She's Baaaaaaaaaaack!

WELCOME BACK, McKinney Family...especially our talented Tara!!

I think it's time to make some CUPCAKES...Tara-style!

Christmas Star...A Gift From Our Nursery Leaders

We have the greatest, most loving, caring, dedicated,

and prepared Nursery leaders in our church.

Each week, they teach the children true principles of the gospel of Christ.

They speak on their level.

They hold them and love them.

If a child is absent, the Nursery leader often mails them a card

or drops off that Sunday's lesson to our home!

It is evident that they see these little children as "precious souls".

Today, Scarlett came home from church with a bag full of special treats

and this star with a lovely poem on the back.

(I hope you can read the poem in the picture above.)

The children are to hang this star above their bed to remind them to pray and read their scriptures every day, so that,

"when you've found your day is done,

you'll see this star and know you've won.

If your own light you haven't let dim and

like a wise man, you've followed Him."

The Spirit of Christmas

"The Christmases we remember best usually have little to do with worldly goods but a lot to do with the spirit of caring, the spirit of love, and the spirit of compassion."[Pres. Thomas Monson,December 3,2006 Christmas Devotional]

In the Question and Answer part of the ENSIGN,December 2009 issue this question was asked:

In what ways do you find peace in your celebration of Christmas?

I read this in our "One-Story-A-Day" night and asked the kids about their memorable Christmas. My oldest daughter loved her Christmas back home in the Philippines when she was 7 or 8 years old. I never thought that she would actually remember how her parents worked hard to provide for them and give them something that our meager income can afford. I personally love to think how Christmas time became the season to gather families and friends together.

While I was cleaning, organizing and throwing away scraps and scratch papers, i found this file of papers from the Relief Society that i have been keeping all these years, HOMEMADE CHRISTMAS GIFTS! and i thought that i can somehow help ease your problem regarding inexpensive but heartfelt Christmas gifts. This was actually researched and compiled by our Compassionate Service Leader(Thanks Sarah Eagar!) during that time.

*Sachets with potpouri or lavender in it(there are already made sachets at crafts stores that you just fill and tie)

*Recipe in a jar (you just fill the dry ingredients of any cookie, brownie...recipe and layer them in a jar and tie the recipe on a card to it)

*Painted candles (you paint any design on a white candle with acrylic paint)

*Painted ornament9you can buy plain ceramic or wooden ornaments at a craft store)

*Personalized towels, pillow cases(seew or paint a person's name or a design)

*Flavored oils and vinegars( put favorite spices, herbs, garlic...in a jar and filled with oil or vinegar, maybe even add a recipe to use it with)

*Beauty products( you can find recipes on the web for face masks, exfoliating creams, hair conditioners, foot soaks,bath salts, etc. out of things like honey, avocados and Epsom salt)

*Cook Book(put together your favorite recipes and write memories with each one)

*Calendar(Make one buy scratch or just put pictures of you and family over a new one)

*Coupons(write down favors that you would do for someone, lke babysit, foot massage, wash the dishes, hug, your choice movie)

*Bulletin Board(cover it with material and run ribbon across to secure pictures or notes under)

*Mosaic vases(you can find these crafts and similar ones at craft stores

*Personalized stationary

GIFTS KIDS CAN MAKE

*Aprons(you can buy plain aprons at a craft stores and have them paint it or hand-print it)

*Mugs(they can also paint a plain mug or dish)

*Doorstop(take a brick and have them paint it and put things in the holes-like plants and glue felt on the bottom so it doesn't scratch the floor)

*Rock paper weight9find a smoot rock and have them paint it)

*placemats (take an art work a child made and laminate it for them)

*Bookmarks (cut out a bookmark and have the kids color and decorate it, then laminate it)

*Terracotta pots(have the kids paint or glue things on a pot-can use beads, sea shells, material, buttons....and even add a seed packet or a bulb to plant)

