Mini Book of Mormon--Keeping it close "at all times, and in all things, and all places"

Not too long ago, a Stake Young Women's President gave me a special gift 

after I spoke at her Young Womens in Excellence.  She told me how each girl in her stake had received one of these darling, mini Books of Mormon at girls camp.  The thought was that the girls could have a mini-sized Book of Mormon with them at "all times, and in all things, and in all places" because they were just right size.  And it is the  perfect size!  It fits in your purse.  Your backpack.  Even a coat pocket.  I love this! 

So here's how they made them.  

1.  Cut a piece of scrapbooking paper the right size to fit across the front, spine, and back of the mini-sized Book of Mormon.  Using heavier weight or cardstock is preferred. But because you are laminating it you could go lighter. Wrapping papers prints are sooooo fun these days. You could even use wrapping paper.

2.  Laminate the paper.  And cut it out.

 

3.  Use decoupauge' or Mod Podge or "Yes" Paste to adhere the laminated cover to the book.  Press out all bubbles and be careful not to get any glue on the inside pages because they will stick.  And make sure your fingers are clean and not sticky with glue or you'll have stick pages.
 

4.  Use HOT GLUE to adhere the laminated cover to the book.  Yes!  I said HOT GLUE.  I have used "Yes" Paste before and that works really well, too.  But that paste is sooo sticky that sometimes I got it on the pages.  So when I found out Catherine had used hot glue I was overly joyed!  That is sooo easy. 

 

5.  Use a ribbon and a netting flower with a button in the middle, or some other embellishment to decorate the front of it.  Possibilities are endless with all the darling scrapbooking accessories out there.  Be creative!

 

5.  Make a matching bookmark. 

 

Ta-dah!  You are done.

 

Where to find "mini" Books of Mormon?  The Distribution Center and Deseret Book.  And they literally fit in the palm of your hand.  They are perfect for keeping with you "at all times, and in all things, and in all places." 

 

HINT:  I've made these using scrapbooking paper and then decoupauging the paper cover, but the lamination is by far the most practical and durable!  Just love it!

Tile Crafts for Young Women-Virtue Quotes

Email me at jodirobinson2182@hotmail.com
and I will email you the jpg files for these handouts.

When I speak to Young Women's groups

and give my presentation entitled "The Beauty of Virtue",

there are several quotes that I emphasize.




Some leaders have requested that I create a HANDOUT

so they can give a little something to the girls on the night that I speak.

These tiles are what I've come up with. I have 4X4's and 4X6's.

4X4

If you would like to use these, just email me and I'll email you the files.

jodirobinson2182@hotmail

I'm happy to share!

IDEAS FOR HANDOUTS:

1) Print the quote onto a 4X6 photo and frame in an inexpensive frame.

The dollar store or the Wal-Mart frame section has frames for $1.00.

2) Decoupage' the 4X4 photo onto a tile (from Home Depot or Lowes).

Distress with distressing ink all around the edges.

3) Use for invitation, thought, or bookmark.



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4X6 and 4X4 available

This has a white border around it so you can't see it.

The Lilly is printed on WHITE paper, so you won't see the border here.

o finish it off, I tie a purple ribbon across the top.

You can see a finished one here on my blog:

 Tile with ribbon

TO REQUEST THE FILES:

or if you need me to make modifications, just email me at

jodirobinson2182@hotmail.com.

I'm happy to share!



A Future for Tomorrow-Getting Help for Eating Disorders

Haley Hatch Freeman's true story is a testimony that there really is a Future for Tomorrow. (More info below about her book and scheduling her to speak.)

I only wish my friend Melissa had that same chance.

October 21st, seven years ago, was the day my friend Melissa passed away. She died from an eating disorder.  I won't attempt to explain this disorder in any great detail; however, I would like to share some insights I've learned that have changed me forever.
  

