Sunday, December 19, 2010

10 Ways to Keep Christ in Christmas

We thought we would share some of the links from today's lesson:

http://christcenteredtraditions.blogspot.com/

http://lds.about.com/od/christmas/tp/keep_christ_in_christmas.htm

http://lds.org/broadcasts/archive/christmas-devotional/2010/12?lang=eng

http://lds.org/topic/christmas/

We hope each of you find the spirit of Christ this Christmas. We love each of you and wish you a Very Merry Christmas!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Recipe - Kale's Strawberry Salad

Here is Kale's Strawberry Salad Recipe from the "Hats off to Women" dinner:
Salad
1 head romaine lettuce
1 head red leaf lettuce
1 pint fresh strawberries
1 cup Monterey jack cheese
1 cup slivered almonds or walnuts

Put together in a bowl and toss.

Dressing
1 cup vegetable or canola oil
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp paprika

Place ingredients in a jar and shake. Add dressing to the salad just before serving.

December 1st - Keeping Christ in Christmas

This Christmas season we would like to help each sister feel the "Reason for the Season" and help to bring Christ into their Christmas Celebrations more this year. A great way to do that is to go to the source- the scriptures- and learn about Christ: his birth, life, death and teaching. If you want a great way to study about the life of our Savior this month - think about reading the book of Luke. There are 24 chapters in Luke, and reading one chapter a night until Christmas Eve would be a great way to involve your family in scripture study and bring the spirit of Christ into our homes.
We wish each of you a wonderful Holiday Season and hope that you will feel the spirit of love, peace and charity this Christmas Season!

Living Christ Fireside - December 19th, 7:00pm

The Stake Living Christ Fireside is on Dec. 19 at 7:00 pm. This is a fireside that the entire stake is invited to, not just the youth. The speaker that night will be Sister Mary N. Cook of the General YW Presidency and refreshments will be served afterwards. At 6:30 that night in the chapel they will also be showing a Trek Slideshow specifically for those who attended Trek, but all are invited to that as well. Please plan to attend, this should be a great evening for all!

Recipe - Lemon Dessert

Lemon Dessert Recipe from "Hats off to Women" dinner:
Crust:
¼ c melted butter
1 pkg. Graham crackers – crushed
1 TBS powdered sugar
Save ½ cup crust mixture. Press remaining crust mixture into a 9 x 13 pan.

Filling:
1 – 3oz Lemon jello
1 – 12oz carton cool whip
1 tsp vanilla
1 c hot water
1 – 8oz cream cheese - softened
1 c powder sugar
1 tsp Lemon juice
Dissolve Jello in hot water – cool. Mix softened cream cheese, vanilla, sugar, lemon juice and cool whip. Add cooled Jello. Spread over crust. Sprinkle ½ cup crust over top. Refrigerate until set, at least 4 hours.

Recipe - Kalley's Chocolate Fudge Cake

Kalley's Chocolate Fudge Cake from "Hats off to Women" dinner:
1 pkg chocolate cake mix (I use Betty Crocker's Chocolate Fudge)
1 small pkg jell-o chocolate instant pudding mix
4 eggs
1 c. sour cream
1/2 c. oil
1/2 c. water
1/2 a bag of the semi sweet mini chocolate chips

Mix together, pour into two round cake pans and bake at 350 for about 35 minutes. Layer cakes together with your favorite Chocolate Frosting recipe.

Recipe - Olive Garden Italian Salad

Olive Garden Italian Salad from "Hats off to Women" dinner:
Dressing:
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup corn syrup
2 1/2 TBS grated Romano or Parmesan cheese
2 TBS dry pectin (like you use to make jelly - found in canning aisle at grocery stores)
2 TBS beaten egg or egg substitute (I omitted this step because some people are nervous about raw eggs, and the dressing still turned out good)
1 1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp minced garlic
1/4 tsp dried parsley flakes
Pinch of dried Oregano
Pinch of Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

Combine all ingredients with a mixer on medium speed, or in a blend on low speed for 30 seconds. Chill for at least 1 hour - to thicken dressing.  Makes 2 cups dressing.

Salad:
Chopped Iceberg lettuce
Chopped Romaine lettuce
Red Onion, Diced
Black Olives, chopped
Banana Pepper Rings, chopped
Tomatoes, diced
Parmesan Cheese - to taste
Croutons

Recipe - Dorothy's Breadsticks

Dorothy's Breadsticks from the "Hats off to Women" Dinner:
2 cans of Homestyle Biscuits (like Pillsbury, etc.)
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) butter or margarine
1 tsp Garlic Powder
McMormmick Grill Mates Montreal Chicken Seasoning

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place butter in the bottom of a 9x13 pan and put in oven to melt the butter. Open cans of biscuit dough and begin to roll dough into breadstick shape. Once butter is melted, remove pan from oven and sprinkle garlic powder into butter - stir to mix together. Place rolled breadsticks into butter and roll around in butter to coat. Once all breadsticks are placed in pan, sprinkle top with seasoning mix to taste. Bake for 11-12 minutes until golden brown.

Monday, November 29, 2010

52 Weeks to Preparedness - Week 28

Week 28 ~ Personal products: soap, deoderant, toilet paper, shampoo, lotion, etc.

Monday, November 22, 2010

52 Weeks to Preparedness - Week 27

Week 27
Canned meats: tuna, turkey, dried beef, etc. Go for 10 cans!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Hats off to Women!

This is a reminder of our Relief Society activity TOMORROW night at 6:30pm in the Relief Society Room. There will be dinner and a short program. Please plan to join us, and bring a friend!! There will also be a nursery provided.

