after my 9 servings of fruits and vegetables!!
Women's Conference Class presented by Linda Darby
Recipes:
QUINOA AND BLACK BEAN SALAD
1 ½ cups quinoa
1 ½ cups black beans – rinsed
¾ cup green, red or yellow pepper or all three
cotija cheese -
Dressing:
5 TBS fresh lime juice
1 tsp salt
1 ¼ tsp ground cumin
1/3-cup olive oil
1 ½ TBS red-wine vinegar
In a bowl wash quinoa in a least 5 change of cold water to ensure the quinoa does not have a bitter flavor. Cook quinoa. Transfer quinoa to a bowl and cool. Mix with beans and peppers.
In a small container whisk all ingredients except oil together. Add oil in a stream, whisking. Pour dressing over quinoa. When you serve you may add avocado, tomatoes or cotija cheese.
I usually add more peppers and just use what I have on hand.
Cabbage Salad
1 small red cabbage
2 TBS olive oil
2 TBS fresh lemon juice
sea salt
¼ c. grated parmesan cheese
dash of black pepper
Cut cabbage in thin strips. Make dressing with olive oil and lemon juice. Drizzle dressing over cabbage. Add parmesan, salt and pepper.
Teff Brownies
12 TBS butter
5 oz dark chocolate, chopped
1 oz unsweetened chocolate, chopped
3 large eggs
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
¾ cup teff flour
¼ tsp salt
Preheat the oven to 350. Line an 8-inch square cake pan with parchment paper. Combine the butter and chocolate in a double boiler. Melt over barely simmering water, and let cool to lukewarm. Beat the eggs, sugar, and vanilla until well combined. Beat in the chocolate mixture, then the teff flour and salt. Transfer the batter to the pan and smooth the top. Bake until the top is set and pale brown but the interior is still moist, bout 35 minutes. An inserted toothpick should emerge slightly sticky. The brownies will continue to cook for a few minutes as they cool. These last for a couple of days but freeze well for a longer life!
You can get teff at Bob’s Red Mill.
Black Bean and Peppers Tacos
1-2 cups red, yellow or green pepper chopped or thinly sliced
2 cups black beans or 1 can of beans rinsed
1 can tomatoes ( I use petite cut or Mexican stewed, they all work!)
1 can diced green chilis
1 TBS olive oil
1-2 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
dash cayenne pepper
cotija cheese to taste
Sauté peppers in olive oil until soft. Add cumin, chili powder and cayenne pepper. Add green chilis and sauté for about a minute more. Add beans and tomatoes and cook for 10-15 minutes until it is all warmed through. Add salt and pepper to taste. I make this recipe just off the top of my head so you may want a bit more or less seasoning according to your taste. You can also sauté onions with the peppers(my husband is allergic so those are not included in the recipe). You can put the mixture in flour or corn tortillas or on lettuce for a hearty salad. Cook some quinoa for extra protein and tasty flavor! This is also good mixed in with scrambled eggs and a little cheddar cheese.
Nut Muffins
2 ½ cups ground almonds
¼ cup melted butter or ¼ cup plain yogurt (I do a mix of both)
½ cup honey
½ tsp baking soda
dash salt
3 eggs
1-2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp almond extract (optional)
Heat oven to 375 and line muffin tins with papers.
Add eggs and honey and mix thoroughly. Add the nuts and beat well. Add butter or yogurt as needed to bring to a muffin batter consistency. Blend in baking soda and salt. Spoon batter into muffin tins filling about one-half full. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until muffins spring back when pressed. Because these muffins are baked with almond flour they sometimes fall. They will not have the same lightness as muffins made with wheat flour.
Optional – add chocolate chips, raisins or berries to muffins.
I buy my almond flour from Honeyville Food. You want to buy blanched almond flour. You want to make sure that you keep it frozen or refrigerated or else it will go rancid. Do not buy it from a store that keeps in on the regular shelves or in bins. It does not keep that way.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Way Beyond Spoiling
Great Ideas for Grandparents
2011 Women's Conference class taught by Beverly Johnston.
“…..Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.” Genesis 18:18 - 19
5 ¶ THERE was in the days of Herod, the king of Judæa, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.
6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. Luke 1:5 - 6
President Boyd K. Packer "The Golden Years" Conference April 2003
Keep the fire of your testimony of the restored gospel and your witness of our Redeemer burning so brightly that our children can warm their hands by the fire of your faith. That is what grandfathers and grandmothers are to do!
Below are instructions/sources for a few of the ideas that Bev shared in her class.
First, here is the web address for The Living Christ visuals.
http://www.bookofmormondiscovery.com//livingchrist
Once you get to the web site you have to scroll down to find the download button and then follow a few simple instructions to pull up the illustrations which are free and will be in pdf format. You can save it to your computer and then print the pages you want. There are several sizes available. It's a wonderful find.
2011 Women's Conference class taught by Beverly Johnston.
“…..Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.” Genesis 18:18 - 19
5 ¶ THERE was in the days of Herod, the king of Judæa, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.
6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. Luke 1:5 - 6
President Boyd K. Packer "The Golden Years" Conference April 2003
Keep the fire of your testimony of the restored gospel and your witness of our Redeemer burning so brightly that our children can warm their hands by the fire of your faith. That is what grandfathers and grandmothers are to do!
Below are instructions/sources for a few of the ideas that Bev shared in her class.
First, here is the web address for The Living Christ visuals.
http://www.bookofmormondiscovery.com//livingchrist
Once you get to the web site you have to scroll down to find the download button and then follow a few simple instructions to pull up the illustrations which are free and will be in pdf format. You can save it to your computer and then print the pages you want. There are several sizes available. It's a wonderful find.
DIRECTIONS FOR THE REMARKABLE QUILT
Designed by Catherine Johnson & Beverly Johnston
You will need:
12 18 inch squares of coordinating brightly colored fleece and flannel, both plain and patterned. Including a square or two of “popcorn fleece” looks good
2 yards of 54 inch wide (or wider) quilt batting, any thickness, but 1/4 inch is what I used.
2 yards of 58/60 inch wide fleece in a coordinating color
Directions:
Cut 12 18 inc;h squares of coordinating fleece and flannel, very easy to do with a rotary cutter on a cutting mat.
Lay it out on the floor 3 across, 4 down, until you are happy with the arrangement.
Machine stitch the squares together one row at time.
Spread out the backing on the floor. You don’t need a quilt frame, but could use one if you’d like.
Lay the batting centered on top of the backing with 2 inches of the backing extending beyond the batting on all 4 sides.
Lay the quilt top on top of the batting
Stretch the quilt and pin the edges together.
Using coordinating or contrasting yarn, tie the quilt at each square corner. There will be 6 ties
Fold the edge of the backing under about a quarter inch and wrap it around to the front of the quilt to finish the quilt edges on all four sides. Pin as you go.
Miter the corners. You will have to cut out some of the bulk to do this.
Machine stitch all four sides to finish,
Attach poem below.
THE REMARKABLE QUILT
By Beverly Johnston
It looks like a quilt, and it is to be sure,
But this quilt you will realize is oh so much more.
When you’re tired, when you’re sick, when you’re sad, when you’re cold,
When you’re scared, when you’re mad or when play’s getting old.
When your mom’s gone away, when there’s no place to play,
You’ll find that your quilt is your friend for the day.
It works on your bed; it works on the floor,
In the yard, on the couch, and a trillion spots more.
Perhaps it may be a tent that you’re needing,
It may be a spot to curl up when you’re reading,
Spread it out on the grass on a warm sunny day,
It’s a place to have lunch and a great place to play.
Your quilt can be used when you’re ready for sleeping,
Its’ a great place for hiding some things you are keeping,
And when you’re about to be watching TV,
I certainly, definitely would want one on me.
If you suddenly find you’ve a hurt on your head,
Lay right down, tuck it in, and voila it’s a bed.
If an ache or a fever attack in the night,
Your quilt is the thing that makes you feel right…
(much more than a sweater… it makes you better.)
If you decide you are wanting to go for a ride,
Spread it out, climb aboard and take off for a glide,
It’s a carpet of magic as used by Aladdin,
It’s a cape that our flying friend superman had on.
If you put two together they turn to a chain,
Add on more and voila you’ve created a train,
If you ever are driving to far away places,
Your quilt is a friend in the midst of strange faces.
You’ll discover your quilt is a working friend too,
It makes the jobs easy that you have to do.
It can carry your toys or your clothes to their places,
It can work as a bucket or bag or suitcases.
If it’s raining your quilt can become an umbrella,
If you’re hot, it makes shade or a fan like propeller.
If it’s cold and you find that you’re getting the shivers,
Grab your quilt… cuddle up, cozy warmth it delivers
Your quilt is a rug when you kneel down to pray,
Your quilt is a friend at the end of the day,
It will always be loyal and faithful and true,
And the best magic is it can talk words to you.
If you listen real closely with both of your ears,
“Merry Christmas!” it says, and “A Happy New Year!” *optional line below
“We love you! We love you! You must never forget”
“When it comes to great kids in the world... you are it!”
*optional line…. “Happy Birthday!” it says, and “A Very Great Year.”
You will need:
12 18 inch squares of coordinating brightly colored fleece and flannel, both plain and patterned. Including a square or two of “popcorn fleece” looks good
2 yards of 54 inch wide (or wider) quilt batting, any thickness, but 1/4 inch is what I used.
2 yards of 58/60 inch wide fleece in a coordinating color
Directions:
Cut 12 18 inc;h squares of coordinating fleece and flannel, very easy to do with a rotary cutter on a cutting mat.
Lay it out on the floor 3 across, 4 down, until you are happy with the arrangement.
Machine stitch the squares together one row at time.
Spread out the backing on the floor. You don’t need a quilt frame, but could use one if you’d like.
Lay the batting centered on top of the backing with 2 inches of the backing extending beyond the batting on all 4 sides.
Lay the quilt top on top of the batting
Stretch the quilt and pin the edges together.
Using coordinating or contrasting yarn, tie the quilt at each square corner. There will be 6 ties
Fold the edge of the backing under about a quarter inch and wrap it around to the front of the quilt to finish the quilt edges on all four sides. Pin as you go.
Miter the corners. You will have to cut out some of the bulk to do this.
Machine stitch all four sides to finish,
Attach poem below.
THE REMARKABLE QUILT
By Beverly Johnston
It looks like a quilt, and it is to be sure,
But this quilt you will realize is oh so much more.
When you’re tired, when you’re sick, when you’re sad, when you’re cold,
When you’re scared, when you’re mad or when play’s getting old.
When your mom’s gone away, when there’s no place to play,
You’ll find that your quilt is your friend for the day.
It works on your bed; it works on the floor,
In the yard, on the couch, and a trillion spots more.
