Homemade Brown Sugar

Have you ever run out of Brown Sugar and not wanted to run to the store? Well here is a quick and easy way to solve that problem...make your own! Did you know that brown sugar only has 2 ingredients? Sugar/Molasses...that's it.

Any molasses will do...
 So here's the recipe:
1 Cup Sugar
1 Tbs. Molasses (2 Tbs. if you want Dark Brown Sugar)

Put your sugar in a bowl and drizzle the molasses over it. Then just mix it up! I found that a fork was the easiest and most effective way to blend it because there are small clumps that have to be broken up and it took me between 3-5 minutes, but it saves gas, time and money to whip it up yourself.

Look how beautiful it is...and it tastes great!

Charity Never Faileth

"In a hundred small ways you wear the mantle of charity. Life is perfect for none of us. Rather than being judgmental and critical of each other, may we recognize that each one is doing her best to deal with the challenges that come her way, and may we strive to do our best to help out.

Charity has been defined as "the highest, noblest, strongest, kind of love." "The pure love of Christ", and "whoso is found possessed of it, at the last day, it shall be well with her."

Charity Never Faileth. May this Relief Society motto, this timeless truth, guide you in everything you do. May it permeate your very souls and find expression in all your thoughts and actions."

~Pres. Thomas S. Monson

Hygeine Kits for Super Saturday

As part of Super Saturday we are doing hygiene kits for parents at primary children's medical center. We are in need of individually wrapped toothbrushes, travel toothpaste, chapstick, packages of gum or lifesavers, disposable razors, and quart size ziploc bags. If you are able to donate please see sign up sheets going around or contact Dawnelle Anderson

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chunk Cookies

I have been asked for the recipe for the Chocolate Chip Cookies that I made for the Ward Party. I would LOVE to take credit, but I can't in good conscience! I got the recipe from http://www.picky-palate.com/ and made just a couple of modifications...So here is the recipe, ENJOY!!

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chunk Cookies – The Ultimate LA Cookie

~Courtesy of Jenny Flake

2 sticks softened butter
3/4 Cup granulated sugar
1 Cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 Tablespoons pure vanilla
1/4 Cup Caramel Sauce (like Smuckers ice cream topping)
3 3/4 Cup all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
12 oz bag chocolate chips
1 Cup broken pretzels (optional)
1 1/2 Cups chopped good quality chocolate (I used a giant Hershey's Bar)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugars until well combined. Beat in the eggs and vanilla, and swirl in the caramel sauce until well combined.

2. Place the flour, salt and baking soda into a large bowl and mix. Slowly add to wet ingredients then add the chocolate chips and pretzels. Save chunks for later.

3. Place a golf ball size scoop of cookie dough into muffin top pan cups. Press down, then sprinkle generously with a pinch or two of sea salt then press the chocolate chunks on top (I used a Salt Grinder and twisted it 5 times per cookie!) Bake for 12-15 minutes or until just golden around edges. Remove and let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

**I have never used a regular cookie sheet for this recipe. I'm sure it will work, just make like traditional chocolate chip cookies.

Like a Lighthouse

A few weeks ago we had a women's retreat. Our theme was like a lighthouse. Chirst is our lighthouse and if we look to him and follow him we will never go astray. I thought I would put the words of this beautiful song here.
Like a Lighthouse (words and music by Michael Webb)

Feeling alone, feeling afraid,
Losing my hope, losing my way,
Tossed about like a ship on a stormy sea
Waiting for someone, to rescue me, and then I see Him.

Like a lighthouse standing bold against the gray,
Shining through the night to warn of dangers in our way.
Like a lighthouse, built on solid stone,
Shedding light on weary seamen, who have drifted far from home.

So many paths, so many roads,
So hard to know which way to go sometimes,
lost at seas with no compass to point the way
hoping that someone will save my day and show the way

Like a lighthouse standing bold against the gray,
Shining through the night to warn of dangers in our way.
Like a lighthouse, built on solid stone,
Shedding light on weary seamen, who have drifted far from home.