Melissa was only 19 when she died from complications stemming from Annoexia, an eating disorder that affects 1 in 10 girls (See Center for Change WEBSITE. http://www.centerforchange.com/). At her lowest, Melissa weighed only 79 pounds.  She was 5'7".  She battled annoxeria for six years, beginning with some body image issues at 13.  The white board in her room spoke volumes of the dialogue that went on in her head.  Written in black were these words:  "FAT IS NOT A FEELING."  She had learned that while in treatment at the Center for Change in Provo, Utah. Treatment had worked for a while. But soon even expensive counseling and the intervention of her family, friends, and doctors would not bring a cure for my friend.

The night before Melissa died, I sat next to her hospital bed stroking her hair and singing to her "I am a Child of God." Watching her skeleton chest heave up and down while hooked up to all sorts of tubes, I reminisced about the day trips we took in my Jeep with my three little kids in tow. Melissa's parents both worked full time and when it got to the point that Melissa needed to be with someone all the time her parents entrusted me to take care of her. I loved having her with me. We visited her dad at Orchard Street Market. We shopped at Wal-Mart and went to see the flowers at Thanksgiving Point. I taught her how to crochet and how to make Tortellini with cream sauce. She would paint my daughters' toenails and liked listening to Cherie Call, Mercy Me, and David Tolk.  Any outing tested her physical stamina to the max because she was so frail and weak.  She got Pneumonia and her condition worsenened. The night she left my house to go to the hospital, I knew she wasn't coming back. Her physical body had had enough.

At first I thought, "Why can't someone MAKE her eat!"  But I learned so much about eating disorders.  Particularly that it isn't about food.  And MAKING someone eat is only a quick fix.  And a fix that sometimes is as impossible as parting the red sea. 

Eating disorders are complicated and, although, I am not a doctor or a professional, I have learned some very important insights. Melissa's choices, early on in her teens, as innocent and naive as they might have started out, set into motion consequences that she was not able to reverse. Choosing to starve herself and then binge and throw up had damaged Melissa's body to the point that her immune system became weakened preventing it from staving off other illnesses such as pneumonia and infections.

I know there are other Melissa's out there who are struggling with an eating disorder and experiencing confusion about their body. They need outreach, intervention, love and acceptance, and, often times, they need medical and psychological help.

All girls, at some time or another, struggle with body image. We can help these young women by setting good examples and developing a strong body image of our own. We can teach and reinforce gospel truths about the body as being a temple for soul. We must also understand the way WE view our bodies, as adult women, will have an effect—whether it be positive or negative—on how our daughters and other girls view their bodies. Dr. Ira M. Saker, author of Regaining Your Self: Breaking Free from the Eating Disorder Identity: A Bold New Approach, has treated eating disorders for more than three decades. He states:

"…the family environment has a huge influence. If the family is very preoccupied and concerned with food, weight, and appearance, they can pass this concern on to their kids. I've had patients as young as five tell me how worried they are about eating the 'wrong' foods and getting fat. Children who grow up seeing constant dieting, constant concern about weight, and constant working out, absorb the messages that food is the enemy and appearance is all....Parents can assist in their child's recovery by becoming teachers by example."

Melissa's parents are at not at fault for her eating disorder—not at all. They did everything they could to help their daughter. And I love them dearly. This is just a reminder that as parents, and especially as mothers, we have to be vigilant and very careful in how we view and treat our bodies so we don't negatively influence the young and vulnerable. ALL women can do something to help influence young girls' body image in a positive way. In fact, we have an obligation, as women of faith, to model a healthy body image at all times, in all things, and in all places.

Shortly, after Melissa had passed away, I was standing near a group of women in the hallway at church listening to their conversation. One of the women said, "Oh, I've just got to lose these 5 pounds so I can look good when I go to Hawaii." Another said, "I've just given up. I'm never going to be thin." Another said, "I've starved myself all week so I could eat dessert." Another said, "I've exercised all week and I still haven't lost a pound!"

