Great Blog to check out

While hanging out with lisa the other night making vinyl for camp she told me about this great Blog


I have spent so much time checking everything out on here there is stuff for everything  from family , crafts, primary , visiting teaching, sewing , weekly menus It is a great site so I thought I would share.

Results of Our Latest Service Project

Hello, Ladies!

I am so pleased to announce that our combined efforts made the Write It Out service project boot camp a huge success!!  In conjunction with other women across the net, we made 165 journals to be used by women who are grieving the loss of their husbands to war.  This has been a wonderful project...and as always it has been a pleasure serving with all of you.  Thank you, thank you!  Here are some of the journals that we made for the project!

Also, I have changed the name and address of this blog.  We are now officially "The Lewisburg Service Society"--a group of women, mostly living in Central Pennsylvania, who will serve together whenever we see a need.   I did this to clarify that although most of us are members of the Lewisburg Ward Relief Society, this website functions independently of the church.

Write it out journal project

So as Jocelyn posted this on her Blog about making journals for Soldiers widows It touched me so much

What better way to get together than in service too others. . bring a compositon book with you and your sewing machine ( so we are not all sharing one. ) I have a ton of fabric but if you have some to bring thats fine too. Lets get together and have a fun night making these for a great cause
So who ever would like to join us this Tuesday May 18th at 7 pm at my house In Northumberland
email me at scraps4u@verizon.net if you are interested
here is a link to the write it out project It is such a great way to reach out to those grieving
http://imakestuff4fun.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-crafty-friends-please-help-me.html 

PERSONAL PROGRESS--Good Works Value Experience #3

Mosiah 18:7-10, one of the ways my daughter chose to comfort or help cary other people's burdens is by preparing, cooking and delivering 3 meals to the home of an old brother at church who lives by himself and was just diagnosed with early stage Dementia.

"PERSONAL PROGRESS"

One of the things that is keeping me busy is working with my daughters in accomplishing their goals in the 1) Primary "Faith in God" Program and 2) Young Women's "Personal Progress" as shown above. I don't only help them but i am actually working on my own goals in the "Personal Progress". Some of the blessings that i personally received is keeping myself in tune with the Spirit as I help my husband raise our children and working full time as a nurse in the hospital at the same time. It also helps me be more patient and diligent in helping, motivating and encouraging my daughters work on their own goals remembering that the greatest service we will ever perform is found within the walls of our own home. It also uplifts me spiritually when i go back and read my thoughts and feelings about my experiences as I work on a goal, it gives me spiritual energy. Most importantly, President Eyring on his general conference talk counseled parents not to reject but to love the youth.

My family is my greatest source of happiness. My daughters are most precious to me and i am willing to die and sacrifice for them.

I encourage and challenge you to get your own copy of the "PERSONAL PROGRESS" pamphlet and start working on it too, i promise you an outpouring of the Spirit in your life.

Easter Giveaway

I am doing an Easter Giveaway on my blog.

Come check it out!

You could be one of the nine winners selected on March 24th.

Stuff to Do (with your bad self): Killer Cardio Blast

The Lewisburg Area Recreational Authority (LARA) has a lot of great classes and activities that you can participate in. This session, I started doing the "Killer Cardio Calorie Blast" class (something like that!) and it really is a blast. It takes place M, W, F from 8:30 to 9pm, and lots of women in the area go, so it's a fun way to get out and socialize while getting a great workout.

Amy Jo also teaches a great class at Bucknell, but she can tell you more about that.

The Lord's Earthquake Warning

Meridian Magazine had this great story today about the mission president in Santiago Chile who received inspired warning to prepare his missionaries for a possible earthquake....before the recent earthquake hit. It has some good lessons on receiving and recording spiritual promptings.

You can read the article here.

Stuff to Do with Kids: Daytime BOWLING

We went bowling yesterday at Imperial Lanes in Milton, and it was cheap and so much fun! The kids loved it. My two kids (who were able to heave a ball) played one game. It cost $4.75 total...so that was $2/game, plus $1.50 for my shoe rental. I know that doesn't add up, maybe there was tax? They also have group rates.

The facility was nice, certainly not new, but not smoky or anything, and they seemed pretty kid-friendly. They also had bumper bowling.

They have open daytime hours on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9a to 8:30pm (although on the phone they told me they started at 9:30a, so you might call to check before going).

And they are super easy to get to from 45, head north on 405. Go about 3 miles and you will see the Imperial Lanes Building on the right. Just park in the lot.

We are going back for another round of bowling on Monday, March 8 around 10a to 1pm or so. If you'd like to join us, bring a lunch...it's totally fun!

Stuff to Do with Kids: The Farmer's Market - Wednesdays

If you are new to the area and haven't yet heard about this, The Farmer's Market in Lewisburg is NOT TO BE MISSED!

