SUPER SATURDAY!

For our Super Saturday in November, we had so much fun! Everyone was able to make a few (or a lot of) crafts to take home to give away for the holidays free of charge.

Christmas cards/origami (thanks Joan)

A cute nativity (Thanks Taya)

Temple blocks (Thanks Katie)

Magnets  (Thanks Sky)

We also did shell candles and advent calendars!

We also had a lunch for those who just wanted to come and hang out with their sisters on a Saturday. It was ridiculously delicious thanks to Leticia, who catered the whole thing herself! She is amazing! We had curry chicken salad with croissants, turkey/bacon green salad with vinaigrette, tofu rice salad for vegans, and creamy potato soup. Kim outdid herself with delicious cream puffs and a delicious peanut butter/chocolate bar. It was standing room only and some of us were banished to eat in the kitchen :).

We also had a short but sweet program. Rachel, Kim, Hannah, and Joan sang We Need a Little Christmas. Genevieve sang Where are You Christmas accompanied by her cousins on the violin and John played piano all day to entertain us and put us in the festive mood. 

Carlene retold a talk by President Uchtdorf about not being such a grinch at Christmas time.

We were able to socialize and uplift one another.

We ended the SUPER day with a candy making demonstration from the world famous Joan (thanks Geri for the hook up). I heard it was quite the hit, and all the candy was eaten up. No one shared with me!

We thank EVERYONE who helped in any way, there were too many to name! We also want to thank everyone who came and supported and participated! We counted at least 50 women, and there were men and children involved as well!

Our message to kick off the holiday season is to not let it get you down. Simplify and remember the true meaning of Christmas. It should be fun and filled with love! We love you sisters!

Monday Minutes

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEKS LESSON:

"As you center your home on the Savior, it will naturally become a refuge not only to your own family but also to friends who live in more difficult circumstances. They will be drawn to the serenity they feel there. ...One of the greatest blessings we can offer to the world is the power of a Christ-centered home where the gospel is taught, covenants are kept, and love abounds." -Elder Richard G. Scott

NEXT WEEKS LESSON:

Sunday School: Lesson 35

Relief Society: Combined Priesthood & Relief Society Meeting

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK:

None

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES:

September 28- Stake RS General Broadcast- At the stake center, 4pm dinner and5pm broadcast

September 29- Fast Sunday due to General Conference the following week, combined Priesthood and Relief Society lesson

November 9: Save the Date for a fun Super Saturday Activtiy, 10am-2pm 

Back To School Night

This RS Activity was so creative and fun. April outdid herself with handouts and decor.

These were the cute invitations

Look at the cute decor, I loved the banner, apples everywhere,  and peanut mnm's!

For our Back to School Night, we had four teachers. Seminary, PE, Electives (talents), and Home Ec (cleaning, organizing) There was some great thoughts and advice given! I took lots of notes and April challenged to find some thing in our lives, just one thing to make a change for the better! I loved how Taya, our Electives teacher suggested that to find your talent, do something that brings you joy. Talents take time to develop, and if you don't work for it, then you are not going to grow! Inspiring!

Enjoying apple pie, apples, pound cake, and peanut mnms for dessert! It was a great turnout. Thank you everyone for coming and to April and the teachers for all your hard work! 

PS Coach Chambers made us get up and stretch!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEKS LESSON:

"As we become united in the gospel, we increase in light and intelligence and prepare to dwell in God's presence." -President Lorenzo Snow 

NEXT WEEKS LESSON:

Sunday School: Lesson 34

Relief Society: TFOT, p.29, Elder Scott

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK:

16-Harriet Hatch & Fontina Johnson

17- Joan Rudd & Amanda Sell

18- Crisha Homan

20- Michelle Gordon, Christine Harrison & Andrea Williams

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES:

September 19- Evening RS Activity: 7pm at the James street building, Back to "School"  Night

September 21: Primary Program Practice, 10am-12, James Street chapel

September 28- Stake RS General Broadcast- At the stake center, 4pm dinner and 5pm broadcast

September 29- Fast Sunday due to General Conference the following week, combined Priesthood and Relief Society lesson 

WARD CHOIR meets at 4:15 in chapel on Sundays. Please join us!

