I chose yummy Homemade Granola (apricot, golden raisins & nuts)!

A Year of Homemade Yummies!

Genealogy - Keeping Track

2011-06-13T09:21:00.002-06:00

One of the 1st steps of doing your Family History -

is having a way to keep track of what you know, and what you are working on!

I have found this to be a simple yet very effective tool!

There several great programs that you can use, I am simply an advocate of this one since I am using it and find it so easy to use!

Some of my Favorite Features are:

No more piles of papers, I can keep it all organized on my computer in one program!

You can put all your rootsmagic on a small thumb drive and take it with you, use on any computer (it doesn't have to have roots magic on it to work) and then take it home and update it on your computer! Thus you have a little portable family history! And it is easy to do!
Fee Webinars - online classes to teach you not only about how to use their program, but about lots of genealogy topics - free!
Rootsmagic links easily with newfamilysearch.com
Maps and pictures are easily used and help tell the whole story

Here is a sample of their basic flow chart:

Notice you can have a picture right on the page - I love that, it personalizes your research immediately!

I have found that finding my family was not as hard as I thought it would be! I simply need a computer and a little time each week (or month when things get crazy)!

Our generation is "the" generation for genealogy as we have the world at our fingertips!

One more thing I've learned - you don't have to become a professional to do genealogy. With a little bit of basic learning anyone can discover their history and feel the joy of reconnecting with their roots!

JUMP IN - Tree hugging can be quiet addicting :)

INSPIRING EXPERIENCES that BUILD FAITH

2011-06-12T17:55:00.001-06:00

Inspiring Experiences That Build Faith by Thomas S. Monson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed reading this book of short stories from Pres. Monson's life. I could truly see God's hand in his life from an early age.
Every story in this book is heart warming and enjoyable to read.
This is a great book anyone can enjoy. I have given it a few times for a gift.
These stories are great for sharing with others, I used a few in some talks I have given.
One of my favorite stories was of his two pet rabbits he had when he was a boy about age eleven.

Fabric Covered Book of Mormon

2011-05-30T20:34:00.000-06:00

Take a mini size Book of Mormon and give it a Sweet LiL' Cover with your favorite Fabric!

These whip up fast, no sewing - just use your iron!

Fun to keep in your purse, glove box, travel bag and great for gifts!:)

Sweet lil' Book of Mormon Covers.Pattern

Celebrating the Last Day of School!

2011-05-30T15:47:00.000-06:00

Hooray School is out!!!

I wanted to Celebrate and found this cute idea on http://secretsofasupermommy.blogspot.com/

It's time to CELEBRATE!:)

Last Day of School.chair and Treat Tags .

A CURSE DARK AS GOLD

2011-05-25T13:29:00.000-06:00

Defenitely a spellbinding book! A Curse Dark as Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wonderful retelling of rumpelstiltskin story. Actually a much better telling. This was a really fun read, it kept me trying to figure out what had happened and was going to happen the entire time. I really liked how the author developed a whole story. This read pulled me right through - in fact the entire kindergarten pick-up circle had to sit and wait since I was so engrossed in the book I didn't realize the kids had gotten out, the cars ahead of me had loaded and pulled through and everyone was waiting on me! Yikes, emberrasing!

View all my reviews

Conference Study

2011-05-24T16:03:00.001-06:00

This idea came from wanting to find and mark all the "To Dos" I found in the Conference talks and then put them into action.

These little tabs work great:

When I found something the Apostles told us "to do" I would leave a tab on the page so I could refer to it and keep working on it!
I then began tabbing pages that had points meant truly for me, or
Phrases/Scriptures I wanted to memorize
FHE lessons I wanted to teach my kids

I also started highlighting favorite quotes and writing in the margins.

Suddenly my Confrence Ensign was a study manual that was actually making a difference in my life, not just making me feel good as I read it!

I'm excited to get "Studying" with our new conference ensign!

Summer Time: Daily Reading & Piano Practice Chart

2011-05-23T20:41:00.001-06:00

Encourage daily Reading and daily(5 days a week)

Piano Practice throughout the Summer with this Chart!

EACH MONTH USES ONE PIZZA AND ONE RAINBOW:

Daily piano practice - cross off a pepperoni for each day you practice and recieve a pizza after all pepperoni are crossed off!

Daily Reading - Cross off a box each day and receive Reading Dollars at the end of the month - Mom sets up this exact amount

Reading Rainbow

BANNING - "I'm B-O-R-E-D"

2011-05-22T22:27:00.000-06:00

I will not allow this horrid sentance to be spoken any longer!

