Patuxent Ward Relief Society

Visiting Teaching Video

2011-09-19T18:28:00.001-07:00

Patuxent Visiting Teaching Conference from Sarah Aina on Vimeo.

August RS Craft Night

2011-08-16T07:11:00.000-07:00

Book Club's next book

2011-07-27T08:35:00.000-07:00

Book Club's next book club meeting will be August 16 at 7pm at Debby Mithchell's house. We'll be discussing Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman. Here is a synopsis:

Twelve-year-old CeeCee is in trouble. For years she’s been the caretaker of her psychotic mother, Camille— the crown-wearing, lipstick-smeared laughingstock of an entire town. Though it’s 1967 and they live in Ohio, Camille believes it’s 1951 and she’s just been crowned the Vidalia Onion Queen of Georgia.

The day CeeCee discovers Camille in the front yard wearing a tattered prom dress and tiara as she blows kisses to passing motorists, she knows her mother has completely flipped. When tragedy strikes, Tootie Caldwell, a previously unknown great-aunt comes to CeeCee’s rescue and whisks her away to Savannah. Within hours of her arrival, CeeCee is catapulted into a perfumed world of prosperity and Southern eccentricities—a world that appears to be run entirely by women.

Laugh-out-loud funny, at times heartbreaking, and written in a pitch-perfect voice, Saving CeeCee Honeycutt is a spirited Southern tale that explores the intricate frailties and strengths of female relationships while illuminating the journey of a young girl who loses her mother but finds many others.

Red Carpet Movie Premier Night Pictures

2011-06-10T07:36:00.000-07:00

May 12 Sharitage Night

2011-05-04T11:02:00.000-07:00

Thursday, May 12 at 7pm at the church is our SHARITAGE night. We will share our heritages so bring a family dish or picture or heirloom to share. We will also be learning more about preparing a temple ready name from our family history so bring any ancestors name to research and know your membership number if you have not logged in to family search before.

Walking -Hollywood area

2011-04-26T12:43:00.000-07:00

Anyone interested in walking in the evening either in our neighborhoods or at Oakville Elementary, please contact Linda Metcalf.

White bread

2011-04-18T09:32:00.000-07:00

Our April weekday meeting went great! Thanks to all who helped and who came. As promised here's a white bread recipe (from the ward cookbook) for those that may need one for making sacrament bread in the future:

Scald 1/2 c. milk with 3 Tbs. butter. Let cool. Proof 1 Tbs. yeast with 3 Tbs. sugar and 2 tsp. salt in 1 1/2 c. warm water. Add 5-6 c. flour and mix until smooth. Shape into 2 loaves, place in greased bread pans, cover, and let rise. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. This recipe doubles well.

Here's the wheat bread recipe from our teacher Tracie Callihan:

Quilting for LDS Humanitarian Services

2011-04-05T17:50:00.000-07:00

There is a new interest group that will being meeting in a couple of weeks. Manuela Hudson is organizing a QUILTING FOR CHURCH HUMANITARIAN SERVICES group. Any who are interested in participating occasionally or regularly please contact Manuela to get on the contact list. What a great cause to be putting our skills towards. Learners also welcome! As you may know interest groups are not put on by the relief society but by members of the RS. We will announce interest groups through email, newsletter, and blog. Anyone interested in leading a one-time or regular interest group, please contact Christina Watson. It is a great opportunity to get together and build sisterhood.

Recipe Exchange Interest Group 3/8

2011-03-09T09:51:00.000-08:00

Sisters, since some of you have requested the recipes that were shared at the recipe exchange interest group held 3/8, we can post them here. Again if anyone is interested in holding an interest group activity that everyone is invited to, contact Christina Watson for advertisement. The theme for this recipe exchange was 5 ingredients or less.

Deep Dish Pizza Casserole
1 lb. ground beef
15 oz. tomato or spaghetti sauce
2 Tbs. sugar
1 can crescent roll or pizza crust dough
1 1/2 c. shredded motz or cheddar cheese
Preheat oven to 425. Brown meat, drain, add sauce and sugar, cook until heated. Press dough into sprayed 9x13, top with meat. Bake uncovered for 12 min. Top with cheese and bake 5 more min.

BLT Pasta Salad
2 C. spiral pasta, cooked, drained
1/2 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 large chopped tomato
1/2 c. ranch salad dressing
2-3 c. romaine lettuce, torn
Mix. Add lettuce just before serving. Serves 6.

Beef Taco Skillet
1 lb ground beef, cooked and drained
1 can condensed tomato soup
1/2 c. picante sauce
1/2 c. water
6 flour tortillas, ripped into pieces
1/2 c. shredded cheese
Mix all on stove until boiling. Can add sour cream to make it creamier. Reduce heat to low. cook 5 min. Top with cheese.

Mexican Pasta Toss
8oz. ziti, cooked and drained
1 can mexican style stewed tomatoes
1 can corn with red and green bell peppers, drained
1 can black beans, drained
1/2 c. sliced scallions
2 Tbs. cilantro
1/4 c. shredded taco style cheese
Mix and serve.

Chicken Taco Soup
2 chicken breasts
1 packet taco seasoning
1 can corn
1 can black beans
1 can diced tomatoes
Spray crock pot, put chicken in and just cover with water. Add taco seasoning and cook on low for 6 hours. Add remaining ingredients and cook 1 more hour. Serve with cheese or sour cream.

Chicken and Sausage
1 pkg chicken tenders, cut up
1 pkg sausage, cut up
ckn seasoning
barbeque sauce
olive oil
Cook chicken and sausage in olive oil with seasoning. Add barbeque sauce to taste. Cook on low. Serve over rice or spaghetti.

Bow Tie Chicken Salad
1 box bow tie pasta, cooked and drained
grilled chicken breast, cooked and cubed
fresh spinach, torn into pieces
shredded parmesan cheese
Ken's Northern Italian dressing
Mix and serve. Other optional ingredients: mushrooms, black olives, tomatoes, bell peppers, black beans, or cannelloni beans.

Pizza Crust
Preheat oven to 500. Mix:
2 c. flour
1 Tbs. sugar
1 Tbs. yeast
1/2 tsp. salt
Then add:
1 C. hot water
2 Tbs. oil
The mix in 1/2 C. flour. Knead for 2-3 min. Let sit for 5 min. Spray pan and sprinkle with corn meal (optional). Spread on dough. Cook for 3 min. Change oven to 450. Top dough as desired and cook 7-12 min. Brush hot crust with butter and garlic salt.

Mango Culfi Ice Cream
1/2 can mango pulp (or fresh)
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 pint half and half
1 pint whipping cream
Put all in blender, mix, freeze. Can substitute other fruit in for the mango.

Chocolate Toffee Cake
1 pkg german chocolate cake mix
1 pkg heath toffee bits
1 container cool whip
1 jar caramel topping
Bake cake as directed on box. Cool 15 min. Poke holes in cake, pour caramel over cake so that it will drain into holes. Let cool completely. Top with Cool Whip and cover with heath toffee bits. Keep in fridge until serving.

Hopefully that was everything.

Preparedness

2011-03-07T10:34:00.001-08:00

Sister Colleen Martines recently taught us about temporal and spiritual preparedness for self and family. She encouraged all of us to read these two talks:

The Need to Teach Personal and Family Preparedness E. Perry

Watching with all Perseverance E. Bednar

Individual Worth

2011-01-03T04:29:00.000-08:00

“Live up to the great and magnificent inheritance which the Lord God, your Father in Heaven, has provided for you. Rise above the dust of the world. Know that you are daughters of God, children with a divine birthright. Walk in the sun with your heads high, knowing that you are loved and honored, that you are a part of his kingdom, and that there is for you a great work to be done which cannot be left to others”
-Gordon B. Hinckley

BE LOYAL TO THE ROYAL WITHIN YOU
-Harold B. Lee

“No one of us is less treasured or cherished of God than another. … He loves each of us—insecurities, anxieties, self-image, and all. … He cheers on every runner, calling out that the race is against sin, not against each other.”
-Jeffrey R. Holland

President Gordon B. Hinckley: “I believe in myself. I do not mean to say this with egotism. But I believe in my capacity and in your capacity to do good, to make some contribution to the society of which we are a part, [and] to grow and develop. … I believe in the principle that I can make a difference in this world, be it ever so small.”

p. uchdorf, ‘pride and the priesthood’- Some suppose that humility is about beating ourselves up. Humility does not mean convincing ourselves that we are worthless, meaningless, or of little value. Nor does it mean denying or withholding the talents God has given us. We don’t discover humility by thinking less of ourselves; we discover humility by thinking less about ourselves. It comes as we go about our work with an attitude of serving God and our fellowman.