It happens every Wednesday, rain or shine. The people there, love kids. There's lots to see, do, buy, farm animals and ducks to feed, people to talk to. A great outing all around.

The Farmer's Market is located on Fairground Rd., just off of Rt. 45 in Lewisburg. There are other small shops to walk to and explore...and when you are finished you can head over to nearby St. Mary's Park.

Stuff to Do with Kids: The Children's Museum

Ok, so we finally checked out the Children's Museum in Bloomsburg for one of their Weekly Wednesday activities (which run December through February)...and it was really cool! Adults get in for these activities for free...Kids over 2 years old pay $5.

The museum has camps, art exhibits, and essay contests through out the year.

Here is Bobby Sena accepting his prize for winning an essay contest last year!

Stuff to Do with Kids: Gymnastics Gym Fridays!

Ok, so it's STILL winter...and will be for some time now...but if you want to get out, you might consider going to the LARA gymnastics gym on Fridays and hanging out with other moms while your kids run out their ever-lovin' energy on the various mats and gym equipment.

It's open for Moms & kids 18 mos to 7 yrs on Fridays from 9:30a to 11:30a....I think that it costs $4 for the first kid $3 for the next and the rest are free after that...You can also register online to pay for a whole "session". We go every week, so call me if you want to come. The gym is conveniently located on Rt. 45 in Lewisburg, just before Fairground Rd.

If you have any fun outings for kids in our area, please share them here for other women to read about!

Love Buckets!

Last week I went to Marie's and made a "love bucket". I can't remember what Marie called them, but this is what they are now! :) I decided each member of my family needed one of these! I've had fun making these. The kids were able to help with the handles. For FHE we introduced our Valentines theme. All week will write our "love notes" and put them in each others "love buckets"! Thanks for the great idea Marie!!! It is the start of a great tradition!

Death by Chocolate

Julie's Confession

Is it bad that I had chocolate cake for breakfast this morning? Perhaps it wouldn't be terrible, had I not eaten a huge piece last night, too! We had a fun group meet at Martha's last night! We were missing many more sisters, though!

Shared were some great treats, great laughter, and great recipes!

The desserts were fun, easy and super yummy!

These were super cute! They would make any occassion feel fun and festive.

You can see my spoils. The cake is being nibbled on as I type. The turtles are intended for the hubby...we'll see if they last that long!

RS Scrapbook night Finish Project night

Just to let everyone know the First tuesday of the Month is Next week.February 2nd Can you beleive that where Did January go!.
So it is the RS scrapbook night finish project night at my Home .In Northumberland . which is central to you all. Email me at scraps4u@verizon.net for directions
Please come and join us. Rsvp if you are attending.

The class this month is the decorated paint can More Details on my blog . Cost is $7 But includes everything, Paper, ribbon, embellishments and of course the can.
Please RSVP so I have enough cans. also let me know if you would like alternate colors. I have a ton of paper card stock so that is not a problem. but I would like to have some things cut and ready for you.
Class times are 10am- 12pm and 7pm 
Although you are welcome to come anytime during the day. I do have toys and videos for the kids . But I know sometimes it's just nice to come on your own.

You are also welcome to come along and just work on your own projects. I have tons of tools, idea books etc you can use and also a lot of supplies you can use for free. or just come to chat and be social.
So come and have a fun night out

A few tips for our fellow "losers"

In case anyone out there involved in our "Biggest Loser" quest is in need of a few tips, here are some suggestions from Team 2:

Fiber! Eat your whole grains to lose weight. Also, I literally gag on water. Can't stand the flavor at all. So I drink watered down Crystal Light (walmart brand). I can drink that all day long!
-Heidi

I love the Wii and you guys encouraging me.
-Cheyenne

My advice, for what it's worth, is that I've found I'm more successful if I get up at 6am. I can exercise for 30-45 minutes, shower, and read my scriptures before my kids wake up. And then I usually have a much better day. It only happens a couple of times a week but when I do it, I'm always happy.
-Tina

I read this in SHAPE magazine this month and it really made sense to me:
When setting weight loss/ healthy lifestyle goals, try to focus on the positive- instead of saying "I'm not allowed to eat (fill in blank)" focus more on "I'm going to add more veggies and whole grains". Make it easier on yourself and take baby steps, instead of "I'm going to lose 10 lbs this month" try to aim for "I'll trim 100 to 200 calories from each meal". Celebrate the little achievements you make and don't be afraid to let yourself still indulge once in a while!
-Carolee

I must admit that most of my points come from drinking water. I like to have a 32 oz cup or water bottle around all day that way I can drink more often without thinking I need to drink an entire cup at a time. It also makes it a lot easier to count how much water I'm drinking each day.
I know drinking just water can get boring especially if you're drinking large quantities of it... Here are several suggestions to make drinking water less boring:

• -add lemon juice or sliced lemon to it
• -add a slice or two for fresh orange or lime
• -drink it warm when you are cold
• -make it into herbal tea (I love the different flavors available)
  

-Nancy

Another thing I am really focusing on (and not to sound cheesy) is to include the Lord in all this. I really think that he cares about my health. I think that over indulgence with anything can lead to problems. I try to start my day asking for His help with discipline and control. I've never really done this before, when trying to make healthy changes.

