This Is The Year

A while back I promised to show you how to make cookie pops - like this one here ,that I made for a handout for Girls' camp. They're easier than you might think. This is the first time I have ever made them, and they were a huge hit with the girls. You'll want to start with your favorite "cut-out" sugar cookie recipe. If you don't have a favorite, PLEASE allow me to share MY favorite. The recipe below is what I would recommend to anyone who a) has never made rolled sugar cookies, or b) has NEVER had any luck making good cut-out sugar cookies. I just recently found this recipe, and it will now be my only sugar cookie recipe! The dough is a dream to work with, and the flavor is great. PLUS it only has to chill for one hour. First roll out your dough out and cut your shape. I found that a thickness of about 1/2 " works best. Then take a spatula and carfully flip your cookie over so the back side is facing up. Next, take your stick. You can buy these in th...

I'm almost home! Have you missed me? Even though I'm writing this post in advance, I can GUARANTEE that I've missed you! I'm sure I'm going through some major withdrawals by this point! Today's theme at camp is Purity . I forgot to take pictures of my handout! But I'll still tell you about it. I used the following scripture: "Who shall ascent to the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in His holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation." ~Psamls 24: 3-5 I made small little scrolls that contained this scripture, and attached them to a mini bottle of hand sanitizer. Keeping themselves pure from the evils of today's society will be one of the most important things these Young Women can do to ensure their greatest happiness and brightest future. I pray daily to know how to help...

Well, I'm sorry I can't spend my birthday with you all, but I'm thrilled to be spending it with the Young Women at camp. Today's theme is Faith . I used this wonderful quote from President Hinckley, and made these fun cookie pops to give the girls. When I get back I'll share my recipe and how to make them. I need to say a special thank you to some wonderful ladies I have met through this blog who made a special effort to help me feel loved on this day. Thank you so much...you know who you are, and I will do a special post about that when I return. I hope you are all having a wonderful Thursday! Our strength is our faith in the Almighty. May our faith shine forth as the sunlight of the morning. ~President Gordon B. Hinckley

The theme in camp today is The Spirit. It's so important for us to know, and especially young girls to know that they can receive guidance and direction by living lives that will allow them to feel the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Keeping our minds open and receptive to feeling the Spirit is they way that we will eventually be able to enjoy the blessings of Eternal Life. In 2 Nephi 9:39 it says "to be spiritually minded is life eternal". I saw on http://www.sugardoodle.net/ that someone pointed out that the acronym for this scripture is SMILE. So I got these cute little smiley face noise-makers and attatched the quote. I hope it helps the girls remember. I'm all packed and ready to leave, Cowgirl seems to be doing better and we still don't have a car, but I think they'll be okay without me until Friday! I also got a special surprise today that I'll tell you all about when I get back...and I promise to get caught up on my visits! Thanks again for all your...

"Real charity is not something you give away; it is something that you acquire and make a part of yourself. And when the virtue of charity becomes implanted in your heart, you are never the same again." -Marvin J. Ashton Charity is the theme for camp today. I love how this quote describes the true essence of charity as not something you give, but something you actually acquire as a part of yourself, and your heart. I think that true charity is not an action, but an actual character trait. For my handout I found these really cute wedding bubbles in multiple colors that have a little "heart" handle, and wand. I made some little streamers with hearts on the end in coordinating colors, and attached the quote from Marvin J. Ashton. I also sprayed some glitter on the paper hearts! Glitter makes everything better! I join the girls and other leaders tomorrow afternoon! I can't wait! We've also had another mishap at our house. I've decided I'm just ready for...

Well, I've just bid farewell to all my cute little camper girls, and the rest of the Young Women's Presidency. They're on their way to set up camp. I will be joining them Wednesday night and returning home with them on Friday. I'm really sad to stay back and miss the first couple of days, but we still don't have a car. All the girls met with their gear at 12:30 today at Andrea's (our YW president) house. We have 3 men also driving up and helping haul everything we'll need to take care of 16 Young Women and 4-6 leaders for 5 days! There is A LOT! I hope we got everything! One of my responsibilities was to be in charge of the nightly handouts. They're to leave on each of the girls' pillows in their tents, kind of like the pillow mint at a hotel. The theme for the Young Men and Young Women in the church this year is: "Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity". (1 Timothy 4:12). ...