Gift Idea for Teachers

I am helping my kids make a few of these for their teachers and friends and thought if anyone else needed an idea....this might work!

This is the message on the card:
We tried to find a stocking
but we couldn't find a spare....
So we ended up stuffing
Santa's red underwear!! 

Supplies needed:
2 pieces of red felt (which will give you 2 Santa's)
3 white pom poms (per Santa)
Hot glue / gun 
Green string for tying a bow
Sewing Machine ( you could hand stitch it too)

Cut out your Santa underwear and then sew together all the way around EXCEPT for the neckline.  This will be your opening to stuff your favorite holiday treat.  Glue on the pom poms, stuff the underwear and then thread the yarn from the back to the front and tie it off into a bow.  Print off  the little saying and attach to underwear with a small safety pin. (or you could punch a hole in the corner of the paper and thread your string through it before tying it off.)


*** If you want the underwear pattern, I can email you my hand drawn copy  that I have.
morsyd at gmail dot com

Book up for grabs

I'm through with my copy of this month's book (The Life of our Lord book by Charles Dickens) if you'd still like to read it. It's REALLY short and very easy to read....
If you have another copy to lend please put it on the blog or reply to all here. We'll meet next Thursday, Dec. 16th at 7:30 at Deb Rivard's house.
Melissa dot lee dot spencer at gmail.com

Wii games

Hey, I was wondering if any of you aren't using Mario Kart Wii (the game only) (ours is scratched) Or Wii Sports Resort anymore, and would like to sell them. I'd buy them from you!  Let me know! 

rogersareblessed(at)gmail(dot)com

Scout Fundraiser

The ward scout troop is selling a 3 pack of Solar powered rechargeable flashlights for $20. These would be great gifts and are perfect for your 72 hour kit. They will be selling them outside the Lowe's in Rio Rancho and by Cottonwood Mall this Saturday (12/11/10) from 10am to 2pm. This fundraiser helps pay for Scout Camp and High Adventure for the young men.

If anyone would like to purchase these flashlights please let Allen F. or David Miera know before Saturday. The website for the flashlights is: www.solarlitesource.com.
Thank you.

Emergency Preparedness Survey

Our Stake Emergency Preparedness Coordinators have been working hard on the Albuquerque West Stake Emergency Plan. In order for them to assess the needs and resources of each ward and branch they need each head of household to fill out an emergency preparedness survey. Many of you have already received and filled-out this survey (thank you), but there are many families in our ward who still need to complete the survey. All of you should have received an email from Ventana Ward Relief Society with an attached a copy of the survey for you to fill out if you haven't already. Please take the time to complete your survey and return it to Brother Barrie (in our ward) as soon as possible. If you do not have email access and would like a hard copy of the survey you get one at church on sunday from Brother Barrie.

Thanks!

zumba 8:45AM Tuesday 12/7

Zumba is back on!!!!!!!!  I hope to see you all there with lots of energy to burn ( I should have quite a bit to burn with all of these cookies I've been eating!!!!)

Anyway, tomorrow 8:45 at the Chapel. 

Hope to see you there,
Kellie W.

Electronic Thomas the Train Toy to Ride - FREE

I have a Thomas the Train toy that kiddos can ride. It goes around on a circle railroad track. I think it should work...I was given it and told that probably all it needed was a new battery for about $30 off Amazon. I do not know for sure. And I do not have the energy to go to the effort of figuring it out right now. But if you are handy or want to figure it out then it is good condition and would be a great present from Santa.

Let me know,

Rachael B.

BYU Bowl Game Tickets

My brother bought two extra BYU bowl game tickets I need to sell. They are on the East side (BYU SIDE) section EE row 13 or 14. My brother actually ordered his with ours but got us 4 tickets when we only need 2. They cost $35 (30 plus booking fee) for each ticket. I don't know if it's row 13 or 14 because I don't know what row my brother wanted to keep for his family. It would be about the 45 yard line, close to the isle. If anyone is interested in buying them from us, that would be awesome. The bowl game is at the UNM Stadium at 12 PM on December 18.