*Frames(find a plain frame and have them pain or glue things on it, insert picture of kid)

*Cards(Let them paint, draw or glue all your Christmas cards-you can even peel some crayon colors, let them place them where they want, fold paper in half and iron it, the crayon shavings will melt and leave a neat design)

*Ornament Box(let the kids decorate a box to put the ornaments in)

*Wrapping paper(Buy a roll of plain, white butcher paper and have the kids decorate it and use it for your wrapping paper)

FUN GIFTS FOR NEIGHBORS(or for the Missionaries serving in your ward)

*Dipped spoons(Take a plastic spoon and dip in melted chocolate and even sprinkle on crushed up candy cane, cover with plastic wrap and tie with bow they can use them to stir their hot chocolate! Maybe even add a mug and a hot cocoa mix with it)

*Chocolate Dipped Marshmallows(Also for their hot cocoa or just to eat)

*Chocolate Dipped cherries or strawberries

*Goodies of all kinds(Find out ahead of time if they have allergies or are diabetic)

*Sparkling Cider(Add this poem:

It's funny how this time of yearbrings more than Christmas joys, like tired feet and headaches for us older girls and boys. There's this to buy and that to cook and everything to wrap. Last night i saw my bloodshot eyes looked like a city map. To keep things in perspective and enjoy this time of year, we need to take a break sometimes and find some Christmas cheer. So here's a glass of bubbly. Now sit back and take a rest and toast to all the blessings that will make this year the best.")

*Candle(Add this poem: "When you find yourself in darkness, when you feel you have no power, gaze upon this tiny light and ponder in that hour. It will give a soft and gentle glow. The longer and brighter it shines, we'll share with all we know.")

*Cookie cutters and mix(Add this poem: "I made a plate of cookies and ate just one or two, but started feeling guilty because they were for you, I went into a panic, and ordered on the phone this brand new cookie cutter so you could make your own)

HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE, Remember the true meaning of Christmas, and you will find joy and peace overflowing in your heart. For more inspirational thought and ideas on how we can find peace on our celebration of Christmas visit the ENSIGN December,2009 issue.

Just in case you haven't seen this or heard about this fun website, visit http://familyfun.go.com/

Butterflies: Cookie Exchange Recipe

Ooh, I'm excited for tonight's cookie exchange...

I'm bringing these "butterflies". Click here for the recipe.

Can't wait to see what everyone brings and to enjoy a cup of cheer with my sistas!

Manger Craft

Our beloved nursery leaders did this craft with the kids last year.

I did it again with my kids yesterday as part of our Christmas advent activities.

There is a tutorial on my blog if you are interested in doing this with your family.

Merry Christmas!

Secret Sister Gift Exchange Party 2009

The Secret Sister gift exchange party of 2009 was a big hit! If you didn't participate this year, you should think about doing it next year. Here are a few pictures that might give you some gift ideas for this Christmas...Thank you to Marie for organizing this and to everyone who made it so much fun (including Kimberly!!!) Love you all!

Just too sweet not to share...

Our book advent activities have begun...I'm telling you, it's good quality time!

What advent stuff are you doing?

Mark Chapter 5; 25- 34


25 And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,
26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,
27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.
29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.
30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?
31 And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
32 And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.
33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.
34 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.


I love this scripture because it reminds me that in the busyness of life that Jesus was aware of the simplest touch , sometimes all we need to do is reach out. And that through Our own faith we can be healed. It also reminds me that I am a daughter of a loving Heavenly father who is always there for us we just need to reach out to him in Prayer.

We have much to be Thankful for

Regardless of life's challenges, we have much to be thankful for.

We can have an attitude of gratitude, focus on what is right in our lives and be thankful for those things. We can choose to be thankful for what we have and who God is, as opposed to what we don't have. Let's offer thanksgiving to God in advance for what He is going to do and for the prayers yet to be answered!

Here are some thanksgiving bible verses to stir up and encourage a spirit of thanksgiving!

