Monday Minutes

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEKS LESSON:

Mimi taught our Easter lesson today. We discussed how the Atonement can be applied in our lives and how this changes how we feel about trials in our lives. We talked about three things that can help us be happier women. 

1- Believe and have faith

2- Obey: obedience brings blessings

3- Endure: This includes praying, daily scripture reading, and smiling

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK:

1- Jennifer Brown

2- Vilma Camp

5- Elise Christensen

6- Mackenzie Boetes

NEXT WEEKS LESSON:

General Conference- No regular meetings

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES:

APRIL AWARENESS MONTH: One day during the month, each family will be contacted by home and/or visiting teachers and be invited to not spend any money/go to the store for the next week.  This is completely voluntary, but will be a good learning opportunity for those who choose to accept the challenge.  We will be following up on that exercise at our April 18 evening Relief Society meeting.  

 6 & 7- General Conference

 9- Daytime RS Activity, 11am, Come learn how to clean green

 14- Fast Sunday

 18- Evening RS Activity, 7pm, "April Awareness", Those who would like to can create "car kits" by sealing items into mylar pouches.  We will provide the mylar bags. Each family needs to bring to the activity the things they would like in their pouches.  There is a list of items to consider putting in family pouches on the Bellingham 2 Relief Society blog. 

SAVE THE DATE *** May 11- Stake Relief Society Mini Conference, 9:30 - 2:00 at the Stake Center

He is Risen!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXrOG02NMB0

May you feel His love for you this day, and do the things you need to continuously experience the infinite Atonement.

APRIL AWARENESS (Basic Preparedness)

BASIC PREPAREDNESS INVENTORY
Suggested quantities are for One Adult for One Year. Even if you can't store for a year, try for at least three months.

GRAINS 300-400 # per person
* Wheat
* Oats/Barley
* Cornmeal/Popcorn
Popcorn can be ground or popped
* Rice
Brown does not store well
* Flour/Bisquick/Pancake Mix
* Cold Cereals
2 year shelf life
* Pasta

LEGUMES 60-75 # per person
* Red, White, Black Beans
* Peas/Lentils, Soy/Lima Beans
* Refried Beans
* Pork & Beans

DAIRY PRODUCTS 20-75# varies by product
* Powdered (freeze dried &/or dehydrated)
* Eagle Brand, Evaporated, Canned Cream
* Cheese & Egg Powder
* Cocoa

SUGAR/SWEETENERS 60# per person
* White
* Brown, Powdered
* Honey
* Jam/Syrup/Molasses
* Fruit Drink Powders
* Flavored Gelatin

Other Foods
Vegetable Oil
Shortening
Mayonnaise/Miracle Whip
Salad Dressing
Peanut butter
Flax, butter, margarine

COOKING ESSENTIALS/STAPLES
* Baking Powder
* Baking Soda
* Yeast
* Salt
* Vinegar

ADDITIONAL FOOD PRODUCTS
* Condiments (ketchup, mustard, pickles)
* Fruits (At least one serving per day)
* Meats (Canned and/or Frozen)
* Snacks (Chips, crackers, cookies, salsa, nuts)
* Soups & Sauces (Spaghetti, Soy, Tartar)
* Seasonings (Pepper, Cinnamon, Garlic)
* Vegetables (At least one serving per day)
* Vitamins
* Baby foods/formula
* Animal foods

WATER
* Clean water
2 gallons/per person/per day Extra as needed for animals
* Additional fluids
Liquids in fruits, veggies, etc.
* Water for cleaning
Needs not be palitable (soap containers)
* Polar Pure, Iodine, etc.
* Filters
* Distillers
* Bleach (1 gallon)

Vit. C will clarify water treated with Iodine

HEAT/LIGHT/COOKING
* Blankets/Sleeping Bags
* Non-electric heater & fuel
* Alternate cooking method(s) & fuel
* Flashlights & extra batteries
* Coats, hats, gloves, etc.
* Candles &/or Lanterns & fuel
* Matches

SANITATION
* Heavy Garbage Bags & other baggies
* Household Cleaning Products
* Paper Products (TP, Kleenex, plates, forks, etc.)
* Personal Hygiene (adult & infant/child)
* Medical Care Supplies
2 weeks of Rx's.
* Tools for burying waste

COMMUNICATIONS
* Battery Powered Radio
* Alternate power source radio
* NOAA Radio
* Out of Area Contact selected and entire family Pre-program into cell phones & keep cell phone
knows who and how to contact them
chargers handy. Use phones only as necessary.
* Amature Radio (License + Equipment)
* FRS/GMRS Radio

APRIL AWARENESS (Emergency Prep)

IDEAS FOR ITEMS TO PUT IN YOUR CAR KIT

First Consideration:  Where does YOUR car go and how many people go in it?  If you don’t leave town and your car only has 4 seatbelts, then you need different (and fewer) items than those who have a family van that goes “over the river and through the woods.”