Ether 12:27: “If men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them”

D&C 121: 45 Let thy abowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let bvirtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy cconfidence wax strong in the dpresence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the edews from heaven.

D&C 18: 10 Remember the aworth of bsouls is great in the sight of God;

Happiness, your Heritage, P. Uchdorf
Helping Children develop Feelings of Self-worth
The Tongue of Angels Jeffrey R. Holland
Confidence and Self-Worth By Elder Glenn L. Pace
Elaine S. Dalton, “He Knows You by Name,” Ensign, May 2005
"Strengthen Your Sense of Self-Worth", Liahona, Aug. 1998
Provident Living articles
Young Women Personal Progress

Devotional Soup Recipes

2010-12-28T17:03:00.000-08:00

The RS Christmas Devotional was amazing! Thanks to all who participated or helped in any way! What a success!!

Fresh Pea Soup
2 tbsp. unsalted butter
2 c. Chopped leeks, white and green parts (2 leeks)
1 c. Chopped yellow onion
4 c. Chicken stock/broth
5 c. Fresh or frozen peas (2- 10 oz. Packages frozen peas)
2/3 c. Chopped fresh mint
2 tsp. Salt
1/2 tsp. Pepper
1/2 c. Sour cream
1/2 c. Chopped chives
Heat butter in large pot, add leeks and onion, cook over medium heat for 5-10 min. Until onion is tender. Add chicken stock, increase heat to high and bring to boil. Add peas and cook for 3-5 min. Until peas are tender. Off the heat add mint, salt and pepper. Puree soup in batches. Whisk in sour cream and chives for seasoning.

Butternut Squash Soup
5 tbsp. Butter
6 c. Cubed butternut squash (about one butternut squash)
1 c. Dark brown sugar
2 granny smith apples peeled, cored and chopped (2 c.)
5 c. Water
1 c. Apple cider
1 tsp. Salt
1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
1/2 tsp. Dried sage leaves
1/4 tsp. Ground cloves
2/3 c. Heavy cream
2/3 c. Sour cream
1/8 tsp. Nutmeg for garnish
Melt butter in large pot over medium-high heat. Sauté squash and brown sugar, until slightly softened, 15 min. Add apples, water, cider, salt, cinnamon, sage and cloves and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until apples are tender. 30 min. Cool slightly. Working in batches, puree soup in blender. Return soup to pot and stir in heavy cream. When ready to serve top each bowl with 1 tbsp. Sour cream. Dust with nutmeg.

Turnip Soup
2 oz. Unsalted butter
1 1/4 lbs. Yellow onions, thinly sliced (4 c.)
3 ribs celery, chopped (1 c.)
Salt
Pepper
1 bay leaf
3 tbsp. Chopped garlic
10 c. Chicken stock/broth
2 lbs. Turnips, peeled and diced
1/4 c. Heavy cream
4 oz. Diced ham or bacon
Melt the butter in 6qt. Stock pot over medium-heat. Add onions and celery. Season with salt and pepper, stirring until vegetables are soft and lightly golden, about 8 min. Add bay leaf and garlic, stirring for 2 min. Add the stock and turnips and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium simmer, uncovered until turnips are very soft and mixture is thick and creamy, about 1 hour. Remove soup from heat. Discard bay leaf. Puree soup in batches, slowly add cream. Reason the soup. In a small sauté pan, over medium heat, render the ham until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels and set aside. Garnish soup with ham when served.

Food Storage Night

2010-10-14T07:45:00.000-07:00

Recipes shared at the activity:
Whole wheat pancakes, No yeast wheat bread, Sweet rice
Cherry Crisp
Hopping John black eyed peas and rice

Tips/substitution ideas shared: page one and page two.
Safety in cooking beans websites recommended by Sister Kearns: click here and here.

For more info see:
http://www.providentliving.org
from the church.

RS Food Storage Activity

2010-09-25T18:29:00.000-07:00

Our RS Food Storage Activity will be held on

Thursday October 14, 2010 at 7pm

Come join us as we learn more about food storage.

Our classes that night will be:

Food Storage 101

what to store and how much to store by Sis. Anne Borgholthaus

I have it, now what???

how to store, how to rotate

An open forum sharing by sisters at various stages of life

Using your food storage

cooking from food storage and recipe sharing by Sis Colleen Martines

Look for the sign up sheets at church. Please let us know if you will need to bring young children so we can prepare the children's class.

If you have ideas to share, please post a comment.

New Interest Group

2010-09-21T10:19:00.000-07:00

Amy Henderson is starting a new interest group- a temple group. This group of sisters will attend the temple together monthly. If you would like to hear more about this group or join in sometime, please contact Amy Henderson. The first temple day will be Tuesday, September 28. Anyone is welcome to be involved in this interest group, regularly or on occasion.

Visitng teaching

2010-09-19T06:41:00.000-07:00

What is visiting teaching?
This is a great video please watch the following:

http://lds.org/pa/rs/home/rsvideo.html?xml=rsvideo_8776c.xml

what is reporting your visiting teaching?

A visit in the home--- A phone call--- A letter in the mail--- or None. These are all ways I receive reports but it doesn't tell me how each sister is really doing or what the needs are for each individual sister so we can know and pray for ways to help them.

We need you to report. We appreciate you seeking out your sisters that you are assigned to and fulfilling your assignments. We care about your efforts and what you find out about each sister. I myself or the presidency or the visiting teaching coordinator can not do all the visits by our selves. We need you. What you do is so vital to the program of Relief Society. It is such a great privilege to have a great obligation given to us by the lord to take care of one another. It is also very important to report back on how they are doing. It should be a detailed report of what is going on in there lives, what issues they may be having, sickness, loss, loneliness, also celebrations or announcements. It is just as important letting me know what you and your companion have prayed to know what or how to help or fix the situation. It is not to just report and forward on the issue but let us know what you have done to be involved.

Lately I was told of how one companionship heard of a sister's bad health which they are assigned. They went right over and express sincere worry and interest gave of there own personal health experience and gave great comfort and an interest in her well being. What a great example of care and help to that sister. And then to let me know of the situation and what they did to help. That is visiting teaching.

I know you are so capable of doing your callings and assignments. I know you take care of your sweet sisters. We need to hear about it. We need to know what is going on in our ward so we can pray specifically for you and your visiting teachees and to forward this on to the bishop-- for he is the father of our ward and has great power to help us.

Sisters I love each of you! YOU make our ward great! YOU are blessing us everyday with your fulfilling your duties! I love you very much!!! You special daughters of our Heavenly Father here in Paxtuent ward!!!!

Book Group

2010-08-26T18:42:00.001-07:00

The next book for our Book Group is The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Check out our Slightly Bookish blog for the latest book club information. We will be meeting at Sister Trudy Bainter's home for our September book group discussion. Hope to see you there. Feel free to check out the book group blog and comment even if you can't attend the discussion.

Emergency Preparedness

2010-08-17T10:58:00.001-07:00

Organize yourselves and prepare every needful thing. D&C 109:8

Our next Relief Society Additional Meeting will be Thursday September 9 at 7pm at the ward meeting house.

Sister Misa Nickerson will be teaching a class on 72 hour kits

Sister Amy Henderson will be presenting a class on storing and sanitizing water for emergencies.

Sister Celestia Erickson will be teaching a class on preparing children for emergencies.

Please bring a salad or dessert to share and join with us as we learn how to be better prepared for emergencies that may occur.

