What an AMAZING Day!!!

Today has been one of those days that you

TREASURE FOREVER!!!

I had the opportunity to be with my oldest son as

he received his patriarchal blessing.

What an amazing opportunity!

I am still on a spiritual high for sure.

I took the opportunity to attend the temple today.

I always thought that the celestial room was beautiful,

but the way the sun poured into the windows casting reflections

from the crystals in the light onto the floor

made it even more breath-taking.

There is a TRUE PEACE in the temple!

I didn't post today because I wanted to focus on

Chris and his blessing.  I am truly grateful for the opportunity

it gave me to feel the Spirit and to feel closer to my Savior.

I hope that even if you don't know me personally . . .

You will never doubt that I have a testimony of this gospel.

Thank You

for letting me have a personal moment on the post today!

It has been a day I will NEVER FORGET!

P.S.

I will be back to REGULAR posting in the morning!!!

(August doesn't count as regular . . . that was a CrAzY Month!)

All I can say is . . . "Whew!", we made it through that one!

Family Home Evening Service Project!

If there is a 5th Monday in the month

it means SERVICE in my home!

We are all very busy with family, school, church, and sports,

and so taking the time to do service for others sometimes

gets put on the back burner!

I heard that there is a need for quilts and blankets and because
I'm not the most patient seamstress, the no-sew fleece blankets

were the perfect answer.

The fleece I found at Walmart was the cheapest and so

I bought enough to do 6 blankets. 

(One for each of the members in my family to work on.)

Here's a link with instructions for making a NO SEW Fleece Blanket:

No Sew Fleece Blankets
Even little one's will be able to help!

Tonight for YOUR Family Home Evening,

sit down as a family and choose a few service projects
you would like to do. 
Write them down and make some goals as to

when each project will be completed.

Christmas is coming up and their is always a huge need
for service at that time. 
Can you imagine being able to donate something

your family has worked on together to those who are in need?!?

Service is a PERFECT way

to truly celebrate Christmas!

Here are a few other ideas:

School Supplies

Hygiene Kits

Gloves

Socks

You could save money as a family to give a

"SECRET DELIVERY"

on Christmas Eve!

Christmas Jars are always FUN to deliver as a family!

Add the page to your Family Home Evening Journals

and it will be a great reference for
future projects and ideas!

Don't Forget To . . .

Take pictures along the way!
Time for Treats:

Vanilla Ice Cream and Homemade Caramel Sauce
with a TWIST!

My mom always serves vanilla ice cream and
the best homemade caramel sauce,
but the dessert goes to a whole other level when
she adds fresh sliced peaches!

Holy Cow!  It's Amazing!
I wasn't sure at first, but after one taste I was hooked!
Here's the Caramel Sauce Recipe:
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup Sugar
1 cup Hot Water
1 Tbsp. Butter
1/8 tsp. Salt
1/2 tsp. Vanilla
Instructions:
Caramelize sugar by heating in a heavy skillet over low-heat;
Stir constantly until sugar has melted and changed to a light brown syrup.
Remove from heat and slowly stir in hot water.
Return to heat and boil slowly while stirring until hard caramelized sugar
dissolved and it reaches a temperature of 228 degrees on a candy thermometer
(or until slightly thickened).
Remove from heat and add butter, salt, and vanilla.
Makes about 3/4 cup or 4 servings of 3 Tbsp. each.
(I always double and sometimes triple the batch!)
Have a Fun Family Home Evening!
Don't forget to start and end with prayer.
I will be posting next week's FHE Lesson later tonight
so you will have a little advanced prep time from now on!

Vital Records - Home Owner's Insurance!

We are finishing up the

HOME SECTION . . . TODAY!!!

The last thing you will need to add to this section is

a copy (or the original's) of your Home Owner's Insurance.

Now would be a great time to check on Flood or Earthquake

Insurance or to up-date any new information and check pricing!

Here's the PDF:

Home Owner's Insurance Records PDF

Print the PDF and place it into a clear sheet protector.

Add the insurance information in the back side of the same sheet protector.

Only 3 more sections to go . . .

Keep up the Good Work!

Food Storage Meals and Menu Planner - Dessert: Pumpkin Squares!

Today's Dessert Menu:

Pumpkin Pecan Squares!

Here's the Recipe:

Ingredients:

Crust

1¼ cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup quick cooking oats

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup ground pecans

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup butter, melted

You could make the crust into a mix and make several ahead of time!

It's a great mix to have on hand!