Perhaps it may be a tent that you’re needing,
It may be a spot to curl up when you’re reading,
Spread it out on the grass on a warm sunny day,
It’s a place to have lunch and a great place to play.
Your quilt can be used when you’re ready for sleeping,
Its’ a great place for hiding some things you are keeping,
And when you’re about to be watching TV,
I certainly, definitely would want one on me.
If you suddenly find you’ve a hurt on your head,
Lay right down, tuck it in, and voila it’s a bed.
If an ache or a fever attack in the night,
Your quilt is the thing that makes you feel right…
(much more than a sweater… it makes you better.)
If you decide you are wanting to go for a ride,
Spread it out, climb aboard and take off for a glide,
It’s a carpet of magic as used by Aladdin,
It’s a cape that our flying friend superman had on.
If you put two together they turn to a chain,
Add on more and voila you’ve created a train,
If you ever are driving to far away places,
Your quilt is a friend in the midst of strange faces.
You’ll discover your quilt is a working friend too,
It makes the jobs easy that you have to do.
It can carry your toys or your clothes to their places,
It can work as a bucket or bag or suitcases.
If it’s raining your quilt can become an umbrella,
If you’re hot, it makes shade or a fan like propeller.
If it’s cold and you find that you’re getting the shivers,
Grab your quilt… cuddle up, cozy warmth it delivers
Your quilt is a rug when you kneel down to pray,
Your quilt is a friend at the end of the day,
It will always be loyal and faithful and true,
And the best magic is it can talk words to you.
If you listen real closely with both of your ears,
“Merry Christmas!” it says, and “A Happy New Year!” *optional line below
“We love you! We love you! You must never forget”
“When it comes to great kids in the world... you are it!”
*optional line…. “Happy Birthday!” it says, and “A Very Great Year.”
Obtaining Mental Well-Being
Therapy & Techniques
2011 Women's Conference Class, taught by Katie Curtis
Anxiety:
Spiritual- prayer, meditation
Mental- guided imagery (breathing, happy place)
Physical- relaxation (robot/floppy doll)
Depression:
Spiritual- Personal Progress (divine nature, individual worth)
Mental- cognitive distortions (google it, lots of online information)
Physical- assertiveness (see attached)
Resources:
http://ccc.byu.edu/cc/handouts
My Battle with Depression by Mollie H. Sorensen
"Awake My Soul!": Dealing Firmly with Depression by Steve Gilliland
Do Not Despair by Ezra Taft Benson
Mental Illness: In Search of Understanding and Hope by Jan Underwood Pinborough
ASSERTIVENESS FLOW CHART
Passive
Saying NO
Socializing
Form an opinion
Practice making decisions
Know and stand up for rights
Start conversation
End conversation
Talk about positive and negative feelings
Accept compliments
Question rules or traditions
Own your message, I-statements
Self-awareness
Get to know yourself
Set boundaries
Assertive
Use appropriate language
Respect others’ rights, boundaries
Talk to someone about root of aggression
Stress management
Recognize opinion as such
Tone of voice, body language
Listen
Slow down
Relaxation, breathing
Displace aggression
Compromise
Golden rule
Aggressive
2011 Women's Conference Class, taught by Katie Curtis
Anxiety:
Spiritual- prayer, meditation
Mental- guided imagery (breathing, happy place)
Physical- relaxation (robot/floppy doll)
Depression:
Spiritual- Personal Progress (divine nature, individual worth)
Mental- cognitive distortions (google it, lots of online information)
Physical- assertiveness (see attached)
Resources:
http://ccc.byu.edu/cc/handouts
My Battle with Depression by Mollie H. Sorensen
"Awake My Soul!": Dealing Firmly with Depression by Steve Gilliland
Do Not Despair by Ezra Taft Benson
Mental Illness: In Search of Understanding and Hope by Jan Underwood Pinborough
ASSERTIVENESS FLOW CHART
Passive
Saying NO
Socializing
Form an opinion
Practice making decisions
Know and stand up for rights
Start conversation
End conversation
Talk about positive and negative feelings
Accept compliments
Question rules or traditions
Own your message, I-statements
Self-awareness
Get to know yourself
Set boundaries
Assertive
Use appropriate language
Respect others’ rights, boundaries
Talk to someone about root of aggression
Stress management
Recognize opinion as such
Tone of voice, body language
Listen
Slow down
Relaxation, breathing
Displace aggression
Compromise
Golden rule
Aggressive
STUFF MANAGEMENT 101
How to control clutter, get organized & manage all your STUFF
2011 Women's Conference Class, taught by Stephanie Stewart
EVALUATE YOUR STUFF
Do you feel like you have too much stuff?
Are there areas in your home that are cluttered with stuff?
Is there stuff bulging, overflowing, toppling or stacked anywhere?
Where does stuff seem to accumulate?
Do you feel like you have places for all of your stuff?
Do you feel like you need more space to store your stuff?
Is your stuff organized?
How does your stuff make you feel?
TACKLE YOUR STUFF
1. Pick a spot (slutter ares, junk drawer, crammed closet, kids room, kitchen cabinet)
2. Use 6 bags or boxes labeled: keep here, relocate, return, repair, donate & toss
3. Sort the stuff in the spot you are working on (dump it out, empty it out, or sort it out item by item)
4. Ask with each item "why am I keeping this?"--keep all the "I use it and I need it" stuff
5. Ask "what kind of stuff is this?"--keep "all the time and most of the time" stuff
6. Move the rest of the stuff into the appropriate boxes
7. Use the Rules for Storing, Organizing and Managing your stuff to put things away
ASK – “WHY AM I KEEPING THIS?”
Justified Stuff: "I use it and I need it." GREAT! KEEP IT!
2011 Women's Conference Class, taught by Stephanie Stewart
EVALUATE YOUR STUFF
Do you feel like you have too much stuff?
Are there areas in your home that are cluttered with stuff?
Is there stuff bulging, overflowing, toppling or stacked anywhere?
Where does stuff seem to accumulate?
Do you feel like you have places for all of your stuff?
Do you feel like you need more space to store your stuff?
Is your stuff organized?
How does your stuff make you feel?
TACKLE YOUR STUFF
1. Pick a spot (slutter ares, junk drawer, crammed closet, kids room, kitchen cabinet)
2. Use 6 bags or boxes labeled: keep here, relocate, return, repair, donate & toss
3. Sort the stuff in the spot you are working on (dump it out, empty it out, or sort it out item by item)
4. Ask with each item "why am I keeping this?"--keep all the "I use it and I need it" stuff
5. Ask "what kind of stuff is this?"--keep "all the time and most of the time" stuff
6. Move the rest of the stuff into the appropriate boxes
7. Use the Rules for Storing, Organizing and Managing your stuff to put things away
ASK – “WHY AM I KEEPING THIS?”
Justified Stuff: "I use it and I need it." GREAT! KEEP IT!
Unjustified Stuff: "I like it" "It cost a lot" "I might use it" "I can't waste it" "I got that for..." "It's memorable" "It was a gift" "It's cute" "I just can't part with it" YES, BUT DO YOU USE IT, NEED IT?
ASK – “WHAT KIND OF STUFF IS THIS?”
All the time Stuff (have to keep)........gets prime locations (top drawers, main cabinets & shelves)
Most of the Time Stuff (need to keep)......gets secondary locations (2nd shelf, higher up, near-by)
Some of the Time Stuff (should keep)...gets "storage" locations (closets, highest shelf, garage)
Keepsake Stuff (want to keep - true keepsakes) ... Gets specifiec and limited storage
Stupid Stuff (stuff ou don't have to, need to or should be keeping). . . gets NO space
RULES for Storing, Organizing and Managing Your Stuff
1. Give everything you own a “home” (a very specific storage spot)
this is your key to clutter control
use a box, drawer, jar, closet, shelf, room, corner, basket, etc
ie. batteries, cameras, keys, cell phone, purse, gift cards, coins, scissors, homework, library books
you should be able to tidy up your home just by putting everything away
2. Group Like Items – store similar items together or in the same area
similar kitchen items, medicines/first aid, repair items, project/craft supplies, gift wrapping
3. Downsize – anything that you may have too many of (Tupperware, sheets, movies, clothes, books, crafts )
Designate a limited space and when items start out growing their space then downsize
4. Identify clutter spots and eliminate them
Notice areas that are dumping grounds and devise storage solutions in that area for those things
Backpacks, shoes, papers, dirty clothes, papers
5. Point of Use – store things where you use them
Watch and see if you go get something elsewhere to bring back and use it where you were
ie. tools, shoes, kids art stuff, tape, cups, wrapping paper, hairbrushes, broom, medicines, envelopes
6. Make Things Easy To Put Away – make things easier to put away then to get out
If you have to open, move or take something else out – it create steps and you won’t do it
hooks vs. hangers (coats, towels, backpacks), take lids off bins, don’t stack items or put things behind
put hampers, garbage cans and necessary supplies in every room
7. Containerize – loose items become unorganized and cluttered
Use bins, baskets, or boxes to contain loose, bagged, or small items
use containers in drawers and on shelves, label them
ie. medicine bottles, kids toys/games, bathroom stuff, kitchen drawers, garage tools, pantry
8. Eliminate the junk drawers – don’t have any drawer be a “catch all”
assign your drawers (office supplies, sharps, spoons and spatulas, baking drawer)
assign the space within the drawer as well
DON’T put anything else in that drawer unless you make that its home
9. Create a DI box – and use it
Think of how much stuff we bring in – make sure equal stuff is going out
10. Establish Temporary Storage Spaces - for things coming in and going out of your house
Set up in boxes and out boxes (for papers, homework, mail)
Use a bag or basket or shelf to hold things that need to be returned to stores, library, friends
Create a place where you keep library books and DVD rentals while you have them
Designate a place for you or your kids to keep projects being worked on
11. Create Work Stations – designate clearly defined work areas and store appropriate things there
specific areas for doing specific things (work zones)
ie. baking center, knives and cutting, bill paying, wrapping, crafting, changing baby
things should be stored there and used there
12. Multiples - have more than one of frequently used items and keep them in different places
tools, scissors, garbage cans, laundry baskets, bandages, stamps, wipes, hair brushes, toothbrushes
13. Use Wasted Space
look for short things in tall spaces, space under hanging items, places you could add shelves
When you think you don’t have enough storage space, look again
14. Don’t stack or stuff – it makes it hard to get things out and difficult to put things away
15. Pickup every day – maintain the order, it is easy when everything has a home and it shouldn’t take long
~
Everything you have takes up space
Everything in your space creates your environment
Your environment effects how you live and how you feel
Remember this as you manage your stuff
Preparing YOURSELF for a Senior Mission
Sister Ilene Barney was scheduled to present this class but she was called away to assist and care for her mother who was hospitalized this week. We wanted to share her information for those who were interested in her class.
