Family Reunions

Today my husband and I attended a Family Reunion. It was a very pleasant day for spending time with relatives that we knew and those that we were priviledged to get to know. It turned out to be a simple, well-planned affair that was very nice. Upon arriving, we were greeted and registered by printing our names on a card bearing the specific line of our ancestor's name. We were given a registration packet which we filled out so we could have access to information via email, including pictures taken during the reunion. Then it was on to the lunch of sandwiches & chips, which was provided by those in charge, and supplemented with potluck salads and desserts--very simple, but good food--while visiting with each other. When most were finished eating, it was time for each family to stand and share memories of their ancestor(s) and stories--serious or comical. There was also some business matters discussed regarding fixing up the cemetery, etc. For those of us that wanted to, we got in our cars and drove the short distance to view the old original school house (where a few more memories were shared by those who had attended there), and then up the road to the cemetery. More pictures were taken for genealogy purposes and then we were free to return to the chapel where we first met up to visit more, or head home. It was a day well-spent and left everyone with a renewed resolve to remember our ancestors and do this again in a couple of years. It is our responsibility to keep our families close and to learn about our heritage. If we fail to keep the lines going, they will be lost and slip away. Our parents would be disappointed in us for dropping the ball, and we would miss out on getting to know our roots. It's important to know where we all fit in the big scheme of things--afterall, it's all about Family, isn't it?

The bulletin board at church with our Ward's RS theme for the year, based on the scripture found in D&C 109:8.

Bulletin Board at church for Dec/Jan

Painted tray for two of  my brothers, for their birthdays. (Since I didn't get them done for Christmas.) I did them both pretty much the same.

Bulletin Board for Feb/Mar at church

Valentine gift for my VT ladies made from : M&M's, Hershey's Kisses and and bath scrubby, a straw and pom-pom in a clear plastic cup. 

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! It's a great salutation for a special holiday, but everyday should be celebrated with loved ones. Not just one day a year so the companies that promote valentines make money off of our sentiments. I have a hard time with all the commercialism associated with all the holidays. Back when I was a little girl, I remember making our own valentines and doing special things for those we love...even kicking valentines. Kicking valentines meant that you dropped a valentine card sneakily (is that a word?) on the doorstep of a friend or someone special and then running and hiding before the person opened the door. It was supposed to be a secret admirer thing. Half the fun of the whole thing was not getting caught! In school it was fun and exciting making and decorating a card holder to put all the valentines in from fellow students and maybe even that one secret love. As I got older, I looked forward to watching a romantic movie, reading a good love story, or making a special dinner that included something red and heart shaped for the one I love.  Now that I'm even older I am happy to just get a greeting card (homemade or store bought), and maybe some chocolates or flowers from my honey. This morning I made pancakes and ham/cheese scrambled eggs for breakfast for the two of us. He bought me a Subway sandwich for lunch and we watched our daily favorite oldie rerun of Rockford Files while we ate it. It was good! We exchanged cards and I gave him a bag of assorted candy and he was happy. Tonight for dinner I'm fixing Taco Soup, as requested by my sweetheart. It's one of his favorites. We will probably have pudding for dessert and watch our usual shows on TV this evening. What more can I ask for? Hurrah for the routine of married life and comfort of consistency! Seriously, it's been a nice Valentine's Day and I even have clean laundry, too, because today is Monday (my regular wash day). Love is in the air!

"LOVE"

The word 'Love' evokes many thoughts and feelings. February is the month we celebrate it as a holiday, but what is love, really? Love should be second nature, but sadly it is not for some. When I hear the word love I think of Christ, my husband, my parents, children, siblings, friends, service, hearts, chocolate, and a miriad of other things come to mind. I just gave a lesson in Relief Society on Charity/Love One Another and the focus was more on the pure love of Christ and service. Sometimes we get so caught up with our busy lives that we don't really take the time to cherish moments of opportunity to serve others, especially those closest to us. I have a wonderful husband and family that I'm pretty sure love me. I know that I love them! I also love my Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, the gospel, the prophets, scriptures, temples and everything in between. I'm just happy that I live at a time when we have so many opportunities and freedoms. It is not always easy to serve when it is needed most, but we are so blessed when we give of ourselves and are following the example of our Savior. I find that I miss the times that I spent with my parents and their love more as I get older and realize what love is truly about. I hope that I have set a good example for my children and grandchildren to follow. I find it most gratifying to give of the talents that I've been given, by making and sharing things with those whom I love--family & friends. I love the idea of love and the feelings that follow when that love abounds in the world instead of hatred and crime. Yes, there are bad things in the world, but there are also good things in the world, and good people, and love is still alive and well! Smile and show someone that love...the simple things count, too.

November--December 2010

I haven't written a post for a while because it's been kinda crazy around my house, trying to get all the Christmas projects done! Phew! I made it though. I found so many cute ideas from all the fun blogs I have been checking out and links from them and finding more and more...I just had to make a ton of things!! It got a little stressful because I wasn't sure I would have time to finish everything. I have been busy with my calling in Relief Society (LDS church--1st couns) and family, visits, funerals, parties, service projects, etc. It was worth all the work and stress when everyone seemed to appreciate the gifts. :) My house really did look like a Santa's workshop at times. My thanks goes to my husband and family for being patient with me and helping when they were needed. I had thoughts of my own childhood as I tried to imagine my mother making doll clothes, sewing pajamas, making outfits, and baking all those goodies for us so many years ago. I truly appreciate the work that went into her efforts to make Christmas so special for me. I loved the homemade treasures that we got and still reminisce with tearful sentiment the holidays of my youth. My fondest memories are of the scents and feelings of home and growing up with all the love that was showered upon me and my siblings. We didn't have a lot of worldly goods, but were so rich in the things that really count! My wish for this new year is that my children and grandchildren will someday look back with fondness, and maybe a tear or two of appreciation for the love and memories of this holiday. May the New Year bring many more treasures of eternal worth and family closeness. When all is said and done, we can't take the material things with us, only our memories, so let's make them good ones!!

This picture was from a book I own, as well as the picture that follows. Another painted wood tray.

The other wood tray, actually the first one I did.

There were 12 marshmallow guns and tote bags to make. (found on http://www.mymixofsix.blogspot.com/)

From http://www.preparednotscared.blogspot.com/-- 5 Monkey Yatzee games...

5 sets of FHE and church booklets to share for each of our children and their families.

Lots and lots of coasters!! They were a big hit with everyone! (I found this one on

http://www.mycomputerismycanvas.com/)

4 sets of Ornaments with clip art decoupaged on, depicting the blessings each represented. (Idea found in GBP book)