Blog for Jake Davis

Sisters, Ragnhild Davis has set up a new blog with updates about Jake. Please read it and leave her a comment showing this sweet family your love and support. Also, let's keep them in our prayers as he has a long road to recovery and the family needs all of our faith during this difficult time.


http://davisfamilyinmidway.blogspot.com/

Write Your Elected Officials!

Helen Hall gave a beautiful lesson on our Patriotic Responsibilities this past Sunday. She spoke of our responsibilities as mothers and women in helping to shape the future of our country for generations to come. Certainly it starts in the home by teaching our families about the current events in our State and our Nation. We need to educate ourselves and be aware of the goings on in our world.

During the course of her message, it was brought up that not long ago, a U.S. Congressman said that for every 1 person who writes their elected official, it represents approximately 100-150 people who feel the same way but do not write! It is our responsibility to let our elected officials know our views on issues that affect our State and our Country. Remember, they work for us...WE elected THEM to represent us.

We as Sisters in Zion have power in our voice. We are strong and we know the concerns we have for our children but where do we begin? It's simple...We have 3 elected U.S. Congressmen and 2 elected U.S. Senators in the state of Utah. Here in Midway we are in the 2nd Congressional District and our Congressman is Jim Matheson. If you click on his name, it will take you to his website and you can read about the issues he is currently dealing with. Then click on the "Contact Jim" tab at the top and you can fillout the form...easy peasy. Or you can Fax him on your own. (There will be a list of their info at the end of this post). Also, it is perfectly fine to include our 2 Senators, Bob Bennett and Orrin Hatch in any communication you send (click on their names as well for the same type of info)

Their websites share their views on the latest issues. Please take time to peruse each one. This will give you insights to what is happening, not only in our State, but in our Nation as well.

Here is all you have to write:

Honorable Jim Matheson,

I am very concerned about (blah blah blah). My feelings are (blah blah blah) and I ask you to vote (in favor/against) this issue.

Sincerely,
Your name

OR

If you aren't sure how you feel about an issue you can write something like this:

Honorable Jim Matheson,

I am concerned about the (blah blah blah) issue. If this is authorized in the U.S. Constitution, then I am in favor of it and ask you to vote in favor of it. If it is not authorized in the Constitution, then I ask you to vote against it.

Sincerely,
Your Name

You can keep it simple or you can expound. It counts either way. Also, this would be a great FHE activity. Even young children can write to their elected officials and sometimes they even have MORE power in their letters then adults do. Each time you write, you will get a letter back from the official. How cool is that??

Sisters, we are strong women who care about our families and the future we are leaving for them. We are encouraged to speak up and help our elected officials by sharing our desires. We have a voice...let's not hesitate to use it.

Fax Numbers:
Congressman Jim Matheson  (202) 225-5638
Senator Robert F. Bennett (202) 228-1168
Senator Orrin G. Hatch (202) 224-6331

Thanks Helen for your inspiring lesson!

Homemade Disinfectant/Baby Wipes

Last night we gathered at the ward kitchen to make homemade disinfectant wipes and baby wipes.

Here is a tutorial  for those of you who missed a great evening:

You just need a roll of sturdy Paper Towels your favorite Disinfectant Cleaner and some sort of Container (if you have an old storebought wipes container, PERFECT!) In the picture below, I used "Brawny", but I have found better towels that are industrial strength. They "Scott Xtreme Shop Towels". They are blue and found in the paint dept at Home Depot for about $1.98 per roll.

You simply cut your roll of paper towel in half...a serrated knife works best. Then mix 2 Cups of water with 2 Tablespoons of your disinfectant (more if you want) and pour over the half roll. It is best to really soak the center core as you will need to remove it. Turn it over and soak the other side. If you have extra liquid, that's a good thing. The towels will soak it all up!

Pull out the center...

Put in your container...also, you can use a Tupperware type container. You might have to "squish" it in, but it will still work.

That's it!