If ye are prepared ye shall not fear. D&C 38:30

This Little Piggy Went to Market - Coupon Clipping/Smart Shopping

2010-08-05T13:53:00.000-07:00

Our two wonderful sisters, Michelle Ray and Becky Elicio, are doing a presentation about Coupon Clipping/ Smart Shopping at our activity this evening. They were kind enough to provide us with a ton of great information to post here for us all to access! Thank you Michelle and Becky!

WARNING: As with any other “hobby”…

Couponing can be addicting and time consuming,

but LOTS of FUN!!!

COUPONING 101

Where do I begin?
FAVORITE SITES
http://www.weusecoupons.com Email registration required: FREE!!! (Make yourself ANONYMOUS giving as little personal information as you can).
http://www.hotcouponworld.com Email registration required: FREE!!! (Make yourself ANONYMOUS giving as little personal information as you can).
http://www.afullcup.com/forums Email registration required: FREE!!! (Make yourself ANONYMOUS giving as little personal information as you can).
http://www.thegrocerygame.com Membership FEE: Requires credit card for registration: 4-week Trial for $1, thereafter pay $10 (1 store) - $15 (2 stores). When you sign up you receive a list of up to two stores in your area every 8 weeks (Las Cruces stores are Albertsons and Walgreen’s). You can cancel anytime.
http://thekrazycouponlady.com/
http://www.totallytarget.com/
http://frugalcouponmom.com/
http://www.couponmom.com/
http://www.myfoodstoragedeals.blogspot.com/
http://www.myfoodstoragedeals.blogspot.com/

Find blogs w/in blogs!!!

PREVIEW COUPONS (SUNDAY INSERTS: Smart Source, Red Plum, and Proctor & Gamble)
http://www.taylortownpreview.com
http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/insert-coupons
http://www.thecouponclippers.com
http://www.couponsthingsbydede.com/
http://www.couponsthingsbydede.com

Where can I get coupon inserts?
SUBSCRIBE TO LOCAL SUNDAY PAPER
Family, Friends, Neighbors, Co-workers
ONLINE PRINTABLE COUPON SITES (most require email registration)
http://www.coupons.com
http://www.thecouponbug.com
http://www.eversave.com
http://www.ppgazette.com
http://www.couponsurfer.com
http://www.boodle.com

MAGAZINES
“All You” found exclusively at Wal-Mart

ONLINE CLIPPING SERVICES
http://www.thecouponclippers.com
http://www.couponsthingsbydede.com
Email or call favorite Manufacturers (compliment a product request a coupon)

Couponing TIPS
-Check expiration dates and limitations!!!
-Keep eye out for double/triple coupons (Albertson’s, Lowe’s Foods, and occasionally Kmart)
-Gather multiples of coupons; keep in folders by Sunday date
-Don’t always use coupons fast, you may find a better deal a few weeks/months later!
-You can always get paid (MAIL IN REBATES!!!) Rite Aid.
-Find offers in weekly coupon inserts, on “peelies”, and tear pads in stores or other online offers noted by others in blogs or coupon forum websites listed above).
-Stock up when sales are HOT!!! You determine how much you will pay per item!
-Get a rain check if items are out of stock from that weeks sales!!!
-Trade with others; Have a coupon party/group!!!
-Subscribe to store websites for additional in-store coupon savings (Food Lion, Giant).
-Combine these coupons with manufacturer coupons! Target, BJ’s, Rite Aid, and Walgreens also allow you to combine savings!!!

This Little Piggy Relief Society August Activity

2010-08-01T07:28:00.000-07:00

This month's Relief Society Activity will be on Thursday August 5, 2010 6:30 pm. We are doing a "This Little Piggy" theme. There will be 3 different classes plus a delicious ham dinner!!

Here is a list of our little piggy activites:

This Little Piggy Went to Market - Coupon clipping/smart shopping – Michelle Ray & Becky Elicio

This Little Piggy Stayed Home - How to Bring the Spirit into Your Home (Preach My Gospel) – Joann Henrichsen

This Little Piggy Ate Roast Beef – Ham Dinner – please bring a side dish to share

This Little Piggy Cried, "Wee, wee, wee!" - How to Find Happiness in Adversity – Debby Mitchell

We will provide the ham and dessert for the dinner. We would like sisters to bring a side dish. Nursery will be provided, please sign up if you will be bringing children for the nursery.

Please join us for a fun evening!!

Book Club News

2010-07-25T06:05:00.000-07:00

Fun Book Club News

We have our own blog: Slightly Bookish

The blog will be a place we can talk about books together. Check it out!

If you would like to join the book club, contact Sis Liz Kissel or just join us for our next book discussion. The blog is open to anyone who would like to read along with us even if you can't make it out to the book discussions.

Also we will be reading Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery next. Our book discussion will be Tuesday August 17 @ 7pm at Debby Mitchell's home.

2010-07-20T23:19:00.000-07:00

Book Club

2010-07-13T06:21:00.000-07:00

The book club will meet on Tuesday July 20 at Liz Kissel's home. The book this month is Princess Academy by Shannon Hale. Copies are available at the library and Target.

High on the slopes of Mount Eskel, Miri's family has lived forever, pounding a meager living from the stone of the mountain itself. Miri dreams of working alongside the others in the quarry, but she has never been allowed to work there - perhaps, she thinks, because she is so small.

Then word comes from the lowlands: the king's priests have divined that the prince's bride-to-be - the next princess - will come from Mount Eskel. The prince himself will travel to the village to choose his bride, but first all eligible girls must attend a makeshift academy to prepare for royal lowlander life.

Miri knows the lowlanders would never allow a crown to sit on a mountain girl's head. But what if she were chosen? She could have a better life for herself and her family in the rich, green valleys of the lowlands. That would be any girl's wish - wouldn't it?

Service Project (Cleaning Our Chapel) July 27

2010-07-10T21:54:00.000-07:00

Click on the flier to enlarge!

Dinning Divas

2010-07-08T08:04:00.000-07:00

What a fun time this was. It was our biggest turn out in years! We had a great time and so much exciting chatter was going on :) I see this as a growing group. It was a hit!!!

Emergency Preparedness Activity Cancelled

2010-07-05T18:21:00.000-07:00

Hi Sisters,
Unfortunately we are going to cancel the emergency preparedness activity that was scheduled for Thursday July 8.
Fortunately, the activity will be rescheduled for a later date. :-)

Book Club

2010-06-29T18:34:00.000-07:00

The book club met tonight at Sister Shelly Myers home to discuss the book "Al Capone Does My Shirts" by Gennifer Choldenko. We had a lively discussion and then made some delicious chocolate cake in a mug. Sister Sudha Gupta brought mango smoothies to share too. Yummy!

Our next book is 'Princess Academy' by Shannon Hale. Sister Liz Kissel will be hosting the book discussion.

Emergency Preparedness

2010-06-23T06:39:00.000-07:00

Hi Sisters!

On Thursday July 8 we will have an Emergency Preparedness information night. On Sunday, be sure to look for the survey sheet to let us know what you are most interested in. Click here to take a preparedness quiz to see if you are a Disaster Diva, a 72 hour Kit Queen, or a Hopeful Homemaker.

Check out the Church's Provident Living preparedness information here

FEMA has a site (click here) that lists helpful information.

Another site (click here) shows how to make a 72 hour kit in a can

Other sites offer kits for sale (click here)

Our goal is to help all sisters feel prepared to handle emergencies if and when they arise. Let us know the topics you are interested in so that we can tailor our activity to benefit you. If you have any great ideas, suggestions, or tips, please share them with us.

Remember to look for the survey sheets and then mark your calendar for our July 8 Emergency Preparedness night.

Dining Divas

2010-06-22T11:29:00.000-07:00

Dining Divas will be Thursday, June 24 at 7pm at Panera. Come and enjoy our sisterhood and yummy food too!

Craft Night

2010-06-13T15:16:00.000-07:00

On June 10 a small group of sisters gathered to work on some crafts.

Sister Gupta worked on baby blankets. We now have 11 blankets to donate to a local hospital.

Sister Mattingly and Sister Battaglia worked on birthday cards to be sent to sisters in our ward.

Sis Evensen and Sis Kissel are ready to begin etching their casserole dishes.