What's the use? The kids ask it but don't really want my answers because NOTHING I suggest is good enough- unless it's Piza and a Movie - soooooooo, time to ban that sentence from our house and enjoy the summer!!!

I'm posting this List to the Pantry Door!

Bordom List

thanks to Heidi for the basic list!

GREEN RIDER by Kristen Britain

2011-05-03T20:59:00.001-06:00

Karigan has been suspended from her elite school.

Deciding to run away she takes off on foot headed home. A horse and rider burst upon her in the great forest. The rider has 2 black arrows in his back and with his last few breathes makes her swear an oath to finish delivering a dire message to the king. Immediately I liked Karigan, enjoyed the 16th, 17th century set-up, adventures, magic, bravery, etc. I liked the idea of the "Green Riders" and also "The Weapons". A fun fantasy read! It is the first in a series and so I have just bought the 2nd and am starting it!

I would give this 4 stars for a fun read!

50 Favourite Nursery Rhymes

2011-04-25T17:22:00.002-06:00

We could list how the rhyme and cadence help the children learn, how vocabulary and reading skills are attained - but really, we all know the main reason for reading rhymes,

THEY ARE Simply FUN!

This book really does a great job with Nursery Rhymes - linking the different poems together and making you laugh and smile all the while!

This is an Audio Book of Nursery Rhymes!

I first loaded this onto my I-pod Nano to let my kids listen to it. It is great! A man and women talk back and forth to each other while telling all the rhymes, laughing and enjoying them! It's fun to listen to!

Download for under $5.00 on i-tunes store or find at other stores on-line!

April is Poetry Month

2011-04-25T16:49:00.001-06:00

Poems -

what a perfect place for pen, paper and personal expression!

Reading poetry aloud can be very rewarding to you and your family! When was the last time you shared a poem? Better yet, when was the last time your memorized one?

Celebrating Poetry Ideas:

Hit up the library or bookstore and find the poetry section!
Purchase a small notebook to write your own poems in, or to sketch an image from poems you read about
Have a "P" day - poetry, paper, pen, pencil, people, popcycles, popcorn, pop, paint, etc.

A Poem - "Do you have any Advice for those of us Just Starting Out?"

2011-04-25T16:48:00.000-06:00

by Ron Koertge

Give up sitting dutifully at your desk. Leave

your house or apartment. Go out into the world.

It's all right to carry a notebook but a cheap

one is best.

Not surprisingly, libraries are a good place to write.

And the perfect place in a library is near an aisle

where a child a year or two old is playing as his

mother browses the ranks of the dead.

Often he will pull books from the bottom shelf.

The title, the author's name, the brooding photo

on the flap mean nothing. Red book on black, gray

book on brown, he builds a tower. And the higher

it gets, the wider he grins.

You who asked for advice, listen: When the tower

falls, be like that child. Laugh so loud everybody

in the world frowns and says, "Shhhh."

Then start again.

Day 8 - Easter Sunday, Jesus' Resurrection & Appearances

2011-04-23T16:48:00.001-06:00

When Sunday came, and Christ was Resurrected all our fears of death were extinguished.

He broke the bands of death. He was Resurrected and now we too can be resurrected.

There is hope. Hope of a perfect body once we are resurrected, Hope of life after death, Hope of seeing our Eternal Father and His son Jesus Christ again. Christ has overcome the world!

He will not forget or abandon us. He has engraven us upon His hands.

I am thankful for my Savior. My heart sings with joy because of Him! I’m Thankful for all He did during His life and especially during those last 8 days! He suffered all things, because of the Love He has for me and for you!

And now we have Hope, because of Him!

He is Risen! He is Risen!

Tell it out with Joyful voice.

He has burst his 3 days prison;

Let the whole wide earth rejoice.

Death is conquered, man is free.

Christ has won the victory!

He is Risen! He is Risen!

He hath opened heaven’s gate.

We are free from sin’s dark prison,

Risen to a holier state.

And a brighter Easter beam

On our longing eyes shall stream!

Hymn Book pg.199

Bunny Tails

2011-04-23T16:48:00.000-06:00

This idea came from EIGHTEEN25.blogspot.com! Click on the link and there is a free download!

I used mini bags of popcorn instead of marshmellows - the ideas are limitless! Bunny tails could be taffy, mints, etc.!

Day 7 - Saturday, The Tomb is Sealed and Guarded

2011-04-23T16:47:00.001-06:00

Matthew 27:62-66

Saturday morning the Chief Priests and the Pharisees went to see Pilate.

They told Pilate that Christ had said, “After 3 days I will rise again”. They asked Pilate to make sure this would not happen. They did not want His disciples to come and take His body and say He had risen from the dead.

