Playgroup for December 7

Hello fellow playgroup attendees! It's the Christmas season and with that comes holiday travel, which will effect a lot of us including myself. Because of this we've tweaked the schedule a little bit, so please take note. The new schedule is below. We also discussed having a craft box for the winter season. If you have any craft item you would be willing to donate, please bring them tomorrow or next week and I will bring a box to put them in. This way we can engage the kids in crafts when they get bored with nursery toys. Next week will be our first craft, which will be Christmas tree ornaments (beads, pipe cleaners, construction paper snow flakes etc) and I will bring the stuff for that. If you have craft ideas you want to try, let me know and we will do them!

Also, it was discussed that traveling somewhere would be something to look into. So for the near future, we discussed going to the Bean Museum, Pirate Island story time and lunch afterward (this is on Wednesdays so we would have to change the day that week), the Library story time, and possibly the BYU Dinosaur Museum. Any other cheap ideas? Thanks for all the input!

Geneen

Playgroup Schedule for December--Playgroup is on Tuesday at 11:00 am and runs about and hour. Playgroup will be scheduled at the Stake Center on 900 E 50 S unless otherwise specified.
7: Nursery at the church
14: Playtime in Nursery--Christmas craft
21: NO PLAYGROUP
28: Playgroup in nursery

Playgroup for November 23

Playgroup for this week will be at our church (yes, I mean the one on 900 E 50 S!) in the nursery. We'll be having our Thanksgiving potluck lunch and doing some Thanksgiving crafts. As stated before, if you feel so inclined you can bring you favorite Thanksgiving dish, a dish you want to try out on us before you present it to family, or just whatever you want/have to share.There are not a lot of toys to play with in the nursery at this time because the toy cabinet is locked, so if you want to bring some toys to play with, feel free but you don't have to. I will be bringing the paper goods and such for the lunch. Please email me if you have any questions or concerns. See you all tomorrow!

Geneen

Playgroup Schedule for November--Playgroup is on Tuesday at 11:00 am and runs about and hour. This schedule is tentative due to the weather getting colder and less predictable. In case of inclement weather, alternate arrangements or cancellations will be announced by email.
23: Thanksgiving activity (our Stake Center on 900 E)
30: Boys and Girls Club (150 N 1080 E) OR travel destination (Bean Museum anyone?)

Playgroup for November 16

Playgroup for this week will be at Harmon Park. The weather says 50% of rain and in the high 40's, so we'll try and meet at the park, but if the weather is bad, we'll cancel. Next week is going to be our Thanksgiving Potluck activity. I'll nail down the place and activities (hopefully somewhere indoors and we'll do a craft) but plan on bringing something to share. If you want to try out a new Thanksgiving dish on us, or bring your favorite Thanksgiving dish to share, or just whatever you want, that would be awesome. I'll provide the paper products and cutlery. I hope I can see you all tomorrow! Email me with any questions or concerns.

Geneen

Playgroup Schedule for November--Playgroup is on Tuesday at 11:00 am and runs about and hour. This schedule is tentative due to the weather getting colder and less predictable. In case of inclement weather, alternate arrangements or cancellations will be announced by email.
16: Harmon Park (150 S 850 E)
23: Thanksgiving activity (place to be announced)
30: Boys and Girls Club (150 N 1080 E) OR travel destination (Bean Museum anyone?)

Playgroup for November 9

It's supposed to be chilly tomorrow, but no snow in the morning at least.... so I'm deciding to brave the weather and keep playgroup on schedule outside. I completely understand if it's too cold and you all decide not to come, I think I just must be desperate to get out. :) Playgroup will be at Joaquin Park (400 N 400 E) for as long as we can stand it. If the weather turns out to be wet or snowy, we will cancel until next week. Hopefully I'll see you tomorrow!

Geneen

Playgroup Schedule for November--Playgroup is on Tuesday at 11:00 am and runs about and hour. This schedule is tentative due to the weather getting colder and less predictable. In case of inclement weather, alternate arrangements or cancellations will be announced by email.
9: Joaquin Park (400 N 400 E)
16: Harmon Park (150 S 850 E)
23: Thanksgiving activity (place to be announced)
30: Boys and Girls Club (150 N 1080 E) OR travel destination (Bean Museum anyone?)

Playgroup for Nov. 2

Playgroup this week is at Memorial Park on 150 E 800 N. As you all know, it is now November (so hard to believe!) and so weather will be sketchy for the whole month. We'll enjoy the sunshine as long as we can, but look for updates for the playgroup location or cancellations on the day of if not a few hours before in case things start to get ugly. As always, feel free to bring your lunch, friends, and good conversation to the party! See you tomorrow!

Geneen

Playgroup Schedule for November--Playgroup is on Tuesday at 11:00 am and runs about and hour. This schedule is tentative due to the weather getting colder and less predictable. In case of inclement weather, alternate arrangements or cancellations will be announced by email.
2: Memorial Park (150 N 800 E)
9: Joaquin Park (400 N 400 E)
16: Harmon Park (150 S 850 E)
23: Thanksgiving activity (place to be announced)
30: Boys and Girls Club (150 N 1080 E) OR travel destination (Bean Museum anyone?)

A reminder: WARD CHOIR

Our WARD CHOIR has begun meeting again and needs your voice! Show some support and come for  practices @ 11am on Sundays-- Location is in the primary room (upstairs north end) of our good old Stake Center down the street. Please come and help prepare for Holiday programs, and uplift your spirit with some beautiful music!

Just so you know...

Our Rock Star Relief Society President had a birthday yesterday and will be celebrating all weekend long! So be sure to drop her a line!! We love you Janet!

playgroup for oct 26

Playgroup this week will be at the Boys and Girls club if the weather is fine. If it's rainy, we'll cancel and hope for better weather next week! I know our nice days are extremely limited, so I hope we can take advantage of sunny weather as long as possible. The rumors that our church would be ready to move into next month have not come true either, so we'll be looking at alternate options for playgroup this winter. I've had a few offers to do playgroup at people's houses, but if there are any other brave souls who would like to volunteer their homes, please let me know! Also, if you have good idea for traveling for playgroup, let me know about that too. See you all tomorrow!