Baby Wipes:

2 Cups Water

2 Tbs Baby Shampoo

2Tbs. baby Oil

**Any sturdy paper towels will work. The blue industrial wipes only have 50 sheets, but they are SO much more durable so you ultimately use less. The roll is thinner than the regular Bounty/Brawny types which makes them fit into an old wipes container much easier...

Your total cost per container of wipes is approximately $1.05. I bought my Baby Shampoo and Baby Oil at the Dollar Store when I was in SLC so it works out to be the same or less than the Disinfectant Wipes by just pennies.

Homemade Laundry Soap Recipe

We had a wonderful time making Homemade Laundry Soap for PENNIES last month. Here are the recipes for both the LIQUID and POWDERED Laundry Soaps:

LIQUID LAUNDRY SOAP:

• 1/3 Bar of Fels Naptha Soap
• 1/2 Cup of 20 Mule Team Borax
• 1/2 Cup of Arm & Hammer Washing Soda

You will also need a 2 gallon bucket or larger and some sort of grater (a cheese grater or food processor is great)

Fels Naptha: This is an old fashioned soap found in the laundry aisle. It is in bar form
20 Mule Team Borax: Borax is a natural occuring mineral, Sodium Borate. It is also a white powder and its purpose is as a laundry whitener and a deodorizer.
Arm & Hammer Washing Soda: This is NOT baking soda. Washing Soda is "Sodium Carbonate" or "Soda Ash". Washing Soda is a white powder and its purpose is to remove dirt and odors.

**All of these ingredients can be found in the Laundry Aisle**

Grate the soap and put it into a pot. Add 6 Cups of Water and heat over med heat until soap melts, stirring often. It's best if you grate the soap very finely, it will melt faster. Then add the Borax and the Washing Soda. Remove from heat when it is all dissolved.

Pour 4 Cups of Water into your bucket. Now add your soap mixture and stir. Then add 1 gallon + 6 Cups of water (22 Cups total) and stir. Let the mixture sit for at least 24 hours.

**A few things to note about the soap**

This picture was taken after it has set for 24 hours and after it has been stirred..unstirred, it is more gelled on top...

The soap will not be a solid gel. It will be a gel on the surface. It has an "Egg Noodle Soup" look but once you give it a good stir, it becomes more watery...this is fine.

Also, it is a low sudsing soap. This is OK as suds are NOT what do the cleaning, it's the ingredients in the soap.

OPTIONS: If you want fragrance, you can add 1 oz. of your favorite essectial oil. The most popular are Lemon or orange. Lavender is nice as well.

You will only need between 1/3 - 1/2 Cup per load depending on the size of the load.

Cost Breakdown:

Keep in mind that you are making approximately 2 gallons of soap which will give you enough to do about 64 loads of laundry.

1 Bar Fels Naptha $1.59

1 Box of Borax $4.99

1 Box Washing Soda $3.19

When you break it all down proportionately,  the cost is between .77-.99 cents per gallon!

**Note, if you have a front loader washer, you may only need between 1/4 - 1/3 Cup per load, even MORE savings!

POWDERED RECIPE:

• 
  
  1 Bar Fels Naptha Soap, grated very finely (food processor works best)
• 
  
  1/2 Cup 20 Mule Team Borax
• 
  
  1/2 Cup Arm & Hammer Washing Soda

Mix all ingredients together. You only need 1 TBS (yes, that's really true!!) per load. This makes approx. a 6 month supply. I doubled mine and am good for a year. You can buy extra bars of the Fels Naptha and keep it in your food supply along with the Borax and Washing Soda and you will be set for Laundry Soap for a LONG time!

Also, if you use 1/4 - 1/2 Cup of White Distilled Vinegar per load instead of expensive Fabric Softeners, you will have less static build up and it rinses your clothes amazingly well...you will not smell the vinegar when it's done...I promise!!