At that moment, I looked over to my right and quickly realized several young women were standing close by. They had heard everything. They were 13, 14 and 15—and each of them had a very puzzled look on her face. These young girls looked up to these women as their leaders and examples and these women had just committed a great "faux pas." These young women were not yet mature enough to filter out grown-up "nonsense." Ironically enough, this all happened, the Sunday after we buried Melissa.  (Oh, the damage we can do when we are not watching ourselves.)   

Since my experience with Melissa, I am very careful to always talk positively about my body in front of my daughters or anyone else's daughters. I try hard to reinforce optimal health, getting enough exercise, eating good foods, and eating enough of them to keep my body strong. I also let my kids see me indulge in my favorite treats so they understand that food, in and of itself, is not bad. A body needs a Hershey bar now and again! The key is moderation. Broccoli is best. But cookie dough won't kill you. (Don't tell my grandmother.  She thinks I'm a re-covered cookie dough eater.)

Teaching my children to be grateful for the body God gave them and helping them to love and appreciate that body, in its unique and special design, is my job as a mother. I desire to help my children make choices based on eternal truths, doctrinal principles, and Church standards. And I do it in memory of my friend, Melissa.

Getting HELP?
If you or a loved one needs help, don't put it off. And don't doubt for a moment that God won't help you, because He will.

A Future for Tomorrow is a truthful, heart-felt account of a woman's journey to wellness. Haley has included journal entries and has chosen to be "real" about her experience in battling anorexia. It gives us outsiders an inside look into the mind of someone with an eating disorder. Haley is blessed now to be recovered and is a wife and mother to two beautiful kids. She shares her story and teaches classes so if you'd like to schedule her to speak contact her at: http://www.haleyhatchfreeman.com/.

Other resources for eating disorders:

The Center for Change (world renowned treatment facility located in Provo, Utah)

Books: Click Here

Witches Night Out 2010

Black hats and pointy shoes,

delectable dips, and sassy soups

All combined for a wonderful Witches Night Out.



My annual "Witches Night Out" brought together 27 women for a night of service, food, and fun.

First, we took to our brooms (okay, not really but can't a girl dream?). 

We delivered goodies to a few friends in the neighborhood to let them know we were thinking of them.  Our friend Karine, just lost her husband of 21-years to cancer.  When the door opened, her son, Mitchell, opened his eyes as wide as the full moon.  I guess he's not used to seeing a mass of cackling women on his front steps.

"Cackle, cackle. Hee, hee. 

Friendly neighborhood witches are we.

We're not here for a trick or a fright. 

Just wishing you well on this cool autumn night."

SO, WE'RE FRIENDLY WITCHES 

ACTUALLY, WE'RE MOMS WHO DRIVE SUBURBANS AND MINI-VANS...

who, one night out of the year, put on black and green striped hose, wear pointy hats and cackle while we shape warts out of wadded up gum!  No spells.  Just happy cackles. (This year two of our witches sported tu-tus!  Denise and Cindy, you were adorable!) 

Every year, Glinda the Good Witch always has shown up to call us all to repentance.  Tieing a fleece blanket, while playing a get-to-know-you game was a fun diversion.  (We'll donate the blanket to House of Hope.) 

After games, we gorged on a spooky spread of spider cookies, pumpkin soup, and eyeball cheese dip! 

Check out this spooky spread. 

Fashion is all in the HAT. 





These are the Warts we made from chewed up gum! 

Until next year...

Happy Cackling!!!

Cackle, cackle.

                                            Hee.  Hee. 



BEAUTY Breakthrough--10 Day Challenge at BYU//Plus This Weekend's Event--Peace with Food and Body

If you're focused on . . .

REAL BEAUTY

for REAL WOMEN

. . . here are two events you'll want to check out. 