Geneen

Playgroup Schedule for October--Playgroup is on Tuesday at 11:00 am and runs about and hour. In case of inclement weather, alternate arrangements or cancellations will be announced by email.

26: Boys and Girls Club (150 N 1080 E)

Don't forget...

Fall Festival tomorrow @10!

Madison Mecum

For those of you who haven't heard of this terrible tragedy, a young girl was killed by a teen driver just this past week She was a student of a member of our ward, and we have learned that her family is in need--an article is here http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/article_5c3c546b-44d2-5853-a531-7eb1a62926ee.html I believe there is an account set up at Zion's Bank if anyone wishes to make a donation.

Fall Festival!

Please come!! This Saturday from 10-1 @ Memorial Park

There will be:

-Chili and Cornbread

-PIE!

-Fun games and activities and PRIZES

-cool people in your ward! 

So make some time in your busy schedules to enjoy the season! Also, if you signed up to bring something, be sure to remember and have it there at 10! Thanks----Activities Committee

Playgroup for October 12

Playgroup this week is going to be at Joaquin Park (400 N 400 E). Bring your lunch if you want and lots of good conversation to share. Again, please be mindful of the health of your family. If you have been sick in the last few days or think you might be getting sick, please be considerate of others and refrain from bringing your kids to playgroup this week. We've all heard of the people in our ward who have gotten this nasty stomach bug, and we don't want to perpetuate if we can. Thank you for your consideration.See you all tomorrow!

Geneen


Playgroup Schedule for October--Playgroup is on Tuesday at 11:00 am and runs about and hour. In case of inclement weather, alternate arrangements or cancellations will be announced by email.
12: Joaquin Park (400 N 400 E)
19: Harmon Park (850 E 150 S)
26: Boys and Girls Club (150 N 1080 E)

Playgroup for September 28th

Playgroup for this week will be at Memorial Park (150 N 800 E) at 11:00. As always, feel free to bring your lunch and participate in great conversation! We will not be doing a service activity this month due to illness with the person who was providing materials for the project (get well soon Sam and family!) but we will continue with the project next month, maybe early in the month. I sent out the playgroup schedule for October for the RS Newsletter before our service project plans had changed, so we have Memorial Park two weeks in a row, but I figured you guys wouldn't mind too much. Hopefully at the end of October we can incorporate some Halloween crafts or activities into playgroup, especially if we have bad weather and need to relocate to a different location. Let me know if you have any fabulous ideas! We'll try to stay outside as long as possible since going to the church will not be an option for a few more months. I hope to see you all soon!

Geneen

Playgroup Schedule for October--Playgroup is on Tuesday at 11:00 am and runs about and hour. In case of inclement weather, alternate arrangements or cancellations will be announced by email.
5: Memorial Park (150 N 800 E)
12: Joaquin Park (400 N 400 E)
19: Harmon Park (850 E 150 S)
26: Boys and Girls Club (150 N 1080 E)

Playgroup for September 21

Playgroup this week is going to be at the Boys and Girls Club (150 N 1080 E). Bring a picnic lunch if you want and come enjoy the beautiful weather! Next week is supposed to be a service project week, but it may be postponed until next month depending on scheduling. If we postpone it, please plan on playgroup being at Memorial Park on 150 N 800 E. See you all there!

Geneen

Playgroup Schedule for September: Tuesday at 11:00 and runs about an hour
21: Boys and Girls Club (150 N 1080 E)
28: Service Project--possibly doing more onsie paintings for the RS new mother supply kits. Place to be determined.

Playgroup for September 14

Playgroup for this week is going to be at Joaquin Park (400 N 400 E). As always, feel free to bring your own lunch and conversation to share! I will not be attending for the next few weeks due to the fact that I will be having a baby tomorrow (for sure! HURRAY!!) and Yvonne might not be around much longer we hope! Please do not wait for us to start the lessons! I know Katrina has expressed a need to start the lessons early so she can pick up her kids from activities, just so you're aware. I'll keep updating the locations and times, and hopefully I'll see you all in a few weeks!

Geneen

Playgroup Schedule for September: Tuesday at 11:00 and runs about an hour
14: Joaquin Park (400 N 400 E)
21: Boys and Girls Club (150 N 1080 E)
28: Service Project--possibly doing more onsie paintings for the RS new mother supply kits. Place to be determined.

Playgroup for August 31

This week playgroup will be the quilting service project to finish up the quilts we made for foster kids in June. The activity will be in the park directly behind the Jone's backyard, somewhere were it is shady and nice. I might be able to get two frames up, and if that's the case we might be able to work on another quilt (possibly one from the baby shower? What do you think Sam?). The kids are welcome to play in Michelle's backyard as well as in the park.
As most of you may already know, I am probably going to have a baby in the next few weeks, so I thought I would post the September schedule so everyone at least is aware of what's going on, even if I can't attend or email you all reminders. It'll be pretty low key. I also know that with school starting the 11:00 time slot may not be as desirable as another time. Mother's with kids in school, would an earlier time be better? Please let me know so we can make adjustments to accommodate the most people. See you all tomorrow!

Geneen

Playgroup Schedule for August--playgroup is Tuesday at 11:00 and runs about an hour
31: Service Activity (similar to quilting like we did before)--quilting activity in the park directly behind Michelle Jone's house

Playgroup Schedule for September--playgroup is Tuesday at 11:00 and runs about an hour
7: Harmon Park (150 S 850 E)
14: Joaquin Park (400 N 400 E)
21: Boys and Girls Club (150 N 1080 E)
28: Service Project--possibly doing more onsie paintings for the RS new mother supply kits. Place to be determined.

Playgroup for August 24th

This week we will have playgroup at Memorial Park at 11:00. I think school starts that day for some of your kids, but the kindergartners don't start till September (right?) so I was thinking we could have a celebratory/commissatory (depending on how you view it) potluck lunch. Just bring whatever you want to share with the rest of us, it'll be really casual. I"ll try and bring some plates, cups, utensils and water to share.

Next week is our service day. We'll be finishing up the quilt from the RS activity in June and also working on some quilts Sam Anderson will bring. We'll be meeting at Michelle Jones house, but in the park directly behind her back yard so we can take advantage of more prevalent shade. The kids can play in her backyard and in the park near us, so we should be able to supervise fairly well. See you all tomorrow!

