Christ: The Real Gift of Christmas

Click here to watch a beautiful 

Christmas Message from President Monson!

We hope that you and your loved ones have a very Merry Christmas!!!

Christmas Cooking and other such Fun

Remember that WONDERFUL meal we all enjoyed at the Relief Society Christmas dinner?  Sister Brooks has kindly passed on the Recipes and they are now posted!

  (Just click on the Recipe Link to your right)  

Be sure to check out the photo gallery from some other pictures. 

REMEMBER:

The Adult Ward Christmas Party on December 14th at 6:30pm.

Bring a dessert to share!

Remember to attend the annual First Presidency Christmas Devotional this coming Sunday Evening!

Details can be found on the church website Here.

Relief Society Party - Recap

This years Relief Society Christmas dinner was truly a beautiful evening.    Many of the sisters came early and set up beautiful tables complete with their personal china, silverware, and lovely centerpieces!     Others in the ward donated their own Nativities to display for the evening.

As always- the meal was not only delicious- but very elegant.    Really, it was almost too beautiful to eat.    ...almost;)       (Perhaps we will be able to get a recipe to share with you all)

After we finished eating, and visiting we were able to enjoy a wonderful program.

 

Some of the performances were as follows:
*Brother McMurray, Brother Brooks, Brother Sloan, and Brother Low sang a beautiful medley of Christmas Hymns accapella!

*Dierdre Infanti and (her mom) Sister Cronin sang a fun little Christmas number, that definitely had us feeling cheery.
*One of the Young Woman in the Ward, Abbey Schow, performed a duet with Sister Low.
* Mackenzie Millward never disappoints and pulled out yet another delightful poem, this time- a Letter to Santa!
* Sister Millward had everyone in stitches with her hilarious monologue about the busy rush of Christmas gift giving.
* One of our newest sisters in the ward, Michael Gene Widmer sang a beautiful and very tender song titled Mary's Lullaby.
* Brother Paul Sloan played the piano while singing a touching song from the perspective of Joseph.

We enjoyed listening to ALL of you, and are so grateful for your talents!    You truly helped kick off this Christmas Season.

And a special Thank you to our WONDERFUL Relief Society Presidency for working so hard to make the evening a special one for us all!

Missionary Moment:

Be sure to click on "Missionary Addresses" on the above menu bar.   With Christmas approaching, this might be the perfect time to send a little holiday cheer to any one of the Missionaries from our Ward!

Wow!  What a FUN Halloween Party this week!     Thank you to the Activities Committee for making it all happen.   The food was wonderful and the games were a hit!     

Sister Hegedus wanted to be sure to give specific thanks to those who helped pull it off:
"Thanks for the support of the ward in this event. It takes all the organizations to make the evening so successful:    - Sister Rita Burt for making the invitations, YM for the awesome black light bowling, Primary - fish pond, YW - face painting, Bishopric - bean bag toss, RS & many extra volunteers for corn dogs + chiliburgers, High Priests - ice cream cones + floats, SS - helium balloons, Elders - Train, Wendy Low & Barb McMurray - decorations, Bill Creed - strongman machine, Sis. Davidsen - Chinook co-ordinator, Paul Sloan - master of ceremonies + music, Missionaries - photo booth and the faithful Activities Committee Sis. & Br. Rex Sommerfeldt and Br. Hegedus."

Also, if you by any chance enjoyed those cute little corn dogs as much as my family did, you'll want to check out the Recipe link.  

The directions are posted there!

FYI: Upcoming Young Woman Activities

If you are a Mother to a young woman, a YW leader, or Young woman Buddy - be sure to mark these dates on your Calendar!

Tuesday Nov 2nd - YW in Excellence - A lovely evening where the YW present a project they have worked on throughout the year. All parents and buddies are invited. 7pm RS room. Yummy refreshments to follow.



Tuesday Nov 9th   6:00pm in the gym - YW Sewing project - making reversible bags. All mothers/grandmothers/buddies/sewing helpers are invited to come eat and help the YW sew this fantastic reversible bag. PLEASE bring a sewing machine or serger if you have one.

Have Kids?  Like to Exercise? 

Like Kids?  Have to Exercise?

Then our Exercise/Mommy Group is for YOU! 

