The Real Housewives of Utah County

Sobering video on texting while driving

2009-10-29T12:24:00.002-06:00

Make sure to watch the very end. There were a few things I learned.

Downloadable Chore Chart

2009-10-28T11:15:00.003-06:00

So it's been pretty crazy at the weiland house the past few months. I haven't updated anything on this blog. I created this new chore chart for one of the kiddos and thought I'd post it and see if it's helpful to anyone else. No need reinventing the wheel all the time.

It's designed for ONE kid, SEVEN days and SIX jobs. I put a link to the word file so you can add your own text in the text boxes and print them out. Or just print it out and write on it.

CHORE CHART

Funniest Time Sucker!!

2009-07-30T13:45:00.003-06:00

If you love jack in the box, or just their sense of humor, you have to go here and play around in Jack's office. It's so fun! Make sure and click on the phone so you can have jack trash talk one of your friends!!

And there is a whole video series of Jack getting hit by a bus and being in a coma...it's so funny...if you like that kind of thing.

Disclaimer: I WARNED you it was a time sucker!

Quilter is Quitting!!

2009-05-19T23:33:00.002-06:00

Linda is having a Boutique SALE at her home this Saturday, May 23rd from 9am-1pm.
Stop by and take advantage of all the great things that need to go!!

Kits and patterns

Books

Projects

Quarters

and more!!

Fabric quarters 5/$1

Fabric Remnants $2/yard

Stop by early for the best selection!!
10627 Fiddlesticks

The Ten Club helps women in crisis

2009-05-05T22:41:00.003-06:00

This month we met at Suzanne Gallup's house and put together these great kits for the Women and Children in Crisis center in Provo. We got a HUGE donation from Michelle of Mary Kay samples and Gift Certificates! We were able to make 30 pampering kits with those supplies plus nail polish, candles, lotions and other pampering goodies that were donated.

The shelter told us that the women are currently using HAND TOWELS to dry themselves off after a shower. We were able to get some donated towels and then used some of the money to buy more towels for these women.

We also bought new pillows (another need) and received donations of conditioner and journals. It's amazing sometimes the things we take for granted. The women in this shelter have survived abuse and sexual assault and it's nice to be able to provide them with a few things of comfort.

Thanks to all for your donations and support!

Our Mary Kay Donation

2009-05-05T22:40:00.002-06:00

A Special Thanks goes out to Lynette Brown, Mary Kay Sales Director for supplying so many great pampering items and offering gift certificates. Please visit her website to view products or call her at 801-796-9463.

Organizing by Amy

2009-05-05T22:35:00.003-06:00

Some people call it a sickness...others say it's just wrong....but I just can't help it!! I have one of those organized minds! And yes, my refrigerator is labeled!
I have been a professional organizer for MANY years and I'm looking to take on a few new clients. If you or someone you know needs a better pantry/food storage system, or toys under control, or just wants to know if there is any help....give me a call! Consultations are FREE and it's more affordable than you think.

No more wasted food!!

And yes, there is always Diet Coke!!

Treats from Cupcakes by Les

2009-05-05T22:28:00.002-06:00

You may know about one of our very talented neighbors, Lesleigh. She has a GREAT cake/cupcake/cookie business. You have to check her out at Cupcakes by Les. Her treats are SOOOOOO good and SOOOOOO cute!! These are the sugar cookies that I had her make for Easter. I used them as place settings for dinner and they were so adorable! (Of course I didn't get a picture of that, but here they are before that...) They all had a bit of a sparkle to them and of course were to die for! Thanks Lesleigh!!!

she put extra frosting on mine!! Does she know me or what?!

Baby Bliss/Cherished Moments on Good Things Utah!

2009-05-05T22:18:00.003-06:00

As many of you know, Allyson Morris has the CUTEST boutique in Pleasant Grove. She was recently on Good Things Utah with some of her stuff! Here are a few cute shots. Go see her this week at the HOLY COW Boutique in the old PG rec center.

Al and Carmindy. Like her dress? Thanks...I made it. {wink}

The studio audience

I thought this was just the CUTEST shot of Marti and Carmindy

The GTU girls getting ready to go on

Carmindy spinning

Necia, Angie, Marti, Reagan, Al and Carmindy

Necia, Al, Angie, Rebecca, Marti, Ashley and Reagan

Carmindy spinning some more

Ten Club gets "hopping" on some Easter Bags

2009-05-05T22:08:00.004-06:00

This month we chose to fill Easter Bags. Enough supplies were donated that we were able to fill 100 BAGS!!!

Michelle, Susan, Christine, Missy and Suzanne

Bev, Shauna and Bella
Bev

{{Yummy}} food. Thanks Susan!!

Brenda (the twins) and Bella

Jill and Susan filling the bags with the eggs

Tons of treats to fill the eggs

Mary, Linda, Sue, Jeanette and Nell filling Easter eggs

Rachel, Shauna and Missy filling bags

Amanda, Michelle, Angie, Taylor and Melia filling eggs and bags

Cheesy Missy!! and michelle

Amanda, Melia and rachel working hard.

Missy, Amanda, Michelle, Angie and Shauna filling the bags

Motivational Monday! {{14 Day Walk with Christ}}

2009-03-30T13:09:00.005-06:00

I used this in a YW lesson years ago. We gave each girl 14 envelopes and this challenge. The goal is to end on Easter Sunday. I highly encourage you to try this. It was such a wonderful experience for me personally and for the girls. I heard a lot of really great comments. Most said it made their Easter Sunday more meaningful.

A FOURTEEN DAY WALK WITH CHRIST

The only way that we can really know another person is to walk in their shoes: think what they think, learn what they know, and what they would say, do what they would do. Christ said "Be ye therefore perfect." We can only accomplish this as we become like him.

INSTRUCTIONS: Each morning leave enough time to open the envelope for that day. Read and PONDER what is written. Try to keep what you read in mind throughout the day. Perhaps take it with you to reread. At the end of the day, evaluate how you did, write your thoughts and feelings in your journal. Each day has a set of questions followed by a story, poem or scripture to help you walk with Christ.

Day One

What do I think of the members of the Godhead?

How do I see myself as a daughter of God, member of God's family, sister to Jesus Christ?

How will I understanding my place in the Kingdom and my relationship to my Elder Brother help me to live a more Christ like life?

"I am a Princess"

Deep inside my young heart lies the one I want to be.

And deep inside my soul I find the seeds of divinity.

Now and then I see glimpses of the woman I can become.

I know someday I'll find her here if I don't give up.

Everyday I'm closer to the one I want to be. And slowly I'm uncovering my heavenly qualities and I'll continue working toward the woman I can become. Developing my qualities through service and through love. I am a princess, a royal Queen I'll be. So I must choose to find and use my divine qualities. Daughter of heaven, a Queen someday I'll be. An heir of my Mother in heaven for eternity…

Divine Nature #1, 2, 3

Day Two

How can I follow in Christ's steps today?

In all my decisions today I will ask, what would Christ do?

I will harken to promptings received.

I will think of myself as a disciple and sister of Jesus.

(Ann Landers)

A young girl was trudging along a mountain path, trying to reach her grandmother's house. It was bitter cold, and wind cut like a knife. When she was within sight of her destination, she heard a rustle at her feet. Looking down, she saw a snake. Before she could move, the snake spoke to her. He said, "I am about to die. It is too cold for me up here, and I am freezing. There is no food in these mountains, and I am starving. Please put me under your coat and take me with you." "No," replied the girl. If I pick you up, you will bite me, and your bite is poisonous."

"No, no." said the snake. "If you help me, you will be my best friend, I will treat you differently."

The little girl sat down on a rock for a moment to rest and think things over. She looked at the beautiful markings on the snake and had to admit that it was the most beautiful snake she had ever seen. Suddenly, she said, "I believe you. I will save you. All living things deserve to be treated with kindness."

The little girl reached over, put the snake gently under her coat and proceeded toward her grandmother's house. Within a moment, she felt a sharp pain in her side. The snake had bitten her. "How could you do this to me?" She cried. "You promised that you would not bite me if I would protect you from the bitter cold." The snake hissed, "You knew what I was when you picked me up," and slithered away.

Divine Nature #3, 6

Day Three

Am I seeking Christ's help in all that I think or do?

Do I pray enough?

Do I pray with integrity?

Am I cutting myself off from vital nourishment?

Dear Friend,

I just had to send you a note to tell you how much I love you and care about you. I saw you yesterday as you were walking with your friends. I waited all day hoping you would want to talk with me also. It hurt me, but I still love you because I am your friend. I saw you fall asleep last night, and I longed to touch your brow. So I spilled moonlight on your pillow and your face. Again I waited, wanting to rush down so that we could talk. I have so many gifts for you, but you awakened late the next day and rushed off to school. My tears were in the rain.