Psalm 34:1

1 I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.

Psalm 69:30

30 I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.

Psalm 100:4

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

2 Corinthians 9:11

11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

Philippians 4:6

6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Colossians 4:2

2Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

1 Timothy 2:1

1I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—

1 Timothy 4:4-5

4For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.

Hebrews 12:28-29

28Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,
29 for our "God is a consuming fire."

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and remember to give Thanks to Our Lord and Savior.

Let Your Light Shine

Mathew 5:16

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

The Savior is the best example of good works and service. Even though He came to earth as the Son of God, He humbly served all those around Him. He declared,

"I am among you as he that serveth" (Luke 22:27).

The Savior used a parable to teach the importance of service. In the parable, He told of His return to the earth in His glory and of separating the righteous from the wicked. To the righteous in this parable He says:

"Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me" (Matthew 25:34–36).

The righteous, who are puzzled by this declaration, ask: "Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?" (Matthew 25:37–39).

Then the Lord answers, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (Matthew 25:40).

Opportunities for service to others are limitless. Kind words and deeds can lift burdens and gladden hearts. Sharing the gospel is a great service with eternal consequences. One true key to happiness is to labor for the happiness of others.

True to Faith 2004

We have been blessed with the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the constant companion of the Holy Ghost. When we are living righteously we have a light shining through us that others notice. Little acts of kindness or large, planned service to others are candles shining in the dark. The holiday season is a time to shine even brighter through service, compassion, love, patience and doing good for all.

MATTHEW 26:21-22

"Is it I?"

21 And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

22 And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?



I love how John Bytheway used this scripture in his book "When Times are Tough".



He said:

"The question "Is it I?" looks inward. It is an outward recognition of an inner weakness. It says, "I may have done something wrong. Will you help me to know if i have.?"


He further explained that:

"This scripture, when applied to a marriage relationship, is a valuable tool for creating an environment in which problems can be talked about and solved. Marriage partners can ask them selves the same question, early and often:"Did I do something wrong?" "Have I hurt your feelings in some way?" "Is there something I can do better?" The words themselves are not as important as the meekness required of the one who does the asking."[When Times are Tough,John Bytheway,41-42]

I personally love this scripture because it shows the perfect character of the Savior and the apostles' response shows humility. It teaches us how we can be true disciples of Christ both in word and in deed.

Meditations of the heart

Psalms 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

Last week I finished an eight week bible study group at the local Baptist church that focused on this verse. It has now become one of my favorites.

The "meditations of my heart", what we think about and say to ourselves, is something we, as women, need to pay special attention. How often are we negative, hurtful, and overly harsh on ourselves? We would never say aloud to someone else what we say to ourselves.

This scripture is a reminder that not only our words spoken, but our words thought to ourselves, need to be positive, uplifting, and acceptable to God. In Young Womens we learn, "We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves us...", then let us remember to be kind to ourselves in words and in thought. Let us not focus on our failures and flaws, but on the finish, returning to live with Him again.

Luke

Luke 2:19 But Mary kept all these things and pondereth them in her heart.

Of course I love the beginning of this chapter, but this verse has always screamed out at me! To be Mary...

she has recently been betrothed...

she has been visited by angels...

she has to face her betrothed and tell him that she is pregnant...

she faces the scorn of her village because she is pregnant...

she may not completely understand who the child she is carrying is...

I also think a lot about Joseph...

These are thoughts that pop into my head as I read through these first chapters of Luke. I crave more information on who they are. What did they think? Was their faith steadfast and immovable or did they have some questions about all this?

I love that this verse gives me a glimpse that Mary and Joseph were real. They had some things to "think" about with this situation, as we all would have things to think about in this situation!