-Julie

Visiting Teaching Blog

Thought you guys might enjoy this blog about Visiting Teaching.

I keep seeing their button everywhere!

http://visitingteaching.net/blog/

Relief Aid for Haitian People

Church Sends Additional Aid to Haiti Earthquake

SALT LAKE CITY 13 January 2010 In the wake of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is mobilizing resources to address the most pressing needs of the people in the Caribbean nation. Images of collapsed buildings and devastated families tell the story of the widespread destruction.

Two planes, one departing from Denver as early as Thursday and another leaving from Miami later this week will each include over 80,000 pounds of food and emergency resources such as tents, tarps, water filtration bottles and medical supplies donated by the Church. Transportation is being provided by Airline Ambassadors and Food for the Poor will aid with distribution in Haiti.

“We are constantly assessing needs to determine how our resources can directly help the people of Haiti,” said Nate Leishman, manager of the Church’s humanitarian emergency response efforts. “We are fully committed to this ongoing process and doing our best to help wherever we can.”

These new shipments are in addition to emergency supplies being sent by truck from the Dominican Republic including personal hygiene kits and supplies for newborns announced early Wednesday by the Church.

“We express our sympathy and prayers on behalf of the citizens of Haiti following the recent devastating earthquake,” said Kim Farah, Church spokesperson.

All Latter-day Saint missionaries serving in the country are safe, and Church leaders continue efforts to account for Church members in the area.

Donations for relief efforts can be made at http://give.lds.org/emergencyresponse.

Grateful For family. Come Share and Record your memories

Columbia South Carolina Temple

I have really decided to focus on getting my Family Pictures Albums  up to date this year. One page at a time. I know scrapbooking isn't for everyone. But It is still important to record those special events /Photos in some way. Even if it is just writing on the back of the photo names and dates, and storing them all in one safe place/ box.  There is nothing sadder to see boxes of photos discarded in antique and thrift stores with no conections those are somebodys ancestors. I know I would love to have pictures and memories of my ancestors, loved ones

 Well do you know that you will be someones ancestors at some time?. So even if you store Your pictures digitally on your computer, Make sure you back them up, Print them out, record events Dates etc. While you remember.Remember Computers can crash too then there goes your precious pictures too.So sometimes they can just be a digital shoebox with tons of pictures but no details.

So any body who would like to join me in this quest is always welcome to come over and scrapbook ,Those who Know me, know I have a studio in My basement with plenty of room, tools, supplies, ideas you can use free of charge . So  Or just come and sort pictures and journal, Put them in albumsof any kind ( acid free of course). Scrapbooking  and album making is How you want it to be.I am not affiliated with any company just love to share ideas .And I know I want my family to have memories for years to come.

So with that in Mind this is when My home and I are avalaible to you.

Every Tuesday 10- 2 pm and Tuesday nights 7-10

 Every other Monday 10-2 2nd and 4th weeks

The first Tuesday night of the month is the official RS scrapbook finish project night

( you do not have to have one crafty bone in your body to join us LOL)

.

But give me a call I am also really flexible. as I am home a lot.( especially when its cold outside LOL)so if other days are good for you please call.

Children are welcome during the day I have movies toys etc. But feel free to come alone too. I know sometimes it's hard to get much done with little ones around.

I know In these economic times It's hard to spend money on Hobbies. thats why I am teaching for free .and I have enough supplies to make about 100 scrapbooks so I have a whole lot of free paper ,embellishments you can choose from. If you have any craft or page idea you would like to learn let me know. I would love to teach you.

On the first tuesday of the month I will have a mini class If you are interested there will be small fee involved for this ,Just because I will need to purchase supplies But most classes will be $5- $10 ,or sometimes it will just be a supply list to bring if you have supplies of your own too.Please email me if you are interested  they will be fun projects, some layouts, gifts , seasonal projects etc.

The february class will be  a decorated paint can, for valentines, a gift, storage, birthday what ever you want it to be. Details are on My Blog or email me. I can also give you a supply list for you to bring your own supplies.

There will be a daytime class and a Night time class.but you are still welcome to come along and do your own thing instead of the class. Just know I won't be able to help you as much during the class hour.

Anyway Hope I can inspire some of you to Record your Own family history and record those memories for your generation stories come, In any way shape or form.

Two Thousand Nine

Happy New Year everyone!!

