Home, Family, and Fun!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
I.'s funny Christmas comment
I. told me today that she was wearing such a warm shirt because it was Christmas Eve and she loves Christmas. She knows that you dress warmly at Christmas time, according to cartoons of Christmas. The funniest thing is that her shirt isn't a warm one...it is just a long-sleeved T-shirt. HAHAHA. Our Christmas day will probably be in the 50's or 60's.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
The cake
I really wanted to make I. a princess castle cake for her birthday. However, it requires quite a bit of room in the freezer in order to cut it the right way and such to build it...I was going to use my Grandma's freezer, but when it came down to it, I decided to buy a cake and alter it to my liking. :-)
So, here is what I was going to make: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNKh75uxKN4
Instead, I bought a pumpkin cake from Costco and two single servings from Albertson's...et voila!
This is what I bought and made. It was fun! Tomorrow, I will include the little statues of the princesses. I'll post a final photo tomorrow.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Avoiding a Thanksgiving Statistic
Isn't it true that most accidents and fires and such happen during the holidays? Well, that was almost us yesterday.
The kids were playing in H.'s room. H. ran out and yelled, "My light just burned out and there's smoke coming down from the light." T. and I yelled to him to get out...so, of course he ran back in and turned the light off...anyways...
I ran in there and grabbed I. and A. and shut the door.
T. went in after I'd gotten the children out. He took the bulb down and sure enough, it had faulted and would've caused a fire had the kids not been in there at that time. I emailed the company yesterday, but, of course, it is a holiday.
H. had to sleep on the floor in the other bedroom last night. H.'s room is still COMPLETELY stinky. It smells like burnt electrical wiring and plastic. We've had an air purifier going in there for more than 24 hrs. We had all the windows in the house open all day yesterday. I don't know how to get that smell out...and smells aren't just smells, they are molecules of something, I just don't know what. Those fluorescent bulbs have mercury in them, too, so I hope that that didn't leak out all over, too...
Click on the photo to make it larger.
Happy Thanksgiving
We had a fun dinner together and then went over to my Grandma's to play a game and give her a plate of food, too.
My Yearly Hobby...
I just wish it were more often, but here is my latest creation (well, I actually used a pattern this time). I. needed a black and white dress that had no bling...impossible to find for a 3 yr. old... So, I found this pattern at Walmart and found some material at my favorite fabric store. The material was perfect, I didn't brake any needles and didn't have to pick anything out...I take that back, I pulled out the zipper because the way the pattern had me put it in wasn't how I like to do it. I didn't need the overhanging zipper cover with the material because I had a dress zipper.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Out of the Mouth of Babes
Okay, so our children are like little sponges. They remember virtually everything (well...not what I ask them to do, but everything they hear and see other than that). We were finishing up the Book of Omni tonight. Last time we read, H. said, "Zarahemna is the guy in the movie that we have that fought against Captain Moroni." So, tonight, I. said, "We have a movie about Zarahemni!" T. said, well, we're reading about Zarahemla, not Zarahemna." H. put interjected that they were the same...on and on...
Anyways... I just walked past H.'s room and T. was reading him the section from Alma where Zarahemna was told by Captain Moroni to put down his weapons and promise to not fight them anymore lest Captain Moroni and his army would kill them.
The funniest thing about this whole situation is that the movie is The Book of Mormon Seminary movie. I have seen it before. I have read the Book of Mormon multiple times. I don't remember the name of Zarahemna.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Disneyland AGAIN! :-)
We love Disneyland. It is such a fun place to be. I will upload a bunch of pictures to here soon, but today, I just wanted to upload one. I's art of Belle. I is still 3 and she is learning so many things. I love this picture that she drew today for a piano student of mine...I wanted a copy before she gives it away. :-)
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Family Update
It has been a while since I last made a real entry, so I think I should give a little update now.
H. is now six. He has just finished his first session of enrichment classes at school. He learned about the rain forest ecosystem, did some learning activities with fun stories (including learning our cell phone numbers and Granddad's number and our home number....now he is enjoying calling home on our cell phone and talking to himself). H. is loving gymnastics. He has his same teachers as last year and his class is mostly boys. Almost all of them are older than him, so it is fun to see him learn to cooperate and listen and obey his teacher better. Last year he was in with 4-6 yr olds and they are VERY wiggly...thus so was he. At church, H. is going to be in the Primary Program. He has memorized his part and most of the words to the songs...we'll practice those this week. At home, we are going through the articles of faith. He has memorized 3 of them so far.
I. is nearly 4. She loves having a brother and sister. She is learning to write her letters and loves to "read". She gets the book and reads her memorized version of the book or story. For scripture reading at night, we read her a phrase and she copies it aloud. She likes, however, to have the scriptures opened in her lap to show she is reading. In the Primary program, she is saying two parts. She memorized them. She says, "I am a spirit-child of God." and then she says, "My Father in Heaven loves me." (substitute /w/ for /r/ and /y/ for /l/ and you can hear her saying it.) :-) She is on the 3rd Article of Faith at home. She memorized the first and second ones already. I. is LOVING dance. She goes to tap and ballet. She loves her Chicken Chow Mein song there, too.
A. is 1.
She definitely loves to do what she sees. T. said that today at church she was walking around. A woman in the hallway said that she is so little that she could walk under her leg and lifted her foot to the side with a bent knee. A., having seen this, has been doing ever since. She thinks it is so funny. We started a little signing with A.. She likes the sign for "poop" and really has it down when you remind her about it when she's getting her diaper changed. She also uses the signs for "please", "thank you" (she blows a kiss), more, and "eat" or "food". She is growing well and is learning to eat more solids. Yesterday she gave me quite a scare. T. was at a conference, of course, and A. fell onto my file drawer that I had on the bed that I was looking through. She split open her lip and I was frantically trying to decide whether or not to take her in for stitches. I called the Pedi-center and they said that they don't do lips...that I'd have to take her to the ER and let them decide whether or not to call in a plastic surgeon. SO, thankfully I have some wise friends that have studied in the field of nursing that helped me out. THANK YOU H.H.!!!
Well, there is a little update on our cute little children. As for T. and I, we are still here, still healthy, and still wondering if this bad air is worth staying in. As for now, we are here. :-)
Love to all our friends and family.
R.
Monday, August 31, 2009
probably influenza...
I talked with my cousin yesterday. She said that her son had the same symptoms as our kids and that the doctor told her the same exact things that they told us to do.
Here are the kids' symptoms:
--I. started a fever on Friday (well, it may have been before that time, but I didn't take a temp. until Friday morning.). She was 102.5 in one ear and 103 in the other. The doctor said, "She sounds clear. She has a virus. She'll have a fever for 3-5 days. Watch her VERY, Very carefully! Switch the motrin and tylenol every three hrs. and tepid baths* past the belly button to control the fever." Then, she high-tailed it out of there (she's a talker, so this wasn't very normal).
So, Sunday comes along and now H. and A. also have it. (So, we didn't just ditch church for no reason.) I treat them with the advil, since that worked for I., but A.'s fever persisted so we are doing tylenol and advil with her. I had to give all three tepid fever-reducing baths last night.
Every three hours I had an alarm set on my phone for taking temperatures and giving meds. During the night, I.'s temp stayed around 99, so I didn't give her advil. H. needed advil once. A. needed advil and tylenol all night and I needed to give warm water compresses to evaporate the fever, too (I didn't think she'd go for a bath in the middle of the night twice).
This morning, I woke up with the alarm again and went to do my rounds with the thermometer (thankfully we have the ear one...I can't even imagine having to put the thermometer under the arm that many times). I. was around 100. A. was about 101. H. was 104.5. SO, back to the bath.
I called the doctor to get more appropriate instructions and this is what I learned...just in case we get influenza A (I assume it is because my cousin's son had the test) again, I want it documented in a better place than on the back of some random paper.
Here goes:
if fever is above 102.5, give a DOUBLE dose of advil.
after 3 hrs., if fever is persisting, give SINGLE dose of tylenol.
after 3 more hrs., if over 102.5, give a DOUBLE dose of advil.
repeat.
If, the fever continues for more than 5 days or isn't getting lower each time it is treated (by meds or tepid baths or warm water compresses) then you need to go back in.
If the cough that comes with it persists and isn't just from the throat like post-nasal drip, go in for a bronchitis test.
If diarrhea, nausea, cough, etc. come on, too, then call.
When asked about meds that they can take, this is what I learned:
Continue with the allergy meds.
Treat the post-nasal drip.
Treat the cough to avoid pneumonia...pulmacort and xopenex 2xs daily for a week and then wean.
Crappy, huh?
Oh, and one more thing...no contact with other kids for 7 days. So, we won't be seeing you for a while...and thankfully, we didn't go anywhere this week (except soccer, but there's no contact in soccer, right?????)
*tepid bath = 97-99 degree bath past the belly button for 20 minutes, or until the fever has dropped a degree. Do this when the fever is over 102.5
Here are the kids' symptoms:
--I. started a fever on Friday (well, it may have been before that time, but I didn't take a temp. until Friday morning.). She was 102.5 in one ear and 103 in the other. The doctor said, "She sounds clear. She has a virus. She'll have a fever for 3-5 days. Watch her VERY, Very carefully! Switch the motrin and tylenol every three hrs. and tepid baths* past the belly button to control the fever." Then, she high-tailed it out of there (she's a talker, so this wasn't very normal).
So, Sunday comes along and now H. and A. also have it. (So, we didn't just ditch church for no reason.) I treat them with the advil, since that worked for I., but A.'s fever persisted so we are doing tylenol and advil with her. I had to give all three tepid fever-reducing baths last night.
Every three hours I had an alarm set on my phone for taking temperatures and giving meds. During the night, I.'s temp stayed around 99, so I didn't give her advil. H. needed advil once. A. needed advil and tylenol all night and I needed to give warm water compresses to evaporate the fever, too (I didn't think she'd go for a bath in the middle of the night twice).
This morning, I woke up with the alarm again and went to do my rounds with the thermometer (thankfully we have the ear one...I can't even imagine having to put the thermometer under the arm that many times). I. was around 100. A. was about 101. H. was 104.5. SO, back to the bath.
I called the doctor to get more appropriate instructions and this is what I learned...just in case we get influenza A (I assume it is because my cousin's son had the test) again, I want it documented in a better place than on the back of some random paper.
Here goes:
if fever is above 102.5, give a DOUBLE dose of advil.
after 3 hrs., if fever is persisting, give SINGLE dose of tylenol.
after 3 more hrs., if over 102.5, give a DOUBLE dose of advil.
repeat.
If, the fever continues for more than 5 days or isn't getting lower each time it is treated (by meds or tepid baths or warm water compresses) then you need to go back in.
If the cough that comes with it persists and isn't just from the throat like post-nasal drip, go in for a bronchitis test.
If diarrhea, nausea, cough, etc. come on, too, then call.
When asked about meds that they can take, this is what I learned:
Continue with the allergy meds.
Treat the post-nasal drip.
Treat the cough to avoid pneumonia...pulmacort and xopenex 2xs daily for a week and then wean.
Crappy, huh?
Oh, and one more thing...no contact with other kids for 7 days. So, we won't be seeing you for a while...and thankfully, we didn't go anywhere this week (except soccer, but there's no contact in soccer, right?????)
*tepid bath = 97-99 degree bath past the belly button for 20 minutes, or until the fever has dropped a degree. Do this when the fever is over 102.5
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Our Weekend
This weekend was a good one. We are home from our 4 week vacation (surprise!). Yesterday I cut hair...usually just for T. and H., but I. needed her first haircut, too. I will edit this post and put some pics in. Her hair was getting tangly every single day, so I knew it was time. It is cute and even now, well, I did put some layers in it. She just wanted to make sure that it didn't look like boy hair and I assured her that I was not going to use the electric shears on her hair, that I was just going to trim off the parts that made it ouchy to brush through.
