Bead Temples

Hello ladies,

I wanted to share a pretty amazing craft (summer craft night anyone??) that we made in Georgia. I showed both YW presidents, and the Volcano Cliff's Activity Days leader and they all think that it is pretty amazing. It is great because although it looks fragile, it is made from beads and is quite durable. I let my nursery kids pass it around while we sing "I Love to See the Temple".

Here is the link to the website. http://www.lasting-spires.com/site_script/get_temple_list.php

I thought that if we consolidated our order, we could get a discount on the patterns and supplies. Let me know if you are interested.

Family looking for a house to rent

Hi All,
A friend of a friend's family is moving to Albuquerque and looking for a home to rent starting June 1st. They're looking to sign a year lease and are hoping to find a house with 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, and rent around $1300. They are very interested in Ventana Ranch and would be happy to be in either the Volcano Cliffs or Ventana Ranch Ward! Email her at crescentmarchant (at) gmail (dot) com if you have any info.

Thanks!
Sara R.

June Book Club (the other book club)

Hey guys!

We had fun the other night talking about the Giver. Okay, so maybe we weren't just talking about The Giver. But it was great company, good food and some really entertaining background noises as Deaf Hubs was going to sleep while 2 1/2 of my children were screaming at the top of the staircase. It was glorious!

Really, it was. I love it!

So next month Kellie Hood chose to read "A Book of a Thousand Days" by Shannon Hale. Here is the teaser:

When Dashti, a mucker from the steppes of Titor's Garden, one of the 8 Realms, becomes Lady Saren's maid, she enters into a struggle between Saren and her father. The Lord of Titor's Garden has declared that his daughter will marry Lord Khasar of Thoughts of Under, when Saren reveals that she has betrothed herself to the young Khan Tegus of Song for Evela. To tame his daughter, Saren's father shuts her and Dashti, the only maid willing to accompany Saren, in a tower far away from his city. He claims he will only release them after seven years, or if Saren will relent and marry Khasar. See what happens when her father never comes back and the two girls are left alone in the tower with out any knowledge of his death.


Hope to see you next month!!

ASL Class correction

There is an error on the DATES of the ASL class that we are doing...but not the DAYS.

So the ASL Class that we are teaching will be:
June 14, 16, 21, 23. (Those are Tuesdays and Thursdays.)
The times will be 1-1:45pm.
It's a total of $25/child. Unless you have more than one child. Then it is $20 every child after that.
We will be giving out a DVD to help review and practice.

We have about 10 kids, so we are just going to combined the class and split them up during practice time.

There is still room if you are interested.

stef.burns at gmail.com

Summer Art Classes

Doot da da loo! Here is this summer's schedule of art classes that I will be teaching from my home. There is a "register by" for each class. This means you need to let me know if your child will FOR SURE attend by this date. Also, there must be a minimum of 5 children per class otherwise the class will be canceled. Bring your own cover-up for each class!

I've learned that the atmosphere can pretty stale for the first few classes because the children are quiet and reserved about their artwork. It always takes a few classes for the kids to warm up to each other and then the class is over. To make the children feel more comfortable and to create a more exciting atmosphere I like to play music in the background and serve some simple snacks and drinks AWAY from our work area. THE KIDS LOVE IT! If your child has any allergies please let me know when you register. Thanks.

Gouache (rhymes with squash)
Dates: May 31, June 1, 7, 8
Time: 10-11:30am
Cost: $40
Register by: May 24
Open to children who are 7 years old and older (5 and 6 year olds can come if you feel like they can handle more instructions and details) and are interested in learning art.

Gouache is very popular among illustrators. During our four classes I will teach you how to gouache on hot pressed paper. In addition, you'll learn the basics skills of cartooning and you'll learn how to paint a realistic looking piece of artwork. Maybe one day you'll be an illustrator, too.

A fun example of gouache is from the author and illustrator, Chris Van Dusen's work. He uses gouache in almost all of his work. Check it out: http://www.chrisvandusen.com/

Still wondering what gouache is? Gouache is a painting technique and it also refers to the type of paint. Gouache is opaque watercolors mixed with gum (but not like the Bubblicious type). "Typical" watercolors are transparent and are more mild in colors. Gouache still uses water to thin it out like regular watercolors, but it acts more like acrylic paint because of how it covers. Yet, it has the smooth flow as watercolors and can be very bright. Some gouache work is typically mistaken to be done on a computer because it can be so smooth and even textured. Confused yet?