BONUS! You also get to sit by some pretty awesome people (us)!

Call me or email me if you have any questions. 785-550-3428 or tewinters1[at]yahoo[dot]com

VRES Butter Braid Distribution help

Is there anyone whose kids attend Ventana Ranch Elementary who would be available tomorrow from 1-3 p.m. to help a member of the PTA receive and sort the Butter Braid orders? I will be there close to 3 p.m. to help, after my daughter's dentist appt. You can let me know by posting a comment or just showing up. Thanks, Erin S.

**Free to Good Home

We have an old barbecue grill that we need to get rid of. It works great, just needs a good cleaning. Please come pick it up. First come, first serve. I placed it on the curb in front of our house. Our address is in the ward list under Stephanie and Taylor H.

Madrigal Feaste Ticket Available

Ladies, I have a single ticket to the Madrigal Feaste available for tonight, Dec. 4. This is a concert and dinner put on by the choir and orchestra at Volcano Vista. It starts at 6:30. If you'd like to go, my number is in the online directory or you can email me at dwager (at) thewagers (dot) org

Bookclub Muffins

I brought these muffins to bookclub last month. The chocolate ones are moist like Costco muffins, and you can double the recipe to make 24. The pumpkin ones my kids and my husband love and they don't like pumpkin. They're from Slim and Scrumptious by Joy Bauer...awesome cookbook.

Chocolate Muffins

1 egg plus one egg white

½ cup milk

¼ cup oil

½ cup plain yogurt

¾ cup brown sugar

¼ t salt

¾ t baking soda

1 cup white flour

1/3 cup whole wheat flour

¼ cup cocoa

½ t vanilla

¼ cup chocolate chips

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Combine dry ingredients except sugar. In another bowl, combine wet ingredients and sugar and whisk until mixed. Add dry to wet and mix just until moistened. Fold in the chocolate chips. Bake 18-20 minutes, just until toothpick comes out with a crumb instead batter. Makes 12 muffins Can substitute 2T applesauce for ½ of the oil, and applesauce or sour cream instead of yogurt. If you use vanilla yogurt, decrease the sugar to ½ c. and omit the vanilla.

Maple-Pumpkin Oat Muffins by Joy Bauer

¾ c. whole wheat flour

¾ c. all-purpose flour

½ c. quick oats

¼ c. white sugar

2 ½ t. baking powder

¼ t. baking soda

¼ t. salt

2 t. pumpkin pie spice(or 1t. Cinnamon, ½ ginger, ¼ t nutmeg, ¼ t. cloves)

1 egg

2 T canola oil

1/3 c. pure maple syrup

1 t. vanilla

1 c. 100 % pure pumpkin puree

½ c milk

Preheat 375. In a large mixing bowl combine dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk egg, oil, maple syrup, and vanilla. Add the pumpkin and milk, and whisk to combine. Pour the wet over the dry and fold to combine. Makes 12 muffins. Can top with raw pumpkins seeds or sunflower seeds.

Bake 18-20 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Freeze really well wrapped in plastic wrap and zippered into bag.

Christmas Party

This is just a little reminder that our ward Christmas party is tonight, 6 PM, at the stake center!
*youth 12-18 should be there at 5:50 to help serve!  Thanks!

baptism reminder

This is just to remind you about the baptism for Janette and Daron B. tomorrow,  Dec. 4th, at 4 PM at the Stake Center.  There will be an open house following the baptism at Chelsie L.'s house.  Come help welcome them to the ward!  Bring an appetizer if you'd like.  If you are coming to the open house, please RSVP to Chelsie L. (in ward directory).  Thanks!

Christmas Tree

This Saturday December 4th, we are heading up to the Jemez Mountains to cut down a Christmas tree. The permit costs $10.00 and is available at the Jemez Ranger District. It is easiest to just pick one up on the way up to the mountains. If anyone is interested in coming with us please give me a call. My number is on the ward list under Stephanie H. You can also email me at taystephhot(at)msn(dot)com.