Sister Kissel has her name stencil in place.

Sister Evensen placing her stencil carefully on her dish

Ready to etch

Sister Martines begins work on her casserole dish.

Time for the etching cream.

We had a fun night crafting together. Thanks to Sister Kissel for the chips and salsa and to Sister Logan for the yummy yogurt phyllo cups with fresh raspberries.

Next month our RS activity will focus on Emergency Preparedness. More information will be coming soon.

June 10th RS Activity

2010-05-31T06:02:00.000-07:00

Hi Sisters!

Our Super Saturday was a success! Many sisters didn't get to do all of the projects they had planned so, on Thursday June 10 at 7pm we will have a craft night. We will have the supplies for etching glass casserole dishes, making birthday cards (these cards are sent to sisters in the ward), and I Spy bags.

The cards are free to make :-)

Kyrstal made this cute card. I love all the little fall leaves!

The cost for the name stencil and etching supplies is $4.oo, just bring your glass casserole dish.

For the I Spy bags, bring 2 pieces of felt or some fleece material, scissors, 20-30 "treasures" (buttons, erasers, letters, etc) and Poly Pellets (we have poly pellets available for $4.00/bag).

If none of these crafts are of interest to you at this time, bring a project you are working on or just come and visit with the sisters. This should be a fun night to get together and enjoy our sisterhood. We will have some yummy refreshments too. See you there!

Book Club

2010-05-26T06:53:00.001-07:00

This month's book is a Newberry Honor Award winner called:

Al Capone Does My Shirts
by Gennifer Choldenko

Book Club will be held on
Tuesday, June 29
At Shelly Myers' house at 7

Super Saturday

2010-05-21T18:31:00.000-07:00

Our Super Saturday is one week away. On Saturday May 29 from 9:00 until 1:00 we will have our Super Saturday. Please bring a casserole (breakfast or lunch casserole) and your recipe to share. Our mini classes this time are:

Creative Casseroles taught by Sis Whipple

Glass Casserole Etching taught by Sis Kearns
Bring your own casserole dish
$4.00 for your name stencil and etching cream

Wood Photo Blocks taught by Sis Henrichsen
Bring your own photos
$4.00

Mitered Edge Baby Blankets taught by Sis McGlynn
These blankets will be donated to a local hospital

I Spy Bags taught by Sis Evensen
Bring your own felt or fleece, treasures to go inside, and poly pellets (We will have some available for purchase)

Crochet Edging for baby blankets and burp cloths taught by Sis Young

We will also have a table set up for creating birthday cards that will be sent to sisters in our ward.

We hope to see everyone there. Check out the sign up sheets on Sunday.

2010-04-24T14:09:00.000-07:00

Sister Assignment

2010-03-22T14:30:00.000-07:00

From the stake 2010 guidance: (look for the orange)

Stake Temple Day of Service and Sacrifice. We will continue to build upon the incredible successes of the last three years in this year-long effort.

Our stake goals for the temple day are:

Increase by 5% the number of current recommend holders in each unit.
Increase to 90% the number of MPH leaders set apart as veil workers in each unit.
Increase to 10% of current recommend holders the number of members set apart as ordinance workers in each unit.
Participation in the temple day by at least 800 endowed stake members.
Completion of at least 2000 family file endowments.
Increase to 75% the number of current recommend holders attending the 7^th floor Priesthood Assembly Room session.

Our stake goals for endowed members are:

Prepare at least one family file name and complete the baptism, confirmation and PH ordinations prior to the temple day.
Complete the endowment for that person during the temple day.
Complete two additional endowments during the temple day (one personal family file and two others for a minimum of three endowment sessions per person).
Attend the 7^th floor Priesthood Assembly Room session.

High Priest Group Leaders (HPGL) are responsible for leading this effort year around.

HPGLs provide regular oversight of family history centers located in their buildings.
Family history work to support our stake temple day should be underway year around.
HPGLs should work closely with unit family history consultants and unit mission leaders to ensure all new converts and reactivated members prepare at least a few family names and then personally complete baptisms for the dead during the stake excursion and capitalize on unit FHC workshops and temple baptism trips.
Collect and report temple metrics as directed to the assistant stake clerk.

Apply the commitment pattern to every adult member in every unit as follows:

Prepare them for the temple day experience through instruction and personal witness
Invite them to prepare themselves to serve in the temple this year

During October-May, focus on the following:

Divide up, among the five organizations listed above, all unendowed males and females, and endowed members without current recommends and invite them as follows: “On behalf of the stake president, we invite you to prepare yourself to serve in the House of the Lord in August by attending a temple preparation class…”
Ensure every adult referenced above is personally invited by the end of May to prepare and participate in the temple excursion

Personally invite all endowed members with a current recommend from May through July
Commit all worthy members to prepare at least one family name to take to the temple; complete their baptism, confirmation and ordination in advance; complete their endowment during the temple day; complete two other endowments that day; attend the 7^th floor meeting
Provide them a “dance card” with their specific assignments
Remind them of their assignments a day or two before the temple day
Follow-up afterward to assess performance as a unit

Ann Borgolthaus' Tater Tot Casserole

2010-03-21T12:41:00.000-07:00

Ann Borgolthaus made a delicious breakfast casserole which many wanted the recipe for so here it is:

1 lb. ground pork breakfast sausage

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

2 cups milk

2 eggs

2 pounds tater tots

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350

2. Place sausage in large skillet. Cook over medium heat until evenly brown. Drain and spread evenly on the bottom of 9 x 13 baking dish. Spread cheese over sausage.

3. In a large bowl, beat together milk and eggs. Pour over cheese. Top with tater tots

4. Bake in oven for 35 to 45 min.

Happy Birthday Relief Society

2010-03-13T10:34:00.001-08:00

On Thursday March 11, 2010 we gathered to celebrate the Relief Society's birthday.

We had a progressive dinner.

Brother Borgholthaus was our priesthood holder in attendance. Thanks for supporting us Bro. Borgholthaus!

The first course was salads served in the Primary room.

Sisters had to find the table that had their birthday month. It was fun to get to chat with sisters born in the same month.

Their were lots of yummy salads to eat and we played a RS Trivia quiz.

Next, we moved to the cultural hall.

Our second course was pasta dishes.

In this room, sisters had to find the table that had the last digit of the year of their birth.

There were baskets of random objects on each table and as we ate, we picked an object and then would have to figure out how that object related to Relief Society. For example, a highlighter: Relief Society is like a highlighter because it helps me see the important things in my life.

A few sisters shared their testimony of Relief Society. What a wonderful sisterhood we all share!

Then we moved to the Relief Society room for dessert. Sisters had brought in baby pictures and they were on display. We had fun trying to figure out which baby picture belonged to each sister.

Sis Colleen Martines, our Relief Society president, bore her testimony of Relief Society and shared her love for the sisters in our ward. We had a great time just being together.

Of course, we like to be silly together too! Happy Birthday Relief Society!

Relief Society Birthday

2010-03-07T17:10:00.001-08:00

We will be having our ward Relief Society birthday celebration on Thursday March 11, 2010. We are having a progressive dinner at the church. Meet in the Primary room at 7pm for salad.

We will move to the cultural hall for our entree - pasta dishes.

Dessert will be served in the Relief Society room. Please bring a baby picture for an activity during dessert. We hope to see you all there

Serving Our Bishop With Love

2010-02-21T15:57:00.000-08:00

This month we have been focusing on serving one another as we continue to build unity in our ward. We had a "quilting" party.

Joann and Breanna make it look so easy.

We didn't really quilt, but made mitered edge baby blankets to be donated to Calvert Memorial Hospital Maternity ward.

Amanda with her first blanket

Rose and Amanda hard at work.

Our second service project was serving our bishop and his family meals for a week. We hope they enjoyed the meals.

Our final project is creating a scrapbook of memories and testimonies from the Relief Society sisters to give to our bishop. We hope every sister in the ward will participate in the scrapbook activity. We would like each sister to create an 8 1/2" x 11" scrapbook page. Write your testimony, include a special memory and/or a picture of your family. When finished, give your scrapbook page to a member of the RS presidency.

