Friday, November 16, 2012

Thanksgiving Traditions

With Thanksgiving now less than a week away it'll be here in no time at all! What are some ways you and your family celebrate the holiday? What were some of your favorite traditions growing up or ones you've recently started?



Send your ideas to jfenn87@gmail.com

Sunday, November 11, 2012

November Blog Theme: Service

The month of November is here! Can you believe it? November is usually a month of gratitude. One of the most important ways of showing our gratitude is a willingness to be more like Christ, whose life was a life of continual service and love. Creating service opportunities in our wards is the theme for this month.

If you have any ideas or suggestions for service opportunities or projects, please email them to jfenn87@gmail.com. 

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Words from Sister Warnick





Dear Sisters,
Within this Church there is a constant need for unity, for if we are not one, we are not his. (See D&C 38:27.) We are truly dependent on each other, “and the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.” (1 Cor. 12:21.)

As leaders in Relief Society, how do we create more unity in our wards?
 1. Go beyond visiting teaching. Plan a time to let your children play together so you can visit.
2. Attend the Temple together. Going to the temple with girls from my ward was something we all enjoyed and helped to cement our relationships.
3. Perform service together. “Charity never faileth.” Doing service together is another great way to cement relationships.

What can we do in our Sunday meetings to promote unity?
1. Encourage your sisters to sit by someone new each week.
2. Greet and welcome new sisters. Make sure your sisters are introduced at least 3 times. This helps you and your sisters get to know them quicker.
3. Some people want to fly under the radar, it is up to you to find them! When I was a relief society president I pray to find those who were not coming to church, I found that one of these girls was a neighbor of mine. She was inactive, worked a lot, but she did tell me she cut hair. I immediately thought, what better way to get to know her than to have her cut my hair. We became friends and she is active today. I hope you will make it your mission to find each sister on your roll and make sure she feels included.
A few other tips:
1. Have sister spotlights. Each week, give a sister in your ward the responsibility to get to know another sister. Include a picture and send the spotlight out in a ward email or blog. It’s a great way to get to know the sisters better.
2. Don’t go to activities alone. Invite a friend or someone new!
3. Always refrain from gossip! Gossip is evil, divisive and will not promote unity.
Unity is a great medicine for many of the struggles ailing your sisters. May you go out of your way to unite your Relief Society sisters in love and righteousness.
“We are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness…We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of use.
–Thomas S. Monson
Love,
 Sister Warnick

Monday, October 15, 2012

October Blog Theme: Developing Unity in Our Relief Societies

The theme for this month is Developing Unity in our Relief Societies. Sister Beck has said here that, " [We will] increase in sisterhood and unity as [we] teach one another and serve together."This can be done in a variety of ways, whether through a get-to-know you activity, a weekday meeting, visiting teaching or the way you welcome new sisters into your wards. 

What are some ways you feel unity has been developed in your ward? 

Also, with the beautiful and ever-changing fall weather upon us, warm and cozy soup recipes are in high demand. Please share with us your favorite fall recipes and activities!



Please email your ideas to jfenn87@gmail.com to have them posted to the blog. 

Friday, March 30, 2012

Blogging

Sister Beck on Blogging:

"The Savior emphasized the importance of keeping records. And one of the most valuable records is the one you keep of your own life". - Spencer W. Kimball

"With the blessings of modern technology, we can express gratitude and joy about God's great plan for His children in a way that can be heard not only around our workplace but around the world. Sometimes a single phrase of testimony can set events in motion that affect someone's life for eternity." - Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Blogging Disclaimer