Monday, November 15, 2010

52 Weeks to Preparedness - Week 26

Week 26 ~ First Aid supplies: Band-aids, calamine lotion, Neosporin, etc.

Monday, November 8, 2010

52 Weeks to Preparedness - Week 25

Week 25 -
Medicine Chest! Feminine products, Pepto-bismol, Vicks, cough drops.

Monday, November 1, 2010

52 Weeks to Preparedness - Week 24

Week 24 -  Detergent, bleach, cleanser, ammonia, disinfectant cleaners. Use coupons and go where you get the best prices.

Monday, October 25, 2010

52 Weeks to Preparedness - Week 23

Week 23 ~ Go nuts! Dry roasted nuts keep the best. Raw are more nutritious. Nuts can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to preserve them longer.

Monday, October 18, 2010

52 Weeks to Preparedness - Week 22

Week 22 is Candles and Matches. Store in a sturdy (waterproof) box that you can locate in the dark when you need it.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Sister Spotlight

We would like to get to know all of our Sisters better! We will print the following Spotlight on the back of the Sunday programs for the next few weeks - If each sister can fill this out and either email back to Sister Evans (pandaevans@comcast.net), comment back to this blog or give a copy back to a member of the Relief Society Presidency we would really appreciate it!! We would love to get to know each of you better!

Sister Spotlight
1. Your full name
2. Where were you born? Where did you grow up?

3. How many brothers and sisters do you have? Where do you fit in oldest / youngest?

4. Are you married? If so, what is your husband’s name, how long have you been married?

5. If you have children, how many? Names and ages. If not at home where are they living now?

6. What are some of the different places you have lived? Your favorite place?

7. Your favorite color?

8. Your favorite food?

9. What are some things that you enjoy doing? (hobbies, crafts, reading, sewing, cooking, singing, etc.)

10. What are some of the callings you have had in the church? Which was your favorite?

Monday, October 11, 2010

52 Weeks to Preparedness - Week 21

Week 21 ~ Cooking Oils ~  Get a good quality. Buy and Freeze some butter or margarine.

Monday, October 4, 2010

52 Weeks to Preparedness - Week 20

Week 20 is More Vegetables and Fruits! Canned or Frozen! Check your local grocery stores - a lot of them are having Case Lot sales. Also check out your local Farmers market for some fresh produce!

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Reminder for all parents - Primary Program

President Farmer would like to remind us all about the Primary Program :

The Children's Sacrament Meeting Program is on Sunday October 24th at 11:00 a.m.  Please have your child(ren) in the chapel by 10:45 a.m.  We will be practicing during primary on Sunday October 17th. Due to a scheduling conflict we have a new time for our Saturday practice on October 23rd.  The new time will be from 12:30-1:30 p.m.  We need everyone at our practices, so if you will not make it to any of these practices or the program, please let us know so we can adjust parts and/or seating accordingly.  Thanks!

Monday, September 27, 2010

52 Weeks to Preparedness - Week 19

Week 19 - Rolled otas, corn meal, wheat, grains. Get whatever your family loves.

Monday, September 20, 2010

52 Weeks to Preparedness - Week 18

Week 18 - Treats for baking: Cocoa, coconut, nuts, chocolate chips, raisins, butterscotch chips, etc.! Yummy!

Friday, September 17, 2010

Super Saturday Craft - FHE Box

Project: Family Home Evening Box
Price: 10.00
Description: A Quick and easy way to have Family Home Evening - just open the box, pick out an item and you are all set!

Please leave a comment if you are interested in doing this project, but have not signed up at church on the sign-up sheet. All money for projects is due to Kale Snyder by Sept 26th. Thank you!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

REMINDER - Relief Society Temple Trip is tomorrow - Sept 16th

The Relief Society Temple Trip is tomorrow Sept 16th! We will be doing the 6:40pm endowment session, or you are more than welcome to attend another session or another ordinance. (Don't forget there is also the Ward Sealing Group this Friday if you are interested). If you are in need of a ride to the temple, please contact a member of the Relief Society Presidency.

Super Saturday Craft - Prophets Activity Book

Project: Prophets Activity Book

Price: $4.00
Description: Books that are perfect for quiet time, Church or just to teach your children to recognize the prophets.
Please leave a comment if you are interested in doing this project, but have not signed up at church on the sign-up sheet. All money for projects is due to Kale Snyder by Sept 26th. Thank you!

Super Saturday Craft - Articles of Faith Activity Book

Project: Articles of Faith Activity Book

Price: $4.00
Description: Books that are perfect for quiet time, Church or just to teach your children their Articles of Faith.
Please leave a comment if you are interested in doing this project, but have not signed up at church on the sign-up sheet. All money for projects is due to Kale Snyder by Sept 26th. Thank you!

Super Saturday Craft - ABC Activity Book

Project: ABC Activity Book

Price: $8.00
Description: Books that are perfect for quiet time, Church or just to teach your children a gospel perspective to their ABC's.
Note: *There is a list of a few things you will need to bring, and we will get that to you before the activity.

Please leave a comment if you are interested in doing this project, but have not signed up at church on the sign-up sheet. All money for projects is due to Kale Snyder by Sept 26th. Thank you!

Super Saturday Craft - Santa Blocks

Project: Santa Blocks

Price: $3.00
Description: Cute Block with the saying "Santa, Define GOOD"
Please leave a comment if you are interested in doing this project, but have not signed up at church on the sign-up sheet. All money for projects is due to Kale Snyder by Sept 26th. Thank you!

