YW General Conference

I know I have a ton of updating maybe this week I can find some time. I have been swamped with being out of town so much and then this week I have to cook and do our RS Birthday Dinner. I will spend most of Thurs. & all day Friday doing food and setting up everything. I found this really neat skit online so we are going to do that (I like to have a skit for all our RS dinners). Then Friday I need to set up the building and cook the food. We are going to have an old buggy and some old turn of the century things. It will look great and the food will be awesome! Ok bragging time over. LOL

As for a little bit of an update we just got back from Salt Lake last night - Ashley, Heidi, and I went to the YW General Conference at the conference center. Howard & I took all the kids because we had to pick up the boys from David. Tyler advanced to a teacher last week so David had come here to pick them up. If any of you saw the YW conference you saw that the entire first presidency was there. Pres. Monson spoke. As the presidency walked into the room - you could just feel the room fill with a strong spirit. I have met Pres. Kimball and Elder Ashton I met a couple of times. (I even went to Elder Ashton's condo and got to ride in a golf cart with him and his wife - under the SLC temple to the tabernacle.) I still laugh about something he said. When we were in the elevator he turned to my date and said that this was the perfect place to propose. I turn to Elder Ashton and asked him if he was crazy how at all could that be romantic at all? He laughed and said that it was the perfect place because if she said no then you could just push stop until she said yes. I always loved listening to his talks and thought how great of a man he was.
Anyway, it was great to see President Monson and wave to him as he waved up at us. The spirit was so strong and such a wonderful message was given by all who spoke. The girls have just about talked about it non stop. Ashley is still walking around on cloud nine. Heidi doesn't seem to truly understand how much of a big deal it was - she looks at it as just another church meeting. It kind of bothers Howard and I - wishing she was more into it. As for me- I was grateful to be there in the presence of our prophet. I was so grateful for the spirit I felt and love every word. He talked about courage and a few things that struck me was that he talked about having the courage to always include people. I feel that I have always tried to live that way but, of course could feel my faults and need to work on them. I did love that he talked about that the Saviors commandments are commandments not suggestions! I also enjoyed the YW presidents talked about - reading the Book of Mormon for at least 5 min. everyday and ALWAYS SMILE!!
So keep smiling everyone!! Love you all!!

Newest Follower

I would like everyone to meet my newest "Follower" LOL that just sounds funny! sorry!!
Jennifer Pohl is a chick that lives in small town Idaho with us. She joined the LDS church this last Sept. and looks forward to going to the temple. Her husband doesn't want to join the church but I still give him crap a lot (who me??) I guess because of that he has nicknamed me his "favorite Mormon" I think it's pretty funny. Don't worry Don I'll still be dishing up the crap!
So, this great family is moving today to New Mexico because jobs are getting hard to find around here and will all the layoffs they needed to move.
I wanted to "introduce" all of you to them because Jenn is going to need tons of support moving to a new place and have just joined the church. We all have known each other forever and know we can depend on each other - I wanted to include her in our circle of love. Don't be afraid to add a comment to her blog - she would love to have new friends and she is very outgoing.
Thanks to all my chicks for including her! Jenn we love you and your family!

Easter Story Cookies

I want to pass this on my friend Summer gave this to me last year and she is teaching my ward to make them next week. This is a great FHE or new family tradition! ENJOY!

EASTER STORY COOKIES

1 cup whole pecans (or almonds)
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch of salt
1 cup sugar

Ziploc baggie, wooden spoon, tape, bible, 2 cookie sheets, parchment paper

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Place pecans in baggie and let the children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10: 10-11

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing, are they? Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Psalms 34:8 and John 3:16

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12-15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheets. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60

Put the cookies in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door closed. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66

Go to bed! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight, however, Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 & 22

On Easter morning open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9 (see below)

Matthew 28:1-9

1. After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

2. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.

3. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.

4. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

5. The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.

6. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.

7. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him. 'Now I have told you."

8. So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.

9. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, felt the wounds in his hands and feet and worshipped him.

I am on my soap box!!