Great handmade gift idea site

Here is a great site for instructions for handmade Gifts. I can't show you pictures of gifts that I have made from here until after Dec 3rd. because there are certain people who I don't want to see the gifts yet:-)
There are some very cute and quick gift ideas on here
http://www.skiptomylou.org/handmade-gift-ideas/

Trust In the Lord: Proverbs 3

THE PROVERBS

CHAPTER 3

Write mercy and truth upon the tablet of thy heart—Trust in the Lord—Honor him with thy substance—Whom the Lord loveth he correcteth—Happy is the man that findeth wisdom.

1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:

2 For length of days, and ^along life, and ^bpeace, shall they add to thee.

3 Let not mercy and ^atruth forsake thee: ^bbind them about thy neck; write them upon the ^ctable of thine ^dheart:

4 So shalt thou find ^afavour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

5 ¶ ^aTrust in the Lord with all thine ^bheart; and lean not unto thine ^cown ^dunderstanding.

6 In all thy ways ^aacknowledge him, and he shall ^bdirect thy ^cpaths.

7 ¶ Be not ^awise in thine own eyes: ^bfear the Lord, and depart from evil.

8 It shall be ^ahealth to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

9 ^aHonour the Lord with thy ^bsubstance, and with the ^cfirstfruits of all thine increase:

10 So shall thy barns be filled with ^aplenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

11 ¶ My son, despise not the ^achastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction:

12 For whom the Lord loveth he ^acorrecteth; even as a ^bfather the son in whom he delighteth.

13 ¶ ^aHappy is the man that findeth ^bwisdom, and the man that getteth ^cunderstanding.

14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.

15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand ^ariches and honour.

17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

18 She is a tree of ^alife to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.

19 The Lord by wisdom hath ^afounded the earth; by ^bunderstanding hath he established the heavens.

20 By his knowledge the depths are ^abroken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

21 ¶ My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:

22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and ^agrace to thy neck.

23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.

24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.

26 For the Lord shall be thy ^aconfidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

27 ¶ ^aWithhold not ^bgood from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.

29 ^aDevise not evil against thy ^bneighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.

30 ¶ ^aStrive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.

31 ¶ Envy thou not the ^aoppressor, and choose none of his ways.

32 For the ^afroward is abomination to the Lord: but his secret is with the righteous.

33 ¶ The ^acurse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.

34 Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth ^agrace unto the ^blowly.

35 The ^awise shall inherit glory: but ^bshame shall be the promotion of fools.

I love poetry and simple, easy to remember pieces of wisdom. That is why I chose to share this chapter of Proverbs for our first day of observing National Bible Week.

"One-Story-A-Day"

In the most recent General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in October 2009, Elder David A. Bednar gave 3 suggestions on how we can be more diligent and concerned at home.

1) Express Love....and Show It

2) Bear Testimony....and Live it

3) Be consistent

Well I thought I would share an example of what my family is doing which relates to his suggestion #2....ONE STORY A DAY!

As a mother, I always think of ways on how i can HELP uplift and strengthen my family's spirituality,in other words, how i can reinforce the values and standards taught at church [besides holding Family Home Evening]. I want to be able to explore and understand their feelings about life, their challenges and difficulties outside our home and how they're able to face and resolve it.Impression came to me few days before school started last September: I thought I would gather my children [well my husband works in the evening and he joins us on the week-ends] at bedtime and we could each read and share one story from our church magazine--ENSIGN [for me], NEW ERA [for my 13-year-old daughter] and FRIEND [for my 10-year-old daughter]. It takes a lot of effort to be consistent because of the changes in schedule [homework,projects,unavoidable meetings in school] that would sometime interfere. But we all agreed to the importance of this night for the family and we want to make sure that we always prioritize it.

It has almost been 3 months since we started it. It's true that home can be a heaven on earth. My favorite part of it is when my daughters and my husband [when he's able to join us on the week-ends] share their feelings and testimony of the principles taught in the story, it is priceless. Besides, it's good to know that for sure all of us are reading the church magazine from cover to cover.

How about you, what's your idea of "being more diligent and concerned at home?!"