Second Consideration:  Do you want to create “packages,” “individual kits,” or a combination of both?  If you only need one item (food) from each kit, then it’s nice to not have to open them all.

Last Considerations:  Supplies can be put into a variety of containers.  Ensure that they are not too big or heavy for YOU and that they will fit into the storage space you have available in your car.   Always keep your car gas tank at least ½ full.

ITEMS TO CONSIDER (one per person AND/OR packaged into kits by category)

• WATER- Purification method, small stove, metal cups.  Keep water bottles in car

• FOOD – High energy foods (may go rancid after a period of time) for at least 72 hours – able to withstand temperature variables, baby formula, candy, gum, etc.  Energy drink powder and/or cocoa.  Plates, cups, silverware. Can opener.  Backpacking stove/cook kit and fuel

• WARMTH, SHELTER, LIGHT - Mylar blanket(s) are space efficient, poncho(s), individual tent(s), change of clothing, socks, hats, gloves, etc.  (Cooling neck scarf).  Waterproof/windproof matches (in waterproof container), fire starter, hand & body heater packs.  Flashlight (extra batteries), candles, or light sticks

• TOOLS & SUPPLIES – Sharp knife, Leatherman, shovel, hatchet, flares, jumper cables, fire extinguisher, short rubber hose for siphoning, duct tape, leather gloves, stainless steel mirror

• SANITATION – TP, feminine protection, diapers, large sturdy garbage bag, hand cleaner/baby wipes, soap and other cleaning products

• PERSONAL COMFORT – toothbrush & gel, comb, tissue, razor, lip balm, sunblock, insect repellant, hand lotion

• MEDICATIONS & SPECIAL NEEDS - Prescriptions, extra glasses, keep pre-packaged at home in a grab bag for whenever leaving for an extended time

• FIRST AID KIT/SUPPLIES - To your level of training and including medications/prescriptions

• COMMUNICATIONS – AM/FM radio with alternate power source, 2-way radio, paper/pencils, whistle, cell phone (with emergency contacts pre-programed into the memory) & charger

• ENTERTAINMENT– Toys, books, games

• TRAVEL AIDS – Road maps, compass, GPS, money (small bills and coins), sewing kit

• EVACUATION - Backpack(s) to load items into if it is necessary to leave the car.  Waterproof paper/pen or marker for inside of car window to leave note about where you have gone.  Flagging tape to leave a trail and/or to make the car more visible

• DOCUMENTATION – Copy of power bill, contact names/phone numbers, bank accounts, insurance policies, prescriptions, health records & physician contact info, family photo, camera
  
  

Recipes from Break the Fast

Italian Wedding Soup (Kim Vanderveen)

by Nancy Ducharme, Detona Florida; in The Taste of  Homes Cookbook

1 egg ¾ Cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese

½  Cup dried bread crumbs 1 small onion, chopped

¾ teaspoons salt, divided 1 ¼  teaspoons pepper, divided

1 ¼  teaspoons garlic powder, divided 2 pounds ground beef

2 quarts chicken broth 1/3 Cup chopped fresh spinach         1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

1 ¼ Cups cooked medium pasta shells

1. In a large bowl, combine the egg, cheese, bread crumbs, onion, ¼ teaspoon salt,       ¼ teaspoon pepper, and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder. Crumble beef over mixture; mix well. Shape into 1-inch balls.
2. Brown meatballs in small batches; drain. Add the broth, spinach, onion powder, parsley and remaining salt, pepper and garlic powder; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered for 5 minutes. Stir in pasta; heat through.
3. Changes I made: The meatballs will stick to the bottom of some pans, make sure you have something non-stick on the pan so it won't ruin your meatballs.  The water boils out so add water to taste at the end (about a 1 ½ Cups).  Also it was a little too salty for us so I only put in ½  teaspoon of salt.  (there is salt in the chicken broth)

Mushroom Barely Soup (Deborah Royal)