Today you look sad, so alone. It makes my heart ache because I understand. My friends let me down and hurt me so many times too. But, I love you. Oh, if you would only listen to me. I really love you. I try to tell you in the blue sky and in the green grass. I whisper in the leaves on the trees, and breathe it in the color of the flowers. I shout it to you in the mountain streams and give the birds love songs to sing, clothe you in warm sunshine and perfume the air with nature scents. My love for you is deeper than the oceans and bigger than the biggest want or need in your heart. If you only knew how much I want to help you. I want you to meet my Father. He wants to help you too. My Father is that way, you know. Just call me, ask me, talk with me.

Please, please don't forget me. I have so much to share with you. But, I won't hassle you any further. You are free to call me. It's up to you. I'll wait because I love you

Your brother,

Jesus

Faith #4, 6, 7

Day Four

From whom do I get my strength?

Am I too busy, hurried and involved with worldly matters that I neglect what is really important?

Isaiah 41:10

Satan's Convention

Satan called a worldwide convention. In his opening address to his evil angels, he said, "We can't keep the Christians from going to church." "We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth" "We can't even keep them from conservative values." "But we can do something else. We can keep them from forming an intimate, abiding experience with Christ. If they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken. So let them go to church, let them have their conservative lifestyles, but steal their time, so they can't gain that experience in Jesus Christ. This is what I want you to do angels. Distract them from gaining hold of their Savior and maintaining that vital connection throughout their day!"

"How shall we do this? shouted the angels"

"Keep them busy in the nonessentials of life and invent unnumbered shams to occupy their minds," he answered. "Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, then borrow, borrow, borrow. Convince the wives to go to work and the husbands to work six or seven days a week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their lifestyles. Keep them from spending time with their children. As their family fragments, soon, their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of work. Over stimulate their minds so they cannot hear that still small voice.

Entice them to play the radio or cassette player whenever they drive, to keep the TV, the VCR, and their CD's going constantly in their homes. And see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays music constantly. This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ." "Fill their coffee tables with magazines and newspapers. Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day. Invade any other moments with order catalogues, every kind of newsletter and promotional offerings, free products, services and false hopes."

"Even in their recreation, let them be excessive. Have them return from their recreation exhausted and unprepared for the coming week. Don't let them go out in nature. Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, and concerts instead."

"And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences and unsettled emotion."

"Let them be involved in soul-winning. But crowd their lives with so many good causes that they have no time to seek the power from Christ. Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health and family unity for the good of the cause."

It was quite a convention in the end. And all the evil angels went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get busy, busy, busy and rush here and there. Has the devil been successful at his scheme? You be the judge.

Day Five

Wherein lies the power of Christ?

Do I understand what Christ did for me?

Do I comprehend the great love He has for me?

How can I put myself in a position to have the atonement cover my sins?

The Card Files

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no features except for the one wall covered by small index card files. These files stretched from floor to ceiling and went endlessly in both directions. As I drew new the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read, "Boys I Have Liked" I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names on each one. I then realized where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system of my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in every detail. A sense of wonder and curiosity mixed with horror stirred within me as I began opening files and looking at their contents. Some brought joy and sweet memories, others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I looked over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.

A file named, "Friends" was next to the one marked, "Friends I Have Betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the weird. "Books I Have Read," "Lies I have told," "Comfort I have given," "Jokes I have laughed At," "People I have hurt." Some were almost funny in their exactness. "Things I Have Done in Anger," "Things I have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes, fewer than I had hoped. I was overwhelmed by the volume of life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my young life to write each of these thousands or millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth, each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.

When I pulled out the file marked, "Songs I Have Listened To," I realized the files grew to contain the contents. The cards were packed tightly, yet after two or three yards I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much of the quality music, but more by the amount of time I knew it represented. When I came to a file marked, "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out inch by inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at the details. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. A rage broke through me. "No one must see these cards. Not one must ever see this room. I have to destroy them." In a frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now.

I had to empty it and burn the cards. I took it out and pounded it on the floor. Not a single card would come out. I desperately pulled out a card and tried to rip it, but it was as strong as steel. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a sigh, then I saw it. The title, "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handles were brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.

And then the tears came. I began to cry. Sobbing so deep it hurt my stomach. I fell on my knees and cried out in shame. The rows of shelves whirled around me. No one must ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please, not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus! I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. In the moments that I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read everyone? Finally He turned and looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this wasn't a pity that angered me. I dropped my head and began to cry again. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me. Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, he took out a card and one by one He began to sign His name over mine. "NO!" I shouted, rushing at Him. All I could find to say was, "NO, NO," as I pulled the card form Him.

His name shouldn't be on those cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name JESUS covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the cards back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign all the cards. I do not think I will ever understand how he did it so quickly. But the next instance it seemed, I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished." I stood up and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on the door. There are still cards to be written.

Day Six

How do I control my physical passions?

Can I set a righteous example for others which will help me control my passions better?

How can I let my light shine?

The Swimsuit

Morning…yuck! Even though there were only a few more days of school left, it sure was hard getting there. The weather had been great all week, and besides the only thing going on a school was graduation practice. It wasn't just me, either. All of my senior friends had a bad case of "Senioritis." We really were struggling those last few days.

At school my friends devised a play. "After lunch lets all go over to the outdoor pool and catch some sun," they chimed in. "We're not doing anything in class anyway," they agreed. What they said made sense, and after all, we had already turned in our books in English anyway. When the bell rang for lunch we all went and jumped in my car. As I waited in the car while they each went in to get their suits, I wondered to myself, "Why am I doing this?" But then I concluded what could it hurt? School was almost out for the year anyway. We pulled up to my house and I quickly ran inside to get my suit. I reached into my drawer and pulled out my light lavender swimsuit.

"Lavender…Purple…Integrity," I said to myself. How could I slough school and go down to the pool wearing this swimsuit? All the things I had been taught in my mutual came back slamming me in the face. Right then I knew I couldn't do it. I turned to my friends who were waiting impatiently for me. "Listen you guys, I can't go swimming right now," I told my friends. "If you want to wait till after school I'd love to go, but right now I can't." My lavender swimsuit reminded me of how I should act at all times, and in all things, and in all places.

Day Seven

How can I improve my thoughts?

Do I really want to keep all idle, unclean or negative thoughts out of my mind?

Do my thoughts affect my attitude?

Am I fit for myself to know?

Myself

I have to live with myself, and so---
I want to be fit for myself to know.
I want to be able as the days go by
Always to look myself straight in the eye.

I don't want to stand with the setting sun
And hate myself for the things I've done.
I don't want to keep on a closet shelf
A lot of secrets about myself---

And fool myself as I come and go
Into thinking that nobody else will know,
The kind of man (or woman) I really am.
I don't want to dress myself in shame.

I want to go out with my head erect;
I want to deserve all men's respect.
And, here in the struggle for fame and pelf
I want to be able to like myself.

I don't want to think, as I come and go
That I am bluster and bluff and empty show.
I can never hide myself from me
I see what others may never see;

I know what others may never know
I can never fool myself!
And so---whatever happens I want to be
Self respecting and conscience free!!!

---EA Guest

Choice and Accountability #5

Day Eight

How do I guard my speech?

I will speak only kind, uplifting words to everyone I talk to.

I will not criticize, gossip, nor speak ill of others.

Leviticus 19:16

A peasant with a troubled conscience went to a monk for advice. He said he had circulated a vile story about a friend, only to find that the story was not true. "If you would make peace with your conscience," said the monk, "you must first fill a bag with goose downs, go to every door in the village, and drop in each one of them a feather."

The peasant did as he was told. Then he came back to the monk and said he had done penance for his folly.

"Not yet," replied the monk. "Take a bag, go two rounds again, and gather up every down that you have dropped."

"But the wind must have blown them all away," said the peasant.

"Yes, my son" said the monk. "And so it is with your vile words. Words and goose downs are quickly dropped, but try as hard as you will, you can never get them back."

Divine Nature #5, 7

Day Nine

How do I guard against pride?

Am I proud?

Do I do the right things for the right reasons?

Do I make a difference?

Making A Difference

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a figure in the distance. As he got close, he realized the figure was that of a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he asked, "What are you doing?"

The youth replied, "Throwing starfish in the ocean. The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."

"Son," the man said, "don't you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can't possibly make a difference!"

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, "I made a difference for that one."

---From "Walking the Talk Together"

Day Ten

How is the Lord my light?

In the last ten days have I tried to make decisions on the teachings contained in these lessons.

What would Jesus do if He were here?

What would He have ME do?

What have I improved upon?

"His Image in your countenance" (song)

With no apparent beauty that man should Him desire, He was the promised
Savior to purify with fire. The world despised His plainness, but those
who followed Him. Found love and light and purity; a beauty from within.

