Jane Austen Completed

This spring has been a season of watching the Masterpiece Theater's Complete Jane Austen series. I have looked forward to Sunday evenings at 9 p.m. to sit back and enjoy the romance and rusticism of Jane Austen's works. I particularly liked the new versions of Sense and Sensibility (Marianne pictured above) and of Northanger Abbey. These adaptations were beautifully done! But alas, the season is done and and the Complete Jane Austen is complete. I am sad that my Sunday evenings will hold less to look forward to, but my husband will be glad to regain control of the remote.

Speaking of Steve, just a quick note to announce he bought a car last week--a low-mileage used Sebring from a co-worker. Many of you know we have been in much need of a newer vehicle for some time, so this change has been very nice for us.

Scripture of the Day: D&C 18:22

New Recipe: Russian Chicken

This recipe is one my cute sister-in-law Alicia gave me and is quickly becoming a family favorite. So I thought I would pass it along.

Mix 1/2 jar apricot jam, 1/2 jar Catalina salad dressing, and 1/2 package of dry onion soup mix. Pour over 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 1 whole chicken cut up). Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. Serve over rice.

Several times when I have made this recipe I did not have the apricot jam on hand so I threw some canned peaches (drained) in a blender with some Splenda, the Catalina dressing, and the onion soup mix. The results were the same and healthier! Enjoy!

Scripture of the Day: This week's scriptures answer the question, "Why should we be baptized?" This one is a classic--2 Ne. 31:5

Shoe Shopping Anyone?

So, a few days ago I was kind of in a funk and got to looking at some of my shoes. A lot of them looked awful! I mean YUCK, how- could- I- possibly- be- wearing- these- in- public- TERRIBLE. So I purged and threw about half of them away. Now before you start to think, "Wow, that was a rash move!" you should know that I only owned about a dozen pair of shoes in total. Now you're probably thinking, "How does she get by with only a dozen?" The truth is that I am picky when it comes to my shoes. Here are my criteria:

1. No between the toes straps (I can't bear the thought of getting a blister between my toes any more!)

2. Nothing higher than 2 inches (my ankles are too weak and I am apt to hurt myself)

3. Comfort is essential (I am getting too old for aching feet)

4. Cheap (I prefer the shoes wear out as fast as I get tired of them or they go out of fashion)

With all this pickiness you will be relieved to know I have already bought 3 pairs of new shoes as replacements. I found 2 pair at Target (actually two colors of the same style of shoe) and 1 at Wal-Mart. With these on hand I am in no rush to buy more, but will take my time looking and enjoying the shopping excursions. Anyone up for a trip to Last Chance?

Scripture of the Day: 2 Ne. 9:23

Down and Derby

Last night was our ward's pine wood derby. Patch is a Webelos this year, so this is his last year to race. As he was preparing his car he decided to try and go for the Flat Tire Award--a cake given to the slowest car in the race. I was not too sure about this because I wanted him to try to do his best. But he persisted in the idea and worked with his dad on how to make the car slow. When they took the car to weigh-in the wheels were only taped on with clear packaging tape. The Cubmaster told them the Flat Tire Award only went to the car that was slowest but could still cross the finish line. So then Steve hollowed out the body of the car (to make it light) and attached the wheels.


At the race Patch's car was able to cross the finish line. And he was SO excited when he lost his first three races. It looked like the cake was all his. But then in one race another car lost to his! They had to have a run-off to see whose was actually the slowest. In the end, Patch prevailed and won the beloved Flat Tire Award. When I asked him if he was sorry he did not try harder to actually win the race he said, "No. Getting to actually make the car with dad was way better winning the race would have been." {sniffles and tears}

(Thanks to Amazing Becky for suggesting this idea as a post!)

Scripture of the Day: D&C 20:37

Time for General Conference

I am so looking forward to this weekend and General Conference. I love to hear the counsel that is provided for by our wonderful leaders! During the Saturday sessions I plan to listen while I get rid of that mending pile that has been building on the wash room counter for the past few months--and then do any ironing that needs to be done. Sunday I will sit back and relax and enjoy the sessions. I like to make an extra special breakfast on Conference Sundays and try to encourage the kids to listen (key word here: try).

This year our primary presidency sent home some cute packets for the kids to work on during conference (aren't Primary Presidencies generally just wonderful?!?). If your Primary presidency didn't send anything home, try this site of Friend coloring pages all organized. I find it to be very handy. Another helpful tip is to assign kids 8 and older to choose one talk or story to report on/tell for FHE the next night. The key thing is to plan a strategy ahead of time and have any materials you need prepared and ready to go.

Scripture of the Day: D&C 33:11

New Book Info!

Just a short, but sweet, post today. I am so excited! Yesterday I learned that the publisher of my scripture study book has decided to make my book available in 3 different ways: as a book alone, as a CD alone, and as a book/CD combo. I love this idea because it will make using it all the more convenient for all those busy moms and dads out there. Yeah for technology!

Scripture of the Day: 3 Ne. 27:20

Filling the Font to Prepare for Baptism

Well, a new month has arrived and it is time for me to introduce a new theme. Before I do so, I thought I would show you how our Heavenly Treasure ended up looking. The kids had fun with this one--note the Celestial Cent on top of the bird's head (Patch's silliness). We hit about 24 days of the month, which is on the low end for us. Still, not terrible.The new theme for April is another one that is not in my forthcoming book (Adventures with the Word of God). It is one I developed for Kitty because she is turning 8 this month. Of course, it is about baptism and is designed to help her prepare this big event. There are 30 scriptures chosen to answer 5 questions about baptism. The scriptures are on the back of water "splashes" and once they are read they are placed in the font so as to gradually fill up the font. Here is the picture I drew/put together on the computer for it:The splashes will have to overlap to fit them all on, but I think this will work well to ensure Kitty is well prepared for her baptism at the end of this month.

Here is the first Scripture of the Day, which goes toward answering the question, "Is it necessary for everyone to be baptized?" Acts 2:38