Yummy Blessings

Thanksgiving Blessing Mix

My visiting teaching companion and I had a difficult time coordinating times to Visit every sister in the home this month. Instead, I found this cute Mix on Sugardoodle.net and handed them out to the women we teach. You still have time to get your VT in, and this is a great way to show the sister you visit you're thinking of her.

You can Also

Use these bags/poem as a "take home gift" for those feasting with you on Thanksgiving. I'm going to set one at each place setting for our Thanksgiving table.

This recipe will make about 16 blessing mix gift bags of about one-third cup each. Use cellophane goodie bags or zipper food storage bags to package this treat.

Ingredients:

2 cups Bugles brand corn snacks

2 cups small pretzels

1 cup candy corn

1 cup dried fruit bits or raisins

1 cup peanuts or sunflower seeds 1 cup M&Ms brand chocolate candy

16 Hershey's brand chocolate kisses

(All ingredients can be found at Walmart and are inexpensive)




Directions:In a large bowl, gently mix all ingredients except Hershey's Kisses. Place 1/3 to 1/2 cup Blessing Mix in small cellophane treat bags. Add one Hershey's Kiss to each bag.





Handout- http://www.mormonshare.com/sites/default/files/images/BlessingsMix.pdf

A Walk With Christ: a follow-up question

Wow, the Relief Society meeting last Thursday was a really peaceful time. Wonderful music, special food, thoughtfully planned and well executed.

We were given lots of time to contemplate the true reason behind Christmas and to consider how we might keep our families and our celebrations focused on Christ.

One question that came to my mind is one that I'd like to pose to you:

How do you talk to young children about the Atonement at Christmastime? How do you link the joy of his birth with the joy that his sacrifice brings?

I would love to hear any thoughts and ideas or traditions that you might have...

2009 Relief Society Cookie Exchange

The 2009 Relief Society Cookie Exchange

December 17

Times and locations TBD

There will likely be two exchanges, an AM/PM...one in Danville and one in Lewisburg.

===========

--Please plan on sharing your cookie recipe with the other women in the exchange.

--The quantity of cookies you'll need to make will depend on how many people sign up.

--You may sign up by posting a comment on this blog and listing the cookie you will make

or

--Sign up on the lists that will circulate during church on Sunday.

New Site Chosen for Philadelphia Temple

This is interesting...The First Presidency has announced a new location for the Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple at 1739 Vine Street. The site is currently a parking lot adjacent to the Vine Street Expressway and diagnol to beautiful Logan Square, a prominent Philadelphia landmark.

Read more about it here.

The Best Christmas Books for Young Children

Psst....Over HERE.

The long-awaited, much-anticipated LIST...is....HERE.

Scoot on over to my blog to check it out:

In addition to some pretty sweet reads, you'll find links to crafts that you and your little ones can do after you read each story.

Oh, the holiday fun that awaits!

National Bible Week

First of all...did any of you see THIS...

...or THIS...

...on the way to Stake Conference today???

Unadulterated awesomeness.

And in case you missed the other main event this morning--Stake Conference--President Leggieri began by encouraging us to celebrate "National Bible Week", which is observed every year from Sunday to Sunday during the week of Thanksgiving.

Let's support this cause by hosting a virtual "read-in".

Here's how it will work: Each day (from Sunday, November 22 through November 29) one of us will post our favorite bible verses or stories on this blog.

If you will be traveling during that time, but would still like to participate in this "online bible study", you can do that easily by writing your blog post and scheduling it to "publish" while you are away.

Please leave a comment on this post claiming your day...We'll need 8 people, including me! (I'll take Nov. 22!)...

A Walk With Christ

In addition to the great spirit we were able to feel last night, I thought I'd share this salad recipe while I'm still thinking about it.

I bet this photo would have turned out better if I didn't have Zachary trying to eat my phone. I didn't even get a great shot of the "Salata Choban". (my rendition of biblical food) So here it goes: I will just tell you in advance that I am pretty picky when it comes to this salad. So picky that I don't like it diced up. I like it chopped using a food processor. (I use the pampered chef food chopper) I think it makes the flavors blend better together.