(Chorus)

Have you received His image in your countenance? Does the Light of
Christ shine in your eyes? Will he know you when He comes again because
you will be like him? When He sees you will the Father know His child?
We seek for light and learning as followers of Christ. That all may see
His goodness reflected in our lives. When we receive His fullness and
lose desire for sin, We radiate His perfect love, a beauty from within.

(Repeat chorus)

The ways of man may tempt us and some will be deceived, preferring
worldly beauty, forgetting truth received. But whisp'rings of the Spirit
remind us once again, That lasting beauty, pure and clear, must come from
deep within.

(Repeat chorus)

By His everlasting image in your eyes?

Good Works #6

Divine Nature #4

Day Eleven

How does the Lord want me to serve?

Is the Lord first in my life?

What am I doing to build up the Lord and His kingdom?

How do I really feel about the service I give others?

Does serving the Lord make me happy?

His Hands (song)

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 through - 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 - Like the ones from Galilee

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

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 how I could be - I will make my hands like those from Galilee

Good Works #2, 5

Day Twelve

How can the Holy Ghost help me become more like Christ?

Is it important to know the truth?

Do I really desire the Holy Ghost to be my constant companion?

Live so that…Those who know you, but don't know him, will want to know him.

Object lesson: Blindfold a family member. Have another family member stand by the door. Turn the blindfolded person around several times. Ask him to point to the door. Then have the blindfolded person put his hands at his side. Now, have the other person softly say, "The door is over here." Have the blindfolded person point in the direction of the voice. Liken this to the Holy Ghost. In this life sometimes we feel as thought we have been blindfolded and spun around until we are no longer sure which way is which. That is when we must listen even more carefully to the still small voice of the spirit. The Holy Ghost will always tell us which is the best and safest direction we can go.

Divine Nature #4, 5

Day Thirteen

*Do I really love Christ?

*Do I keep ALL the commandments?

*Have I put another God before Christ?

**TEEN** COMMANDMENTS

1. Don't let your parents down; they brought you up.

2. Choose your companions with care; you become what they are.

3. Be master of you habits or they will master you.

4. Treasure your time; don't spend it, invest it.

5. Stand for something or you'll fall for anything.

6. Select only a date that would make a good mate.

7. See what you can do for others; not what they can do for you.

8. Guard your thoughts, what you think, you are.

9. Don't fill up on this world's crumbs; feed your soul on living bread.

10. Give you all to Christ; He gave His all for you.

The Pearls

The cheerful girl with bouncy golden curls was almost five. Waiting with her mother at the checkout stand, she saw them: a circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil box. "Oh please, Mommy. Can I have them? Please, Mommy, please!" Quickly the mother checked the back of the little foil box and then looked back into the pleading blue eyes of her little girl's upturned face. "A dollar ninety-five. That's almost $2.00. If you really want them, I'll think of some extra chores for you and in no time you can save enough money to buy them for yourself. Your birthday's only a week away and you might get another crisp dollar bill from Grandma."

As soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her penny bank and counted out 17 pennies. After dinner, she did more than her share of chores and she went to the neighbor and asked Mrs. McJames if she could pick dandelions for ten cents. On her birthday, Grandma did give her another new dollar bill and at last she had enough money to buy the necklace. Jenny loved her pearls. They made her feel dressed up and grown up. She wore them everywhere-Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a bubble bath. Mother said if they got wet, they might turn her neck green.

Jenny had a very loving daddy and every night when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story. One night when he finished the story, he asked Jenny, "Do you love me?" "Oh yes, Daddy. You know that I love you." "Then give me your pearls." "Oh, Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have Princess - the white horse from my collection. The one with the pink tail. Remember, Daddy? The one you gave me. She's my favorite." "That's okay, Honey. Daddy loves you. Good night." And he brushed her cheek with a kiss.

About a week later, after the story time, Jenny's daddy asked again, "Do you love me?" "Daddy, you know I love you." "Then give me your pearls." "Oh Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have my baby doll. The brand new one I got for my birthday. She is so beautiful and you can have the yellow blanket that matches her sleeper."

"That's okay. Sleep well. God bless you, little one. Daddy loves you."

And as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle kiss. A few nights later when her daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed Indian-style. As he came close, He noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek. "What is it, Jenny? What's the matter?" Jenny didn't say anything but lifted her little hand up to her daddy. And when she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace. With a little quiver, she finally said, "Here, Daddy. It's for you."

With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny's kind daddy reached out with one hand to take the dime-store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenny. He had had them all the time. He was just waiting for her to give up the dime- store stuff so he could give her genuine treasure. So like our Heavenly Father. Wonder what we're hanging on to...

Day Fourteen

*What is the pure love of Christ?

*These past 14 days have I felt a greater love for my Savior? Have I felt this love?

*Can I commit myself to live each day as He would?

THE TOUCH OF THE MASTER'S HAND

'Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer
Thought it scarcely worth his while
To waste his time on the old violin,
But he held it up with a smile.
"What am I bid, good friends?" He cried.
"Who'll start the bidding for me?
One dollar! Only one? And who will make it two?
Two dollars, once. And Three!
Three dollars, once. And three dollars, twice.
And going, and going," but no…
>From the back of the room a gray-haired man
Came forward and picked up the bow.
And wiping the dust from the old violin,
And tightening the loose strings,
He played a melody pure and sweet
As caroling angels sing.
The music ceased, and the auctioneer
With a voice that was quiet and low,
Said, "What am I bid for the old violin?"
As he held up the bow.
"One thousand dollars, and who'll make it two?
Two thousand dollars, and three!
Three thousand, once. And three thousand, twice.
And going, and going, and gone!" said he.
The people cheered, but some of them cried,
"We don't quite understand
What changed its worth." Swift came the reply.
"'Twas the touch of the master's hand.'"
And many a man with life out of tune
And battered and scarred with sin,
Much like this old violin.
A mess of pottage, a glass of wine.
A game and he travels on.
He's going once, and going twice.
And going, and almost gone.
But the Master comes, and the thoughtless crowd
Never can quite understand
The worth of a soul, and the change that is wrought
By the touch of the Master's hand.

--Myra Brooks Welch

April Ten Club!!

2009-03-28T19:50:00.000-06:00

March's Ten Club meeting was a huge success! Thanks to everyone who came and helped make baby blankets and donated baby items for the shelter. It was so fun to see how much of a difference we can make when we get together and do a little something. Thanks to Amy Weiland for hosting it at her home and for all the hard work she has done in getting this up and organized.

April's meeting will be Tuesday April 7th at Susan Wagstaff's home at 7 pm. We will be making Easter treat bags for children at the Road Home Shelter and for children in our own stake. Shauna Johnson spoke with a representative from the Road Home and they could use at least 50 treat bags for the younger children in the shelter. I would like to set a goal of 75-100 bags that we put together that evening. Donations to bring that evening should include fun things to fill those treat bags, extra large cellophane bags, ribbon, Easter tags.

If those that are planning on coming could let me know by April 3rd approximately what they will be donating, I will then be able to purchase any other needed supplies. Pass the word on to your neighbors and friends, this is a fun way to do service.

see you all on Tuesday, April 7th @ 7 pm with your donations and $10 for the next month.

Motivational Monday! {{CUT IT OUT!}}

2009-03-23T10:31:00.004-06:00

I'm starting something new. Every Monday I will post some tidbit that will **hopefully** spark something in someone!! Look for it every Monday!!

CUT IT OUT
Cutting out *Cutting Remarks* from our family

Purpose: A visual and effective way to discourage inappropriate speech or actions. It can also be used to encourage appropriate behavior.

Give each family member a long fruit rollup or bubblegum tape. Put each persons candy where it is visible and accessible. If Bailey teases Cooper, Cooper is allowed to cut off an inch of Baileys roll and eat it. If Mom swears (never happens!!) Bailey is allowed to cut off an inch of moms roll and eat it, etc. The winner is the person who has the most candy remaining at the end of the day, week, etc.

Additional information: (Visual Aide) Cutting Remarks mormonad found in the 1986 New Era
(Source) "Do what is right" by Douglas and Laurie Wilcox

Utah Kids Club!! FREE activities for you and the kids

2009-03-12T14:22:00.000-06:00

I saw this on Studio5 yesterday and signed up RIGHT AWAY!! I'm already going to a FREE Real Soccer game WITH a stadium tour and taking Cooper next week to a play land I didn't even know existed!!

The deal is, when you put "Studio5" in the promo box your membership is only $6 a month! They have a cheaper one at 1.99 a month and tons of FREE stuff on their site.

If you sign up PLEASE LET ME KNOW! I get FREE Dinosaur museum tickets. (You too if you refer someone!) It's up in Ogden but worth the drive.

Check it out....

You and your family can get everything from discount tickets to the Zoo and Lagoon to free chocolate and candy factory tours, movies in the park, magic shows and so much more. And all you have to do is check the daily calendar at UtahKidsClub.Com.

Cali Kellywood gives Studio 5 viewers a peak of this fun and inexpensive way for family activities.

