40% off at Borders

Boarders has a 40% off the list price of any one item coupon on their website that is good for today and tomorrow only! This is such an awesome deal, especially for all of you that like to buy your books. You could also use this to get a Mother's Day gift or a book for the upcoming book clubs. You do have to be a Borders Reward Perks member to use the coupon but you can sign up for that online or at the store. The coupon can also be used to place an order online by using promo code BYX7590C. There is free shipping on orders over $25.00.

Here is the link to the coupon.
http://www.bordersmedia.com/coup/04291040i.html?cmpid=SA_20100429

Mothers day lunch at Dora's

Come to celebrate Mothers Day together. Friday May 7 at 11:30 am at my house (8028 Monte Carlo Dr). Please bring something to share, (salad, fruit, peanut butter and jelly for kids, side dish, rolls, or whatever you have around the house). Let others know.

Monster Cookies

I took some cookies to the last book club and some sisters wanted the recipe. Here it is:
Monster Cookies
1/2 cup butter or margarine softened
1 1/2 cup creamy peanut Butter
1 1/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. corn syrup
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 cup choc chips
plain M&M candies
4 1/2 cups rolled oats
* No flour is used

Cream butter and peanut butter. Add brown sugar, sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, baking soda, and eggs. Add choc chips, M&M's, and oats. Measure 2 tablespoons dough- flatten slightly, place on ungreased cookie sheet. Only 4-6 per cookie sheet. Bake 350 for 10-15 minutes.
Above is the recipe as it reads in the cookbook. I find that I cannot get them to cook right if I make them that big. I just use an average sized cookie scoop and take them out at about 10 minutes. I used peanut butter M&M's for the book club. We have experimented and used all kinds of chips like butterscotch, peanut butter chips, etc. Enjoy!

F.Y.I.

There will be no Relief Society sponsored "Drop n' Swap" this year. If you've been doing some spring cleaning and have items you would like to get rid of we encourage you to bring them to the Stake Center on May 8th during the Stake Service Project (9 am to 2 pm) where they will be donated to a local women's shelter. Though you will not get to swap for something for yourself, hopefully you will receive in return a "warm fuzzy" knowing that the women and children at the shelter are in much need of your donations.

Here is a list of items they need:

Women

New Full Size Toiletries

New Toothpaste/Toothbrushes

New Makeup

New Hair Products

Shower Caddies

Pajamas/Nightgowns

New Underclothes

Slippers

Bathrobes

Clothing

Backpacks/School Supplies

Alarm Clocks

Curling Irons/Blow Dryers

Babies

Strollers (Umbrella and Full Size)

Diapers/Wipes

Diaper Bags

Crib Sheets

Blankets

Children

Clothing

Shoes

New Underclothes

Toys

Board Games

Coloring Books/Crayons

Art Supplies

School Supplies

Sports Equipment (balls, etc.)

Bicycles, Tricylcles & Helmets

Shelter

Twin-Sized Sheets/Pillowcases

Pillows (Standard)

Towels (Bath and Hand)

Twin-Sized Blankets

Shower Curtains

Rugs/Bathmats

Irons/Ironing Boards

Small Appliances

Cleaning Supplies

Furniture and Household Items

Dishes, Glassware, Silverware

Laundry Detergents for HE Machines

*Gently used items are welcome except when specified*

Babysitting

Hello all,
Alyssa wants to babysit more than she wants Christmas to come! Her whole life she has thought that babysitting started when you turn 12, and she turned 12 3 months ago! I am very hesitant to have her babysit of course, but I think that what Amber E. did with Min when she was in our ward was a great idea. She had Min watch kids at her house, so she could supervise. So, if anyone needs a babysitter and doesn't mind bringing them to our house, please call! Thanks! Susan T.

ward building cleaning assignments

Cleaning begins at 9am on Saturdays unless otherwise arranged.
The first family listed should contact the other families for a reminder call.
If a key is needed, please contact Bro. Barrie at 999-2118.
Vacuum, clean glass and mirrors, empty trash, set up chairs in gym, R.S. and primary rooms.
Lock building when finished.
May 1st-Trujillo, Merrill, Pickett, Pickett
May 8th-Pinon, Price, Puckett, Reidhead
May 15th-Reitz, Rhineer, Siple, Ricker
May 22nd-Richie, Rogers, Rossiter, Roth, Rudd
May 29th-Ryan, Sego, Richardson, Carlisle

Tierra Antigua 2010-11 School Info

Just rec'd this from Tierra Antigua PTA...