Topping

1½ cups pecan pieces

3/4 cup brown sugar

2 tbsp corn syrup

Filling

2¼ cups canned pure pumpkin

1 can Regular or Low Fat Eagle Brand®

sweetened condensed milk

1/4 cup white sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

3 eggs

2 ½ tsp cinnamon

1½ tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp ground ginger

1/2 tsp allspice or mace

Preparation:

Toss all ingredients together except butter.

Add melted butter and rub between fingers

until evenly combined.

Press into bottom of parchment lined 13" x 9" pan

and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Topping :

In small bowl combine topping ingredients; set aside.

Filling :

With electric mixer beat pumpkin and sweetened condensed milk.

Beat in remaining ingredients until smooth.

Pour over prebaked crust.

Bake :

15 minutes; remove from oven and sprinkle

with prepared topping.

Return to oven and bake another 25 minutes

or until set.

Cool completely on wire rack.

Chill.

Here's the PDF:

Food Storage Meals and Menu Planning Dessert Pumpkin Squares PDF

Pumpkin will be going on sale SOON!

This is a great recipe to try . . . if you like it,

you might want to stock up!

Family Activity - Harvest Fest!

It's Time for the Farmington

Stake Harvest Fest!

Date: TODAY

Time:

Dinner is at 5:30 pm

(Free FOOD . . . Woot Woot!)

Music starts at 7:00 pm

Tminus5 and Trebleicious

How LUCKY are WE!?!

See YOU at Woodland Park in Farmington!

Don't Forget

A Blanket and A Flashlight!

It's going to be a lot of FUN!

One More Christmas Gift Idea!

This Christmas Gift Idea is PERFECT for

Emergency Preparedness!

It's and Emergency Blanket!

You can purchase an inexpensive fleece blanket,

(I found mine for around $2.50 each.)

or you can attach the poem to an emergency blanket.

(You know the one's that look like soft tin foil!)

The cost of an emergency blanket is between $1.00-$2.00.

Here's the PDF:

Christmas Blanket Poem PDF
I will be back to my regular posting schedule next week!
I feel like I've been hit and miss for all of August!

5 More Food Storage Christmas Gift Ideas!

Posting these Christmas ideas is making me want to pull out

the Christmas music, BUT my husband makes me wait until at least September!

Just a few more days . . . Woot Woot!

(Casey, hope you're ready for Dolly's "I'll Be Home With Bells On!")

Soooo Exciting!!!

HERE'S THE 6TH IDEA

You Will Need:

Hot Chocolate Mix

Mini Marshmallows

Milk Chocolate Chips

White Chocolate Chips

Peppermint Candy Cane Pieces

1 Quart or Pint-Sized Jar

Some Ribbon

and

A Copy of the Tag

HERE'S THE 7TH IDEA

You Will Need:

1 Roll of Toilet Paper

(A definate food storage and emergency preparedness need!)

1 Clear Cellophane Bag

Some Ribbon

and

A Copy of the Tag 

HERE'S THE 8TH IDEA

You Will Need:

1 Can of Campbell's Soup

Christmas Scrapbook Paper

A Glue Stick

Some Ribbon

and

A Copy of the Tag 

HERE'S THE 9TH IDEA

You Will Need:

Some Candles, A Flashlight, or An Inexpensive Lantern

1 Clear Cellophane Bag

Some Ribbon

and

A Copy of the Tag

HERE'S THE 10TH IDEA

You Will Need:

1 Can of Wheat

(Cost between $2.60-$2.70 at the Dry Pack!)

Some Ribbon

and

A Copy of the Tag

Here's the PDF:

Christmas Gifts File 2
Here's the "S-Wheat" Christmas Tags PDF:
"S-Wheat" Christmas Tags PDF

(Pictures ARE Coming . . . I Promise!)

Watch for Another Idea Tomorrow!

Preparedness Projects - It's Christmas in August!

Are you ready for Christmas . . . in AUGUST?!?

Here are a few

EASY and INEXPENSIVE

Food Storage Neighborhood Gifts

for you to make ahead of time.

Can you imagine a stress-free December?

HERE'S THE 1ST IDEA

You Will Need:

1 Quart-Sized Canning Jar

Pasta

(Christmas Pasta is fun, but any pasta will do!)

2/3 cup Magic Mix

Here's the Recipe:

2 1/3 cups Dry Powdered Milk

1 cup All-Purpose Flour

1 cup (2 sticks) Butter, at room temperature

Instructions:

Combine dry milk, flour or cornstarch,
and butter into a large bowl.