   

Come join us for  "Cardio and Company?"   "Muscles and Mingling?" 

We'll think of a cute name later, but for now Sisters are welcome to join us as we exercise, chat, and let the kids run wild---ahem, play nicely.

We'd love you to join us at the Temple Street Chapel GYM on:

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00am-10:00am. 

(Wrap-up/clean-up is at about 9:50, and then we play some games with the kids)

Exercise is Freestyle, so you are welcome to bring Church appropriate dvds/dvd player or music, make up your own routine, or go for a walk/run around the gym (jumping child-sized hurdles as you go ;)  ).

(Call Cayleen Blackmore if you have any questions.)

We look forward to keeping fit with you!

Thanksgiving Pies for YOU

"A grateful heart,comes through expressing gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His blessings and to those around us for all that they bring into our lives. ...My sincere, heartfelt prayer is that we may in our individual lives reflect that marvelous virtue of gratitude. May it permeate our very souls, now and evermore."

 -President Monson (Conference 2010)

We just wanted to take a moment to wish all of you wonderful Sisters and your families a very
Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!
 What a perfect opportunity this gives us to express our gratitude to all of the good people in our lives, and most especially to our Father in heaven who has given us all that we have.

We are sure lucky to get to live where we do and to be a part of such a loving Ward Family!

To help with your Thanksgiving dinner- we are including TWO delicious Pie recipes for
you to try out at your Turkey dinner!

Happy Baking and Happy Eating!

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

PUMPKIN and Cream Cheese PIE
- shared by Sister Fisk

1 large unbaked pie shell

1 cup evaporated milk
1 1/4 cups pumpkin

2 eggs

1/2 cup sugar

1 250 gr. pkg. cream cheese
1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 cup sugar
1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp ginger

1 egg
Dash of salt


Cream together cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and egg. Spread on bottom of pie shell. Mix
pumpkin, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, evaporated milk and eggs; pour gently over
cream cheese layer. Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees F.

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


(Grandma) Zilpha Garrett's Pumpkin Pie
-Shared by Alisa Peace

3 cups Evaporated milk
1 large can Pumpkin

1 1/2 cups brown sugar

2 tbs butter

14 tsp salt

3 eggs beaten

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp cloves

1/2 tsp nutmeg

Beat together. bake in uncooked pie shell @ 400 for 45 min or until knife comes out clean. This recipe will make THREE 9" pies

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

Click Play to re-hear President Monson's talk on Gratitude.

Make up Instruction Class TONIGHT!!!!

If you'd like to learn a few tricks and tips in regards to applying your make up, then you'll want to join us tonight.   Sister Becky Leavitt and Sister Deanne Schaffer will be teaching us all they know!  

WHEN:   7:00 pm TONIGHT 

WHERE:  Sister Kay Ridley's Home  (830 7th St West)

BE SURE TO BRING:  A wash clothe, a mirror, your own regularly used make up, and your already BEAUTIFUL FACES!!

 See you There!

All you will need for your General Conference Weekend!

With General Conference just a couple of weeks away, this might be a great time to share a few tips that might really make your Conference Weekend GREAT!


FIRST:
If you are a Mother with young children or if you will be watching Conference with your Grandchildren, you will appreciate these General Conference Activity Books.

These booklets are easy to download, can be printed off in seconds,  and the activities are designed to encourage children to pay attention to the talks and speakers.  

To find the entire, 6 page, activity book in printable format Click on this Link:
General Conference Activity Packet

For even MORE Conference Activity packets, games and coloring sheets check out the Church Website HERE:   Kids Conference Coloring pages and Activity Books





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


Second:

Now that the kids are taken care of - how about us Adults?    These articles might be inspirational as we gear up to hear the Prophet and Apostles speak:

Heeding the Voice of our Prophets - President Dieter F Uchtdorf
The Twelve - Boyd K Packer
Compass of The Lord - Elder Lowell M Snow




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

Third:

One of the best parts about being able to watch General Conference is all of the food you get to eat while listening.  Just think - it is like being physically AND spiritually fed at the exact SAME time!  
So, last but not least- I wanted to share a Recipe for Breakfast Pizza.   I realize that it might seem like it takes a bit of work to make, but that's only because it does.   ;)   But oh is it worth it!   It is so yummy you will be feeling cozy before the Opening Song even begins!    Just don't fall asleep;) 
                   