Utah Kids Club offers a variety of activities every single day of the year and lots of them are free or discounted. Perfect for the family who's watching every penny, yet so fun that even if you don't have kids, you can have a great time.

Just check out the website at www.UtahKidsClub.Com and see all the great activities you can enjoy. Check out the event calendar outlining events happening every single day of the year … and it's just not one or two events but eight to ten activities daily. Some activities are discounted but lots are free, too.

At UtahKidsClub.Com, there's also the "Story Time Calendar" page, the "Free Kids Meal" Calendar , the "Retail Picks" page, the "Birthday Bargains" page, the "Health Corner" page and a long list "Locations and Discounts" of events in Utah, Davis and Salt Lake counties. There will be something to do every single day of the year. No more "Mom, I'm bored… what can I do?"

You'll have it all right at your finger tips at www.utahkidsclub.com

St. Patrick's Day Ideas!!

2009-03-11T08:22:00.000-06:00

Callee Wilson with Pioneer Party shares easy-to-assemble ideas that will help you catch the luck of the Irish.

St. Patrick's Day treat ideas:

• "At the end of the rainbow, you are my pot of gold!" (tied to anything with gold in it!)
• "If I had a Pot of Gold, I'd want to share it with you. I couldn't find one anywhere, so I hope that this will do!" (tied to a Twix, Rolo, Caramello, or gold chocolate coins)
• "A Friend is like a 4 leaf clover, hard to find and lucky to have!"
• "Tis better far at the rainbows end, to find not gold, but the heart of a friend!" (tie to package of rainbow skittles, gold coins, a "friend" token)
• Leprechaun Droppings - (a bag full of chocolate gold coins or green Appleheads)
• Shamrock Attack Kit: "You're lucky, lucky, I've been told - you've just been hit with shamrocks and gold!"
• Lucky Leprechaun Lunch: a green gable box with a tag on the outside that says "Lucky Leprechaun Lunch". Perfect for sending a green lunch with the husband or kids on St. Patrick's Day.
• "Lucky Me" tags: "Lucky Me..." and end with something different. "Lucky Me... to have such a great friend!" or "Lucky Me... to have such a great hubby!"
• Money Tree: "Happy St. Patricks Day to a Million Dollar Guy/Gal/Kid!" or "Who says Money doesn't grow on trees...Have a Happy St. Patrick's Day!"

Get all of the wrappings and ideas for YOUR next party or celebration from Pioneer Party. They offer wrapping paper, gift baskets, theme gifts, favor bags, and all kinds of fun boutique gifts.
www.pioneerpartyandgift.blogspot.com

154 West Main Street
Lehi, Utah
(801) 768-3549

March Ten Club!!

2009-03-10T21:06:00.003-06:00

On March 3rd we raised $230 for our April project!! You will hear more about that later, but GREAT JOB on raising so much money. And for all of the people who came to help with our "baby shower" for the Road Home. We were able to make 9 blankets and we gathered a TON of diapers, wipes, formula and other supplies to donate to the homeless shelter. when I took the stuff up there they were SO GRATEFUL for the baby supplies. They said that all 30 rooms were full of families and these supplies would be put to immediate use.

Sue, Courtney, Hunter, Claire and Kelly

Courtney, Claire, Kelly, Lily, Shauna and Isabella

Christine, Isabella and Bev

Angie and Becca

Missy! After I complained that no one would smile for the camera!

Suzanne, Missy, Kati and Melia

Bev and Susan

Kati, Missy and Suzanne

Bev with her own version of tying the baby quilts

Linda

Big Screen TV for sale

2009-03-06T16:07:00.001-07:00

We have a big screen TV that we need to get rid of and were wondering if anyone in the neighborhood would be in the market for it. It is a 60” TV, rear projection Hitachi. It works great with a small glitch – it has a light that flickers from time to time in the screen. Something probably needs an adjustment. We are asking $200 for it or best offer. You would need a truck to move it as it is quite large. If anyone is interested they can call me at 801-492-4080

Thanks!

Debbie Besselievre

visit my blog at: http://debbiebesselievre.blogspot.com

Making Family Home Evening a SURE THING!!

2009-03-05T22:36:00.005-07:00

We have learned how to lead a structured and organized life that still leaves room for A LOT of flexibility.

We all know we should have FHE but I mean really! There's the planning and the idea finding and the planning and the scheduling and the PLANNING!!

Use this suggestion as you see fit for your family but it releases so much from my plate. I only have to lead twelve lessons for the ENTIRE year. I LOVE IT!

The Ten Club meeting set for March 3rd!

2009-02-20T08:39:00.004-07:00

The Road Home Shelter in Salt Lake is having an influx of HOMELESS FAMILIES. Read the following story from KSL.... or you can see the video report HERE.

More Utah families calling homeless shelters ‘home'

October 21st, 2008 @ 10:00pm

By Lori Prichard

A staggering number of families are filling Utah's homeless shelters. In fact, in one of Salt Lake's shelters, moms, dads and children are lining the hallways, the lobby, any place they can find to sleep so they don't have to sleep on the streets.

Treasa Hansen reads to her children at the Road Home shelter

It's the faces of homeless children that the head of one Salt Lake shelter sees everyday.

"She had her head down. She wouldn't look up, just wouldn't make eye contact with anyone around her," said Matt Minkevitch, executive director of the Road Home. "Her humiliation … and at the same time, she just wasn't going to miss that school bus, and I just felt for her. I felt for her."

Visibly upset, Minkevitch and his staff aren't quite at the level of panic, but they are nearing a crisis. "This is not even the busy time of year. This is the slow season," he said.

There are a record number of families staying at the Road Home. Last year, there were 56. In the last three months, there have been double that.

Matt Minkevitch, executive director of the Road Home

One hundred and twenty-two families, like Treasa Hansen and her four children, are homeless and need help.

"It's better than being on the streets," Hansen said.

Alexzandria Parker, here with her son, agrees. "I'd rather have someplace for my son to sleep than to have him sleeping outside," she said.

Families come here because they're forced out of their homes. Job loss is a major reason, but there are others.

"We know that a tight economy and a very tight rental market are two of the chief contributing factors to this phenomenon," Minkevitch said.

Alexzandria Parker plays with her son at the Road Home shelter

It's a phenomenon that's working against many families who barely get by. And when life falls apart, they come here, trying desperately to keep their family together.

"Moms and dads are struggling to keep a semblance of a normal life together in the midst of very abnormal circumstances," Minkevitch said.

Minkevitch says the Road Home hasn't turned a single family away from the shelter. Next week, the Road Home is planning to serve families at the Midvale shelter, which could open up some much needed space.

***********************************************************

Let's celebrate our good fortune with a BABY SHOWER!!!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Amy Weiland's home
7:00pm

BRING:

Your $10 donation
Any of the following items to donate to the Road Home Shelter for the homeless babies and children:

-BABY BOTTLES
-CRIBS
-PACK AND PLAYS
-STROLLERS
-DIAPERS - Sizes 3, 4, 5, 6
-NEW UNDERWEAR – all sizes
-PULL-UPS, BABY WIPES
-BABY FORMULA
-NEW CAR SEATS
-TEETHING RINGS
-Board books, for ages 2-5
-Books for Spanish-speaking
-Highchairs
-Children’s Games/Toys

Please note that you can donate your USED high chairs, stroller, pack and plays, etc. They cannot take used car seats for legal reasons. Also the items in all caps are the MOST NEEDED.

For a complete list of shelter needs, CLICK HERE.

Also, we will be tying baby blankets that night to take to the shelter as well. All the materials were purchased from our $10 donations at our February meeting.

This is a GREAT way to Be Prepared!

2009-02-20T08:19:00.005-07:00

Having just been through the experience of losing my dad last September it would have been so great if he had had a binder like this one. It took quite a while to find everything I needed to put his final affairs in order. Even now his estate is in probate because he had no will. I URGE you to look at these documents and put together your own binder. You can DOWNLOAD all the files or you can purchase the kit from the USU extension. As Cooper would say this is "Easy peasy lemon squeezy"...

Would they be able to come in and get bills paid and work done in your behalf without having to spend hours trying to figure it all out? For these and many reasons, it pays to have your important information organized and at your fingertips. It's time to prepare your Personal and Financial Information Binder.

USU Extension Weber County's Teresa Hunsaker, Family and consumer Science Educator, talks about what you need.

Here are questions you need to ask?

Do I have copies of all my important information?
What people do I need to call to get back on my feet?
Can I remember all my important information
How much will it cost me to get new copies of all my essential documents?
Do others have copies of all my important information.

Having this information accessible in a notebook is one format that many people are finding beneficial. It takes only one disaster to make you realize how important it is to gather all your family financial records in one place. Unfortunately, too many people put off this important task until it's too late - when they have only a few minutes to leave their home quickly. The answer: compile a financial notebook.