If you need some scrapbooking help, feel free to contact Sister Mitchell or Sister Aina.

The scrapbook is really coming together, we just want to make sure everyone is included.

Feb 7 Lesson

2010-02-03T12:20:00.000-08:00

Sisters,
This week's lesson will be on the atonement. Elder Bednar explains how the atonement is not only to cleanse us from sin but to give us strength and 'enabling power' in our daily life. Life isn't meant to be conquered on our own. See the talk (that we will discuss on Sunday) here:
http://www.byub.org/talks/Talk.aspx?id=1567
This talk is AMAZING!!

Potluck Picnic

2010-01-16T07:20:00.000-08:00

On Thursday night we had our Relief Society Potluck Picnic. Each sister was asked to bring either a salad or a dessert to share. We have some great cooks in our ward. Everything was delicious.

We had plenty to eat.

Amanda was explaining how to play Mingle Bingo our first activity.

As we ate, we mingled and started to get to know each other as we tried to fill in our mingle bingo cards with sisters' names.

Vicky and Kelly had fun with Kyla.

After we finished eating it was on to our next activity: Speed Friending (It is similar to speed dating).

We sat at tables and the inside circle moved every few minutes while sisters sitting on the outside stayed at their table.

We had a new topic to discuss with each new partner. Some of the topics included were: Movies - What is your favorite movie? What was the last movie you saw? If you could make a movie what would it be about? What do you wish they'd make a movie of?

Places you have been - Where were you born? What countries have you lived in? What was your favorite house? Where do you like to go with your family?

Jobs - What was your first job? Where have you worked since? What did you learn from your coworkers? Where would you like to work?

Spare time - What are your hobbies? Do you spend time by yourself or with friends? What would you do if you had a spare month to fill?

Health - Have you ever had an operation? Do you hate going to the dentist? Do you wear contacts? What illness scares you? Have you had measles or chicken pox? Have you been in a car accident?

Weird - What's the weirdest thing you've ever eaten? what's the weirdest thing you've ever seen?). It was fun and we learned a lot about each other.

Our last activity was a candy bar game. Everyone drew a candy bar from a bag. If you had a Snickers, you shared an embarrassing or funny thing that had happened to you. If you had a Kit Kat (give me a break, give me a break), you shared something you like to do in your free time. Those who had an Almond Joy shared something that brings them joy or makes them happy. If you had a Milky Way, you shared a dream or goal that you have.

We had a great time learning more about each other.

Next month we will have several opportunities for service.

Lana Utzingers delicious Apple Dumplings

2010-01-14T20:23:00.000-08:00

Apple Dumplings
2 whole Granny Smith Apples
2 cans (8 Oz. Cans) Crescent Rolls
2 sticks Butter
1-½ cup Sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
Cinnamon, To Taste
1 can (12 Oz.) Sprite

Preparation Instructions

Peel and core apples. Cut each apple into 8 slices each. Roll each apple slice in a crescent roll. Place in a 9 x 13 buttered pan.

Melt butter, then add sugar and barely stir. Add vanilla, stir, and pour entire mixture over apples. Pour Sprite around the edges of the pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Serve with ice cream, and spoon some of the sweet sauces from the pan over the top.

Relief Society Potluck Picnic

2010-01-03T13:07:00.000-08:00

Our first Relief Society Activity for the year will be a Potluck Picnic. We will meet at 6:30pm on Thursday January 14, 2010 at the church. Please bring a salad or dessert to share. We will start the evening with a Mingle Bingo. After we eat, we will be participating in "Speed Friending". It is a fun and easy way to get to know one another. This is for all Relief Society sisters. Please come and join in the fun.

Walk to Zion

2009-12-31T16:29:00.000-08:00

2010 will be an exciting year in Relief Society. One of our first activities will be Walk to Zion.
We have been trying to think of ways for all sisters participate in an activity. This is a walking (or wheeling as needed) activity. We found some information from another ward about this activity. When the Mormon Handcart companies walked to Zion, they walked across Iowa following an existing road about 275 miles to Council Bluffs following a route that is close to the current U.S. Route 6.

After crossing the Missouri River, they paused for a few days at a Mormon outpost in Florence, Nebraska (modern day Omaha) for repairs.

From there they began the remaining 1,030 mile journey along the Mormon Trail to Salt Lake City. So they walked a total of 1,305 miles.

We are blessed as we begin our Walk to Zion.

We can walk at our leisure
We can walk in better weather conditions
We can walk by ourselves or with friends
We can go home after each walk
We can walk with good clothing
We can walk with sturdy shoes
We can walk with water and/or food
We can walk in air conditioning/heat if we have a treadmill
We have no time constraints - unlike the pioneers who had to make it to SLC before the winter weather set in
We are not going to die on the trail

We are going to take good care of these wonderful bodies we have been given. We would like to collectively walk 1,305 miles as a Relief Society. We would like to reach our goal before Pioneer Day in July. So lace up your walking shoes, grab a friend, put on a pedometer, and start walking. We will place a poster on the Bulletin Board for sisters to add their miles. Even if you only walk or wheel one mile (and it doesn't have to be done all at once either!!!) you can contribute to our Relief Society Walk to Zion. Join us as the Patuxent Ward Relief Society begins our Walk to Zion.

We hope that each sister will participate in the activity. You would be surprised how much walking you do in a day. It all adds up and it all counts. Set a goal for yourself for our walk.

More Cookies

2009-12-24T12:35:00.000-08:00

Here are the rest of the cookie recipes I have received from our Cookie Exchange. I hope to receive more recipes to post here :-) The first three cookies here I have the recipe, but I don't know who brought them to the cookie exchange. Let me know who the baker is and I will give you credit. It is not too late to get your recipes to me to share.

Coconut macaroons

Makes 2 1/2 to 3 dozen
4 egg whites
2 and 2/3 cups sweetened flaked coconut
2/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Directions:
Separate egg whites and discard the yolk. Add vanilla and almond extract and beat slightly with a fork. In a separate bowl mix coconut sugar, flour, and salt. Add egg mixture into the coconut mixture and stir until well moistened. Drop by teaspoons onto a well greased cookie sheet (parchment paper can be substituted for grease). Backe at 325 degrees F for 18 - 20 minutes. Drizzle with melted chocolate if desired.

Double Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup stick margarine
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
1/2 cup semi-sweek chocolate morsels
1/2 cup powdered sugar

Combine flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixer bowl, beat margarine and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until blended. Beat in eggs. Add melted chocolate and continue beating until mixture is smooth. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in chocolate morsels. Cover and chill 1 to 2 hours or until easy to handle.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll balls in powdered sugar to coat generously. Place balls 1 inch apaprt on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are set and tops are crackled. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool. ]
Yield: about 3 dozen cookies
Tip: To keep hands from getting sticky, coat with a light dusting of powdered sugar before forming balls.

Butter and Jam Thumbprints

1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp fine salt
3/4 cups unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cups sugar, plus more for rolling
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup raspberry or strawberry jam
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper
Wisk flour, baking powder and salt together in a bowl.
In another bowl, whip the butter and sugar with a hand mixer until fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla until just combined. Slowly beat in the dry ingredients, just until incorporated.
Scoop the dough into 1 inch balls and rool in sugar. Place about 2 inches apart. Press a thumbprint into the center of each ball. Fill each with about 3/4 tsp jam.
Bake cookies until the edges are golden, about 15 minutes. Cool cookies on the baking sheet. Serve.

Brownie Christmas Trees by Sis Colleen Martines

1 brownie mix
follow directions according to package; let cool
cut into triangles
break tiny candy canes to use as trunk of tree
Use icing and candy to decorate

Gingerbread Cookies by Sister Colleen Martines

Single batch:
3/4 cup of Crisco
1 cup of packed brown sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
Mix above ingredients

Sift together the following:
2 1/4 cup flour
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cloves
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
Mix dry and wet ingredients together. Form a ball. Dough can be chilled in fridge before rolling out to cut into shapes.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
On floured table, roll dough 1/4 inch thick. Cut into shapes.
Bake 5 - 8 minutes. For chewy cookies, a little less time.
For icing: sift powdered sugar to take out the lumps. Mix with water until thick but slightly runny. Put into a sandwich sized freezer Ziplock bag. Cut tiny corner off to make disposable icing bags. Have fun decorating.