Preparing Yourself for A Senior Mission
To learn more about mission opportunities for seniors, visit www.lds.org/csm
http://lds.org/csm/faq.pdf -- Frequently Asked Questions about senior missions. 13 pages; very thorough.
Great motivational reads:
Mary Ellen Edmunds, "Add Life to Your Years, and Years to Your Life", Ensign, July 1984, 14 .
Great article on the variety of things senior missionaries can do and how much they love it, benefit from it, seem to grow younger and happier by it.
Robert D. Hales, "Couple Missionaries: Blessings from Sacrifice and Service", Ensign, May 2005, 39–42
(Excerpts)
What if something happens with my health or my family? Most often you are free to come home for emergencies or medical treatment. Distance would be the only mitigating factor. Sister Frandsen (from an Ensign article): “Perhaps one of my biggest fears was health concerns; instead, we have experienced health blessings. Our missionary schedule is healthful. We get up early, retire early, exercise daily, and eat nutritious foods. The Lord blesses missionaries with strength to perform their labors. You need not be afraid!”
What about my family’s needs while I am away? They take care of themselves. Frequently problems are resolved when you go on a mission. It’s a blessing that many couples have talked about. It sets an example that helps them more than you can help them if you are there. Another couple tells of blessings that come from missionary service. They wrote: “Good people replaced our parenting functions better than we. … If a family problem has not yielded to prayer and fasting, a mission might be considered.”
Will I be able to make the necessary sacrifices?
Elder Frandsen: “We sometimes smile when those back home think that we are making a sacrifice. The sacrifice is miniscule compared to the blessings, joy, and satisfaction that God gives us each day.”
The Frandsens’ experiences are typical of comments we hear from other senior missionaries serving throughout Asia. Recently, one senior couple became emotional when advised that they could finish their mission one month early so they could be home at Christmastime. We assumed that their tears were tears of joy for the opportunity of being reunited with their children and grandchildren at Christmas. Little did we understand that their tears were tears of sadness. Knowing that they might never have another opportunity to serve in this capacity again, they desired to spend one last Christmas in the mission field!
After 51 years of marriage, I was asked, “What part of life would you want to live over again?” I did not hesitate to reply, “When my wife and I served together in the great missionary work of the Lord.” The sentiments of another missionary couple echo those of my wife and myself: “Our decision to go on a mission brought new vigor, new emotions, new friends, new places, new challenges. It brought us closer together as husband and wife; we had a common goal and a real partnership. And best of all, it brought new spiritual growth, instead of spiritual retirement.” Brothers and sisters, let us not go into spiritual retirement. (Robert D. Hales, "Couple Missionaries: Blessings from Sacrifice and Service", Ensign, May 2005, 39–42)
Perspectives from Stake Members who have served:
Brother Burt Bullock: (Not direct quotes)
Finances: The Church will never send you somewhere you can’t afford. The biggest decision is what to do with your home. Some sell it and buy another when they return. Some have someone check on it each week. Some have someone rent it. Having a young single adult or two live there while you are gone usually works well. Having someone with children live there is always another possibility.
Preparation: What you’ve done all your life. Your life is your preparation.
What will I be asked to do? No matter what you are asked to do, it will not be enough. You will want to do more. The Bullocks went to their mission president and asked what more they could do. He told them “Do whatever you want to build the Kingdom.” So often it is entirely up to you, what you want to do and enjoy doing, and at the pace you set. There are so many options.
If you simply cannot serve a full-time mission (health, family needs, etc.) you can give money to the help other couples who can’t afford to go, but otherwise would.
Sister Cottle
(not direct quotes)
D&C 109:22-23—(Blessing on missionaries from Kirtland Temple Dedication give to the Prophet Joseph Smith by revelation) “And we ask thee, Holy Father, that thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them; And from this place they may bear exceedingly great and glorious tidings, in truth, unto the ends of the earth, that they may know that this is thy work, and that thou hast put forth thy hand to fulfil that which thou hast spoken by the mouths of the prophets, concerning the last days.” The power we have from the house of the Lord to go forth and be missionaries is great preparation.
Study and ponder the Book of Mormon because it will prepare you better to strengthen and help the young missionaries. Most missionaries know the Book of Mormon, but they lack the experience and understanding to know what it means.
Couples are so urgently needed everywhere, and they fill a vacuum that young missionaries can’t do.
Most of us have been preparing all our lives. We have had so many experiences in just living the gospel. Those experiences are such a great tool for those in the mission field who haven’t been exposed to it, who don’t know our way of life. We take it for granted but for someone else it is an inspiration.
Prepare yourself for the joy of a lifetime. We are so badly needed, so greatly loved and so greatly appreciated by new members that our help is just hardly expressable.
D&C 30:1-2 lists five things that detract from effective missionary work:
1. Fearing man
2. Not relying on God for strength
3. Keeping our minds on the things of the earth more than on the things of God, our Maker
4. Not giving heed to the Lord’s spirit
5. Allowing ourselves to be persuaded by those whom God has not commanded
References:
• Unselfish Service by DALLIN H. OAKS, April 2009 General Conference
• Richard M. Romney, "To Prepare", New Era, June 1987, 12
• Marvin K. Gardner, "What Parents Can Do … Before the Call Comes", Ensign, Dec. 1979, 7
• Becoming a Missionary, by Elder David A. Bednar, Oct 2005
* Roger Terry, "If I Had Known at 19 …", New Era, Mar. 2007, 54–56
• “Your Mission Will Change Everything” by Elder David F. Evans, Ensign, May 2006, p. 32.
• M. Russell Ballard, "How to Prepare to Be a Good Missionary", New Era, Mar. 2007, 6–11
• The Making of a Missionary, by Trent Toone, Mormon Times, Thursday, Apr. 29, 2010
Friday, January 28, 2011
Blended Families Panel Discussion
Women's Conference Class/Panel Discussion
Camille Gifford
Ellen Bradford
Laura Walhood
& Debbie McDowell
Suggestions for Successful Step-parenting
1. - Be prayerful. Heavenly Father knows you are doing the best you can. He wants your family to succeed and be happy.
2. - Keep an eternal perspective.
- As a step-parent, you need a mature, Christ-like attitude.
- May have to take "the backseat."
3.- Love the step-kids, because you love your spouse and they are a part of him/her.
- Base your actions, re-actions, & decisions on "What is best for the kids?"
- “The door is always open” policy- They are free to call you or live with you
4. -Have a united front
- Everyone treated equitably
- Support your spouse (parent of step-kids) even if you don’t agree.
- Money
- Discipline
5. - Establish family rules-- the fewer the better.
6- Talk about the “former spouse” with respect in front of the kids.
- Display cordial interactions with former spouse (if possible).
Camille Gifford
Ellen Bradford
Laura Walhood
& Debbie McDowell
Suggestions for Successful Step-parenting
1. - Be prayerful. Heavenly Father knows you are doing the best you can. He wants your family to succeed and be happy.
2. - Keep an eternal perspective.
- As a step-parent, you need a mature, Christ-like attitude.
- May have to take "the backseat."
3.- Love the step-kids, because you love your spouse and they are a part of him/her.
- Base your actions, re-actions, & decisions on "What is best for the kids?"
- “The door is always open” policy- They are free to call you or live with you
4. -Have a united front
- Everyone treated equitably
- Support your spouse (parent of step-kids) even if you don’t agree.
- Money
- Discipline
5. - Establish family rules-- the fewer the better.
6- Talk about the “former spouse” with respect in front of the kids.
- Display cordial interactions with former spouse (if possible).
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Budgeting and Living Frugally
2011 Women's Conference Class by Robin Judkins
Budgeting and Being Frugal
1. All things to the Lord are spiritual…D & C 29:34 Wherefore, verily I say unto you that all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a alaw which was btemporal; neither any man, nor the children of men; neither Adam, your father, whom I created.
2. Everything we have is a gift from the Lord?
3. Are we being good stewards over all the Lord has blessed us with?… D & C 136:27 Thou shalt be diligent in preserving what thou hast, that thou mayest be a wise steward; for it is the free gift of the Lord thy God, and thou art his steward.
4. How many of us have our own money, our husband has his own money or do we combine our money for the good of the family?
5. Do we have a monthly budget for food, clothes, savings, accidentals or incidentals?
Are we living within our means? Do we spend more than we make? Do we know the difference between a need and a want? Do we have credit card debt and making interest payments each month?…. We have often heard that interest is a good servant but a terrible master. President J. Reuben Clark Jr. described it this way: “Interest never sleeps nor sickens nor dies; it never goes to the hospital; it works on Sundays and holidays; it never takes a vacation. … Once in debt, interest is your companion every minute of the day and night; you cannot shun it or slip away from it; you cannot dismiss it; it yields neither to entreaties, demands, or orders; and whenever you get in its way or cross its course or fail to meet its demands, it crushes you.”
6. Do we meet with our spouse to talk about finances and budgets and if so, how often?
7. Will we make sacrifices for the good of the family with unselfishness?
8. Does one of us have spending habits?
A. Tithing: Always pay the Lord first…. 3 Nephi 8, 10 & 11 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say: Wherein have we robbed thee? In atithes and bofferings. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, ves. if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the adevourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the fields, saith the Lord of Hosts.
Latter-day revelation emphasizes the law of the tithe as a duty and a test of faithfulness and the honest payment of tithing sanctifies both the individual and the land on which he lives. (Bible dictionary)
Story: things lasting longer than their life span, dryer, tires on car. Etc. etc.
B. Pay your bills and living expenses on time with no late payments.
C. Pay yourself 10 % and more if you can each month and have or start a savings account. Do you have a retirement account, of any kind? Do you have life insurance? If not look into getting some. You will never know when you will be living off your food storage and savings and it will be nice to have that cushion when those times come and come they will.
Story: 5 kids, employer said stop paying your tithing and you’ll have a 10 % raise. Story of living off food storage for 5 months. Jan’s plane crash 3 years ago.
D. Knowing the difference between needs and wants. Do I really need this item today? Wait, give it a week and with spouse, decide if item really is needed. Ask yourself, can I afford this item, if so, can I pay cash for it or if I put it on my credit card, can I pay it off each month with no interest?
Only have 1 or two major credit cards. Build up points, put in savings if you can. Don’t have a credit card for every department store with promise of percent off item for sale. It can be difficult to keep track of all the payments to make…make the payments on time…and you’ll never have to pay late payments. Be careful with cards that promise air miles…check and calculate if it’s worth the monthly or yearly fees, black out dates and not flying as frequent as you need to, to redeem those air miles…. will they roll over each year! Is it really worth it to your family?
E. Set a regular time each month or week with your spouse and go over your budget to set new goals. Months down the line look back and see the progress you’ve made. Doc. Phil Story….
Don’t be afraid to budget or talk about your debts. It’s what you don’t know that will hurt you.
