Required Reading

The League of Extraordinary Readers will meet this Thursday, September 3rd, 7:30pm, Mary Reid's home. We will be discussing To Kill a Mockingbird and Pride & Prejudice. I'm sure everyone has read at least one of these, so please come join us for an "enriching" discussion. Be sure to bring your sweet tooth: I'm bringing the dessert!

2 favorite quotes

Hi Sisters,
Just wanted to share a couple quotes with everyone.

"When, in situations of stress, we wonder if there is any more in us to give, we can be comforted to know that God, who knows our capacity perfectly, placed us here to succeed."
------Elder Neal A. Maxwell, A More Determined Discipleship, Feb 1979 Ensign

"To be a righteous woman is a glorious thing in any age. To be a righteous woman during the winding up scenes on this earth, before the second coming of our Savior, is an especially noble calling. The righteous woman's strength and influence today can be tenfold what it might be in more tranquil times . . . Other institutions in society may falter and even fail, but the righteous woman can help save the home which may be the last and only sanctuary some mortals know in the midst of storm and strife."
------President Spencer W. Kimball, Privileges and Responsibilities of Sisters, Nov 1978 Ensign

Just a reminder

"The Lord has also placed upon the individual members of the Church a responsibility. It is our duty as individuals to seek after our immediate dead – those of our own line. This is the greatest individual responsibility that we have, and we should carry it through in behalf of our fathers who have gone before." -- President Joseph Fielding Smith

Be sure to send in your free registration for the Plano Great Family Search genealogy conference (www.greatfamilysearch.com) if you are even thinking about attending (it tends to fill up!)

There are classes for every level of family history, so if you've been thinking you need to start, this is where you should be. Friday night will be a fireside for members only, so definitely plan to attend that. There will be a speaker from Salt Lake, and these talks area really inspirational.

FREE FUN!

It is the end of the summer, but, we are always "up" for free fun when it comes to raising our families. The Dallas Morning News offers a web link named GuideLive.com that will give you (mother or grandmother) many free children's events to help a family with small children stay entertained till the Halloween candy hits the streets. Check it out!

Two Cans of Corn, September 2009 Ensign

There is an awesome article in the new September Ensign. It is called "Two cans of corn: Home Storage for Newlyweds."

A bishop gave a new couple advice to watch what was on sale each week. When they went shopping, they were to buy a few cans each time. It was so cheap they wouldn't notice the extra cost, but over time their food supply would increase. Their first purchase was two cans of corn. Six months later the husband lost his job, and they relied on the storage they had. The article continues on to talk about storing you food storage, saving money, how to increase your short term storage, and gaining a testimony of food storage.

My husband and I started this way when we got married three years ago, and we still have to build our food storage this way. We don't have a lot of extra money every month to buy large amounts of food storage. We buy a few cans and cases of water each paycheck. We have also been fortunate that my dad has "gifted" us several cases of food storage from the cannery for birthdays and Christmas. We live in a very small apartment, but have found ways to incorporate these boxes and cans into our home, because we know how important it is to have this storage. They are in our closets, under our bed, stacked in the corner of the kitchen, etc. I admit that I was kind of embarrassed that these boxes were visible, but we have had many missionary opportunities to explain to our friends the importance of food storage and self reliance. They are a conversation starter for sure!

I have a testimony that no matter how small the effort, you will be blessed. Even if you can only buy two cans at a time, your efforts and diligence to follow the Prophet will not go unnoticed to the Lord. There are so many resources online to help with your storage, and our own ward even has Sister Pyne who is SO knowledgeable in food storage. She is so excited about it and willing to help anyone. I would love to hear other people's experiences with food storage as well!

"Bee" Prepared Recipe

Substitute for "Eagle Brand" Sweetened Condensed Milk from food storage powdered milk:
1/2 cup hot water
1 cup powdered milk
1 cup sugar
1 tbsp butter
Directions:
Blend in blender very well. Can be stored in refrigerator or freezer.
Makes 14oz

Family History is exciting! Uncovering murder & mayhem in Texas!

During August's FamilySearching meeting, one of our RS sisters shared some of her recent genealogy findings with me, and the stories she’s uncovered are fascinating! From searching in books online, read what interesting information she learned regarding the brother of a 3rd great grandmother: “...the elder Philip left the state in a hurry for Texas, with a $750 reward on his head for murder... to avoid attention or arrest, Philip changed his name to his mother’s maiden name..

In Texas Philip became a ‘colonist of the Empresario Stephen F. Austin and was awarded 4,446 acres of land in Washington County, TX in 1831. He was also a fast-living man... On December 6, 1852, Philip was murdered... Family sources say it was in a poker game, but the local press merely stated that Oliver “inflicted upon him four pistol shots. (Philip) was unarmed and could make no resistance.”