Book Group

2009-12-14T15:59:00.001-08:00

The book group will be meeting at Amy Henderson's home on Thursday January 21. The book we will be discussing is Life of Pi

Patel Pi, a God loving boy, and son of a zookeeper has a fervent love of stories and practices not only his native Hinduism, but also Christianity and Islam. When Pi is sixteen, his family and their zoo animals emigrate from India to North America aboard a Japanese cargo ship. Alas, the ship sinks - and Pi finds himself in a lifeboat his only companions a hyena, an orangutan, a wounded zebra, and a 450-Bengal tiger. Soon the tiger has dispatched all but Pi. Can Pi and the tiger find their way to land? Can Pi's fear, knowledge, and cunning keep him alive until they do?

Our Relief Society Cookie Exchange

2009-12-11T10:06:00.000-08:00

We had our Relief Society Cookie Exchange last night.
We had lots of fun.

Everyone enjoyed just relaxing and visiting with one another.

Everyone brought an appetizer to share and Sis Martines brought wassil for us to drink.

We all brought 6 dozen cookies for the exchange.

Yummy!

I'll be posting pictures of all of the cookies and the recipes. If you didn't leave your recipe or if your name wasn't with the recipe, please let me know so I can let everyone know who made all of the delicious treats. It will take me more than one post to get all of the recipes typed, so check back for more goodies.

Oreo Truffles from Sis. Whipple

1 pkg (1lb 2 oz) Oreo chocolate sandwich cookies

1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, whipped

2 pkg (8 oz ea.) bakers semi sweet baking chocolate, melted

Crush 9 of the cookies to fine crums in a resealable plastic bag using a rolling pin. Reserve for later use. Crush remaining 36 cookies to fine crumbs in the same way. Place in medium bowl with cream cheese. Mix until well blended. Roll cookie mixture into 42 balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place on wax paper covered baking sheet. Refrigerate for 15 minutes until hard. Dip balls in melted chocolate, place on wax or parchment paper covered baking sheet. Sprinkle with reserved dookie crumbs. Refrigerate until firm and set 1/2 hour. Stor in refrigerator. Makes 3 1/2 dozen or 42 servings. Note: Melt chocolaet as indicated on box or use fruit dip found in produce section of grocery. Use 2 forks to lift truffle from chocolate - this allows excess to run off.

Holly from Sarah Aina

30 large marshmallows

1 stick margarine

2 t. cinnamon

Bright green food coloring

3 c. corn flakes

red hots

Melt together the marshmallows and margarine. Remove from heat; add cinnamon and food coloring. Mix well. Gencly stir in cornflakes. Drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper. Add red hots immediately - 2 or 3 red hots for each piece of holly.

Cream Cheese Christmas Cookies from Debby Mitchell

1 c. butter, softened

1 8oz pkg. cream cheese, softened

1 c. sugar

1/2 t. vanilla

2 1/2 c. flour

1/2 t. salt

1/2 c. pecans, chopped

red and green sugar crystals

pecan halves

Cream butter and cream cheese together. Add sugar and vanilla - at medium speed, beat untill light and fluffy. Combine flour and salt. Gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in pecans. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate dough for 15 minutes. On 4 sheets of foil, shape dough into four 6" logs, 1 1/2 " in diameter. Wrap each roll tightly in foil, refrigerate overnight. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line cookie sheetswith foil. Remove logs of dough from refrigerator one at a time. Coat each log with red or green sugar. cut in 1/4" slices. Place on foil lined cookies shees and top each cookie with a pecan half. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until bottom of cookie is lightly browned when lifted. Cool on wire racks.

The dough can be made ahead and the logs can be frozen. I put 4 logs in a ziplock bag and freeze until I am ready to bake.

Santa's Whiskers from JoAnn Henrichsen

1 c. butter

1 c. sugar

2 Tb. milk

1 tsp. vanilla

2 1/2 c. flour

1/2 c. finely chopped pecans

1 16oz jar maraschino cherries, drained and chopped.

1 c. coconut (or more as desired)

Cream butter, sugar, milk, and vanilla. Add flour and then nuts and cherries. Shape into three 7" logs. Roll in coconut, then wrap and chill. Cut into 1/4" slices. Bake at 375 degrees F. for 10-12 minutes.

Cookie Exchange

2009-12-08T19:00:00.000-08:00

Take a break from the holiday rush and share some Christmas spirit with your Relief Society sisters.
On Thursday December 10, we will be having a Relief Society Cookie Exchange. We will meet at 7pm at the church.

Bring 6 dozen cookies for the exchange and your recipe.

Please bring an appetizer to share. Wassil will be provided. Hope to see you there.

Create!!

2009-12-07T18:38:00.000-08:00

I truly love this message. It helps me feel empowered and excited to juice up my brain, to dream, imagine, and receive inspiration. I hope you too feel the energy of the gifts from our Loving Heavenly Father

Super Saturday

2009-11-29T09:58:00.000-08:00

Book Club's new book

2009-10-23T08:26:00.000-07:00

Tally is about to turn sixteen, and she can't wait. Not for her license -- for turning pretty. In Tally's world, your sixteenth birthday brings an operation that turns you from a repellent ugly into a stunningly attractive pretty and catapults you into a high-tech paradise where your only job is to have a really great time. In just a few weeks Tally will be there.But Tally's new friend Shay isn't sure she wants to be pretty. She'd rather risk life on the outside. When Shay runs away, Tally learns about a whole new side of the pretty world -- and it isn't very pretty. The authorities offer Tally the worst choice she can imagine: find her friend and turn her in, or never turn pretty at all. The choice Tally makes changes her world forever.

In the Kitchen with...

2009-10-16T15:05:00.000-07:00

In the Kitchen with Lana.

We had a delightful time learning how to make a Russian dish called "Pelmeni". It is like a dumpling you cook in chicken broth. It was a fun evening with friends and so good to learn a new traditional food from another country. Thanks Lana!!!

Pelmeni

dough:

2 cups flour

2 eggs

3/4 t salt

1/2 cup water

mix, then refrigerate until cool

meatballs:

1lb ground beef

1/2 lb ground pork

1 onion diced

soy sauce

salt and pepper

roll out dough and cut in little rounds. Form meatballs with your hands. Place one meat ball in the middle of each dumpling, fold and pinch into a crescent then fold the corners up.

when you have a tray of them you can freeze them and make into soup later OR drop them into boiling broth, cook until they float and then serve with dill, soy sauce and sour cream.

Forrest Hill Farm

2009-10-03T07:56:00.000-07:00

What a great Day at the Farm. The kids played on the train. Everyone got a hay ride. Everyone got lost in the corn maze. Picking a pumpkin, seeing animals, laughing, and playing on all the toys. The kids and adults had loads of fun. What a great start to the FALL SEASON!!

Creative Patches

2009-09-30T09:37:00.000-07:00

At Creative Patches this week Sister Young taught the sisters how to make beautiful mitered edge baby blankets.

Sister Marini shared her unfinished quilt tops.

We all learned alot, including how to make yards and yards of bias tape.

We all thoroughly enjoyed each others company. Thank you Sister Young for your time and willingness to teach us how to make this creative blanket.

If you have an interest in sewing please join us on October 27th at 6:30pm (stay tuned for locations and details).

Book Club

2009-09-28T06:31:00.001-07:00

The next book club will be held at Alecia Darrow's, on Oct 15 at 7pm. The current book is 'Three Cups of Tea' by Greg Mortensen. It is a non fiction book about building schools in Afghanistan.

In the Kitchen with Sister Watson

2009-09-14T06:10:00.000-07:00

In the Kitchen with..Sister Sister Watson was held at her home and everyone who attended learned how to make braided pocket bread. From left to right: Sister Marini, Siter Watson, Sister Bainter, and Sister Young. Not in photo: Sister Logan (Unfortunately, Sister Logan had to leave prior to taking this picture).