The link for this 10 Day Challange is a great resource.

http://recapturingbeauty.byu.edu/recapturingbeauty/home/

In addition...Author, Haley Hatch Freeman, will be speaking at BREAK THROUGH.  See link for details. 
I'll be highlighting Haley's book next week.  She one of the speakers at this weekend's womens conference.  After almost losing her life to Annorexia, Haley's story is a beautiful come back story.)  The conference is full of bright, talented, and educated speakers on the subject of finding peace with food and your body.  

http://breakthroughconf.eventbrite.com/?ref=nf

Craft Idea-Fabric Flowers on Hair Bands

Here is a great craft idea from my cousin, Becky. 

Fabric Flower

Head Bands

and Rings

Young Women will love this! 

Make head bands, flower rings, and more! 

I can't post a picture for some reason.  But here is the link.

Fabric Flower Hair Bands

Halloween Countdown Tree

I admit it. 
I love Halloween.

The fall colors.  
Rootbeer with dry ice. 

My witch hat and kids
dressing up.

Here's an idea to add fun to the Halloween FUN!
This clever Countdown Calendar
makes my kids ghoulish with delight.

I found the original idea on KSL Studio5. 

I already had a metal tree on my wall with photos, so I transformed it with a few things from dollar store...wallah!

Happy Haunting!

I love this classic poem by Rudyard Kipling!


If
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!

WHO IS CARRYING YOUR PACK?    

"Here.  Hold this," my husband said handing me a bulging back pack taller than my nine-year-old son.

The back pack carried sleeping bags, fishing poles, and mess kits, along with everything else he and our kids needed for a weekend hiking trip. I tried to put the pack on my back but it was so heavy it nearly knocked me over.

"Why is it so heavy?" I asked, jokingly and dropped it to the ground. He just smiled at me and then said,

"Because I love my children."

It is tradition in our family for my husband to take my kids on a back tripping up to Joan and Gem Lakes at the end of the summer. He has been doing this hike with his father since he was boy and now he shares it with our kids. This trip is quite an undertaking. Each back pack has to be methodically packed with just the right weight so the kids can carry as much as they can on their own. If our children's packs are too heavy, though, they won't make it up the steep incline leading up to the lakes. Thus, the reason for my husband's heavy pack. He has to carry what they can't.

I must admit that there is no way I could have carried that pack on my back for any period of time. But when my husband put it on his back, he made it look easy, not because it wasn't heavy. But because, well, remember what he said?

Because I love my children.  
  
I had never picked my husband's pack before. For the past five years, I've stayed at home with our youngest child while he hiked more than a mile and a half with the older kids up a steep and rocky mountainside carrying almost 60 pounds of weight on his back. Two sleeping bags, two tents, food for four, blankets, pillows, rain gear, clothing and that was only some of it. What did the kids carry? The soft stuff. Basically, their clothes. My oldest did carry a lot more in her pack this year and each year the other kids will be able to carry a little more as they get taller and get stronger. But for now, my husband willingly carries the heaviest pack.

Because he loves his children.

So this morning I awoke to this thought:  Let me carry your pack. It's heavy and I want you to be able to make it up that steep incline.

Who says that? Who pleads with us to let him help carry our heavy loads. Isn't that what Christ pleads with us every day? He packs on extra weight so our burdens may be light. And he does it willingly.

Heavenly Father wants his children to experience the thrill of mortality just like my husband wants our kids to experience the thrill of the Uintas. But as any good father knows, little ones can't always carry their pack by themselves and sometimes all they can carry is soft stuff.  

God gave us his only begotten son to carry the heavy stuff  because he loves his children.

Right now, my pack feels pretty light. It's almost as if I can't feel it. And it's because I know who is carrying it.

How grateful we should be that Heavenly Father knew we would need help carrying our packs. But Christ can't carry our packs unless we let him. So think about what is worrying you? What is overwhelming you? Is there anything that feels hard? If so, pack it up. Put it in the Savior's pack. He's willing to carry it. And He will go the distance, all the way up that steep incline, over those rocks, and through the trees until you reach your destination. And why? Why would our Savior do such a thing? Because Jesus Christ knows how much his father loves his children.

Because he loves our children, my husband carries a heavy pack. And I'm so grateful that he does.