Beautiful Quotes

Sister Anna Heimburger gave a beautiful lesson on Elder L Tom Perry's talk titled "The Past Way of Facing the Future - The lessons of the past... prepare us to face the challenges of the future." If you haven't read this talk it is wonderful.
Here are some beautiful quotes that she used in her lesson
1.
Learn the past
Watch the present
Create the future
2. You can't change the past, but you can ruin the present by worrying about the future.
3.
The past is behind, learn from it.
The future is ahead, prepare for it.
The present it here, live it.
4.
The Will of God never takes you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.
5.
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.
6.
Many folks want to serve God, But only as advisers
7.
If God is your Co-pilot, swap seats!
8.
The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.
9.
Don't let your worries get the best of you; Remember, Moses started out as a basket case.
10.
It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.
11.
Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on the front door forever.
12.
When you get to your wit's end, You'll find God lives there.
13.
Prayer: Don't give God instructions, just reports for duty!
14.
God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
15.
Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.
16.
God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
17.
Don't put a question mark where God put a period.
18.
You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him.

Swiss Bread

Sisters, just a reminder that we will be making Swiss Bread this Saturday, April 10 at 8:00 AM over at the cannery. This is always a great time. Each loaf is $1.50...where can you get bread for $1.50 a loaf these days?? Please contact Chalise Provost or Shauna Kohler if you haven't signed up yet. See you there!

Ward Auction

Sisters, don't forget about the Ward Auction tonight at 6:30 PM. This will be held at our old building. If you signed up to bring a dessert, please remember to do so...if you haven't signed up, you can still bring one! See you there!!

Swiss Bread Recipe

A lot of sisters have been asking for the Swiss Bread Recipe. Here it is:

3 c scalded milk or 1 c powdered milk to 3 c water
3/4 c sugar
6 eggs
3/4 c oil
4 1/2 tsp salt
3 tbsp yeast in 3/4 c warm water
11-12 c flour

Combine yeast and warm water and let sit for 5 minutes. Add milk, eggs, sugar, oil, and salt. Add flour a little at a time until dough reaches consistency of stiff roll dough. Dough may be a little sticky. Knead for 8 minutes. Let dough rest for 10 minutes. Then put in greased bread pan and let raise. Bake 30-35 minutes at 350 degrees. makes 4 loaves

Celebration of Relief Society

Just a reminder that the celebration of Relief Society is tomorrow night - Tues March 16th at 6:30 at the church. Dinner will be served and there is a nursery.
Also Stake Conference is this weekend. Sat night mar 20 at 7:00pm and Sunday morning at 10:00am. The Sunday morning session will be broadcast at the old church.
Also March 25th is the Ward Auction at 6:30 at our old church building. The Relief Society is in charge of bringing desserts so if you could please email Dawnelle if you will bring a dessert, if not we will be calling you.
There will be no Home Improvement meeting this month

Just a Reminder

Sisters, If you brought food for the funeral last Saturday, please make sure you pick up your dish. They are just outside the Relief Society room on a table. Thanks!

Just a Thought

“I don’t want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny new sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long perfectly manicured fingernails. I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp. I want to be there with grass stains on my shoes from mowing Sister Schenk’s lawn. I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbor’s children. I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone’s garden. I want to be there with children’s sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know I was really here and thatI really lived.
                                                                                                                         ~Marjorie Hinckley

Irene Luke

Just letting everybody know that Irene Luke passed away last night, Tuesday Feb 23. As of now the funeral will be on Saturday at 11:00. We will let you know if anything changes

"I dare you to eat it" book

Sisters-
We have the opportunity to purchase the book; "I dare you to eat it."

If you are interested:
Contact Misty Kelly @ 654-0641 or email at mawkphoto@live.com
The cost is $8.00
Order and MONEY is due MARCH 7th.

Home Decor Class

Sisters, just a reminder of the mini-class tomorrow night (Tuesday). We will be sharing ideas on how to decorate on a budget and use items that you may already have in your home. It will be at 7:00 at Colleen Bonner's house. See you there!