Super Saturday Craft - Christmas Mini Signs

Project: Christmas Mini Signs

Price: $2.50
Description: Cute blocks decorated with Christmas sayings.

Please leave a comment if you are interested in doing this project, but have not signed up at church on the sign-up sheet. All money for projects is due to Kale Snyder by Sept 26th. Thank you!

Super Saturday Craft - Joy/Boo Blocks

Project: JOY/BOO Blocks

Price: $1.00
Description: Cute blocks with JOY on one side and BOO on the other - Great for decorating for Christmas and Halloween!
Please leave a comment if you are interested in doing this project, but have not signed up at church on the sign-up sheet. All money for projects is due to Kale Snyder by Sept 26th. Thank you!

Super Saturday Craft - Engraved Baking Dish

Project: Engraved Baking Dish

Price: $4.00 for engraving only (provide your own dish) or $13.00 to purchase a 9x13 dish, with engraving
Description: A fun idea to label your own casserole dish, or to buy as a great Christmas or Wedding Gift. Add a cake mix for an easy gift idea. Your choice of 11 fonts and 11 icons. You can also print out the order form for each dish you want and bring it to Kale Snyder or Angie Evans.

Please leave a comment if you are interested in doing this project, but have not signed up at church on the sign-up sheet. All money for projects is due to Kale Snyder by Sept 26th. Thank you!

Super Saturday Craft - Decorated Dish Towel

Project: Decorated Dish Towel

Price: $3.00 or Free if you bring your own towel, material and ribbon
Description: A fun way to jazz up your boring dish towels!
Please leave a comment if you are interested in doing this project, but have not signed up at church on the sign-up sheet. All money for projects is due to Kale Snyder by Sept 26th. Thank you!

Super Saturday Craft - Wall Art

Project: Wall Art

Price: $3.00
Description: A very cute way to display your family picture, or a picture of whatever you like!
Note: You must provide your own picture, fabric or scrapbook paper. 12 x 12 pictures can be printed at costco for 3.19. Kale can pick them up if you don't have a Costco card.



Please leave a comment if you are interested in doing this project, but have not signed up at church on the sign-up sheet. All money for projects is due to Kale Snyder by Sept 26th. Thank you!

Super Saturday Craft - Countdown Blocks

Project: Countdown Blocks

Price: $11.00
Description: Decorated blocks that will countdown to your favorite holiday!

Please leave a comment if you are interested in doing this project, but have not signed up at church on the sign-up sheet. All money for projects is due to Kale Snyder by Sept 26th. Thank you!

Super Saturday Craft - Calendar Blocks

Project: Calendar Blocks

Price: $11.00
Description: Cute blocks decorated with each month of the years, as well as blocks that have numbers one them to display the date & month. Very Cute!

This is just an example picture - it will look a little different than this.
Please leave a comment if you are interested in doing this project, but have not signed up at church on the sign-up sheet. All money for projects is due to Kale Snyder by Sept 26th. Thank you!

Super Saturday Craft - FHE Proclamation Book

Project: FHE Proclamation Book
Price: $20.00
Description: We are offering one of the books that was displayed in our Spiritual Mall. This book contains Family Home lesson plans, pictures, ideas, songs, etc.


Please leave a comment if you are interested in doing this project, but have not signed up at church on the sign-up sheet. All money for projects is due to Kale Snyder by Sept 26th. Thank you!

Super Saturday Craft - Net dish scrubber

Project: Net Scrubbers
Price: Free
Description: President Williams will be teaching you how to crochet this wonderful pot/pan scrubber!
*Note: Must have a basic knowledge of how to crochet and provide your own J or K crochet hook.


Please leave a comment if you are interested in doing this project, but have not signed up at church on the sign-up sheet.  Thank you!

Monday, September 13, 2010

52 Weeks to Preparedness - Week 17

Week 17 is Vitamins! Vitamins A, C and D are particularly important. Be sure to rotate, as vitamins lose their potency when stored for too long.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

September Goals

Summer is now over - and we are back to our Goals for Relief Society! Please read through these goals, and commit to doing at least one of them - your life will be blessed by doing so!

Spiritual Goal: Often times we find ourselves saying the same things without even thinking each time we kneel down and pray. This month do things a little differently by doing these steps:
1. Find a quiet place (closet, bathroom, or lock the door to your bedroom to keep little eyes from distrubing you, etc.)
2. Ponder for a moment the things you are grateful for and the things you truly need.
3. Before starting your prayer try to visualize your Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ since this is who you are talking to.
4. After your prayer take a moment to meditate and write down any thoughts you might have.

Personal Goal: Just like in our personal prayer time we need to take a few moments each day to meditate. Find 5 minutes each day this month to simply ponder in a quiet place and again write down any thoughts you might have.

Family Goal: This month sit down with your family and decide on a time when you can study the scriptures together. Try to read the scriptures each day as a family even if its only a verse.

Food Storage Goal: Evaluate your families water needs this month and try to get a basic water supply started. For guidance on this go to lds.org, mouse over Home and Family, click on Family Home Storage, then click on Drinking water.

Challenge: Women need women,and each one of us desries to have people around us that we love and who loves us. In the August Friend - President Eyering wrote an article entitled "Knitting Our Hearts Together". Take time this month to to read this article. Take some extra time to pray for those sisters in our ward that you know or even don't know. Then as we were challenged in our Relief Society Lesson given by Sister Lewis & Sister Evans, pray to find people that you can serve. Write down their names and then contemplate what you might be able to do to serve them and then go and do it. As we get to know one another and serve one another our hearts will become knit together and we will find a greater sense of love and peace in our lives.

