A Spoonful of Sugar & Weekend Report

Some days I really feel like I need something sweet to deal with the nasty medicine that comes my way.  Bring on the homemade ice cream and peach pie!  Nooooo, that is not quite what I mean although a little bit of comfort food doesn’t hurt – just not everyday which is what I need.

I have another co-worker quitting church employment for greener pastures- which means a lot more work for me.  We have new financial software that doesn’t work-which means a lot more work for me, I am now down 4 staff in primary that need to be replaced-nursery, 2 activity days leaders, and a chorister.  Any volunteers? 

I know that doesn’t seem so bad, and yes I will make it through, but, it seems like this kind of thing doesn’t stop happening.  It seems like we barely get caught up and then somebody else is leaving, or there are problems with the software that need to be fixed and always changes in ward callings.  One thing that is constant is change.  It makes me tired.

Actually – I have a lot of spoonfuls of sugar that help me deal with the hard times.  I am so looking forward to general conference this weekend – should be a spiritual refill.  It always flies by, but so worth it.  My husband and my doggie always help me get through the tough times, as do my family and friends.

I am loving this fall/summer weather.  It means more time to wear my shorts and it means more garden produce.    I love the fresh fruit and the tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, beans, corn etc. The forecast is for more 90 degree weather. 

The football game on Saturday was a blowout.  56 to 3  I actually felt sorry for those San Jose players – they took a beating!  It was still fun to go hang out at the stadium and enjoy the fall weather.  In case you were wondering – no treats.  Gotta be good.  Yes...I did miss the RS Broadcast, but caught it the next day.  Loved the talks.

The primary program went off without a hitch – short of two of the kids not showing up (they didn’t have big parts).  The stake approached me afterward and told me that we were the model of a perfect program.  Yikes!  Don’t put me on that pedestal – too much pressure!  I think my favorite part was during one of the talks when one of the kids was trying to explain how Jesus is our Savior.  He said “God doesn’t want dirty people living in his house”  I loved it.  From the mouths of babes!

Ralph made several quarts of dill pickles – should be ready for Thanksgiving.  He also made a sweet spicy pickle.  Kind of like a bread and butter, but with a little “hot”.  I can’t wait to try them. 

My stamp club activity on Saturday went well – two of the gals had to leave early to make it to other scheduled events and one wasn’t able to make it, but I think it was enjoyed by all.  The projects were cased from my fellow stampers.   Somdays there is just no need to reinvent the wheel.

Friends never fade by Wendybell

Stamps – Friends never fade, fabulous phrases

Ink – More mustard, Cajun craze, old olive,

Paper – Very Vanilla, Cajun Craze, Early Espresso

Accessories – 1 3/8 square punch, small oval, more mustard ¼ grosgrain ribbon, dimensionals

Be Yourself – (idea taken from a sample at convention)

Stamps – Extreme elements, Smarty Pants, skateboarder

Ink – Garden green, stazon black, not quite navy, river rock, so saffron,

Paper – Not quite navy, garden green, basic black, whisper white

Accessories – star punch, antique brads,

Halloween Candy Wrappers – ideas all over the place

Stamps – Wicked Cool, All Holidays

Ink – Stazon Black

Paper – Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Spooky DSP, Daffodil Delight

Accessories - black lace, large oval punch, scalloped oval punch, bitty bat punch, smooch accent ink, 1¼ in Circle punch

Primary Activity Report and some New Toys

Oh my - where do the weekends go.  I find myself diving back into Monday without realizing we had a weekend.  The primary activity was fun - we had a competitive jump roping team come in from out of town and teach us some basic jump roping skills.  Who knew there were competitive jump roping teams?  We learned a lot and gained respect very quickly for their skills and abilities.  I learned a few new tricks to do with a jump rope, but came no where near the teams abilities and grace.  The kids had an absolute blast.  We couldn't seem to get them away from the jump ropes.  The Just Jumping team performed for the Ward tonight and included the primary kids in their show.  The parents can thank me later for wearing them out before bed.  Check out the video on the Just Jumping website media page.  Not a great video, but gives you an idea of some of the things we got to see.  Pretty amazing.


So I got a few new toys in the mail a couple of days ago and took some time over the weekend to be a little creative.  Here are a couple of things I put together.

I am a big CASE'r (copy and share everything)  My biggest struggle I have is coming up with a layout and dsp that will fit in a project.  While I was browsing for some inspiration I came accross Connie Babberts blog.  For those that follow her, she is an amazing paper crafter.  I used the Stamping 411 layout as well as the inspriation from this Post - Wicked Cool Bookmark I came up with this card.    I know I need to come up with a better way to take pictures - I am working on that.