Color Crazed Camp
Dates: June 27 through July 1
Times: 10am- 11:30am
Cost: $55
Register by: June 20

This class is geared for younger children ages 4-6.

Let your creative juices fly in this wackiest of wacky art classes! You'll explore with different materials everyday to create a new project (or be the project) each class for a whole week. I'll supply the out-of-this-world materials and give you the outline. ...The rest is up to you. You'll make, create, sew, and paint. You'll wear, tear, squish and squirt. You'll sponge, stamp, peal and wipe. This is your not-so-everyday-art-projects with your mommy-never-lets-me-use-those-at-home materials. Everyday will have a theme. However, not every project relates to the theme - it just adds to the zaniness.

Monday: Crazy hat day!
Tuesday: Big Bang - come dressed like a mad scientist!
Wednesday: Wet N' Wild Wednesday - wear your bathing suit under your normal clothes!
Thursday: Dress like your favorite super hero or princess but make sure your costume can get messy.
Friday: Crazy sock day!

Lettering and Calligraphy
Dates: June 29, July 1, 6, 8
Times: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Cost: $35
Register by: June 22
Open to children who can read, write and have a good command of their own handwriting and are interested in learning art.

Join us for some seriously original artwork. Lettering is all around us and is a real skill used for art, signs, letters, banners, invitations and so much more. (This skill has personally been the most useful to me. At BYU I worked as one of the college's artist mostly making signs and painting windows. I've continued painting windows and using my lettering skills to earn extra money to this day.) Getting anyone to print outside of their normal handwriting is difficult. Coming up with their own font is even harder. But once you grasp the concept you'll doodle on everything.

In four classes you will learn and create several writing styles from funky and fancy fonts with everything in between. Boys and girls will both enjoy it. This is more than just using a pen to write, we will use other media to create real artwork using real art skills.

Mixed Media
Dates: July 11, 13, 18, 20
Time: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Cost: $45 per child
Register by July 4
Open to children 5 years old and older who are interested in learning art.

In this session you will learn out-of-the-box art skills while exploring a more contemporary flare to art by using several media for one piece of artwork: paint, paper, sealers, glue, pens... This will push you to create what is not "typical". The goal will be to produce 2 or 3 pieces of artwork that you are proud of. We'll use brushes, sponges, fingers and fabric to apply our media. It's gonna be fun and super messy so bring your own cover-up and wear old clothes.


Black and White
Dates: August 8, 9, 10, 11
Time: 10:00 - 12:00am
Cost: $45
Register by: August 1
Open to children 7 years and older. (5 and 6 year olds can come if you feel like they can handle more instructions and details.)

In each class you will learn a new art skill while using a different black and white media. A little charcoal and chalk, black and white acrylics on canvas here and there with a touch of photo pens and black and white photos to give you a glimpse of the fun. Each child will take home 4 finished pieces of artwork. Because we will do something different each day, the class will be 2 hours long to give us enough time to complete our projects. It's going to be awesome so come prepared to learn and create!

Contact Rachael Boyle at rachaelboyle(AT)gmail(DOT)com or our number is in the ward directory.

nice little family looking for a place to rent this summer

Hi Ventana Neighborhood,

We know this incredibly awesome family from Salt Lake - the dad used to be our bishop.  His son is now grown and married with 2 little boys.  They (the son's family) are looking to sublet a furnished apartment/house/place to live in Albuquerque from June 1st through July 31st.  David worked with him for years in the Young Men's program.  He is a really stellar person and we'd love to help him find a place.  He hasn't had any luck looking online. If you know of anything that would suit their needs, please let me know!  Michelle C in Ventana Ward directory or michechapman(at)gmail(dot)com

THANK YOU!!
Michelle

Pioneer Day Camp: Only 2 spots left!

Hey ladies! I just wanted to let you know that there are now only two more spots available for the Pioneer Day Camp, held July 18-22 (not Wednesday). We're going to have a ton of fun, so please let me know if your 4- to 6-year-old is interested. Registration is only $40 per child, with a family discount of $35 per child when more than one attends. If you'd like additional information about the camp, registration, and activities involved, check out THIS post.

Books needed

We are having a children's book drive for our YW service project. We are looking for childrens books (chapter booksWed, May 11th.  are fantastic, but any will do) to be donated to the jail where inmates can make recordings of the books and send them to their kids. If you have any that you would like to donate, let Laurie M. or me know and our YW can come by to pick them up. Our deadline is tomorrow. Thanks!!!

-Kristie L.

Borrowing a hand tamper?