F. Develop a system for paying your bills that works for your family.
Put on the outside of the envelopes, name of company and the year, 2011. Mark the dates, check numbers and amounts of each bill for each month. Place utility bills, house payment, car payment, insurance, health insurance, phone bill etc. etc. inside these separate envelopes. These bills will be all organized in their separate envelopes and place in a folder. When time to pay bills for the next month, pull all envelopes out and record the expenditure for the next month on the same appropriate envelopes. Look over each month for a quick reference and see where you can save…Turn the lights off. Have a FHE with kids about your finances and ways they can help the family… All organized for tax time. Bring example
G. Credit card debt…… Make a list for each month to go over. Discuss the problem… recognize, evaluate, reprioritize each and every month or week…depending on your situation.
Talk about problem and agree, make a list of every expenditure, even every penny spent with date, and what spent on for 1 month. Then go over to see what you’ve spent all the money on. See where you can cut cost and re-evaluate, reprioritize your expenditures together. If neither of you can’t seem to get a hold of your finances seek help: Trusted family friend with experience, trusted friend in the business world who is a financial expert, home teacher or bishop to find these resource people.
Don’t let the credit card companies control your financial future….take charge. If you have considerable amount of debt:
First call all your creditors and talk to the one in charge of the company. Let
them know of your financial hardship and your desire to pay the debt and ask for
a reduction of monies owed to those creditors so bankruptcy won’t be an option. Ask for a lower interest rate.
Then pay off credit card with the lowest balance first while making minimum payments on all the rest. When that one is paid off, go to the next one to pay off and put that amount plus more on the next credit card and so on, so you’re paying off more and more per each card as you pay each of them off. Remember don’t add any more debt to these cards, cut them up or lock the cards away to get rid of the temptation. The first 10 years will determine the pattern for the rest of your life financially. Will you be prepared or be a credit card junky living pay check to pay check? Only you have the power to break the cycle.
H. Learn how to cook nutritious meals from scratch…. they are more nutritious for your family and will save you lots of money. Make a list of 11 meals for a 2 week period of dinners because breakfast and lunches are pretty repetitious and the variety comes in the dinner meals. Make larger batches of some meals for freezer for a later meal and plan on leftovers and eat the leftovers and don’t be wasteful. Make a list of foods that include your 11 meal ingredients and shop for those 11 meals you plan to make. As you run out of ingredients have another list going on the fridge that you add to for your next food shopping period. Shop twice a month and don’t run to the store for little things, put off till your next appointed shopping day. Don’t shop hungry. Be careful when using coupons and only purchase what you will need and not spend on things you don’t need in order to get the discounts on needed items. Shop nutritionally with coupons. Look through your cupboards, shelves and freezer, cook with things you already have and clean them out while replenishing and rotating your food to have no waste.
Learn to cook from the Relief Society meetings, gather at a friends home, your visiting teacher…learn how to cook out of your food storage, grow a garden and know how to grow your own food…collect recipes from others that are tried and proven. Develop this talent and don’t be afraid to try and keep trying! You only fail when you quit trying.
I. (See Budget and Expenditure records) Discuss all future purchases with your spouse. Determine an amount when out of danger, that you both feel comfortable with that can be spent without permission, $5.00, $10.00, $50.00, $100.00. No one wants to be told what they should do with their money, you already know. It’s a new way of thinking…Budget your money before planning to spend. Learn to change the way you feel about your money. It’s like a game and you’re learning how to play it right..
Try to make budgeting your money fun with a reward when you accomplish your goal plan rewards ahead of time, so you have something to look forward to; Example…special dates that cost little or no money, candle lit dinners with your home made meals…watching the sunsets…picnic at the park…swimming at the river…going for a walk…check into community activities that don’t cost money…Saturday markets to walk around in….concerts in the park….etc. etc. “”””Never fall back into that financial rut.””””
Spending money is fun but when you don’t have it, you’ll pay dearly later. Play now and pay later is Satan’s plan. The only one who suffers is you and your family!
Learn to repair things so they last longer. Fix it up, make it do, or do without. Learning to say no is not a crime when it comes to spending your money.
Sometimes there’s nothing you can do when money is spent on accidentals and you just have to make up for it next months or the previous months until you build up a savings.
Are we following the prophet’s council by living within our means?
Do we have our food storage?
Do we have savings? If not are we putting a little aside each month?
Primary song: Keep the commandments:
Keep the commandments; Keep the commandments in this there is safety in this there is peace. He will send blessings; He will send blessings, words of a prophet, keep the commandments…in this there is safety and peace.
Budgeting and Being Frugal
1. All things to the Lord are spiritual…D & C 29:34 Wherefore, verily I say unto you that all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a alaw which was btemporal; neither any man, nor the children of men; neither Adam, your father, whom I created.
2. Everything we have is a gift from the Lord?
3. Are we being good stewards over all the Lord has blessed us with?… D & C 136:27 Thou shalt be diligent in preserving what thou hast, that thou mayest be a wise steward; for it is the free gift of the Lord thy God, and thou art his steward.
4. How many of us have our own money, our husband has his own money or do we combine our money for the good of the family?
5. Do we have a monthly budget for food, clothes, savings, accidentals or incidentals?
Are we living within our means? Do we spend more than we make? Do we know the difference between a need and a want? Do we have credit card debt and making interest payments each month?…. We have often heard that interest is a good servant but a terrible master. President J. Reuben Clark Jr. described it this way: “Interest never sleeps nor sickens nor dies; it never goes to the hospital; it works on Sundays and holidays; it never takes a vacation. … Once in debt, interest is your companion every minute of the day and night; you cannot shun it or slip away from it; you cannot dismiss it; it yields neither to entreaties, demands, or orders; and whenever you get in its way or cross its course or fail to meet its demands, it crushes you.”
6. Do we meet with our spouse to talk about finances and budgets and if so, how often?
7. Will we make sacrifices for the good of the family with unselfishness?
8. Does one of us have spending habits?
A. Tithing: Always pay the Lord first…. 3 Nephi 8, 10 & 11 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say: Wherein have we robbed thee? In atithes and bofferings. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, ves. if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the adevourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the fields, saith the Lord of Hosts.
Latter-day revelation emphasizes the law of the tithe as a duty and a test of faithfulness and the honest payment of tithing sanctifies both the individual and the land on which he lives. (Bible dictionary)
Story: things lasting longer than their life span, dryer, tires on car. Etc. etc.
B. Pay your bills and living expenses on time with no late payments.
C. Pay yourself 10 % and more if you can each month and have or start a savings account. Do you have a retirement account, of any kind? Do you have life insurance? If not look into getting some. You will never know when you will be living off your food storage and savings and it will be nice to have that cushion when those times come and come they will.
Story: 5 kids, employer said stop paying your tithing and you’ll have a 10 % raise. Story of living off food storage for 5 months. Jan’s plane crash 3 years ago.
D. Knowing the difference between needs and wants. Do I really need this item today? Wait, give it a week and with spouse, decide if item really is needed. Ask yourself, can I afford this item, if so, can I pay cash for it or if I put it on my credit card, can I pay it off each month with no interest?
Only have 1 or two major credit cards. Build up points, put in savings if you can. Don’t have a credit card for every department store with promise of percent off item for sale. It can be difficult to keep track of all the payments to make…make the payments on time…and you’ll never have to pay late payments. Be careful with cards that promise air miles…check and calculate if it’s worth the monthly or yearly fees, black out dates and not flying as frequent as you need to, to redeem those air miles…. will they roll over each year! Is it really worth it to your family?
E. Set a regular time each month or week with your spouse and go over your budget to set new goals. Months down the line look back and see the progress you’ve made. Doc. Phil Story….
Don’t be afraid to budget or talk about your debts. It’s what you don’t know that will hurt you.
F. Develop a system for paying your bills that works for your family.
Put on the outside of the envelopes, name of company and the year, 2011. Mark the dates, check numbers and amounts of each bill for each month. Place utility bills, house payment, car payment, insurance, health insurance, phone bill etc. etc. inside these separate envelopes. These bills will be all organized in their separate envelopes and place in a folder. When time to pay bills for the next month, pull all envelopes out and record the expenditure for the next month on the same appropriate envelopes. Look over each month for a quick reference and see where you can save…Turn the lights off. Have a FHE with kids about your finances and ways they can help the family… All organized for tax time. Bring example
G. Credit card debt…… Make a list for each month to go over. Discuss the problem… recognize, evaluate, reprioritize each and every month or week…depending on your situation.
Talk about problem and agree, make a list of every expenditure, even every penny spent with date, and what spent on for 1 month. Then go over to see what you’ve spent all the money on. See where you can cut cost and re-evaluate, reprioritize your expenditures together. If neither of you can’t seem to get a hold of your finances seek help: Trusted family friend with experience, trusted friend in the business world who is a financial expert, home teacher or bishop to find these resource people.
Don’t let the credit card companies control your financial future….take charge. If you have considerable amount of debt:
First call all your creditors and talk to the one in charge of the company. Let
them know of your financial hardship and your desire to pay the debt and ask for
a reduction of monies owed to those creditors so bankruptcy won’t be an option. Ask for a lower interest rate.
Then pay off credit card with the lowest balance first while making minimum payments on all the rest. When that one is paid off, go to the next one to pay off and put that amount plus more on the next credit card and so on, so you’re paying off more and more per each card as you pay each of them off. Remember don’t add any more debt to these cards, cut them up or lock the cards away to get rid of the temptation. The first 10 years will determine the pattern for the rest of your life financially. Will you be prepared or be a credit card junky living pay check to pay check? Only you have the power to break the cycle.
H. Learn how to cook nutritious meals from scratch…. they are more nutritious for your family and will save you lots of money. Make a list of 11 meals for a 2 week period of dinners because breakfast and lunches are pretty repetitious and the variety comes in the dinner meals. Make larger batches of some meals for freezer for a later meal and plan on leftovers and eat the leftovers and don’t be wasteful. Make a list of foods that include your 11 meal ingredients and shop for those 11 meals you plan to make. As you run out of ingredients have another list going on the fridge that you add to for your next food shopping period. Shop twice a month and don’t run to the store for little things, put off till your next appointed shopping day. Don’t shop hungry. Be careful when using coupons and only purchase what you will need and not spend on things you don’t need in order to get the discounts on needed items. Shop nutritionally with coupons. Look through your cupboards, shelves and freezer, cook with things you already have and clean them out while replenishing and rotating your food to have no waste.
Learn to cook from the Relief Society meetings, gather at a friends home, your visiting teacher…learn how to cook out of your food storage, grow a garden and know how to grow your own food…collect recipes from others that are tried and proven. Develop this talent and don’t be afraid to try and keep trying! You only fail when you quit trying.