A Happy Hello, A Sad Goodbye

As we know, in this life, the only thing that is constant is change. We had a change this Sunday in our Relief Society Presidency and we would like to let Sister Lewis know how much we appreciate her and her service to the Relief Society for the past 3 years! She has been such a blessing to the sisters in our ward with her willingness to do whatever was asked of her, giving love and service to those around her, her happy smiling face, her WONDERFUL lessons, her compassion and enthusiasm for life and especially for all the sisters in our Ward. Trish will be missed in Relief Society, but we know how lucky primary will be to have you as a teacher!!! Thank you Trish for all you have done for the Park Pointe Relief Society !!!!

As Sister Lewis leaves us to serve in the primary, Sister Garie Short has now been called as the 1st Counselor in the Relief Society Presidency. We are so excited to have her as a part of the presidency and look forward to getting to know her better! Welcome Sister Short!

Relief Society SUPER Saturday!!

We will be having a SUPER SATURDAY activity coming up on October 9th! There will be breakfast served and lots of crafts and activities to sign up for! Look for  blog posts on the individual items that will be available to do on that Saturday, as well as an item that can be ordered for delivery that Saturday. All money and sign-ups need to be turned in to Kale Snyder by September 26th.

52 Weeks to Preparedness - Week 16

I am once again behind....I hope you all have your list and are continuning to build up your food storage. Week 16 is/was canned goods: fruits or vegetables. Add as many as you can afford. FYI - Smiths, Harmons & Reams are all having their case lot sales. Macey's is having a Prepardeness sale.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Recipe - Anitra's Wheat Bread

Here is the recipe for the DELICIOUS bread that Kale brought to our August Relief Society Activity:


4 cups warm water
1⁄2 cup honey
1⁄2 cup rolled oats
1⁄2 cup powdered milk
1⁄2 cup oil
2 tbsp. salt
2 tbsp. yeast
1⁄2 cup vital wheat gluten
6-7 cups wheat flour

In a Bosch mixer, combine the warm water, honey, oats, powdered milk, oil, salt, and 3 cups wheat flour. Mix 2 minutes until foamy. Add the yeast and vital wheat gluten, adding more wheat flour until you can see the clean curve of the mixing bowl. Be careful not to add too much flour as wheat flour takes time to
absorb the water in the dough. Knead 10 minutes, or until the dough pulls away and cleans the entire bowl. Pour some oil on a clean counter top then place dough on it turning it over once to coat dough in oil. Cover with a clean towel and let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
Divide dough into 3 loaves, and place into lightly greased bread pans. Place the loaves into an oven that’s been preheated to 150 degrees, then turned off. Allow loaves to rise 30 minutes or until the sides of the loaf pan are covered by rising dough. Turn oven to 350 degrees and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden, and loaves sound hollow when tapped on. Cool 10 minutes then remove from the loaf pans.
*If you are using a Kitchen Aid rather than a Bosch everything is the same except that the bowl will not clean as quickly. Put in all ingredients but do not exceed 7 cups of flour! Then allow to mix, it may take up to 20 minutes of kneading before it will clean the curve of the bowl. Then continue to follow directions as written.

Recipe courtesy of Anitra Kerr www.simplylivingsmart.com

Recipe - Wheat Grass Smoothie

This is the recipe for Wheat Grass Smoothies from our August Relief Society Activity:
1 1/3 cup soy milk
1/3 cup frozen orange juice concentrate
1/3 cup frozen blueberries
A generous cutting of wheat grass
1 banana
1 cup vanilla or plain yogurt
Blend all ingredients well in a blender until smooth! This tastes great with a slice of wheat toast, and someone to share it with! Watch your energy boost!!!

* This is the base of any smoothie add any fruits or vegetables that you would like to change it up.

Recipe courtesy of Anitra Kerr www.simplylivingsmart.com

Recipe - Anitra’s Creamy Yogurt

Here is the recipe for Homemade yogurt from our August Relief Society Activity:
In a medium saucepan, combine 7 cups milk with 1/2 cup powdered milk. Whisk till smooth. Heat to 200 degrees or until milk starts to bubble on the sides and crawl up the pan. Remove from heat and pour into a pitcher. Allow to cool until warm to the touch (110 degrees), but not stinging hot. Add 1 cup of yogurt starter (you can either use some from your last batch, or, if you forgot to save some, use Dannon plain). Mix until smooth, then fill 4 pint jars with the milk mixture. Immediately place in thick blanket or “3-in1 WonderBox Mini” and wrap jars tightly. Allow to sit 9 hours, untouched, before refrigerating. To make vanilla yogurt, add 1/3 cup sugar and 2 tbsp. vanilla to the heating milk. For fruit yogurt, place a few tbsp. of your favorite jam at the bottom of the jars before filling!

Recipe courtesy of Anitra Kerr www.simplylivingsmart.com

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

August's Relief Society Activity

Thank you to all those who helped plan, who donated to, and who came to our Harvest activity. We were able to learn some new techniques on home-made yogurt, dehyrdating, canning, flash-freezing, and vacuum food storage methods. It was a fun night and we were able to enjoy some yummy samples!

Recipe - Fruit Leather

Here are a few recipes from our Dehyrdating class:

Basic Fruit Leather:
5 cups fruit - either applesauce or pears
1 cup other fruit - such as strawberries, raspberries, pineapple, etc.
1 tsp Lemon Juice
Blend all together - pour on to dehyrdating trays aprox. 1/4 thick. Dry as directed by your Dehyradtor's instructions.