                                                             Breakfast Pizza

1 1/2 loaves bread, crust removed and cubed (18 slices)

14 eggs

4 1/2 c. whole milk

1 1/2 tsp dry mustard

2-3 lbs breakfast sausage cooked and sliced

1 lb bacon cooked and sliced

2 c. ham cooked and sliced

4 c. mozzarella cheese grated

Grease 12X18 pan that is 2 1/2 inches deep.  Put bread crumbs on the bottom.  Beat eggs, add milk and mustard and pour over the bread.   Sprinkle with cheese.   Top with sausage, bacon and ham.  Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.    (If desired combine 2 cans of cr.Mushroom soup with one cup of milk and pour over top)    Bake covered at 325 for 1 1/2 hours uncovering it for the last half hour!


NOTE:   This recipe makes enough to fill one of those HUGE pans and you could probably feed half of the Stake with one of these pans. ;)    If by chance, you don't want to feed half of the Stake- then just reduce the recipe to fit your own family.    However:  it freezes and reheats beautifully and when frozen into individual ziplocs, it makes a great Breakfast to go!

Have a Great Conference Weekend!

(October 2nd and 3rd)

Mark this on the Calendar (and a tip for Preserving Food):

The general Relief Society meeting will be held on Saturday, September 25, in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City. Speakers will include a member of the First Presidency, as well as the members of the Relief Society general presidency.

 

****************
The Stake Relief Society is holding a brief meeting for all of the Sisters prior to the Broadcast.    
Where:  West Stake Center
When:  5:30 pm



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

If any of you happen to be in the process of preserving any fruits or vegetables right now- be sure to check out the Recipe link for a cool trick from Sister Hegedus!

5th Ward annual corn bust

Those with names beginning A-L please bring salad.  M-Z bring desserts.  (Please make sure your salad or dessert is a generous size so that all the ward might enjoy!)

SEE YOU THERE!

A note from the Primary

Dear Parents,

"For the primary presentation this fall, we would like all the boys to wear a white shirt and the girls to wear a white dress or a white top. We just wanted you to have a little time to look for these items.


Please let us know if you can't find anything, so we can help."

Thank you from the Primary Presidency,

Sis. Becky Leavitt
Sis. Lisa Jasperson
Sis. Terri Nelson
Sis. Nola Neilson

Back to School Tips

Well that time has arrived.   We are officially experiencing the last few days of Summer Break!    Are your kids ready?   Are you?    Seeing as that time is almost at hand – I wanted to share some helpful back-to-school tips as well as some great Websites that may help you as your child prepares for School:

First:   You may not be aware of this - but each school in town has its own website!    If you have a child attending any of these schools you will want to check in often.   You'll get access to upcoming events, team schedules, class information and even photos of the Staff.  These websites are set up for US - the parents.  Use them!

Cardston Elementary School
Cardston Junior High School
Cardston High School



Second:   If I had to chose one thing about "Back to School time" that I was least excited about it would be the monotonous task of MAKING LUNCHES ever.single.morning!   I don't know about you, but I usually find that one week in, and I'm already bored of the whole bag lunch thing, not to mention tired of the early morning scramble as I try to make breakfast and lunch all at the same time.    And then - THEN my sweet little kids have the nerve to come home with their sandwiches completely uneaten!  What's with that?    Well this year I am determined to start out right.    I found this great little website that contains countless fun and yummy looking lunch ideas.    You can pack a LOT of love into one little sandwich you know.    Well...at least for the first week;)

Back to School Lunch Ideas



And finally, a few Back To School Tips that may be useful to you as you help your child prepare!  

– If your children are anxious about starting the next grade, reassure them that other children have these feelings too.

– Establish school-day schedules for homework, TV, baths and bedtime.

– Arrange play dates with friends from school to re-establish connections that may have been dropped for the summer, or to create new ones.

– Update school emergency contact and health information for the coming year.

– As you read through all the school information, mark important dates, such as back-to-school night, parent-teacher conferences and school holidays, on the family calendar.

