Cookie Recipe from VT Conference

For those of you like me that LOVED the cookies at our conference, here's the recipe:

Cherry Almond Chews

1 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
1 c. packed brown sugar
2 eggs
3/4 tsp. almond extract
2 1/2 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 1/2 c. flaked coconut
3/4 c. chopped almonds or pecans, optional
1 jar (16 oz.) maraschino cherries, drained and halved

In mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugars. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in extract. Combine flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Stir in coconut and nuts if desired. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 in. apart onto lightly greased baking sheets. Place a cherry half in the center of each. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-14 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.
Yield: about 7 dozen
These cookies freeze well.

Thanks Heather!

Getting to Know You

Did you know that Sis. Bristol eats a hard boiled egg and toast for breakfast, Sis. Deleon eats a big ol' smoothie, Sis. Shell has to have her orange juice and Eggo waffles, and Sis. Hart doesn't eat breakfast at all? Also, did you know that Sis. Sugden was in a Disney commercial in her youth, Sis. June Ferrell taught seminary for 17 years, and Sis. Laurel Ferrell collects bells, seashells, and baskets? These are some of the fun things we learned about eachother last night.

Sis. Stout gave an excellent talk on how Relief Society got started and how we can focus on the meaning of our motto, "Charity Never Faileth."

Here's a quote from her words last night:

Marvin J. Ashton:

“We often equate charity with visiting the sick, taking in casseroles to those in need, or sharing our excess with those who are less fortunate. But really, true charity is much, much more.

“Real charity is not something you give away; it is something 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. . . .

“Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended. . . . Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other.”

We had a wonderful time. Thanks to all that were able to make it and we missed all that could not. We'll catch you next time! :)

Visiting Teaching Conference 2010

Thank you to all that participated and attended the visiting teaching conference last Sunday. The room looked beautiful, thanks to Sis. Clark, the food was delicious, thanks to Sis. Strickland, and the words that were spoken were inspiring, thanks to Sis. Turbyfield. One of her suggestions to us for getting our visiting teaching done is The Rule of 5.

First, get your appointments made by the 5th of the month.

Second, visit your sisters by the 15th of the month.

Third, report to your visiting teaching coordinator by the 25th of the month.

“Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world … will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different in happy ways—from the women of the world.

Cooling Off

Cooling off in this Georgia heat is just what the doctor ordered. Thank you to Gail for offering her neighborhood pool. It was perfect for our little group of swimmers.

The Parenting Breakthrough

Stephanie did a great job explaining the techniques taught in this book. We also were able to share our own ideas and help eachother with the struggles we face as parents. Sis. Brantley was sweet to come even though she has, "been there, done that." This was a very helpful night for each of us and we are so glad we did this. Thanks to Brittney for volunteering Stephanie!

Brand new baby Owen McLeod even joined us for the night. He was so good, didn't even make a peep. :)

I think we will have to do this one again!

Pasta Night!

The Larry, Lini team have out done themselves again! We learned the secrets to making delicious pasta and was able to taste all of their creations. We sure appreciate their generosity in having all of us in their home. It was a such a tasty evening.

They couldn't stop after just teaching us a few techniques, they finished the plate with toasted garlic bread, corn, and ice cream for dessert. Alex, you are doing spectacular!

We are happy to have the Ferrells' in our ward now. We had so many people there. Thank you Carnells! We think you should start your own cooking show. We could either call it "The Larry and Lini Cooking Show", or "Cooking with the Rae-Rae's", since both of their middle names are Rae. Wouldn't that be so cool? :)

Recipe Swap Again

The Recipe Swap is always such a big hit. It is great to get together and it is so kid friendly at Ali's house. Thanks Ali!

RS Garden Makeover

Sister Collins was our lucky recipient in recieving the Extreme Yard Makeover. She has such a beautiful yard. It was fun to work on it with all that came. We worked hard, but was so enjoyable. The weather was beautiful and the fellowship was even better.

Lauri and Katie worked the shovel. They were a great team.

Carrie, (not in the picture--the photographer), Kathryn, and Kimberly cleaned up in this area.


These gals prepared the area for planting.

Laura and Cathy spruced up around the mailbox.

Judy put together some gorgeous potted plants. I should have taken the picture after they were done. You can see them in a picture of the whole area at the end of the post.

Barbara did as much as she could, recovering from an injured shoulder.

Ali starts putting in some flowers.

Janet works the rake.

Judy taught us how to decorate using fresh flowers. She had some amazing ideas.

This was a favorite, using green beans and asparagus.

But, there is no slowing Judy down, she made these beautiful and tasty cupcakes decorating with flowers made of icing, mini oreos, and gum drops.

The fruit, cheese, and crackers were very refreshing after working outside. Thanks Pricilla!

The Collins were so appreciative. We were so happy to help them.

The end results......

See the planters on the front porch?

I can't wait to come back and see all the flowers and plants filling up the beds. It will be beautiful!

Cooking with Pip

Pip shared with us her ideas on cooking with rice. I sure wish I could have been there. Those that came really enjoyed it. Everyone loves going to Pip's house!

Sewing Service Project

Our service project for Scottish Rite Hospital was a huge success. We had so many sisters donate fabric, cloth diapers, ribbon, thread, and most of all their time and effort. We were able to complete quite a few baby blankets and burp cloths at the event, but also many sisters brought home fabric to finish up. I am in awe of how many we were able to get done in a short amount of time. Thanks to all! Katie and Lindsay were pumping out those burp cloths in no time!

Lauri cut fabric while Carolyn and Pip rocked at the sewing machine.

This ducky and frog pattern was one of my favorites.

Renate and Cathy liked to be called, "the youngins."

I'm not sure what Katie was saying, but it must have been important, or just entertaining.

We had two irons going, keeping up with all the fabric and blankets.

Gail and Stephanie REALLY didn't want me to take this picture, but I had to capture their committment to their task of cutting. It can't be that comfortable on the floor!

I tried to catch Judy in action. She's doing a great job! Doesn't she have such beautiful hair too?

Rose brought some adorable pink fabric and made darling blankets.

Here's just a fraction of the finished products. We had much more by Sunday.

Thank you to all that participated. We look forward to taking these over to Scottish Rite.