Are you ready for wings?

Rip off the band aid! Just rip it off!



Not exactly the words I wanted to hear but they needed to be said. This morning, I brought my youngest daughter to her first day of kindergarten and "rip off the band aid" is what the teacher told ME to do.


"It will hurt for just a minute," she told me. "She'll be fine. You'll be fine."

At first it seemed cruel. To wave goodbye and walk away just moments after we arrived at the coat rack inside the kindergarten door. As the teacher showed her where to put her backpack, my daughter looked worried. Her uneasiness made me want to rip off my fake smile and say, "Forget this. We'll just do home preschool again." But I didn't. I couldn't. I knew she was ready for more.  So, I put on a confident smile knowing she would follow suit. And she did. It took her barely a minute to find a friend she knew and claim a spot at the cutting table. She was going to be fine. But was I?


I didn't think I could do it.  I'm very attached to this little one who clung to my leg like peanut butter on jelly. (Part of me wanted to cling to her leg!)  Secretly, I've been dreading this separation for weeks because I'm losing my little side-kick who’s been with me for five years while the other kids have been at school. Besides, turning over your child to a teacher you've barely met for 30 minutes at a meet and greet the day before begs a mother's trust. Was I ready? No. And Mrs. Scott could tell. She was a great coach, though. Rip it off, she said to me. It will hurt for just a second. I hated that thought and the anticipation almost killed me. But in the end it all turned out okay.

Once again things have changed at the Robinson household. Sometimes I wish we were like butterflies and had to spin our cocoon only once and be done with it. But instead, a mother's cocoon evolves and changes continuously and that's how God intended it.

As the mother of four children, change is what I do. My children are constantly changing and growing and because of that I seem to change a lot. I don't always like it. And sometimes it hurts when I feel the initial "rrrrrrip"! But it usually turns out to be the best thing that has ever happened.

The first day of kindergarten and I had three hours all to myself. At first, that sounded like heaven. But ouch! Ripping off that band aid hurt! I know my little caterpillar has a new pair of wings and that’s a good thing. In fact, it is a very good thing. But it will probably take me some time to embrace these new wings. It seems like just yesterday I was carrying my Zoebug in a shoulder pouch I referred to as "her house." I wanted to keep her as close to my heart as I could. And I still do. Before school, I gave her a little heart-shaped stone to put in her pocket while she was at school so when she missed me she could rub it and know that I was thinking of her. Funny thing is I had to buy two. One for her and one for me. (During those three hours, I had to rub mine three times.) I doubt she even thought about the heart in her pocket because she was so busy cutting, coloring, and singing on the blue rug. It's all good. Growing wings is good.

Rip off that band aid and you'll feel a little sting. But in the end you'll see the blessings of giving your child wings.

Double Rainbows and the Secret to Lasting Happiness

Last night, out my front living room window a double rainbow arched across the sky. The rain left behind shiny, wet streets, thick, humid air, and a double arch of colored ribbons hanging from the clouds. Two rainbows. One inside the other. The kids and I hurried outside to look at it. It was absolutely breathtaking. Staring at that double rainbow made me so happy. And it got me thinking. Is there such a thing as living every day as a double rainbow day? I mean we all know double rainbows don't last. All rainbows fade into the sun-drenched sky and leave you feeling kind of blue, like something spectacular has happened but you can't hold onto it.
  

It has been a double rainbow summer and I'm sad to see it end. Oh, sure the kids are ready to get back to a routine and admittedly so am I. Or, so I thought until I saw that double rainbow. Then I realized it was farewell to the giant waterslide in the backyard. Goodbye to our day trips to Silver Lake to explore and hike. I'm going to miss sack lunches at the park followed by sixty cent ice cream cones at Arctic Circle just because it's Wednesday. No more 9 a.m. bike rides to the park just to mix things up a bit and those dollar movies will only happen on the weekends. Ah, the fading double rainbow. Going back to school is bittersweet.