I. (See Budget and Expenditure records) Discuss all future purchases with your spouse. Determine an amount when out of danger, that you both feel comfortable with that can be spent without permission, $5.00, $10.00, $50.00, $100.00. No one wants to be told what they should do with their money, you already know. It’s a new way of thinking…Budget your money before planning to spend. Learn to change the way you feel about your money. It’s like a game and you’re learning how to play it right..
Try to make budgeting your money fun with a reward when you accomplish your goal plan rewards ahead of time, so you have something to look forward to; Example…special dates that cost little or no money, candle lit dinners with your home made meals…watching the sunsets…picnic at the park…swimming at the river…going for a walk…check into community activities that don’t cost money…Saturday markets to walk around in….concerts in the park….etc. etc. “”””Never fall back into that financial rut.””””
Spending money is fun but when you don’t have it, you’ll pay dearly later. Play now and pay later is Satan’s plan. The only one who suffers is you and your family!
Learn to repair things so they last longer. Fix it up, make it do, or do without. Learning to say no is not a crime when it comes to spending your money.
Sometimes there’s nothing you can do when money is spent on accidentals and you just have to make up for it next months or the previous months until you build up a savings.
Are we following the prophet’s council by living within our means?
Do we have our food storage?
Do we have savings? If not are we putting a little aside each month?
Primary song: Keep the commandments:
Keep the commandments; Keep the commandments in this there is safety in this there is peace. He will send blessings; He will send blessings, words of a prophet, keep the commandments…in this there is safety and peace.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
What Teachers Wish You Knew -- Part 2
Class by Cheri Weaver and Kedra Patterson, continued
SANCTUARY!!!
LEARNING WITHOUT FEAR
A Family Tradition of Learning - From the Beginning
*Reading
*Listening
*Music
*Asking Questions
*Art
*Hobbies/ Interests/ Travel/ Museums
*& Much More
*Hands On!
Great Place of Learning (See Below for details)
Portland Classical Chinese Garden
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Japanese Garden
Pittock Mansion
Portland Art Museum
Portland Children’s Museum
Portland Public Library
Beverly Cleary Walking Self-Guided Tour
Home Depot – Kids’ Workshops
Lowe’s – Build & Grow
Used Book Stores
Hmmmmmm?
Developmentally Appropriate?
Are my expectations out of line?
Together, Together, Together…and Nearby
(Accumulate Loving Moments)
DIRTY JOBS –
PART OF PARENTHOOD
A Family Tradition of Responsibility – Expectations and Example and Work
*Doing things for Oneself – Be A Self-Manager
*Cleaning Up
*Taking Turns
*Respectful Talk
*Helping
*Not Everything is Fun – Sometimes Just Do It
*Different Points of View
*Service
*Do What’s Expected/Required – And Then Some
*Missing School – Parent as the Truant Officer
Hmmmmmmm?
Developmentally Appropriate?
Are my expectations out of line?
The Power of Example
It Takes Time
(Over and over and over again!)
BOOT CAMP TRAINING
Why Homework?
*Reasons
*Balance and the Overachieving Parent
*Penmanship, Reading, Writing, Math Facts, High Frequency Spelling
The Setting/ The Routine - Consistency
*A Place to Study
*Equipment on Hand
*Regular Starting Time (Don’t Wait Till It’s Late)
Clearing the Backpack Debris - Consistency
*Backpack Checks
*Storing and Transporting Papers
Avoiding the “Nothing”
What did you do in school today? Some Hints
Braving the Battlefield - Consistency
*Classroom Visits/ Volunteer
*Check the Desk
*Ask Questions
Calendaring/ Chunking - Consistency
The Drill Sergeant Routine - Consistency
*Homework Schedule Check – Daily
*Get To It
*Walk Throughs – Casual Checks While Child Works
*Look Overs – Checking Finished Results
*Walking the Balance Beam – Accountability vs. The Take Over
*Nightly Drill – Loading Up for the Next Day
Reduce the Blood Pressure
*Talk to the Teacher
*Maintaining Sanity – Network and Support
*Teacher’s Websites – Get Homework and Scores
How Does Your Child Learn?
Different Learning Styles/Modalities
MY CHILD WOULDN’T DO THAT!
Parent/ Teacher Communication
Do Ask Questions
Go Directly to the Source – The Teacher First
Best Times to Chat
*Avoid the Minutes Before Class Starts and Ends
*E-mail vs. Phone vs. Face to Face
Get the Home Phone Number
If the teacher offers, use it – but judiciously.
How To Win Friends and Influence Teachers
*Get to Know the Teacher”
”What can we do to help?”
*School Put-Downs in front of Child – Bite Your Tongue!
My Child Wouldn’t Do That!
Famous Last Words…
*Listen vs. Attack
*Check the facts.
*Respect
Behavior/ Homework Check Cards
(If Needed)
*Simple Will Get Results
GLORY, HALLELUJAH!
Yahoo! Celebrate the Forward Steps
Perspective
*Immediate
*Sometimes the Celebration Is Postponed –
Results Observed Quietly Years Later
*Hang In There –
Time and Energy Can Make a Sweet Reward
EXTRA PRACTICE
Examples of Helpful Websites
Think Math Facts, Spelling, Handwriting, Reading, Writing
http://www.aplusmath.com/ - designed to help children with math. Includes games,
worksheets, flashcards and homework help.
http://www.aaaknow.com/grade.htm - explanation/short lesson with practice on the
computer (instant check)
http://www.starfall.com/ - letter and phonics practice for emerging readers
http://www.mathnerds.com/ - online math tutors
http://kids.magpogames.com/ - write your own poetry using computer "magnetic"
word tiles
http://www.factmonster.com - facts about a huge variety of things and flashcard
practice, as well
http://puzzlemaker.school.discovery.com/WordSearchSetupForm.html - have fun
making a variety of word puzzles
http://www.kidsclick.org/ - a kid friendly, kid safe search engine
Spelling Words
http://www.suu.edu/faculty/lundd/ReadingSite/readingresources/SittonList.htm - high frequency written words by grade level
Books
http://www.trelease-on-reading.com/rah-treasury-intro.html - annotated bibliography of the best read alouds by age level
Science Project Ideas
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/ - free source for project ideas
Great Places of Learning
VENUE / ADDRESS / PHONE / HOURS / PASS ADMISSION
Portland Classical Chinese Garden
239 NW Everett Portland OR 97209
503-228-8131 Nov 1 - Mar 31 : 10 am - 5 pm
Apr 1 - Oct 31 : 9 am - 6 pm 2 Adults & 2 Children (18 or younger)
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
SE 28 Avenue (one block north of Woodstock) Portland, OR 97202
503-771-8386 Park open Dawn to Dusk all year Family of 4
Japanese Garden
611 SW Kingston Ave (Washington Park) Portland OR 97205 503-223-1321 Oct 1 - Mar 31 : 10 am - 4 pm (Mon : 12 noon - 4 pm)
Apr 1 - Sep 30 : 10 am - 7 pm (Mon : 12 noon - 7 pm) 2 Adults & Children age 17 and under
Pittock Mansion
3229 NW Pittock Dr. Portland OR 97210 503-823-3624 Feb 1 - June 30: Noon-4pm daily July 1-Aug 31: 10am-4pm daily Sept 1-Dec 31: 11am-4pm daily
closed all of January closed some major holidays 2 Adults and 2 Children
Portland Art Museum
Pass available at Estacada, Gladstone, Lake Oswego, Oregon City, Sandy & West Linn Public Libraries only
1219 SW Park Ave. Portland OR 97205
503-226-2811 Tue, Wed, Sat : 10 am - 5 pm
Thu, Fri : 10 am - 8 pm
Sun : 12 noon - 5 pm
closed some major holidays 2 adults. Children (17 or younger) are admitted for free to the Portland Art Museum.
Portland Children's Museum
4015 SW Canyon Road (next to zoo) Portland OR 97221
503-223-6500 Tues-Sun: 9am - 5pm
Mon: Closed 3 individuals (1 Adult & 2 Children OR 2 Adults & 1 Child). Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Home Depot: Kids Workshops
Free Workshops
1st Saturday of the Month
Ages 5 to 12
Check On Line
Lowe’s Build & Grow
Free Workshops
Saturdays (Usually twice a month) – 10:00 a.m.
Free Apron, Goggles, Project, Certificate
Check On Line
Great Used Bookstore
Wallace Books
7241 SE Milwaukie Ave
Portland, OR 97202
Beverly Cleary Self-Guided Walking Tour – NE Portland
Walk the streets of Ramona, discover Beverly Cleary’s old home, and visit the
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden in Grant Park containing statues of Cleary’s
beloved characters. (See Handout)
Multnomah County Central Library – Downtown Portland
Beautiful 1913 building with 17 miles of books! Discover the TREE in the
Children’s Library. Kids’ tours available.
801 S.W. 10th Avenue
Portland, OR 97205
503-988-5123
Ways to Help Your Child with Reading at Home
By Regie Routman (Language Arts Resource Teacher)
Setting the Atmosphere
*Find a quiet, comfortable place to read.
*Have child see you as a reading model.
*Read aloud to your child. Reread favorite stories.
*Read with your child.
*Discuss the stories you read together.
*Recognize the value of silent reading.
*Keep reading time enjoyable and relaxed.
Responding to Errors in Reading
Things to Say Before “Sound It Out”
*Give child wait time of 5 to 10 seconds.
*See what child attempts to do to self-help.
”What would make sense there?”
“Use the picture to help you figure out what it could be.”
“Go back to the beginning and try that again.”
“Skip over it and read to the end of the sentence (or paragraph). Now what do you think it is?”
“Put in a word that would make sense there.”
“You read that word before on another page. See if you can find it.”
“Look at how that word begins. Start it out and keep reading.”
*Tell your child the word
Focus On What Child Does Well and Attempts to Do
“Good for you. I like the way you tried to work that out.”
“That was a good try. Yes, that word would make sense there.”
“I like the way you looked at the picture to help yourself.”
“I like the way you went back to the beginning of the sentence and tried that again. That’s what good readers do.”
“You are becoming a good reader. I’m proud of you.”
SANCTUARY!!!
LEARNING WITHOUT FEAR
A Family Tradition of Learning - From the Beginning
*Reading
*Listening
*Music
*Asking Questions
*Art
*Hobbies/ Interests/ Travel/ Museums
*& Much More
*Hands On!
Great Place of Learning (See Below for details)
Portland Classical Chinese Garden
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Japanese Garden
Pittock Mansion
Portland Art Museum
Portland Children’s Museum
Portland Public Library
Beverly Cleary Walking Self-Guided Tour
Home Depot – Kids’ Workshops
Lowe’s – Build & Grow
Used Book Stores
Hmmmmmm?
Developmentally Appropriate?
Are my expectations out of line?