Would someone else know where your checking and savings accounts are held, what credit cards you hold, who your financial adviser is, where you safe - deposit box is, where you investments are held, who your beneficiaries are or whether you have policies that entitle your dependents to death benefits.

A financial notebook doesn't have to be fancy. It can be as simple as a three-ring notebook that serves as a road map for you and your loved ones.

What kind of things might you include in a financial notebook?

Account information: Account numbers and contact information for credit union and brokerage accounts
Estate planning and legal documents: Wills, trusts, advance directives, powers of attorney, letters of instruction, funeral instructions
Family information: Family members and contact information, education records, employments records
Financial documents: Cash-flow statement, net-worth statement, spending plan, loans, copis of tax returns.
Insurance and health records: Copies of all insurance policies for auto, hom4owners/renters, health, life, disability and long-term care
Inventories: Household inventory, safe-deposit box contents, wallet contents
Personal records: Financial goals, location of important documents, and copies of certificates - birth, adoption, citizenship, marriage, divorce, death
Property records: Vehicles, real estate and investments
Retirement planning documents: Pension benefit statements, Social Security benefits statement and tax-deferred and individual retirement annual statements.

Keep your financial notebook in a safe place, such as a fireproof box at home that you can quickly grab in an emergency.

DOWNLOAD FORMS HERE to help you get started.

For more information about this or any consumer issue, call USU Extension Weber County at (801) 399-8200 or online at www.extension.usu.edu/weber. If you are interested in buying a completed binder through your local USU Extension department, you may do so for $15 for each binder. Go online to extension.usu.edu/(your local county) to find out how to pick up your binder in your local area.

Fitness and Nutrition Class Handouts

2009-02-15T11:10:00.010-07:00

Dan Wilcox, the owner of Total Health and Fitness in Orem (and my trainer for the year) gave an AMAZING class on fitness and nutrition. He offered his email and phone number for anyone who had questions AND if you would like your body fat tested, he will do that at no charge. Just let him know you are a friend of mine. Contact me and I will give you his information...

Here are copies of the handouts he gave that night. As a recap, you need to find out what works for your body specifially, but these are a good place to start.... And remember the ratios of protein/carbs/fat are important EVERY TIME you eat.

Sample Daily Menu at 1200 calories/day

Sample Daily Menu at 1800 calories/day

2 day a week workout plan

3 day a week workout plan

Sample Breakfast menus

Sample Lunch Menus

Sample Dinner Menus

Sample Snack Menus

NEW!! Neighborhood Chocolate Club

2009-02-08T12:43:00.001-07:00

If you have a LOVE for chocolate this is the place for you!

The Chocolate Club has been officially announced! We will have our first meeting on March 11^th at 7:00 p.m. at Debbie Besselievre’s home, 10742 Shinnecock. The first meeting will be to pick an awesome name, vote on VP, Treasure and Secretary, an overview of the purpose of the club and to eat chocolate of course! There are dues associated with this club because we have to fund the purchase of chocolate, field trips and other expenses. The dues are $5 a month. If anyone has any questions call or email Debbie Besselievre 492-4080

Why a Chocolate Club?

Because all chocolate enthusiasts know that Chocolate is for sharing! Coming together in a group of like-minded people is always a rich experience. When you join a club like this one you will learn more about chocolate than you ever thought possible, who is making what, why it is deemed special, where you can find it and most of all taste it! You will get the opportunity to share your view with others on each chocolate and expand your own personal database of chocolate. Imagine finding a diverse group of people discussing chocolate in a way usually reserved for European art, wine, films or literature and you will begin to understand what a chocolate club is – it can be a life changing experience!

One of the first priorities of this Chocolate Club is to draw attention to the difference between the complex delicacy the world greatest cooks and gourmets recognize as chocolate, and the confection which Americans consume by the ton every week. The principle ingredient of commercial chocolate bars and bon bons is not cocoa but sugar, saturated vegetable fat and powdered milk. These dietary villains are responsible for chocolate’s undeserved reputation as a fattening, tooth rotting, addictive indulgence.

If this is how you have always looked at chocolate or if you always knew there was more to it then this is the place for you!

For more information on the world of chocolate visit the following websites;

http://www.thechocolatelife.com

Debbie B.

AWESOME new book that you MUST read!!

2009-02-04T09:58:00.002-07:00

So when we were at the Hoover Dam I met Gary Hansen and his wife Becca. He is the author of this amazing book called "Wet Desert". I really enjoyed chatting with them. They have four kids, they live in Kaysville and this is his FIRST novel. I hope he is working on another one because I LOVED this book. I read it OUT LOUD the entire way home on the drive home from Las Vegas because I was into it that Tim wanted to hear some.

I highly encourage you to get this book! Go to his website for more information or you can directly to Amazon.

WET DESERT

Wet Desert is a crime fiction novel where Grant Stevens, a mid-level manager for the Bureau of Reclamation, helps the FBI track down an environmental terrorist attempting to restore the Colorado River by blowing up the dams.

REAR FLAP

Grant Stevens, a mid-level manager for the Bureau of Reclamation, only wanted to build dams. He never imagined he would be swept into a desperate race against an environmental terrorist bent on restoring the Colorado River by blowing up the dams.

Left temporarily in charge of the Bureau, Grant must react when the first dam is attacked. He faces the unthinkable task of mitigating the massive flood roaring down the Colorado. The flood will eventually threaten the mighty Hoover Dam, and if Hoover fails, the other dams downstream will fall like dominos.

Working with the FBI, Grant uses his engineering skills, river knowledge, and plenty of gut instinct in an attempt to outmaneuver the terrorist. The chase will lead all the way downstream to the Gulf of California in a cat and mouse game where the stakes are high and the potential for destruction is enormous.

It was especially fun to read because I met him AT the Hoover Dam and the story takes place all along the Colorado River with some main parts at Hoover. Really cool. I had to remind myself afterwards that it was a story...

Bureau of Reclamation Seal....part of the book.

The Nevada side of the dam...

The view over the edge of the dam.

First meeting of the Ten Club!!

2009-02-04T09:27:00.003-07:00

So last night was our first meeting of the Ten Club in our neighborhood. I thought it was a success! We had five people come, which I thought was pretty good for our first go-round. And look at how many coats everyone brought! Imagine what MORE of us could do.
I will be taking these coats to the Road Home in Salt Lake. There is a large population of homeless FAMILIES right now and these will keep a few more of them warm.

We will be having our meetings on the FIRST TUESDAY of each month. I will post all the information so you know what you can be working on.

With the $50 we gathered this month we are buying fleece and will be making baby blankets for the homeless shelter. If you would still like to donate your $10, please let me know. Obviously the more money we have, the more fleece we can buy and the more babies we can keep warm this winter!!

Spread the word about the Ten Club! ALL are invited!!

Valentine Candy Gift Box

2009-01-29T11:15:00.001-07:00

I put together an idea: a set of self-assembly, paper dice (that double as tiny candy boxes)... Read the entire article & download the dice template right here!

Thanks so much to Kelly and everyone at DailyCandy for allowing me to do such a fun project!

by Orange Beautiful

Paper candy bar wrappers

2009-01-29T11:12:00.001-07:00

Download this designs for FREE!

Perfect for Valentine's Day or anytime you want to gift some chocolate but don't want to shell out the big bucks. Free printable candy bar wrappers!!! (You could even use these to dress up favors at a wedding or other festive gathering!)

Just Download free-printable-candybar-wrappers-sm.pdf (for 2.6 oz candy bars) or Download free-large-candybar-wrappers.pdf (for 5 oz. candy bars) and then follow the simple directions below. Please feel free to share the love with your friends and family! Enjoy!

YOU WILL NEED:

-Chocolate candy bars (either 2.6 oz or 5 oz sizes)
-Color Printer
-Standard printer paper (white, color, or patterned will work) or self-adhesive paper
-Decorative Paper (be creative... you could use: graph paper, contact paper, vellum, magazine pages, etc.)
-Scissors
-Glue (or double-sided tape)
-Pen(s) or Pencil(s) for addressing your labels

1. Buy your favorite candy bars 2.6 oz. or 5 oz. (for this project you will need to select bars that come foil-wrapped with a removable paper label).
2. Carefully remove the paper labels from your candy bars. If stuck, use a dull instrument to gently loosen label.
3. Print the PDF files (above) and cut around each one.
4. Select a decorative paper of your choosing.
5. Cut to size (6" x 5.25" for 2.6 oz bars and 6.75" x 8.25" for 5 oz bars). Wrap each candy bar, securing in back with glue or double-sided tape.
6. Adhere your decorative labels to the front of the candy bars and address them as you wish.

