Is that a basketball under your shirt?

I am indeed showing and have been since the end of February (I was only a few months along then). So here I am, a few weekends ago with my mom and sister at a family birthday party. I am 20 1/2 weeks in this shot.

Not sure where Christine is looking!

Okay, now we are all looking at the camera

My boys and me
Please excuse the red eyes on my oldest, I don't have a program to fix that!

I have realized that I have very few pictures of my pregnant self - I will have to talk to my husband about that. I'm usually the one who grabs the camera. 

Happy Memory Making to you,

Surprise....

... it's a baby shower for our dear Mia Maid Advisor!!!! Michelle is due in June, with her first child, and a few of us Young Women Leaders wanted to help the YW shower her with bed time stories. So we threw her a surprise baby shower.

We wanted to make sure her new baby would have plenty of bedtime stories!

Book Basket

 Hanging up tissue paper flowers!
(Thanks to a few of our YW for your help hanging them)  

Michelle's comfy corner!

Cute diaper cake that Jeanna made!

My oldest son checking out the food (my boys and husband came to help me set up)! Erica hooked us up with a fondue feast, veggies, and chex mix. Jeanna made her families amazing punch!

Flower power!

The moment of surprise! She really had no idea - way to keep it a surprise everyone!

Taking it all in!

Oh Erica and your silliness! I love working with women like this who like to be silly with the girls! Her and her sister had the girls making tissue paper diapers that they had to wear the entire evening in hopes of not breaking them.

 Some of the girls showing their tp diapers at the end of the shower

A lovely picture of Michelle and Jeanna (she made the diaper cake and the yummy punch)

The mom-to-be! 

We had so much fun showering Michelle with lovely treasures for her little girl who will be here in a month or so. 


Happy Showering to you,

Craft Corner in the making

To make room for baby, I had to find a place to move my craft/sewing room and we had the perfect spot that was being occupied by a broken piano (I had a piano tuner come out and tell me that it would cost as much as a new piano to fix it). So we had to get rid of this beauty. 

We were thrilled to find a smaller piano that we could put in our front room,

 ...hence making room for my craft stuff (or craft crap according to my husband ;-)

It is still a work in progress but here is what we have so far. Huge thanks to my supportive husband, IKEA cabinets, plastic storage bins from Target, and my handy-dandy label maker!

In between the cabinets I will add a table (on wheels), pegboard, and a few  shelves. I am getting so excited for it to be finished.

This is my sewing cabinet. It is so nice to have all my fabric and sewing notions in one place. The other cabinet is for all my craft/scrapbooking supplies (I am still in the process of organizing that one).

Happy Organizing to you,

Play Kitchen + Storage

Can I just say there are some amazingly creative people out there! I found one and wanted to share what she came up with.

Jenn over at Delicious Ambiguity came up with this clever play kitchen with storage included. For her how-to's check out her blog at http://delicious-ambiguity-nennyk.blogspot.com . What are you waiting for....go.... see her crafty genius for yourself!!!!

Happy Creating to you,

Look What's Popping Up

Our veggie garden is coming along nicely this year. Due to my pregnancy sickness, we haven't gone as gung-ho this year but in February we did manage to plant carrots, lettuce, peas, strawberries, and lemon cucumbers. We are starting to see things popping up in the dirt! The boys think this is pretty interesting, especially our youngest. He loves to give me garden reports. We will be planting tomatoes and some summer squash this weekend. It is a fun family activity and we definitely enjoy the fruits of our labors come harvest time!

C-man and his friend Princess M. (:-) helping make things grow!

Carrots - they actually are much taller now (this picture was taken a few weeks ago)

We are excited to see so many flowers on the strawberry plants. Last year we didn't have a single flower, which meant no strawberries!

Sweet peas! We actually have about 20 pea pods now and more flowers!!!

Lettuce

Lemon Cucumbers

Anybody have tips to help my sweat peas grow more profusely? I have seen some other gardens where they just have a very dense growth of peas growing. They just look so sad.

Happy Planting to you,

Preschool Egg Hunt

Can I just say that I love the school that C-man is attending. The teacher is so loving and kind. The other kids in the class are great and the things they do at the school are so much fun!

Here is their Spring Party, the Egg Hunt and the visit from Peter Cottontail.

C-man and his buddy M. with their Chick masks on!

I love the egg holders they made out of milk cartons!

The class

C-man and Peter Cottontail

Happy Spring to you,

Holy Week - Day Eight (Jesus' Resurrection)

Repost from last year! Happy Easter!

Day 8 – Easter Sunday (Jesus’ Resurrection & Appearances)

Prophecy: “He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it” (Isaiah 25:8).