Together, Together, Together…and Nearby
(Accumulate Loving Moments)
DIRTY JOBS –
PART OF PARENTHOOD
A Family Tradition of Responsibility – Expectations and Example and Work
*Doing things for Oneself – Be A Self-Manager
*Cleaning Up
*Taking Turns
*Respectful Talk
*Helping
*Not Everything is Fun – Sometimes Just Do It
*Different Points of View
*Service
*Do What’s Expected/Required – And Then Some
*Missing School – Parent as the Truant Officer
Hmmmmmmm?
Developmentally Appropriate?
Are my expectations out of line?
The Power of Example
It Takes Time
(Over and over and over again!)
BOOT CAMP TRAINING
Why Homework?
*Reasons
*Balance and the Overachieving Parent
*Penmanship, Reading, Writing, Math Facts, High Frequency Spelling
The Setting/ The Routine - Consistency
*A Place to Study
*Equipment on Hand
*Regular Starting Time (Don’t Wait Till It’s Late)
Clearing the Backpack Debris - Consistency
*Backpack Checks
*Storing and Transporting Papers
Avoiding the “Nothing”
What did you do in school today? Some Hints
Braving the Battlefield - Consistency
*Classroom Visits/ Volunteer
*Check the Desk
*Ask Questions
Calendaring/ Chunking - Consistency
The Drill Sergeant Routine - Consistency
*Homework Schedule Check – Daily
*Get To It
*Walk Throughs – Casual Checks While Child Works
*Look Overs – Checking Finished Results
*Walking the Balance Beam – Accountability vs. The Take Over
*Nightly Drill – Loading Up for the Next Day
Reduce the Blood Pressure
*Talk to the Teacher
*Maintaining Sanity – Network and Support
*Teacher’s Websites – Get Homework and Scores
How Does Your Child Learn?
Different Learning Styles/Modalities
MY CHILD WOULDN’T DO THAT!
Parent/ Teacher Communication
Do Ask Questions
Go Directly to the Source – The Teacher First
Best Times to Chat
*Avoid the Minutes Before Class Starts and Ends
*E-mail vs. Phone vs. Face to Face
Get the Home Phone Number
If the teacher offers, use it – but judiciously.
How To Win Friends and Influence Teachers
*Get to Know the Teacher”
”What can we do to help?”
*School Put-Downs in front of Child – Bite Your Tongue!
My Child Wouldn’t Do That!
Famous Last Words…
*Listen vs. Attack
*Check the facts.
*Respect
Behavior/ Homework Check Cards
(If Needed)
*Simple Will Get Results
GLORY, HALLELUJAH!
Yahoo! Celebrate the Forward Steps
Perspective
*Immediate
*Sometimes the Celebration Is Postponed –
Results Observed Quietly Years Later
*Hang In There –
Time and Energy Can Make a Sweet Reward
EXTRA PRACTICE
Examples of Helpful Websites
Think Math Facts, Spelling, Handwriting, Reading, Writing
http://www.aplusmath.com/ - designed to help children with math. Includes games,
worksheets, flashcards and homework help.
http://www.aaaknow.com/grade.htm - explanation/short lesson with practice on the
computer (instant check)
http://www.starfall.com/ - letter and phonics practice for emerging readers
http://www.mathnerds.com/ - online math tutors
http://kids.magpogames.com/ - write your own poetry using computer "magnetic"
word tiles
http://www.factmonster.com - facts about a huge variety of things and flashcard
practice, as well
http://puzzlemaker.school.discovery.com/WordSearchSetupForm.html - have fun
making a variety of word puzzles
http://www.kidsclick.org/ - a kid friendly, kid safe search engine
Spelling Words
http://www.suu.edu/faculty/lundd/ReadingSite/readingresources/SittonList.htm - high frequency written words by grade level
Books
http://www.trelease-on-reading.com/rah-treasury-intro.html - annotated bibliography of the best read alouds by age level
Science Project Ideas
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/ - free source for project ideas
Great Places of Learning
VENUE / ADDRESS / PHONE / HOURS / PASS ADMISSION
Portland Classical Chinese Garden
239 NW Everett Portland OR 97209
503-228-8131 Nov 1 - Mar 31 : 10 am - 5 pm
Apr 1 - Oct 31 : 9 am - 6 pm 2 Adults & 2 Children (18 or younger)
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
SE 28 Avenue (one block north of Woodstock) Portland, OR 97202
503-771-8386 Park open Dawn to Dusk all year Family of 4
Japanese Garden
611 SW Kingston Ave (Washington Park) Portland OR 97205 503-223-1321 Oct 1 - Mar 31 : 10 am - 4 pm (Mon : 12 noon - 4 pm)
Apr 1 - Sep 30 : 10 am - 7 pm (Mon : 12 noon - 7 pm) 2 Adults & Children age 17 and under
Pittock Mansion
3229 NW Pittock Dr. Portland OR 97210 503-823-3624 Feb 1 - June 30: Noon-4pm daily July 1-Aug 31: 10am-4pm daily Sept 1-Dec 31: 11am-4pm daily
closed all of January closed some major holidays 2 Adults and 2 Children
Portland Art Museum
Pass available at Estacada, Gladstone, Lake Oswego, Oregon City, Sandy & West Linn Public Libraries only
1219 SW Park Ave. Portland OR 97205
503-226-2811 Tue, Wed, Sat : 10 am - 5 pm
Thu, Fri : 10 am - 8 pm
Sun : 12 noon - 5 pm
closed some major holidays 2 adults. Children (17 or younger) are admitted for free to the Portland Art Museum.
Portland Children's Museum
4015 SW Canyon Road (next to zoo) Portland OR 97221
503-223-6500 Tues-Sun: 9am - 5pm
Mon: Closed 3 individuals (1 Adult & 2 Children OR 2 Adults & 1 Child). Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Home Depot: Kids Workshops
Free Workshops
1st Saturday of the Month
Ages 5 to 12
Check On Line
Lowe’s Build & Grow
Free Workshops
Saturdays (Usually twice a month) – 10:00 a.m.
Free Apron, Goggles, Project, Certificate
Check On Line
Great Used Bookstore
Wallace Books
7241 SE Milwaukie Ave
Portland, OR 97202
Beverly Cleary Self-Guided Walking Tour – NE Portland
Walk the streets of Ramona, discover Beverly Cleary’s old home, and visit the
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden in Grant Park containing statues of Cleary’s
beloved characters. (See Handout)
Multnomah County Central Library – Downtown Portland
Beautiful 1913 building with 17 miles of books! Discover the TREE in the
Children’s Library. Kids’ tours available.
801 S.W. 10th Avenue
Portland, OR 97205
503-988-5123
Ways to Help Your Child with Reading at Home
By Regie Routman (Language Arts Resource Teacher)
Setting the Atmosphere
*Find a quiet, comfortable place to read.
*Have child see you as a reading model.
*Read aloud to your child. Reread favorite stories.
*Read with your child.
*Discuss the stories you read together.
*Recognize the value of silent reading.
*Keep reading time enjoyable and relaxed.
Responding to Errors in Reading
Things to Say Before “Sound It Out”
*Give child wait time of 5 to 10 seconds.
*See what child attempts to do to self-help.
”What would make sense there?”
“Use the picture to help you figure out what it could be.”
“Go back to the beginning and try that again.”
“Skip over it and read to the end of the sentence (or paragraph). Now what do you think it is?”
“Put in a word that would make sense there.”
“You read that word before on another page. See if you can find it.”
“Look at how that word begins. Start it out and keep reading.”
*Tell your child the word
Focus On What Child Does Well and Attempts to Do
“Good for you. I like the way you tried to work that out.”
“That was a good try. Yes, that word would make sense there.”
“I like the way you looked at the picture to help yourself.”
“I like the way you went back to the beginning of the sentence and tried that again. That’s what good readers do.”
“You are becoming a good reader. I’m proud of you.”
Monday, January 24, 2011
What Teachers Wish You Knew--A Parent's Practical Guide for Helping a Child Suceed in School (Part 1)
2011 Women's Conference
Presenters: Kedra Patterson and Cheri Weaver
TALK, TALK, TALK! WHY SHOULD I LISTEN TO YOU?
* Cheri and Kedra – 70 (Phew!) years combined teaching experience
* Input from Cheri and Kedra’s teaching colleagues
* Spiritual Guidance
“A Prophet’s Counsel and Prayer for Youth” by President Gordon B. Hinckley
New Era, Jan. 2001, pg. 4
Be grateful.
Be smart.
Be clean.
Be true.
Be humble.
Be prayerful.
“You need all the education you can get…You have a mandate from the Lord to educate your minds and your hearts and your hands. The Lord has said,
‘Teach ye diligently…of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms—that ye may be prepared in all things.” (D&C 88:78-80)
Mind you, these are not my words. These are the words of the Lord who loves you. He wants you to train your minds and hands to become an influence for good as you go forward with your own lives.”
* Brain Research/ Child Studies
Jay Giedd – Neuroscientist (National Institute of Mental Health)
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/teenbrain/interviews/giedd.html
“[The] thinking part of the brain continues to thicken throughout childhood as the brain cells get extra connections, much like a tree growing extra braches, twigs, and roots.”
“[T]he exuberant growth during the pre-puberty years gives the brain enormous potential. The capacity to be skilled in many different areas is building up during those times.”
“…much of our research is focusing on trying to understand what influences or guides the building-up stage when the gray matter is growing extra branches and connections and what guides the thinning or pruning phase when the excess connections are eliminated.”
“[T]he pruning-down phase is perhaps even more interesting because our leading hypothesis for that is the ‘Use it or lose it’ principle. Those cells and connections that are used will survive and flourish. Those cells and connections that are not used will wither and die.”
“I think that [in the teen years this] part of the brain that is helping organization, planning and strategizing is not done being built yet…”
“…throughout childhood and even the teen years there’s enormous capacity for change.”
“…with all the science and all the advances the best advice we can give is things that our grandmother could have told us generations ago: to spend loving, quality time with our children…”
NYU Child Study Center – Newsletter April 2006
“Children are variable in how well they manage their materials, books, and assignments; how well they meet deadlines and prepare for tests; and how well they plan their actions to reach their academic goals. When children have problems in these areas, our research suggests lowered productivity, lessened ability to pay attention, and greater family conflict over school work. For some children, we know that the problem of keeping track of assignments is the single biggest reason why they are doing poorly in school, even if they are quite bright.”
Help your child create a way to store and transport papers…Review assignments with your child…Create a consistent place for your child to complete homework…Have your child pack everything away when homework is complete…Help your child find a specific time to study…
Interesting Ties to the Past – Peter the Hermit (1083)
"The young people of today think of nothing but themselves. They have no reverence for parents or old age. They are Impatient of all restraint. They talk as if they alone knew everything and what passes for wisdom with us is foolishness with them. As for girls, they are forward, immodest and unwomanly in speech, behavior and dress."