In sacrament meeting today, there was a return missionary speaking on missionary work. He recently completed an honorable mission to Russia. Of course that peaked my interest, since I lived there in '95. He told of the change that came over a girl even in her dress as she learned of the gospel of Jesus Christ, was baptized, and wanted to be a missionary, too.
I missed the Sunday School lesson due to caring for my sweet baby, but made it to the Relief Society class where C.H. gave a great lesson on Charity (the pure love of Christ) and Service (serving others, not just your own family, friends, or neighbors, but everyone in need that you can).
During Sunday School, I was walking Ane in the hallway because it was time for her to be taking a nap, even though she didn't. One time when I was talking to my friend H.W., she responded to what H.W. had said. H.W. had asked me if A. could walk yet. I said, "a little". But just then, A. REALLY wanted to get down, so I set her on the floor. She proceeded to stand in place and take 8 steps. Then she smiled right at H.W. A. did that for two other people. It was like she was really showing off her new skill.
We were visited by the Elder's Quorum president and his counselor this afternoon. It was fun to hear that our children know what are good things to include in our home life. The elders asked H. what we are doing tomorrow night (being Monday) and he answered Family Night. They asked I. what we do each night before bed, and she answered scriptures and prayer. Then, after they taught a short lesson with a scripture and said a prayer, they got up to leave. Everyone shook hands and A., at 11 months, held out her hand and shook both of their hands. It was really cute.
Well, bedtime went pretty well tonight. I read and sang to the kids, but they still won't go to sleep...so many excuses. Oh well, life isn't perfect.
R.
In sacrament meeting today, there was a return missionary speaking on missionary work. He recently completed an honorable mission to Russia. Of course that peaked my interest, since I lived there in '95. He told of the change that came over a girl even in her dress as she learned of the gospel of Jesus Christ, was baptized, and wanted to be a missionary, too.
I missed the Sunday School lesson due to caring for my sweet baby, but made it to the Relief Society class where C.H. gave a great lesson on Charity (the pure love of Christ) and Service (serving others, not just your own family, friends, or neighbors, but everyone in need that you can).
During Sunday School, I was walking Ane in the hallway because it was time for her to be taking a nap, even though she didn't. One time when I was talking to my friend H.W., she responded to what H.W. had said. H.W. had asked me if A. could walk yet. I said, "a little". But just then, A. REALLY wanted to get down, so I set her on the floor. She proceeded to stand in place and take 8 steps. Then she smiled right at H.W. A. did that for two other people. It was like she was really showing off her new skill.
We were visited by the Elder's Quorum president and his counselor this afternoon. It was fun to hear that our children know what are good things to include in our home life. The elders asked H. what we are doing tomorrow night (being Monday) and he answered Family Night. They asked I. what we do each night before bed, and she answered scriptures and prayer. Then, after they taught a short lesson with a scripture and said a prayer, they got up to leave. Everyone shook hands and A., at 11 months, held out her hand and shook both of their hands. It was really cute.
Well, bedtime went pretty well tonight. I read and sang to the kids, but they still won't go to sleep...so many excuses. Oh well, life isn't perfect.
R.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
I. is so grown up!
I. seems so old lately. I look at A. and see her getting older and then I look at I. and realize that she is so tall and just isn't a baby anymore. Very crazy.
H. said something funny
My sister lives in Canada and we've been talking about Canada. Last week when I was singing Fifty Nifty United States, H. said, "Canada is just part of America. How come you didn't say Canada?" SO, we talking about North America and that Canada is on our continent, but not one of the 50 states. I thought the wholething was so funny because Canadians, while visiting Eastern Europe always got so offended when they were told that they were Americans. I guess it is funnier to me, but there, I shared it.
A. cut another tooth
Her left bottom front tooth (the one last week was the left top front tooth). Orajel is our friend right now!!!!!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Happy Father's Day
I just want to give an early Happy Father's Day to my kids' dad (T.), my own dad, and to any others reading this.
The video at the top of this blog really tells the love of a Father to his family. I felt that growing up my Dad loved me (he still does), and that he would do anything for me. Even in college he would share stories and experiences with me that I needed at the time. My husband T. is a great dad and puts up with lots just to keep his family in bliss. Thank you T. and Thank you Dad. I love you both and HAPPY FATHERS' DAY!
The video at the top of this blog really tells the love of a Father to his family. I felt that growing up my Dad loved me (he still does), and that he would do anything for me. Even in college he would share stories and experiences with me that I needed at the time. My husband T. is a great dad and puts up with lots just to keep his family in bliss. Thank you T. and Thank you Dad. I love you both and HAPPY FATHERS' DAY!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
A. took two steps at 11:25 PM on June 13th!!
She was so cute. She stood up at her little Winnie the Pooh tree toy, faced me, and carefully let go, moved her left foot, then her right, and then put out her hands to me as she gracefully fell forward into my arms. :-)
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Disneyland pics
H and I with Sully. He couldn't sign our book because of his big-old claws. Pretty fun character! he's huge.
H. with his favorite character Lightning McQueen. This is the first time we've gotten pics with him.
I. showing off her cute tonsils after devouring a few plums. Yummy, huh?
I's tall enough for Splash Mtn. finally (I guess it had more to do with the shoes we bought her the day before). In this picture, she's just gone on it twice. :-)
Meeting with Chip and Dale. They were cute, too.
H. with his favorite character Lightning McQueen. This is the first time we've gotten pics with him.
I. showing off her cute tonsils after devouring a few plums. Yummy, huh?
I's tall enough for Splash Mtn. finally (I guess it had more to do with the shoes we bought her the day before). In this picture, she's just gone on it twice. :-)
Meeting with Chip and Dale. They were cute, too.
Homemade Jam
My Aunt J. gave us a couple of gallon bags of apricots. The firm ones I split, pitted, sugared, lemon juiced, and froze. The ripest ones I split, pitted, mixed with pectin and sugar and lemon juice and canned them in jars.
I feel so domestic today. :-)
Saturday, June 6, 2009
summer cleaning games
Dear FlyLady and Crew~
I am so excited to go to summer camp this year. Due to the fact that I
am the matron of honor in my DCR (dear college roommates) wedding this
week, I am postponing our camp session by 2 weeks. We have come up
with a name and some fun filled activities that I thought might
inspire others to get their own camps rolling. Our name is Camp
Canyoubeatmytimer as my 4yo dd just loves to do anything that could be
considered a race. Here are our activities:
1. Soap-footed sock race: This race is done by sticking two warm, wet,
soapy socks on your feet and racing across the kitchen floor.
2. Freeze dusting: Everyone in this game gets a feather duster. We put
on upbeat music and dance/dust. Someone controls the cd player and
when the music stops, you must freeze in your current position until
it starts again.
3. 27 fling scavenger hunt: This one is self explanatory.
4. Goodwill fashion show/charity auction: In this game, we will try on
our summer clothes from last year and send any that don't fit to
charity. This can be made fun by hanging sheets over the clothesline
in the backyard and playing music and having an announcer describe
each outfit.
5. Vacuum cleaner limbo: This is where we literally limbo under a
stick while vacuuming. This is an easy game for the littlest campers
to win!
6. Bathing suit car wash/hose fight.
7. Clean laundry race: Mom will fold all laundry and dad and kids will
race to see who can put theirs away the fastest.
For rewards we will have a nature hike at the local trails, swimming
at grandma's, fishing with daddy and we will end the week sleeping in
a tent in the backyard, cooking out and making smores. We even found
some gummy flies to add to our smores in honor of FlyLady and FLYing.
Thank you for making housework fun!
Camp Director Kristen
Camp Canyoubeatmytimer
South Jersey
I am so excited to go to summer camp this year. Due to the fact that I
am the matron of honor in my DCR (dear college roommates) wedding this
week, I am postponing our camp session by 2 weeks. We have come up
with a name and some fun filled activities that I thought might
inspire others to get their own camps rolling. Our name is Camp
Canyoubeatmytimer as my 4yo dd just loves to do anything that could be
considered a race. Here are our activities:
1. Soap-footed sock race: This race is done by sticking two warm, wet,
soapy socks on your feet and racing across the kitchen floor.
2. Freeze dusting: Everyone in this game gets a feather duster. We put
on upbeat music and dance/dust. Someone controls the cd player and
when the music stops, you must freeze in your current position until
it starts again.
3. 27 fling scavenger hunt: This one is self explanatory.
4. Goodwill fashion show/charity auction: In this game, we will try on
our summer clothes from last year and send any that don't fit to
charity. This can be made fun by hanging sheets over the clothesline
in the backyard and playing music and having an announcer describe
each outfit.
5. Vacuum cleaner limbo: This is where we literally limbo under a
stick while vacuuming. This is an easy game for the littlest campers
to win!
6. Bathing suit car wash/hose fight.
7. Clean laundry race: Mom will fold all laundry and dad and kids will
race to see who can put theirs away the fastest.
For rewards we will have a nature hike at the local trails, swimming
at grandma's, fishing with daddy and we will end the week sleeping in
a tent in the backyard, cooking out and making smores. We even found
some gummy flies to add to our smores in honor of FlyLady and FLYing.
Thank you for making housework fun!
Camp Director Kristen
Camp Canyoubeatmytimer
South Jersey
Forgiveness
Tomorrow I am giving a lesson on Forgiveness. I have been planning the lesson for a couple of months now. It is amazing how sometimes a flood of ideas will come to me while I am contemplating how to teach it and what parts to teach about it. So, that is what is on my mind. When I turned on the computer today, I saw that at Lds.org there was a new clip from General Conference about writing in your journal...but there is more, it is about seeing God's hand in the world around you. I think that this really increases your faith in God an His plan for us when you are able to witness for yourself His miracles. They are always there, but most of the time, we dismiss them as coincidence. God's miracles are there.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Cool quote
"Some people regard discipline as a chore. For me, it is a kind of order that sets me free to fly." ~Julie Andrews
LDS Church's Elder Russell Nelson, wife robbed in Mozambique
LDS Church's Elder Russell Nelson, wife robbed in Mozambique
Published: Saturday, May 30, 2009 6:41 p.m. MDT
Elder Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Quorum of the Twelve and his wife, Wendy, were among church leaders robbed by armed assailants Friday evening in the Mozambique Maputo Mission home.
On a church assignment in Mozambique, Elder and Sister Nelson were having dinner with Elder William W. Parmley, of the Quorums of the Seventy and the church's Africa Southeast Presidency, and his wife, Shanna Lee, and mission President Blair J. Packard and his wife, Precinda, said LDS Church spokesman Scott Trotter.
"We don't have complete information yet, but we understand Sister Packard's arm was broken," said Trotter. "In addition, she and others suffered some superficial injuries, mainly cuts and bruises."
Elder and Sister Nelson will continue their assignment over the weekend as planned, he added.
Local authorities are investigating the matter.
The LDS Church was legally recognized in Mozambique, a southeastern Africa nation, in 1996, with the first branch created in the capital city of Maputo. Missionaries arrived in 1999.
The Mozambique Maputo Mission was created on Jan. 1, 2005, the church's 339th mission.
Published: Saturday, May 30, 2009 6:41 p.m. MDT
Elder Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Quorum of the Twelve and his wife, Wendy, were among church leaders robbed by armed assailants Friday evening in the Mozambique Maputo Mission home.