Stamps - Wicked Cool
Paper - basic black, pumpkin pie, rich razzleberry, whisper white, wicked fun dsp
Ink - stazon black, old olive, pumpkin pie, rich razzleberry, sahara sand
Accessories - vintage wallpaper emblssing folder, dotted scallop ribbon border XL scallop circle punch, 1-3/8 circle punch, designer jewels black flourish


One thing I absolutely had to have when I saw the mini catalog and then demonstrated at convention was this great candy wrapper die.  I intend to use it alot!  Didn't it turn out adorably cute and I can fill this with whatever sounds good - how about  some gummy bugs or worms?

Paper - old olive, basic black, wicked fun dsp
Accessories - black gingham ribbon (retired ) candy wrapper bigz die, spooky treats rubons (2009) 

Ta Ta for now
 

A birthday Card and Lessons Learned

Blogger has a new template and I love it!

It was my Mother's birthday this week. I really wanted to be there to celebrate it with her. My brother took good care of her - so I wasn't too worried. I don't know what I will do if he ever moves back to KY. It isn't that we see each other much, but it is knowing he is close to my Mom in case anything happens.

My Mom has several bird feeders just off of the deck of her home that faces the Payette River.  One of her favorite things it to watch and listen to her birds.  So based on that, here is my creation...

Just knockin, just singing, just wishing you a happy "bird"day.  She was even able to guess what kind of bird I was trying to copy.    No matter what age I get to I think I will always look for Mothers approval .

Well, my scheduled primary activity did not go off without a hitch.  Between Mother Nature and the building already being used by other wards today - I was not left with a lot of options.  So...I volunteered my house for the primary Articles of Faith scavenger hunt. 
Crazy I know!!!! Here are things I have made a "note to self" regarding primary activities...

1.  Don't over plan - too much for the amount of time and attention spans of small children.  (You can tell I totally don't have kids of my own)
2.  KISS - keep it simple stupid!
3.  It is not worth stressing -
4.  It is much easier to plan a YW/YM activity than it is a primary activity
5.  Next time plan a lot of running around - at least I won't have to tell them to sit down and be quiet.

6. Unlike the youth - if you call and remind them about the acitivity they actually show up - We had over 20 kids there - most of them under the age of 8.

I think the kids did have a good time and hopefully they learned something in the process.  My counselors were there with me through it all - even when it would have been much easier to bow out.

Well, I have a few things to prep for tomorrow so I will sign off for now.  Book review and some more cards to come!

Ta Ta for now

My how time flies

I can't believe it has been a whole week since I have posted. And yet....I totally can believe it has been almost a whole week. My head has been completely in another game.

I totally stressed my stamp a stack - trying to get everything cut and ready to go. I couldn't believe it...I was totally ready by the time everyone showed up to play with paper and stamps. I had a fair turnout. It helps pay for the Stampin UP convention in July. I love to go and hang out with my friends and learn new stuff and play with new toys. Thanks to all that participated.

I was officially sustained today as the Bryan Ward Primary President. I have some awesome counselors. I sure had a tough time making those choices, but it was totally confirmed to me today I made the right choices. Everyone is rarin to go. To top that off Ralph and I had to speak today in Sacrament meeting. Ralph did such a great job as always. Mine...it needed some work. Of course it doesn't help if you wait until Saturday night to write it. I got the bishop to promise me I wouldn't have to speak again for a couple of years, but I have this feeling that I will be speaking again soon as a primary presidency. Great! Just what I love to do.

Since Ralph hasn't been home during the day, we have been taking Riley to the local dog park. He is not an incredibly social dog, but he is getting better. Especially if the other doggy smells good. He has to make his rounds marking a few things and then likes to check out all the other dogs. Today he met one that needed to express his dominance to Riley. I was ok with it - he needs a good thump, but the other owner was so good about keeping her dog out of trouble. Most dog owners are good people. Everyone wants to meet your dog and once you go a few times you aren't called by name but as "Riley's parents" You are known by who your dog is. Kind of funny. We saw some beautiful dogs today. I think my favorite was a big black great dane named Titus. So friendly.
I finally made it to my hair dresser this last week. It feels so good to get rid of my stray grays and get the curls shaped. I met my hair dresser when I first moved to Salt Lake. I have tried many others in between and haven't been able to find anybody better. She is great with color and knows how to handle curly hair and give a classic cut.  The only problem is if I don't schedule right away for my next appointment I have to calle 4 to 6 weeks in advance to get an appointment without having to take work off.
It sure has been rainy this last week, but the garden looks so good.  We really need the spring rains.  The beets and peas have started to poke their little heads from the soil.  The current bushes are loaded with blossoms, the fruit trees as well.  I am looking forward to the fresh produce.

Well - time to be on my way - I want to spend the last few hours of my Sunday with Ralph and Riley

Ta Ta for now