Presenters: Kedra Patterson and Cheri Weaver
TALK, TALK, TALK! WHY SHOULD I LISTEN TO YOU?
* Cheri and Kedra – 70 (Phew!) years combined teaching experience
* Input from Cheri and Kedra’s teaching colleagues
* Spiritual Guidance
“A Prophet’s Counsel and Prayer for Youth” by President Gordon B. Hinckley
New Era, Jan. 2001, pg. 4
Be grateful.
Be smart.
Be clean.
Be true.
Be humble.
Be prayerful.
“You need all the education you can get…You have a mandate from the Lord to educate your minds and your hearts and your hands. The Lord has said,
‘Teach ye diligently…of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms—that ye may be prepared in all things.” (D&C 88:78-80)
Mind you, these are not my words. These are the words of the Lord who loves you. He wants you to train your minds and hands to become an influence for good as you go forward with your own lives.”
* Brain Research/ Child Studies
Jay Giedd – Neuroscientist (National Institute of Mental Health)
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/teenbrain/interviews/giedd.html
“[The] thinking part of the brain continues to thicken throughout childhood as the brain cells get extra connections, much like a tree growing extra braches, twigs, and roots.”
“[T]he exuberant growth during the pre-puberty years gives the brain enormous potential. The capacity to be skilled in many different areas is building up during those times.”
“…much of our research is focusing on trying to understand what influences or guides the building-up stage when the gray matter is growing extra branches and connections and what guides the thinning or pruning phase when the excess connections are eliminated.”
“[T]he pruning-down phase is perhaps even more interesting because our leading hypothesis for that is the ‘Use it or lose it’ principle. Those cells and connections that are used will survive and flourish. Those cells and connections that are not used will wither and die.”
“I think that [in the teen years this] part of the brain that is helping organization, planning and strategizing is not done being built yet…”
“…throughout childhood and even the teen years there’s enormous capacity for change.”
“…with all the science and all the advances the best advice we can give is things that our grandmother could have told us generations ago: to spend loving, quality time with our children…”
NYU Child Study Center – Newsletter April 2006
“Children are variable in how well they manage their materials, books, and assignments; how well they meet deadlines and prepare for tests; and how well they plan their actions to reach their academic goals. When children have problems in these areas, our research suggests lowered productivity, lessened ability to pay attention, and greater family conflict over school work. For some children, we know that the problem of keeping track of assignments is the single biggest reason why they are doing poorly in school, even if they are quite bright.”
Help your child create a way to store and transport papers…Review assignments with your child…Create a consistent place for your child to complete homework…Have your child pack everything away when homework is complete…Help your child find a specific time to study…
Interesting Ties to the Past – Peter the Hermit (1083)
"The young people of today think of nothing but themselves. They have no reverence for parents or old age. They are Impatient of all restraint. They talk as if they alone knew everything and what passes for wisdom with us is foolishness with them. As for girls, they are forward, immodest and unwomanly in speech, behavior and dress."
Living a Full and Happy Life as a Single Sister
2011 Women's Conference Class given by Jo Anne Long, West Linn Ward
Being a single woman in a family oriented church can be a real challenge. It also can bring sweet blessings. Following are some ideas for living a full and happy life as a single member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
• Recognize and Honor Your Divine Nature as an Individual. Heavenly Father is no respecter of persons; He loves us completely, regardless of our marital or family status. We are daughters of God and we are His crowning creation. As women, single or otherwise, we have the opportunity to live worthy of inheriting all that He has to offer his children.
• Be Thankful for All Blessings and Challenges. Being single has its blessings, including more freedom to make life decisions and choices, such as where to live, work, worship and recreate. It also has its challenges, including loneliness, feelings of being incomplete or living life at the fringe of our communities. While we should not discount these challenges, we need not be bound by them. Instead, we can recognize that everyone – married, single, with or without children, regardless of economic, cultural or ethnic background – faces obstacles. Maintaining an attitude of gratitude for the good and bad situations that we encounter in life can go a long way toward softening the inevitable disappointment that each of us faces.
• View Your Life as the “Real Thing.” Single women often view their marital or family status as an undesirable, temporary condition that is to be changed as soon as possible. Many sisters believe that being single is both abnormal and an impediment to physical, spiritual, financial and mental progress. This need not be so. We can choose to be pioneers of sorts by living our lives to the fullest measure, while being vibrant members of our families, workplaces and communities and worthy members of the Church.
• Keep Hoping for Marriage, but Stop Obsessing About It. President Hinckley has encouraged us to accentuate the positive when it comes to our marital status. He has said, “Do not give up hope. And do not give up trying. But do give up being obsessed with it. The chances are that if you forget about it and become anxiously engaged in other activities, the prospects will brighten immeasurably.” It also doesn’t hurt to remember that all good things come to those who wait – patiently, if possible.
• Be Passionately Involved in Something that Matters to You. Discover more about yourself and your spiritual gifts by being anxiously engaged in good causes, both inside and outside the Church. To paraphrase Matthew 16:25, whosoever will save her life shall lose it in the service of others; and whosoever will lose her life shall find it. Share your talents, time, means and energy with others freely. Although not always the case, many single women have more time at their disposal to reach out and serve others. If you’re unsure of where to get involved, ask your Relief Society President or Bishop or your family and friends; the needs and opportunities are as varied as the seasons of the year. With little effort, you will find a worthy cause that inspires you and stirs your soul.
• Continue to Enroll in the University of Life. There is so very much to learn here on earth, and so many choice topics to study and enjoy. New skills and knowledge can be acquired at almost any age, which can lead to new work opportunities, hobbies, interests and friends – and can help us to maintain agile minds and interesting personalities. With a wide range of media options available to us – books (particularly, the scriptures), newspapers, magazines, classroom and online instruction, music, DVDs and movies, just to name a few – continuing to learn and grow intellectually has never been so easy.
• Take Charge of Your Own Happiness. Remember that each of us is responsible for our own state of happiness. Often, a happy life is built on a solid, but simple foundation: prayer, scripture study, fulfilling church, family and work obligations, being kind and honest, and being clean in body and mind. What makes each of us happy may vary slightly, though, again, should not depend on our marital status.
• Magnify Your Church Callings and Perform Other Church Service. As single women, we hold a myriad of callings in the Church. Our ability and willingness to magnify these callings is not dependent on our marital status, but rather on the recognition of our obligation and privilege to serve our sisters and brothers in whatever capacity the Lord seeks of us. Achieving the full measure of our callings is one important way to help us to feel and to be fully involved in our ward and stake families. Visiting teaching is a program that is uniquely designed to meet the needs of all sisters, again regardless of marital or family status. Rendering church service also includes completing our family history, participating in single adult programs, serving in the temple and performing other acts of kindness and generosity on behalf of others.
Last, but not least, don’t take yourself too seriously. Life is full of ups and downs, some of the latter being self-inflicted. Having a good sense of humor – including the ability to laugh at ourselves – is a key ingredient to an abundant life. So, leave your “Single Sister” badge at home; in fact, throw it away. Instead, go out and live life fully and happily. It’s precisely what our Heavenly Father wants for each of us.
Being a single woman in a family oriented church can be a real challenge. It also can bring sweet blessings. Following are some ideas for living a full and happy life as a single member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
• Recognize and Honor Your Divine Nature as an Individual. Heavenly Father is no respecter of persons; He loves us completely, regardless of our marital or family status. We are daughters of God and we are His crowning creation. As women, single or otherwise, we have the opportunity to live worthy of inheriting all that He has to offer his children.
• Be Thankful for All Blessings and Challenges. Being single has its blessings, including more freedom to make life decisions and choices, such as where to live, work, worship and recreate. It also has its challenges, including loneliness, feelings of being incomplete or living life at the fringe of our communities. While we should not discount these challenges, we need not be bound by them. Instead, we can recognize that everyone – married, single, with or without children, regardless of economic, cultural or ethnic background – faces obstacles. Maintaining an attitude of gratitude for the good and bad situations that we encounter in life can go a long way toward softening the inevitable disappointment that each of us faces.
• View Your Life as the “Real Thing.” Single women often view their marital or family status as an undesirable, temporary condition that is to be changed as soon as possible. Many sisters believe that being single is both abnormal and an impediment to physical, spiritual, financial and mental progress. This need not be so. We can choose to be pioneers of sorts by living our lives to the fullest measure, while being vibrant members of our families, workplaces and communities and worthy members of the Church.
• Keep Hoping for Marriage, but Stop Obsessing About It. President Hinckley has encouraged us to accentuate the positive when it comes to our marital status. He has said, “Do not give up hope. And do not give up trying. But do give up being obsessed with it. The chances are that if you forget about it and become anxiously engaged in other activities, the prospects will brighten immeasurably.” It also doesn’t hurt to remember that all good things come to those who wait – patiently, if possible.
• Be Passionately Involved in Something that Matters to You. Discover more about yourself and your spiritual gifts by being anxiously engaged in good causes, both inside and outside the Church. To paraphrase Matthew 16:25, whosoever will save her life shall lose it in the service of others; and whosoever will lose her life shall find it. Share your talents, time, means and energy with others freely. Although not always the case, many single women have more time at their disposal to reach out and serve others. If you’re unsure of where to get involved, ask your Relief Society President or Bishop or your family and friends; the needs and opportunities are as varied as the seasons of the year. With little effort, you will find a worthy cause that inspires you and stirs your soul.
• Continue to Enroll in the University of Life. There is so very much to learn here on earth, and so many choice topics to study and enjoy. New skills and knowledge can be acquired at almost any age, which can lead to new work opportunities, hobbies, interests and friends – and can help us to maintain agile minds and interesting personalities. With a wide range of media options available to us – books (particularly, the scriptures), newspapers, magazines, classroom and online instruction, music, DVDs and movies, just to name a few – continuing to learn and grow intellectually has never been so easy.
• Take Charge of Your Own Happiness. Remember that each of us is responsible for our own state of happiness. Often, a happy life is built on a solid, but simple foundation: prayer, scripture study, fulfilling church, family and work obligations, being kind and honest, and being clean in body and mind. What makes each of us happy may vary slightly, though, again, should not depend on our marital status.
• Magnify Your Church Callings and Perform Other Church Service. As single women, we hold a myriad of callings in the Church. Our ability and willingness to magnify these callings is not dependent on our marital status, but rather on the recognition of our obligation and privilege to serve our sisters and brothers in whatever capacity the Lord seeks of us. Achieving the full measure of our callings is one important way to help us to feel and to be fully involved in our ward and stake families. Visiting teaching is a program that is uniquely designed to meet the needs of all sisters, again regardless of marital or family status. Rendering church service also includes completing our family history, participating in single adult programs, serving in the temple and performing other acts of kindness and generosity on behalf of others.