Mix with electric hand mixer until it looks like cornmeal.

Keep mix tightly covered in the refrigerator
for up to 8 months.

Yield: 5 Cups!

To Make Alfredo Sauce:

2/3 cup Magic Mix

1 cup Water

In saucepan, combine Magic Mix and water.

Stir rapidly with a wire whisk over medium heat until

mixture starts to bubble and thicken.

Season with a little garlic salt and you have the perfect dinner

for after a long day of Christmas Shopping!

Yield: 1 Cup Sauce

Some Ribbon

and

A Copy of the Tag

(Front)

(Back)

HERE'S THE 2ND IDEA

You Will Need:

A Small Potted Plant

1 Package of Garden or Herb Seeds

1 Wooden Skewer

Some Ribbon

and

A Copy of the Tag

HERE'S THE 3RD IDEA

You Will Need:

Charcoal Briquettes

A Clear Cellophane Bag

Some Ribbon

and

A Copy of the Tag

HERE'S THE 4TH IDEA

You Will Need:

1 Small Sewing Kit

(You can find some cute inexpensive ones at Target!)

Some Ribbon

and

A Copy of the Tag

HERE'S THE 5TH IDEA

You Will Need:

A Clear Cellophane Bag

Graham Crackers

Hershey's Chocolate Bars

Marshmallows

1 Quart-Sized Paint Can

A Paint Can Opener

1 Small Box of Matches

1 Roll of Toilet Paper

1 Bottle of Alcohol

Some Ribbon

and

A Copy of the Tag

Here's the Link to the Stove Instructions:

Camp Stove Tutorial Link

Just follow the last part of the tutorial with the

quart-sized can, the toilet paper, and the alcohol!

Check Back Tomorrow for 5 More Ideas!

Here's is the PDF:

Christmas Gift Tags File 1

Vital Records - Emergency Evacuations!

I'm sorry I missed Sunday's

Vital Record's Assignment.

We had a serious power outage that lasted for about 24 hours!

The first day back to school with no power was definately

an ADVENTURE we'll remember for years to come!

We have already talked about Emergency Evacuations

so if you didn't do it when I first posted it . . .

Now's your chance to get it done!

Here's the Link to that Post:

Emergency Evacuation Post Link

Here's the Evacuation Page:

Evacuation Page Link

Don't Forget to watch the video . . . It made me laugh

and panic all at the same time!

Thank You for being so patient with me.

My husband's grandma passed away Monday morning

and we are spending as much time with family as possible.

August has been quite a month for us!

Family History Family Home Evening - Back to School Father's Blessings and Goals!

School is officially in session!

I can't believe how fast the summer flew by.

Walking back onto the school grounds just brings it all back.

It actually felt like we were never gone!

Last night we followed a tradition that both my husband and I

have enjoyed from the time we were little.

Back to School
Father's Blessings!

Everyone got a blessing before school,

whether you were in school or not.

Picture from Sugar Doodle Clip Art . . . October 2002
I am blessed to have a husband who can do this in our own home,

but Home Teachers, or any other worthy priesthood holder

can step in and give needed blessings as well.

I listened as each of my boys where given a blessing that

was very specific to their needs and personalities, and knowing

that it came from a loving Heavenly Father through
the priesthood is something I will always be grateful for.

Tonight is a Family History

Family Home Evening.

We started a new tradition a few years ago to go along with

our Back to School Father's Blessings.


We sit down with each of our boys and have them write down

as much as they can remember from their blessings.

It seems like each blessing includes areas of strength,
weakness, and sometimes a warning or a caution.

We also set goals for school.

We make sure to add a few incentives for good grades

just to keep their attention and to offer a little extra encouragement.

These pages are added to our Family History Book so that they

can be read as often as necessary.

Another AAAMMMMMMAZING Tradition we started

last year is for MOM and DAD.

We realized that the husbands missed out on the opportunity

for Back to School Father's Blessings,

so we got together as families at my parent's home for

good food and the opportunity for the adults to recieve a blessing.

It was truly a special night.
We were able to spend some time with the whole family

as well as some one-on-one time with my parents.

We have a lot of fun family traditions . . . but this one

is at the top of the list for favorites.

My dad and mom took the opportunity to bear their testimonies

so that the kids would know what it means

to have the blessings of the priesthood in our family.

Time for TREATS!

Here's the Recipe:

2 Tbsp. Oil

8-oz. Tube Refrigerated Biscuits, Quartered

1/4 cup Sugar

1-2 tsp. Cinnamon

Instructions:
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat;

Add quartered biscuits a few at a time.