"Parents,
The office just sent PTA some important dates to put on all our calendars.

New student registration will be Monday, July 26, 2010 from 4-7 PM in the cafeteria. Documents needed for registration are: original birth cert., shot records, July PNM bill/July Gas bill or current lease only. No packets will be given out/accepted without the documents listed.

Meet the Teacher Day is Friday, August 13, 2010 from 9:00-12:00 p.m. Class lists will be posted in the gym beginning 9:00 a.m.

Your July PNM/July Gas or current lease is required to meet the teacher. This is a requirement for ALL families at Tierra Antigua.

Due to higher pupil/teacher ratios this fall, requests to change classrooms will not be considered.

First day of school for 1st-5th grade is Monday, August 16th. First "full" day of school for Kindergarten is Wednesday, August 18th.

Check our website for updates or other important information."

Ladder

Just wanted to post an FYI- if anyone ever has a need for a tall ladder, Christian has many that you can borrow any time. Just let us know and he'll bring it over!

swimming lessons?

It's that time of year that I need to do swim lesson sign ups. We have not taken lessons yet in ABQ and I am looking for recommendations on where to go. If you have had success at a certain pool please pass on the contact info. Thanks. If I should avoid a certain pool... that would be a need to know also.

Sharon

Dance Studios in Town

Katie has expressed a strong desire to learn how to dance--ballet, specifically--so we're looking at some dance studios in town. She's 4 (will be 5 in September). Does anyone have any recommendations or know of places that I should avoid? I've seen good reviews online for Elite Dance Studios. Has anyone danced there? Any advice would be appreciated!

Soccer

If anyone is interested in AYSO soccer, registration starts this weekend.

My daughter played this year and had a great time.

Camping Trip!

Stefanie B. and I are setting up a family camping trip. Everyone in the ward is invited! We are thinking June 18th, not sure where yet. Anyone know of a good place that can accomodate a large group? Leave a comment or e-mail foreverfamilee@gmail.com if you might be interested in going so we can get an idea how many people will be there. Tell your friends that don't read this blog! It's going to be a BLAST!!

Kristie

items for sale

Little tykes work bench with tool box and dinosaur mountain $15

Little tykes Dora and Diego pirate ship $20

Child's wood armoire-(decals removable) $30 obo
contact Jenni R. if interested

Double jogging stroller

Hey all, Just wondered if anyone had a double jogging stroller I could borrow Mother's Day weekend. (May 8th). Ben and Ashley Slack are coming into town to visit and needed a stroller for a walk they are doing for Ben's work. I have one but we may need it that weekend. I am in the directory, or comment here. Thanks! Angela B.

Seamstress

My daughter is going to be the flower girl in my Dad's wedding in June and I need to get her dress altered a little. Does anyone know a good seamstress? Please email jsturner1@q.com Thanks! Susan

Train Table and such

Hi. My boys are growing up! I have some items that I would like to sell. I thought I would try here before posting them on Craigslist.




The train table is a KidKraft model and although we never built trains on the actual table, it did make a nifty platform for building Lego and Duplo creations. The trundle drawers were awesome for storing trains and Legos. $60

I also have a 5' X 7' car rug with roads and buildings that is perfect for driving Hot Wheels on, a shaggy type rug that is about 1 1/2 ' x 3' with a cute little car on it, and a train shaped rug.

Lastly, I have a Thomas the Tank Engine rolling bag that is shaped like the engine himself. I will try to get photos posted tonight.

Please e-mail me if you are interested. Thanks. girlpowerjedi@hotmail.com

Book Club book changed

FYI May's book for book club has now changed to The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy. The Power of One had some language that wasn't as clean as we'd like to see.

Free baby stuff

I have two cans of baby formula, Similac Advance & Similac Advance Soy that I got as samples and I have no need for them(one expires in Aug 2010 and the other July 2011). I also have a Diaper Genie refill if anyone wants it. E-mail me francesjean1111@msn.com is you are interested. Frances

Tim Mcgraw/Lady Antebellum

A group of us are going to the Tim Mcgraw/Lady Antebellum concert on June 2nd. You can buy the tickets in 4-packs for only $88, so only $22 a piece! If you want to come along, e-mail Liz at liz@lizestudio.com.

A dog??