Last, but not least, don’t take yourself too seriously. Life is full of ups and downs, some of the latter being self-inflicted. Having a good sense of humor – including the ability to laugh at ourselves – is a key ingredient to an abundant life. So, leave your “Single Sister” badge at home; in fact, throw it away. Instead, go out and live life fully and happily. It’s precisely what our Heavenly Father wants for each of us.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
From Pigpen to Paradise--Side-Tracked Home Executives
2011 Women's Conference Class given by Jana Clark
based on book by Pam Young and Peggy Jones
http://www.shesintouch.com/ -Sidetracked Home Executives Website
http://www.thebratfactor.com/
Remember the library has a ton of great cleaning and organizing books.
The next time you are asked to write down your job title... really do...peacemaker, entertainer, cook, nurse, financial expert, decorator, teacher, counselor, psychiatrist, vet, detective, artist, diplomat, magician, judge, maid, lover, chauffeur, speaker, writer, inventor, coordinator, spiritual leader, organizer, interpreter, historian, dental hygienist, pharmacist, dietitian, social worker, typist.... You'll probably run out of space before you run out of job titles. It's no wonder we feel unorganized.
Whether you are a born slob or you are a clean soul constantly battling the mess your children (and husband) make, this cleaning/organizing system could help you. * Important* Tweak it to fit what works for you. I don't use the full system and I've added things of my own.
This system was used by my mom as I grew up... and I still liked it enough to use it myself for the past 12 years.
Not only does it help me to remember to clean things that are easy to forgotten, (the dryer vent, under the stove or the gutters) but it also helps me remember to do things (Doctor's appointments, change the air filter, check the fire alarms, etc...). It gives me peace of mind.
SUPPLIES NEEDED:
3x5 cards
file box w/ tab dividers labeled the months of the year.
pencil
a desire to make a change or improvement
INITIAL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE - 4 box system
Label 4 apple boxes: GIVE AWAY/SELL, THROW AWAY, PUT AWAY and STORAGE
Go through all the rooms and closets in your house with these boxes.
GETTING THE KIDS TO HELP:
Label the easy cards CHILDREN. On Saturday morning lay out all their card to choose from, divide by the number of kids you have and tell them how many to choose. (They can't choose a 2nd card until the 1st one's done. This motivates them to do it so they can get the next easiest job.)
KEY LIST -
Frequency
D=Daily
EOD=Every Other Day
2/W=Twice a Week
W=Weekly
EOW=Every Other Week
M=Monthly
EOM=Every Other Month
S=Seasonally
2/Y=Twice a Year
Y=Yearly
COLOR
Yellow=Daily
Blue=Weekly
White=Monthly
Pink=Personal
If you need a packet of suggested jobs and frequencies send a SASE to Jana at 13394 SW 64th Ave, Portland 97219 or check the book out from the library.
JANA'S LITTLE SECRET - You know the door to door sales man that sells that orange cleaning stuff or any cleaning stuff? Ever notice they all use those little green scrubbing pads? That's the secret! Buy those cut them in 1/4's. Use them with water for just about everything.
CLEANING SWAPS - If you have a close friend or a sister near by, I recommend doing cleaning swaps. Every couple of months, my sister from Salem and I do this. She comes to my house or I go to hers, we have a list prepared ahead of time (or a pile of cards) and we work through it while chatting all day. It's amazing all we get done and we've enjoyed our time together, as our kids play around us. There's a mess of toys in the front room when we're done but the rest of the house is so much cleaner and the toys only take 5 minutes to tidy up anyway.
Enjoy your new cleaner house!
--
based on book by Pam Young and Peggy Jones
http://www.shesintouch.com/ -Sidetracked Home Executives Website
http://www.thebratfactor.com/
Remember the library has a ton of great cleaning and organizing books.
The next time you are asked to write down your job title... really do...peacemaker, entertainer, cook, nurse, financial expert, decorator, teacher, counselor, psychiatrist, vet, detective, artist, diplomat, magician, judge, maid, lover, chauffeur, speaker, writer, inventor, coordinator, spiritual leader, organizer, interpreter, historian, dental hygienist, pharmacist, dietitian, social worker, typist.... You'll probably run out of space before you run out of job titles. It's no wonder we feel unorganized.
Whether you are a born slob or you are a clean soul constantly battling the mess your children (and husband) make, this cleaning/organizing system could help you. * Important* Tweak it to fit what works for you. I don't use the full system and I've added things of my own.
This system was used by my mom as I grew up... and I still liked it enough to use it myself for the past 12 years.
Not only does it help me to remember to clean things that are easy to forgotten, (the dryer vent, under the stove or the gutters) but it also helps me remember to do things (Doctor's appointments, change the air filter, check the fire alarms, etc...). It gives me peace of mind.
SUPPLIES NEEDED:
3x5 cards
file box w/ tab dividers labeled the months of the year.
pencil
a desire to make a change or improvement
INITIAL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE - 4 box system
Label 4 apple boxes: GIVE AWAY/SELL, THROW AWAY, PUT AWAY and STORAGE
Go through all the rooms and closets in your house with these boxes.
GETTING THE KIDS TO HELP:
Label the easy cards CHILDREN. On Saturday morning lay out all their card to choose from, divide by the number of kids you have and tell them how many to choose. (They can't choose a 2nd card until the 1st one's done. This motivates them to do it so they can get the next easiest job.)
KEY LIST -
Frequency
D=Daily
EOD=Every Other Day
2/W=Twice a Week
W=Weekly
EOW=Every Other Week
M=Monthly
EOM=Every Other Month
S=Seasonally
2/Y=Twice a Year
Y=Yearly
COLOR
Yellow=Daily
Blue=Weekly
White=Monthly
Pink=Personal
If you need a packet of suggested jobs and frequencies send a SASE to Jana at 13394 SW 64th Ave, Portland 97219 or check the book out from the library.
JANA'S LITTLE SECRET - You know the door to door sales man that sells that orange cleaning stuff or any cleaning stuff? Ever notice they all use those little green scrubbing pads? That's the secret! Buy those cut them in 1/4's. Use them with water for just about everything.
CLEANING SWAPS - If you have a close friend or a sister near by, I recommend doing cleaning swaps. Every couple of months, my sister from Salem and I do this. She comes to my house or I go to hers, we have a list prepared ahead of time (or a pile of cards) and we work through it while chatting all day. It's amazing all we get done and we've enjoyed our time together, as our kids play around us. There's a mess of toys in the front room when we're done but the rest of the house is so much cleaner and the toys only take 5 minutes to tidy up anyway.
Enjoy your new cleaner house!
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Sunday, January 16, 2011
PREPARING YOUR CHILDREN (and YOU) TO SERVE A FULL TIME MISSION
2011 Women's Conference Class taught by Ilene Barney
Sister Barney was called away to assist her mother who ended up in the hospital this week. We thought you might enjoy seeing some of her notes.
1. Teach your kids how to work. Work with them.
2. Teach your kids to serve others. Serve with them. Take them to help with moves. Take them to the church building cleaning assignments. Do your own family service projects. Etc.
3. Accept any calling and never complain about your calling (at least that your kids can hear). Children know and feel your attitude about everything you do.
4. Start a mission fund with the child's participation. Talk about it often. Have them work to earn money from an early age and work with them to decide how much of their earnings they'll save for their mission.
5. Talk early and often about missions. Emphasize sharing the gospel in FHE, family councils, etc. Frequently say things like, "when you serve a mission . . ." "Where do you think you'll serve a mission?"
6. Teach them to try all types of foods without complaint.
7. Cook with them and teach them to cook. Same with laundry, ironing, sewing, cleaning a toilet, etc.
8. Follow the guidance in the Family Guidebook--hold regular family scripture study, prayer, FHE, parent interviews, councils; have frequent and diverse family outings/activities.
9. Talk about and engage in gospel ordinances and blessings--emphasize Priesthood purposes.
10. Honor your church leaders.
11. Be an example of love and kindness. Encourage them to work out their differences with siblings/friends--don't think you need to give them all the answers. As they age, give them more responsibility.
12. As a family, write to full-time missionaries serving from your family/ward.
13. Have the full-time missionaries in your home as often as possible--meals; investigator discussions.
14. Have gospel artwork, play gospel music and have gospel literature in your home. Let them know your priorities in life.
15. Per the Family Guidebook, the home is the BEST place to teach children the gospel--so take advantage of that BEST place.
16. Work with them on the Duty to God program. Do it yourself at the same time they are doing it to set the example.
17. Do all you can to help them attend Seminary regularly and on time.
18. Make sure boys go to scout camp and girls go to girls camp (and other types of time away from Mom and Dad).
19. Repeat #1 and #2 often--with a smile.
If these suggestions seem like more than you can handle, here’s just one rule: Live the Gospel with All Your Might, Mind and Strength.
Sister Barney was called away to assist her mother who ended up in the hospital this week. We thought you might enjoy seeing some of her notes.
1. Teach your kids how to work. Work with them.
2. Teach your kids to serve others. Serve with them. Take them to help with moves. Take them to the church building cleaning assignments. Do your own family service projects. Etc.
3. Accept any calling and never complain about your calling (at least that your kids can hear). Children know and feel your attitude about everything you do.
4. Start a mission fund with the child's participation. Talk about it often. Have them work to earn money from an early age and work with them to decide how much of their earnings they'll save for their mission.
5. Talk early and often about missions. Emphasize sharing the gospel in FHE, family councils, etc. Frequently say things like, "when you serve a mission . . ." "Where do you think you'll serve a mission?"
6. Teach them to try all types of foods without complaint.
7. Cook with them and teach them to cook. Same with laundry, ironing, sewing, cleaning a toilet, etc.
8. Follow the guidance in the Family Guidebook--hold regular family scripture study, prayer, FHE, parent interviews, councils; have frequent and diverse family outings/activities.
9. Talk about and engage in gospel ordinances and blessings--emphasize Priesthood purposes.
10. Honor your church leaders.
11. Be an example of love and kindness. Encourage them to work out their differences with siblings/friends--don't think you need to give them all the answers. As they age, give them more responsibility.
12. As a family, write to full-time missionaries serving from your family/ward.
13. Have the full-time missionaries in your home as often as possible--meals; investigator discussions.
14. Have gospel artwork, play gospel music and have gospel literature in your home. Let them know your priorities in life.
15. Per the Family Guidebook, the home is the BEST place to teach children the gospel--so take advantage of that BEST place.
16. Work with them on the Duty to God program. Do it yourself at the same time they are doing it to set the example.
17. Do all you can to help them attend Seminary regularly and on time.
18. Make sure boys go to scout camp and girls go to girls camp (and other types of time away from Mom and Dad).
19. Repeat #1 and #2 often--with a smile.
If these suggestions seem like more than you can handle, here’s just one rule: Live the Gospel with All Your Might, Mind and Strength.
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