Salata Choban (Shepherd's Salad)

2 large tomatoes, peeled, seeded, diced

2 cucumbers, peeled, seeded diced

2 green peppers, seeded, chopped finely

3 green onions, white part only

1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped.

2. oz crumbled feta cheese (may want more...I don't like a strong feta taste)

Dressing:

6 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1/4 C olive oil

salt/ pepper to taste

Mix and refrigerate. Serve with pita bread.

This all comes about because I love Turkish food and usually live far from a Turkish restaurant. Remind me to post my favorite chicken kabab marinade, borek, and pita bread recipe!

The hummus I'm pretty picky about, too. I usually make my own, but since I found this brand I just buy it. It is Sabra brand, roasted garlic flavor. (I don't love the Atheno's brand for hummus.) I found it at Weis, where you get the special cheese and meats. I've also seen it at Sams, in Ohio. (Haven't checked here.)

Christmas Gift Ideas...to MAKE!

Here are a few fun/easy/sweet Christmas gift ideas...that you (yes, YOU) can actually MAKE!

#1 - First up, we have this ROCKIN' SCRIPTURE BAG.

My fabulous Sister-in-law Somer shows you how on her blog tutorial.

#2 - You may have seen these sweet little crayon rolls in the pews at church. Susie Jones makes them! You can too...Just follow this tutorial found on Skip to My Lou.

#3 - Know someone who likes to mess around in an imaginary kitchen? Try making these adorable felt play food. Lots of tutorials and free patterns listed here.

#4 - This could be a neat quiet book for a special baby in your life. Sew easy!

#5 - I would love for someone to give ME one of these bed warmers...I love that they used chenille on one side...looks soooo cozy!

Your Invitation to "A Walk With Christ"

"A Walk With Christ"

This Thursday, 6:30-8pm

We've been asked to dress appropriately for entering the chapel

and to bring our scriptures and a journal or notebook.

Sounds like a special eventing awaits us!

Amy Jo and I are car-pooling...does anyone else from the Lewisburg/Mifflinburg area want to join us??

Stay Healthy Remedies?

I wish I had a picture of Alex and Zachary sprawled out on the couch being zombies together! I think it is a common scene in many households. So I pose the question: Those who have steered clear of getting sick, what are you doing to keep you and your family healthy? Of course the handwashing and staying away from sick people are givens. I have friends who swear by Airborne, nasal saline solution, exercise, daily cod liver oil capsule...to name a few.

Any home remedies that work for you?

Meals for a year

OK ladies, who wants all their meals planned for a year? I DO, I DO! Well, my sister in Chicago told me about this great website/blog about a woman who has planned every meal for a year with a CROCK POT. My dreams have come true. And, no they don't all require cream of mushroom soup. Check it out, and let's start making dinners easier and less of a chore!
Happy Eating.
http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/

Alternative gift wrap

Here are some pictures a decorated paint can. now this one is very elaborate.But these empty gallon paint cans make great gift wrap. They can be purchased at Coles hardware for 2-3 dollars and some paint stores. You can cover them with paper, fabric , gift wrap ,anything, and can be made for any age. You could even decorate them with your husbands favorite sports team and fill with his favorite snack. I have more pictures of other cans .On my blog and if you Google Decorated paint cans you will see tons of ideas. Great way to disguise a small hard to wrap gift.or fill with cookies, candy etc.

This one I made for a swap I am in that had different projects we needed to include in the paint can so in the pocket on the side it has tags and a bookmark.
for more ideas the link to my blog is http://mariemakeandmend.blogspot.com/

An Eternal Family Lives Here

At the risk of blowing my semi-anonymous cover...This is what I did with my Saturday afternoon home with sick kids. I was sad that I couldn't be in the temple today to witness the sealing for yet another good family in our ward...so I decided to make a little banner for this newly made ETERNAL family to come home to.