BUT.

And there is the infamous B-U-T. Because even with all the fun, every moment of every day has had its less than perfect moments that I surely will not miss. And if you're a mother you know what I'm talking about. Those moments where one kid is upset because so and so won't let him take a turn on the computer. The whines and complaints can most certainly drain your brain and numb your soul.

Mo-om, so and so won't let me hold the kitty.

Mo-om, why can't you take me to my friend's house right now?

Mo-om why can't I have six popsicles for breakfast?

Mo-om, why can't we go to Boondocks today?

If you choose to spend your summer in those brain-draining, spirit-testing, moments where one more whine is going to push you over the edge, well, then you'll miss that double rainbow. That, my friend, is really the secret to living a happy life. I'm sure of it. If you're so worried about life's little annoyances that you can't spend 20 minutes to look at a rainbow on your front porch you've missed what you're here for.

Kids won't beg you when they're grown ups to take you to the splash park so, forget that kid #3 called you a bad name because you didn't bring her Barbie towel and instead memorize what it felt like watching her run through the sprinkles and sprays on a hot summer day and you'll feel like you've held a double rainbow.

Yes, I'm going to remember what it felt like riding the Bonsai tube behind the boat with my oldest daughter and how she laughed when I tried to tip her over. I'm going to relish what it felt like waterskiing at sundown and appreciate the peacefulness of taking walks at the crack of dawn.

Wasn't it Mother Superior who asked in the Sound of Music, "How do you hold a rainbow in your hand?" (oops it was a moonbeam but same thing).  Anyhow, I've come to accept that it is impossible to hold a rainbow in your hand—especially a double one. You can't hold perfection but you can enjoy it while it's here and choose not take it for granted. Double rainbows will disappear and you'll have to wait for them to come back. Until they do you can keep the memory. You can remember what it felt like the moment that you saw that double arch. And you can breathe it in deeply. You can scrapbook it and write about it and feel happy that you've tucked those good summer memories away in your heart forever.

If you were stressed out and frazzled this summer, don't worry. Summer will be back. Just like that double rainbow, it will reappear again and you'll get to do it all over again. And maybe this time you'll try to enjoy it while it lasts because that is the secret to holding a double rainbow in your hand.

I love you kids! You make every day a double rainbow day.

(Even when you whine.)

Love,

Mom

Love truly,

Laugh uncontrollably, 

And never regret anything that made you smile.

Brave Love

Being brave is hard to do. Loving brave is even harder.

One of my dear friends is the mother to three adopted daughters. A few weeks ago she was invited to attend a reunion given by the birth family of her oldest adoptive daughter. Being a gracious person, my friend decided to attend with her family. My first thought was that is a brave thing to do. But then again everything about adoption is about being brave.

I mean think about it. No mother-to-be who reproduces her own DNA undergoes scrutinizing home visits, interviews, and stacks of paperwork to determine whether or not she is fit to be a mom. No mother, who physically gives birth to her offspring, waits an agonizing six months or longer to be declared legally "the mother." That takes bravery. I say it takes bravery because knowing there is the remotest possibility that things won't work out and you do it anyways? Then twelve years later the biological grandmother sends you an invitation to come and meet the family. And you do it because you know it's not good to build fences. You decide to build a bridge and you introduce the daughter you've raised to grandmothers, grandfathers, aunts, uncles and cousins who all have what you don't—a biological connection to the daughter whom you love more than life itself.

 My friend is brave. Brave not only because she allowed her daughter to have this experience but brave because she, too, embraced it. As she watched the hugs, the kisses, and the smiles I know a small part of her wondered, "What if she likes them better?" (Not possible.  Not even likely.  But still we mothers hearts are so wrapped up in our children we wonder.  We worry.  My friend quickly dismissed those thoughts because she loves her daughter so much and even though mothers want to keep their children to themselves they know the good that comes from sharing them with the world.