2009 passed by in a twinkling of an eye. I bet our family would love to think of the many blessings and changes that took place last year while we're striving hard to live, to learn and to love with each passing day. As I was contemplating and pondering on the things and events that happened in our lives, I felt grateful for the love of our Father in Heaven who never gets tired of forgiving, loving and guiding each one of us if we will only let Him. Besides our annual apple picking in upstate New York and summer family outing at a theme park in Pennsylvania we've only been to 1 state last year, VIRGINIA BEACH in Virginia, where we spent Easter week-end. It was a beautiful place where you can enjoy and be at peace with the beauty of the nature.

The girls continue to find time learning to play the piano with the help of their Mommy. Although it wasn't as regular as it should be, I must however admit that they are very teachable and can really play well. Family time is always the best time for all of us. Whether we go out to eat or go to church on Sundays, go to the temple as a family, go shopping, hold family home evening or just hang around the house to rest--we simply love and enjoy it! We also discovered that we can express our feelings about life's challenges by gathering together every night and read from our church magazines-The ENSIGN, FRIEND, and NEW ERA. This simple means strengthen our family relationship.

I'm sure that besides the occasional whining and crying and teasing and annoying- you would like to know what's going on with the 2 girls who spiced up Mom and Dad's lives. Shelley, the youngest member of our family, turned 10 last July and is now enjoying her 5th grade in Elementary School. She loves to help her family in any way she can and she's the kind of person who would gently pat your shoulder or rub your back and tells you that you are a good person when your day seems so stressful. She is proud to say that last year 2009 she accomplished her goal to memorize the 13 Articles of Faith by heart.She also loves to call her friends on the phone and talk about the Jonas Brothers or Justin Bieber[followed by a thrilled scream!!] Just like other girls her age, she loves to cut out pictures of her favorite teen celebrities from a magazine and post it on her mirror or dresser to adore and admire. School was also fun and exciting for her esp. every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday when she attends the early morning band and chorus practices. Getting into the school band was one of the coolest things that happened in 2009. She plays the flute and they are getting ready for their School Winter Band performance.Shelley is looking forward to Junior High when she graduates from elementary in June 2010. One time her Allergist asked her what she wants to be when she grows older and without hesitation she immediately answered "I want to be a Nurse like my mom!" And I'm sure Shelley will be a good, compassionate nurse someday!

On the other hand, our teen-ager turned 14 on January 2nd, How awesome!! Geri works so hard and participates actively in school and YES! she is graduating from Middle school[8th grade]and next school year she will be in Highschool! Geri is the "Big Sister" in her group at school. Friends run to her for advice about almost anything and she thinks that helping them with their problem is cool. Crushes, admirers, tell me how you call it and Yes i'm glad that she's been very open to me about it . She is [as much as I am] grateful to the leaders of the Young Women's organization in our church for patiently and diligently helping them become the kind of women God expects them to be. She benefits a lot from their Mutual Night every Friday. Young Women ages 12-17 gather together to have fun, like cooking, crafting, dancing, learning values and standards[which we reinforce at home] that will help them choose what is right.She prefers learning a new piano piece by herself and would just consult me if she couldn't figure out a note, she thinks Pop music is more interesting to learn than classical music. Also for her, working backstage is cooler than performing on stage.After their successful Dance Concert last December 2009-they are preparing and looking forward with excitement to a stage play titled "Aladdin" which will be presented in a few months.Jeans, shirts, sneakers, boots is way comfortable for her. One of the coolest things that happened to her last year was to be called as the ward[bensonhurst] Youth Representative to the Stake[Brooklyn, NY] and I think Mom and Dad better save and prepare now to help her achieve her goal which is to become a Cardiologist someday!

As for Mom and Dad: Mom started working days since May,2009.She is now working with patients with Cancer and is blessed with a lot of opportunity to help and understand not only her patients but also their family. She still teaches in the Relief Society class every 3rd Sunday and plays the piano[organ] during sacrament service. She still loves to take pictures of the family and organize and clean the house during her free time. She also plans to go back to school in fall 2010 for her Master's Degree. Meanwhile Dad continues to work hard as a driver/courier for Bioreference Laboratory. He loves his calling in the church as the 1st counselor in the Young Men's Presidency.He also has never loss his love for cooking--that means--cooking for his family. He thinks that experimenting on new spices is fun and we just love to eat everything that he thoughtfully prepares and cooks for us. Year 2010 will be a busy and exciting year for him with the new job in the hospital that awaits him.

As we carefully look back and ponder on the many challenges and blessings that came our way, our hearts are filled with gratitude for our loving Father in Heaven for directing our life as a family. We are also thankful for dear families and friends who have always believed in us and have loved us for who we are.

Again, we're sending you our love and hope for the best this year 2010!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!