The full banner reads, "An eternal family lives here." We strung it up across the front of her garage. Can't wait for her to see it!

Now, I want one for my house...don't you?

Mother Must haves

So with another set of multiples on the way I've tried hard not to buy any "nonsense" items. This time around I'm going to be practical, but a part of me still wants all those cute, expensive, must have baby items in the boutiques around town.
I rarely have an original craft pop into my head, but rather love to Copy other great ideas at half the cost. For instance, these adorable burp clothes! 4 for $20 in any fancy boutique, but you can make 10 for around $10. These are great gifts for a Mom-to-be whether she's a first timer or on her fifth. It's always nice to get something new! We are blessed to be in a ward with young and expanding families, and these make inexpensive gifts that say your thinking of her and yet very practical.

You'll need:
1 package of plain white cloth hemmed diapers (Walmart-12 pack for $10)
12 assorted ribbons
sewing machine and coordinating thread

Just measure the diaper seems down the middle and cut ribbon 1 inch longer so you can tuck the ends under. Sew Ribbon onto diaper down the two middle seems. If you have extra fabric laying around, make a center piece for the diaper. And you're done! Easy

The Primary Has A SECRET...

First of all, the Primary children had a wonderful time at this year's Halloween Trunk-r-Treat! Thanks to everyone who volunteered their time and talents...and donated candy and crafts.

Now I'm going to let you know something that is very, very TOP SECRET: The Primary children are on a mission...a very SECRET MISSION...and they could use your help.

The children are looking for ways to serve others during the month of November to help them learn about our theme, "My Family and I Can Serve Others". Will you help them with this?

The VERY VERY MOST SECRET part of this mission...I'm keeping a secret. But stay tuned...

Postcards From My To-Do List: Thanksgiving Advent Calendar

You are looking at an un-done project on my very long to-do list...It's a Thanksgiving advent calendar. Yeah, I know Turkey Day is just a few weeks away, and technically my kids should already be enjoying this sure-to-be gem...but hey, I'm working on it, ok?! Don't bug me!

It sure is promising though, don't you think? I spied this idea here but this blogger doesn't give any instructions on how to assemble (booo...). Probably because she's so brilliant she doesn't need instructions...I'm not brilliant, but I just eye-balled it. The pockets are about 3 inches square on two yards of canvas fabric (mostly from scraps and Walmart). I also used fusible iron-on stuff for the lettering, which I will eventually stitch around to secure.

What will go inside the pockets? I'm so glad that you asked. The aforementioned blogger, gave a link to activities to do each day with your kids. I plan on doing that list. (Just follow the links in this post. You might also want to look at hers...It's very cute!)

A neat twist to this holiday activity would be to have the child write one thing they are thankful for each day and put it in the pocket. Then on Thanksgiving you can read the list together and feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I like that idea best!

Just THINK what we could do...TOGETHER!

Ok, so I'm just going to run with this and hope that some of my sisters out there will join me!

Welcome to the unofficial blog for the Lewisburg Ward Relief Society.

I serve in the Primary and would love to have more interaction and idea-sharing with my fellow

sisters in the ward and my sisters all over the place for that matter.

If you would like to contribute to this site, please shoot me a comment or an email and let's get started.

Ideally this blog will contain GREAT ideas from all sources on all topics affecting us as women! We'll also post Relief Society announcements, recipes from our ward's cooking group, and anything that will help us do our jobs better/easier.

That said:

Here is an idea that I grabbed off of this blog and took to the women I Visit Teach last month...one of them anyway (I'm not perfect ladies...but I did get to one of them!!) If you can't tell from the photo bellow (taken from A Bushel and a Peck...) these are "witches shoes"...and the tags say "witch way will you support the rising generation?"

Perhaps you have ideas for Visiting Teaching treats for November or have seen an idea that you think is cool? If so, please share!