Voilà!

by Creature Comforts

Candy Bar Cozies

2009-01-29T11:11:00.000-07:00

by Jenny

Valentine Candy Heart Maze

2009-01-29T10:58:00.002-07:00

Here's a fun Valentine to make and give. The candies are enclosed in the heart so the only way to get them out is to push them through the maze. Well okay, that's not completely true, you could rip the whole thing open, but where's the fun in that! Directions below.

Supplies
Large clear zip lock bags
colored paper (something with give like washi paper, card stock doesn't work well)
Candy
thread (color of your choice)
scissors

Directions
1. Using the colored paper, cut out a heart. I recommend nothing smaller that 5" by 5".
2. Cut out a piece of the zip lock bag that will cover the heart and over lap some.
3. Machine sew the paper and zip lock together around the edge of the heart leaving a space to put the candy in. Trim the zip lock so its the same shape as the paper heart after sewing.
4. Place the candy in the bottom of heart.
5. Machine sew two separate lines to form the maze (refer to the picture).

*Make sure the maze is wide so the candy can be pushed through.

by zakka life

Valentine Lollipop Flowers

2009-01-29T10:54:00.003-07:00

Here is another free valentine download for you! This one is much simpler! Download the files, cut and assemble!

Lollipop Lily

Leaf

By Skip to My Lou

Valentine's day gift idea

2009-01-28T15:16:00.002-07:00

This is great as a teacher gift!! Get a hand sanitizer, peel off the labels and decorate them with cute paper, stickers and ribbon! Great way to use those scrapbook supplies!!

GroundHog Day Idea

2009-01-28T15:14:00.001-07:00

Shine a flashlight so your shadow is on the paper and trace your child's shadow. Then let them cut it out and see when winter ends!!

Valentine's Inspiration...

2009-01-28T14:24:00.003-07:00

Valentines Countdown Instructions

Supplies Needed:
Small Paint Pail
-American Crafts Valentines paper & coordinating cardstock
-American Crafts Valentines Rub-ons & Chipboard Embellishments
-Coordinating Ribbon (approx. ½ yard of 10-12 different kinds)
-14 - 2x2 Chipboard Squares,
-25 - 2x2 Pattern paper squares
-Miscellaneous valentines candy
-Numbers for each day (1-14) either stickers, or cutouts

Instructions:
Cut 2 strips of 2.5x8 cardstock, and 2 strips of 2x8 valentines paper, glue the patterned paper to the cardstock and wrap both pieces around center of pail so it is completely covered.
Using the American Crafts rub-ons, rub on miscellaneous words around the top of the pail, Cut your ribbon into 6" pieces and tie around handle
Lid - cut a 3.25" circle with color cardstock and a 3" circle with pattern paper, glue cardstock to center of lid and then glue pattern paper to cardstock

Inside of Bucket
Cut 14 - 2x2 pieces of chipboard, cover each piece with coordinating paper on both sides, using your numbers stick to one side of each square (1-14), embellish with either ribbon, rub-ons, or chipboard shapes.

Using the quotes supplied (or you can write your own little notes), type into a 2x2 square and print on coordinating cardstock. Cut each quote into a 2x2 square and randomly adhere to the back of chipboard squares. With the other squares that don't have a quote adhere them to treats.

Stack numbered squares from the bottom up (14-1) Using the remaining chipboard embellishments, loop the ribbon through them

Valentine Quotes

"When you are in Love you can't fall asleep because reality is better than your dreams."

The best thing about me is you.

Meeting you was fate, becoming your friend was a choice but falling in love with you I had no control over.

To the world you are one person, but to one person you are the world

A hundred hearts would be too few To carry all my love for you.
~Author Unknown

I've fallen in love many times... always with you.
~Author Unknown

Love is a game that two can play and both win.
~Eva Gabor

Thanks for letting me…stick my freezing cold feet under your warm legs

The Ten Club is ready to begin!!

2009-01-24T10:29:00.004-07:00

If you don't know what the Ten Club is, scroll down a few previous posts for a full explanation including video! In short, we are starting a service project/donation club. We all bring $10 (thus the Ten Club) to our monthly meeting and use the money for our next months project or donation. Our first meeting will be a COAT DRIVE.

Come to my house
Amy Weiland
4046 cimarron

on Tuesday February 3rd at 7:00 pm

Bring:

As many NEW and USED coats in all sizes as you have or can find
$10
Cardboard Box(es) to sort the coats into.

PLEASE share this information with your friends! We want as many people as possible involved in this! Get your children and families involved! Remember how great it was to give during the holidays? We can do that ALL YEAR LONG!

Kids Clothing Exchange

2008-12-21T15:04:00.002-07:00

Molly S has to give:

Size 2T black snow bibs (new with tag)
Toddler size 5 black snow boots

She is looking for:

Girls' snow boots any size between 1-5
Warm mittens or gloves for 9-year-old girl

Reply here or call her directly if you are interested. Thanks!!!

Introducing {{The Ten Club}}

2008-12-17T14:46:00.006-07:00

I have talked to several people about doing some sort of volunteer club and this is PERFECT!! They have tried and tested it and have worked out most of the kinks. I will be hosting the first meeting in january with more information to come. Please let me know what you think about this and if you would like to participate.

amy

10 STEPS FOR CREATING YOUR OWN "TEN CLUB"

1. COMMIT
Plan a date, time and location for your first meeting.

2. SPREAD THE WORD
Tell your neighbors, friends, anyone you might think would be interested. Then tell them to tell theirs! Post flyers & send out e-mails. It is a good idea to send out an invitation, with basic information, telling potential members what to expect. Make sure to tell them to bring their $10.00 to the first meeting.

3. E-MAIL
Set up an e-mail address specifically for your Ten Club. E-mail is a great way for people to send questions, comments, and especially for you to communicate with your members.

4. BLOG
Next, it is a great idea for you to set up a blog. This is perfect to document events, and allow people to see what is going on. It is a great place to put all of your club information.

5. CARRY OUT
Have your first meeting and collect the donations for the following month's service project. Discuss possible projects you can do as a group. This meeting will give you a good idea of the funds you will have to work with.

6. DESIGNATE
Allow everyone to be involved (and save yourself from doing everything!). Find someone who would be willing to manage the blog, check e-mail, contact groups or people needing help, anything else you can think of. Let as many people as possible be in charge of something.

7. SIGN UP
Make a schedule for months to come and pass it around for members to sign up to be over a meeting and project.

8. START TO SERVEIt is very important at each meeting to have a hands-on service project that everyone can be involved. Most larger projects will not require each member's participation, so these hands-on services will help keep a consistent emotional connection to the club. Some good examples of small projects would be tying quilts, putting together packages, etc.

9. ORGANIZE
After the meeting you will want to make sure you have all member's information and record of the donations. Keeping up on this will make the process much smoother and you will always know each member is being informed, and the funds are being recorded and tracked.

10. HAVE FUN Be relaxed and open! This should be a positive experience for everyone. You will have to change and modify often to best fit your group...and that is okay! Just as long as you are all having fun!

THE TEN CLUB BINDER
Because a different club member hosts the meeting each month, The Ten Club found it was helpful to keep all of the club information, donations and projects organized in a club binder. Below are the documents the original Ten Club included in their binder - feel free to download the pages below and adjust to fit your own club needs.

Christmas Advent Calendar of Christ's Life and Mission

2008-12-04T10:35:00.002-07:00

how cool is this?! Check out Debbie B.s blog for a really great Christmas Advent Calendar. The link is on the right.

Thanks Debbie!!

Food Storage Group?!

2008-12-04T10:28:00.003-07:00

I found this great new company for REALLY great and USEFUL food storage items. It is priced really well, but you have to buy in BIG BULK packages which is more money than I can spend right now.

They came to my home and made up some of the food and it is really tasty! i was impressed with them. They are willing to come back for another taste test if anyone else is interested.

Please let me know if you are interested in going in on some great food storage items!!

Amy Weiland

Food Drive Reminder!!

2008-12-04T10:24:00.004-07:00

Please put it on your list of stuff to do this Christmas to donate food to the neighborhood food drive!! Shellee Livingston and Stephanie Bagley have organized this, so you can take food to either of their homes BEFORE December 13th. And remember that they have made it easier than ever by taking neighbor gifts OFF your list (hours and hours of work!!) and putting in a worthy cause instead. (of course, if you still want to drop some fudge off at my house I won't be offended!!) {{wink}}

Great idea for next Mondays Family Home Evening!!!

Super Great Finds for your Family!

2008-11-15T16:44:00.007-07:00

Tim and I went to the Family Christmas Gift Show at the SouthTowne Expo center. Besides shopping at Allyson's baby bliss accessories booth (of course!) we found a few things that we really loved.

These are from a company called Real Hero Posters. They are the most amazing scriptures story posters. Besides being very moving, they have a scripture quote in the top left corner, dates of the scripture events, and are perfect to inspire your family.
I was standing in their booth and was so moved by the spirit that I actually teared up! I was a little embarrassed because we're in the middle of a trade show, but looking into the face of the daughters poster and seeing the strength of my girls in her, I was touched.