Who doesn't enjoy the smell of a fresh cut Christmas tree?! I know I do!!

Merry Christmas!!

Christmas house swap

Do any of you have family who live in the area between/around Lehi to Sandy that would be interested in a house swap during the Christmas holidays? I'm not sure of our exact dates, but it would definitely be from Christmas Eve through the following weekend and then a few days either before or after that. Our house would then be available the same time for your visiting family's use. We have three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a king size bed, toddler bed, crib and futon/couch that sleeps two. The house is almost completely kid-proofed and the heating is paid so you can turn it up as high as you like and pretend you're having Christmas in Hawaii! We're looking for a place to stay in Utah because my in-laws just moved to a retirement community... If you're looking for extra space for your guests and they'd like to swap, send me an email at treebop at hotmail.com Thanks!

Pennies for heroes

My husband's extended family never ceases to amaze me. I got this email from his cousin and thought I would pass it on.

"Hi Friends-



My brother, Mike, who was a police officer for several years, started a charity which is “dedicated to providing help to the families of our fallen military men and women, fallen law enforcement and fallen fire fighters who have died or sustained serious injury while doing their duty to protect America.” The following press release Mike wrote is one example of how they work. I thought I would share for anyone shopping on-line for Christmas gifts!

 Krista

On Friday 10/29/10 we went into the home of slain Sevier County Sheriff’s Deputy Franco Aguilar to re-insulate it. We had learned that Franco’s wife Jamie was spending approximately $250-$300 a month on heat bills last winter. In the attic we were able to seal it (we found birds living in the attic space) and then blow in 2 to 2.5 feet of new insulation, significantly raising the R-value. The professionals who assisted us think it will cut her heat bills by more than 50% this winter.


Franco is one of four police officers killed in Utah this year. They are a fraction of the 140 that have died thus far in 2010 nationwide. In addition to the police officers, there have been 71 fire fighters killed. Many of these heroes leave behind loved ones like Jamie and her kids who need help. Last week alone, there were 9 police officers killed, leaving 14 children, and 10 grandchildren.


This Christmas, if you plan to buy anything from any of the following retailers, you can help these families by purchasing your items online & through our website. It will not cost you one penny more, and you will be helping us improve life for these people.


Wal-mart


Amazon


Sears


Target


Buy.com


K-mart


Office Max


Office Depot


We will add additional stores upon request. You can find our site at www.penniesforheroes.org. Thank you!

(You can also purchase gift cards to be used at the store if you prefer shopping in person rather than online.)"


What a great way to help those in need this holiday season! I know that a lot of you have either done all your shopping or are almost done; but if you want to help, all you have to do is go to their website here , click on "donte by shopping" and shop away.

Jenny Childers

NO ZUMBA AGAIN!!!

Sorry Ladies, I work this Tuesday so I am not able to do Zumba Tuesday.  If anyone know of a Priesthood holder who is able to be there for us Wednesday I am able to teach that morning. 

Thanks,
Kellie.
kelliejh(at)yahoo.com

Glitter Trees Reminder :)

Just wanted to remind you of the Glitter Trees craft project that's happening this Tuesday, 7 pm, at my house.

 

Any questions, you can email me at debrarivard at hotmail dot com.

See you then!

Dresser?

Our little Alyssa was climbing up our dresser and it fell on top of her. She was not seriously injured at all. But Chris had to pull the dresser up off of her and I've always heard horror stories of kids who do that and have to be hospitalized or have died so it really scared me. We've said a lot of thank you prayers that Heavenly Father kept her safe. So for the safety of your kids, please anchor your dressers and bookcases to the wall! Walmart sells a pack of 8 brackets for $4.98 HERE.