On a church assignment in Mozambique, Elder and Sister Nelson were having dinner with Elder William W. Parmley, of the Quorums of the Seventy and the church's Africa Southeast Presidency, and his wife, Shanna Lee, and mission President Blair J. Packard and his wife, Precinda, said LDS Church spokesman Scott Trotter.
"We don't have complete information yet, but we understand Sister Packard's arm was broken," said Trotter. "In addition, she and others suffered some superficial injuries, mainly cuts and bruises."
Elder and Sister Nelson will continue their assignment over the weekend as planned, he added.
Local authorities are investigating the matter.
The LDS Church was legally recognized in Mozambique, a southeastern Africa nation, in 1996, with the first branch created in the capital city of Maputo. Missionaries arrived in 1999.
The Mozambique Maputo Mission was created on Jan. 1, 2005, the church's 339th mission.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Teacher Discounts
Diane Flynn Keith publishes the rave-reviewed Homefires Ezine . If you're ready to save time and money, ease your anxiety, and learn how to have fun homeschooling, get your FREE subscription now at http://www.Homefires.com.
Save $$$ With FREE Educator Discount Cards!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
piggy bank
One of the best money-saving tools for homeschool parents are "educator discount cards" that typically provide 10% or more off of educational products and supplies.
I have used discount cards at book and craft stores and to cut costs on printing and photo copies. Most of the educator discounts are limited to in-store purchases and the amount of the discount varies from one store to another - but it all adds up to big savings!
Most companies that offer educator discounts require some kind of identification in order for you to qualify for the discount. You may be asked to provide:
* A teacher photo I.D. card
* Proof that you belong to a homeschool program or organization
* A copy of your school letterhead
* A copy of a document that you may file with the state in order to legally homeschool
Once you provide the necessary "proof" you'll receive the discount card entitling you to savings on homeschool supplies and resources. Below, you'll find a list of some of the national companies that provide discounts.
* Apple - Offers up to 15% off their educational product line to homeschoolers. Get the details at the website.
* Barnes and Noble Bookstore - Get 15% off soft cover books and 20% off hard cover books. B&N also offers "Educator Appreciation Weeks" a couple of times throughout the year when they discount many products and provide free refreshments.
* Book Warehouse - Take an additional 15% off on already low prices when you make in-store purchases.
* Borders Books - Receive up to 25% off on in-store purchases of books and some other products. Sponsors semi- annual "Educator Appreciation" events.
* Fed-Ex/Kinkos - Get 15% off on most products and services at participating stores. To receive your National Educators Discount Program discount card, fill out the online application.
* Jo-Ann - Apply for the Teacher Discount Rewards Card at this craft and fabric store by registering online, you will receive 15% off each total purchase (some exclusions apply) all year long.
* Michael's - This craft store offers a "Teacher Appreciation Week" annually. (In 2009, it's taking place August 12-18.) Take 15% off purchases including sales items. Must present Teacher I.D. to get the discount.
* Microsoft Academic Discount Pricing - Get up to 40% off on specific products to home educators who can provide written proof of either belonging to a nationally-recognized homeschooling organization, or is expressly recognized by a local school district as an acceptable alternative to an accredited or state- recognized/approved educational institution.
* Office Depot's Star Teacher Program - Earn rewards on purchases. Receive a 15% instant discount on qualifying design, print & ship services. Office Depot also offers a "Teacher Appreciation Breakfast" in the weeks prior to the opening of school. Teachers get free breakfast, discount, and gift. (Varies by store.)
* Office Max - MaxPerks for Teachers Works program provides "rewards" with each purchase and for recycled toner and ink cartridges that can be applied toward future purchases.
* Staples Teacher Rewards Program - Earn rewards based on select purchases and recycling ink cartridges.
Please remember that the companies listed above offer discounts for educators and may question purchases that don't seem to be "educational." That is their prerogative, so be respectful of their policy guidelines that may change without notice. Not all of the stores in a particular chain will participate in discount programs. It may save time to call and inquire before visiting any given store.
Do you want to find local retailers and other organizations that offer discounts to homeschoolers where you live? Check out the Homeschool Buyers Co-Op database. Just enter your state and zip code in the search engine and see what's available within a select mileage radius of your home.
The Homeschool Buyer's Co-Op also offers free Homeschool I.D. Cards that you can use to secure educator discount cards.
Finally, no matter where you shop, don't forget to ASK if they offer an educator's discount. Your wallet may be pleasantly surprised to find that many stores do.
Copyright 2009, Diane Flynn Keith, All Rights Reserved.
Save $$$ With FREE Educator Discount Cards!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
piggy bank
One of the best money-saving tools for homeschool parents are "educator discount cards" that typically provide 10% or more off of educational products and supplies.
I have used discount cards at book and craft stores and to cut costs on printing and photo copies. Most of the educator discounts are limited to in-store purchases and the amount of the discount varies from one store to another - but it all adds up to big savings!
Most companies that offer educator discounts require some kind of identification in order for you to qualify for the discount. You may be asked to provide:
* A teacher photo I.D. card
* Proof that you belong to a homeschool program or organization
* A copy of your school letterhead
* A copy of a document that you may file with the state in order to legally homeschool
Once you provide the necessary "proof" you'll receive the discount card entitling you to savings on homeschool supplies and resources. Below, you'll find a list of some of the national companies that provide discounts.
* Apple - Offers up to 15% off their educational product line to homeschoolers. Get the details at the website.
* Barnes and Noble Bookstore - Get 15% off soft cover books and 20% off hard cover books. B&N also offers "Educator Appreciation Weeks" a couple of times throughout the year when they discount many products and provide free refreshments.
* Book Warehouse - Take an additional 15% off on already low prices when you make in-store purchases.
* Borders Books - Receive up to 25% off on in-store purchases of books and some other products. Sponsors semi- annual "Educator Appreciation" events.
* Fed-Ex/Kinkos - Get 15% off on most products and services at participating stores. To receive your National Educators Discount Program discount card, fill out the online application.
* Jo-Ann - Apply for the Teacher Discount Rewards Card at this craft and fabric store by registering online, you will receive 15% off each total purchase (some exclusions apply) all year long.
* Michael's - This craft store offers a "Teacher Appreciation Week" annually. (In 2009, it's taking place August 12-18.) Take 15% off purchases including sales items. Must present Teacher I.D. to get the discount.
* Microsoft Academic Discount Pricing - Get up to 40% off on specific products to home educators who can provide written proof of either belonging to a nationally-recognized homeschooling organization, or is expressly recognized by a local school district as an acceptable alternative to an accredited or state- recognized/approved educational institution.
* Office Depot's Star Teacher Program - Earn rewards on purchases. Receive a 15% instant discount on qualifying design, print & ship services. Office Depot also offers a "Teacher Appreciation Breakfast" in the weeks prior to the opening of school. Teachers get free breakfast, discount, and gift. (Varies by store.)
* Office Max - MaxPerks for Teachers Works program provides "rewards" with each purchase and for recycled toner and ink cartridges that can be applied toward future purchases.
* Staples Teacher Rewards Program - Earn rewards based on select purchases and recycling ink cartridges.
Please remember that the companies listed above offer discounts for educators and may question purchases that don't seem to be "educational." That is their prerogative, so be respectful of their policy guidelines that may change without notice. Not all of the stores in a particular chain will participate in discount programs. It may save time to call and inquire before visiting any given store.
Do you want to find local retailers and other organizations that offer discounts to homeschoolers where you live? Check out the Homeschool Buyers Co-Op database. Just enter your state and zip code in the search engine and see what's available within a select mileage radius of your home.
The Homeschool Buyer's Co-Op also offers free Homeschool I.D. Cards that you can use to secure educator discount cards.
Finally, no matter where you shop, don't forget to ASK if they offer an educator's discount. Your wallet may be pleasantly surprised to find that many stores do.
Copyright 2009, Diane Flynn Keith, All Rights Reserved.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Easy Garden Pest Controls
Easy Garden Pest Controls
Adapted from A Year on The Garden Path, by Carolyn Herriot
(Earthfuture/ Adapted from A
So often the home garden pest control remedies work as well or better than
the chemical counterparts, and with the added bonus that with these
formulas made of kitchen cupboard ingredients, you don't need to worry about
poisoning yourself, your pets, or your garden!
Print out these five standby remedies for yard and garden, including a
natural fungicide for mildew and black spot:
Simple Soap Solution
2 Tbs. soap flakes
2 litre warm water
Dissolve soap flakes in water and apply directly to infested areas every
5-7 days. Note: Too much soap can cause burning on plants.
Pests affected: aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.
Garlic Oil Spray
10-15 cloves of minced garlic
2 tsp. mineral oil
600 ml water
1 tsp. liquid dish soap
Soak garlic in mineral oil for 24 hours. Strain garlic out and add 600 ml
water and 1 tsp. liquid dish soap. Mix thoroughly. Spray plants with this
solution.
Pests affected: Aphids, spider ites, and whiteflies
Fungicide for Mildew and Black Spot
1 tsp. baking soda
1 litre water
1 tsp. soap flakes
Dissolve baking soda in 1 litre of warm water.
Add soap flakes to help solution cling to leaves. Remove infected leaves
from plant, then spray top and bottom of remaining leaf surfaces to control
spread of the disease.
Sticky Traps
1-2 Tbsp. Vaseline or preferably, Unpetroleum Jelly
4"x8" plastic cards or cardboard
Waterproof yellow paint
Apply paint onto both sides of the card and let it dry. Once the paint is
dry, apply
Unpetroleum Jelly liberally over both sides of the card. Place the card
just above the plant canopy.
Pests controlled:Flying pests, such as fungus gnats, and whiteflies.
Sowbug Traps
1 small plastic container with lid
2 Tbsp. cornmeal
Cut a small hole at the base of the container, large enough and close
enough to the bottom to allow sowbugs to climb in. Place cornmeal in container.
Place container into area infested with sowbugs. After feeding on the
cornmeal, the bugs will drink and then explode! (Replace cornmeal frequently.)
Adapted from A Year on The Garden Path, by Carolyn Herriot
(Earthfuture/ Adapted from A
So often the home garden pest control remedies work as well or better than
the chemical counterparts, and with the added bonus that with these
formulas made of kitchen cupboard ingredients, you don't need to worry about
poisoning yourself, your pets, or your garden!
Print out these five standby remedies for yard and garden, including a
natural fungicide for mildew and black spot:
Simple Soap Solution
2 Tbs. soap flakes
2 litre warm water
Dissolve soap flakes in water and apply directly to infested areas every
5-7 days. Note: Too much soap can cause burning on plants.
Pests affected: aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.
Garlic Oil Spray
10-15 cloves of minced garlic
2 tsp. mineral oil
600 ml water
1 tsp. liquid dish soap
Soak garlic in mineral oil for 24 hours. Strain garlic out and add 600 ml
water and 1 tsp. liquid dish soap. Mix thoroughly. Spray plants with this
solution.
Pests affected: Aphids, spider ites, and whiteflies
Fungicide for Mildew and Black Spot
1 tsp. baking soda
1 litre water
1 tsp. soap flakes
Dissolve baking soda in 1 litre of warm water.
Add soap flakes to help solution cling to leaves. Remove infected leaves
from plant, then spray top and bottom of remaining leaf surfaces to control
spread of the disease.
Sticky Traps
1-2 Tbsp. Vaseline or preferably, Unpetroleum Jelly
4"x8" plastic cards or cardboard
Waterproof yellow paint
Apply paint onto both sides of the card and let it dry. Once the paint is
dry, apply
Unpetroleum Jelly liberally over both sides of the card. Place the card
just above the plant canopy.
Pests controlled:Flying pests, such as fungus gnats, and whiteflies.