They are an amazing value at $55 for ALL 12 posters!! I am going to rotate mine around my house. Even if you just use them for your church lesson or FHE, they are only $4.50 a poster. And what a statement they make.

We met the artist and his wife and they are an absolute delight! Check this one out!!

Real Hero Posters.com

Our friends own a TShirt Company. They sell fresh, funny tees that will make you giggle.
Check them out at these websites:

8 Apparel

Sunday Drive Shirts

I didn't buy these DVDs because I'm not sure if my kids are too old for them, but they are so cute. I might get them anyway!

FHE on DVD

Wheat/Bread Making Class

2008-11-15T16:27:00.002-07:00

Kaylynn Sims is willing to teach a class on bread making. Please post a comment if you are interested so we can get the class scheduled.

Kids Clothing Exchange

2008-11-15T16:26:00.000-07:00

I have some size 2T-3T boys pants I am looking to share (get rid of)...anyone want them?

Angie Miske

Womens Rock Climbing Class!

2008-11-15T16:25:00.001-07:00

I teach a Womans only rock climbing class at Momentum Indoor Climbing in Sandy. I would love to take anyone who is interested to climb (to the class or another time). They have a day care there, so I usually go on Thursdays from noon-2. I have extra gear and would be happy to help anyone who wants to climb.

Angie Miske

Enrichment Class on Organizing

2008-11-14T13:50:00.001-07:00

We did another enrichment class last night on organizing. it was on grocery shopping, recipes and food storage. I really hope it was helpful to someone!!

Just a few resource reminders:

I can email you the food storage list and the weekly menu planner.

To get the best deals on stock up items go to Savvy Shopper Deals.com

Those were the basics. If you found something helpful or would like to share something new, please post it here!

Wants and Needs

2008-11-14T13:42:00.003-07:00

We have revamped the wants and needs section of this blog. If you have a want or a need or you have something to offer, please post it, (or email me and I can post it for you).

Two things I heard last night at enrichment were:

1. Kids clothing to exchange. moms have things to give!!

2. A class on how to use our food storage wheat/how to make bread.

Post a comment so we can see what the interest levels are for better using the resources we have in our own neighborhood!!

Thanks!

FREE photo book from Oprah!

2008-11-14T13:39:00.003-07:00

In case you missed the free photo book opportunity, go to Oprah.com and click on the snapfish.com offer. It will link you to the snapfish website where a credit for a free 8x11 photobook will be put on your snapfish account. (You can create one for FREE if you don't already have one.)

THE CODE MUST BE CREDITED BY TODAY...FRIDAY, AND YOU MUST MAKE THE BOOK BY SUNDAY.

Go play around with it and have some fun!! They used is as an example of one way you can keep your kids artwork forever!

Have fun and let me know what you make with yours!

Neighborhood Food Drive in lieu of Neighbor Gifts

2008-11-09T16:01:00.005-07:00

So cute Shellee Livingston and Stephanie Bagley have put flyers on everyone's door regarding neighbor gifts and a food drive. i love this idea. Others in the neighborhood have done this in the past with success.

here is the content of the flyer:

"Many people in Utah don't realize how many of their neighbors are struggling to feed themselves and their families, especially with the increased cost of food and fuel today. Unfortunately, too many who struggle to afford life's basic necessities won't celebrate Christmas or the holidays this year.

As you may have heard, due to troubled times the Food Bank is extremely short this year. it has become a yearly tradition within our neighborhood to give neighbor gifts during the Christmas season. We all know how much we love and care about each other. This year in lieu of neighbor gifts we thought we could spready that love amongst those who are struggling and in need.
So instead of of giving neighbor gifts please consider dropping off your canned food items to either Shellee Livingston or Stephanie Bagley's front porch.

We will be delivering these supplies to the Utah Food Bank on Saturday December 13th. Please have your items to us no later than FRIDAY DECEMBER 12th.

Hopefully this not only brings the spirit of giving into your home, but you can also check neighborhor gifts off your already long Christmas to-do list. Thank you for your generosity. Merry Christmas!"

Livingston Home
10682 Bristol

Bagley Home
10746 Shinnecock

word fun

2008-10-25T22:03:00.003-06:00

I have a major thing for typography. i love letters and fonts.

Try this with the names in your family...or words for a lesson or something. really fun.

wordle

Cliff Klaven moment...

2008-10-25T21:31:00.004-06:00

You know when you get sucked into useless trivia? This is TOTALLY one of those sites. But it's really fun!

http://www.howmanyofme.com/

Special Fast November 2, 2008

2008-10-23T22:43:00.000-06:00

I got this email request and thought I would pass this along:

This November's election will be one of great significance for each one of us and our country as a whole. It is suggested that the Sunday before the election, which is November 2nd, we take the opportunity to fast for our country and the leaders who will be elected and the voters who will elect them.

Whether you are of a political persuasion or not, this year's election will be significant. I personally encourage you to learn about the people who want to lead our country and make a prayerful decision.

Should you feel to pass this on to those you love I would encourage you to do so. Our fasts and prayers will make a difference and at this time, more than any other in our lifetime, our country is in need of the Lord's guidance.

Things to Do Calendar

2008-10-20T20:29:00.002-06:00

Remember to check out what's happening on our Things to Do Calendar on the sidebar. All the information you need is there!! See you at our next neighborhood event!!

DARLING hair accessories

2008-10-16T13:21:00.012-06:00

I watch Studio 5 EVERYDAY!! it's one of my favorite shows. and what a FUN SURPRISE this morning to see our neighborhood's own Corinne Jensen with the most DARLING craft. (and of course the most ADORABLE little models). Great job Corinne!

Here's the excerpt from the Studio 5 website and the link:

Studio 5 Contributor, Corinne Jensen shows how to make these cute one-of-a-kind accessories.

Materials:

- Felt, two colors
- Embroidery floss
- Embroidery needle
- Button, for embellishment
- Hair clip
- Scissors
- Template design

Instructions:

Trace two of the main template designs onto the felt.

1. Trace one of the center template designs onto a coordinating color of felt.

2. Cut out all three pieces.(set one of the main designs aside, you will not need it until the end)

3. With a needle and embroidery floss stitch the center design onto ONE of the main designs.

4. Then sew the button on in the center of that. (You can use the same floss.)

5. Now get the second main design piece and the hair clip. Pop the clip through to the back of the design and snap shut.

6. Line the two main designs up and stitch them together. Knot or tie off the floss when you have stitched around the entire design and you are done!

watch the video segment:

Cutest Kid Contest!!

2008-10-12T22:00:00.005-06:00

Cherished Moments (Allyson Morris' store)
105 South 100 East PG
Tuesday October 21st
11am-5pm

Enter your cute, costumed kid for only $10 and get a FREE 8 x 10 and a chance to win fabulous prizes. PLUS take 15% off all boutique items!!

we want your family blogs!!

2008-10-12T20:52:00.003-06:00

We would love for you to submit your family blogs to be listed here on our neighborhood blog. We'd love to get to know you better!!!

Enrichment Class on Organizing

2008-10-03T12:09:00.004-06:00

Thanks to all those who attended the Enrichment Class on Organizing. I am putting up the references here so you can check them out yourself! These all have to do with kids and family. Next month will be on recipes/grocery shopping/pantries/Food Storage, etc. november 13th 7pm at my house. Please come and bring a friend!

www.meckmom.com

www.executivehomemaker.com

www.sugardoodle.net

www.tipjunkie.com

and the book it Parenting Breakthrough by Merilee Boyack. The book has "THE PLAN" for teaching your children age appropriate things.

Cupcake Creations SUGAR COOKIES!

2008-06-24T18:37:00.017-06:00

Cupcake Creations is a Customizable bakery offering sugar cookies, cupcakes, cookie bouquets, and cakes. Check out our website to see our many creations. Can't find what you're looking for? No problem. We'll create it for you! If you'd like to order, you can call Lesleigh @ 830-2582. Check out the website: www.cupcakesbyLes.blogspot.com

Produce Co-op

2008-06-18T08:26:00.004-06:00

Amy asked me to give a little more information about the produce co-op that we are trying to start, just letting everyone know what is involved. I have been a member of a co-op in Provo for 2 years. Even though we moved to Cedar Hills 18 months ago, I continue to drive to Provo twice a month to get produce, as it is such a great deal! Here's how it works:
*We form a co-op (The Cedars Co-op) with 24 members in it. Each member commits to pay $35.00 every 2 weeks, and to help with the work involved.
*Every 2 weeks, we place an order for produce, using the total amount of money from everyone in the co-op. Because we are buying such a large amount of produce, we are able to get it directly from the wholesaler at WHOLESALE prices.
*On Thursday of co-op week, we get a call in the morning notifying us of the time of truck arrival. We will have a telephone tree set up to make calls & inform everyone in the group of the pick-up time.
*Each week, 3-4 people arrive at the drop-off location when the truck arrives. They divide the produce among the laundry baskets of the 24 co-op members. Everyone takes turns sorting the produce, on a rotating schedule. You MUST be available to help sort when it is your turn! The rest of the co-op members arrive about 45 minutes later to pay and pick up their baskets of produce. You must be available to come pick up your basket.