Geneen

Playgroup Schedule for August--playgroup is Tuesday at 11:00 and runs about an hour
24: Memorial Park (150 N 800 E)--back to school potluck lunch anyone?
31: Service Activity (similar to quilting like we did before)--quilting activity in the park directly behind Michelle Jone's house

Playgroup for August 17th

Playgroup for this week will be in my backyard. We'll be doing simple water activities, and if anyone wants to bring water slides, toys, etc that would be awesome. I'll have a baby pool set up, a sprinkler and the swing set. Feel free to bring your lunch if you want. It looks like our service activity for this month will be finishing up the other quilt for the Relief Society project started a few months ago, and also tying the quilts recently made at Sam Anderson's house for the baby showers. The location is still to be decided, but if someone wants to volunteer their house, just let me know! Oh, and we'll also need those quilting frames... anyone know who they belonged to so I can contact them? Also, for those of you who have not heard we got two new teachers (Katrina Espinoza and Sister Otake) and we're way excited for them to join our group! Thanks to everyone who helps out and makes playgroup possible and run smoothly. See you tomorrow!

Geneen

Playgroup Schedule for August--playgroup is Tuesday at 11:00 and runs about an hour
17: Water Party in my backyard! (164 N 700 E)
24: Memorial Park (150 N 800 E)--back to school potluck lunch anyone?
31: Service Activity (similar to quilting like we did before)--quilting activity, location to be announced

Party in the park

I meant to get invitations out to everyone, but you know how it goes, so I hope this will suffice. We would love to see anyone who can make it over to play tomorrow!

Playgroup for August 10th

Hello everyone! Playgroup for this week is going to be at the Boys and Girls Club. Bring your lunch if you wish and a friend if you can! I've heard that there are a bunch of new people that have moved into the ward in the two weeks that I was gone, so if you know any of them or if they live by you, please make sure they get an invite so we can all become better acquainted. Also, if anyone has an idea for a service project for this month, please contact me or Yvonne Russell so we can get the ball rolling. See you all tomorrow!

Geneen


Playgroup Schedule for August--playgroup is Tuesday at 11:00 and runs about an hour
10: Boys and Girls Club (150 N 1020 E)
17: Water Party in my backyard! (164 N 700 E)
24: Memorial Park (150 N 800 E)--back to school potluck lunch anyone?
31: Service Activity (similar to quilting like we did before)--to be announced but suggestions are welcome!

Sunday SUNDAES!!!

I don't know about you guys but anything that involves free sweets and friends, I run to...unfortunately this time I will not be able to do a cross country marathon for this but all you who ARE in Utah can go for me!


The Jones' asked this be passed on to all you lovely ladies so here you go:

This Sunday (Aug 8) at 6:30-7:30 pm in our (Jones's) backyard (105 N 900 E).  The ice cream and toppings are provided.  Anyone is welcome, they just need to bring a bowl, spoon, AND a neighborhood friend. 
*** More info can be found at  http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=144733675546273


My own little soap box addition: These activities are FOR OUR BENEFIT!! Strengthening families, testimonies, and ward friendships. So GO! Make it a priority and you will see positive results in your life! Ok, I'm all done...

Baby Shower

I wanted to get this posted before I forgot. I will try and get invitations out tomorrow, but if I can't - please consider yourself invited! We will be decorating onesies and quilt squares for each baby (2 boys and 2 girls) as well as having pedicure stuff available for everyone. See you there!

aBaby Shower for

Yvonne Russell (Girl)

Geneen Jacobson (Boy)

& Elizabeth Basinger (Boy and Girl)

Thursday August 12, 2010 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at Samantha Anderson’s Home 1123 E 300 N

Simple refreshments will be served. Please RSVP by August 10, 2010.

Playgroup for July 27

This week playgroup is going to be at Memorial Park. Sam Anderson has graciously offered to teach us the lesson (thanks again Sam!) so please don't miss out! I will be gone for next week, so I'm posting the August schedule now in case I miss out on emailing next week. Would anyone be willing to teach the lesson next week? I'll put the lesson link at the bottom so you'll have it. Thank you for all your help and participation. See you tomorrow!

Geneen

Link for lesson: http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=5c33a41f6cc20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=198bf4b13819d110VgnVCM1000003a94610aRCRD

Playgroup Schedule for July--playgroup is Tuesday at 11:00 and runs about an hour
27: Memorial Park (150 N 800 E)

Playgroup Schedule for August--playgroup is Tuesday at 11:00 and runs about an hour
3: Joaquin Park (400 E 400 N)
10: Boys and Girls Club (150 N 1020 E)
17: Water Party in my backyard! (164 N 700 E)
24: Memorial Park (150 N 800 E)--back to school potluck lunch anyone?
31: Service Activity (similar to quilting like we did before)--to be announced but suggestions are welcome!

Willing Babysitter

Dear Ladies-
Just wanted to let you know that we have a willing babysitter in our midst. Sara Foster (Josh Foster's 15 year old sister) is visiting for the summer from Missouri. She is trying to earn money to come back next year and is looking for babysitting jobs - big or small - to make that happen. I know as the summer waxes hotter we're all looking for a few hours to ourselves. Don't delay! Call Sara today! And tell her Sister Bunker sent you (I think with enough referrals I might get a discount...just kidding :) ) But really, call her - you need the sitter, she needs the work. She's babysat for my crazy brood and survived - now that's saying something! The Foster's number is 801-822-4876.

Love-Meredith

Playgroup for July 20

Playgroup for this week will be at Harmon Park at 11:00 am, which is by our "old" church building. Please keep in mind that it is going to be quite warm outside (93 for the high, so not as bad as it could be but still) so please bring lots of water for your kids. We'll try and get back on track with the lessons. Please contact me if you have any suggestions, concerns, or know of someone who needs/wants to be on the email list. See you all tomorrow!

Geneen

Playgroup Schedule for July--playgroup is Tuesday at 11:00 and runs about an hour
20: Harmon Park (150 S 850 E)
27: Memorial Park (150 N 800 E)

Cooking Group Photos from Grilling Night!