Hi all! My next door neighbors are moving this week; and there are a few extra things they are unable to take because they are moving into apartments that don't allow pets.


Most importantly is there little cute golden colored pomeranian (sorry if I'm spelling that right)

You can have for free! Here are some things about him.
1. His name is Buddy...1 1/2 years old
2. He has not been neutered
3. Very playful
4. loves to chase balls
5. Only had a few shots, but you will want to go and get them all since it's been a while
6. House trained..sort of. Just needs a little discipline. The family works all day, so it's in a cage all day, and then when they let it out, he goes outside. So, if you want him to be an inside dog, not in a kennel, he will need some help learning!
7. If you like pomerians, and would want one new, I guess they are like $250-$500 new (that's what they told me)

Let me know if you are interested, otherwise they are planning on taking Buddy to the pound. So sad! So, I thought I'd help him. We'd take him, but we already have our dog!

**Also, a big fish tank, I guess you could put snakes in it...ugggghhhhh...if anyone wants it!

**I also have a home stereo system I was going to take to the thrift store, big speakers..you are welcome to that too!

**20 inch tv/vcr
Andrea
rogersareblessed@gmail.com

moving boxes

We are looking for moving boxes. Some familes are preparing for their summertime moves and are getting a jump on getting things packed. If you have or know of anyone who may have leftover boxes, of any size lying around even a few please contact me so I can inform the families in need. Thank you.
Sharon

gymbucks

giving away 50 dls. gymbacks due the 18th. Here is the code 60064 96681 30036 1754 pin: 6871 You must buy 100 dls and you get 50 dls off. It can be use on line shopping. If you use it please make a comment, so others know that has been use.

Free movie tickets!

OK, so you have to buy something first. I went to Smiths today for their awesome 5 for $5.00 deal on cereal and Quaker oatmeal. I got 5 boxes of cereal and 5 boxes of oatmeal for about $7.00 with a few coupons and it printed a free movie ticket for $12.00 at Fandango. Are you kidding me????? $7 for 10 boxes of food and a movie ticket????? I am so going back! (You can choose the movie ticket, 15 music downloads or 15 ring tones. I am all about movies--who wants to go????)

Go here for more info.

Running the Half Marathon?

Brigham and I are going at 11 am on Friday to pick up our packets and are willing to pick up anyone else's (as long as they will let us). If you'd like us to try to get your packet, just give me a call or send me an email. I'll let you know if we are not able to do it so you can get it yourself. Otherwise you can just come and get it from our place! Good luck to everyone running!

Taking Flight Productions

Volcano Vista High School Theatrical Department Presents "Into The Woods" musical with evening performances April 15th-17th. Cast includes Ventana Wards very own Samantha L. as Cinderella. Doors open at 6:00 for ticket purchase, show begins at 7:oo $7 adults, $5 studnts, $3 children under 12. Go early for seating. Entrance is through the main building front doors.

ward cleaning assignments

April 17th-Miera, Nygreen, Oslter, Pankretz, Pankretz
April 24th-Parker, Passey, Pecotte, Pino, Larson
Thanks,
Brother Barrie

Vaccinations

I just want to throw some info out there because I honestly did not know. Did you know that adults should be immunized every 10 years? 5 years ago they added pertussis to the adult vaccine called Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis). So unless you have been immunized in the last 5 years, you are not immune to Pertussis. Pertussis is very dangerous for infants who are not yet immune and is usually passed to them by an unimmunized adult. This mom (a friend's sister-in-law) knows what it's like for her baby to get pertussis. Her sweet baby passed away from it at only a few months old. Just something to think about since these diseases seem to be on the rise these days. The end! :)

Book Club This Thursday!

Just a reminder that book club is THIS THURSDAY, 7:30 pm, at Monique F's house. We've been reading Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card. Feel free to email or call if you need directions to Monique's house. All are welcome, even if you haven't read the book! If you would like to bring a snack to share, it would be welcome, but is certainly not required or expected.

Plan ahead! We plan on meeting on the third Thursday of every month. This will not change unless absolutely necessary. So mark your calendars!

If you would like to start reading ahead, here are the books for the upcoming months:

May: The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay (held on May 20th, 7:30 at Melissa S's backyard in the gazebo, discussion leader needed!! Movie to be watched at Chelsey J's home- date TBD)
June: The Happiness Project or, why I spent a year trying to sing in the morning, clean my closets, fight right, read Aristotle, and generally have more fun by Gretchen Rubin (held on June 17th, 7:30 PM, Melissa' backyard, any discussion leaders volunteering?)