– Set priorities and schedules. Before school begins, discuss what extracurricular activities your child will participate in. Be realistic and don’t fall victim to over-programming. And make sure to leave enough time to do homework and for family time. It’s also smart to start a family calendar and have family members update it with activities.

– Prepare for homework. Dedicate a place to do homework and establish a regular homework time. Discourage distractions such as TV, radio or the Internet during this time.

– If your child is walking or biking to school, chart out a route to the school.

If you have any tried-and-true tips you’d like to share, don’t hesitate to add them in the comment section!

See you on the playground!!

Oh yes, one more thing:   We must give a really warm WELCOME to the new families in the ward.   There have been a few move ins over the past few weeks and we hope you'll feel at home in this ward.    Perhaps we should hunt these sisters down and do a little spotlight about them here and get to know them better.     What do you think?

Stay Tuned....

When Life Hands you Lemons ...

A couple of weeks ago, I sat in Sacrament meeting as Sister Holt spoke to us all on the subject of Adversity.   (Are we not all going to miss her lessons and talks while she is away serving on a two year mission with her husband?)    At one point in her talk, she mentioned that inevitably at some point life hands us all lemons, which - it does right?     Those little (or large) trials that bog us down and may at times seem too difficult to overcome.    However in her ever joyful way, Sister Holt reminded us that life also gives us Chocolate!      The chocolate in life being those beautiful delightful blessed moments that remind you just how SWEET life is, even when things are not going as you'd hoped.        What a Happy Thought that is!!!

Seeing as Sister Holt is the one who created this Relief Society blog, and seeing as we will all miss her while she is away,  I figured I'd post a delightful little dessert in her honor.  

One made of CHOCOLATE of course!

                                                     ______________________________

This Cake is absolutely perfect and the frosting is equally delicious!    Enjoy it for dessert, or better yet - make cupcakes and share a little "Chocolate Love" with somebody who could use it!  Enjoy!

CHOCOLATE CINNAMON CAKE
(recipe and photo taken from mindikamoments.com)

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon table salt
2 cups hot water
3/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 350 with rack in the center.
2. Spray two 8" round cake pans with nonstick spray.
3. Whisk dry cake ingredients together in a large mixing bowl.
4. Combine water, oil, vinegar, cinnamon, and vanilla in a large measuring cup.
5. Add to the dry ingredients and whisk until combined- a few lumps are ok.
6. Divide batter between the two pans (about 3 cups each), then bake until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean (35- 40 min).
7. Cool cakes for 15 minutes on a rack, then invert them onto the rack.
8. Leave upside down until completely cooled before frosting them.
CHOCOLATE CINNAMON BUTTER CREAM FROSTING

½ C. butter softened
½ - 1 C. coco powder (the more coco the more chocolaty the frosting)
Pinch of salt
½ t. vanilla
1 lb. powdered sugar
2 t. cinnamon
1/3 C. milk
1. Mix butter and vanilla until well combined.
2. Add 2 C. of the powdered sugar, salt, coco powder, cinnamon and mix well.
3. Add the milk and mix again.
4. Continue to add powdered sugar until desired frosting consistency.

(If you would prefer a vanilla cinnamon butter cream, simply leave out the coco powder. You may need just a touch more powdered sugar.)

Cardston Heritage Days runs from August 4th-7th. Be sure to check out the local paper for a schedule of all the events and activities that are planned!

Happy Holidaying!!!!

PS: Enjoy the most recent two Mormon Messages found on Lds.org .     They`re good ones!!

Our True Identity
Forgiveness: My Burden was made Light

Breakfast Impromptu!!!

If you were unable to attend the wonderful breakfast impromptu that was held at Sister Ridley's home last month, you have a chance to experience it again this week! Come and enjoy fun conversation, yummy breakfast food, and beautiful morning sun!

When: This Monday (July 19th) at 7:30 am

Where: Sister Kay Ridley's home

The Relief Society Presidency will be providing the breakfast, and you can even come in your pajamas if you want to. It doesn't get any easier than that now does it?

Start your day out right and join us!

See you there!

Be sure to check out the fun summer recipes (by clicking on the link to the right), and feel free to submit your own!

