General Conference is right around the corner....

I love, love, love this time of year.  I love General Conference not only for the wonderful instruction and spiritual messages that are shared, but also because it is a time for family. So, as I looked for ideas from other smart chicks and roosters, I wanted to share some of the ideas that I quite liked.  Get you 'stuff' ready  and Print your favorites now as you get ready for a great General Conference weekend!

1.  Make a fort for Children and Grandchildren to do quiet activities in.

Image courtesy of Flux Capacitor @blogspot

2.  Print off games and coloring pages from lds.org

3.  Packets from Nursery to Adolescents from Sugardoodle
4.  "Stat Guess" which you should print off and have ready for the Saturday Afternoon Session when the statistics of the Church are given  (from"Lady Create-a-lot").  See the link for your printable here.
5. Conference Train:  This is a great idea. Having pictures of the Prophets, Apostles, and other subjects such as families and Temples and put on a little train car.  As the speaker or subject is comes up, that little train car is added to the train. The author also suggests have a few blank cars for additional subjects.
6. Conference Baggies:  Put a picture of a Church leader on a baggie with little treats or games.  When that Leader speaks, that would be the time when that baggie may be opened.  The Author suggests having a trash can near by for wrappers or 'activities that get out of hand'. (I thought that was a really good point!  Most of us can relate to that!)
7.  Fill in the Blank activity Pages. These are already made up and are in PDF form for printing.
8.  If you want to make your own Crossword Puzzles, you can. Not only can you put in topics and the names of our leaders, but you could sneak in little messages. Things like names of family members or what you are going to have for lunch after a session might be fun.  Go here to make your own.  
9.  An awesome Memory Game to learn more about the Prophets and Apostles
10. For those who like to Journal during General Conference, consider the wonderful Journal page designs here.  You will find something that everyone should like!

So, get your printers ready.......set.......Print!

New Video's From the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints....just in time for Easter.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues to produce high quality videos for personal use and instructional use. The above is entitled "Jesus is condemned before Pilate".  To view, please follow this link.

This video is entitled "Jesus is Scourged and Crucified".  To view this video, please use this link.

Use these in your personal Family Home Evening lessons or in lessons you may be preparing for church.  You will find them very moving.

It's that time again.......

It's time to get out the gardening boots and watering can...

It's time to clear out the gardening beds and check the waterlines. I cleared out 3 large garbage bags of 'stuff' after I took this photo.

By the way, I love this system of watering my husband put in place for me. He drilled holes in the bottom of the pipes and attached the system to one sprinkler head. The garden automatically gets watered when we water the lawn.  This is so good for someone like me with an erratic schedule.

It's time to get out the seeds and sprouting items.

I use the Jiffy Peat pots and their trays.....it's low maintenance and it's hard for me to mess up!  Place the peat discs in your tray.

Put in the indicated amount of water.  (See the channels?  they direct water to each disc)

Wait a few minutes for them to soak up the water and 'grow'.

Plant your seeds.  Be sure to push them into the peat.

Place on the cover

Put them under your 'grow light'.  As you can see here, I inverted a storage bin (that I got from the Dollar Store) and placed them beneath my 'under-the-counter-lighting'. Lots of big money here! (Seriously not!) You can also see my "Frosty-the-Snowman" cookie jar, so you know I did this nearly a month ago.

This is a picture from this morning.  Not only can you see that I changed out my Cookie Jar, but you can also see how well my little plants are growing.  I am about to transplant them into other containers.  I have started herbs, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, some lettuce, and other great things.

It's fun to 'begin again'. It is a blessing to see how the Lord's plan works and the glory that comes from his goodness.  If you haven't started, do so now. I do this not because I am a great gardener....far from it.  (Just ask my kids!)  I do this because I need to learn and practice.  If my family needed to live off our garden, I want to make sure I can really do it.  In addition, we have fresh produce outside my back door.  It also allows me to preserve it for our use long after the growing season is over. 

"Where you have a plot of land, however small, plant a garden. 

Staying close to the soil is good for the soul."