¼  Cup olive oil 1 Cup chopped onion

¾ Cup diced carrots ½ Cup chopped celery

1 teaspoon minced garlic   1 pound sliced fresh mushrooms

6 Cups chicken broth ¾ Cup barley

salt and pepper to taste

1. Heat the oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery and garlic; cook and stir until onions are tender and transparent. Stir in mushrooms and continue to cook for a few minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and add barley. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until barley is tender, about 50 minutes. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
2. Personal notes from Deborah: this isn't exactly the recipe I used but close. I subbed vegetable broth to make it vegetarian, and used the crockpot, instead of the stove. The one I made was described as "earthy, and needing salt"  ; )   I don't use salt in cooking, btw. I think there is enough salt in food and leave it up to the consumer to add what they want. Oh, I also used Trader Joe's seasoning. That's it! Good luck!

Easy Chili (Michelle Gordon)
2 Cans diced stewed tomatoes 2 Cans Pork and Beans
1 Can Ro*tel  1lb Hamburger (I use ground turkey)
1 pkg. Chilli seasoning

Brown meat add all other ingredients and simmer for 15-20 min.

 New England Clam Chowder (Carlene Adams)

¼ pound salt pork or bacon, diced (I use a bacon, easier to dice when still slightly frozen)

      2 medium onions, sliced

      3 doz. hard shelled clams, shucked, with liquid preserved

(I use 1 can clams per batch, adding water to clam juice.)

      2 Tablespoon all purpose flour 3 large potatoes, diced, about 3 cups

    2 teaspoons salt ¼ teaspoon celery salt

    ¼ teaspoon pepper 3 Cups milk

    1 Tablespoon butter (I use more)

1. In 3 qt. saucepan over medium heat, cook bacon till lightly browned; add onions and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. (I throw a little honey on them, I always cook with honey.)
2. Add enough water to clam liquid to make 2 cups.
3. Stir flour into onion mixture until blended.
4. Gradually stir in clam-liquid mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened. Stir in potatoes,salt, celery salt, and pepper; cover and cook until potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes. (Or more).
5. If using fresh clams, chop clams, add clams, milk and butter to pan; cover and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes, stirring. Garnish with parsley, if desired.

Taco Soup (Marcia Leishman)

1 lb hamburger 1 onion, chopped

1 can kidney beans 1 can black beans

1 can pinto or red beans 1 can corn or 1 package of frozen corn

2 cans stewed tomatoes (one of mine had green chiles)

½ to 1 package of taco seasoning 2 cups water

Cook hamburger and onion; drain fat. Open bean cans and rinse beans.  Put everything in big pot or slow cooker and cook 1 - 3 hours (or simmer as long as needed).

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup (Heather Chandler)

½ (Costco)Rotisserie Chicken, cut up

3-14.5 oz. cans reduced sodium Chicken Broth add equal parts water

4 tsp. chili powder

1 can of whole kernel corn

3 Cups (to taste) of salsa... (i like chunky with green chiles and other yummy stuff)

3 Cups cooked rice

Cheese 

Tortilla chips

Combine cooked chicken, water, broth, chili powder in stock pot. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low. Simmer. Add corn, and salsa, Stir. Heat through. Add cooked rice. Stir. Serve in bowls with tortilla chips, cheese, and sour cream. 

As you can tell I just dump stuff in a pot. This is the only "recipe" I do this with. This is not a science. Just add what you like/spice level.

Veggie Soup (Hannah Thomas)

My soup recipe is basically potatoes, rutabaga, celery, carrots, onions, garlic, and whatever other vegetable you feel like adding, thrown into a pot, covered with vegetable broth, and let cook.  Add whatever spices you want.  I personally like the Italian ones: oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary.  It's nothing special, and I make it up every time I cook it.

Olive Garden Type Chicken and Gnocchi (Geri Chumley)

1/3 Cup Butter 2 Cloves of Minced Garlic
1 lb. Chicken Cubed 1/2 Cup Flour

1/2 Carrot Shredded
1 Stick of Celery Shredded 1/2 Cup Onion Shredded
1/2 Cup fresh Spinach torn in pieces
2 Cups whole milk 2 Cups half and half
2 chicken bullion Cubes Cracked pepper to taste

Gnocchi
2 potatoes 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 egg

Gnocchi directions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Peel potatoes and add to pot. Cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain, cool and mash with a fork or potato masher.
2. Combine 1 cup mashed potato, flour and egg in a large bowl. Knead until dough forms a ball. Shape small portions of the dough into long "snakes". On a floured surface, cut snakes into half-inch pieces.
3. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Drop in gnocchi and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until gnocchi have risen to the top; drain and serve.