I don't know about you all, but I am stoked to cook every meal on my grill from now on. I hope my family never gets sick of steak and grilled bananas! It was such a fun night. Thanks so much Sam for all your hard work!

Sam explaining the importance of a good steak. Ribeye all the way baby!

All the fixings. Yes, we grilled all of that food and much much much more.

Attendees at the big event.

Michelle was in charge of the sauces, which turned out excellent. Good job Michelle!

Candid prep work shot! :)

And another! She threatened me with that knife after this picture, just so you all know.

Cute girls awaiting the fruits of the grills. And braving the heat outside!

This is how I dealt with the heat. It was nice. :)

Grilled Salmon with butter and lemon pepper. Divine!

Playgroup for July 13

A big thank you to all the ladies who helped with the quilts last week and a double big thank you to Michelle for providing her home and time out of her busy schedule to accommodate us! This week will be much simpler for everyone involved. We'll be meeting at the Boys and Girls Club at 11:00am and having the second half of our lesson from a few weeks ago. Bring lunch if you want, but good discussion and conversation is a must! See you there!

Geneen

Playgroup Schedule for July--playgroup is Tuesday at 11:00 and runs about an hour
13: Boys and Girls Club (150 N 1020 E)
20: Harmon Park (150 S 850 E)
27: Memorial Park (150 N 800 E)

Playgroup for July 6th

Playgroup this week will be at Michelle Jone's house. We will be finishing the quilts that we started tying for the enrichment activity a few weeks ago. There is a correction to the last email I sent out. We will NOT be doing water activities at Michelle house due to the fact that the quilts we will be trying to tie could be damaged by over exuberant children. We will just be utilizing Michelle's backyard and play equipment. You can still bring your lunch if you want, just be sure to keep it away from the quilts! :) Also, please remember that playgroup (all playgroups in general, but specifically this one) is not limited to mother's with small children. If you would like to come and participate in this activity because you missed enrichment or because you really like to work on quilts, please do! We would love to see everyone! See you all tomorrow!

Geneen

Playgroup Schedule for July--playgroup is Tuesday at 11:00 and runs about an hour
6: Michelle Jone's backyard (105 N 900 E)--Finishing the RS quilts for the adults.
13: Boys and Girls Club (150 N 1020 E)
20: Harmon Park (150 S 850 E)
27: Memorial Park (150 N 800 E)

Playgroup for June 29th

This week playgroup will be at my house (164 N 700 E backyard) at 11:00 to have water games for the kids. My water game supply is limited, but I do have a baby pool and a sprinkler, so if you want to bring more water toys, PLEASE DO! Also, if anyone has a hose splitter, that would be nice. We can still do lunch if you want to bring it. In fact, I have my BBQ grill set up if anyone wants to grill their lunch, they are more than welcome. We'll have the lesson by Yvonne this week, and hopefully we'll have permanent teachers called soon, but if not I'm always up for taking volunteers.

I thought I'd put the schedule up for July while I was at it, especially since Michelle Jones offered her house in return for having us finish up those quilts the Relief Society is donating to foster kids. I don't think you need to bring anything but yourselves, but if you need to bring supplies I'll let you know next week.*** I know July is a big travel month for lots of families, so July will be kept low key at the parks here. I'm still up for any great ideas from you all to make playgroup even better, so chime in and let me know what you think! One idea we've had is to incorporate humanitarian service projects into playgroup for the mom's to work on while we chat. If you have any good idea, place share. See you all tomorrow!

Geneen Jacobson

***NOTE TO ALL SISTERS WHO DO NOT HAVE KIDS: If you would like to come and work on the quilts with us, please do! Having kids is not a requirement for attending playgroup! We would love to see anyone who wants to work with us, who couldn't attend the Enrichment meeting and wants to learn the skill, or is simply bored and wants to have something to do and participate in a wonderful gospel discussion. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me directly. 801-360-8254

Playgroup Schedule for June--playgroup is Tuesday at 11:00 and runs about an hour
29: Water fun! at my house (164 N 700 E)

Playgroup Schedule for July--playgroup is Tuesday at 11:00 and runs about an hour
6: Michelle Jone's backyard (105 N 900 E)--Water games for kids and finishing the RS quilts for the adults.
13: Boys and Girls Club (150 N 1020 E)
20: Harmon Park (150 S 850 E)
27: Memorial Park (150 N 800 E)

Fruit & Veggie Baskets

Here are some photos of the fruit and veggie baskets we made for the Relief Society Activity in June. If you have questions, call Lydia.

Ok, so this isn't an "official" thing, but.... did anybody else notice that today's high is in the mid 90's? I'm planning on being at 7 Peaks to enjoy this arrival of summer and if you happen to have a 7 Peaks pass too, I'd love to see you there! 11 am I'll be at the baby pool with my girls and so will Geneen, so come and join us if you can!

Playgroup for June 22

I forgot to talk to everyone about traveling this week for playgroup, and it turns out that I will not have my car anyway so I personally can't travel. So let's not travel and just meet at Memorial Park tomorrow at 11:00 am. I also need a volunteer for the lesson for tomorrow. The topic is Resolving Conflicts in Marriage and can be found by clicking this link

. The week after we can still do water games, and possibly travel a little for that. Laura Morris mentioned that at Rock Canyon Park there is a certain time of the year when the river runs through the park (about 6 inches deeps I think she said) and it's lots of fun to take kids. If this is happening next week, I think it's be fun to go. If not, we can just do water games at my house. See you all tomorrow!

Geneen

Playgroup Schedule for June--playgroup is Tuesday at 11:00 and runs about an hour
22: Memorial Park (150 N 800 E)
29: Water fun! Place to be announced, but most likely my house.

Playgroup for June 15th

This week playgroup will be at Joaquin Park at 11:00 am. We will hopefully be discussing the outing for next week, so come prepared with ideas! I will also be providing the lesson and getting more volunteers for the weeks to come. See you all there!

Playgroup Schedule for June--playgroup is Tuesday at 11:00 and runs about an hour
15: Joaquin Park 400 N 400 E
22: Pirate Island?? Or bean Museum??
29: Water fun! Place to be announced, but most likely my house.