~ Spencer W. Kimball 

Something new for my 72-hour kit....

You may wonder what this is. Well, it is a new addition to my 72 hour kit.

This is one end.

And, if you haven't guessed by now by looking at this end.....it is a USB device.

This is how it is meant to be used....as a bracelet.  This particular device is called a "USB Bracelet" by Snap-on Gear.  I first saw it as an advertised deal from one of the sites I follow.  At the time, it  was on sale for $10.00 a bracelet, but it is normally priced at $20.00.  This device can hold 4GB of information.  

I plan to upload all my important files to it.  In an emergency, I could ensure that I have all my information with me and just in case my 72-kit/backpack gets lost or stolen, I still would have my information with me. It's flexible and is made from a water repellent material.  It also comes in 5 different colors.

As you can see, it is one-size-fits-all.  It is actually big for my wrist, but will not fall off over my hand.  If you wanted to have one of these for a child, and depending upon the size of the child, you would most likely have to attach it to their ankle.

I love this item and look forward to stocking it up with needed information.  It will be ready at a moment's notice, is water resistant, and is not heavy.

Just another thought on your journey to prepare....

Wishes for the Fishes.....

A few weeks ago, I posted about a sweet family that is  facing almost intolerable odds.  This sweet family of  seven has 2 children who present with Leaky SCIDS (the "Bubble Boy" disease).

The children just spent the past 2 months in the hospital after their bone marrow transplant and now the entire family is in isolation in their home while these sweet little girls try to build an immune system.  As you can imagine, the cost for all the medical care is astonishing.  Please go here to learn more about this amazing family.  

Folks, this is truly a story of "it takes a village". You have the opportunity to help this family and I pray that you will. A cookbook has been created from many folks who want to help and support this family.  All the proceeds will go to help these sweet little ones.

Please go to http://www.whaddyashay.blogspot.com/  to sign up for a drawing for this specialized cookbook.  Certainly you can always purchase one or more....and I hope you do.

Pricing is reasonable...$14.99 for a hard copy.  All, I mean all proceeds go to the family.  To order, please go here.  However, Don't Miss Out On The Free Drawing by going here!!!!

Please take this chance to serve this family.  There are a lot of things you can do with $14.99, but with this  same amount,  you can  help make a significant impact for this family. How can you resist these cute little faces?

Dehydrating Peppers, and making Pepper flakes!

Pepper Flakes!

Well, I was in the grocery store yesterday, and I saw the really big Bell Peppers were on sale for a screaming deal.   I was low on Dehydrated peppers, so I purchased Red and Green Bell Peppers. I felt the yellow ones were too pricey to buy this time. 

I donned my disposable gloves as I didn't want to smell like Peppers all day. I cut off the top, and then pulled out the core and seeds.

Next, I sliced them in half. (See these really are quite big).

Next, I sliced them with my food processor...this literally took seconds to do.  I wanted them sliced very thin. 

This is 8 large sliced bell peppers.

I placed my screen inside the Dehydrator trays.  This is because the slices will become very fragile and thin.  They could fall through the traditional tray.

The next step is to layer the pepper slices on each tray.

Place your trays in your dehydrator.  Since Peppers are very 'aromatic', I put them outside on my patio table.

This is what the weather was like outside....a bit nippy!

After about 6 hours, they were done.  Look at the significant size difference from the freshly sliced peppers. See how delicate they are?  I just picked up the screen, rolled the peppers off the screen on to a paper towel.  I then rolled the paper towel together and crushed the peppers.

An Voila! Fresh Pepper flakes to use as I wish.  Aren't they pretty?  Eight bell peppers made 3 oz of Dehydrated Peppers.  

It is important to note that you can Dehydrate year round.  When you see a good deal on produce, even in the winter, take advantage of the price, take it home, and dehydrate it.  It really is that simple!

It's Saint Patrick's Day...