Thus Pilate gave them Roman Guards and the Priests and Pharisees went and made sure the tomb was sealed and set the guards to watch it.

Saturday was sad and quiet. Only the guards kept watch. So much had happened, yet Christ was dead. It was the second day of His death. He had prophesied that, “After 3 days I will rise again”. Perhaps there was hope. Hope for a brighter tomorrow. Hope for the Resurrection.

Day 6 - Friday, Jesus' Trial and Crucifixion

2011-04-23T16:47:00.000-06:00

Captured - Tried - Crucified - Buried

Friday was Awful, from Sunrise to Sunset. For Christ the day was Terrible in deceit, Unbearable in pain, Demeaning, Humiliating, Hurtful, Long, and Lonely. That Friday was “The Longest Day”.

Who has suffered more, patiently bore more, and willingly submitted to more than we will ever know?

From Christ’s agony in Gethsemane to His Death on Calvary He allowed it all to happen because He loved us.

The greatest commandment of all is to LOVE the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and like unto it, thy Neighbor as thyself. (Matthew 22:37-39)

Clearly we can do great things when we are filled with LOVE.

With LOVE, “all things are possible” (Mark 9:23). Through Christ’s LOVE we see how great things can be accomplished. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)

Peace is Possible.

Patience can be Plentiful.

And Love can Linger in the hardest of Lives!

Day 5 - Thursday, The Last Supper, Prayer & Agony in Gethsemane

2011-04-20T20:36:00.000-06:00

They were all there, Christ and His beloved apostles. They had been with Him for 3 years. Christ knew He was going to suffer greatly in Gethsemane that night, but still He thought of His disciples and took the time to teach them. As Christ broke the bread He told them it represented His body, and the wine, His blood.

During this Last Supper with his disciples He taught them about the sacred ordinance of the Sacrament. He knew it would be important to them, and important to us. Each week as we attend church we have the opportunity to take the Sacrament. And each week as we do let us be sure we ALWAYS remember WHY we are taking it, and what the sacrament bread and water represent.

“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” Matthew 26:26-28

I Love the Song -

“It shouldn’t be hard to sit very still and think about Jesus His cross on the hill,
and all that He suffered and did for me,
it shouldn’t be hard to sit quietly”.
(pg. 71 Children’s Songbook)

Day 4 - Wednesday, There is no scriptural record of Christ's Activities on this day

2011-04-20T09:04:00.000-06:00

Today is a great day to review Christ's Entire Life.

From his sweet birth in a stable to his prophetic ressurection from the tomb.

Watch this youtube, it is beautiful!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oteno81QzzQ

Easter Candy Bar Wrappers

2011-04-19T19:36:00.000-06:00

Easter Morning, as a fun surprise, I thought I'd put these on my children's breakfast plate !

Buy snack size candy bars and print this download, taping them shut around the bar!

Easter Candy Bar Wrappers

Day 3 - Tuesday, Parables & Teachings

2011-04-19T10:35:00.000-06:00

Christ spent most of this day teaching the people and his disciples. Some of the Parables we know so well were taught during this day: The Parable of the Ten Virgins, the Entrusted Talents, the Two sons, the Wicked Husbandman. Also we find teachings, such as the Great commandment, the Widow’s mite, and more. Jesus also laments over Jerusalem. He filled this day with as much as He could. He taught and gratefully we have those teachings today in our Holy Bible. Matthew 21 – 26, Mark 11-14, Luke 20-22, John 12:37-50

One of my Favorite Teachings is found in Mark 12:41-44:

As Christ sat and watched how the people cast money into the treasury of the temple He beheld a poor widow. “and she threw in two mites”. (hardly a cent)
After she had done this Christ called His disciples to Him and taught them about giving all we have to the Lord, not our extra, but our all. “but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living”.

This is a beautiful story of a sweet poor woman, a lonely widow, who gave all she had to God. Obviously she was not poor in spirit. She was strong and knew what her priorities were. She was a great example to all around her and a model for women everywhere! She knew the secret to happiness; that it was not in what we have, but in what we give!

Money is not the only thing we have to offer to the Lord. What more could we give?
• I think of what I give to the Lord. I give some of my time, my energy, my service, my love, BUT do I give my all? How much more could I give? I think of alms for the poor, service to others, time spent teaching and helping others, loving others, how much am I willing to give?
Our Savior is the greatest example of giving our all
• He gave His life that we might live again. He loved us so much that He was willing to atone for our sins. He died that we might live!