Painting Party

WHEN: TOMORROW!! 9 AM-WHENEVER IT GETS DONE!

WHERE: TRISH HILL'S HOUSE 170 NORTH 1080 EAST (ACROSS FROM THE BISHOPS)

Anyone who can please come help get Trish's house painted so that she can be ready to move out and off to Texas with peace of mind. As far as i know, they have all the supplies, but if you have extras you want to bring I'm sure it would be useful.

Playgroup for June 8th

Playgroup will be at the Boys and Girls Club tomorrow at 11:00 am. Luckily that's mostly in the shade, which will be nice with it being so hot now! Please remember to bring water for your kids so everyone can stay hydrated. Lunch is optional, but it seems to be a growing trend among regulars. :) I hope to see you all tomorrow!

Geneen

Playgroup Schedule for June--playgroup is Tuesday at 11:00 and runs about an hour
8: Boys and Girls Club (150 N 1080 E)
15: New park on 400 N 400 E
22: Pirate Island?? Or Bean Museum??
29: Water fun! Place to be announced, but most likely my house.

June Relief Society ACTIVITIES

Tomorrow/JUNE 3rd:

10-12 Simple quilting tops at the new church building on canyon rd. bring a sack lunch and sewing machine if you have one.

JUNE 17^th:

10AM at Lydia Taylor's house we are learning how to create flowers out of fruits and veggies like the Edible flower arrangements. These will be eaten LATER that day at...

6pm at the new church building on canyon rd. where we will be tying quilts to be donated to local foster children!!

So please come too one or to all whatever you can make it to!

p.s. if anyone needs a ride or can give a ride please leave a comment so we can set up a carpool!

Goodbye party for Trish!!!

Trish Hill is moving to Texas next weekend so we wanted to have a get-together to say goodbye and show her that we care! Its going to be:

THIS FRIDAY NIGHT 8PM

AT NADIA CATES HOME --75 PARK AVENUE

Bring a dessert if you want but come either way!

Cooking Group Recipe Book

Is there any interest in a cooking group recipe book? One that will include all of the old recipes plus allow for the addition of new ones? Here is what I was thinking... http://www.prudentbaby.com/2010/01/recipe-binder.html let me know what you think.

Grilled Pineapple

Grilled Pineapple

1 Ripe Pineapple

Vanilla Ice Cream or Mascarpone Cheese with vanilla

Optional glaze:

1 C Water

12 T Butter

¼ C Brown Sugar

For the Glaze: Combine the water, butter and sugar in a small saucepan and simmer, whisking often until the sugar has melted and the mixture is slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.

For the Pineapple: Peel and slice the pineapple into ¼” thick rounds. Heat grill to high and grill the pineapple slices about 2-3 minute per side, until browned. If using the glaze brush each side with glaze several times during the cooking. Serve with fresh blueberries, vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of remaining glaze if using.

Spinach Salad

Spinach Salad

Spinach

Cottage Cheese, rinsed and drained

Red Onion, sliced thinly

Bacon Bits

Options:

Mushrooms, fresh sliced

Strawberries, fresh, sliced

Candied nuts

Feta, crumbled

Shredded Mozzarella

Craisins

Dressing:

1/3 C Rice Vinegar

1/3 C Oil

Sugar, to taste

¼ - ½ tsp Mustard

1 T Grated Onion

Poppy Seeds

Rinse spinach and cottage cheese. Slice onions and any other optional ingredients you will be using. Slice bacon before cooking, then cook and drain on paper towels. To make the dressing, mix rice vinegar and oil with a whisk. Add sugar, mustard grated onion and whisk. Add poppy seeds until it looks like enough, about 1 tsp. When ready to eat, toss salad ingredients and dressing, garnish with a few sliced onions and a sprinkle of bacon and cottage cheese.

Spice-Rubbed Chicken with Grilled Bananas

Grilled West Indies Spice-Rubbed Chicken with Grilled Bananas

3 T Curry Powder

3 T Ground Cumin

2 T Allspice

3 T Paprika

2 T Powdered Ginger

1 T Cayenne Pepper

2 T Salt

2 T Freshly Cracked Black Pepper

4 Boneless Chicken Breasts

4 Firm bananas, skin on and halved lengthwise

2 T Vegetable Oil

1 T Soft butter

2 T Molasses

Lime halves for garnish

1. Mix all the spices together well, rub this mixture over both sides of each chicken breast, cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
2. Over a medium fire, grill the chicken breasts skin side down for 7-8 minutes, until well browned and heavily crusted. Turn them and grill an additional 10 minutes. Check for doneness by nicking the largest breast at the fattest point: The meat should be fully opaque with no traces of red. Remove the chicken from the grill.
3. Rub the banana halves with vegetable oil and place them on the grill, flat side down. Grill them for about 2 minutes, or until the flat sides are slightly golden in color. Flip them and grill for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Remove the banana halves from the grill. Mix the butter and molasses together and brush over the bananas. Serve the chicken breasts and banana halves together, sprinkled with a little lime juice and black bean corn salsa.

Spanish Rice

Spanish Rice

2 T Vegetable Oil

1 C uncooked Rice

1 onion, chopped

½ green bell pepper, chopped

2 C water

1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies

2 tsp chili powder, or to taste

1 tsp salt

Heat oil in deep skillet over medium heat, sauté rice, onion, and bell pepper until rice is browned and onions are tender. Stir in water and tomatoes. Season with chili powder and salt, bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Spanish-Rice-II/Detail.aspx

Black Bean and Corn Salsa

Black Bean & Corn Salsa

2 C Black Beans, cooked and drained OR canned rinsed & drained

2 C Sweet Corn, lightly steamed and drained OR canned rinsed and drained

¼ C Fresh Cilantro, finely chopped

½ C Fresh Green Pepper, chopped

6 C Fresh Tomatoes, seeded and chopped

1 T Fresh Lime Juice

1 tsp Garlic Powder

1 tsp Salt

6-8 Fresh Jalapeños, seeded and diced

Chop, chop, mix, mix. Chill for at least an hour to allow ingredients to develop. This is good with chips and the usual dippers.