Sowbug Traps
1 small plastic container with lid
2 Tbsp. cornmeal
Cut a small hole at the base of the container, large enough and close
enough to the bottom to allow sowbugs to climb in. Place cornmeal in container.
Place container into area infested with sowbugs. After feeding on the
cornmeal, the bugs will drink and then explode! (Replace cornmeal frequently.)
Toilet Bowl Cleaners:
Toilet Bowl Cleaners:
1) Baking Soda and Vinegar: Sprinkle baking soda into the bowl, then
squirt with vinegar and scour with a toilet brush. Cleans and deodorizes.
2) Borax and Lemon Juice. For removing a stubborn stain, like toilet bowl
ring, mix enough borax and lemon juice into a paste cover the ring. Flush
toilet to wet the sides, then rub on paste. Let sit for 2 hours and scrub
thoroughly. For less stubborn toilet bowl rings, sprinkle baking soda around
the rim and scrub with a toilet brush.
3)1 cup borax, 1/2 cup white vinegar. Flush to wet the sides of the bowl.
Sprinkle the borax around the toilet bowl, then spray with vinegar. Leave
for several hours or overnight before scrubbing with a toilet brush.
4) Denture tablets are an excellent substitute for toilet cleaner. Drop two
tablets into the bowl and clean as you would with toilet cleaner.
5) Liquid castile soap and baking soda or Borax, scrub with a toilet
brush.
My Dad sent me another great way to clean the toilet:
"How to wash a toilet
This is simply too much of a time-saver not to share it with you:
1. Put both lids of the toilet up.
Add 1/8 cup of pet shampoo to the water in the bowl.
2. Pick up the cat and soothe him while you carry him towards the bathroom.
3.. In one smooth movement, put the cat in the toilet and close the lid.
(You may need to stand on the lid.)
4. The cat will self agitate and make ample suds. ( Never mind the noises that come from the toilet.)
5. Flush the toilet three or four times. This provides a 'power-wash' and rinse'.
6. Have someone open the front door of your home.
(Be sure that there are no people between the bathroom and the front door)
7. Stand behind the toilet as far as you can, and quickly lift the lid.
8. The cat will rocket out of the toilet, streak through the bathroom, and run outside where he will dry himself off.
9. Both the commode and the cat will be sparkling clean.
Sincerely,
The Dog
1) Baking Soda and Vinegar: Sprinkle baking soda into the bowl, then
squirt with vinegar and scour with a toilet brush. Cleans and deodorizes.
2) Borax and Lemon Juice. For removing a stubborn stain, like toilet bowl
ring, mix enough borax and lemon juice into a paste cover the ring. Flush
toilet to wet the sides, then rub on paste. Let sit for 2 hours and scrub
thoroughly. For less stubborn toilet bowl rings, sprinkle baking soda around
the rim and scrub with a toilet brush.
3)1 cup borax, 1/2 cup white vinegar. Flush to wet the sides of the bowl.
Sprinkle the borax around the toilet bowl, then spray with vinegar. Leave
for several hours or overnight before scrubbing with a toilet brush.
4) Denture tablets are an excellent substitute for toilet cleaner. Drop two
tablets into the bowl and clean as you would with toilet cleaner.
5) Liquid castile soap and baking soda or Borax, scrub with a toilet
brush.
My Dad sent me another great way to clean the toilet:
"How to wash a toilet
This is simply too much of a time-saver not to share it with you:
1. Put both lids of the toilet up.
Add 1/8 cup of pet shampoo to the water in the bowl.
2. Pick up the cat and soothe him while you carry him towards the bathroom.
3.. In one smooth movement, put the cat in the toilet and close the lid.
(You may need to stand on the lid.)
4. The cat will self agitate and make ample suds. ( Never mind the noises that come from the toilet.)
5. Flush the toilet three or four times. This provides a 'power-wash' and rinse'.
6. Have someone open the front door of your home.
(Be sure that there are no people between the bathroom and the front door)
7. Stand behind the toilet as far as you can, and quickly lift the lid.
8. The cat will rocket out of the toilet, streak through the bathroom, and run outside where he will dry himself off.
9. Both the commode and the cat will be sparkling clean.
Sincerely,
The Dog
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Bye! - A.
so, for some reason I can't post a video...any ideas? mine off the camera are in mpg, I think...or dvd format. do those not work??
Friday, May 8, 2009
After Dinner Chores (sounds like a mint)
Two days ago, I stated my grief about the state of our kitchen and told my son H. that we needed to begin doing our after-dinner chores again. Somehow we got out of the habit. So, on his own, he got out some index cards and drew the jobs and numbered them. So, we have clearing the table, rinsing the dishes (the favorite), sweeping, and washing the table and chairs. Here is our routine...whoever finishes their dinner first gets to pick a card and that is the job they get to do that night.
So, last night, we used the cards. I. was first and selected rinsing the dishes. I was second, but let H. pick first. He picked clearing the table. But, in order for I. to be able to do her job, the dishwasher needed unloaded, so as I was printing out the newly arrived 4th Sunday subjects for the Sunday lessons in Relief Society, H. decided to unload the dishes. He and I. put EVERYTHING in their place. It was so cool. Then H. announced to I. that she could do her job, so I finished up a blog reply and hurried over to "help".
I am so grateful to H. and I. for helping last night. They really did help keep our kitchen clean.
I. decided that she too wants to make some cards, so she is going to help me with the Saturday chores. Whoever wakes first gets to pick their job.
So, last night, we used the cards. I. was first and selected rinsing the dishes. I was second, but let H. pick first. He picked clearing the table. But, in order for I. to be able to do her job, the dishwasher needed unloaded, so as I was printing out the newly arrived 4th Sunday subjects for the Sunday lessons in Relief Society, H. decided to unload the dishes. He and I. put EVERYTHING in their place. It was so cool. Then H. announced to I. that she could do her job, so I finished up a blog reply and hurried over to "help".
I am so grateful to H. and I. for helping last night. They really did help keep our kitchen clean.
I. decided that she too wants to make some cards, so she is going to help me with the Saturday chores. Whoever wakes first gets to pick their job.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Speech technicalities
http://www.uiowa.edu/~acadtech/phonetics/english/frameset.html
This website will help you see how to say individual sounds (phonemes) and then you can help your children learn them better.
We've been studying the /r/ and /l/ "liquid consonants" at our house. :-)
This website will help you see how to say individual sounds (phonemes) and then you can help your children learn them better.
We've been studying the /r/ and /l/ "liquid consonants" at our house. :-)
Math-U-See
I bought the primer and the alpha of this series today and it is arriving tomorrow. I love UPS when it is being shipped from your own state!!! SO fast!
So, I'm pretty excited. I think that our kids will love this math curriculum. Go take a look! www.mathusee.com
So, I'm pretty excited. I think that our kids will love this math curriculum. Go take a look! www.mathusee.com
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Homemade Hand Sanitizer
Homemade Hand Sanitizer
1 cup aloe vera gel
1 tsp rubbing alcohol
2 tsp glycerin
8 drops of tea tree oil or a favorite scent
Don't know if it works, but that may save a lot of bottles heading to the recycler...
1 cup aloe vera gel
1 tsp rubbing alcohol
2 tsp glycerin
8 drops of tea tree oil or a favorite scent
Don't know if it works, but that may save a lot of bottles heading to the recycler...
Friday, May 1, 2009
Grow 100 lbs. Of Potatoes In 4 Square Feet
Grow 100 lbs. Of Potatoes In 4 Square Feet: How To
Potato Box Project By The Seattle Times
http://tipnut.com/grow-potatoes/
Potato Box Project By The Seattle Times
Quite the clever gardening tip here folks! Today’s feature includes tips from three different sources for growing potatoes vertically (in layers) instead of spread out in rows across your garden. If you have limited garden space or want to try some nifty gardening magic, this could be a great option for you.
First, there’s this article from The Seattle Times: It’s Not Idaho, But You Still Can Grow Potatoes:
The potatoes are planted inside the box, the first row of boards is installed and the dirt or mulch can now be added to cover the seed potatoes. As the plant grows, more boards and dirt will be added.
You plant potatoes in one bottom layer, boarding up the sides of each layer and adding dirt as you go higher (you wait until the plants have grown a bit before adding a new layer). While new potatoes are growing in the top layers, remove the boards from the first layer at the bottom to carefully dig out the potatoes that are ready for harvesting. Fill the dirt back in and board up the box again. You move up the layers and harvest as the potatoes are ready. I imagine the new potatoes in the first couple bottom layers would be somewhat awkward to get at but as you move higher–not so bad.
I traced the information provided in the article to Irish Eyes Garden Seeds, they have another how-to article online here: How to Grow 100 lbs. of Potatoes in 4 Square Feet. They also advise you can skip the box and try growing the potatoes in a barrel or wire cage instead.
In another article on The Seattle Times (How To Grow Potatoes At Home), I came across this blog post from Sinfonian’s Square Foot Garden that details his attempt at growing potatoes with this potato box method: Build-As-You-Grow Potato Bins. The info was from last year (lots of pics) and he’s promised updates of this year’s attempts. He added this tip for a better yield:
Greg from Irish-Eyes Garden City Seeds let me know that Yukon Golds, and all early varieties set fruit once and do not do well in towers. You only get potatoes in the bottom 6 inches, which is what I got. Late season alternatives to yukon gold are Yellow Fin and Binjte.
Bonus! For a handy project sheet, The Seattle Times has a nice image file detailing the steps (click to view the original):
How To Build & Use Your Potato Box: Click To View Original File
How To Build & Use Your Potato Box: The Seattle Times
Imagine growing all those potatoes in a just a few square feet–and how drastically reduced the potato-patch weeding job will be! So Clever.
Potato Box Project By The Seattle Times
http://tipnut.com/grow-potatoes/
Potato Box Project By The Seattle Times
Quite the clever gardening tip here folks! Today’s feature includes tips from three different sources for growing potatoes vertically (in layers) instead of spread out in rows across your garden. If you have limited garden space or want to try some nifty gardening magic, this could be a great option for you.
First, there’s this article from The Seattle Times: It’s Not Idaho, But You Still Can Grow Potatoes:
The potatoes are planted inside the box, the first row of boards is installed and the dirt or mulch can now be added to cover the seed potatoes. As the plant grows, more boards and dirt will be added.
You plant potatoes in one bottom layer, boarding up the sides of each layer and adding dirt as you go higher (you wait until the plants have grown a bit before adding a new layer). While new potatoes are growing in the top layers, remove the boards from the first layer at the bottom to carefully dig out the potatoes that are ready for harvesting. Fill the dirt back in and board up the box again. You move up the layers and harvest as the potatoes are ready. I imagine the new potatoes in the first couple bottom layers would be somewhat awkward to get at but as you move higher–not so bad.
I traced the information provided in the article to Irish Eyes Garden Seeds, they have another how-to article online here: How to Grow 100 lbs. of Potatoes in 4 Square Feet. They also advise you can skip the box and try growing the potatoes in a barrel or wire cage instead.
In another article on The Seattle Times (How To Grow Potatoes At Home), I came across this blog post from Sinfonian’s Square Foot Garden that details his attempt at growing potatoes with this potato box method: Build-As-You-Grow Potato Bins. The info was from last year (lots of pics) and he’s promised updates of this year’s attempts. He added this tip for a better yield:
Greg from Irish-Eyes Garden City Seeds let me know that Yukon Golds, and all early varieties set fruit once and do not do well in towers. You only get potatoes in the bottom 6 inches, which is what I got. Late season alternatives to yukon gold are Yellow Fin and Binjte.