Day 2 - Monday, Cleansing the Temple

2011-04-17T22:05:00.000-06:00

I.
When I read of Christ cleansing the temple I thought of Paul as he said, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God?”
1 Corinthians 3:16

A. How do we Cleanse our Temples?

Christ gives us the answer to this vital question as he finishes out the week. He died, that we might live again. Through the atonement, his suffering and death, we can repent. Repentance will cleanse our soul of all unrighteousness.
“The invitation to repent is rarely a voice of chastisement but rather a loving appeal to turn around and to “re-turn” toward God. Repentance is a blessing to all of us. The Savior is there, reaching out to each of us, bidding us: “Come unto me.” We can repent. We can!” - Elder N.L. Andersen, Matthew 11:28-30

II.
As Christ was cleansing the temple he called out, “My house shall be called the House of Prayer”
Matthew 21:13

A. How do we become a House of Prayer?

Do I hold a prayer in my heart? Does my body house a prayer each day? If we went around with a prayer in our heart would we act the way we do? Would we be a little bit better? I think that perhaps the people there in the temple during Christ’s time would have acted differently had they been housing a prayer in their hearts.

B. Because of Christ’s Prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, we can all be cleansed. Our prayers now have meaning because of His prayer that day.

“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together growth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”

Ephesians 2:19-22

Day 1 - Palm Sunday

2011-04-17T20:12:00.002-06:00

"The Sunday before Easter, often called Palm Sunday, reminds us of Christ’s entering Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. We picture Him riding a donkey, with crowds scattering palm branches along His path.

Many people think that palm branches were used because there were so many palm trees in that part of the world, but there were more reasons than that for choosing them. The palm branch was the emblem of Judea and appeared on the coins of that land, thus symbolizing one of the riches of that country. When Jesus entered Jerusalem, it was when the trees were in bloom, so in covering the way with palm branches, the people were offering a symbol of luxury.

It was a symbol of necessity too. To the Jews, palm branches represented a gift from God because of its many uses in their lives. The palm was so important in that area that when countries there went to war, the first thing they did was cut away the palm branches, causing their enemy to suffer the loss of food and livelihood (jobs).
This important tree has many different species (kinds of trees), ranging in size from less than ten feet (3 m) to over one hundred feet (30 m) high. The date palm supplied dates, of course. The coconut palm supplied both coconut and coconut milk. The sap of the sugar palm was dried, beaten, and ground into very fine sugar. Its leaves could also be boiled and used as a vegetable. The trunk of the sago palm supplied a strong starch that was ground into flour and made into unleavened bread.

Palm trees had almost no waste parts. Their coarse fiber was used to make brooms, mats, and baskets; their fine fiber was used to make sewing thread, and their heaviest fiber was used to make strong ropes for ships. Palm oils have been made into both butter and soap. Coconut shells, too, were used. Fine bowls, cooking utensils, even tools were made from them. The timber of some palms was resistant to rot and salt water and was especially good for making boats.

The seeds of palms were boiled into a medicinal drink or were dried and eaten as nuts. If they were allowed to dry a long time, they became as hard as rock and transparent, and made durable beads and trinkets. The palm’s yellowish-white flowers had an odor similar to that of violets, and they were made into perfume. The lovely, waxy flowers also were worn by the women as decorative headdresses.

Strewing palm branches at Jesus’ feet was, then, a symbol of the giving up of worldly goods, both necessities and luxuries. "

By Dorothy D. Warner, “Palms for the Lord,” Friend, Mar 1996, 26
_______________________________________________________________________

When think of palm Sunday I also think of the Palm of our Hand. Christ has engraven us on his palms. With His hands He worked to teach us, set a perfect example, and healed so many people.

With His palms He was nailed to the cross and died for us. As Christ entered the city on Sunday He also entered into the last week of His life before the resurrection.

The palm tree branches have much symbolism. But how much more meaning was had upon His palms. With His palms are we saved.

"I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands".

Isaiah 49:16

Attributes of Christ

2011-04-17T18:32:00.000-06:00

At this Holiday Time I think of the statement from Pres. H.W. Hunter:

"We must KNOW Christ better than we know Him;

We must REMEMBER Him more often than we remember HIM;

We must SERVE him more valiantly than we serve Him."

Using this list take time to look up these attributes of Christ in the Scriptures and learn more of Him, think more of Him and feel more of His Love.

Attributes of Christ

You've Been Egged

2011-04-17T18:24:00.000-06:00

Great Neighbor Service Idea!

I found this great idea at http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/search/label/easter

This is such a fun way to surprise someone you care about!