“...(his son) Phil (Jr.) Joined the Confederate Army as a young man, but after only one day of discipline (during which time he struck an officer) he deserted and made his way to Mexico... According to family sources, he was a large man, 6'4" tall and weighed 220-225 pounds. He had black hair which he wore in a pompadour, a mustache, but no sideburns. Men who had seen him said he had the coldest gray eyes they had ever seen. His visits home were infrequent, and the family noted that he was not disposed to make himself sociable, and was known to lock himself away in his room and play the violin for days upon end.” The book continued to describe Phil Jr.’s life, and his death - he was killed in a shootout with Wild Bill Hickock!

If you want to find out how to find some of your family’s stories, come to the FamilySearching interest group in September, and be sure to register for (& attend) the free Great Family Search conference in Plano in October (www.greatfamilysearch.com)!

Covenants

ATTENTION - PLEASE READ!

Sisters, please read the blog directly below concerning our SUPER SATURDAY on September 19th. Click on the link given in the blog. Tell a member of the Relief Society Presidency this Sunday that you read the blog and we will have a special treat for all the sisters that participate in this exercise!! (We are trying to see how many of you are reading our Dallas 4th Relief Society updates through the blog.)

SUPER SATURDAY IS COMING.....

Sisters - Super Saturday is coming on September 19th - We don't get alot of time to just be together and CREATE - it is part of our natures as women - Please click on the link below and listen to Elder Uchtdorf's message entitled Create!
http://www.youtube.com/mormonmessages?gclid=CIKVt-Gys5wCFRHxDAodWwkAng#play/all/favorites-all/2/RhLlnq5yY7k

Orange Rice Pilaf (from RS Birthday Dinner)

2 tbsp butter
zest of 1 orange
juice of 2 oranges
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup long grain rice
1/3 cup onions, finely chopped
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup frozen baby peas
1/3 cup slivered toasted almonds (garnish)
Directions:
Add the first seven ingredients to rice cooker container. Cover and cook until liquid evaporates, about 20 minutes. The last 7 minutes of cooking time, add the frozen peas. After cooking is done, allow to stand for 10 miniutes. Serve and top with slivered almonds.
Makes 2 cups

Super Saturday Sign Up

Playgroup Play Time!

Need to cool off your kids? The Playgroup will meet on Friday, August 21 at 3:30 p.m. at the Heights Park Splash Playground (711 West Arapaho Road, Richardson). The splash playground is adjacent to the swimming pool. Parents going to the splash playground only generally are not charged. Swimming pool fees are $2.00 per person for five and up; children four and under are free of charge. Hope to see you there!
Contact Katharine Craig with any questions.

"Our Benevolent Natures"

Last night I received a "fruit pizza" from Esther Davis. It was one of the best desserts I have eaten and I really want the recipe. But it made me think about our lesson this Sunday. This week we have a relief society lesson on the divine nature of the Relief Society. The organization of women after the order and wisdom of God was unique in the 1840's and is still amazing in its contribution today. Joseph Smith prophesied that it would bring out and enhance our benevolent natures and I see this time and time again in the Dallas 4th Ward. I am impressed with the numerous acts of charity given to so many. You give rides to Joyce Lund, visits with Elizabeth Woodling and Mildred Tonks; countless appointments to visit and teach each other; phone calls when one is absent; concern and food when women are sick or struggling; and the benefit of the doubt given when one "could" be offended by another. You attend meetings and interest groups just to support one another. You sign up for one more thing when you have twelve other items on the calendar. You extend and extend your hearts and means and I am humbled to be in a position to witness so much of this.

You are Divine! You have benevolent natures! Relief Society is an organization full of charity for all because of each one of YOU!
****(AND, we have alot of really good "cooks" in this ward so we will start a recipe book - my latest inspiration!!!)

Makeover Magic

On July 23rd we gathered at Carol Lucio's studio for an enrichment activity emphasising beauty, hair styles and make-up. Sisters were randomly drawn from a hat for the makeovers. We appreciate Carol and her staff for their expert advice and guidance.

Carol analyzes the situation and listens to her customer to come up with the ideal cut.

We got a lesson on face shapes and had the opportunity to study our neighbor's faces.

April before...

...and April after.

Laurie before...

...and Laurie after.

Magda before...

...and Magda after.

Three lovely sisters!

August Cooking 101

Need something yummy for the fam on a Saturday morning? Having overnight guests that you want to impress with a great breakfast? Not in the mood for a regular dinner? Try a breakfast casserole! We've got some mouth-watering recipes coming your way on August 2oth at 7pm @ Esther Davis's house. Come hungry, but don't forget a notebook for collecting those great recipes!

Black Bean and Corn Salsa

1 - 15oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 - 11oz. can whole kernel corn, drained
1 tsp. minced fresh jalapeno pepper
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1/3 cup chpped fresh cilantro (or 1 tsp. dried)
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
1 tsp. salt
1 avacado, chopped
Directions:
Combine all ingredients except avacado. Cover and chill for at least two hours. Add avacado just before serving. Serve with tortilla chips.