  • You can keep it positive while keeping it real
  • Don't let the nasty comparisons/jealousies/one-upping each other bug you or get into your blog
  • If it's a hobby, give it hobby time and priority in your life
Setting Goals and Purpose Of Your Blog
  • Ask yourself, "what is the purpose of my blog for now and for the future?"
  • What type of posts will you write?
  • How often will you blog?
  • Will you include photos or videos?
Tech Advice
  • Free hosting is available at blogspot.com and wordpress.com.
  • If you want your domain to be .com, start with wordpress
  • You can turn your blog into a book at blurb.com and shutterfly.com
  • You can set your blog to be private and invitation only
Your Life Now
  • Story-tell! Instead of simply documenting, tell the story behind events and photos
  • Write to your loved ones. Write to them on their birthdays, summing up their year, tell them how you appreciate them etc.. Or, a post of facts - some silly, some factual. You could even have a blog set up for each child and write to them throughout the year, have them write entries, take photos of their artwork etc..
  • Document special events: birthdays, vacations, holidays. These are the memories you will want to remember.
  • Write and post pictures of every day moments. I do a "Things I loved" post every week and they are always the small moments that brought me joy in the week.
  • Sharing great ideas. Blogs are a great way to share recipes, visiting teaching helps, crafts, service projects, and books.
Family History
  • Spotlight an ancestor or family member living now. Include pictures, or voice recordings. Post on their birthday, or after a funeral, or anniversary.
  • Family Recipes. Document with pictures
  • Memories from your past: re-create with your children, interview family members about an experience, write a memory in storytelling form and scan old pictures. Handwrite a post and scan it in so your posterity can see what your handwriting is like.
  • Start your own family history - do "wrap-up" posts such as a summary of the last year or 6 months.
Using Your Blog to Strengthen Your Family
  • Choose a theme, word, or scripture for the year. This can be personal to your or your family.
  • Work on a goal together as a family and document it on your blog. I asked my three daughters to join me and "return to virtue" by completing the YW goals for virtue.
  • Blog your testimony. Blog through trials. You can uplift people now, as well as your posterity, by being honest, real, and sharing these important things.
  • Be grateful and thankful on your blog. What you record stays with you forever!
Inspirational Blogs for Great Reading and Post Ideas
cjanekendrick.com
nieniedialogues.blogspot.com
71toes.com
chellisandalex.blogspot.com
annievalentine.com
thrilledbythethought.com
theparentals.blogspot.com
theyflewthecoop.blogspot.com
beealittlebetter.com
sharon-thesavvygrandma.com

Email me at tylervanessabrown@gmail.com for any more blogging questions or recommendations.


Mommy 101


I Wish Game
- When your child is throwing a tantrum and doesn't want to do something like get out of the bath tub, play the "I wish game". Start talking and wishing " I wish the tub was big and we could all climb in and grow fins and swim in here all day. I wish your pre-school teacher came over and ate lunch with us in the tub". Before you know it, they will be in a towel climbing out of the tub!

Be Positive. Say Yes More Often.
- Children learn what "we'll see" means
- The spontaneous stops at the park and other places will be what's remembered
- Quality time and quantity of time are equally important

Relax!
- It is okay to let your house get a little messy. Have a sense of humor about things. The relationship you are creating with your child now (while they are young) will last through the teenage years. It is difficult to have an open relationship later if you don't have one now.

Trust in your Heavenly Father. He trusts you to raise His children. He will guide and help you.


Go out of your way to invite the Spirit into your home

Have a Family Plan.
- Talk about your future! If you know what you want your family to look like in 20 years (sons on missions, college, whole family in temple) it will shape your traditions now.

Have Open Communication Between You and Your Spouse.
- You are a team!
- You are your husband's wife, not his mother.

It's Here...Somewhere by Alice Osborne

Streamline BEFORE you organize.
Three important concepts to remember:
1) Big isn't necessarily better, it's just big. The space you have is perfectly fine as long as it only holds what matters most to you (what you like, use, need, want, and have room for).
2) Less is always best.
3) Strive for quality over quantity

Three reasons why really bright intelligent people keep things they don't like, use, need, want, or have room for:
1) Sentiment
2) You paid "good money" for it
3) You "might need it someday" (this is true, you will, but that's not the point: there is someone that does need it today. Find the courage to send things to charity).

Eight Streamlining Steps
1. Prepare self and family
2. Gather containers
3. Start in the master bedroom and work in clockwise pattern
4. Evaluate and assign (puts rhyme and reason into spaces)
5. Use keeper questions (to decide what matters most, what your keepers are and how to know what to put in each container)
6. Group and store like items together
7. Give every family member a memory box
8. Enjoy the empty space (and make it part of your homemaking standard

Conclusion: The familiar feelings of being overbooked, overworked, and overwhelmed are eliminated as you eliminate clutter and overload from your home and workplace. Streamlining makes the best use of the space you have and gives you an advantage over whatever your day has to offer.

Information taken from It's Here...Somewhere, Spring Creek Books, 2008).

Oh-so-delicious Pasta Salad

We have had a lot of requests for the recipe used for our stake relief society conference. We served it on a bed of spinach with a roll. Enjoy!

35-40 Servings

10 cups bow-tie pasta (uncooked)
8 cups cooked and cubed chicken (9-10 chicken breasts)
1/2 cup chopped green onions
3 cans sliced water chestnuts
3 (20 ounce) cans pineapple tidbits, drained
2 cups chopped apples (soak in pineapple juice)
2 cups chopped celery

Dressing:
4 1/2 cups mayonnaise
3/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 T salt
1 T pepper

6 cups red and white grapes
3 cups pecans, coarsely chopped
1 1/2 cups craisins

Directions:

Cook pasts according to directions. Drain.
In a large bowl combine all ingredients except for grapes, pecans, and craisins. Marinate mixture for several hours or overnight in refrigerator. Add grapes, pecans, and craisins just before serving.