Take a couple dozen eggs and fill them with candy and little toys. Then take a couple strips of paper and write little notes for each member of the family you are egging - just asimple message telling them why you think they are awesome. Add the slips of papers in the eggs. Now take your eggs and scatter them all over their yard.(if they don't have a yard you could just fill a basket and put it on their doorstep). Take your you've been egged sign and tape it to their front door. Now for the real fun part - ring that doorbell and run as fast as you can! :)

You've been Egged.neighborservice

PRAETORIUM

2011-04-17T17:24:00.000-06:00

Mark 15:16

16. And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band.

17. And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,

18. And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!

19. And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshiped him.

20. And when they had mocked him, they took of the purple from him, and put on his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.

Matthew 27:27

27. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.

John 18:28

28. Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgement: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.

In the New Testament, praetorium refers to the palace of Pontius Pilate, the Roman procurator of Judea. According to the New Testament, this is where Jesus Christ was tried and condemned to death.

Via Dolorosa

2011-04-10T17:24:00.000-06:00

The Via Dolorosa ("Way of Grief" in Latin)

is a road in the old city of Jerusalem, a path where Jesus was lead in agony, carrying the crucifixion cross from Pilate to Golgotha.

The path follows the events that occurred on the way to the Golgotha hill, the site of crucifixion

The current route has been established since the 18th century. The route is a place of Christian pilgrimage.

The Via Dolorosa pilgrimage been followed since early Christianity, beginning as soon as it became safe to do so after Constantine legalized the religion (mid-4th century).

The route of the Via Dolorosa begins near the Lions' Gate in the Muslim Quarter and ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Christian Quarter, covering 500 meters and incorporating 14 Stations of the Cross.

Let's Get Ready for Conference!

2011-03-29T19:03:00.000-06:00

Prepare the House:

Clean House
Stock up on Snacks
Make Copies of Conference activities for Kids - see www.SugarDoodle.net
Rearrange Furniture Friday night - Tables, chairs, etc., and set up everyones places!

Gather Kids Activities:

Journals
Puzzles
Melty Beads
Legos
Lincoln Logs
Coloring & Drawing books

Prepare Yourself!

Attend the Temple
Read Scriptures & Pray daily
Go to bed on time Friday and Saturday
Be dressed and ready 30 minutes before Conference

Now sit back and Enjoy!

Help your Kids Prepare for an Earthquake

2011-03-29T16:15:00.000-06:00

Preparedness brings Peace! Help your children feel prepared by following this simple page of suggestions! With a backpack emergency kit and knowledge they will be set!

Gather your family and discuss what you will do!

Teaching KiDS What to Do in an Earthquake

Bible Stories Game - FEAST ON THE SCRIPTURES!

2011-03-16T23:19:00.000-06:00

You kids will love playing this simple game!

This puts a religious twist on the "Don't Eat Pete" game. Grab a bag of Skittles, M&Ms, or gummi bears and have a fun together!

You may even get a chance to talk about the stories you are feasting on!

Feast on the Scriptures - Bible Game

Don't forget to laminate so they will last!

Cybele's Secret & Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier

2011-03-16T21:49:00.001-06:00

I loved it! This book has swept me into the Middle East! What an enjoyable ride! Pirates, treasure, bodyguards, adventure after adventure! The author did a great job creating deep characters you were drawn to, but kept you guessing as to who would stay true and who would deceive! In a land where you are not quite sure what to expect, you can expect to find a great story, sweet romance and lots of symbolism! It leaves you thinking!

One of my all-time favorite books!

Don't miss it! You'll want to own it and share it!

Four and a half Stars! (1 star - poor, 2 stars - okay, 3 stars- not bad, 4 stars - really good read, 5 stars - rare treasure!)

Before you start Cybele's Secret you must read the Companion novel -

Wildwood Dancing -

You will find parts of; a princess and a frog, snow white, 12 dancing princesses, good vampires, Cinderella and more! Well written you will delight in this new tale of sisters in a Castle in a Land full of Magic and Mystic!

Enjoy Wildwood first, and then really revel in Cybels Secret!:)

Stick This in your Memory Kids - Fun Handout!

2011-03-16T19:11:00.001-06:00

For Teacher Appreciation Week I wanted to get the kids excited and motivated to do something for their teachers. So besides letting the parents know - I am making these little handouts to have the teachers send home with the kids the Friday before Teacher Appreciation Week!

First copy onto bright colored paper and cut in half!
Next buy Gum - tape it to the space on the top,
Fold the paper in half,
Staple it closed
And give your teacher a stack to hand out at the end of the day!

Kids - Stick this in your memory

CHARITY

2011-03-03T20:22:00.000-07:00

"If you Judge people,

you have no time to Love them."