Recipes were swapped. Lunch dates with cousins were set. In an afternoon at the park, a new family was forged. Can you get more beautiful than that?


Adoption is for the brave women of the world. Women who give up their babies unselfishly and women who adopt them and love them who then share them with the mothers who gave them up. My friend could have built fences and walls and kept everybody out but she didn't. She has a brave heart. She is a woman of "a good courage."

Adoption…it's not just about love.

It's about being brave enough

to open up your heart to something bigger.

I Cor. 13:4-8

Love is patient, love is kind.

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking,

it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil

but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails.

Tart'n Tasty Frozen Yogurt

Oh, what do you do in the summertime?

When temperatures burn you alive?

You buy an ice cream maker . . . and make fabulous flavors of homemade ice cream.

(Then let the kids go on a giant slip-in-slide down the hill in the backyard and you're good to go!)

I purchased a 25" foot roll of construction plastic at Loew's for 16.95.  We place it at the bottom of our real slip-in-slide and the kids love it! 

Ever since I tasted Red Mango's pomegranate frozen yogurt  topped with white chocolate chips and sweetened coconut I've searched for a good recipe to try to replicate its
to-die for taste.

Here's a recipe to try!

Now, that's what you do in the summer time.

 Original link for Healthy Food For Living is HERE

 Tart Pomegranate Frozen Yogurt

2 cups plain 0% fat Greek yogurt
1 cup plain 2% fat Greek yogurt
1/4 cup evaporated cane juice (or granulated sugar)
1/4 cup pomegranate syrup (recipe follows)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine yogurts, evaporated cane juice, and pomegranate syrup. Stir until the evaporated cane juice is completely dissolved.
2. Freeze according to ice cream maker manufacturer's instructions.
3. Serve immediately as soft serve, or spoon into a freezer-safe container and place in freezer until "ripened" (hardened).

Pomegranate Syrup
Ingredients:

• 2 cups 100% pomegranate juice, such as POM Wonderful
  
• 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup

Directions:

1. Combine pomegranate juice and maple syrup in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
2. Cook until the mixture has thickened slightly and has reduced to approximately 1/2 cup, about 1 hour.

Distressed Temple Pictures

Here is a beautiful temple picture you can use for any activity. 

You can choose your temple picture and download from the sight. 

You'll love these! 

Here's the link:  Distressed Temple Pictures 

Thanks to http://www.mylilluna.blogspot.com/!

Event -- JULY 29, 2010 -- LIVE Interview Won't you Join me?

Upcoming Event

Join me for my live interview on 

The Grapevine

LIVE Conference Call Interview

If you need a break from your summer routine join us! 

Call in on THURSDAY at 9 p.m. (MST). 

It's free. 

 And you don' t even have to get dressed up. 

And you can eat ice cream while we chat...

Here's the SCOOP...

Brought to you by Latter-Day Woman, The Grapevine interviews me (the author of Women of Virtue) 

LIVE conversation

July 29th, 2010 at 8:00 PM (PST).

How do I participate?  

Call the toll-free Conference Line at (507)726-4240 and when prompted enter passcode 100993#.

NOTE: Times for the call are : 8:00 PM... (PST), 9:00 PM (MST), 10:00 PM (CST), 11:00 PM (EST).

See more details and RSVP on Our Ladies Room - For Today's LDS Woman:

More info

FHE Lesson on Modesty

Why be modest?    

(courtesy of TryOnZion.com)

Knowing WHY you should be modest is key to wanting to be modest.  In my book, Women of Virtue, I devote an entire chapter to modesty and cover all aspects of this important topic.  

FAMILY HOME EVENING LESSON
If you're looking for an easy lesson to introduce modesty to your family, follow this link Modesty Family Home Evening Lesson.  It's a simple, meaningful lesson good for all ages. 

Also, here's a fun link for a Shirt Design Company that screenprints all kinds of sayings and phrases.  

Check out how fun these DESIGNS are!  Here's the link Try On Zion for more fabulous logos and designs.