If you have suggestions for any additional book club books, here's the schedule we've been following:
1) Classics
2) Self-help
3) Fiction/ Historical Fiction
4) Sci-fi/ Fantasy
5) Books made into movies
6) Academic/ Non-fiction/ Autobiography

We'll be needing a classic for July, so come and suggest your favorites!

more move-in questions

Hi, sorry to be a pest, but I really much rather go by recommendations than just picking places out of a phone book.

So, does anyone out there have a trusted veterinarian?

Also, I know I asked this one before, but just in case there are folks who missed my last post: does anyone know of someone who teaches guitar lessons out of their house? All I am finding are music academies which seem to be pretty expensive. If I could find someone who was nearby and not quite so spendy I'd sure be happy!

Thanks for all your advice thus far!

Michelle Chapman

Bishop for Judge! (update)

Bishop just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported him thus far. He was able to get the funding to campaign! Congrats Bishop! Ned Fuller for Judge!

painter

Can anyone recommend a painter to help us paint the interior walls of our home before we put it on the market? thanks jenni-richardson(at)hotmail(dot)com

Russian, anyone???

Sis. Kaban, a widow in our ward is wanting to know if there is someone in the ward that speaks Russian. She is trying to read a letter, and then needs help writing back. Please contact Andrea at rogersareblessed@gmail.com if you'd be willing to help her.
Thanks!
Andrea

Double Jogging Stroller for sale

I am selling our double jogging stroller and thought I'd post it here on the blog before I craigslist it. It's in good condition, the tires have slime in them, which really cut down on flats, the seats recline and there are 2 baskets under the seats. It's a Bebe love brand. New they sell for $150+. I'm asking $65 OBO. Call me or email me at melissa dot lee dot spencer at gmail dot com.

Costco/Sam's Club

Most of us are members of Costco/Sam's Club, so I would love to know what you all LOVE there, or that saves you money! Don't be shy, let us know!

Things I LOVE(that also save money or are worth the price):

Pacific roasted red pepper soup (great price too)
Kirtland Signature (KS) natural peanut butter
Cans of Roast Beef in broth- awesome for food storage and burritos
Romaine lettuce- it lasts SO much longer than store-bought
Avocados- these also last longer than store-bought and are so much bigger! (thanks Rebecca!)
KS/Foster farms individually wrapped chicken breasts- so fresh tasting and convenient
Hummus that's in a tub in meat section (can't remember brand, reg. flavor)
KS wheat bread (the new kind)
Sweet Potato fries
KS Mickey mouse chicken nuggets
Feast from the East sesame dressing (follow recipe on back- so yummy!)
Food should taste good tortilla chips
Edadame (freezer section)
uncooked tortillas (by eggs)

Things that save $:
Ground Cover (that goes under rock) It's great and a LOT cheaper
Marathon Toilet paper- I think it's new. It works great and is cheap.
Yeast
Instant yeast (Sam's club)
KS Mozzarella/cheddar cheese- much cheaper than store-bought
Oils
KS tortilla chips
Frozen Corn
Frozen brocolli
Frozen fruit
Tortillas
Craisins
Minute Rice
Sliced Almonds
KS Water Bottles
KS Mens white dress shirts

That's all I could think of for now! Let us know in the comments section what you like and which store it comes from.

Did you guys know you can return ANYTHING to those stores? It's one of the perks of being a member. I think they do it that way because if you open a HUGE package of something and don't like it, it just goes to waste. This way they keep members happy. Don't be afraid to return something if you don't like it!

Teressa Winners

Many of you remember Teressa Winners that lived in our ward.  She moved out of the ward, and got remarried.  Teressa loved our ward, and they are wanting to move back. She and her husband and 3 kids are looking for a place in Ventana Ranch Ward boundaries to rent for at least a year.  She is hoping to find something around the price range of

$1,000-1,200, some grass in the backyard, and at least 2,000 square feet home. 

 

They will need a place, beginning of June.  If you know someone, or are someone who would like to rent your house. Contact Andrea at rogersareblessed@gmail.com

Badge Magic...a HUGE Time Saver!