Dutch Oven Dinner Party!

For our August Relief Society Activity, we learned some outdoor cooking techniques. Sky showed us how to make dump cake with dutch ovens and it was so much fun!

We held the activity at Leticia's beautiful property. Twenty five ladies arrived for a quick demo.

Four ingredients: fresh raspberries, a yellow cake mix, butter, and sprite/7up. DUMP IT IN!

Cook for 15-20 minutes depending on how hot your coals are!

A MASTERPIECE!!!!

Then we went up to Leticia's beautiful outdoor eating area to enjoy bbq chicken, our favorite summer salads potluck, zucchinis cooked in aluminum foil over the fire pit, bread, and yummy dump cake!

JayJay, Geri, Arlene, Kathy

Carlene, Kristine, Joan, a guest?, Sue

Mimi, Host Barry, Lori, Amy

My camera battery died, sorry I didn't get everyone! Thanks April for some photos! Thank you Sky for such a great demo, Katie and her mom for the yummy chicken, and all those who helped! And THANK YOU Leticia for being the hostess with the mostest!

Getting Our Jam On!

We had such a fun night for our July RS Activity!

The tables were set so beautifully! To take advantage of our beautiful summer weather, we set up outside!

We enjoyed yummy rolls with homemade jams of all kinds. Scones, muffins, smoothies and more! We had the most fun just catching up and getting to know one another. Thanks everyone for your contributions and for coming out and supporting your sisters!

Here are a couple bread recipes that were served with our delicious jam!

Melt In Your Mouth Rolls (recipe from Carol Linde)

Put the following into a bowl:

3/4 Cup warm water

1 tsp. sugar

3 Tbsp. yeast

Put the following into another bowl and mix well:

6 Tbsp. butter

3/4 Cup hot water

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1 can (13 oz.) evaporated milk

1/2 Cup sugar

Add to the yeast mixture, stir and add 3 beaten eggs (beat well) and 6 - 6 1/2 Cups flour.  Punch down and knead 10 minutes, using more flour if necessary.  Roll out and cut with biscuit cutter or round glass.  Dip in butter and fold over onto cookie sheet, pinching down one edge.  Can also cut into wedges and roll into crescents.  Let rise to 3 times larger.  Bake in preheated 375 degree oven for 8 minutes.  Watch closely or they will burn.

Pao De Queijo (Portuguese recipe that has NO GLUTEN)

1 Cup milk

1/2 Cup vegetable oil

1 tsp. salt

2 Cups tapioca flour

2 eggs

3 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese

Mix all ingredients in a blender.  Spray mini muffin cups with Pam or other oil-based spray; Fill cups 1/2 full with liquid.  Bake 20 minutes at 350.

For variety, play around with cheese, spices, jalapeno's, etc.  They are also good opened like cream puffs and stuffed.

Getting to Know...

Our ward primary president, Michelle Gordon! She was born and raised in Ogden, Utah. She met Scott while he was stationed at HillAFB at the gym. After they were married, they have lived in California, Texas,  Maryland, and Korea. After he got out of the Air force they moved back to Utah and lived there for 12 years before moving to Bellingham 8 years ago. They are celebrating their 26th wedding anniversary this month and have 5 girls and 2 boys ranging in age from 22-6. She has four biological children, Kenzie, Katie, Kelsie, and Ryan; and three adopted, Jayden, Destina, and Avrie. 

Here is Michelle and her wonderful family!