Cook until puffy and golden on both sides.

Drain on paper towels; repeat with remaining biscuits.

Combine sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl;

Roll doughnuts to coat.

Serve warm!

Makes 2-2 1/2 Dozen.
Here's the Recipe PDF:
Family Home Evening Recipe: Simple Cinnamon-Sugar Doughnuts PDF
Here's the Family History Page PDF:
Back to School Blessings Packet PDF

Have a GREAT Night!!!

Food Storage Meals and Menu Planning - Dinner: Chicken and Dumplings!

Today's

Food Storage Meals

and

Menu Planner Dinner Is:

Chicken and Dumplings!

Here's the Recipe

(It's one from Paula Dean that has been modified for food storage!)

Ingredients:

Chicken: 1 (2 1/2-pound) chicken, cut into 8 pieces
(or 1 quart Bottled Chicken with liquid)
3 ribs celery, chopped

(or 3 Tbsp. of Freeze Dried or Dehydrated Celery)

1 large onion, chopped

(or 1/4 cup Dehydrated Onion)

2 bay leaves

2 chicken bouillon cubes

1 teaspoon House Seasoning

(The recipe is also included, below.)

1 (10 3/4-ounce) can condensed cream of celery
or cream of chicken soup

Dumplings:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

Ice water

Directions:

To start the chicken:

Place the chicken, celery, onion, bay leaves, bouillon,
and House Seasoning in a large pot.

Add 4 quarts of water and in water and bring to a
simmer over medium heat.

(Increase water by 1 cup if using dehydrated celery and onions.)
The water from the chicken will also help to
rehydrate the celery and onions.

Simmer the chicken until it is tender and the thigh
juices run clear, about 40 minutes.

Remove the chicken from the pot and,
when it is cool enough to handle,

remove the skin and separate the meat from the bones.

Return the chicken meat to the pot.
(Bottled chicken can be added directly to the pot . . . It's a great time saver!)

 Keep warm over low heat.

To prepare the dumplings:

Mix the flour with the salt and mound together in a mixing bowl.

Beginning at the center of the mound, drizzle a small
amount of ice water over the flour.

Using your fingers, and moving from the center
to the sides of the bowl,

gradually incorporate about 3/4 cup of ice water.

Knead the dough and form it into ball.

Dust a good amount of flour onto a clean work surface.

Roll out the dough (it will be firm), working from
center to 1/8-inch thick.

Let the dough relax for several minutes.

Add the cream of celery soup to the pot with the chicken
and simmer gently over medium-low heat.

Cut the dough into 1-inch pieces.

Pull a piece in half and drop the halves into the
simmering soup.

Repeat.

Do not stir the chicken once the dumplings have been added.

Gently move the pot in a circular motion so the
dumplings become submerged and cook evenly.

Cook until the dumplings float and are no longer doughy,
3 to 4 minutes.

To serve, ladle chicken, gravy, and dumplings
into warm bowls.

Just a Note:

If the chicken stew is too thin it can be thickened before
the dumplings are added.

Simply mix together 2 tablespoons cornstar
ch and 1/4 cup of water

then whisk this mixture into the stew.

House Seasoning:

1 cup salt

1/4 cup black pepper

1/4 cup garlic powder

Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight
container for up to 6 months.

Makes 1 1/2 cups
Here's the PDF:
Dinner: Chicken and Dumplings Food Storage Recipe PDF
That's Good Home Cookin' Y'all!
(I just love that Paula Dean!)

Preserve It . . . Canning Corner - Salsa!

Nothing Beats a

Home Grown,

Vine Rippened . . . TOMATO!

I can actually see why they are considered a FRUIT.

You don't realize how bland a tomato from the store is until

you've had one fresh from the garden!

Simply Delicious!!!

I am going to Henefer tomorrow for a bridal shower,

and to try and talk my mom into letting me share her

Salsa Recipe.

It's AMMMMMMMMMMMAZING!

I made 96 jars of salsa last year alone

and it still wasn't enough.

Keep your fingers crossed.

I will be taking a few bribes along with me to try and

convince her to share.

Don't Worry . . . 

If this family secret recipe is to remain a secret

I'll share another great salsa recipe with you instead.

Wish me LUCK!

P.S.

The PDF for the Clean Room Relay

has been added to yesterday's post.

Family Activity - Clean Room Relay!

Before we get started with today's

Family Activity . . .