Does anyone have a hand tamper that we could borrow this weekend (and possibly the next)? We're installing a patio and are considering that option instead of renting a plate compactor. Let me know at chelsey DOT jorgensen AT gmail DOT com. Thanks!

Block your phone number from telemarketing companies

I think this is old info, but if you have never registered your phone you should do so.

REMEMBER: Cell Phone Numbers Go Public this month.
REMINDER..... all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sales calls.

.... YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS

To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone: 888-382-1222.
It is the National DO NOT CALL list It will only take a minute of your time. Telephone numbers placed on the National Do Not Call Registry will remain on it permanently due to the Do-Not-Call Improvement Act of 2007, which became law in February 2008. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number.

HELP OTHERS BY PASSING THIS ON .. It takes about 20 seconds.



https://www.donotcall.gov/default.aspx

Free Picture Frames

We are getting rid of about 14 simple black picture frames that we don't use anymore. There are various sizes. We also are getting rid of two small black wooden shelves that you can mount on your wall to put frames or other knicknacks on. Please email me at tim (dot) sara (dot) rauch (at) gmail (dot) com if you're interested, or I'll just be donating them!

Wanted: Your scrap wood and building supplies

I am working on a project. ...A very good project. ...A project that has taken convincing for my husband. Reluctantly, he has agreed to my project as long as I do it for next to nothing.

So... Do you have extra pieces of building material that you have lying around, wishing it was gone, but have never found the time to take it to the dump or break it down to fit in your trash can? I'll come and take it off of your hands!! What I am looking for is: plywood, 2x4's, 2x6's, 4x4's, siding, and roofing tiles in all shapes and sizes.

Please let me know,
Thanks,
Rachael B.

Free Fill Dirt/Sand

Rebecca H. from the VC Ward is removing a large amount of dirt/sand from her back yard.  If  anybody needs some garden, yard or planter filler, please come and get what you need!! She can be reached at
1-214-364-7662.  She is in the VR area.  She said they would even be willing to bring the dirt to your house!

Books available

I have the following books available to lend:
Zeitoun
Blink
A Tale of Two Cities
The Parenting Breakthrough
(these are some of the ones we have lined up to read the next few months)

If you want to borrow them just let me know. melissa dot lee dot spencer at gmail dot com.

FYI We're discussing Zeitoun Thursday the 19th at 7:30 in my backyard. Sara R. will lead the discussion.

Melissa

Aerating this weekend

We are really aerating this weekend. We scheduled an aerator a few weeks back...and then when we called about picking it up....they didn't have it for us. Anyways, we rescheduled for this weekend..so it's a go! So here is the post again..... with the new dates...




Brad is renting an aerater this weekend for our yard. (May 7th) (Aerating: Puts little holes in the ground to for some air in it to help the grass grow better.) It is $90 if you rent one on your own for the whole day. The last few times we have aerated it has worked out well because other families wanted their yard aerated too, and they went in on it, so it ended up being $20 a yard. Brad is even willing to come over and do it for you, since the thing is a heavy bugger. So, let us know. He can pick it up Friday afternoon.



e-mail to rogersareblessed(at)gmail(dot)com



or call Brad R. 715-3710

May the "Fourth" Be With You

Just wanted to let you know tomorrow is National Star Wars Day! Get your geek on.

Missionary/Service Opportunity?

Hi Ladies! I was checking to see if anyone feels the need for extra blessings through service. My sister is having her baby today, her little one is breech to she has to have a c-section. I was hoping I could get a few volunteers for some meals for her. She is currently inactive and was recently discharged from her Marine military service. She does not have very many close acquaintance here in ABQ anymore. I would hope that the spirit could touch her through sisters willing to show their compassion and bring a meal. Please let me know if you would be willing to! I really appreciate it.

Thank you so much!

Kim W.-

kimbiebop at g mail dot com. :)

One week!

Alright, Girlies!

Just a quick reminder to read "The Giver" by next Tues. Then come to book club at 7:30pm at my house...I'm Stef if you didn't know.

If you need my address you won't find it in your ward directory unless you were kicked out of the VR ward with me. Instead you can email me, stef DOT burns AT gmail DOT com and I can tell ya how to get here. Or you can call Susan Turner or Andrea Rogers, or, or,or. They can help ya out.

If you wanna bring a treat or something to share, feel free. Hope to see ya then!

stef

Girls Night Out

I'm putting together an informal GNO for this Wednesday (May 4). Everyone is invited so spread the word. Come for all or part of the night.