Soup directions
On medium heat, melt butter in a soup pot, add in garlic and sauté, add your chicken and cook through out. Add flour and mix well until the flour is cooked into the chicken.
Next add your milk and half and half
Then add veggies.
Add three bouillon cubes
Add your gnocchi last it takes 3-4 min. to cook through out

Mix ingredients well until soup thickens and stirring occasionally. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

  

February RS Activity: Creative Connections

In celebration of Lover's Month, our activity was focused on making memories with those we love in inexpensive ways. We had so many wonderful ideas. The discussion was great, so were the chocolates and root beer floats. Joan, Carlene, Kathy, Leann, and Saundra sure did spoil us!

Pretty decorations

A few of the many ideas displayed

Chocolate covered cinnamon hearts, yum yum

There were about 40 ladies in attendance

This was one of  the cutest ideas. An at home drive in box car for your little ones, complete with shoe box popcorn/drink holder! And our new counselor modeling it for us! 

It was a fun night of friendshipping and great to connect and get some new ideas on how we can create lasting memories with our loved ones.

Monday Minutes

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEKS LESSON:

In class we discussed some of the trials we have faced and how we were able to keep our faith and come through them.  Here are just a few short quotes Sister Andrews shared with us from Elder Anderson's conference address;

- "These fiery trials are designed to make you stronger."

-"By definition, trials will be trying. But our trials need not be spiritually fatal."

-When faced with a trial of faith- whatever you do, you don't step away from the Church!"

-"You immerse yourself in the very things that helped build your core of faith..."

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK:

25- Amber Garrett & Chantel Nelson

27- Taya Somes & Yvonne Barker

29- Crystal King

30- Lara Niedermeyer & Gloria Larsen

NEXT WEEKS LESSON:

Easter lesson taught by Mimi

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES:

 March 29- If you signed up to provide cookies for the Savior of the World production, please drop off your cookies at either Mimi or Geri's homes by noon.

 March 31- Easter (NOT Fast Sunday)

 April 6 & 7- General Conference

April 14- Fast Sunday

SAVE THE DATE *** May 11- Stake Relief Society Mini Conference, 9:30 - 2:00 at the Stake Center

Getting to Know....

As you know, our first counselor in the presidency, Joan was called into Young Women's (they are so lucky to have her energy, compassion, and love). I have missed our daily emails, texts, and conversations! But I had to quickly find a new counselor to fill those HUGE shoes!

April with her beautiful family 

Please meet our new first counselor, April Loveland. I have been blessed to know April for almost ten years now. I think I was her visiting teacher and then she was mine! Now we are friends, isn't that how visiting teaching should work?

 April was born and raised in Las Vegas by the coolest parents ever. They moved here when she was twelve, and she graduated from Sehome High School. April has four other siblings and she is very close to all of them. She was sealed in the Las Vegas temple to her dream man Rob. They have four handsome and fun loving boys. April has had numerous callings in the church from RS Teacher, Young Women's Advisor, to her latest, 1st counselor in the Primary Presidency. She loves being a mom and wife. She loves to go on bike rides or on adventures to the beach or park with her family. One of April's greatest gifts is that she lives very close to the Spirit, it is something we should all strive to do. April is also a great example of living each day as if it were a gift. Please don't be shy, introduce yourself to her as she tries and learns all of your names and faces! You will be better for it!

Happy Birthday Relief Society

March 17 was the 171st birthday of our  Relief Society!

Since we are not having a Thursday night activity this month due to Savior of the World Productions, we celebrated at Ward Conference with cupcakes for everyone! I think the men and children enjoyed this more than the women! We also had homemade soaps and bookmarks for all our beautiful sisters.

The Relief Society (RS) is a philanthropic and educational women's organization and an official auxiliary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). It was founded in 1842 in Nauvoo, Illinois, USA and has approximately 6 million members in over 170 countries and territories. The Relief Society is often referred to by the church and others as "one of the oldest and largest women's organizations in the world."

PURPOSES OF RELIEF SOCIETY:

1. 1. Increase in faith and personal righteousness.
2. 2. 
   Strengthen families and homes.
3. 3. 
   Serve the Lord and His children.