Photos from our Stake Relief Society Conference

Friday, February 24, 2012

Scripture Study - 6th Ward

 First we split into small groups to discuss ways to study the scriptures more effectively as individuals, with our spouses, and with our children. Then we made some small crafts to help sisters and their families with their scripture study: study journals, scripture jars, and magnets.
 
 

Thai Curry Crockpot Recipe

Ingredients
4 cloves garlic, pressed
½ tsp pepper
½ tsp salt
1 ½ Tbs Soy Sauce
2 tsp yellow curry
2 frozen boneless chicken breasts (you could do more)
¾ cup coconut milk
½ cup frozen peas (this was my audition because I didn’t have ½ cup fresh basil- so I decided to make a huge alteration… it was good though)

Directions 1.       Defrost chicken (I did it in the microwave)
2.       In a small bowl, mix garlic, pepper, salt, soy sauce, and curry. Add coconut milk
3.       Cut chicken into strips or larger cubes
4.       Put chicken in crock pot, cover in the milk mixture.
5.       Cook 7 hours (*see below) on low (haha I do like 1 hr 15 minutes on high, 4 hr 15 on low) in your happy crock pot.
6.       Last *half hour (crock pot was on high at this point for me), add peas into the mixture. Start rice.

Quinoa Chili Recipe

Ingredients
    1/2 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
    1 cup water
    1/2 pound extra lean ground beef
    1-1/2 teaspoons olive oil
    1/2 onion, chopped
    2 cloves garlic, minced
    1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
    1-1/2 teaspoons chili powder
    1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
    1/2 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
    1 (19 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
    1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
    1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
    1/2 zucchini, chopped (optional)
    1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
    1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
    salt and ground black pepper to taste
    1/2 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
    2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 
Directions
This recipe's Ingredients were scaled to yield a new amount. The directions below still refer to the original recipe yield of 8 servings.
    Bring the quinoa and water to a boil in a saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender, and the water has been absorbed, about 15 to 20 minutes.
    Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and stir in the ground beef. Cook and stir until the beef is crumbly, evenly browned, and no longer pink. Drain and discard any excess grease; set beef aside.
    Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in the onion, garlic, and jalapeno pepper; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Season with chili powder and cumin; cook 1 minute more to release the flavor of the spices. Stir in the tomatoes, black beans, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, zucchini, oregano, and parsley. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Simmer until the bell peppers are tender, about 20 minutes.
    Once the red and green peppers are tender, stir in the quinoa, beef, and corn kernels. Return to a simmer, and cook 5 minutes to reheat. Stir in the cilantro to serve.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

A House of Order - 4th ward

We started with spiritual thoughts on visiting teaching and on "a house of order." Then, we had a great time making tile necklaces, and learning about coupon-ing, meal planning, and chore charts
 
 
 

Winter Date Night

1. Macey's has a free cooking class two or three nights a week, and you get free food too!

2. Go to an apartment complex's hot tub, Glenwood, Raintree, and The Riv have all been good.

3. Reserve a racquetball or indoor tennis court at BYU by calling the RB (you will need your own equipment).

4. BYU has many museums that are all free, the MOA and the Bean museum are the best.

5. Nickel City (Nickel Cade) is really fun, it costs 2.50 to get in, and all of the games are between 1 and 7 nickels.

Baked Potato Soup

INGREDIENTS
1 Small Onion Diced
5-6 Strips of Bacon, Cooked and Crumbled
1/2 Cup Flour
5 1/2 Cups Chicken Broth
1 Teaspoon Parsley
Salt and Pepper to taste
5 Small/Medium Potatoes, Peeled and Cubed
2 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
1 Cup Sour Cream
4oz. (1/2 of a bag) Shredded Cheddar Cheese
INSTRUCTIONS
In stock pot, dice Onions and sautee in some butter (or in left over bacon grease). When onions are soft/transparent, add Flour, Bacon, and Broth. Stir with whisk consistently and bring to a boil. Continue stirring mixture until it is thick and bubbly. Add Parsley, Salt, Pepper, Potatoes and Heavy Whipping Cream. Boil for 20 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender, stirring FREQUENTLY! (The potatoes tend to stick to the bottom of your pan if you don't!). When potatoes are tender turn heat off and stir in Sour Cream and Cheddar Cheese!
*This meal is GREAT left over and only takes ONE pot! I love it. Also, if you are a little short on Heavy Whipping Cream you can use some milk in it's place, which will make your soup a little thinner!