Being in a co-op like this has many benefits. The most obvious one is that you get a great variety of produce at a GREAT price. The amount of produce received each time fluctuates, naturally, due to variations in the prices. However, you will always get more produce for less than what you would pay at the store, and since it comes directly from the wholesaler, it is fresh!
Another benefit is that we eat many more fruits & vegetables. Because my fridge is literally packed with fruits & vegetables, at mealtime it is easy to come up with lots of healthly options. For the first few days after produce delivery, my fruit bowl is piled high, and my children are as likely to reach for fruit as anything else.
I also like that when the produce comes, it saves me a trip to the store for fruits & vegetables. I feel like this actually saves me money since I don't end up with all the other things that would I see and buy on impulse!
You may be concerned about whether or not your family will like, and be able to eat, everything that you receive. I had this concern, too, and worried that I wouldn't want to eat things that someone else had picked out. However, we have been introduced to a variety of foods that we'd never had before, and most of the time, I'm able to find a recipe that we like that includes our produce! For example, I had never bought kale in my life. But now I know many ways to use it, and most of my kids will even eat it when prepared certain ways. (Don't worry, you won't be getting kale on a regular basis). With the internet, you are able to find tons of recipes to use any ingredient. If there is something you really won't use, you can always try to find someone in the co-op to trade with. And even if you have to give something away occasionally, chances are you'll still be spending less for what you use than you would in a store.
Here are some samples of what the co-op I'm in received during a typical week:
(this is NOT a guarantee of anything!)
June 12 order
1 watermelon
1 cantaloupe
8-10 apples
2 bunches bananas
2 pound bag of grapes
4 red peppers
3 cucumbers
3 bunches of broccoli
1 head of cauliflower
celery
green onions
2 pound bag mini carrots
2 heads of red-leaf lettuce
1 bag of spinach
1 pound container of raspberries
1 pound container of strawberries

Another order from March:
8-10 apples
2 lbs asparagus
1 bunch bananas
3 bunches broccoli
1 head Napa cabbage
1 head cauliflower
celery
2 bunches cilantro
4 cucumbers
4 ruby red grapefruit
2 lbs grapes
1 head romaine lettuce
3 portobello mushrooms
3 onions
8 cara-cara oranges
6-8 anjou pears
1 pineapple

We will be able to get this co-op started as soon as we have 24 solid members in our group. Once we have reached 24, we will put additional names on a waiting list in case anyone drops out.
If you are interested, here's what you need to do to get a spot in the group:
Get me a check for $50, your email address, and phone number(s). (Paige Beal, 3979 Troon, Cedar Hills, 763-7220). This money will cover the cost of 2 laundry baskets, with $35 of it as a deposit to hold your place in the group. I will not cash any of the checks until we have all 24, at which time we will begin ordering!

Current Activities!!!

2008-06-16T08:14:00.003-06:00

Remember to check out link to the right for all the current activities going on in the neighborhood!! If you have something you'd like to post, just let me know. This is for everyone!!

And by everyone, I MEAN YOU!!!

Amy

Best Idea Site for Church!!!

2008-06-14T18:15:00.004-06:00

I've been using this site for a long time and can't believe I haven't posted it yet.

www.sugardoodle.net

It has all the greatest lesson helps and ideas and things you can do with your family. I LOVE this site! Check it out. I hope you like it too!

WANT SOME TIME TO YOURSELF??

2008-06-09T13:23:00.003-06:00

Want some time to yourself??? Who doesn't???
Taylor Hancock & Kameron Challburg (both in the Cedar Hills 14th ward)
are starting a WONDERFUL summer day camp at Becky Hancocks house (10739 Cypress). Starting June 24th. They will be on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 1:00 to 4:00. The prices are as follows: 1 child $10 2 children $18 three children $25. They will be having tons of activities & be adult supervised the whole time!!!! Please call to reserve your childs spot (Becky 492-2842)
Space will be limited!!! THINK OF THE POSSIBILITIES!!! WHAT CAN YOU GET DONE IN 3 HOURS??

MAKE & TAKE CRAFT DAY

2008-06-09T13:17:00.005-06:00

HI EVERYONE!!!! I AM STARTING A MAKE & TAKE CRAFT NIGHT, THURSDAY, JUNE 26TH AT MY HOUSE!!! (10739 CYPRESS) WE WILL BE MAKING A FANCY LADYBUG HANGER THAT WOULD BE CUTE HANGING ON YOUR FRONT DOOR OR DARLING IN YOUR DAUGHTERS BEDROOM. ALSO A FREAKING CUTE DISTRESSED AMERICAN FLAG. IT IS 4'X2' AND WOULD BE CUTE INSIDE OR OUT. WHAT A WAY TO SHOW YOUR PATRIOTISM!!!

THE LADY BUG IS $18 AND THE FLAG IS $30.

BRING SOMETHING GOOD TO EAT AND WE START AT 6:00!!!!! NO KIDS!!!!!!

CALL BECKY HANCOCK TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT 492-2842. YOU MUST RESPOND BY JUNE 18TH. EMAIL ME AT www.becky_hancock3@hotmail.com or call 492-2842!!

TO see ALL of my crafts, go to my blog at www.kindredheartscrafts.blogspot.com

BECKY HANCOCK

Uppercase Living Vinyl Decor

2008-05-26T06:13:00.005-06:00

With things a little slower in my current line of work, I have become a demonstrator for Uppercase Living. It's a vinyl decor company that is just FABULOUS!!!

I am looking for people who would be willing to have an Open House, or better yet, a Catalog Party!

With the catalog party, you email and call your family and friends from all over the world, have them log on to see the catalog (or I can mail one to them) and they place their orders through you by a certain date. You, as the hostess, get FREE Vinyl decor for your home while helping out a friend. :)

To check out the catalog:
1. Go to www.uppercaseliving.com
2. Click on the "Customer Corner Login"
3. Enter Demonstrator ID: 803609
4. Registration Token: fun
5. Register
6. Log in and view the catalog and play with the MyDesign tool to create your own designs

They have some really beautiful, unique things. I'm sure there is something in there for you!
If you are interested in having a Catalog Party or Placing an Order, let me know!!

amy@amyweiland.com

Produce Group

2008-05-14T17:21:00.002-06:00

Paige Beal belongs to a produce group in Provo where they buy in bulk every two weeks and split the food. Here is some information from Paige and Angie Nichols on starting a group in our neighborhood. If you are interested, please respond so we can get a good count.

"You have to have a minimum order of either $400 or $500. That's really not too bad. You have to have groups with multiples of 12, as much of the produce ships that way (ie, 12 cantaloupes or pineapples, 12 heads of lettuce, etc). We could just about get away with a group of just 12; even if the minimum is $500, we'd each pay about $42 for each order. We would order every 2 weeks, and take turns sorting the produce into laundry baskets. The way my group does it, everyone pays enough up front for 2 laundry baskets (one to take home, one to leave there), plus the amount of one order. That way there's some in reserve in case someone doesn't pay one time. ...
The one thing we'd have to think about is where to have it delivered--they don't like to do it in a residential area, but the Provo
group I'm in talked them into it because the house is on a main road.
And
whoever has it at their house has to be willing to let their garage be used for sorting (in the winter it's too cold, summer too hot to be outside), and be willing to store the laundry baskets at their house. "

Anyway. We would start with a group of 12 people. Let me know if you want to be part of it.
Angie

Have to give, sell or lend

2008-04-09T08:20:00.003-06:00

OK....so how many trips to we make to the DI with useful items that just don't work our families anymore? Post them here first and see if anyone in the neighborhood needs it! Yeah!

Wants and Needs

2008-04-09T08:19:00.003-06:00

Please feel free to post what you're looking for here. Someone might be wondering what to do with that old food processor and you need to chop something.....

Welcome!!!!!

2008-04-09T08:06:00.003-06:00

OK Ladies! So here's my thought..... I created this blog so we would have a centralized place to announce things to do and events, but also to talk about wants/needs/haves.

We live in this great neighborhood together and with winter (almost) over-I know I am itchin' to get out and do stuff!!

Here's how this works:

1. Anyone can post a comment to a current post.
2. If you want to post something (and I encourage you to do so!) you need to email me so I can add you to the list of authors. amyweiland@airwired.net
3. This blog is STRICTLY for positive, uplifting content. Come on girls....we're all in this together!

Now, those of you who know me know that I am a little....ummmm....crazy. For those of you who don't know me.....don't be scared! This is going to be so FUN!!!!