Motherhood: An eternal partnership with God

This short video clip is a must see for all of the woman in the ward. Enjoy! (Also, be sure to check out the Recipe link for a bit of "S'more" goodness!)

Happy Canada Day!!!

We are so fortunate to live in such a large Country, and to enjoy all of the freedom and luxuries that we do. Below are just a few important (and some not-so-important) facts about this beautiful place we call home!

Don't forget about the "Party in the Park" this evening as well as the fireworks tonight!

Remember that time when the "Two Teaspoons" were going to teach us all how to make the delicious sounding Bloomin' Onion? We were all looking forward to that, weren't we? Unfortunately the cooking class was cancelled as it happened to be the same evening in which so many sisters in the ward were dealing with flooded basements. THANKFULLY, Traci Russel has given us the recipe to try for ourselves.

Just click on the Recipe link (to the right) for the instructions, and be sure to let us know how it turns out.

Oh, and be sure to check back in next week for "S'MORE" Summer time Recipes!

Are you a morning person?

* Do you like to watch the Sun Rise?
* Do you feel as though there are never enough "hours" in the day?
* Do you enjoy good food?
* Do you like to visit with great people?
* Does the thought of skipping out on the whole "get the kids ready for school routine" sound pretty good right about now?
* Are you tired of eating Cold cereal?

IF you answered YES to any one of the above questions, then the following announcement is for YOU!

Breakfast Impromptu!!!

(for ALL Relief Society Sisters)

Friday June 25th

7:30 (yes that's AM)

Sister Kay Ridley's Home

Bring a favorite breakfast item to share and enjoy.

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

DON'T forget to check the links on the side. There is an important request from our Primary Presidency, Photos of the recent Rain and a yummy chili burger recipe.

Check back in later this week for some great summer recipes that will keep your family happy ALL summer long!

Due to the Rain and flooding...

the TWO TEASPOONS CLASS has been POSTPONED!!!

However: it would be great if all sisters could take some time this evening to contact those you visit teach or live beside to ensure that they are doing alright. If there are any concerns please contact a member of the Relief Society Presidency.

Feel free to check out the Photo Gallery (on the right) for some recent photos of all this water!

REMINDER

Don't forget about the cooking class this Thursday (June 17th) at the church. The

TWO TEASPOONS

will be showing us how to make something very VERY yummy to be sure!

You really don't want to miss this.

The fun starts at 7:00 pm.

ALSO: If you happen to have a son in the Young Mens Program, be sure to check out the link to the Ward Young Mens Blog. It was set up by the young mens presidency months ago, and contains some YM info you may like to know.

Youth Days

Just a reminder about Youth Days which will be held this weekend. The first ball game on Saturday begins at 9:00 am. Any family, friends, or ward members who wish to come out and cheer on the youth are more then welcome.

There will be a lunch served from 12 - 1 pm at the Church.

A Salad or squares would be appreciated.

Correction: Please note that the first game actually begins at 9:00 am. (not the previously posted time of 8:00 am)

Mind the Gap

This past Sunday, Sister Sandy Pierson taught the Relief Society lesson. She referred often to a talk given by Barbara Thompson, of the General Relief Society Presidency, entitled "Mind the GAP." It was a great reminder to us all, to "Mind the Gaps" in our own lives, whatever they may be.

Click HERE if you wish to read the talk!

Have a Great Week!

New Recipe!

Sister Raymond recently shared a recipe that she thought might be enjoyed by all of you. Not only is this bread economical to make- it is also free of eggs, oil, and sugar, yet STILL light and tasty! Sounds good to me.

In fact, slap on a bit of Sister Ridley's Chicken Salad and you just might have the makings of the Best Sandwich EVER!

(Click on "Relief Society Recipes" to get cooking instructions for both the Rye Bread and Chicken Salad!)

Primarily Speaking

The Primary Presidency has asked that we remind all of the mothers with primary age children to use the CDs they received earlier in the year. (These CDs contain the songs that the kids are learning in primary each week. ) This will really help reinforce all the efforts of our primary workers.

If you do not have a CD, be sure to contact a member of the primary presidency!


***********

Thanks Moms!!!

Egypt

It is no secret that we have a pretty impressive group of Young Woman in our ward. These accomplished, "future members of Relief Society " are always doing the neatest things!