Sweet and Creamy Pasta Salad

1 pkg. elbow macaroni (make according to pkg. directions and cool)
3 chicken breasts, boiled and cut into small bite size pieces
4 celery stalks, cut into small pieces
2 green onions, cut into small pieces
1 green pepper, cut into small pieces
1 cup peas
3 to 4 cups red grapes, cut in 1/2
1 cup cheddar cheese cubes
1 cup slivered almonds (optional)
Dressing:
2 cups mayonnaise
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup sugarsalt and pepper to taste
Pasta will seem very saucy but will absorb dressing as it chills. Chill overnight.
(Makes 10 - 12 servings)

Springtime Pasta Primavera

1 pkg. bowtie pasta (make according to package directions)
1 - 8oz. pkg. sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup frozen peas
1 cup thin asparagus tips and stalks sliced in 1 inch pieces
1/2 cup julienne-cut carrots (very small and thin slices)
1 cup half-and-half
2 tbsp. butter
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
4 plum tomatoes, seeded and diced
2 tsp. fresh snipped or dried chives
Directions:
Melt butter in pan. Add vegetables; cook until barely tender, about 2 to 3 minutes (do not overcook). Season with salt and pepper. Add and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Put pasta in large serving bowl and pour vegetables over the top; let cool. Toss in cheese, tomatoes and chives.
(Makes 4 - 6 Servings)

Greek-style Pasta Salad

1 pkg. bowtie pasta (make according to package directions)
1 - 6oz. can white chunk tuna
1 cucumber, seeded and cut in small pieces
1/2 red onion, chopped
1/2 pkg. grape tomatoes, cut in 1/2
1 sm. can sliced black olives
1 cup crumbled feta cheese (6oz.)
Dressing:
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. dried mint, crushed
(Makes 6 servings)

Summer Italian Pasta Salad

1 pkg. penne pasta (cook according to directions)
1 pkg. trio colored spiral pasta (cook according to directions)
2 to 3 chicken breasts (cut in small cubes, put in plastic bag with 1/2 cup flour and shake until chicken is thoroughly coated with flour, fry in 1/2 cup butter until browned, salt & pepper to taste)
1 to 2 avocados1 cucumber
2 stalks of celery
1/2 red onion
1/2 to 1 green pepper
(Cut all vegetables into small bite-size pieces, and add any other vegetables that you would like)1 sm. can sliced black olives
Dressing:
Good Seasonings Italian Dressing Mix (make according to package directions, or to make it a sweeter dressing, make it with red wine vinegar instead of regular and add 2 tbsp sugar)
(Makes 12 - 16 servings)

Italian-style Bow Pasta Salad

1 pkg. bowtie pasta (cook according to directions)
2 cups frozen grilled chicken strips, thawed and cubed
1 cup grape tomatoes, cut in 1/2
1 to 2 cucumbers, peeled, seeded, cut in small pieces
8 oz. sliced mushrooms
2 green onions, chopped
1 sm. can sliced black olives
Add any other vegetables that you would like
Dressing:
Kraft Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette
(Makes 6 - 8 servings)

August Reading

Thanks to those sisters who attended our League of Extraordinary Readers discussion tonight! Mary Kay Tanner set a great example of how we can learn something from any book and apply it to our lives. And Jeanne Grant led an edifying discussion of the truths we can find in the gospel and how Morrie taught them throughout his life.

We get to read and discuss two of my favorite books this month! Caitie Glatz picked To Kill a Mockingbird and the alternate chosen is Pride and Prejudice. Both happen to be great movies, but we encourage you to read (or re-read) at least one before coming to our discussion in 4 weeks.

Happy reading!

Find your LDS ancestors in Journals!

Here is just another reason to get yourself logged into the New FamilySearch program (www.new.FamilySearch.org) Brigham Young University is working on a new website called Historic Journals (http://journals.byu.edu) where actual journals are being digitized and posted online. If you have registered for the New FamilySearch program, you can sign in to the Historical Journals website, and, using your New FamilySearch sign in and password, your pedigree chart is automatically compared to the names that have been identified in the journals, and if there are any matches, you can read those journals online, for free!

The site also invites folks to submit journals of their own ancestors that they might have in their possession as well, in order to be able to connect with other possible relatives of the same ancestors.

And REMEMBER! Next Thursday, August 13th at 7 pm is the next informal meeting of the FamilySearching interest group, in the Family History room right next to Primary.

League of Extraordinary Readers

Please join us for our book discussion this Thursday! The topic this month was self-help. We will be discussing Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. If you chose the option to read a different self-help book, please come prepared to share the following:
1. One thing you learned from the book.
2. How you used that one thing in your life.
3. What difference it made in your life this month.
(We will not be discussing the book itself, but feel free to bring it to show the group.)

Where? Sister Jeanne Grant's house
When? Thursday, August 6th, 7:30pm