Braided Pocket Bread

Ingredients:
1 2/3 C. warm water.
Ham (about 1 lb.)
1 Tbs. yeast
Cheese, grated (about 1 lb.)
1 Tbs. sugar
Corn meal
1 tsp. salt
1 egg
4 C. flour Sesame seeds

Put warm water in large bowl. Add sugar, salt, and yeast. Wait 5 minutes. Stir in flour gradually. Knead until smooth. Roll out to create two oblong pieces, on floured surface. Slice lunchmeat into strips so it will mix with the cheese. Pile ham and cheese in the middle of the two oblong pieces of dough. Cut the edges of the dough (like a fringe), about 2 inches into the center of the oblong piece. Dough should be rolled and cut like so, with ham and cheese piled in the centers:

We tried pizza ingredients too!

Pull dough strips over the meat and cheese to create a braid and a closed pocket for the meat and cheese. Sprinkle corn meal on a cookie sheet (or grease sheet) and put braided pocket bread on it. Beat egg and brush top of bread. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Watch video for a brief visual on how to braid braided pocket bread:

Bake 15-20 minutes at 375 degrees.

Slice, Serve and ENJOY!!!

Bread for the Sacrament

2009-08-27T06:16:00.000-07:00

Dear Sisters and daughters of the Patuxent ward. All sisters age 8 and up are invited to participate in a service opportunity of making bread and bringing it to church on Sunday for the sacrament. I have been thinking of this for quite some time. I envisioned a fun get-together of sisters, mothers and daughters see, learning, & practicing making homemade bread. I have been thinking for a while on how we could support the priesthood more. For Activity Day Girls, Young Women, & Relief Society sister it can also count as a goal for those wanting to learn a homemaking skill, or service, or supporting the priesthood brethren. The bishopric has approved it and has assign the Relief Society for the remainder of August, Young Women the month of September, and the Primary the month of October. This may help increase the sacredness as we take part in a very specail way. This may also invite the spirit more as we reverence the sacrament and realize that we are so blessed to even have the honor and chance to partake of the sacrament. I am grateful for my Savor Jesus Christ for him showing and giving us the sacrament for the constant renewal opportunity to partake of this sacred ordinance. I hope and pray that all of you that may want to participate may have the chance.

Memorial Day Picnic

2009-08-22T18:17:00.000-07:00

This was a great day. It was great to be together with Lexington Park ward. What a fun time!!

Play Group

2009-08-21T20:29:00.000-07:00

Play group strawberry picking. Play group is so fun and a great way to let the kids have fun and give moms a chance to talk and get out and have fun

Hymn 217

2009-08-18T05:57:00.001-07:00

The relief society will be singing a hymn in sacrament meeting together- this includes all of us (those of you in primary and young womens too)! Hymn number 217, 'Come let us anew', on September 20. So practice the song and get excited!

Girl Meets Book

2009-08-13T06:20:00.001-07:00

Lana Utzinger will be hosting Girl Meets Book on Thursday, September 17th at 7:00pm. *Please locate a copy of the book and read prior to the activity*

Sister Utzinger chose the book. It’s “I Capture the Castle” by Dodie Smith. It’s in the Leonardtown library and a fun summer read, not too long, not too deep, but very delightful and enchanting. Perfect for the end of summer.

I Capture the Castle tells the story of seventeen-year-old Cassandra and her family, who live in not-so-genteel poverty in a ramshackle English castle. Here she strives, over six turbulent months, to hone her writing skills. She fills three notebooks with sharply funny yet poignant entries. Her journals candidly chronicle the great changes that take place within the old castle’s walls, and her own first descent into love. By the time she pens her final entry, she has “captured the castle”--and the heart of the reader--in one of literature’s most enchanting entertainments.

In the Kitchen with Sister Marini

2009-08-13T05:14:00.000-07:00

In the Kitchen with..Sister Marini was held at her home and everyone who attended learned how to make Chineese Egg Rolls. We chopped vegetables, fried them and cooled them. Then everyone a chance to fill and wrap their own personal egg roll.

A picture of Christina Watson frying the Egg Rolls.

Cooking Chinese Egg Rolls
You too can learn to make them at home!
Egg rolls make a great snack, appetizer, or addition to a meal.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:
1 Package Egg Rolle Wrappers (4 1/2 by 5 1/2)

Filling:
1 Pound Fresh Pork
1 Medium Onion (sliced)
2 Stalks Celery (cut diagonally)
6 Water Chestnuts
1/2 Pound Fresh Mushrooms (sliced)
6 Water Chestnuts
1/2 Pound Napa Cabbage - Suey Choy (sliced thinly, 1 inch lengthwise)
2 Green Onions (diced)
1 Pound Fresh Bean Sprouts

Seasoning:
1 Teaspoon Soy Sauce
1 Teaspoon Oyster Sauce
Salt and Pepper to Taste
A Bit (less than 1 teaspoon) Cornstartch

Gravy:
4 Tablespoons Water
1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
1/2 Teaspoon Soy Sauce
2 Teaspoons Oyster Sauce
Salt, Pepper, Accent (if desired) to Taste
2 Tablespoons Cornstartch Mixed with 2 Teaspoons Cold Water*
2 Tablespoons Oil for Stir-Frying
2 to 4 Cups Oil for Deep-Frying

Directions:

- Mix seasoning ingredients together. Cut the port into thin strips, add the seasonings and marinate the pork for between 10 and 15 minutes.
- While the pork is marinating, prepare the vegetables, add the gravy mixture.
- Heat the wok over medium-high to high heat. Add the oil for stir-frying. When the oil is ready, add the celery and onion and stir-fry.
- Taste and add salt and sugar if desired. Remove from the wok. Add the pork to the wok and cook until well done (place cover on wok). Remove. Clean the wok and stir-fry separately the mushrooms, water chestnuts and bean sprouts. Check the seasoning while stir-frying the bean sprouts and add salt and/or sugar as desired. Stir-fry the suey choy; covering and cooking for approximately 1 minute, again adding salt and/or sugar if desired. Combine all the ingredients in the wok. If necessary, drain some of the juice from the vegetables out.
- Add the gravy, pushing the vegetables up again the sides of the wok to form a well in the middle for the gravy, and stir to thicken. Mix thoroughly. Add green onion. Set the filling aside to allow to cool before wrapping.
- Wrapping: Mix the cornstarch and water, slowly adding the water to the cornstarch until you have a “glue” which will be used to seal the wrappers.
- To wrap, lay the egg roll wrapper out with the short (4 ½”) side directly in front of you. This will be the dry side. The Two long sides will be called sides 1 and 3, and the other short side directly across from you will be called side 2. Place approximately 1 tablespoon of filling in the middle of the wrapper, spreading it out by not getting too close to the edges. Using your fingertip, spread a bit of the cornstarch/water glue along edges 1,2 and 3. Fold over the dry side, then take side 2 and fold it over, making sure the two sides overlap. Press down firmly on sides 1 and 3, making sure they are well sealed.
- Deep-frying: When oil is ready, slide each egg roll carefully into the wok one at a time. Deep-fry until they are golden brown, then drain on deep-fry rack or paper towels. Keep on a tray lined with fresh paper towels until needed. The egg rolls should not be stacked. If possible do not reheat in the oven, as this can dry the eggrolls out, but if necessary, reheat then on low heat for 10 minutes on each side.

Breanna first started making egg rolls when taught at from another Sister at an Enrichment Activity in the White Plains First Ward. Since then she has added and subtracted ingredients to add her own personal touch.

Many of the women discussed their own personal stories of making eggrolls and said, "You can make them as easy or as hard as you want." As long as you have the basic concepts of the ingredients that can go inside, know how to stuff, wrap, and fry them you can be as CrEaTiVe as You wAnT!

The next In the Kitchen with Sister Watson will be held at Christina Watsons home on September 3rd at 6:00pm. We hope you'll join us!