One lucky Young Woman (a Laurel) in our ward, Mackenzie Millward, recently spent two adventurous weeks in Egypt! She got to travel with a small handful of High School peers, learn all about the Egyptian culture, and explore a very different and fascinating place.

We are so glad that she was willing to share some photos for all of us "oldies" to enjoy!
(Just click on 5th ward Photo Gallery, on the right, for your virtual Egyptian Tour!!!)

Kay's NEVER FAIL Sweet Rolls

A huge THANK YOU to Sister Kay Ridley who filled in for the "Two Teaspoons" this past week, and taught a wonderful cooking class that was enjoyed by all.

She stepped up to the "plate," (pun intended), and shared with us the secrets to making Sweet Bread. All kinds of Sweet Bread! Throughout the evening, she drew from a seemingly endless supply of dough, and demonstrated first hand how to make the perfect Cinnamon Bun. Of course, the Orange Buns, Cinnamon Knots, Braided Bread, and her own cherished version of Creme Puffs were equally delicious!

Some of the most important tips and secrets she shared that you might want to know are as follows:

1.
When making cinnamon buns, it is important to use lots of Butter!
2.

If you use lots of butter, well you might as well be generous with the sugar too!

3.
You can make anything taste great with enough butter and sugar!!!!

While most of us watched Sister Ridley bake, a few diligent multi-taskers tied a beautiful quilt and prepared some blankets that will be given to those who need them. Thank you ladies!



It was a lovely evening. Not only did we all walk away with extra full tummies, but we each carried within our icing covered hands - the coveted recipe for Kay's NEVER FAIL Sweet Roll Dough. (I put heavy emphasis on the NEVER FAIL part, as she assured us that this dough recipe is absolutely impossible to mess up.)

Thanks Sister Ridley, for sharing it with us all!

Kay's Never Fail Sweet Rolls

Add 6 cups of warm water to a large bowl

Add 1 cup of sugar

Add 4 tablespoons regular yeast

Let rise for 10 minutes

Add 8 cups eggs, well beaten

Add 3 teaspoons salt

Add 1 cup vegetable oil or melted margarine

Add about 20 cups of flour (4 cups at a time) until you have a soft ball.

Knead well, let rise until double in size, form into buns, (or cinnamon buns if that is the case). Let rise again for about 1 hour or until double in size. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes.

NOTE: This recipe will make 4 dozen LARGE cinnamon buns.

Flu Fighting Foods

Pat Hegedus, our Ward Preparedness Specialist was given this article on Flu-Fighting Foods to share with all of us. If any questions, please contact her directly.

It is very worth the reading and taking notes from. Thanks Pat!

Click on the word View, below to read the whole article.

Flu-Fighting Foods.cwk (WP).pdf

37K View Download

'A Woman's Purse'

Written and Recited by Mackenzie Millward

They say the eyes are windows to the soul
But ask any women who really knows,
Whether for better, or for the very worse
A better way inside is through a women’s purse.

Whether a designer bag or one filled with toys
Snacks and general items for silencing noise
The truth remains and the truth stands hard
Whatever the contents we are all Daughters of God.

A busy mother fills her tote with things needed for
The baby and the kids, carpool and church.
A nurturing soul, no doubt, prepared to offer help.
A tear subdued, a bandaged knee, no thought for herself.

Some may say it’s a thankless task
For a child’s years are gone too fast.
But those of us who truly know
Understand that it’s a special role.

A college student, learned but very poor
She lugs around her posessions with her.
‘The rise and Fall of Rome’ a pencil or pen.
Three dollars left from the money she’s spent.

It’s true that her life is hectic and full
But at least it will never be dull.
Her tired eyes shine with a pure, golden light
As she does all she can to follow Christ.

Others still are no strangers to the work force.
Be it a teacher, executive, cashier or nurse.
A lunch to go, a cell phone charged, a key for the door.
Balancing all that she is seems no problem for her.

But sometimes life becomes too much
Which somehow makes us feel we're not enough.
What an idea! If our true selves knew
We would forever fight for the truth.

Our bags may be heavy, much energy’s lost
But is anything heavier than a wooden cross?
The Savior knows our yokes and lives
And promises to make our burdens light.