I need to announce yesterday's

Twenty-A-Day Challenge WINNER.

The LAST contest winner is:

Stacy!
WOOOOHOOOOOOO!

Send me your address and I'll send you your PRIZE!

I'm mailing out all of the prizes on the same day

so if you haven't gotten yours yet . . . YOU WILL!

Thanks to EVERYONE who took the challenge.

I hope it has made your home a little less cluttered

and ready for some fun new ways to organize

the spaces in your home!

Today's Family Activity Is:

A Clean Room Relay!

We are on the final countdown before school starts

and having a clean room will make mornings, homework,
and everything else go so much smoother.

I love it when we can make everyday jobs seem like a game.
It's not always the first thing we try, usually because
we're exhausted just trying to keep up with everything
and everyone.
Before long we find ourselves getting into the nagging rut,
BUT when we get a little creative . . . great things can happen!
Mary Poppins was a PRO at this concept.
That whole spoon full of sugar thing was GENIUS!!!

The kids go to work without even realizing
what's happening!
I LOVE IT WHEN THAT HAPPENS!
Here's How It Works:

You will be given 8 Tasks.
Each task will be given one at a time.
After each of the tasks is completed
you will earn a number of points.
If you have small children you may want to:
Divide into two teams so that
you can help little ones with their assignments.
Each time a task is completed . . .
A treat can be given along with the points.
This will help to keep
interest and incentive throughout the relay!
Music always makes things more FUN as well.
Here are the Clean Room Relay Task Cards:
#1
Make My Bed
8 Points

 #2
Pick Up My Clothes
5 Points

#3
Pick Up & Put Away My Toys
(Or Other Out-Of-Place Items)
5 Points

#4
Take Out the Garbage
4 Points

#5
Straighten Dresser and Nightstand Tops
6 Points

#6
Spotwash Fingerprints and Doors
5 Points

 #7
Dust
5 Points

#8
Vacuum
6 Points

You may want to set up a little treat stand
or a mini store for the kids to spend the points they've earned,
or you can give small treats or privileges along the way
and have ICE CREAM CONES for the REWARD!
Here's the PDF:
Clean Room Relay Cards PDF

Have a great time
working and playing together.
Remember it's a game . . .
MAKE IT FUN!
Take pictures to add to your family scrapbook,
the evidence of smiling faces
will show just how much FuN working together can be!

Saturday Night at the Dinosaur Stomp!

My boys loved Dinosarus when they were little!

In fact, this picture reminds me of my boys in so many ways,

especially when they were supposed to be getting ready.

I would send them into the bathroom and the games would begin.

The same thing happened . . .

EVERY TIME!

They would goof off, wrestle, and tackle each other

even amist my constant reminding.

"Brush your teeth, comb your hair, stop touching him,

let go of your brother RIGHT NOW, get ready . . . pleeeaase!"

I felt like an auctioneer!

I finally found something that worked for the boys and for me.

SATURDAY NIGHT AT

THE DINOSAUR STOMP

was a fun upbeat song. 

The boys LOVED IT!

I noticed that the song lasted about as long as it would take for

my boys to do everything in their GET READY BOXES.

The song became our

"Get Ready Song"

We finally had a solution

that worked and it was FUN too!

When it was time for the boys to wake up for school

I would just turn on the music and wait for them

to race to the bathroom to get ready.

Mornings in my house became

a lot less stressful and tons more fun.

We were actually on time . . . at least 85% of the time!

(Being completely prompt is still a work in progress.)

There are a lot of songs out there that have a good beat.

Find one that gets everybody up and going

and give it a try!

Oh, and if you're wondering who the

WINNER

for

Tuesday's Twenty-A-Day Challenge Is:

It's Mel Blocks!!!

WaHOOOOOO you did it.

Send me your address and I'll send you your PRIZE!

Congrats . . . !

Congrats Jess!

Your the Winner for Monday's

Twenty-A-Day Challenge!!!

Send me your address

and I'll send you your PRIZE!

This is so exciting . . . I can hardly stand it!

My boys think I'm such a nerd every time I put your

names into the hat and then cheer by myself when I

draw out the winner!

I almost tried to do the splits once, but . . .

then I remembered,

I'm OLD and it might hurt . . .

besides that,

I probably wouldn't even be able to get up!!!

Hope you are all starting to

enjoy your extra space.

I've have been seriously

impressed by your efforts!

I will post the Ark Prep 101 and
as many of the other forgotten posts as I can tomorrow. 
I have been busy taking care of my patient
and loving every minute of it!