Monday Minutes

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEKS LESSON:

President Nelson shared this quote with the combined Priesthood/Relief Society class, "True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior."- Boyd K. Packer

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK:

18- Melinda Warren

19- Joyce Ellsworth

20- Linda Huberd

21- Jeannine Chapman & Gloria Rilev

23- Natalie Cuddy & Catrina Foulger

24- Mackenzie McCleve

NEXT WEEKS LESSON:

TFOT, Elder Anderson, p.39, "Trial of Your Faith"

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES:

March 29- If you signed up to provide cookies for the Savior of the World production, please drop off your cookies at either Mimi or Geri's homes.

 March 31- Easter

 April 6 & 7- General Conference

April 14- Fast Sunday

SAVE THE DATE *** May 11- Stake Relief Society Mini Conference, 9:30 - 2:00 at the Stake Center

Monday Minutes

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEKS LESSON:

"Make up your minds to live humbly and in such a way that you will always have the Spirit of the Lord to be your friend." -Pres. Lorenzo Snow

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK:

16- Carolyn Haas & Haley Brown

17- Tara Johnson

NEXT WEEKS LESSON:

Ward Conference: Combined lesson taught by Stake leaders

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES:

 March 12- Daytime R.S. Activity, 11am

 March 15-Card Making Open House @ Geri's 10am, come make cards, or just socialize!

 March 17- Ward Conference, combined R.S./Priesthood meeting

 March 31- Easter & Fast Sunday

 April 6 & 7- General Conference

SAVE THE DATE *** May 11- Stake Relief Society Mini Conference, 9:30 - 2:00 at the Stake Center

Getting to Know...

Hannah Thomas, a newlywed, was born in Creston, Canada. After graduating, she went to University at Lethbridge before following her mom down to the States. Hannah is now attending Western Washington University majoring in Marine Biology.

Hannah in her element!

 Did you know that Hannah played volleyball for Skagit Valley College? She is also a very talented musician, definitely a talent passed down from her mom. Hannah has been playing piano since she was three. She also played the violin for a while. She currently plays for Relief Society and is also very involved with the Savior of the World Production. She is playing Mary,the Mother of James, and also plays piano for the Cherub Choir. Come out and see her!

Hannah and her husband John met in the Young Single Adult ward here in Bellingham, had a "fast" engagement and were sealed in the Seattle Temple. When Hannah is not busy with music and school, she enjoys reading light novels (mainly romances--with happy endings) and knitting. There is a lot more to Hannah than meets the eye! If you have not introduced yourself to her, please do, you won't regret it! Welcome Hannah, to the ward!

Getting to Know...

Have you seen a beautiful blonde angel running around? That would be Rachelle Jones! She is new in our ward. Rachelle is married to Carson and has two lovely daughters, Eva (5) and Fiona (6 months). She is also very proud of their pug, Ginger.

Rachelle and fam--before baby Fiona!

Rachelle grew up in Montana, but moved to the Mill Creek area when she was older. Rachelle is one of five children. She graduated from Jackson High School and went on to BYU-Idaho where she received her Associates. Next stop on her adventure was BYU-Hawaii where she majored in Business and met her eternal companion. They were sealed in the Seattle Temple. They loved their time on the island. Rachelle continued her education with a Master's in Teaching from City University.
Rachelle currently serves as our Compassionate Service Assistant, but she has taught primary, Relief Society, and has been in Young Women's as well. When she is not loving and spending time with her family, she likes to go jogging or to ZUMBA and loves to be creative. She currently has an Etsy store where she sells beautiful jewelry and frames.  Most Sundays, you can find Rachelle in the hall holding her cute baby. Please get to know her, you will be so glad you did!

Monday Minutes

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEKS LESSON:

We had a combined Relief Society and Priesthood meeting taught by Bishop Knutson. The Bishop spoke about missionary work and the Bellingham 2nd Ward Mission plan for 2013.  The goals for this year are;

 1. Baptize 6 individuals

 2. Retain 100% of members converted this year

 3. Temple attendance for new members within 3 months

 4. Reactivate 5 families

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK:

5- Francys Tobler & Angela Dowdle

6- Jo'elen Hagler, Kaylee Johnson & Marites Rosete

8- Bonnie Andrews

9- Amy Tyler

10- Amanda Bonilla

NEXT WEEKS LESSON:

Lorenzo Snow Chapter 4, "Strengthened by the Power of the Holy Ghost"

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES:

 March 12- Daytime R.S. Activity, 11am

 March 17- Ward Conference, combined R.S./Priesthood meeting

SAVE THE DATE *** May 11- Stake Relief Society Mini Conference, 9:30 - 2:00 at the Stake Center