Peach/Pear Fruit Leather:
2 cups peaches
2 cups pears
1 tsp lemon juice
Blend all together - pour on to dehyrdating trays aprox. 1/4 thick. Dry as directed by your Dehyradtor's instructions.

Banana/Pineapple Fruit Leather:
2 cups banana
1 cup pineapple
1 TBS Orange Zest
1 tsp Lemon juice
Blend all together - pour on to dehyrdating trays aprox. 1/4 thick. Dry as directed by your Dehyradtor's instructions.

Apricot/Orange
6 cups apricot
1 TBS Orange Zest
3 TBS Honey
1 tsp Lemon Juice
Blend all together - pour on to dehyrdating trays aprox. 1/4 thick. Dry as directed by your Dehyradtor's instructions.

52 Weeks to Preparedness - Week 15

Week 15 - **POPCORN** Go for the BIG 12-pound bag!!

Monday, August 23, 2010

Fast Sunday - Special Fast

Sisters - We have a special fast coming up in September. We would like all members of the Ward to dedicate their Fast on Sunday September 5th to Sister Sorenson and her family. Your prayers and faith on her behalf will be much appreciated and you will feel the spirit of Sisterhood within our ward.

Thank you on behalf of The Relief Society Presidency.

Canning Recipe - Pickles

If you attended our most recent Relief Society activity - you were treated to all kinds of canned/frozen/dried and homemade goodies. Our very own Sister Schliep sent a beautiful display of her canning talents. One of the biggest hits was her Jalapeno Pickles. Sister Paul has posted the recipe for these pickles on her blog - and I thought I would share it with all of you! Click here to see the recipe! And good luck canning!

52 Weeks to Preparedness - Week 14

Week 14 - Canned soups, not only good to eat - but wonderful for casseroles or to dress up rice. Add some boxes of crackers too (you know, to dunk in your soup!)

Monday, August 16, 2010

52 Weeks to Preparedness - Week 13

This week is to add vinegar to your food storage. Vinegar is a great cleaner around the house and yard. It is also yummy in cooking - add a few flavored vinegars for salads!

Monday, August 9, 2010

52 Weeks to Preparedness - Week 12

Week 12 -
It seasons, it preserves, in a pinch it can be used as toothpaste...... It's SALT! This week add some iodized salt to your food storage!!

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Fix it up, Wear it Out, Make it do, or Do without!

Last week we had a wonderful Relief Society lesson on Provident Living and Welfare Principles given by President Williams and Sister Lewis. The Welfare Principles are built upon each other and must all be incorporated into our lives in order to prepare us for things to come.  These "bricks"  show the six Welfare principles, and how they all are important for our families well-being.
Sister Lewis and President Williams also gave us one of President Hinckley's favorite sayings:
"Fix it up, Wear it out, Make it do, or Do without". This reminds us that there are things we can do to help our families live providently and provide for ourselves, so that we can help others. I hope you all enjoyed this lesson as much as I did, and learned something that will help you in your family.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Come fill your cup with Harvest!

August's Relief Society activity will fill your food storage with all those items you worked so hard to grow this summer! We will be learning how to can, dry, freeze and preserve all those yummy fruits and vegetables! Please plan to attend - August 19th - 7:00pm at the home of Julie Garner (2102 W 8350 S).

52 Weeks to Preparedness - Week 11

Week 11 has a sweet tooth! Sweeteners; brown sugar; powdered sugar, honey, maple syrup, corn syrup, etc.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Recipe - Fruit Pizza

Here is a recipe for a "plain" fruit pizza - if you would prefer no chocolate (but why would you?)
Fruit Pizza

Crust
1 yellow cake mix
1 stick melted butter
1 egg
Mix and pat in a pizza pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 7 minutes.

Topping
8 oz. Cream cheese
½ c powdered sugar
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tub cool whip
Mix frosting together and spread over cooled crust.

Top with any kind of cut up fruit: strawberries, raspberries, kiwi, bananas, etc.

Recipe - Chocolate Fruit Pizza

Here is the recipe for the DELIcIOUS Chocolate Fruit Pizza served at our July Relief Society Activity!
Chocolate Fruit Pizza

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) 60% vegetable oil spread
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
• 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon HERSHEY'S Cocoa, divided
• 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup HERSHEY'S Syrup, divided
• 1 package (8 oz.) nonfat cream cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries or other fruit
• 1/4 cup HERSHEY'S Strawberry Syrup

1. Heat oven to 325°F. Lightly grease 12-inch pizza pan.
2. Beat vegetable oil spread, granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla until creamy. Add 1/2 cup cocoa; beat well. Gradually add flour and 1/4 cup chocolate syrup, beating until well combined. Press dough evenly into prepared pan, forming cookie crust. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until set. Cool completely.
3. Prepare filling by combining cream cheese, powdered sugar, remaining 1 tablespoon cocoa and remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Spread over crust to within 1-inch of edge. Cover; refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour.
4. Just before serving, place sliced strawberries/fruit on top; drizzle with remaining 1/4 cup chocolate syrup and strawberry syrup. Serve immediately, cut into slices. 12 servings.

Our spiritual purses are full!

We had a wonderful activity this past week. We were spiritually fed! Even though the attendance was small, I know that the spirit was there and each person in attendance learned something new, made some goals, and also had some fun!
See what our Spiritual Mall had to offer!

Thanks again to our FABULOUS Relief Society Board for all the hard work you put into this activity! It was A LOT of fun and very informative!!