There are lots of ways that different people celebrate St. Patrick's Day.  I have a very special memory about St. Patrick's day....10 years ago. I actually was in Ireland, on St. Patrick's Day.  It was a Sunday, and we attended an LDS ward.  As I looked around at all the wonderful members in attendance, I thought we all were dressed the same and thought my husband and I blended in well.  However, when a member of the Bishopric got up to begin Sacrament meeting, he welcomed everyone....including those from out of the country.  We hadn't talked to him at all! My son, who was also sitting on the pew with us informed us that Americans really stick out!  I guess he was right.

You might wonder why the 3 of us were in Ireland on St Patrick's Day.....it wasn't for the celebration they had in the town we were in....which was anti-climatic.  The whole celebration took place while we were in church.  When we left to go to our hotel room, everyone had gone home....or to the Pubs.  No matter, I was  often in tears during the entire week we were there.  Why, you might ask?  Well, we were in Ireland, to see our son after 2 years of service as a Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  We  were able to briefly see where he served and some of the folks he was fortunate enough to teach. I shed many  tears of joy, except for the time when I was so upset with my husband and son for forgetting to stop at stores for me day after day. (I wasn't driving!).  We could not find any curlers for me as my adapter didn't work in Ireland!  I just couldn't stand the thought of going to church the next day without curling my hair!  We finally found some in the Pound Store (think Dollar Store) in Cork just before the store closed.  I was really a happy camper at that point. 

Our Irish Elder son (pictured here in a castle) served honorably and we were so grateful for his decision to serve the Lord.  

We also have been fortunate enough to have had our oldest son serve a 2 year mission as well. He also returned home with honor.  Here he is at the airport with anxious family waiting to greet him.

So, we now have been blessed with the Trifecta....our youngest son has also made the decision to serve the Lord as well.  I now look at my cellphone between patients at work every Monday morning to see his emails.  It's hard to fight back the tears each week.  I had a friend of mine say that the older you become, the closer 'the plumbing gets to the surface', meaning that tears come more quickly and frequently.  I have learned to use waterproof mascara on Mondays.

So on this day of all days where people celebrate 'luck', I am feeling very grateful for our good children and our missionary sons.  The Plan of Salvation is much better than luck.....and we realize that we have been greatly blessed!

New Bible Video's are available!

I have come to love the Bible videos that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  There are new videos that have become available.  The photo (and link) above comes from the Video "Jesus Warns Peter and offers the Intercessory Prayer".

This is a photo from the Video entitled "The Last Supper"

This somber photo comes from the Video entitled "The Savior Suffers in Gethsemane"  

This poignant photo comes from "Jesus Is Tried by Caiaphas, Peter Denies knowing him"

Take some quiet time to experience these touching videos and share them with your loved ones within your family and community.  What wonderful teaching tools these have already become.  

I am grateful to all the "Brittney's" who humbly teach me to be better...

I have the opportunity each week to provide services to the pediatric population in both medical and educational settings.  Each setting provides me with different opportunities to learn from these young individuals.  In the medical setting, I am often touched by the resilient spirit of children and their parents. This is particularly true of the little ones with incredible odds stacked against them. There have been times that they have brought me to tears.  It is my feeling that because of their righteousness in the pre-mortal life, that they have come to teach many lessons to us all.

The video you are about to watch, shows how this beautiful young girl has figured out one of life's great lessons at her young age.  Her acts of service astound me.  I hope to be more like Brittney....and I hope you do as well.  

Before you roll you eyes.....

Now, before some of you roll your eyes to the back of your head....take a moment to think. Are you feeling great satisfaction when you talk back to the TV and Radio....especially when your leaders take action you agree or disagree with?

No matter what State you live in, you can be a part of the process to nominate good and wise people to represent you.  You can do as much as you feel comfortable with....and you really should.  Our children and grandchildren are counting on us to protect and lead them. We all should work toward making their future as unencumbered as we can....we owe it to them. 

In Utah, we have an inspired Caucus system.  I am planning to run as a State Delegate.  If you want to know more about what Delegates do, please see this link to our local Precinct Blog.  Consider running yourself.  Who is in a better position to determine and vote for the needs of your area....than a neighbor you know?