I know for many people right now - we are all wondering what more could happen with the economy? How much worse could it be? How is all of this going to effect me?
Well, sorry to tell you all, I don't have a crystal ball but let me stand on my soap box and see if maybe anyone will listen- LOL
PLEASE!!!! take some of your tax return and buy food storage - not that you need to do this much but Howard & I spent $1000 of ours on food. The local store was having a case lot sale and we did up a whole cow (I know you all can't do that) but, do something!! We've been told forever by the prophets to have food storage and what a better time to listen when in the last 14 months 3.6 million Americans have lost their jobs. With Howard working at the post office we get a glimps of things before anyone else- the reason? Because as businesses start to go under they stop sending out so much mail. Before several of the major financial institutions collapsed in September 2008 the post office had already reported 7 consecutive quarters of decline in mail volume. At the end of the 2008 fiscal year, the Postal Service announced it had delivered a whopping 9.5 BILLION FEWER pieces of mail than the year before. While posting an annual deficit of $2.8 billion. In the first quarter of the new fiscal year (2009) mail volume is down by another 9.3 percent- THE LARGEST QUARTERLY DECLINE SINCE THE GREAT DEPRESSION OF THE 1930'S!!! Just in 2008 the post office layed off nearly 30,000 career jobs. The postal service feels that they will have another $6 billion or more loss for the balance of 2009.
This is a sign!!! Please prepare your family!!
Make your garden twice as big this year - if you don't can or garden- look up how on the internet and educate yourself! I would hate to loose the chance to make a difference in my families life because I am "to busy".

Ok - I will step off the soap box - but please work on your food storage and financial storage. We have people out here that are gathering food storage so they will be able to trade wheat for something else they will want when money doesn't effect people the way trading food will. Go back and read things that Brigham Young said. The price of wheat is the same as the price of Gold right now, but wheat was worth more that gold this last summer!

Alright now I really will get off this soap box and get the rest of my day going. I love you all and hope that you will be prepare like we have been commanded - the time is NOW!

Look Who's Talking

I just have to post this because I don't know I guess because I feel like it. I have by this blogging thing been able to reconnect with some great friends. I am grateful for all of you for keeping up with friendships. I want to brag on one right now though..... Tamra! We have talked in the last few days for I don't even know how many hours!? I already told this to Tam but I feel like part of my soul is back talking to her. Please no one be offended because it's with all of you that I feel part of me is back. I think I got caught up in the life of Pity Parties and was not able to be happy and open with the new friends in my life (Summer - not you - you have been a wonderful "new" BFF!) But, living somewhere new and with all my life changes it was hard to feel like ME and I have started to find me again in visiting with all of you.
So thank you to all of my wonderful true friends! I have lots of wonderful ones - they (you) each help me in your own way.
So, thanks for being my friend! (corny I know) but, hey!

Happy Birthday to my baby boy! Ok so he's big now!

Here's a quick trip down photo memory lane..........


This is Tyler last year at my parents house on his birthday
Tyler at 2 years old.

Tyler at 18 months old. ahhhhhhhhh so cute!

Tyler and mommy at his blessing. Cute boy in his tux.

Tyler (and mommy) what a happy boy! This was a trip to grandma & grandpa's in Cali.

I wanted to be a mom so badly. When I had Tyler it added something wonderful to my life. WOW now Tyler is 14 going to dances and all the other fun stuff. I can't believe that in 6 months he will be driving! (with a permit) Next year you'll all need to stay off the roads! (In Idaho the kids can drive at 14 1/2) I know scary! LOL

I love you son, Happy Birthday!!

Happy Birthday Ty!

Wow it's been almost a month since I last blogged. I ended up with a virus in my computer and just got it back. CRAZY!

Well, here's a quick update.

Tyler and Howard did the play "On Golden Pond" and it's finally over. They both were awesome! Tyler got offered a movie deal out of it!! He is going to be in a movie being produced in Boise in the Fall. He has a kissing scene, he's pretty excited. When the movie is done the company is submitting it to the Sundance Film Festival. WOW! What a great start.

Brenden got a part in the next play. It's a musical review. He has a solo in it.

For some harder news - most of you know Fern (my mom's mother) she had a major heart attack last week. She had surgery and it seems to be helping - we don't think she will live past this year. It's sad to see my mom go through it.



So life is still moving on here and Tyler is getting older by the day- ok by tomorrow! On the 7th he will be 14!! WOW again! He's pretty excited now he gets to go to dances. There is EFY and a dance next weekend and he can't wait to go. (mostly to see what girls are there)