So be of good cheer, laugh and love
Keep you eye on the ball, but your sights above.
Pack you bag with courage to endure
And know you’re never alone with your Savior standing there.

Chicken Salad Recipe

☞ Here is the requested recipe from the March Relief Society Party!

Chicken Salad Recipe 
2 cups of diced cooked chicken
1/3 to 1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 TBSPS sour cream
1 cup sliced green grapes
2 green onions including some stem sliced
1 rib celery thinly sliced
1/4 tsp salt
dash of pepper
1 TBSP lemon juice
1 tsp honey...or to your taste
1/2 cup walnut pieces (optional)
salad greens (optional)
sliced or diced avacado (optional)
To Put in a Bun: Line the bun first with a lettuce leaf and then top with the chicken salad mix.
♡ Thanks Kay Ridley for this scrumptious recipe!!

Relief Society Party

Ward Relief Society Party March 18,2010

Theme: "Bring your purses full and  your stomachs empty!"


Yummy food to fill our empty stomachs...delicious and beautiful !


If you click right on the pictures they will enlarge .

Display table of antique purses of personal heritage.


*Each round table had a special display of a purse and items that might be carried in them. However the extra best part was the socializing of the Sisters! 
*Husbands of some of the sisters very capably and gallantly served us a perfect supper!
* A short fun spoof fashion show of specialty purses and aptly given description of the special contents was given by MC Lori Brooks. Four year old Katie Leavitt pranced her soft plush princess purse around full of her treasures of jewelry.  (She told her mom that she had been waiting all her life to be in a fashion show. So cute!) Teen Dalys Fletcher showed her classy little purple purse and most of her favorites inside were purple too. Mother of 4 young children, Tanis Hardy had a major heavy mother's/kids bag full of emergency and needful items. It weighed more than her young daughter. (Sorry Tannis that your picture turned our blurry...my fault.) 
Kay Ridley (councilor in the RS presidency), toted the presidency R.S. bag. It is passed from presidency to presidency...so beware when it turns up outside your door! MacKenzie Millward subbed in for Tracy Russell who had brought a family sports outing bag...fishing pole and many more sports beachy items, plus picnic cooler and the works! Gayla Holt showed off her grandma purse with its' many compartments that held goodies to eat, draw, color, gum chew,and so on! 
*A group table purse game was played with points for certain items on a list and then bonus points for any items that no other ladies had. Competition was tough...Edra Pillings table won the cute prizes ...see their table picture! HOWEVER... we now know who needs to clean out their purses the most!!!
* Young Woman MacKenzie Millward was asked to compose a poem about 'purses and women'. It was so special and heartwarming, It concluded with how we need to fill our lives with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Her poem will be posted at a later date, when we get a copy.)
* Memory lane back to some early prominent General RS Presidents, to read from their biography...Louise Creed represented Emma Smith; Myrna Remington spotlighted Eliza R. Snow, Dianne Oertli honored Louise Y. Robison, and Wendy Low summed up how Relief Society Sisters today and over the decades have more in common than we have differences. Truly we are 'sisters' who love our family and the Lord and sincerely desire to do our best at all times!

Close up view of the antique purses...real shells, real fur and skins. The dainty white link purse in the wooden case, is at least 100 years old!! Amazing!! 


*We watched a Commemoration Video: "Relief Society An Enduring Legacy". Go to lds.org to view it.
*This memorable evening concluded with Sharon Schaffer singing "As Sisters in Zion". As the song progressed, sisters at the tables rose to sing with her, UNITY! (Sharon, sorry, your pic turned out blurry and not as nice as I wanted, so I did not post it as I valued my life more...)


Noteworthy: There is a certain Primary secretary in our ward who was coveting the cowgirl saddle bag purse from the pawn shop. Perhaps the Bishop will include it in the Primary budget for her to carry her primary things. This spunky lady also did NOT want her picture taken. I never noticed until I got home and uploaded the pictures on my computer and saw what she did when I took the picture. See if you can spot her at Edra's winning table?!
***THANKYOU TO ALL WHO DID ANYTHING and EVERYTHING TO HELP CREATE THIS FUN AND MEMORABLE RELIEF SOCIETY PARTY!