http://andreaswwrecipes.blogspot.com/2006/09/fresh-black-bean-and-corn-salsa-1-pt.html

Whole Wheat Bread

Whole Wheat Bread

6 C Warm Water

2 T Yeast

2/3 C Sugar

2/3 C Oil

2 T Salt

2 T Gluten Flour (for each cup of wheat flour OR if you are only using white flour use 1 T for each cup)

3 T Dough Enhancer

4 eggs, optional

12-14 C Flour (you can use any split of wheat and white flour, I usually do about 50/50)

Place water and yeast along with 1 T sugar into the mixing bowl, let bubble and ferment for about 5 minutes. Add sugar, oil, salt and eggs if using. Mix lightly and add flour 1 C at a time starting with wheat flour (if using). Add gluten flour before completely mixed. Knead for a few minutes and then add dough enhancer. Finish kneading for about 3-4 minutes. Place in an oiled bowl and let rise until doubled. Punch Down. Shape into loaves and place in pans (you may need to grease and flour pans), let rise again until doubled. Bake at 350* for 25-30 minutes or until bread is cooked through (about 190 with an instant read thermometer).

Cooking Group Backlog

We've been doing cooking group for over 2 years now, but we've only got the last few months worth of recipes up on the blog. I will be slowly updating all of the recipes. I will start from the oldest and come to the newest. With my move it will be a little touch and go, but I'll try to do at least one month of recipes per week. Let me know if I have missed any!

Playgroup for June

It's June, and if there is any snow this month I may just cry. Since there are five Tuesdays in this month we'll make one a travel day. I was thinking Pirate Island again, but I understand if people don't want to spend money on lunch. There won't be story time on Tuesday (they still have theirs on Wednesdays) so it would be just playtime and lunch unless we switch the day to Wed that week to incorporate story time. For those of you who didn't come last time we went, we ordered a gigantic pizza and spend about $7 per family on it, feeding at least 6 adults and twice that many children. If we decide not to spend the money, we can meet up at the Bean Museum since that's free and within a reasonable walking distance. Let me know if you would be willing to volunteer and/or contribute water slides, pools or other equipment to the water games day at the end of June. If it snows on that day, then summer will officially never be here and we should just accept it.

So, to sum up, please email me back about the outing and about the water games contributions. I hope to see you all there for a lovely start of summer!

Geneen

Playgroup Schedule for June--playgroup is Tuesday at 11:00 and runs about an hour
1: Harmon Park (850 E 150 S)
8: Boys and Girls Club (150 N 1080 E)
15: New park on 400 N 400 E
22: Pirate Island?? Or bean Museum??
29: Water fun! Place to be announced, but most likely my house.

Playgroup for May 25th

Ha ha finally!! We will have one day in May that we can play outside! The snow thought it was being tricky by coming one more time, but it came one day early for once, and we will be spending our time outside at the park! So the plan is to meet at Memorial Park at 11:00 to spend some quality outdoors time. Bring your lunch if you would like to picnic (we probably will) and enjoy the sunny weather! Hopefully the approach of June will make our outdoor excursions more frequent. See you all tomorrow!

Girls night!

Hey this is late notice, but tonight all are welcome to a girls night at Lydia Taylor's 7:30 pm. If you need to get out of the house then head over for some treats and a chance to talk and relax.

On a more random note: if anyone has any desire to read the Lightning Thief books series, you can borrow them from me! I just read them and thought they were really fun (if you have seen the film, do not judge the books by it---it was terrible!)

Playgroup tomorrow will be at a new park that is located at 400 N and 400 E. There are picnic tables if you want to bring your lunch. Hopefully the rain will hold off so we can go to the park. If it is raining, We'll meet at the gym once again. See you all tomorrow!

Geneen

Playgroup is Tuesday at 11:00 am and runs about an hour
18: New park on 400 E 400 N (I don't know the name!)
25: Memorial Park (150 N 800 E)

Teaching Sign-Up (follow this website

down to the Building a Strong Family section and find your topic to get the short lesson)
May 18: Holly Moss--Helping Family Members Live the Gospel
May 25: Elisa Simmons--Personal Integrity-The Key to Example
June 1: Geneen Jacobson--Agency-The key to Growth
June 8: Erin Harris--Unconditional Love-The Key to Effective Parenthood

Playgroup for May 11

I think I jinxed us and called the foul weather down on us by wishing you all a happy spring with no snow.... I'm so sorry! Tomorrow is supposed to be rainy and cold, so we'll be meeting at the church in the GYM (more room to run!) to play. If you want you can bring toys to share with the other kids. We'll also be starting those short parenting lessons for the moms that Yvonne suggested, and I'm the first teacher. The bishop approved our meetings and so now we can announce the activities in Relief Society, but he also said he needed to call teachers for our lessons, but until that happens, we'll stick to the sign up from last week. I'll post it at the bottom with the corresponding lesson from the church FHE manual. If it turns out you can't do the day you signed up for, just let me know and I'll cover for you. :) Please let me know if you would like to sign up for a time or a specific topic if you visit the website and see one you like. See you all tomorrow!

Playgroup is Tuesday at 11:00 am and runs about an hour
11: At the church in the GYM--bring toys to share!
18: New park on 400 E 400 N (I don't know the name!)
25: Memorial Park (150 N 800 E)

Teaching Sign-Up (follow this website down to the Building a Strong Family section and find your topic to get the short lesson)
May 11: Geneen Jacobson--Building a Strong Family
May 18: Holly Moss--Helping Family Members Live the Gospel
May 25: Elisa Simmons--Personal Integrity-The Key to Example
June 1: Yvonne Russell--Agency-The key to Growth
June 8: Erin Harris--Unconditional Love-The Key to Effective Parenthood

Playgroup for TUESDAY May 4

Happy Spring! I hope I can say that now without too many snowy repercussions. Please note that we are moving Playgroup from Wednesday to TUESDAYS from now on. I hope this works for everyone. I was really encouraged to see so many people last week that I'm hoping the change will be for every one's benefit. The only questions now is if we want to change the time back to 10:00 am or keep it at 11:00 am. What do you guys think? It might be nicer later in the summer to come earlier since it'll get hot, but 11:00 is nice for me because we get all tired out and go straight into naps... Anyway, we'll keep it at 11:00 until next month, and then discuss moving the time frame if we need to. This month we'll still try to play outside a lot, and next month since there are five Tuesdays we'll try and do a travel day one of those weeks. If rain or foul weather hits, we'll move into the church building, but this will only work for the month of May because of the renovations that are going to start, so if something happens after May.... I don't know what we'll do, but I'll think of something! Please email me if you have any suggestions to enrich our playgroup experience. There was some talk last week of having people do rotating educational tidbits for moms about parenting, educations, etc. If we want to do this, I am totally game. I'll bring a sign up sheet tomorrow and you can sign up for a week and a subject and we can just talk things over while our kids play.