Lasagna Soup

Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon thyme
1 tablespoon firmly packed brown sugar
1 (32-ounce) box chicken broth
2 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups egg noodles
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions:
In a large pan, combine ground chuck, onion, bell pepper and garlic. Cook over medium-high heat for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until beef is browned and crumbles. Drain well. Stir in thyme, brown sugar, broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and salt into cooked meat mixture. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes. Add noodles, and simmer until noodles are tender.
Optional: Preheat broiler. Ladle soup into 8 to 10 ovenproof bowls. Evenly sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Broil soups, 6-inches from heat, 3 to 4 minutes, until cheese is browned and bubbly.

Bread Recipe

Marla
8th Ward

INGREDIENTS:
2 1/2 cups of lukewarm water
5 tbsp oil
3 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp salt
2 tbsp yeast
6 cups flour
DIRECTIONS:
Dissolve sugar, salt, oil and water in a big bowl. Once it's completely dissolved add the yeast and stir. Add 3 cups of flour and keep stirring until is completely incorporated. Stir in the remaining flour and beat for about 5 minutes. Cover the dough and leave it rise in a warm place. After 10-15 minutes take a knife and insert it into the dough 3 or 4 times. Cover the dough once again and let it rise other 10-15 minutes and insert the knife 3 to 4 times. Cover the dough one more time and let it rise 10-15 minutes more. Take half of the dough and make a loaf with it and put it on greased cookie sheet, make small cuts on top to make it look pretty :D make the same with the other half and cover them and let them rise for 15 minutes more. Meanwhile preheat the oven to 375F. Finally bake for about 22 minutes or until golden brown.
You may need more flour, the dough is supposed to be smooth and not sticky.
Enjoy!

Southwest Chicken Soup

Emily S
8th Ward

Preheat oven to 400.
3-4 Sweet Potatoes, peeled and cubed
3-4 yams, peeled and cubed
5 Tbsp red wine vinegar
3 Tbsp dried oregano
2 Tbsp chili powder
2 Tbsp cayenne pepper (I usually do 2 tsp. because people don't like spicy at my house)
2 cans (small) Salsa Casera, Ranchero or Picante sauce
1 can tomato sauce
4 cartons chicken broth

Bring these ingredients to a boil while you prepare the rest of the ingredients
4 chicken breasts, season with lemon juice and a lot of Johnny's Seasoning salt (3-4 Tbsp). Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes on a baking stone. If don't have a stone, you can saute in a pan before the next step. Cut into bite-sized pieces.

1 large onion, peeled and chopped fine
2 red bell peppers, diced
Saute in 2 Tbsp olive oil on high heat until they are flecked with a little bit of black.

Add chicken, sauteed onions and bell peppers to soup.

1 large bunch of cilantro, chopped fin
1 Large can of Mexican hominy

Add to soup and simmer for 30-45 minutes.

Serve with cheese on the bottom, then soup, sour cream, squeezed lime, and tortilla chips.

Butternut Squash Soup

Aimee C
8th Ward

INGREDIENTS
1 butternut squash
1 onion
3 cloves garlic
3TBS. butter
3TBS. Whole wheat flour
2C Milk
pinch of nutmeg
1/2 C extra Sharp cheddar cheese (or whatever kind you like)

INSTRUCTIONS
Peel and cut butternut squash into cubes.  Roast in 375 degree oven for 35-40 minutes. (ROAST: put on sheet pan. Drizzle with Olive oil, salt, pepper, pinch of nutmeg) After roasting,  mash with potato masher.  Saute onion and garlic. Melt butter in  different pan, add in flour, mix. Add milk and pinch of nutmeg.  Add salt and pepper to taste( I like a lot of pepper) After sauce thickens a  bit-add mashed up butternut squash.  Let simmer for a few minutes.  Put in blender or use emulsion blender to mix.  Enjoy!