Mother Teresa

Music for the Sabbath Morning

2011-02-20T16:16:00.000-07:00

This morning as soon as I pulled my self out of bed I slipped this cd in. I just love the feeling and spirit it gives me. Immediately I am in the mood for a Sabbath Morning.

It is a collection of beautiful songs arranged with the idea of preparing for the Sacrament. My absolute favorite is the first - "Sabbath Morning". One reason I enjoy this cd is the variety - how it can be solo or from the choir, or part of a choir. The arrangements are all done by the Jenny Phillips Choir. Some of the other songs are: Precious Savior, The Lord is my Shepherd, Jesus of Nazareth, I Need Thee Every Hour, Sweet hour of Prayer, etc.

I highly recommend this cd to help set the tone for your Sabbath Morning! (although I cheat and play it Sabbath afternoon too)

MILK MESSAGES

2011-02-19T21:44:00.002-07:00

My daughter came up with this idea and it has stuck!

It is fun to find a message on your milk each morning!

We change messages with the milk jug - you can get artsy or simply say I LOVE YOU!
(Simply use a permanent marker and write it before you put your groceries away!)

Don't waste a chance to let Happy thoughts
Milk your house:)!

WE BAND OF ANGELS by Elizabeth Norman

2011-02-15T21:53:00.000-07:00

The untold story of Nurses trapped on Bataan by the Japanese

This book captured me, taught me, and left me so grateful to not only the nurses but all who suffered so much in war. The author did an excellent job of telling a history in a heart felt story-like way. I am amazed at their courage and strength!

4 Stars**** (2 stars okay, 3 stars good, 4 stars great, 5 stars rare treasure)

IF YOU LOVE 'EM - BUG 'EM

2011-02-01T14:45:00.000-07:00

I love this sweet little idea I found at the Halmark store. They have a little booklet full of cute notes with bugs and funny/sweet little sayings.

Thus you can bug those you love all month long with sweet little notes! I think we will dub this month exactly that - if you love 'em, bug 'em. My family better watch out for the bugs!:)

Post these cute notes each day in a different spot - on their piano before they sit down to practice, at the front door, bedroom door, on a bike, in a lunch box, on the bathroom mirror etc.

I SPY VALENTINE FUN!

2011-01-31T20:47:00.001-07:00

Print this fun I SPY VALENTINE activity off on pink paper for the little loves in your life!:)
Or use as a PLACEMAT at the Dinner Table for any age!

i spy valentines fun

PRIDE - a great lesson about Pride

2011-01-17T21:20:00.000-07:00

Pres. Uchtdorf teaches a great lesson - telling us that we are all on God's Team !

Have the whole family come to this lesson geared up in their favorite sports apparel! Jerseys, uniforms of all kinds will set the stage for a memorable lesson!

And lead easily to a fun activity afterwards!

Pride

Teaching your Family MONEY MATTERS!

2011-01-10T14:28:00.001-07:00

This is a great way to help teach your children, teenagers and even adults about the basics of Money Smarts! Discover the key to Mastering your Money "THE PRINCIPLE OF THREE"!

Teaching your Family that Money Matters

I SPEAK OF MISSIONARY WORK

2011-01-06T18:21:00.003-07:00

Pres. Monson - October General Conference 2010

Watch this youtube and then discuss it with the pictures and ideas below!

Missionary Work.Pres. Monson

HOMEMADE LIPGLOSS

2011-01-05T17:46:00.000-07:00

I learned to make this from my Sister at our Sisters retreat a couple years ago. Recently I made them with a group of girls ages 8-11 at church! It was a super fun activity we all loved!

Homemade Lipgloss

JANUARY is CLEANING MONTH

2011-01-03T14:36:00.000-07:00

Now that January is here - snow is out there - I think I shall clean, clean, clean ( well at least a little bit more )

I love this idea from the blog http://cleanmama.blogspot.com/

She has given us a JANUARY CLEANING CHART!

This chart includes normal cleaning duties - but what I love about it is:

SIMPLE
A Deep Cleaning for Each Day - 15 min.- EASY

Be sure to check her blog - print the free "January is Cleaning Month" and you are ready for a sparkly clean house!

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C is for Crochet!

2011-01-01T17:49:00.000-07:00

A few years ago I was bit by the crochet bug. It was not painful, but it certainly has not worn off - in fact it has steadily grown worse. I am so infected by it that I have decided to add Crocheting to my blog in 2011!

C is for Crochet!!

So for all you beginning - or already love it Crocheters - you can look forward to some definite Crochet Blogging this coming year!!!