Provident Living Message

Sisters, here is a great exerpt from this month's Visiting Teaching message: 
'Provident living' . . . implies the [conserving] of our resources, the wise planning of financial matters, full provision for personal health, and adequate preparation for education and career development, giving appropriate attention to home production and storage as well as the development of emotional resiliency. . . . If we live wisely and providently, we will be as safe as in the palm of His hand."
~President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985)

"What skills do we need to help us become self-reliant? . . . In the early days of the Church, Brigham Young pled with the sisters to learn to prevent illness in families, establish home industries, and learn accounting and bookkeeping and other practical skills. Those principles still apply today. Education continues to be vitally important. . . .

"I asked several bishops what self-reliance skills the sisters in their wards needed most, and they said budgeting. Women need to understand the implications of buying on credit and not living within a budget. The second skill bishops listed was cooking. Meals prepared and eaten at home generally cost less, are healthier, and contribute to stronger family relationships."
~Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president

Avoiding Debt
"May I suggest five key steps to financial freedom. . . .

"First, pay your tithing. . . .

"Second, spend less than you earn. . . .

"Third, learn to save. . . .

"Fourth, honor your financial obligations. . . .

"Fifth, teach your children to follow your example."
~Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917–2008) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

I dare you to eat it

Sisters, we also have a great opportunity to listen to Lisa Card tomorrow night Tuesday Feb 9th at 7:00 at the church. She will be talking about food storage and the best way to use it. Husbands are invited also.

Bread Making

Sisters, don't forget about our bread making class this coming Saturday at 8:00 AM over at the cannery. This is a great way to learn how to make bread and if you already know how, it's the EASIEST and most fun way to get your bread made. Please let Chalise Pope know if you will be attending.

Safely Gathered In

This is a great blog with amazing self-reliance ideas. http://www.safelygatheredin.blogspot.com/.  For quick reference, just click on the button to the right , "Safely Gathered In"...it will take you directly to their link. Enjoy!

First Presidency Message

"If we do not have a deep foundation of faith and a solid testimony of truth, we may have difficulty withstanding the harsh storms and icy winds of adversity which inevitably come to each of us.

Mortality is a period of testing, a time to prove ourselves worthy to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father. In order for us to be tested, we must face challenges and difficulties. These can break us, and the surface of our souls may crack and crumble - that is, if our foundations of faith, our testimonies of truth are not deeply embedded within us."

Remember that you do not walk alone...As you walk through life, always walk toward the light, and the shadows of life will fall behind you.

As I have turned to the scriptures for inspiration, a particular word has stood out time and time again. The word is 'come'. The Lord said, 'Come unto me'. He said, 'Come learn of me'. He also said, 'Come follow me'. I like that word, come. My plea is that we would come to the Lord."

~Pres. Thomas S. Monson

Tuesday Night Class

The Decorating on a Budget class which was scheduled for Tuesday the 26th has been postponed until Feb. We will let you know when a new date is confirmed. Sorry for the inconvenience.

An Evening With The Food Nanny

Tonight we had a fabulous evening with Liz Edmunds AKA "The Food Nanny". Her energetic passion ignited a spark in all of us to get on the ball and make sure that we are preparing healthy and delicious meals for the most important people in our lives, our families!

She shared her enthusiasm for having family dinners and shared her testimony of the importance of sharing a meal together each night. She also gave us great tips and ideas.

We ended the evening with some amazing samples of her food and visited with our sisters from several other wards in our stake.

Her book is available at "Seasons of Home" right here in Midway if any of you are interested. She has set up a weekly meal plan complete with shopping lists and menu planning.

A special thanks to Misty Kelly for organizing this great evening!

The Food Nanny

Sisters, just a reminder about tomorrow night (Tues, Jan 19th)

Join us as author and mother of seven Liz Edmunds shares innovative tips and tricks on creating engaging conversation at mealtime and how to get your kids to help with the meal preparation. Also, she will offer advice on easy meal planning and refreshing tired meals, The Food Nanny will give you the recipe you need the most—a successful family dinner!