Live Like You Believe

2009-03-22T17:57:00.000-07:00

Relief Society: Something Extraordinary

2009-03-22T17:44:00.000-07:00

Poem found by Sister Kissel

2009-03-18T13:30:00.001-07:00

The Plan of the Master Weaver

Our lives are but fine weavings that God and we prepare,
Each life becomes a fabric planned and fashioned in His care.
We may not always see just how the weavings intertwine,
But we must trust the Master's hand and follow His design,
For He can view the pattern upon the upper side,
While we must look from underneath and trust His hand to guide...

Sometimes a strand of sorrow is added to His plan,
And though it's difficult for us, we still must understand
That it's He who fills the shuttle, it's He who knows what's best,
So we must weave in patience and leave to Him the rest.

Not till the loom is silent and the shuttles cease to fly
Shall God unroll the canvas and explain the reason why...
The dark threads are as needed in the Weaver's skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned.

Author Unknown

Great Ideas from Sister Kearns our Provident Living Specialist

2009-03-16T09:53:00.000-07:00

I was impressed with the 'Mormom Times' article about Bro. Brigham's doughnuts. I made them. They tasted like yeast-risen doughnuts I would like to let the sisters know something rather interesting about the 'raising agent' that was used in the recipe.

Today we rely heavily on baking powder to raise our 'non yeast' recipes. It does sometimes give an aftertaste, and it also containes some type of aluminum (for those who want to avoid overuse of aluminum.) In pioneer times they used buttermilk and soda. (That is BAKING soda.) Their buttermilk was also a little different from our commercial product. They used the liquid from churning butter.

The acid from the buttermilk, and the action with the soda gives off bubbles and raises the product. Just a bit like those 'volcanos' that children like to make!!!!

I think buttermilk and soda can probably be substituted for most recipes that call for liquid and baking powder.

I make my own buttermilk on the spot by using about 1 oz (a good glug) of 'real lemon' juice and filling up to my liquid measure of milk. I leave it for about 5 minutes and it is good and buttermilkish. Vinegar also works but somehow I feel I get a better result from the lemon juice.

In a muffin recipe that I 'experimented' with I used about 4 1/2 cups flour, shortening (oil), salt, and 2 measuring teaspoons of soda and 2 cups of buttermilk. I then washed (didn't dry) and put in 16 oz fresh blueberries. They rose really beautifully. Not just to points, but all the way around.

I was very pleased.

I would say it takes about 1 measuring teaspoon to raise 2 to 2 1/2 cups of flour. Bro. Brigham's recipe called for about 5 1/2 cups of flour and 2 teaspoons soda.

I feel all this is really handy to know because there are times when we are out of one ingredient and it is good to know that we can substitute something else and get a good result.

The Mormon Times recipe is:

Brigham's Buttermilk doughnuts

2 cups buttermilk

2 large eggs, beaten,

1 cup sugar

5-1/2 cups sifted flour

2 teaspoons soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon grated nutmeg

6 tablespoons melted butter

Combine buttermilk, eggs and sugar, and blend well. Beat in sifted dry ingredients, then stir in melted butter. Rdoll or pat dough on floured board about 1/4 inch thick and cut with 2-1/2 inch doughnut cutter. Fry in hot fat (375 degrees F.) until golden brown on both sides. Drain and sprinkle with sugar if desired.

Makes about 2 dozen.

Would this be useful for provident living purposes?

Another helpful idea is with bedsheets. Flat sheets can be 'fitted' by tying a knot at the top two corners and pulling the sheet tight then knotting the bottom two corners.

Sincerely,

Heather Kearns

CREATE!!

2009-03-05T19:55:00.001-08:00

Elder F Enzio Busche

2009-02-28T18:46:00.000-08:00

Helping others

2009-02-06T16:58:00.001-08:00

In an effort to get on board with Pursuit of Excellence and fulfill the requirement to help someone else with their goals, I'm offering to teach people how to can their own fruits and vegetables. I can also teach how to make strawberry and blueberry jam. I suppose this will have to wait till the summer and fall (when canning season is in full swing) --Amy Henderson

Pursuit of Excellence

2009-02-02T10:03:00.001-08:00

Sisters!

Please join me in participating in the Pursuit of Excellence program! If you haven't got a booklet, please contact Sis. Martines. The booklet has the instructions for accomplishing it and it gives you plenty of ideas for your goals. You can make goals to suit your needs.

The instructions are to:
1. Accomplish at least 4 goals in each of the 10 areas; 2. Have 100% Visiting Teaching for 9 of the 12 months; 3. Attend the temple 3 times this year; 4. Go to the cannery as a service project and 5. Assist at least one other sister in RS in accomplishing one of her goals.

The 10 areas are:

* Spirituality
* Personal Improvement
* Relationships
* Home Management
* Education
* Service
* Physical/Nutrition
* Family
* Family History
* Missionary

Read through the book and make a list of your goals. You can do something that you are already doing and count it. The point is to make progress in all areas of our lives.

I would love to have your stories of how the Pursuit of Excellence is helping you in your life. Please send me a letter or an email and I will publish it. I can do it anonymously if you prefer. We want this to be a way to encourage the other sisters. My email address is: jean.edward@gmail.com

Jeanette Edward

Our Relief Society Birthday March 2008

2008-10-07T06:14:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures I found of our Relief Society Birthday Dinner last March.

Relief Society Rock Climbing Adventures!

2008-10-02T09:34:00.000-07:00

Sister Morgan organized a fun activity of rock climbing at the Henderson's home. The Henderson's were very gracious and generous to open up their home for our fun adventure. Everyone had a wonderful time and hopefully not to sore, stiff, or too stuffed from all the yummy treats. Thank you everyone for coming out and having a bit of fun girl time.

Report Visiting Teaching

2008-09-30T18:28:00.000-07:00

Our Dear Sisters,

You can report your visiting teaching on this blog. Scroll further down and you'll see where you can report and submit your visiting teaching if you would like to.

Provident Living Message

2008-09-05T12:47:00.000-07:00

Sisters, as you know, I am the Provident Living Sister for our Ward, and this month I thought I would share a couple of VERY providential tips!!
One is how to get GUM out of clothing, hair, furniture, rugs, and just about anything. If you like to scrape off most of the gum be very careful indeed with that ice cube and knife because you can actually nick the fibers of the surface and then it will lead to a hole later. I don't bother much with scraping anything. If I can pull off the 'largest amount' fine, if not I just go into the Peanut Butter routine. I take an appropriate amount of peanut butter and gently rub it into the offending gum. It shrinks and disintegrates the gum so that finally all you need to do is use some liquid dish detergent and hand-hot water to wash out the oiliness of the peanut butter. It truly works, and has saved me a lot of grief over the years. It really works, too on gum-in-hair problems!!!

Two is how to get motor oil/grease out of a carpet. This really happened to me a few years ago!!!! I used UNDILUTED dish detergent and an old washcloth. I rubbed at the motor oil with the washcloth (best if you can rub from the outside of the stain to the inside of it to avoid spreading the stain.) You may have to use more than one washcloth (old towel, etc) to avoid rubbing dirt back into the cleaned area. When the oil/grease is all up use ammonia on a cloth to get up the residue of the detergent. Water is hopeless, you'll be swamped in bubbles. Just be careful with the ammonia, open the window or door if possible to avoid breathing the fumes. If you don't get up the detergent it will attract dust and dirt to that spot.

Sisters, if anyone is interested in canning just let me know (301)884-2349. I have extra equipment and more than one pressure canner, so I could show anyone how to do fruits and veg, or meats. Just be aware that the ONLY method the USDA recommends for non-acid foods is pressure canning, because the water bath method (boiling water bath) doesn't reach a high enough temperature to kill off all the bacteria that may be lurking in our non-acid foods. Meat, for example, could be very dangerous if not properly preserved.

Sisters, if I can help with anything at all, please give me a call.

Sincerly,
Heather

Monthly Visiting Teaching Report

2008-08-16T12:30:00.000-07:00

The Information entered in this report form is ONLY sent to the Relief Society President and is not viewable by anyone else on this blog once you click "Submit".
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Live Like You Believe

2008-05-21T20:27:00.001-07:00

Visting Teaching Message

2008-05-21T20:06:00.000-07:00

Mothers Who Know

2008-05-21T19:35:00.000-07:00