52 Weeks to Preparedness - Week 10

Week 10! Week 10 is to get some dry beans, peas, legumes and lentils!

52 Weeks to Preparedness - Week 9

I apologize for not getting week 9 posted on the correct week - Hopefully you all have the hand out and were able to get week 9's items. However, if you don't have the hand out, I thought I would still post week 9. Week 9 is to focus on canning or freezing lots of vegetables. You can also buy canned or frozen vegetables.

Monday, July 12, 2010

52 Weeks to Preparedness - Week 8

Something sweet for week 8! SUGAR.....Buy an extra 25 pounds of sugar this week - buy more if you can afford it.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Come fill your purse with Spiritual Preparedness!

This month's Relief Society Activity has been moved to July 22nd - and it is going to be a GREAT one! We will be "shopping" around for all things Spiritual. You will be given instructions, enlightenment, education and fun all in one evening! Please plan to join us at 7:00pm! The dress is casual, and there will be refreshments served. Bring your friends along, as it is always more fun to go shopping with friends!

YOUNG SINGLE ADULTS

This is for all our Young Single Adult sisters out there! We thought we would let you know the contacts in our Ward for all the Single Adult Activities, etc. are Whitney Woodruff and Jeff Beverley. Please call them if you have any questions about upcoming events!

Monday, July 5, 2010

52 Weeks to Preparedness - Week 7

Week 7 will have you feeling "fruity". This week's goal is to can some fruit or buy some canned peaches, pears, applesauce, mandarin oranges, or whatever fruit your family likes!

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Happy 4th of July

We hope you all enjoy your 4th of July Weekend!

We are blessed to live in such a great country. Please remember those Men & Women who are fighting for us to ensure our country is safe and free!

Thursday, July 1, 2010

July Goals

Hello Sisters! I hope that you are enjoying us challenging you, and encouraging you to get your food storage in order as well as your spiritual, personal, and family growth! It is already a new month - and for the month of July these are the goals we would like you to incorporate into your life:
Spiritual Goal: Read the Book of Mormon for at least 5 minutes a day.
Personal Goal: Develop a NEW interest in any creative field or in a hobby that interests you. Spend some time this month learning more about it.
Family Goal: Decide as a family a time when you can gather together for family prayer and then do it each day this month. Continue to have Family Home Evening each week.
Food Storage Goal: Buy one extra item that you use regularly each time you go shopping. (i.e. If you needed on can of chicken noodle soup - buy two)
Challenge: Sister Beck encouraged us in the April General Conference to set personal priorities. At the BYU Women's Conference she further explained that what she would like to see each of us do is sit down and write our own lists. She listed three categories for our priorities: they are ESSENTIALS, NEED TO DO, and NICE TO DO. The Essential items are things such as a personal scripture study, couple prayer, family home evening, (things of Eternal importance.) Need to do are more of the day to day things that we do such as cleaning our homes, service, exercise, etc. Nice to do are your hobbies and things that help you to relax and that you enjoy doing. She recommended that when we sit down to write these lists that we start with a prayer for guidance and then regularly go over our lists to see if changes are needed. Remember that every ones lists will be different so make yours personal. This month set aside some time to write your own lists. Sister Beck promised that as we put first things first, our homes will become more peaceful and we will find a great sense of joy in our lives.

Monday, June 28, 2010

52 Weeks to Preparedness - Week 6

Week 6 of our challenge is all about ToMAtOeS: Juice, Whole, Sauce, Paste. Make it our buy it. Buy or make some pasta sauces & salsa!

Recipe - Pineapple, Carrot, Zucchini Bread

If you came to our Relief Society Activity on June 17th you got to enjoy a slice of this yummy bread that Casandra Erickson made in her solar oven. This bread is absolutely delicious!! Thanks Casandra for sharing!!!

PINEAPPLE , CARROT, ZUCCHINI BREAD

3 eggs
1 cup Vegetable Oil
2 tsp. Vanilla
(Optional) 1/2 cup nuts
2 cups Sugar
(0ptional) 1/2 cup raisins
2 cups grated Zucchini
1 (8) oz. can Crushed Pineapple--Drained
3/4 cup grated Carrots
3 cups Flour
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Baking Powder
3/4 tsp Nutmeg
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Beat together eggs, oil, sugar, and vanilla. Stir in grated zucchini, crushed pineapple, and grated carrots.
Mix together flour, soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Add to wet ingredients and stir until just moistened. Gently fold in nuts and raisins if desired.
Pour into greased and floured loaf pans and Bake at 350 degrees for 45-55 min. or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Recipe - Applesauce Muffins

Here is yet another great food storage recipe!
Applesauce Muffins

Yield: 12 muffins

2 Cups Cheerios cereal
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
¾ tsp baking soda
1 cup applesauce
1/3 cup fat-free (skim) milk
2 TBS Vegetable oil
1 egg or ¼ cup fat-free egg product
½ cup raisins, if desired

Heat oven to 400*F. Spray bottoms only of 12 regular-size muffin cups with cooking spray.
Crush cereal. In a large bowl, stir together cereal, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder and baking soda. Stir in remaining ingredients just until moistened. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.