Her favorite food is dessert of any kind, and pizza.  She loves photography, traveling, reading, and practicing yoga, but her favorite thing is being a mom and spending time with her family.  She is grateful for the opportunities to serve in the church. She has had callings in every organization and loved most of them but, of course, her favorite right now is being in the primary working with children. She loves going to church every week and spending time with all the cute kids in our ward. 
As if Michelle didn't have her hands full, she also works for the State Foster Care program as a Visiting Supervisor. I have known Michelle since she moved to Bellingham, and if there is one thing I would have to pick out that I admire about her is what a hard worker she is, and how she has taught all her children by example to be hard workers as well! Here is her brief testimony. We are so glad for the Gordons and their examples to us in the ward!
 I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and that we are led by prophets who love us and want the best for us. I have a very strong testimony of eternal families I know that we will be with our loved ones who have passed away and this gives me much comfort and peace. I know that life is full of trials but that we can weather any storm if we rely on the Savior to carry our burdens when they become too heavy. I know prayers are answered and that Heavenly Father and Jesus love each one of us, no matter our circumstances or past mistakes.

Berry Festival!

PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR BERRY FESTIVAL, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 7pm at the church! Here are a few samples of what we are bringing! Come sample these and other delicious recipes. Smoothies for all!

Refrigerator Jam (Sugar-free, Pectin-free).  Makes 2 +/- Cups

1 1/3 Cup strawberries

2/3 Cup rhubarb

2 Tbsp. raw honey (or to taste)

2 Tbsp. chia seeds  (I got them from the bulk container at the CoOp rather than a large bag anywhere else)

Process all ingredients in the ingredients in a blender and refrigerate over night.  The chia seeds will gel, thickening the fruit puree.

Add additional diced fruit if you like it chunky.

Berry Barbecue Sauce.  Makes 4 servings

Brush on this sauce near the end of grilling time.

3 garlic cloves, peeled

1/4 tsp. olive oil

1 1/4 Cups unsweetened raspberries (but I used chopped strawberries)

3 Tbsp. brown sugar

1 Tbsp. light corn syrup

1 tsp. molasses

1/2 tsp. lemon juice

1/4 to 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes  (I used 1/4)

1/8 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

Dash onion powder

Place garlic on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil, drizzle with oil.  Wrap foil around garlic.  Bake at 425 for 15-20 minutes.  Cool for 10-15 minutes.

Place softened garlic in a small saucepan.  Add the remaining ingredients.  Cook over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes until sauce is thickened and bubbly.  Remove from the heat.  Cool Slightly.

Transfer to a food processor (I used an immersion blender); cover and process until smooth.  Strain seeds (I did not).  Store in the refrigerator.

Raspberry Balsamic Vinegar

1 quart fresh raspberries (or however much you have)

"some" vinegar (I used Balsamic)

"Some" sugar (I didn't use much)

In a saucepan over medium heat, bring raspberries just to a boil, stirring constantly.  Remove from the hear.  Strain through a double layer of cheesecloth (to not press fruit).  Let juice stand for 1 hour.

Add vinegar and sugar.  Store in a sterilized jar or decorative bottle in a cool dark place.

Monday Minutes

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEKS LESSON:

Sister Thomas taught our lesson today. As a class we discussed how our families are blessed both spiritually and temporally as we obey the law of tithing. "I want to have this principle so fixed upon our hearts that we shall never forget it. As I have said more than once, I know that the Lord will forgive the Latter-day Saints for their past negligence in paying tithing, if they will now repent and pay a conscientious tithing from this time on."- President Lorenzo Snow

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK:

15- Hayley McVay & Colleen Saal

19- Deborah Royal

NEXT WEEKS LESSON:

Sunday School- Lesson 26

Relief Society- Chapter 13

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES:

July 18th: Evening RS Activity, 7pm, "Berry Festival", April will be making a yummy Strawberry Smoothie for all of us to sample. Bring your favorite berry dish and the recipe to share.

August 4th: Break the fast BBQ, 4pm, Please bring a bag of chips, fruit or an easy dessert.

Berry Good for You!

It is definitely berry season! Here is a recipe from April Loveland, that I tweaked a little. It is very healthy and absolutely delicious.Berries are one of the best foods you can eat for good health. Enjoy!