Amigurumi Two! by Ana P. Rimoli

2011-01-01T17:48:00.001-07:00

I am so excited to be reviewing this book for you! I have seen many crochet books and this tops them all! If you are looking for super cute toys/animals and clear/easy instructions you get it! She has great photos, good quality details, and really great through and through!

My favorites are her Koala, Bear and Bunny in Pj's (not pictured on the front)! Also I took this book to my local copy store and had them put a spiral binding on it which makes it much easier to use!

For Christmas I crocheted each of my 5 kids a toy - and they LOVED LOVED LOVED it! It was so fun! They have all put in orders for their birthdays!

Here are the ones I made the kids for Christmas:

The first book this author made is now on my wish list!

4 Crochet Tools You Will Love

2011-01-01T17:48:00.000-07:00

Makeup bag

This is the number one item you need to get organized!

This will hold all your crochet hooks, crochet markers, crochet counter, scissors, and crochet needles! All in one place - and never misplaced! Your scissors no matter how sharp will not poke through. So go find a cute make-up bag - easy!
(There are roll out holders for only your hooks, but I like it all in a little bag !)

Zip Lock Bags

Did you know you can't crochet without a ziplock bag?

Gallon sized bags are the best! As you are working on a project, the skein you are using should be stored in a zip lock bag. This keeps it clean(not on the floor picking up lint and junk) and it unravels easily in the plastic, and while you are not crocheting you can also tuck the project inside this bag with the hook and stitch counter(see what this is in tip #3). If you have a larger project simply grab another bag to store your current crocheting in.

ALSO - this is how I store all my yarn long term. Each skein gets its own bag. This way they stay clean and also stay with their label so that I know in the future what brand it was and if it is wool, acrylic, cotton, etc.

Stitch Counter

At the family reunion this summer my sister was working on some knitting when I noticed her clicking a little red box. She explained it kept track for her of where she was in a project! I was so excited! I had been making little check marks all over all my patterns and this was the answer (who cares if it's a knitting tool)! I have been using it for 5 months now and I can't live without it! It is only a few bucks, but makes counting rows sooooooooooo simple. When I come back to a project I know EXACTLY which row I am on! Look in the knitting and crochet isle at the store - you'll find it!

Stitch Markers

I have worked on lots of projects where I am going round and round and keeping track of where one row starts and the next should start gets confusing. THUS I found these nifty little plastic rings I loop into my stitch and they hold the place easily until I'm done and then it slips out!!! They are only a few dollars and well worth it!! BE SURE when you purchase them that they have an opening in the ring - some are completely closed and do not work with crocheting!

Reading the Entire Book of Mormon

2010-12-28T21:28:00.004-07:00

In 2011 the Primary theme is Scriptures. Thus my children's Primary Leaders have challenged them to read the entire Book of Mormon with their family by October (2 pages a day). In order to do this our family came up with this motivating system

and thought we would share:).

After reading each book we Celebrate!

We planned a different activity or treat to enjoy after each book is finished. For example - after reading 1 Nephi my boys are excited to go to an archery shooting range to practice as Nephi did, after Enos we are having a late night with games and treats - since Enos prayed all day & night, after Ether we will get Butterfinger Candy bars since the brother of Jared saw the finger of the Lord, and so on.
Basically Celebrating the entire way through!
We are using the bookmark below in our Book of Mormons to remind us of our Goal! Here we go!

Reading the Entire Book of Mormon

Print on cardstock, laminate and punch a hole at the top to string a ribbon through!

Use these to keep your place in your Book of Mormon!

G is for GOAL!

2010-12-28T15:37:00.000-07:00

Goal makers are happier, higher achievers, and better able to deal with life!

Use these simple cards to help each person in your family set a few goals.

Make the new year a little bit better!

G is for Goal - Goal Cards

Gift Ideas

2010-12-15T21:56:00.000-07:00

What to get them? 3 Great Gift Ideas!

1. Nativity - wouldn't you love a new nativity? Have you seen the variety lately? From ornaments to the 3 kings find metal, carved, quilted motifs and more! Kids at college, married children, or special friends will enjoy this! A fun idea is to give the person you choose one piece of a set each year till they have the complete set.

2. Tickets - We see movies enough, give them tickets to a new experience! In Utah we have the Hale Theatre, but almost anywhere you can find a great theatre, musical performance etc. Discover what is coming in 2011 that would be a great activity for your family, relative, or close friend. Give them something to look forward to!

3. Kitchen Gadgets w/Favorite Family Recipe - this can be done up really cute and adds a personal touch with the recipe.
Suggestions? Silpats to line a cookies sheet with your favorite cookie/scone recipe, Extra large or a mini muffin tin with your favorite muffin recipe or Salsa dipping cups with your Salsa recipe!