Bake 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Outdoor Cooking Methods - Tin Foil Dinner

Here are a few links to get some ideas and helps with Outdoor Cooking:

http://www.macscouter.com/cooking/docs/FoilCook.pdf

http://www.razzledazzlerecipes.com/camping-recipes/tin-foil-dinners.htm

http://www.outdoorcookingmagic.com/12-ways-to-spice-up-foil-dinners/

http://www.outdoorcookingmagic.com/make-cook-foil-dinners/

http://papadutch.home.comcast.net/

http://www.thefarm.org/charities/i4at/surv/cookingf.htm

http://www.justpeace.org/buddyburner.htm

http://www.sunoven.com/

Recipe - Honey Lime Quinoa Salad

This is Kale Snyder's Recipe from the Outdoor Cooking Methods Activity! It is so YUMMY!!
(If you don't know where to get Quinoa you can go to Whole Foods or a Health Food Store)
Check out this link if you aren't sure what Quinoa is or how to cook it:
http://www.fitsugar.com/Red-Quinoa-Delicious-Complete-Protein-Grain-174395

In a large bowl, combine the following ingredients:
3 cups cooked small shell pasta
1/2 c celery
1 can drianed pineapple tidbits or dices
1/2 c shredded coconut (optional)
1 c cooked red quinoa
1/2 c chopped green onions
1 c shredded cheddar cheese

Hone Lime Salad Dressing:
1 c mayonnaise
1 TBSP dijon mustard
1 TBSP fresh lime juice
1/2 c softened cream cheese
3 TBSP honey salt and pepper to taste

Outdoor Cooking Methods - Relief Society Activity

We would like to thank the members of our Relief Society Board for a WoNDerFuL activity last Thursday! We learned several new methods of cooking in case our power/stoves are out. Cooking in a Dutch oven, in a Rocket Stove, Tin Foil dinners and cooking in a fire, using a solar oven and using a small propane burner are some great ways to make your family dinner!

Thank you to everyone who shared their talents and their food!

Carrot & Pineapple Salad

Here is another fabulous recipe from our "Cooking with Food Storage" Relief Society Activity!

Carrot and Pineapple Salad
2 ½ cups shredded carrots
1 small (8oz) can crushed pineapple (drained)
2 cups cooked whole wheat kernels (wheat berry recipe to follow)
2 cups mayo

Mix mayo and carrots. Put on the bottom as the first layer. Layer next with pineapple almost to the edge. The final layer will be the wheat berries in the center.

Wheat Berries

Yield: 2 cups
1 cup wheat
2 cups water
½ tsp salt

Cook in a crock-pot on low for 4-6 hours.

SUMMER PLAYGROUP!!

Here is the information for the Summer Playgroup!
We will meet every Tuesday at 12:00noon at the location listed below. Bring a lunch and a friend! Hope to see you there!!

June 22nd - Riverton Splash Park *bring swimming suits & a towel* (13680 S. 3250 W.)
June 29th - Skye Park (4800 W Skye Drive - So. Jordan)
July 6th - Big Bear Park (9695 S. Onyx Lane 930 E.)
July 13th - Castle Park at West Jordan City Park
July 20th - Riverton Splash Park *bring swimming suits & a towel* (13680 S. 3250 W.)
July 27th - Wheeler Farm (6351 S 900 E)
August 3rd - Blue Park at West Jordan City Park
August 10th -Skye Park (4800 W Skye Drive - So. Jordan)
August 17th - Disabilty Park behind Gene Fullmer Rec. Center

52 Weeks to Preparedness - Week 5

We are to week 5 of our 52 week challenge! This week's challenge is to build up your supply of baking materials - baking powder, soda, cornstarch, yeast, etc. These are great things to have on hand - and did you know that dry yeast freezes very well?  Good Luck!

Monday, June 14, 2010

52 Weeks to Preparedness - Week 4

Can you believe it has already been 1 month since we started our goal of weekly preparedness planning?? Good job to all of you who have been getting your weekly items. If you haven't, it's not too late! Just start with this weeks items: Paper, pencils, journals, envelopes, postage stamps, etc. These items will come in handy to keep your children entertained, record your feelings, and to correspond with others if email or telephones are down. You could also prepare by writing down important information such as addresses, phone numbers, birthdays, doctor's information, allergies, banking and other important information.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Summer Play Group - Tuesday's at 12:00noon

This summer we would like to be able to get our  little ones together to play, and for the moms to be able to get together to visit! We will be having a weekly play group on Tuesday's at 12:00noon. We will be meeting at different parks around West Jordan. Please come join us - bring a picnic lunch, drinks, a blanket, sunscreen and your kids for some fun in the sun!! This week - June 15th - we will be meeting at the park just behind Gene Fullmer.
Hope to see you there!!!!!

Recipe - Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins

Here is another recipe to try using some of the items in your food storage! Yummy!!!
Pumpkin-Cranberry Muffins
Yield: 1 dozen (serving size:1 muffin)
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (about 6 ¾ ounces)
1 tsp baking soda
¾ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin
½ cup low-fat buttermilk
¼ cup packed light brown sugar
2 Tbls canola oil
1 large egg
2/3 cup sweetened dried cranberries, chopped (such as Craisins)
Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 375*

Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, baking soda, and the next 5 ingredients (through cloves); stir well with a whisk.

Combine granulated sugar and next 5 ingredients (through egg) in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended (about 3 minutes). Add flour mixture to sugar mixture; beat at low speed just until combined. Fold in cranberries.

Place 12 paper muffin cup liners in muffin cups; coat liners with cooking spray. Spoon batter into prepared cups. Bake at 375* for 25 minutes or until muffins spring back when touched lightly in center. Remove muffins from pan immediately; place on a wire rack.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

52 Weeks to Preparedness - Week 3

Sorry this post is a little late - but this week's Prepardness challenge is Canned goods. This can be anything your family likes. Canned foods are GREAT to have on hand because they can be used in so many recipes or by themselves. Canned food also seem to be the one item that is always on sale somewhere - especially when stores have their big "Case lot" sales. So try to get a few extra cans this week to have on hand, and keep up the good work!!