Bonus! For a handy project sheet, The Seattle Times has a nice image file detailing the steps (click to view the original):
How To Build & Use Your Potato Box: Click To View Original File
How To Build & Use Your Potato Box: The Seattle Times
Imagine growing all those potatoes in a just a few square feet–and how drastically reduced the potato-patch weeding job will be! So Clever.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
If ye are prepared, Ye shall not fear...
...a commandment?
...a blessing?
...I think it is both.
So, I always think about food storage to not be fearful of disasters and spiritual preparedness to not fear the day of the Lord's return. But, today, I have seen this in a new light. If ye are prepared ye shall not fear.
The swine flu again...sorry to keep talking about it, but it really has consumed my thinking lately. This is what I've come up with for our family, "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear."
So, what would we need to be prepared for the swine flu, heaven forbid we contract it?
1. a clean toilet and bathroom.
2. clean clothes...because mama ain't doing the laundry when she's doubled over the toilet.
3. clean dishes, and some paper goods...because again, if mama can hardly get the dishes done when she's well, then when she's sick, I can guarantee that she ain't goin' to be doing them!
4. menu, food already bought.
5. meds and electrolyte-containing drinks.
6. a clean house so that no one else contracts it even if one of us does.
7. kleenexes, soap, trash bags, and sanitizer.
8. lots of clean towels (for sleeping on in case of a quick need to vomit, so you don't have to change the sheets every time a kid barfs in bed).
9. Make sure that you have eaten good food and have drank enough water so if you come into contact with someone who is sick, your body will be able to withstand it.
10. make sure that you've exercised appropriately so that your body is ready.
So, our three goals today are
#1 to have Mt. WashMore sorted into the baskets so we can get our laundry in order
#2 put away the clean clothes that have already been washed so that they are easily found, thus wasting less time.
#3 dishes cleaned and put away.
Wish us luck. Go assess your own home. Are you ready for whatever will come your way? If yes, good for you. If no, then make some goals to get to where you can feel comfortable and not fearful!
Have a great, healthy day!!!
R.
...a blessing?
...I think it is both.
So, I always think about food storage to not be fearful of disasters and spiritual preparedness to not fear the day of the Lord's return. But, today, I have seen this in a new light. If ye are prepared ye shall not fear.
The swine flu again...sorry to keep talking about it, but it really has consumed my thinking lately. This is what I've come up with for our family, "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear."
So, what would we need to be prepared for the swine flu, heaven forbid we contract it?
1. a clean toilet and bathroom.
2. clean clothes...because mama ain't doing the laundry when she's doubled over the toilet.
3. clean dishes, and some paper goods...because again, if mama can hardly get the dishes done when she's well, then when she's sick, I can guarantee that she ain't goin' to be doing them!
4. menu, food already bought.
5. meds and electrolyte-containing drinks.
6. a clean house so that no one else contracts it even if one of us does.
7. kleenexes, soap, trash bags, and sanitizer.
8. lots of clean towels (for sleeping on in case of a quick need to vomit, so you don't have to change the sheets every time a kid barfs in bed).
9. Make sure that you have eaten good food and have drank enough water so if you come into contact with someone who is sick, your body will be able to withstand it.
10. make sure that you've exercised appropriately so that your body is ready.
So, our three goals today are
#1 to have Mt. WashMore sorted into the baskets so we can get our laundry in order
#2 put away the clean clothes that have already been washed so that they are easily found, thus wasting less time.
#3 dishes cleaned and put away.
Wish us luck. Go assess your own home. Are you ready for whatever will come your way? If yes, good for you. If no, then make some goals to get to where you can feel comfortable and not fearful!
Have a great, healthy day!!!
R.
Come on, give us some information we can use!
I'm sure I'm not the only one with swine flu on my mind.
It is kinda stressing me out.
We were home for 5 weeks with two different viruses and walking pneumonia.
The kids just finished their breathing treatments last week from it all.
We had our flu shots.
Is this like the "gripa" I had in Romania? (flu + stomach flu = gripa)
Is the 23 month old that just died in Texas Mexican? Had they visited Mexico? Was the child a sicky before? Did the child die from pneumonia like the twenty 20-40 yr olds in Mexico? Is the child's family sick? Was the child in daycare?
So many unanswered questions.
I searched last night online and this is what I came up with...
1. You can get it from someone from one day before they show ANY symptoms until 7 days after (after they aren't sick, or after their first symptom???--no info)
2. It is like the flu we are familiar with (the one that kills old people and kids?--no, this one kills otherwise healthy young adults, or were they?--no info)
3. Some people also get vomiting and diarrhea (isn't that like our regular duck flu?)
4. A bunch of scared people the moment that the universal health care bills are going through congress...interesting. I really wish that the press and the govt would give us some real information. They can't be that in the dark. Either close the schools so we can avoid getting it, or quit barking about how bad it is. Why wait until it is a pandemic before trying any protective measures???
It is kinda stressing me out.
We were home for 5 weeks with two different viruses and walking pneumonia.
The kids just finished their breathing treatments last week from it all.
We had our flu shots.
Is this like the "gripa" I had in Romania? (flu + stomach flu = gripa)
Is the 23 month old that just died in Texas Mexican? Had they visited Mexico? Was the child a sicky before? Did the child die from pneumonia like the twenty 20-40 yr olds in Mexico? Is the child's family sick? Was the child in daycare?
So many unanswered questions.
I searched last night online and this is what I came up with...
1. You can get it from someone from one day before they show ANY symptoms until 7 days after (after they aren't sick, or after their first symptom???--no info)
2. It is like the flu we are familiar with (the one that kills old people and kids?--no, this one kills otherwise healthy young adults, or were they?--no info)
3. Some people also get vomiting and diarrhea (isn't that like our regular duck flu?)
4. A bunch of scared people the moment that the universal health care bills are going through congress...interesting. I really wish that the press and the govt would give us some real information. They can't be that in the dark. Either close the schools so we can avoid getting it, or quit barking about how bad it is. Why wait until it is a pandemic before trying any protective measures???
Monday, April 27, 2009
Our hatching mantids
SO CUTE!!!
This January, when T. was pruning the peach tree, he found two mantis oothecas(es). We put them in our bug viewer because he was cutting those branches off of the peach tree. There they have sat until today when one of them began releasing tiny mantids. See the video above. Also, we will post pictures of ours with the kids.
This January, when T. was pruning the peach tree, he found two mantis oothecas(es). We put them in our bug viewer because he was cutting those branches off of the peach tree. There they have sat until today when one of them began releasing tiny mantids. See the video above. Also, we will post pictures of ours with the kids.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Locks of Love
This is me on New Year's Day at Disney's California Adventure. I was in Bug's Town or whatever it is called on the bumper cars...such a fun place, by the way...
Check out my hair. This was nearly 5 months ago, so my hair had grown at least 5 inches since this picture.
This is me today. Yesterday morning I went to a Locks of Love fundraiser for a Laural from the spanish ward's Laurel Project. There were many people signed up to get their hair cut for her project. There were 4 hair stylists at the salon and another stylist that only did blow drying because they were so busy. They were working from 9-1 and each had people every 30 minutes. FUN!!! The reason why I did this instead of just going to get a trim (since I won a free hair cut at the MOPS fundraiser I attended) was that when I announced it at Relief Society last Sunday, I looked around and saw that everyone had short hair, or at least short enough to not have 10 inches to cut off. So, Friday night, I finally called the salon and set up an appointment. I got cut by the owner, so I was pretty happy. She was SO confident in her cutting and was fast!! I love it straightened, too. Usually haircuts and styles take way too long, so I never go...usually 2 hrs. for my thick hair, but this one was done in an hour. I was pretty excited!
Check out my hair. This was nearly 5 months ago, so my hair had grown at least 5 inches since this picture.
This is me today. Yesterday morning I went to a Locks of Love fundraiser for a Laural from the spanish ward's Laurel Project. There were many people signed up to get their hair cut for her project. There were 4 hair stylists at the salon and another stylist that only did blow drying because they were so busy. They were working from 9-1 and each had people every 30 minutes. FUN!!! The reason why I did this instead of just going to get a trim (since I won a free hair cut at the MOPS fundraiser I attended) was that when I announced it at Relief Society last Sunday, I looked around and saw that everyone had short hair, or at least short enough to not have 10 inches to cut off. So, Friday night, I finally called the salon and set up an appointment. I got cut by the owner, so I was pretty happy. She was SO confident in her cutting and was fast!! I love it straightened, too. Usually haircuts and styles take way too long, so I never go...usually 2 hrs. for my thick hair, but this one was done in an hour. I was pretty excited!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Kindergarten Standards Reading Site
http://www.starfall.com/
This little site has fun reading activities. They are interactive and you can print out little worksheets to go along with them.
This little site has fun reading activities. They are interactive and you can print out little worksheets to go along with them.
Monday, April 20, 2009
LOVE IT!
This is a GREAT blog entry that I was linked to from my cousin's site. I don't know how she found it, but we ALL moms need to read it!
http://pamperingbeki.blogspot.com/2009/04/lets-talk.html
http://pamperingbeki.blogspot.com/2009/04/lets-talk.html
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Gotta learn those words
So, Sister D. asked me to sing in church next Sunday. I cannot recall a solo ever sung by myself before....oh wait. I think I had one line to sing in South Pacific or something in HS.
Anyways, I am more of a duet or quartet or choir kind of gal. I just don't want to feel like I am either not singing right or that I am showing off. I don't know how to explain it. I feel great at home singing to my kids, but then I can't seem to ever want to do it for others.
Anyways, I chose "His Hands" by Kenneth Cope. I love it. I have had the music since my freshman year in college and I have never been asked to sing a solo and this is a solo. I cannot remember the 2nd verse, however, so I have chosen to type it here hoping to remember the words better. I have the 1st and last, but not the second. I hope that you enjoy the words as much as I do, and with the music it is beautiful...Thank you Sister R. for accompanying me!
vs 1--His hands, tools of creation, stronger than nations, power without end.
And yet through them we find our truest friend.
His hands, sermons of kindness, healing men's blindness, halting years of pain, Children waiting to be held again.
His hands would serve His whole life thro', showing man what hands might do, giving, ever giving endlessly, Each day was filled with selflessness, and I'll not rest 'til I make of my hands what they could be, 'til these hands become like those from Galilee.
vs 2--His hands, warming a beggar, lifting a leper, calling back the dead.
Breaking bread, five thousand fed.
His hands, hushing contention, pointing to heaven, ever free of sin, Then bidding man to follow Him.
His hands would serve His whole life thro', showing man what hands might do, giving, ever giving endlessly, Each day was filled with selflessness, and I'll not rest 'til I make of my hands what they could be, 'til these hands become like those from Galilee.
vs 3--His hands clasp in agony as He lay pleading, bleeding in the garden, While just moments away, other hands betray Him out of greed, shameful greed.
And then His hands are trembling straining to carry the beam that they'd be nailed to, As He stumbles through the streets heading for the hill on which he'd die, He would die.
They take His hands, His mighty hands, those gentle hands and then they pierce them, they pierce them, He lets them because of love.
From birth to death was selflessness, and clearly now I see Him with His hands calling to me.
And though I'm not yet as I would be, He has shown me how I could be.
I will make my hands like those from Galilee.
You can listen to it here at the right of our blog. Just push the play triangle.
I am not going to sing the intro, just the part where the girl starts singing "His Hands..."
Anyways, I am more of a duet or quartet or choir kind of gal. I just don't want to feel like I am either not singing right or that I am showing off. I don't know how to explain it. I feel great at home singing to my kids, but then I can't seem to ever want to do it for others.