Playgroup Schedule for May
4: Harmon Park (150 S 850 E)
11: Boys and Girls Club (150 N 1080 E)
18: New park on 400 E 400 N (I don't know the name!)
25: Memorial Park (150 N 800 E)

Apartment in the ward for rent.

We are trying to sell our contract. It goes until February and you can renew after that if you would like to. If you know of anybody needing a place to live, have them contact us. We are trying to move out mid-May or the beginning of June. Rent is $650. If you or anybody is interested, feel free to email me.
Erin Harris
erinharris824@gmail.com

Pizza Dough Recipes

For 1 10-inch Pizza

3/4 C plus 1 T (4 oz) Unbleached Flour

1/2 tsp Instant Yeast

1/2 tsp Sugar

1/2 tsp Salt

1/3 C (2.75 oz) Water

Preheat oven with stone for at least 45 minutes. Turn your oven as hot as it will go.

At least 1 hour before shaping, or for best flavor development, 8-24 hours ahead, mix all the ingredients only until all the flour is incorporated (no more then 1 minute). Place in a lightly oiled bowl and loosely cover with plastic wrap. If using the next day, let it sit for about an hour and then put it in the fridge. Remove it 2 hours prior to shaping to warm. Otherwise let it sit on the counter until ready to use.

Roll or toss dough until thin and about 10 inches in diameter. Place on a well floured (or cornmeal covered) pizza peel or on a piece of parchment. Layer sauce and toppings. Carefully place on pizza stone and let bake until crust and cheese are browned 8-10 minutes.

If the crust is cooking faster than the cheese, move the stone away from the heat. If the cheese is cooking faster than the crust, move the stone closer to the heat. You will have to play with the levels and cooking times for your oven. Electric and gas cook differently, so be aware of that as you bake.

Chicken Parmesan Pizza

Chicken Parmesan Pizza

2 C cooked chicken (either boiled chicken breasts or meat from a roast chicken)

1 C mayo

1 C Parmesan Cheese

1 15 oz can Artichoke hearts

1 tsp oregano

½ tsp basil

1/2 tsp garlic powder

pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients and spread on pizza crust. Bake at 425 until hot and bubbly and the crust is browned.

Brazilian Dessert Pizza

Brazilian Dessert Pizza

3-4 T Sweetened Condensed Milk

6-8 oz Milk Chocolate

1 LB Strawberries

Mozzarella Cheese

Prebake crust until almost done. Remove from oven and sprinkle a small amount of cheese on the crust. Melt chocolate (or use chocolate shavings) and drizzle generously over cheese. Slice strawberries and spread ½ of them onto the pizza crust. Drizzle sweetened condensed milk lightly over strawberries and chocolate. Place in the oven and bake until cheese is melted and chocolate is heated through, about 4 minutes. Drizzle a little more sweetened condensed milk and more fresh sliced strawberries over the top. Let cool briefly and cut and serve.

Pizza Recipes

Sorry for the delay in getting these recipes up. I will send recipes to church on Sunday.

Pizza Sauce

1 4-oz can Tomato Paste

2-3 8 oz cans Tomato Sauce

Basil

Oregano

Garlic Powder

Onion Powder

Black Pepper

Red Pepper

Crush basil and oregano with your hands while adding it to the tomato paste and tomato sauce. Add garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper and red pepper to taste. Start with about 1 tsp of basil and oregano and ½ tsp of garlic and onion powder. Add peppers to taste.

NOTICE: Playgroup has bee CHANGED for this week!!!

I was looking at the calendar for this week, and it's supposed to be sunny and beautiful on Monday and Tuesday and then Wednesday it's supposed to RAIN and be COLD! I really want to have our playgroup potluck lunch outside, so I'm changing the date this week to TUESDAY APRIL 27th at 11:00 am. Please come and enjoy the 70 degree weather and a potluck lunch to say good bye to all who may be leaving soon, good job to all our graduates or people who just finished the semester alive, and happy spring to anyone who doesn't fit in these categories. I don't care what you all bring (can be anything from cracker and fruit to a gourmet crockpot creation) just as long as you bring a little bit to share we're sure to have plenty. I'll take care of drinks, cups, plates and utensils. Please let me know if there are any major conflicts with you guys for this day and time, and if there is I'll be moving playgroup back to the original day and time at the church. So, for clarification:

Playgroup is a potluck lunch this TUESDAY at 11:00 am at Memorial park.

I hope to see you all there! I'll send out a reminder email again tomorrow.

Ward Preparedness Fair

Just a quick reminder that we have our Ward Preparedness Fair TONIGHT at 6:30pm at the 3rd South building. Nursery will be provided!

April Cooking Group

Just a Reminder for Thursday night. The Pizza night cooking group will be held at the Thurston's home at 965 Center from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM.

And, GOOD NEWS!! Tony Dittmer has agreed to teach us how to toss pizza dough! I'm so excited. It is going to be a GREAT night with AWESOME pizza. So even if you don't want to learn to make pizza but like to eat it, you should come cause it's going to be awesome. See you Thursday!

May Cooking Group Poll

May's cooking group is How to Host a Party. We'll learn some basic appetizers and desserts that are easy and will please a crowd. We'll also learn how to make Marshmallow Fondant for sure along with some simple cake decorating tips. We'll also have a tutorial for the tissue paper pom-poms that decorated the Relief Society Birthday Party we had in March. If there is ANYTHING else you want to learn about that has to do with parties in any form, please leave a comment.