1 banana
2 cups frozen strawberries or if you use fresh unfrozen ones, then add ice
1 can lite coconut milk
drizzle a little honey (or don't add any at all)
--you can also add a handful of raspberries if you just picked those, or blueberries too!
Blend and enjoy! I used fresh picked berries that I froze the day before, and it really makes a difference.

Monday Minutes

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEKS LESSON:

Mimi taught our lesson using President Uchtdorf's talk given at the General Young Women's Conference entitled, "Your Wonderful Journey Home". Though this message was given to the Young Women it applies to all of us. 

"I invite you to walk confidently and joyfully. Yes, the road has bumps and detours an d even some hazards. But don't focus on them. Look for the happiness your Father in Heaven has prepared for you in every step of your journey. Happiness is the destination, but it's also the path."-President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK:

8- Bonnie Alson

9- Alicia Freshwater, Doreen Nichols & Rachael Sibley

10- Dawn Parker, Brittany Wankasky & Wendy Wynne

11- Samantha Richardson & Cherry Wilson

NEXT WEEKS LESSON:

Sunday School- Lesson 25

Relief Society- Chapter 12

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES:

July 9th: Daytime RS Activity, 11am, "Mimi's Journey to America" with potluck lunch to follow

July 18th: Evening RS Activity, 7pm, "Berry Festival", April will be making a yummy Strawberry Smoothie for all of us to sample. Bring your favorite berry recipe to share.

Monday Minutes

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEKS LESSON:

Our lesson was about geneology and about not being afraid to start doing it. The Stake Presidency has invited each of us to find and prepare one family name to take to the temple this year.

"It's time to dig deep and to think what is really important for you to achieve and then, Just Do It!"- Spencer W. Kimball

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK:

5th- Kanai Callow & Jennifer Dunham

6th- Stephanie Fowler

8th- Cathy Knutson

NEXT WEEKS LESSON:

Sunday School- Lesson 20

Relief Society- Chapter 10, "Come into the Temples"

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES:

June 11- Daytime R.S. Activity, 11am with potluck lunch afterwards

June 15- Boy Scout Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser, 8-11am

June 20- Evening R.S. Activity, 7pm- Night of Service

June 23- Combined meetings with YSA ward, Sacrament Meeting starts at 11am

Unity...and Chocolate!

Our May Relief Society Activity was so much fun. We met at Julie Ellis' beautiful home and had a devotional by the fabulous Dawn Hatch. She talked about how women need to not judge each other because we are different and make different choices. Life would be pretty boring if we were all the same! It would also be boring without chocolate! We had two chocolate fountains and a good ole time!

Here is the talk we based our devotion on.

What a fun group of loving, supporting sisters!

Monday Minutes

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEKS LESSON:

Sister Sasnett taught our lesson, "Sacred Family Relationships". We shared ideas of how each of our families stay emotionally close. Some ideas were; e-mails,extended  family dinners, FHE, Blogs, Facebook, phone/video calls, sister weekends, cards and gifts. We also shared ideas of how we can stay close to our spouse; see the humor in things, never speak ill of spouse in public, hold hands when discussing a disagreement, and choose to love rather than be right.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK:

20- Jay Jay Dunagan

22- Darlene Barlow

NEXT WEEKS LESSON:

Sunday School- Lesson 18

Relief Society- TFOT, Pres. Monson, "Obedience Brings Blessings", p.89

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES:

June 11- Daytime R.S. Activity, 11am with potluck lunch afterwards

June 20- Evening R.S. Activity 

Mother's Day 2013

Tables decorated by Carlene Adams, assisted by Deborah Royal

Allie Gibb fed us spiritually with her journey from having a hard time on Mother's day to feeling God's love for her through a Mother's Day spiritual experience and her adoption process.

Courtney Bowlden and Hannah Thomas sang a beautiful duet of I Feel My Savior's Love.

There was socializing in there somewhere!

We honor all you women and are so blessed to know you all!