Anyways, I chose "His Hands" by Kenneth Cope. I love it. I have had the music since my freshman year in college and I have never been asked to sing a solo and this is a solo. I cannot remember the 2nd verse, however, so I have chosen to type it here hoping to remember the words better. I have the 1st and last, but not the second. I hope that you enjoy the words as much as I do, and with the music it is beautiful...Thank you Sister R. for accompanying me!
vs 1--His hands, tools of creation, stronger than nations, power without end.
And yet through them we find our truest friend.
His hands, sermons of kindness, healing men's blindness, halting years of pain, Children waiting to be held again.
His hands would serve His whole life thro', showing man what hands might do, giving, ever giving endlessly, Each day was filled with selflessness, and I'll not rest 'til I make of my hands what they could be, 'til these hands become like those from Galilee.
vs 2--His hands, warming a beggar, lifting a leper, calling back the dead.
Breaking bread, five thousand fed.
His hands, hushing contention, pointing to heaven, ever free of sin, Then bidding man to follow Him.
His hands would serve His whole life thro', showing man what hands might do, giving, ever giving endlessly, Each day was filled with selflessness, and I'll not rest 'til I make of my hands what they could be, 'til these hands become like those from Galilee.
vs 3--His hands clasp in agony as He lay pleading, bleeding in the garden, While just moments away, other hands betray Him out of greed, shameful greed.
And then His hands are trembling straining to carry the beam that they'd be nailed to, As He stumbles through the streets heading for the hill on which he'd die, He would die.
They take His hands, His mighty hands, those gentle hands and then they pierce them, they pierce them, He lets them because of love.
From birth to death was selflessness, and clearly now I see Him with His hands calling to me.
And though I'm not yet as I would be, He has shown me how I could be.
I will make my hands like those from Galilee.
You can listen to it here at the right of our blog. Just push the play triangle.
I am not going to sing the intro, just the part where the girl starts singing "His Hands..."
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Man looketh on the outward appearance...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY&feature=related This is a Brit woman singing I Dreamed a Dream from Les Mis. While watching it, think of the scripture:
1 Sam. 16: 7
7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; ... for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.
1 Sam. 16: 7
7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; ... for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.
Monday, April 13, 2009
One of my favorite General Conference Talks
April 5th, one of the apostles talked at General Conference. Elder Holland spoke about the Savior and His sacrifice. I was so excited when I saw that this was the topic for the Mormon Message this week. Check it out at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpFhS0dAduc
Or, just watch it at the bottom of my blog where I've embedded it.
Or, just watch it at the bottom of my blog where I've embedded it.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Sixes
Sixes
1. go to the document/my pictures site on your computer
2. go to your sixth file
3. go to your sixth picture
4. blog about it
5. tag 6 people
6. there isn't another rule. But, my friend who posted this said, "I just thought since we were doing sixes...." :-)
I didn't "technically" get tagged either, but the blog I was reading said they tagged whoever read it, so there you go.
This is a picture of I. at my friend's house. She and H. made a robot out of floor tiles. I don't know if I. was sad here or if she is just concentrating...that look is one in the same in my family tree. My friend took this picture since I was playng the piano for a local middle school's choir last school year twice a week and she babysat for me one of those days each week. Thank you C.!!
1. go to the document/my pictures site on your computer
2. go to your sixth file
3. go to your sixth picture
4. blog about it
5. tag 6 people
6. there isn't another rule. But, my friend who posted this said, "I just thought since we were doing sixes...." :-)
I didn't "technically" get tagged either, but the blog I was reading said they tagged whoever read it, so there you go.
This is a picture of I. at my friend's house. She and H. made a robot out of floor tiles. I don't know if I. was sad here or if she is just concentrating...that look is one in the same in my family tree. My friend took this picture since I was playng the piano for a local middle school's choir last school year twice a week and she babysat for me one of those days each week. Thank you C.!!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Cut spending in half??
Last night, while tending Ane, Oprah came on and Suze Orman was on telling about how to weather these rough times. Here are the suggestions:
1. Cut spending in half.
If you are living on 2 salaries, bank one of them. If you are living on one, cut spending in half--LIVE ON THE BARE BONES MINIMUM. It got really quiet when she said that. That seems crazy. However, when you are living in a tent city, instead of a house, You aren't going to be missing your cell phone and your fast internet. You will be missing clean running water, heat, a/c, a bed. She said to cut cell phone fees, buy less makeup, get your hair cut less frequently. Those types of "extras" that are really luxuries.
The idea behind living on 1/2 is so that you can build up 8 months of your salary, so that when or if you get laid off, you will be able to keep your head above water. It takes a long time to find a new job and unemployment isn't going to keep you living at your finest!
2. STASH YOUR CASH!
You need cash to live. Credit cards used to be great to keep in the back drawer and use only in a crisis, but now, they are closing your accounts because the debt is unsecured and if they think there is a chance that they won't get paid, they will hike up your fees or just close your account as soon as you pay it all off. So, you need money in case of job loss.
3. Make the Stimulus package work for you.
COBRA has some new rules. Check with your employer if you are being laid off. They fees can be SIGNIFICANTLY LESS IFF you check with them first.
If you can buy a new home, and it is your first, you can get back $8,000 if you make less than a certain amount....and the amount is high, in my opinion.
4. Make your home affordable.
MakingHomeAffordable.gov
5. Look at what you HAVE instead of what you HAD.
"Things that will get better, get worse. ...[In] the next two or three years, it will start to turn around," Suze says. "But I'm so sorry to say it will be, in my opinion, 2015 until every single person feels hopeful again."
Here are some tools for saving money:
Hourly Rate Calculator
How many hours will you have to work to pay off that new outfit, dinner out or new car you've been eyeing? Use this calculator to figure out if you can really afford it.
Wants vs. Needs Workbook
What can you really live without? Use these workbook exercises to sort out your wants and your needs—and figure out how to save money on both.
SORRY THAT THOSE GO TO OPRAH'S SITE, BUT THEY ARE USEFUL TOOLS.
1. Cut spending in half.
If you are living on 2 salaries, bank one of them. If you are living on one, cut spending in half--LIVE ON THE BARE BONES MINIMUM. It got really quiet when she said that. That seems crazy. However, when you are living in a tent city, instead of a house, You aren't going to be missing your cell phone and your fast internet. You will be missing clean running water, heat, a/c, a bed. She said to cut cell phone fees, buy less makeup, get your hair cut less frequently. Those types of "extras" that are really luxuries.
The idea behind living on 1/2 is so that you can build up 8 months of your salary, so that when or if you get laid off, you will be able to keep your head above water. It takes a long time to find a new job and unemployment isn't going to keep you living at your finest!
2. STASH YOUR CASH!
You need cash to live. Credit cards used to be great to keep in the back drawer and use only in a crisis, but now, they are closing your accounts because the debt is unsecured and if they think there is a chance that they won't get paid, they will hike up your fees or just close your account as soon as you pay it all off. So, you need money in case of job loss.
3. Make the Stimulus package work for you.
COBRA has some new rules. Check with your employer if you are being laid off. They fees can be SIGNIFICANTLY LESS IFF you check with them first.
If you can buy a new home, and it is your first, you can get back $8,000 if you make less than a certain amount....and the amount is high, in my opinion.
4. Make your home affordable.
MakingHomeAffordable.gov
5. Look at what you HAVE instead of what you HAD.
"Things that will get better, get worse. ...[In] the next two or three years, it will start to turn around," Suze says. "But I'm so sorry to say it will be, in my opinion, 2015 until every single person feels hopeful again."
Here are some tools for saving money:
Hourly Rate Calculator
How many hours will you have to work to pay off that new outfit, dinner out or new car you've been eyeing? Use this calculator to figure out if you can really afford it.
Wants vs. Needs Workbook
What can you really live without? Use these workbook exercises to sort out your wants and your needs—and figure out how to save money on both.
SORRY THAT THOSE GO TO OPRAH'S SITE, BUT THEY ARE USEFUL TOOLS.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Encouragement scripture
My friend sent this in my email today, and what a great message!!!
"In the gospel of Jesus Christ you have help from both sides of the veil and you must never forget that. When disappointment and discouragement strike – and they will – you remember and never forget that if our eyes could be opened we would see horses and chariots of fire (2 Kgs. 6:16-17) as far as the eye can see riding at reckless speed to come to our protection. They will always be there, these armies of heaven, in defense of Abraham's seed."
– Jeffrey R. Holland, For Times of Trouble, BYU Devotional,
March 18, 1980
"In the gospel of Jesus Christ you have help from both sides of the veil and you must never forget that. When disappointment and discouragement strike – and they will – you remember and never forget that if our eyes could be opened we would see horses and chariots of fire (2 Kgs. 6:16-17) as far as the eye can see riding at reckless speed to come to our protection. They will always be there, these armies of heaven, in defense of Abraham's seed."
– Jeffrey R. Holland, For Times of Trouble, BYU Devotional,
March 18, 1980
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Biggest Loser Competition
Anyone wanna join in our competition??
Here are the details:
My friend G. just concluded a competition where 11 couples, not all living in town, but some out of town, too, competed to lose weight. Studies show that when there is money on the line, people stick to their diet. Here's an article on it: http://news.softpedia.com/news/People-Lose-Weight-If-There-Is-Something-to-Be-Gained-99761.shtml
Have you tried to lose weight and given up in 2 weeks?? I HAVE MANY TIMES. I try something and it works, and then I quit. Why? I have no idea, but this contest kept me on track and I lost 11% of my body weight in 10 weeks.
I have a long way to go and I am starting up another round.
Are you, your spouse, or good friend interested in joining me in another round of The Biggest Loser, at-home edition? READ THE ATTACHMENT and email me back.
I need to know who is interested so that we can start our game.
Please email me as soon as possible. You can do this by posting a comment, since they all go to my email first.
All weights are recorded and sent in on a weekly basis and is on the honor system.
R.
PS If you don't have a partner, I can hook you up with one for the game. You don't have to work out together or anything, your weights get put together each week.
PS2 No one knows your weight but me. I post percentages only.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Ready for the BIG one Californians?
Article about earthquakes this week on the San Andreas Fault
http://quake.usgs.gov/recenteqs/latestfault.htm
Will there be a major earthquake in our near future on the San Andreas Fault? Pretty Crazy. Make sure you are prepared!! Here are some Earthquake readiness sites:
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/eq_before.shtm
http://www.cal-quake.com/readiness.htm
http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/natural-disasters/earthquake-safety-tips.html
http://quake.usgs.gov/recenteqs/latestfault.htm
Will there be a major earthquake in our near future on the San Andreas Fault? Pretty Crazy. Make sure you are prepared!! Here are some Earthquake readiness sites:
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/eq_before.shtm
http://www.cal-quake.com/readiness.htm
http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/natural-disasters/earthquake-safety-tips.html
Thursday, March 26, 2009
The fight.
So, when we were at Disneyland on New Year's Day, H. took a photo with Darth Vader. We never opened that photopass, so we never got to see the picture. Well, when we went in Feb. with my sister D., he wanted to get that photo again, so we did. Well, since the photo was about to expire, and it isn't one that we could get on our own camera, since it is super-imposed, I broke down and paid for the digital download. So cute, though!!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Yosemite Video Clip
Yosemite is my childhood dream vacation. We used to go there every summer and sometimes in the winter. I think that that is where my parents honeymooned, is that right Dad?? When I was too little to go on the day or 1/2 day mule rides with my siblings, I would get to ride a pony or ride in the hiking backpack while hanging out with my parents. I loved the "indian caves", the waterfall, dipping in the Merced River, early morning ranger hikes, bird walks with my Dad, late night card games, firepit popcorn, s'mores, hot chocolate, breakfast at the lodge or at our table at the camping site, skiing at badger pass (where I first learned to ski), movies at the lodge, the open-air tram...I LOVE YOSEMITE. As a new adult, I camped and climbed half-dome (the normal way, not the face) and loved Yosemite more. I decided that I'd never put myself through hiking that mtn again, but I think I'd love to hike it with T. now that I've had time to recover---15 yrs. hehe :-)
I want you to view the video of Yosemite. Post your memories. We get to go this year and I am elated to share it with my husband and children and hope it becomes one of our traditions, too.
