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