Happy Mother's Day

http://www.mormonchannel.org/faith-and-family?v=2360101824001

Monday Minutes

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEKS LESSON:

April taught our Presidency lesson. Her lesson was about the benefits of laughter in our lives. We discussed how healing and contagious laughter can be. We can lighten our burdens and those of others through laughter. Sister Hinckley has said, "The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache!"

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK:

7th- Megan Vanderveen

8th- April Loveland & Janice Smith

10th- Thressa Wolf

11th- Katherine Piontek & Monica Warren

12th- Susan Bradley & Janet Rhone

NEXT WEEKS LESSON:

Sunday School- Lesson 16

Relief Society- Special Lesson, "God's Love for Women"

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES:

Thursday, May 9- Ward temple cleaning night, contact Jess Rudd if you can help out.

Saturday, May- 11, 9:30 am -  2 pm, Stake Relief Society "21st Century Gospel Living Expo" at the Stake Center. There will be workshops, classes, and exhibits.  Lunch  will be provided. We will start with an opening session in the Chapel so Sunday dress is suggested.  

Sunday, May 12 (Mother's Day)- All sisters are invited to attend Relief Society for a brief program, "God's Love for Women" and then enjoy light refreshments and visit together.

Tuesday, May 14- Daytime R.S. Activity, 11am, potluck lunch after the class

Thursday, May 16- Evening R.S. Activity, 7pm, "Girls Night Out", at Julie Ellis' house (1944 Discovery Heights Drive)

Relief Society 21st Century Gospel Living Expo Saturday, May 11,  2013 CLASSES-

1. New Youth Curriculum – Nancy Lindsey 

Chapel (Choir Area) – 10:00-10:50am & 11:00-11:50am

Feeling a little lost amidst all the changes to the Church’s curriculum for the 

youth? Sister Nancy Lindsey, currently serving as the YW resident in the 

Ferndale 1st ward, will explain the ins and outs of the new curriculum and 

how you can help the youth in your life make the most of it. 

2. Family History: Everybody Has a Story – Marla Jones 

Relief Society Room – 10:00-10:50am & 1:00-1:50pm

The names on your family tree are more than just names. They all have 

personal stories and experiences that can enrich your family’s life. 

Sister Marla Jones illustrates the ways and benefits of searching out 

your ancestors’ stories and experiences. 

3. Family History: New Family Search - Barbara and Norm Catanzaro: 

Relief Society Room – 11:00-11:50am

The Stake Presidency’s 2013 challenge for everyone to find an ancestor and 

do the saving ordinances for that ancestor can seem overwhelming, in the 

face of recent changes. Brother and Sister Catanzaro can help you get a 

start and navigate you through the websites that will help identify ancestors 

and submit their names to the temple.

4. Navigating the Challenges of Non-Traditional, GospelCentered Families - Panel Discussion

Primary Room – 10:00-10:50am, 11:00-11:50am, & 1:00-1:50pm

Dallin H. Oaks stated that while we all can’t live the traditional family structures 

outlined in The Family: A Proclamation to the World, they can still be an ideal 

we hold as a guide. Discuss the experiences, advice and insight of others who 

have met the challenges of parenting as single parents, part member families, 

blended families or families who have chosen adoption.

Sister Deborah Royal will moderate the discussion. 

5. Productive Use of Media in Today’s LDS Family - Heather Chandler 

YW Room 1 (102-104) – 10:00-10:50am, 11:00-11:50am, & 1:00-1:50pm 

With the rapid increase and change in the digital world, families face decisions about 

the pros and cons of using cell phones, texting, the internet, social media, video games, 

etc. The Church has embraced the media and put it to good use; families can too. 

6. Building Healthy Relationships - Peggy Butler

YW Room 2 (105-107) - 11:00-11:50am & 1:00-1:50pm 

Every couple, every family, every relationship hopes for growth and change for the better. Hear and 

discuss research in marital therapy that has practical application to how you approach the people you 

care about. Peggy Butler, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, meets with individuals, families and 

couples on a regular basis as a counselor with LDS Family Services serving the Skagit County area.