I want you to view the video of Yosemite. Post your memories. We get to go this year and I am elated to share it with my husband and children and hope it becomes one of our traditions, too.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
"focus on the important and forgo the frivolous" - Beck
So, I gave my talk at church today. It went well thanks to Heavenly Father who answers our prayers! I was to speak last, and was originally told to speak for 20 minutes, so I thought that it might be a litter more, so I had extras to add on just in case. After the youth talk by a 16 yr old young man on integrity, who set the tone with the Spirit, an older sister spoke on the history of Relief Society. I loved how she gave the theme that each of the past presidents used. She got to Sister Beck, our current Gen Relief Society President, and that is where my talk began. I spoke on what Relief Society does to help us do what we need to do to get back to Heavenly Father. I had 10 minutes to speak, so I prayerfully, and quickly, chose the most important things from Sister Beck's interview to share with the congregation. I shared about remembering all the members in Relief Society and how Relief Society works. But, I posted my whole talk here so that I can remember it. I hope that it helps you learn what you can do to better yourself and your family, too:
Good Morning Brothers and Sisters. I am excited to stand before you and be able to speak to you on how the Relief Society focuses on The Lord’s Work of Salvation. Most of what I will share today comes from a recent interview with Julie B. Beck, the Gen Relief Society President, printed in this month’s issue of the Ensign. From this talk, I want you learn what the Relief Society is and how it helps you to accomplish God’s goal for us in our life. This is found in Moses 1:39 : “For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” Immortality is Christ’s gift, eternal life is life with Heavenly Father. God wants us to return to live with Him, and the principles and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ are what get us there. These are: Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Repentance, baptism by immersion by someone having the proper authority from God, receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the end through keeping our temple covenants.
What is Relief Society? And, why do we have it?
When I was little, I never really thought about what Relief Society was. I just knew that my mom was a member of it. She attended her meetings, visit taught, went to her homemaking meetings, always had her manuals and scriptures with her for church, and frequented the temple with my Dad. I learned more about the Relief Society when I would go with my mom to the Super Saturdays the Stake would put together, and I even attended a few of the Gen RS Broadcasts with her. I have come to learn much more about the roles of Relief Society through serving as a visiting teacher, a teacher, a pianist, and a counselor in Relief Society. As a missionary, I got to help establish some of the first visiting teaching routes and Relief Society assignments and meetings in Romania, as the gospel was so new there. The sweet sisters there would look to us to lead them in their roles as Relief Society President. I remember being apprehensive at first as to how to go about setting up visiting teaching as a 21 year old. I had never done that before. I had barely been a visiting teacher before, and now I was in a position that deemed it necessary to put visiting teaching into action. I testify that the Lord heads this Church, that the Holy Spirit is present in meetings, and that through His guidance, all the goals of Relief Society fit together and are accomplished.
When asked what role the Relief Society fulfills in furthering the work of the Savior, Sister Beck replied, “As Relief Society sisters, we are united first and foremost because of our faith in Jesus Christ.” So, our faith in Christ is what bonds us and stands as a basis for all we do. Faith in Christ, we learn, is an action. “When Joseph Smith organized the Relief Society, he said that the women were not only to look after the poor but also to save souls.” “This”, sister Beck says, “is still our purpose.” So, what our faith in Jesus Christ leads us to do is to help others physically and spiritually.
The RS helps provide defense in these perilous times. We need to remember that there is opposition in all things, as taught in 2 Nephi 2:11, 15. 11 For it must needs be, that there is an aopposition in all things. If not so, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. 15 And to bring about his eternal apurposes in the end of man, after he had bcreated our first parents, and the beasts of the field and the cfowls of the air, and in fine, all things which are created, it must needs be that there was an opposition; even the dforbidden efruit in fopposition to the gtree of life; the one being sweet and the other bitter. In our time, “we are confronted with issues such as divorce, disobedience, debt, depression, apathy, and addiction…we also live in a day when the Lord’s Spirit is poured out upon us. This is a day when the gospel is being preached throughout the world, when the children of Israel are being gathered, when temples are upon the earth, and when we have the protection of priesthood covenants and ordinances.” Relief Society teaches us how “we can be successful against a deceitful and determined enemy. Our homes can and should become places of refuge.” In Relief Society we learn how to make our homes peaceful like the temple as read in Doctrine and Covenants 88:119-126, of which I will read verse 119:
Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;
And verse 124:
Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault
one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated.
We learn these things in Relief Society.
We have different meetings in Relief Society, the Sunday lessons and weekday activities. The Sunday lessons are where we “study the doctrines of the gospel together”. The messages of the Sunday lessons are so important that all the opening announcements that lead up to the lesson are to be short and dignified so as to allow the Spirit to “be in attendance.” “Our curriculum is so important.” Sister Beck reminds us that, “We are studying the words of the Prophet Joseph Smith from the best compilation of his works ever produced. This manual is the result of years of research and careful review. While the scriptures and Church magazines can enrich a discussion, we do not need to supplement the words of prophets with other sources, especially non-Church sources. “Our teachers [are to] ask insightful questions and encourage open sharing. The Spirit is the teacher, and we must prepare in such a way that He will be in attendance at every Sunday lesson.” That includes the students. She tells us: “The words of the prophets are clear and inspired. We cannot—we must not—be passive and nonchalant in our study of them.” Sisters who are in other classes during the RS hour, Sister Beck spoke to you, too. She says, “Women who are called to serve in Primary, Young Women, and other areas also learn doctrines of the gospel in their callings.” So sisters, although you may not be with us during the Sunday lesson due to your calling that takes to you to another class, you are still learning the gospel as you study and prepare for those lessons.
In response to a question regarding the weekday meetings’ role, Sister Beck reiterated a statement she gave at the Gen RS Broadcast 2 yrs ago, that “our unity and sisterhood will come naturally as a result of working together.” She continues by saying that weekday meetings allow us to “learn skills for sharing the gospel and preparing missionaries. We can learn about each other through family history. As we improve our homemaking skills such as cleaning, organizing, cooking, sewing, and gardening, we learn to create a climate of nurturing and spiritual growth in our homes. We must also learn to be self-reliant in temporal things such as education, career development, and keeping up with technology. We should be storing up a supply of food, and we should know how to budget our money. We should also be working to improve physical and mental health.” One thing that we must remember “when planning these meetings and activities,” she says, “we need to assess our precious resources of time, energy, and consecrated funds. [We] use them only to help us live the gospel in our homes and further the Lord’s work.” Through “focusing RS activities on the Lord’s work of salvation, we become unified and can call down the blessings of heaven.” What a promise to be able to call down the blessings of heaven! She continues, “I believe that when we focus on the important and forgo the frivolous, we gain confidence and our spirits are lifted. We cope better and feel less burdened. We will, of course still be busy, but we will be doing the work of salvation.”
So, who is in this great organization? All women 18 years and older, and younger if a mother, are in the Relief Society. This jump to Relief Society from Young Women’s should not be a huge jump, it is a natural transition, just as was going from Primary to Young Women’s. I remember my transition from Primary to YW. I remember not knowing what was going to happen in YW, but my leaders and classmates brought me in and immediately I felt at home there. My transition from YW to RS was fine, too. My Mom was there. I sat with her each week until going away to school. Sister Beck says that, “our talented young women are crossing the bridge from youth to adulthood, and Relief Society sisters have the charge to see that not one of them is lost.” Did you hear that??? RELIEF SOCIETY SISTERS, not the RS Pres, or the VTs, but the sisters, that is all of the sisters. We all have the responsibility to help these sisters succeed in Relief Society. They “have been taught to keep their baptismal covenants, and in RS we help them prepare to make temple covenants.” Thus, “18-yr-old RS sisters can chair committees, teach skills, help with missionary work, serve as visiting teachers, participate in family history and temple projects, and be full participants in the work of saving souls.” Just as Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are one in purpose, all sisters are one in purpose in the Relief Society. Our faith bonds us and allows us to do the work of the Lord, no matter what our age.
Visiting Teachers have an important role in the work of the Lord. Sister Beck reminds us that “our hands are [the Savior’s] hands, our love is His love, and our service is His service.” We are to “know the sisters that we visit teach, love them, serve them, and help them (1) learn the gospel by the Spirit, and (2) focus on fortifying their homes and lives.” Visiting teaching “is truly the business of salvation.”
Just as I first learned to appreciate Relief Society from my mother’s example, Sister Beck learned the importance of RS from her mother’s example. She tells that as a young girl her father was the mission president of what at the time was the only mission in Brazil. It had less than 4,000 members and only some of the branches had Relief Societies. She relates the story as follows: “My mother was called to organize Relief Societies in the mission. She spoke no Portuguese and had no manuals. What she did have was a testimony of the gospel and of Relief Society. She and her counselors began by helping sisters learn how to be visiting teachers.” At their first training meeting in the Sao Paulo, “seven humble women attended the meeting. My mother’s counselor, a Brazilian, greeted the sisters. After the prayer, she stood with trembling hands and read a message explaining visiting teaching. Then my mother stood. She knew four sentences in Portuguese: ‘I know that God lives. I know that Jesus is the Christ. I know that we have a living prophet. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.’ Then the meeting ended. She hugged the women and bade them good-bye. “What a humble beginning to such a great work! Eventually, a Relief Society was established in every branch in Brazil. The sisters worked to prepare for a stake and the first temple in South America. They learned about ordinances and covenants and how to save souls.”
Recently, Sister Beck met with a group of women cabinet members from West Africa. Upon their question of how the Church helps African women, she “explained that in their countries we have many organized groups of women, called Relief Societies. We send the Church Handbook of Instructions to the president of each group. The women gather together often to study the gospel and to learn how to care for their families. The president divides the Relief Society women into pairs that visit the women in their homes, where they assess needs. Is anyone sick? Do they have enough food and clothing? Do they have the education they need? After the visits the women report what they found. Someone needs shoes, someone is having a baby, and one of them needs work. They ask if within their group they have the needed resources. Most of the time they do. That is what we do for our women in Africa. As [she] talked, these women nodded their heads and smiled. One said to [her], “That model would work for our women.”
Sister Beck says, and I agree, “that Relief Society is a model that works throughout the world and that our sisters are the finest, most capable, greatest force for good on the earth today.”
So, let’s get back to the beginning. Have you a better idea of what happens in the Relief Society? Did you learn how the Relief Society’s role can help you? What can you do? Sister Beck said, “We can start by strengthening ourselves spiritually through prayer and becoming self-reliant in scripture knowledge. We embrace the ordinances, covenants, and commandments the Lord has provided us.
We can then help gather scattered Israel. We have a duty to help prepare missionaries, to share the gospel, and to help retain those who are baptized. We have a responsibility to get ourselves and family members prepared for the temple. We can collect our family history and help the Lord’s children to be sealed in eternal families.
Step by step, in Relief Society we can help each other come unto Christ by doing the work we were organized to do.”