Please let me know (in the comments) which of the following you would like to learn how to make:

Appetizers

Meatballs

Chicken Wings

Tomato Bruschetta

Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip

Blueberry Bruschetta (it is so amazing)

Fresh Peach Mango Salsa

Fruit Dips

Fresh Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Chips

Desserts

Chocolate Mousse in Phyllo cups with Fresh Berries

Strawberry Bruschetta

Dark Chocolate Caramel Sauce (for ice cream)

Caramel Sauce (for ice cream or dip)

Hot Fudge Sauce

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

Sister Parker's Baptism

Just a reminder tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. Sister Parker will be getting baptized at the 3rd south building (300 south 1288ish east).

April 8 Cooking Group Change

Tomorrow's cooking group needs to be postponed. We will postpone until April 15, 2010 at 6:30 PM. I'm not sure if it will be at the church or at my house, I'm still working on getting in contact with the building scheduler. I will announce on Sunday where it will be held. Please pass on the info to everyone. I've tried making phone calls and alerting those who signed up to bring food for cooking group. Sorry for the inconvenience...

Playgroup for April 7

This month hopefully will be better than last month weather wise and we'll be able to do more playgroups outside. Tomorrow is supposed to be 50 degree's (shocking, I know, but it might snow tonight if that makes you all feel better) so let's try to do playgroup at the Elementary school playground at 11:00 (the brown one by the kindergarten classes) since it's spring break and no one will be around to make us leave. Most of the playgroups, you might notice, are outside this month, and this will be true unless it's inclement weather, in which case we'll move to the church and do activities in the Nursery. Please feel free to bring your lunches since this is right around lunch time for most of us. I'm hoping the last day of the month that we can do a goodbye party lunch potluck to kind of say goodbye to all that are leaving with the end of the school year. Let me know if there is anything else you all want to do this month, and I'll try and rotate it in. Thanks for all the suggestions thus far, they have been really helpful! See you all tomorrow!

Playgroup is Wednesdays at 11:00 am and usually runs about and hour.
April 7: Farre Elementary School (brown and green equipment by the tennis courts)
April 14: Boys and Girls Club (150 N 1080 E)
April 21: Harmon's Park (150 S 850 E)
April 28: Memorial Park (105 N 800 E)--Goodbye party/potluck lunch

Sad news

For those who haven't heard yet, Brother Tom Bassett passed away early Monday morning. His funeral will be held Friday at the church. I don't know many details about the funeral so if any of you have details or info please post.

For All Student Families

If you are a student family, or you know someone who is a student, you are welcome to attend the Gifts of the Heart Exchange sponsored by the MBASA & LP associations at BYU. You can volunteer as well, if you are students.

Mark your calendars for next weekend, and sort through your stuff! Our last Gifts of the Heart exchange of the school year will take place on April 10th, at 1745 S State St., Provo.

We need your help! Please sign up on this lovely spreadsheet. Be sure to look at all of the tabs (in the bottom left corner). Here's how it breaks down this time:

Thursday 8 April

8-10pm: need at least 5 men for heavy lifting and loading

Friday 9 April

9-11am: Nursery provided, set up, sort & organize donations

6-8pm: NO nursery provided, no kids, please! set up, sort & organize

Saturday 10 April

8am: Volunteer shopping time (you'll be given a special 'golden ticket' to enter at this time...ticket = 2 hours of volunteer time)

8:30am - 10am: MBASA/LP shopping time

11am - 1pm: General student family shopping time (invite your student friends to this one!)

12:30 - 2pm: Clean up (LPs in charge)

Be sure to pass along our blog address to all your student friends! giftsofthegeartexchange.blogspot.com. Note the the time listed on the blog is for the general student population, not MBASA/LP members.

Playgroup for March 31

Sorry this is so late! I forgot yesterday in my flurry of preparations for my in-laws to get here to email you all, and I was also hoping for some weather miracle so we could still play outside.... but it didn't happen. So instead of having playgroup at the park we will just be meeting in the church gym to run around and let out some of that spring energy. Bring balls and other toys you wish to share and we'll just chat and make a day of it. I'll post the April schedule next week. Please email me with any ideas you have or activities you want to do as a group.

I thought the Pirate Island outing was splendid and would love to repeat it in the future. For those of you who could not attend, the story time was approximately 40 minutes long complete with puppet show, a mini children actors theater, and a craft at the end. Six moms and 12 kids (well, at least 12 that were able to eat) split a monster pizza (seriously it was 2 feet across and PLENTY of food for everyone) for about $7 a piece and the kids played on the slides and got a few free tokens from the story time for the arcade games. I considered it a great success! And Johnny Deep was our server! Can't get much better than that. ;) I hope to see you all today at 11:00 at the church!

Chili Con Carne

Chili 2 large onions, chopped (about 3 cups) 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1 tablespoon minced garlic 2 carrots, sliced thin 1.5 - 2 pounds ground beef 1-2 Tablespoons chili powder 1 tablespoon ground cumin 2 tablespoons paprika 1 tablespoon crumbled dried orégano 1 tsp dried hot red pepper flakes, or to taste two 8-ounce cans tomato sauce 1 1/4 cups beef broth 3 tablespoons cider vinegar a 19-ounce can kidney beans, rinsed and drained 2 green bell peppers, chopped In a kettle cook the onions in the oil over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until they are softened, add the garlic and the carrots, and cook the mixture, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the beef and cook it over moderate heat, stirring and breaking up any lumps, for 10 minutes, or until it is no longer pink. Add the chili powder, the cumin, the paprika, the orégano, and the red pepper flakes and cook the mixture, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the tomato sauce, the broth, and the vinegar, bring the mixture to a boil, and simmer it, covered, stirring occasionally, for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until the meat is tender. Add the kidney beans, the bell peppers, and salt and black pepper to taste and simmer the mixture, uncovered, for 15 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender.

How to cook in a crock pot: cook onions, garlic and carrots for 1 minute. Add beef and cook until no longer pink. Place meat, onions, carrots, garlic and spices into a crock pot. Add the tomato sauce, broth, vinegar, beans and bell pepper and let cook on low for 4-6 hours and stir occasionally.