The First Presidency recently had the following read over the pulpit in Utah:

On Tuesday, March 13, and Thursday, March 15, 2012, political parties in Utah will hold precinct caucus meetings. Precinct caucuses are the most fundamental grassroots level of political involvement. They are best served by a broad representation of Utah citizens. Those who attend play a critical role in selecting candidates for public office.

We are concerned with the decreasing attendance at these caucus meetings in Utah in recent years. We therefore ask that local leaders not schedule meetings on these Tuesday and Thursday evenings so that members may attend a caucus meeting of their choice. The locations of these meetings can be found on the websites of the respective political parties.

Principles compatible with the gospel may be found in the platforms of the various political parties. We encourage members to attend their precinct caucus meetings

In Highland, and particularly in my area, the following information applies to HI02. However, if you wish to find your precinct, please see the Lieutenant Governor's website.  

HI02 (Republican) Precinct:

• March 15, 2012
• 7:00 to 8:30. Registration begins at 6:30
• Meet in Conference Room Adjacent to the Highland City Library, 5400 W. Civic Center Dr., Room A-1, Highland, Utah 84003

Democratic Caucus:

• March 13, 2012
• 6:30 p.m.
• American Fork High School
  510 North 600 East, American Fork
  
  
  Make a plan to attend your local Caucus.....you may be surprised at how much more satisfying the Caucus is than to talking back to your TV and radio!
  
  
  The future of your children and grandchildren depends upon what you do today. 

Something fun for little ones getting ready for General Conference

This is a really fun video that helps little one's not only learn the names of the Quorum of the 12, but also the First Presidency and a few facts about them.  It's clever...and many of you should recognize the melody.

"Break-the-fast-dinner".....

Yes, that is my Kindle among these food storage staples.  I am in love, it is a great little item and it is easy to search and find wonderful things using it.  What am I making you may ask?  Stay tuned.....

Some of you know that my husband and I are serving in a Young Single Adult ward.  The opportunities and experiences we are having are not only amazing, but are very memorable.  Well, our ward had a "Break-the-fast-dinner".  What this means is that essentially is some folks brought main dishes, others desserts, etc.  It's a big, big potluck dinner to break the fast following church on Fast Sunday.  I wasn't assigned to bring anything, but I just couldn't show up empty handed. 

I then thought about all the food storage staples I have in my home...and now that one or more children come and go, we don't necessarily need it all.  So, I decided to make something from my Food Storage.  I decided upon pies.  I put the first 3 ingredients in my food processor.

After putting in the cold water, I had a wonderful dough to use.

I rolled it out and trimmed off the rough edges.

Then, I rolled it on to my rolling pin and place the dough into the pie plate.

I put in the Cherry Pie filling that I canned using Ultra Gel.

Roll out the top crust and place it on.

Choose the fluted edges you wish.

Cut vents.

This suggestion come courtesy of my sister, Teri. Cut leaves and the shape of the fruit inside.

Using eggwash or water, attach them to the top crust.

Cover the edges with foil while baking. Remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. The foil protects the edges from burning. 

The pies turned out well, but I don't have a photo of the finished product....because I was running out the door with my pies in order to make it to church.

I made this totally with food storage supplies....and there was not any left after the meal.  I made cherry and apple, and it was actually simple. I have decided that I will be making dishes from my food storage for future dinners.  It's great practice for me, it helps rotate my supplies, and it feeds the masses.  

If you are wondering what this amazing recipe is....see it below. It comes from KSL TV.

Perfect Pie Crust

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup cold lard
• 6-8 tablespoons cold water

Method:

1 double crust 9-inch pie or 2 single crust 9-inch pie shells.

Stir together flour and salt. Using a pastry blender or 2 knives cut cold lard into flour until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Sprinkle water, 1 tablespoon at a time, over flour mixture tossing gently with a fork; continue to add water until pastry is moist enough to press into a ball. Do not over mix pastry. Divide dough in half and roll each half out on a lightly floured surface, or between two sheets wax paper until it is the size of pie plate. Follow directions for favorite pie.