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Come fill your cup with alternative cooking methods!

Do you ever wonder how you would cook for your family if the power were out? No oven, no stove - and even worse - No Microwave??!?!? We have the solutions for you! Come join us on June 17th to learn some "alternative" ways of cooking - and there will probably some yummy food to enjoy too!  The activity will start at 7:00pm and will be held at Julie Garner's home: 2102 W 8350 S. It will be a GREAT time! Hope to see everyone there!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

52 Weeks to Preparedness - Week 2

This week's item to focus on is canned milk. Canned milk is a great thing to have on hand because you can get the nutrional value a regular milk, while being able to store it for long term use. I found this helpful conversion chart at http://everydayfoodstorage.net/ and thought it would help you when deciding how much powdered milk you would use in recipes.
Start with getting one can. Remember we are doing this in baby steps!

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Recipe - Chicken & White Bean Chili

For those of you that attended the Relief Society Activity in May, we were treated to samples of some nutritious and yummy recipes using our food storage. We would like to share some of those recipes with you! Please check the blog often for new recipes!
The recipe we are sharing today is Chicken & White Bean Chili
2 c Chopped yellow onion
2 cloves minced garlic
1 can chopped or diced green chilis (can used canned)
1 TBS Ground cumin
2 tsp Oregano
6 cans white beans – drained (Reconstituted & cooked dried beans can be used as well – use approximately 9-10 cups of  the reconstitued & cooked dried beans)
6 c chicken stock
4-6 cooked chicken breast, chopped or pulled apart
1 c shredded jack cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Sour cream, cilantro, jack cheese – for garnish
In stock pot, over medium heat, sauté onions until soft. Add garlic, chili’s & spices. Sauté briefly, add beans and stock, simmer for 20-25 minutes. Remove 2 cups of chili from stock pot. Carefully puree with 1 cup shredded jack cheese. Add back to stock pot. Add chicken, salt & pepper to taste. Serve in warmed bowls & garnish with sour cream, cilantro, cheese or whatever you like!

Monday, May 24, 2010

52 Weeks to Preparedness - Week 1

At our Relief Society Activity this past Thursday we were given some great information and being prepared and a challenge to get our lifes in order and do as our Prophet's have asked us. To simplify this process, we have come up with one item each week to work on. The Plan: The First Presidency has counseled: "We encourage Church members worldwide to prepare for adversity in life by having a basic supply of food and water and some money in savings." Each week, add an item to your grocery list. Buy the largest amount you can afford. It is better to buy a little & get started with your food storage program, than to go into debt or put off any progress until you can afford to buy the whole year's supply at once. Watch for sales or specials. Share your "Hot Buys" and bargains with friends & neighbors. Mark the dates to help with rotation. Replace items once they are used. Don't get discouraged! If you miss a week, keep going. Remember to eat an elephant you have to do it one piece at a time!
Week One: Fill those water jugs!! Buy water purification tablets or use bleach: 1/2 tsp to 1 gallon of clear water or 1 tsp to 1 gallon of cloudy or colored water. Use bottles commonly used for juices and soda. Keep away from heat and direct sunlight.

June Goals

We as a Relief Society Presidency love each one of the sisters in our ward and are concerned for the well-being of each of you. We know how busy life gets and we want to remind you to take care of yourself as well as your families. We would like each of you to find some area in your life that you can improve upon, and as you do, you will find life to be more rewarding, easier to handle and you will feel your Heavenly Father's love for you because you will be doing as He commands. We have come up with a list of some goals we would like for you to think about and incorporate into your life. If you aren't able to tackle all of them, just start with one. You will find satisfaction in knowing that you are doing something worthwhile!
The June Goals:
Spiritual Goal: Have a daily morning prayer inviting the Spirit to be with you throughout the day.
Personal Goal: Each one of us needs to refill our well so that  we might help others. Find 15 minutes each day to refill your cup. Have a quiet time for you or do something you enjoy or do something that rejuvenates you.
Family Goal: Regardless of your situation, we are all part of Heavenly Father's family. Have a Family Home Evening each week this month. Ideas for lessons: Do a family activity or an act of service; Read a story from the Old Testament; Talk abou the importance of prayer; Share a talk fromt he May Ensign or from the Friend.
Food Storage Goal: Catalog what food storage you already have. Figure out what you would need for a 3 month supply.
Challenge: As women we have many responsibilites. Sometimes we feel overwhelmed, pushed and pulled in many directions. Sometimes the world tries to tell us what to be. As daughters of our Heavenly Father we need to have an eternal perspective. Using the power of personal revelation prioritize your tasks correctly and navigate this life confidently.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Come fill your cup with Self-Reliance!

We will be holding our monthly Relief Society activity for May on Thursday the 20th. It will start at 7:00pm and will focus on being prepared, food-water-fuel storage, nutritious ways to use your food storage, first aid, and what to do around your home in an emergency. This evening will be filled with a lot of great information! We can't wait to see you there!

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Come fill your cup with Joy!

Thursday Aprill 22nd we will have the pleasure of having a Stake Relief Society Activity centered on "Finding Joy in the Journey" and dinner will also be served. Please join us at 6:30pm!

Relief Society Birthday Party

We would like to thank all those who planned our fabulous Relief Society Birthday party in March! It was a fun time to get to enjoy some dinner and to get to know a little bit more about the sisters in the ward. Thank you to all who attended - it is so nice to have such wonderful sisters in our Ward!!