I love Sister Beck’s recap of her story of the sisters in Brazil. Her words encourage me to do all I can in Relief Society to better our ward and stake, and I hope that it can encourage you, too! She says, “In part, because the Relief Society sisters helped further the Lord’s work, the Church in Brazil now numbers over one million members. Like these sisters in Brazil, we must do our part. No one can do it for us. We cannot delegate our responsibility for building the kingdom to anyone else. It is our work. Let us embrace it and excel in building faith, strengthening families, and giving relief.”
I want to bear to you my testimony again that we are about the Lord’s work. As we prepare ourselves through scripture study and prayer, attend our meetings, keep ourselves healthy, make our homes a refuge against the evils of our day, as we visit the sick and the needy, as we keep our covenants, as we teach the gospel to each other and to our families, we are doing what our Heavenly Father wants. We will have His Spirit with us. He will guide us to know what to say and how to say it so we need not wonder if there is a way to accomplish what we are called to do! In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Good Morning Brothers and Sisters. I am excited to stand before you and be able to speak to you on how the Relief Society focuses on The Lord’s Work of Salvation. Most of what I will share today comes from a recent interview with Julie B. Beck, the Gen Relief Society President, printed in this month’s issue of the Ensign. From this talk, I want you learn what the Relief Society is and how it helps you to accomplish God’s goal for us in our life. This is found in Moses 1:39 : “For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” Immortality is Christ’s gift, eternal life is life with Heavenly Father. God wants us to return to live with Him, and the principles and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ are what get us there. These are: Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Repentance, baptism by immersion by someone having the proper authority from God, receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the end through keeping our temple covenants.
What is Relief Society? And, why do we have it?
When I was little, I never really thought about what Relief Society was. I just knew that my mom was a member of it. She attended her meetings, visit taught, went to her homemaking meetings, always had her manuals and scriptures with her for church, and frequented the temple with my Dad. I learned more about the Relief Society when I would go with my mom to the Super Saturdays the Stake would put together, and I even attended a few of the Gen RS Broadcasts with her. I have come to learn much more about the roles of Relief Society through serving as a visiting teacher, a teacher, a pianist, and a counselor in Relief Society. As a missionary, I got to help establish some of the first visiting teaching routes and Relief Society assignments and meetings in Romania, as the gospel was so new there. The sweet sisters there would look to us to lead them in their roles as Relief Society President. I remember being apprehensive at first as to how to go about setting up visiting teaching as a 21 year old. I had never done that before. I had barely been a visiting teacher before, and now I was in a position that deemed it necessary to put visiting teaching into action. I testify that the Lord heads this Church, that the Holy Spirit is present in meetings, and that through His guidance, all the goals of Relief Society fit together and are accomplished.
When asked what role the Relief Society fulfills in furthering the work of the Savior, Sister Beck replied, “As Relief Society sisters, we are united first and foremost because of our faith in Jesus Christ.” So, our faith in Christ is what bonds us and stands as a basis for all we do. Faith in Christ, we learn, is an action. “When Joseph Smith organized the Relief Society, he said that the women were not only to look after the poor but also to save souls.” “This”, sister Beck says, “is still our purpose.” So, what our faith in Jesus Christ leads us to do is to help others physically and spiritually.
The RS helps provide defense in these perilous times. We need to remember that there is opposition in all things, as taught in 2 Nephi 2:11, 15. 11 For it must needs be, that there is an aopposition in all things. If not so, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. 15 And to bring about his eternal apurposes in the end of man, after he had bcreated our first parents, and the beasts of the field and the cfowls of the air, and in fine, all things which are created, it must needs be that there was an opposition; even the dforbidden efruit in fopposition to the gtree of life; the one being sweet and the other bitter. In our time, “we are confronted with issues such as divorce, disobedience, debt, depression, apathy, and addiction…we also live in a day when the Lord’s Spirit is poured out upon us. This is a day when the gospel is being preached throughout the world, when the children of Israel are being gathered, when temples are upon the earth, and when we have the protection of priesthood covenants and ordinances.” Relief Society teaches us how “we can be successful against a deceitful and determined enemy. Our homes can and should become places of refuge.” In Relief Society we learn how to make our homes peaceful like the temple as read in Doctrine and Covenants 88:119-126, of which I will read verse 119:
Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;
And verse 124:
Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault
one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated.
We learn these things in Relief Society.
We have different meetings in Relief Society, the Sunday lessons and weekday activities. The Sunday lessons are where we “study the doctrines of the gospel together”. The messages of the Sunday lessons are so important that all the opening announcements that lead up to the lesson are to be short and dignified so as to allow the Spirit to “be in attendance.” “Our curriculum is so important.” Sister Beck reminds us that, “We are studying the words of the Prophet Joseph Smith from the best compilation of his works ever produced. This manual is the result of years of research and careful review. While the scriptures and Church magazines can enrich a discussion, we do not need to supplement the words of prophets with other sources, especially non-Church sources. “Our teachers [are to] ask insightful questions and encourage open sharing. The Spirit is the teacher, and we must prepare in such a way that He will be in attendance at every Sunday lesson.” That includes the students. She tells us: “The words of the prophets are clear and inspired. We cannot—we must not—be passive and nonchalant in our study of them.” Sisters who are in other classes during the RS hour, Sister Beck spoke to you, too. She says, “Women who are called to serve in Primary, Young Women, and other areas also learn doctrines of the gospel in their callings.” So sisters, although you may not be with us during the Sunday lesson due to your calling that takes to you to another class, you are still learning the gospel as you study and prepare for those lessons.
In response to a question regarding the weekday meetings’ role, Sister Beck reiterated a statement she gave at the Gen RS Broadcast 2 yrs ago, that “our unity and sisterhood will come naturally as a result of working together.” She continues by saying that weekday meetings allow us to “learn skills for sharing the gospel and preparing missionaries. We can learn about each other through family history. As we improve our homemaking skills such as cleaning, organizing, cooking, sewing, and gardening, we learn to create a climate of nurturing and spiritual growth in our homes. We must also learn to be self-reliant in temporal things such as education, career development, and keeping up with technology. We should be storing up a supply of food, and we should know how to budget our money. We should also be working to improve physical and mental health.” One thing that we must remember “when planning these meetings and activities,” she says, “we need to assess our precious resources of time, energy, and consecrated funds. [We] use them only to help us live the gospel in our homes and further the Lord’s work.” Through “focusing RS activities on the Lord’s work of salvation, we become unified and can call down the blessings of heaven.” What a promise to be able to call down the blessings of heaven! She continues, “I believe that when we focus on the important and forgo the frivolous, we gain confidence and our spirits are lifted. We cope better and feel less burdened. We will, of course still be busy, but we will be doing the work of salvation.”
So, who is in this great organization? All women 18 years and older, and younger if a mother, are in the Relief Society. This jump to Relief Society from Young Women’s should not be a huge jump, it is a natural transition, just as was going from Primary to Young Women’s. I remember my transition from Primary to YW. I remember not knowing what was going to happen in YW, but my leaders and classmates brought me in and immediately I felt at home there. My transition from YW to RS was fine, too. My Mom was there. I sat with her each week until going away to school. Sister Beck says that, “our talented young women are crossing the bridge from youth to adulthood, and Relief Society sisters have the charge to see that not one of them is lost.” Did you hear that??? RELIEF SOCIETY SISTERS, not the RS Pres, or the VTs, but the sisters, that is all of the sisters. We all have the responsibility to help these sisters succeed in Relief Society. They “have been taught to keep their baptismal covenants, and in RS we help them prepare to make temple covenants.” Thus, “18-yr-old RS sisters can chair committees, teach skills, help with missionary work, serve as visiting teachers, participate in family history and temple projects, and be full participants in the work of saving souls.” Just as Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are one in purpose, all sisters are one in purpose in the Relief Society. Our faith bonds us and allows us to do the work of the Lord, no matter what our age.
Visiting Teachers have an important role in the work of the Lord. Sister Beck reminds us that “our hands are [the Savior’s] hands, our love is His love, and our service is His service.” We are to “know the sisters that we visit teach, love them, serve them, and help them (1) learn the gospel by the Spirit, and (2) focus on fortifying their homes and lives.” Visiting teaching “is truly the business of salvation.”
Just as I first learned to appreciate Relief Society from my mother’s example, Sister Beck learned the importance of RS from her mother’s example. She tells that as a young girl her father was the mission president of what at the time was the only mission in Brazil. It had less than 4,000 members and only some of the branches had Relief Societies. She relates the story as follows: “My mother was called to organize Relief Societies in the mission. She spoke no Portuguese and had no manuals. What she did have was a testimony of the gospel and of Relief Society. She and her counselors began by helping sisters learn how to be visiting teachers.” At their first training meeting in the Sao Paulo, “seven humble women attended the meeting. My mother’s counselor, a Brazilian, greeted the sisters. After the prayer, she stood with trembling hands and read a message explaining visiting teaching. Then my mother stood. She knew four sentences in Portuguese: ‘I know that God lives. I know that Jesus is the Christ. I know that we have a living prophet. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.’ Then the meeting ended. She hugged the women and bade them good-bye. “What a humble beginning to such a great work! Eventually, a Relief Society was established in every branch in Brazil. The sisters worked to prepare for a stake and the first temple in South America. They learned about ordinances and covenants and how to save souls.”
Recently, Sister Beck met with a group of women cabinet members from West Africa. Upon their question of how the Church helps African women, she “explained that in their countries we have many organized groups of women, called Relief Societies. We send the Church Handbook of Instructions to the president of each group. The women gather together often to study the gospel and to learn how to care for their families. The president divides the Relief Society women into pairs that visit the women in their homes, where they assess needs. Is anyone sick? Do they have enough food and clothing? Do they have the education they need? After the visits the women report what they found. Someone needs shoes, someone is having a baby, and one of them needs work. They ask if within their group they have the needed resources. Most of the time they do. That is what we do for our women in Africa. As [she] talked, these women nodded their heads and smiled. One said to [her], “That model would work for our women.”
Sister Beck says, and I agree, “that Relief Society is a model that works throughout the world and that our sisters are the finest, most capable, greatest force for good on the earth today.”
So, let’s get back to the beginning. Have you a better idea of what happens in the Relief Society? Did you learn how the Relief Society’s role can help you? What can you do? Sister Beck said, “We can start by strengthening ourselves spiritually through prayer and becoming self-reliant in scripture knowledge. We embrace the ordinances, covenants, and commandments the Lord has provided us.
We can then help gather scattered Israel. We have a duty to help prepare missionaries, to share the gospel, and to help retain those who are baptized. We have a responsibility to get ourselves and family members prepared for the temple. We can collect our family history and help the Lord’s children to be sealed in eternal families.
Step by step, in Relief Society we can help each other come unto Christ by doing the work we were organized to do.”
I love Sister Beck’s recap of her story of the sisters in Brazil. Her words encourage me to do all I can in Relief Society to better our ward and stake, and I hope that it can encourage you, too! She says, “In part, because the Relief Society sisters helped further the Lord’s work, the Church in Brazil now numbers over one million members. Like these sisters in Brazil, we must do our part. No one can do it for us. We cannot delegate our responsibility for building the kingdom to anyone else. It is our work. Let us embrace it and excel in building faith, strengthening families, and giving relief.”
I want to bear to you my testimony again that we are about the Lord’s work. As we prepare ourselves through scripture study and prayer, attend our meetings, keep ourselves healthy, make our homes a refuge against the evils of our day, as we visit the sick and the needy, as we keep our covenants, as we teach the gospel to each other and to our families, we are doing what our Heavenly Father wants. We will have His Spirit with us. He will guide us to know what to say and how to say it so we need not wonder if there is a way to accomplish what we are called to do! In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)