A friend told me about Badge Magic and it has revolutioned my Cub Scout Mom life! This is a no iron adhesive used to apply badges to Scout shirts. It is so much easier than trying to hand sew or drag the sewing machine out each time my boys earn a new badge or patch. You can purchase it online or at our local Scout Shop. I think it was around $8 and can be used for numerous badges.

Tierra Antigua Kindergarten Registration

Tierra Antigua Kindergarten Registration will be held Friday, April 30th from 6-7:30pm.

The Following documents are required at the time of registration:

· Original Birth Certificate
· Shot Records
· Proof of Residency (Current PNM Bill, Current Gas Bill, or Current Lease only)


No packets will be accepted without the above documents. The office is not handing registration packets out early like they normally do. All info will need to be filled out at the kinder registration.

Lunch

Let's have lunch at my house Friday the 16th 11:30 (Dora Thomas). Bring something to share. I'll have meat sandwich.

Babygate(s) I can borrow?

We're getting a new dog this weekend, and I'd look to be able to block off a few areas of our home temporarily. Does anyone have a baby gate or two that I can borrow for a while? I don't want to go out and buy one until I'm sure we'll be using them permanently. Just comment, call or email me!

Chelsey J.

Attention Runners and Free Stuff!

I know that there are a lot of runners in our ward, so I thought I'd share a great website. It is dailymile.com, and it is a great place to log your runs, map routes, and see what all of your running buddies are doing. It's like the facebook of running, but you don't have to become friends with anyone if you don't want to. It also has some fun features-- i.e., it can calculate the calories you burn (if you put in your weight), keep track of how many miles you have on your shoes, tell you how many donuts you've burned off, etc. I think it's a great site, so check it out.

Also, I'm starting to get rid of stuff as we start packing, so as I go I'll be posting things that we are not taking. Right now I have a pile of children's books (keep in mind that these are ones that didn't make the cut-- either I don't like them or my kids are not interested in them), a big box of plant food, and some indoor plant pots (the decorative kind). Let me know if you are interested in any of it!

toys

I was at Target one day and came across a couple great deals! I thought, "I'm sure someone in the ward could use these." Then they sat in my garage for the last couple months! The trio set was orig. $75, and I got it for about $20 with tax, and the magnext set was orig. $50, and I got for about $13.00 with tax. Let me know if you are interested, otherwise they are going back to the store. Thanks!

Conference

Did you know that you can get conference from iTunes to put on your iPod? I found the info here, but it was still a little confusing for me, being a podcast newbie. So I thought I would share what I figured out!
Go into iTunes and paste http://feeds.lds.org/LDSGCComplete_eng into the search box. Then subscribe to the one that says (MP3) LDS General Conference. Then go to your "podcasts" from the library, and click on the General Conference podcast, and from there you can get whichever talks or songs you want. If you are confused, please let me know! They already have all the talks from 2010 on there. What a cool thing, huh?! (I may be the last person to know about this, so if so, just act like you think it's cool!)
FYI I was also able to download the whole Book of Mormon audio from Itunes. Again, I may be the last to know, but I thought it was really cool!

Prenatal Study

Sacha sent me this, and said it was sent to her from her friend that is a PhD student. She said it is really fast to do, and you get a $30 gift card! sweet!

From:

nihprenatalstudy@gmail.com>

Date:

March 26, 2010 10:16:58 AM EDT

To:

nihprenatalstudy@gmail.com

Subject: NIH Prenatal Decision Making Study

To whom it may concern:

We at the National Institutes of Health are conducting the Prenatal Decision Making Study (http://research.nhgri.nih.gov/prenatal/). This study examines how pregnant women make decisions about whether to have prenatal testing and how to best help them when they are uncertain.

Participants in this study will complete two short 5 minute online surveys, view information about prenatal testing, and complete a task. Four weeks after completing the short online surveys, participants will be asked complete an easy follow up questionnaire.

Once participants have completed the entire study they will be receive a $30 Amazon.com gift certificate.

We are soliciting your help in spreading the word about this study. Feel free to forward this email and the attached flyer to anyone you feel may be interested.

This study is simple, takes less than 15 – 20 minutes to complete, and can be done in the convenience of one’s home. All interested individuals can complete the survey online at http://research.nhgri.nih.gov/prenatal/.

If you have any questions/concerns do not hesitate to contact us via email (nihprenatalstudy@gmail.com) or phone (301-443-2347).

Thank you in advance for your assistance,

Vincent Allen, Jr.

Prenatal Testing Decision Making Study Team

(301) 443-2347