Scripture Reading: Matthew 28:1-15; Mark 16:1-12; Luke 24:1-49; John 20:1-23

Family Discussion: Discuss how the apostles reacted to Mary Magdalene’s report that Christ had risen (Mark 16:10-11) and the report of the two men on the road to Emmaus (Mark 16:13). Discuss the Lord’s response to this (Mark 16:14).

Suggested Activities:

• Play the game “Why do we celebrate Easter?” (listed below)
• Sing the Resurrection Hymn (“I Know That My Redeemer Lives”)
• If you made a “LOA” table earlier in the week, read all of the comments aloud.
• If you chose to participate in a service activity on Day 2, report on the service given.

"Why do we celebrate Easter?"

For a unique presentation of the often heard Easter story, copy and paste the following scriptures into a word document. Then cut them apart and put them in correspondingly numbered platic eggs. Add the appropriate item (in parentheses) except for the 12th egg, which should remain empty.

Serve the eggs in a decorated basket, from an egg carton, or at each place setting at the dinner table. This adds a nice touch to a church lesson, family home evening, or as a gift. Or play a game of “scrambled eggs” by having players match the scriptures to the items, or putting the story in sequence.

1. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. Matthew 26:39; (Sacrament Cup)

2. Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,, And said unto them, what will you give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. Matthew 26:14-15 This fulfilled the prophecy in Zechariah 11: 12-14 that Jesus would be sold for 30 pieces of silver. (3 dimes)

3. When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: And when they had bound him, they led him away and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor. Matthew 27: 1-2; (knotted twine)

4. When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. Matthew 27: 24-26; Do we also wash our hands? (chunk of hand soap)

5. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews and they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. Matthew 27: 28-30 (square of red velvet)

6. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. Matthew 27: 31-32 And He was crucified… nailed to the cross. (Press this nail into your hand … feel how it must have hurt.) (toothpick cross, tiny nail)

7. And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet… And sitting down they watch him there: Matthew 27: 35-36 (small pair of dice)

8. Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent:. . . Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. Matthew 27: 50-51 & 54 (tiny bag of crushed rock or potting soil)

9. Then Joseph, a rich man) went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body, the wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock. Matthew 27: 57-60; (strip of white cloth)

10. And he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulcher, and departed. Pilate said unto them (the chief priests and Pharisees), Ye have a watch; go your way, make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulcher sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch. Matthew 27: 60, 65-66; (a stone)

11. And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary, the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. / And, behold, there was a great earthquake; for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. And the angel . . . said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. Mark 16:1, Matthew 28: 2 and 5; (bay leaf, cloves or other herb)

12. Then the angels said unto the women, “Fear no ye; for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here, for he is risen.” Matthew 28:6; (empty)

Holy Week - Day Seven (The Jewish Sabbath)

Repost from last year - a day early if you needed it!

Day 7 – Saturday (The Jewish Sabbath)

Prophecy: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy” (John 16:20).

Scripture Reading: Matthew 27:62-66; Luke 23:56

Family Discussion: Discuss Jewish Sabbath (shabbat) observance compared to our own. (Here is a link to the wikipedia entry for shabbat).

Suggested Activity:

• Prepare the dough for Easter Breakfast Rolls to serve Easter morning.

Easter Breakfast Rolls

*Prepare these rolls the night before Easter for part of a delicious Easter-morning breakfast.

1 package frozen bread or roll dough, thawed 1 tsp cinnamon

(or use dough from fav. homemade rolls) 1 bag lrg. Marshmallows

6 tbls sugar ¼ cup butter, melted

- Combine sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside. Divide the dough into individual roll-sized portions. Press each portion into a flat circle. Place 1 large marshmallow in the center of each roll. Pinch roll dough very firmly around the marshmallow. Roll each into a seamless, or nearly seamless, ball with your hands. Brush rolls with melted butter. Sprinkle sugar mixture over rolls.

- Cover rolls with plastic wrap and put in the refrigerator overnight.

- On Sunday morning, preheat oven to 350°F.

- Take rolls out of the refrigerator and bake for 15 minutes until rolls are golden brown. Just like Christ’s tomb on Easter Sunday, these rolls will be empty!

* Serving size depends on amount of dough used.

Holy Week - Day Six (Jesus' Trial and Crucifixion)

Repost from last year

Day 6 – Friday (Jesus’ Trial and Crucifixion)

GAK #230 "The Crucifixion"

Prophecies:

• “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth” (Isaiah 53:7).
• “I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off my hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting” (Isaiah 50:6).
• “For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet” (Psalm 22:16).
• “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Why are thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?” (Psalm 22:1)
• “He Keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken” (Psalm 34:20).

Scripture Reading: Matthew 27:1-61; Mark 15:1-47; Luke 22:66-23:56; John 18:28-19:42

Family Discussion: Compare and contrast events after the Crucifixion as experienced in the Old World verses the New World (see Luke 23:44-47; 3 Nephi 8:5-23).