Meet at the Rio Red Robin (5531 Office Blvd. NE) at 7:30 for dessert/appetizers/dinner/whatever. Afterwards we'll go to the 8:55 showing of Water For Elephants at the Rio theater.

Call me if you need directions or want to ride together!

Monique F.

Summer Spanish Class

I am offering Spanish classes with the help of Hunter and Hayden. Kids going to third grade and up. The session will be 2 weeks, Monday to Friday from 1:30 to 3:00. The cost will be 50 per child per session. The money is for Hunter and Hayden EFY /camp cost. There will up to 8 students per session. Session 1 is June 13- June 24
Session 2 is July 11- July 22

Dora Thomas
doramthomas@gmail.com

Book Drive for Young Women's Service Project

Ventana Ward and Volcano Cliffs Ward Young Women are finishing up a book drive as part of a service project they are doing to get ready for Stake YW Camp. We are collecting gently used books for all ages (especially chapter books!). These books will be donated to a program for incarcerated parents and their children. The incarcerated parents are recorded as they read the book to their child, and then the recording and the book are sent to the child, so they can listen to their mom or dad reading to them, as they follow along in the book. The donated books will be delivered on Wednesday, May 11th, at the YW camp kickoff. So if anyone has some books they'd like to donate, please give them to a YW leader in either ward, before May 11th. Great cause, huh? Thanks!!

-Anneliese M. (YW Camp Director)

Group/Private Swim Lessons

Janet Lyon-Huffman, Director of Duke City Aquatics, is offering Group and Private Swim Lessons at her home near Smiths on Paseo and Golf Course. Here is the info that she emailed me:

We will be offering SWIM LESSONS in several sessions this summer:

• SESSIONS: May 16-19, May 23-26, May 31-June 3, June 6-9, June 13-16, June 27-30, July 11-14, July 18-21 & July 24-27
• We will offer GROUP ($50 per week) and PRIVATE ($75/week) with 4 x 50 minute classes each week.
• We have several TIME SLOTS: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM
• Some evening classes are avaiable upon request.
• We will offer lessons for the following ages: SQUIRTS (3-4 year olds), NEMOS (5-7 year olds), DORY & BRUCE (7-10 year olds) and
• PARENT-TOT (3 & under plus parent).
• Group size: 3-4 kids
• Instructor to Child Ratio: 1:3 or 1:4 depending on age
• Family Discount: 10%

Contact: Janet Lyon-Huffman (505) 249-7725 jlyonhuff{at}msn{dot}com

Be advised that this price has gone up since last year. It was $10 per hour/per kid for group lessons. One thing to keep in mind though, it's still WAY cheaper than other private pools and it's local. Smaller group sizes will most likely mean more one on one time for your kids than at the city pools.

If you used her last year, please comment and tell us about your experiences...good or bad. If you know of any other swim programs, post that too!! Please and Thank You!!!! :)

Duke City Swim Clinic

The Duke City Swim Team offers a four day swim clinic at West Mesa Pool. Here is the info...

When: May 31st through June 3rd (Tues thru Fri) 8am-9am
Where: West Mesa Pool
For: Children 6 and Up. Must be able to swim across the length of the pool w/out assistance***
Cost: $10
Bring: Goggles and Towel
Register: No need to pre-register. Just show up with your money and fill out the form a few minutes before the first session starts.
Questions: Contact Janet Lyon-Huffman 249-7725 jlyonhuff{at}msn{dot}com

My boys did it last year and we had a great experience...this program really helped them improve their swimming skills. The swim team staff was very nice, but VERY firm. You are there to develop your swimming skills, not play in the water. I think they worked on four different strokes. If you have a lot of time on your hands and want to read about our experience, check out my novel length post here.

***Last years session did not require kids to be able to swim across the pool. Two of my three boys were not able to do that at the time. I guess they changed it????? I don't know if the program will be exactly like it was last year, but I'll most likely put my kids in if I can handle getting everyone there by 8am!!

Food storage at Costco

Costco now sells: #10 cans of dried eggs, dried strawberries, and Morning Moo's!  If you don't know what Morning Moo's is, it's basically imitation milk that tastes almost exactly like real lowfat milk, but not as much nutritional value.  My kids will NOT drink the other kind though, so it's good for the pickier milk drinker!  Is it weird I get excited about this stuff?!

Giving away queen bed and frame

My brother is giving away his queen bed and it's frame. It is used. I am not sure how old it is, but I can ask if anyone is interested. He and his wife have been married only 2 or 3 years, but I can't remember if he had it before that.