So bring your friends and neighbors for a great evening. It begins at 6:30 and will be held in our building. Several other wards will be attending so get there early!

The Church Responds To Haiti

Sisters, here is an article I found on the Church's website. How blessed we are to have the support of such a loving and humanitarian church, testifying that we truly are all brothers and sisters.

SALT LAKE CITY 13 January 2010 In the wake of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is mobilizing resources to address the most pressing needs of the people in the Caribbean nation. Images of collapsed buildings and devastated families tell the story of the widespread destruction.

Two planes, one departing from Denver as early as Thursday and another leaving from Miami later this week will each include over 80,000 pounds of food and emergency resources such as tents, tarps, water filtration bottles and medical supplies donated by the Church.

Transportation is being provided by Airline Ambassadors and Food for the Poor will aid with distribution in Haiti.

“We are constantly assessing needs to determine how our resources can directly help the people of Haiti,” said Nate Leishman, manager of the Church’s humanitarian emergency response efforts. “We are fully committed to this ongoing process and doing our best to help wherever we can.”

These new shipments are in addition to emergency supplies being sent by truck from the Dominican Republic including personal hygiene kits and supplies for newborns announced early Wednesday by the Church.

“We express our sympathy and prayers on behalf of the citizens of Haiti following the recent devastating earthquake,” said Kim Farah, Church spokesperson.

All Latter-day Saint missionaries serving in the country are safe, and Church leaders continue efforts to account for Church members in the area.

Donations for relief efforts can be made at http://give.lds.org/emergencyresponse.

Ward Website

Sisters, some of you may not be aware that we have a ward website. This website is open to every member of our ward and should be used to locate pertinent information specific to the Midway 2nd Ward. Bishop Kelson would like us to be familiar with this site and look at it often to stay apprised of important information.

If you have not yet signed up to use the website here is an easy tutorial of how to do so:

1. go to http://www.lds.org/

2.Then on the right side of the home page, click on "Stake & Ward Web Sites"

3. You will then need to click on "Obtain an LDS Account"

4. At this point you will be required to put your "Membership Record Number" in the alloted space...it can be found on your Temple Recommend. Enter this number as it appears on your recommend (including dashes). If you do not have a recommend, check with our Ward Clerk (Bro. Heimberger) and he can get that number for you. Complete the info required on that page, (your birthdate and a word verification.)

5. You will then need to set up a username and password. Once you've done this you will then be asked for your email address. If you have one, a verification will be sent to your email...follow the prompt and you're set! If you do NOT have an email address, there is a space for that as well.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me and I will walk you through it.

Swiss Bread

We met this morning at 8:00 to learn how to make Swiss Bread. It was a great success as we all chatted, laughed, mixed and braided. It wasn't long before the cold morning air in the cannery turned warm with the wafting aroma of freshly baked bread. It was delicious!

A big thanks to Chalise Provost for her hard work in making this morning a huge success...I can't wait until next month!

Inspirational Women

What makes a woman become "inspirational?" What is it about her actions that makes us want to be more like her?

President Kimball once said, "Remember, the world before we came here faithful women were given certain assignments while faithful men were foreordained to certain priesthood tasks. . . . You are accountable for those things which long ago were expected of you."
Sister Marjorie Hinckley said, "Let us not waste our time saying with bitterness, 'Is this what I was born to do?' Let us rather ask ourselves the question that was asked of Esther: 'Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?'

We have so many inspirational women right in our very own ward. I know that if we focus on what we can do to be an inspiration to others that we will find more joy and edification in our own lives.

Let us all strive to become an inspiration to all whom we come in contact with.

New Relief Society Blog

2010 is here! In order to better serve you, we have created our very own blog. This has been set up to serve as a tool for you to use in order to stay connected with what is going on in our ward.

This blog is strictly here to keep all of us apprised on pertinent information for our Ward Relief Society and is here to compliment our Ward Website.

Please check it often and we LOVE to hear from you so just click on the "comments" button below each post and leave your comments. Let's make this the best year ever!