Browse your recipe book, then browse the kitchen gadget section and you can find a lot of fun things! Bed Bath and Beyond is a great store to do this with.

Now retype your recipe in a cute font (insert a picture of the recipe from google images) and print, then back with colored cardstock and tie it with a ribbon to their new gadget.

Pocket Advent

2010-12-01T08:59:00.000-07:00

I found this adorable idea and just had to try it out! LOVED IT!

I think I made up a total of 13.

I simply purchased an 8x8 book of christmas scrapbook paper, little velcro sticky circles, Lots of Gum, and went to town!

The pictures below are the advents I made. I added a fold over flap to make a little book. Have fun creating some!

Go to this blog:

http://mylittlemochi.typepad.com/my_little_mochi/2008/11/pocket-advent-calendar.html and find how she made these! Thanks for the great idea!

3 Really GOOD Young Adult Reads

2010-11-27T20:22:00.001-07:00

I just finished Restoring Harmony. I found it in the "New" section at the library. I liked the sound of the story line - Molly lives in 2031, has to set off to help her grandparents in a collapsed world. Can she muster the courage to do it? Her courage, spunk and common farmer know how give her a great personality and develp into a really great read!

I have been waiting to read Mistwood since it was published. I just didn't want to pay hardback price! So the library FINALLY got it and I read it immediately! Isabel is THE SHIFTER. Centuries of protecting the crown, but why can't she remember and what happened to the last king? I bet you can't guess the ending!

Diary Queen tells D.K.'s story. She is great - you will fly through her story! She works hard, loves to run, loves football - and crazy, but she even wants to play. I love a book that makes you see how important it is to just be yourself.

I give all 3 books 3 1/2 stars -

Who needs a TV with books like these?

( 3*= GOOD read, 4*=GREAT read, 5*= RARE treasure!)

A Companion as You Study your Conference Ensign

2010-11-21T22:46:00.000-07:00

Reading and studying Conference makes a bigger difference
as we are then moved to action.
I wanted a way to write down what I felt I needed to do, here is a simple one page worksheet to keep in your Ensign as you read and study.
Follow the Prophet.companion to Your Study

2010-11-17T21:57:00.000-07:00

I'm Grateful for my Car

2010-11-17T21:53:00.000-07:00

After pulling into the Kindergarten pick-up circle I realized I was a few minutes early and killed the engine to save some gas as I read and waited. Only when the children started streaming out of the building did I go to start the car - only it wouldn't. Nothing. No sound. Oh no, not here, I said a silent prayer and kept trying - luckily it caught and I breathed. I picked up my little sweety and we headed straight home.

Today my husband "worked from home" inbetween fixing my van.

Tonight as I drove to a Cub Scout Pack Meeting I was so glad that I could simply start my car!

THANK GOODNESS FOR CARS!!!

I am Thankful for my Savior

2010-11-14T22:04:00.000-07:00

Because if we follow in his footsteps,

we can find true joy, lasting peace and eternal hapiness!

Because no one is untouchable to Him.

He loves us all, and will heal us if we choose to be.

Because he can calm our worst storms

and give us peace in the midst of them.

I am Grateful for a Wise and Loving God

2010-11-12T22:38:00.000-07:00

"In the beginning God created the Heaven and the Earth" Genesis 1:1

"God created man in his own image"

Genesis 1:27

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son" John 3:16

"Let us love one another:for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God." 1 John 4:7

HABIBI by Naomi Nye

2010-11-11T21:13:00.002-07:00

Fourteen year old Liyana lives in St. Louis when her parents decide to move to Jerusalem. I really enjoyed this story. Written in modern day, it became a trip I could have taken, she was looking through American eyes at Jerusalem - my eyes.

So many books are about immigrants coming to America. How interesting to read the reverse. What really makes this book a good read is the writer. She has tons of great one liners all throughout the book! I love the voice of Liyana. It is humorous, entertaining and thoughtful. A really sweet story of Liyana's discovery of a world where people are dealing with ages of hurt, and what does an American girl do in a place like that?

I think of this book as hard tack, not a huge dessert you will devour in a a sitting, but more as a sweet morsel you will enjoy savoring for a little more time:).

4 Stars -

for Great Writing style, for good characters, for an interesting story line, and for being a delight

-Maybe I will start calling my boys Habibi and girls Habibti then when I'm yelling at them on the basketball court no one will know I'm saying 'GO DARLING':)

THANK YOU to all VETERANS!

2010-11-11T11:03:00.000-07:00

I am Grateful for Amazing Tenor Voices

2010-11-10T15:37:00.001-07:00