That being said, we have a very useless broken dresser that is doing nothing for us. If there is anyone who is getting rid of a dresser or would like to sell us one for cheap, we would appreciate any help. If you have anything, you can contact me at tewinters1[at]yahoo[dot]com

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you're enjoying some good food and the company of friends and family today.

Madrigle Dinner

The orchestra is having a fundraiser called the "Madrigle Dinner". The dinner will have a renaissance theme and will have plenty of music, fun, and good food! Each ticket is $15 and must be paid for in advance. Anyone who wants one can contact me. The thing is, since I'm performing, I need a costume....quickly. Does anyone have an old halloween costume of winter ball/prom gown?  Thank you!

Andrea P. (daughter of Pilar P.)

baptism

Janette and Daron B. will be baptized Sat. Dec. 4th at 4 PM at the Stake Center.  There will be an open house following the baptism at Chelsie L.'s house.  Come help welcome them to the ward!  Dessert provided.  If you would like to help, give Chelsie a call.  Thanks!

Small Boxes Needed

Hi Ladies,

I am trying to put together some centerpieces for the Ward Christmas party on Dec. 3rd.   I am looking for boxes that I can wrap up to look like presents that are not too big for the center of the table.  If you have any PLEASE call or email me!

Thanks,
Kellie Wright

kelliejh(at)yahoo(dot)com

Book Club Suggestions

Are you looking for a great book to read? How about one that we've read that you forgot the name? You asked for it- here it is!

Ventana Book Club List of Suggested Reads
(Thru December 2010)

(Any listed books are recommendations by members of our book club. While we've tried to select books that are clean, personal preferences vary and memories may be faulty. Please carefully consider any book on this list before reading, as you would with any other recommendation.)

*“bold” denotes a book we’ve read and discussed

Classic
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

Self-Help
Strangling your husband is not an option by Merillee Browne Boyack
How to make friends & influence people by Dale Carnegie
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish (?)
The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands by Dr. Laura Schlessinger
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

Fiction/Historical Fiction
Papa married a Mormon by Fitzgerald
The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
Captain Correlli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernières
A Woman of Independent Means by Elizabeth Forsythe Hailey
The Chosen by Chaim Potok
The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck
The Gurnsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
These is my Words by Nancy E. Turner
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
Shanghai Girls by Lisa See
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
Princess Bride by William Goldman
Paths of Glory by Jeffrey Archer
http://www.jeffreyarcher.co.uk/paths-of-glory.htm
The Poison Wood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

Sci-fi/Fantasy
Wings by April Lynn Pike
Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
The Host by Stephenie Meyer
Lord of the Rings by J.R. Tolkien
Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs
Dune by Frank Herbert
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
The Road - Cormac McCarthy
Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer

Movie Books
Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs
Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand
The Soloist by Steve Lopez
Into the Wild by John Krakauer
The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy,
Catch Me If You Can by Frank Abagnale, Jr.

Academic/non-fiction/biography
Zeitoun by Dave Eggers - Muslim family amidst Hurricane Katrina destruction
Freakonomics by Steven Levitt
My life in France by Julia Child
Driven- biography of Larry H. Miller
Blink by Malcolm Gladwell- on first impressions
Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv
Man’s search for Meaning by Victor Frank
Even Silence has an end by Ingrid Betancourt-Columbian hostages in jungle
Nurture shock by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman
The Life of Our Lord by Charles Dickens
Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson
Queen Noor- Leap of Faith by Queen Noor
Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science by Atul Gawande
Cheaper By the Dozen by Frank Bunker Gilbreth, Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey
Guns, Germs & Steel by Jared Diamond
Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hal & Denver Moore

Next 3 Books for Book Club

Book Lovers,
Here's the lineup for the next 3 months;
December 16 at Debra R's house: The Life of our Lord by Charles Dickens
*** This is a nice short summary of the New Testament that Dickens wrote for his kids/grandkids. EASY READ!!! Great for Christmas!

January 20: And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

February 17 (discussion led by Melissa Spencer- still need a host house): How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Any volunteers to host/lead discussion for January or February?

Enjoy!
Melissa