7. Dealing With Difficult People - Leticia Crawford

Room 119A - 10:00-10:50am & 11:00-11:50am

Find yourself emotionally and mentally drained by individuals in your life? Looking 

for ways to improve your interactions with those individuals? Sister Leticia Crawford, 

a trained therapist, can help! Her information will be presented in two parts. 

Session One (10:00-10:50am): Participants will learn about the types of personalities 

that many find difficult to interact with, such as narcissistic or self-absorbed 

individuals. 

**Session Two (11:00-11:50am): Participants will learn how to effectively communicate 

with these personalities in a manner that can positively affect everyone. 

8. Channeling your Inner Couponer - Serrah McEwan 

Room 119

Wishing you could stretch your budget a little bit farther? This class can 

help you learn how to clip coupons to get more for your money and at 

the same time increase your home storage inventory while learning how 

to pay less than the rest. Sister McEwan has made significant savings for 

her family at the checkout counter.

9. Fitting In When You Don’t Fit In- Julie Drake

YW Room 2 (105-107) – 10:00-10:50am

YW Room 1 (102-104) – 1:00-1:00pm

Do you ever look around you and wonder if you are a square peg in a world full 

of round holes? Chances are, you have. Come listen to and share insight and 

experiences with others who feel or have felt the same way! 

10. Parenting in a Gospel Centered Home - Tina Hackwell

Room 110 – 10:00-10:50am, 11:00-11:50am, & 1:00-1:50pm

Sister Tina Hackwell will lead the discussion on the many challenges of

parenting, using The Family; A Proclamation to the World as a guide. She will 

address such issues as raising respectful children, establishing healthy habits 

(scripture reading, prayer, FHE), dealing with sibling disputes, and instilling 

family values. 

11. Finding Our Worth in the Lord - Christen Hogsett 

Room 122 – 10:00-10:50am, 11:00-11:50am, & 1:00-1:50pm

It is easy to let our self-image and sense of self-worth fall prey to the myriad voices in 

the world and in the LDS culture telling us who we should be as women. This is for 

anyone who has doubted herself, found herself wanting when compared to others, or

simply gotten lost in all the ‘shoulds’ being aimed at her. Come participate in a 

refresher course on where we can look and on whom we can depend for our sense of 

worth in an ever-changing world. 

12. Pornography: Signs and Solutions – Brent and Sherri Wright

High Council Room – 10:00-10:50am, 11:00-11:50am, & 1:00-1:50pm

Pornography is an ever-present concern to families and Church leadership. Learn ways 

to identify the dangers, protect your home, and help those struggling with 

pornography.

Getting To Know...

Our new Young Women's President!

Heather Chandler, the oldest of four, was born on Vandenberg Airforce Base (her dad was in the Airforce!). She grew up on the coast of Santa Barbara and graduated from Tehachapi, CA. She went on to attend Ricks College for a year and a half before taking up a nannying job in Atlanta, Georgia. Here is where we see the hand of a loving Father in Heaven in our lives. She attended Singles Ward there and met Casey, who asked her out, and the rest, as they say, is history! They dated for a year and were married in the Atlanta Temple. The Chandlers lived in Atlanta for 2 1/2 years before settling in Tennessee for 7 1/2 years. A new job offer brought them to Poulsbo in the Fall of 2004 and yet another job brought them to us! Casey is now employed at Zodiak Aerospace, which is formerly known as Heath Tecna.

They are parents to four beautiful daughters, Brittney, Amanda, Camille and Darcy. Heather works at Bellingham Underwriters. In her spare time (which is not much), Heather used to love reading and scrapbooking. Since moving to the Ham, she has taken up bike riding with her family and absolutely loves it. Aside from being a Young Women's President, Heather has served in nursery, primary presidencies, Activity Days, Sunday School, as well as Enrichment Leader. Her favorite calling was YW 2nd Counselor.

Heather is very bubbly and fun to be around. You can tell she loves the gospel and lives it! Please introduce yourself to her and make her feel welcome in the ward!