Suggested Activities:

• Taste the difference between water and vinegar.
• Turn out all the lights for the evening to signify the three hours of darkness in the Old World and the three days in the New World (see Matthew 27:45; 3 Nephi 8:20-23).
• Sing the Crucifixion hymn (“Behold the Great Redeemer Die”)

Holy Week - Day Five (The Last Supper and more)

Repost from last year.Sorry I didn't post this yesterday, but we were busy gathering items for our special meal!

Day 5 – Thursday (The Last Supper, Jesus’ Prayer, and Agony in Gethsemane)

Prophecies:

“Yea, my own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me” (Psalm 41:9).

“Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none” (Psalm 69:20).

“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted” (Isaiah 53:4).

Scripture Reading: Matthew 26:17-75; Mark 14:12-72; Luke 22:7-65; John 13:1-18:27

Family Discussion:

1) Read John 14:4-15 and discuss why it was important that Jesus wash the apostles’ feet (see “Jesus the Christ,” Chp 33, “The Ordinance of the Washing of Feet”; Note 3). You may also want to mention that they wore sandals so their feet would have been caked in dirt.

JTC – “The Ordinance of the Washing of Feet”, Note 3: “The ordinance of the washing of feet was reestablished through revelation on December 27, 1832. It was made a feature of admission to the school of prophets, and detailed instructions relating to its administration were given (see D&C 88:140-141). Further direction as to the ordinances involving washing were revealed January 19, 1841” (see D&C 124:37-39). * I would recommend reading the entire section in “Jesus the Christ” to help you explain the ordinance of washing the feet.

From the back of Gospel Art Kit picture #226 "Jesus Washing the Apostle's Feet":

"John 13:415; Joseph Smith Translation, John 13:8

He poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. John 13:5

After Jesus had eaten the Last Supper with His Apostles, He removed His outer robe and put a towel around His waist. Then He poured water into a basin and, one by one, began to wash and dry the Apostles' feet. (See John 13:45.)

When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter asked the Lord why He was washing his feet. Jesus told Peter that he would not understand then but that he would know later. Peter said, "Thou needest not to wash my feet" (Joseph Smith Translation, John 13:8). "Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me" (John 13:8). Peter said to Him, "Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head" (John 13:9). Jesus told him that He needed only to wash his feet (see John 13:10; Joseph Smith Translation, John 13:10).

Jesus told His Apostles that they were not all clean because He knew one would betray Him (see John 13:1011).

When Jesus finished washing the Apostles' feet, He said, "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you" (John 13:1415).

Summary of the Picture

After eating the Last Supper, Jesus poured water into a basin. He then washed the Apostles' feet and dried them with a towel. Jesus explained that He had done this to teach them that they were to serve others.

2) Discuss the significance of the administration of the sacrament and having the authority of the Melchezedek Priesthood on the earth today.

3) Share with your family your feelings regarding Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane. Read and discuss Christ's description of his own suffering in Doctrine and Covenants 19:16-19.

Gospel Art Kit # 227

Following the Last Supper, Jesus and His Apostles went to the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus went off by Himself to pray. He knew that the time had come for Him to suffer for the sins of the world. He prayed that He might not have to experience such suffering but told Heavenly Father that He would do the Father's will. Jesus prayed more earnestly, and He sweat great drops of blood as He atoned for our sins. Jesus had asked Peter, James, and John to wait nearby and watch while He prayed, but they were unable to stay awake. When Jesus finished praying, He came to them and told them that He was about to be taken away by wicked men.

4) Discuss how it would feel to be part of the mob arresting Jesus and then have him heal you (see Luke 22:50-51).

Gospel Art Kit #228 - The Betrayl of Jesus

Judas, one of the Apostles, went to the Jewish leaders and plotted to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. He led a group of men armed with swords and clubs to Jesus and the other Apostles in the Garden of Gethsemane. Judas greeted Jesus and kissed Him, which was the signal for the men to know which person was Jesus. Jesus allowed the men to arrest Him but asked that His followers be permitted to go unharmed.

Suggested Activities:

• Sing the Atonement hymn (“I Stand All Amazed”)
• Eat a special dinner prepared with foods common in Jesus’ day. Most things that grow in Israel grow in California just as well, you can look at the Medeteranian fruit and see what he was more than likely to eat. (You may want to check out what a Sedar or Passover meal is like for those who are Jewish). Read Matthew 26:17-19 and discuss what you might do to prepare for Passover.

- broiled fish & honeycomb Luke 24:42
- barley bread, John 6:9 or a form of sourdough
- pomegranites
- figs
- wine (grapes)
- olives
- saffron (rose of Sharon)
- celery
- mint
- lamb