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Lindsay Hansen
8th Ward

In a Large Stock Pot:
1 large onion, chopped  (use a sweet white onion like a Walla Walla)
1 clove garlic, minced
Saute the onion and garlic in 2 Tablespoons olive oil
Add:
6 Cups Chicken Broth (1-48oz. can)
2   10oz. cans Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles
½ Cup Cilantro, chopped  (one handful)
2 Cups Frozen Super Sweet white Corn
2 - 15oz. can Black Beans, drained and rinsed
2 Cups cooked boneless skinless Chicken Breast or 2 cups of shredded Rotisserie Chicken
1 Bay Leaf (remove before serving)
1 Tablespoon Cumin
1 teaspoon Chili Powder
Juice of 1 Lime
Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish with shredded Monterey Jack Cheese, sliced Avocado, Sour Cream, a sprig of cilantro, and fried corn tortilla strips.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Jessica Robinson
8th Ward

INGREDIENTS
6Tbsp chicken bullion base
3 x 10 oz. packages frozen mixed vegetables
2 x 10 oz. cans diced chicken (1 1/2 lbs. precooked cut up chicken)
6 oz. dry egg noodles

INSTRUCTIONS
Dissolve 6 Tbsp chicken bullion base in 2 1/2 quarts of water in a soup pot.  Add 3-10 oz. packages frozen mixed vegetables, 2-10 oz. cans diced chicken (or 1 1/2 lbs. precooked cut up chicken) and 6 oz. dry egg noodles.  Bring to a boil, simmer 5-10 minutes.  Makes 4 quarts finished soup.  (I added a can of cream of chicken soup, as well, just to make it a little creamy.)

Greek Chicken and Rice Soup

Alice Hansen
BYU 1st Ward

INGREDIENTS
3 chicken breasts
10 cups cold water
1 tbsp salt
2 leeks, cleaned and quartered
2 carrots, peeled and quartered
2 bay leaves
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2/3 cup arborio rice (regular rice works too)
2 cloves garlic
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
2 large eggs
1 tsp freshly ground pepper

INSTRUCTIONS
In a 6 to 8-quart stockpot, combine the chicken, water, and 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; immediately reduce the heat to a very low simmer, and skim the foam from the surface. Add one of the leeks, one of the carrots and bay leaves. Continue to simmer with the chicken until the chicken is thoroughly cooked, and you have a stock — about 45 minutes to one hour.

Meanwhile, dice the remaining quartered leek, carrot and garlic. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, leek, garlic and carrot and cook, stirring, until translucent, about 6 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Remove chicken from the broth, and allow meat to cool. Shred the meat when cool enough to handle. Strain the broth.

Return the broth to high heat, add the rice and sautéed veggies and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the rice is almost cooked through, about 20 minutes. Add the chicken and reduce the broth to a low simmer.
In a medium sized bowl, beat the lemon juice, eggs, and pepper. Temper the egg and lemon mixture: Ladle 2 cups of hot broth into a measuring cup with a pourable spout. While whisking, slowly pour the 2 cups of hot broth into the egg mixture. Pour the broth and egg mixture back into the pot. The egg and lemon will make the soup creamier and a lighter yellow color. Salt to taste.

Slow-Cooked White Chili

INGREDIENTS
3/4pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed
1medium onion, chopped
1garlic clove, minced
1tablespoon vegetable oil
1 1/2cups water
1(15 ounce) can white kidney or cannelini beans, rinsed and drained
1(15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1(11 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1(4 ounce) can chopped green chilies
1teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
1teaspoon ground cumin
INSTRUCTIONS
1.In a large skillet, saute chicken, onion and garlic in oil until onion is tender. Transfer to a slow cooker. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until chicken juices run clear and flavors are blended.

Broccoli Cheese Soup

This is the BEST soup I've ever made, and pretty dang easy. It comes from one of my favorite cooking blogs, "Mel's Kitchen Cafe."

-Desta Parkinson
4th Ward

From: http://www.melskitchencafe.com/

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Note: To make my life easier, while the soup is coming together, I put the chopped broccoli in a large glass bowl, cover with saran wrap and microwave for about 3-4 minutes. It cooks perfectly and just in time to add it to the soup.
*Serves 4
INGREDIENTS:
1 3/4 cups chicken broth
1 small onion, diced
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) butter
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk
1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, preferably sharp or extra sharp
1/2 cup shredded swiss cheese
2 1/2 to 3 cups chopped, lightly steamed or blanched broccoli
DIRECTIONS:
Simmer chicken broth and chopped onion for 15-20 minutes in a covered small saucepan, until onions are soft. Heat milk in microwave for 1-2 minutes. In a separate medium-sized stockpot, melt butter then add flour, salt and pepper. Cook together, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes, then whisk in warmed milk. Stir and heat together on medium heat until soup starts to thicken, about 5-8 minutes. Add warmed chicken broth and continue to stir until well blended. Add cheeses and stir until completely melted. Stir in seamed broccoli. Add more salt and pepper to taste, if needed. Serve immediately in bowls or bread bowls.