Meeting Time Change!

REMINDER!

As of Sunday, January 3, 2010,

our Sunday meeings will be

held from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Family Home Evening Lesson: Goal Setting

Goal Setting
Opening Song
Opening Prayer
Lesson:

• Print off pictures of what your family has done during the year or cut out pictures from magazines that represent things done as a family this year -- things good, hard, memorable, accomplishments by different family members
• Together as a family, make a collage of the pictures and hang it up to remind everyone of all of the wonderful things members of the family did or accomplished this year.
• Discussion Questions: How did you feel when you accomplished these things throughout the year? What did it take to do these things? Why is it important to set goals?
• Read and discuss President Hinkley quotes:
  "Try a little harder to be a little better." — Gordon B. Hinckley
  "The time has come for us to stand a little taller, to lift our eyes and stretch our minds to a greater comprehension and understanding of the grand millennial mission of this, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." — Gordon B. Hinckley
  "When I say do your best, I mean your very best. You are capable of so much more." — Gordon B. Hinckley
  
• Have each member of the family set some goals for the upcoming year.

Closing Prayer

Treat: Confetti Cake Mix Cookies

Very easy for kids to make!

1 box confetti cake mix--or white cake mix and sprinkles

2 eggs

1/2C oil

Mix altogether, batter will be stiff. Grease cookie sheet. Preheat oven to 350*. Roll cookie dough into small balls and then flatten with bottom of a cup. Don't add sugar or anything on top as these are already really sweet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn slightly brown. Let cool on sheet for a few minutes before removing to racks.

Enrichment

REMINDER!

Come to the Relief Society Quarterly Activity ("Enrichment") tonight at 6:30 to serve and socialize with the sisters in the ward!

We will be meeting first in the Relief Society room for a brief program and then will move to the gym to work on some service projects and eat some goodies. Can't wait to see you there!

Babysitting will be provided.

Getting to Know Me

My name is Amy McL. and I am the Relief Society Counselor over the meeting formerly known as Enrichment J. I was born in Fairfax County, Virginia, the second of seven children, but moved to Salt Lake City when I was two years old and spent the rest of my growing up years there. I attended BYU where I studied English Teaching and Journalism. Shortly after returning from my mission to the Amazon region of Brazil, I met my husband, Mark, in my BYU singles ward. I instantly found him handsome, fun, and charming, but I was a little afraid of making such a big decision. Fortunately, he is an eternal optimist and someone who likes a challenge and so he didn’t take my comment that “there was no chance of anything ever happening romantically between us” seriously. We have now been married ten years and are the parents of three fun, and busy little girls – Emily (7), Abigail (5), and Jane (3).

After BYU, I taught high school English for two years before we moved to Boston, MA where we lived for five years and where I received a Masters in Education from Harvard University. We then spent two years in Charlottesville, Virginia before moving to Katy where we’ve been for a little over a year. I currently stay at home with my girls and help review graduate school applicant essays as a small, at-home side job.

I love spending time with my family, reading, writing, fall, singing, finishing projects (as somewhat of a procrastinator, I especially enjoy the finishing part), traveling, dreaming about traveling (England is my current dream destination), eating anything with pumpkin in the recipe, hiking, trying new recipes, playing the viola, Jane Austen books, old movies, and playing tennis. I try to endure exercising and hot weather.

I so enjoy working with the sisters in Relief Society and hope to get to know you all better!

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Family Home Evening Lesson: Warm Fuzzies

Opening Song: 'Give said the little stream' Childrens Songbook # 236

Opening Prayer: Child

Lesson: Mommy

Ask Child "What things do you like to do for your birthday? Last year the prophet Pres Monson was asked the same question ~ what he would like for his birthday? He answered "Find someone who is having a hard time or is ill or lonely, and do something for him or her.”Isn't this a very nice thing? Why should we serve/help others?Why would the prophet be happy if we go and help others, or visit the sick or lonely?

Activity:Some Children, after hearing Pres Monson say this started a 'warm fuzzies jar' Each time they did something good for another person they were able to put a warm fuzzy in the jar. They kept going until the jar was full.We are going to make a warm fuzzy jar too.Decorate Jar as you desire, have a bowl of pom poms/cotton balls for children to see. Do a service in the house right away and place some 'warm fuzzies' in the jar to get started. Challenge the children to do something nice for someone in the family, neighbour or friend so they can put more pom pom's in the jar

Find Video Here of President Monson's Talk "What have I done for someone today?" You could play this while you do the activity or have children watch while eating the treat.

Closing Song: ' Called to Serve ' Children's Songbook # 174
Closing Prayer: Daddy

Treat:M&M's or any other colourful ball shaped candy. Using a cookie cutter cut circle shapes out of slice of bread. Butter and sprinkle with colourful sprinkles of your choice

(www.nataliesfhespot.blogspot.com)

Strengthening Our Family

Strenthening Our Family
Family Home Evening Lesson

Opening Song: "Here we are together" Children's Songbook # 261
Opening Prayer: Child
Lesson: Mommy

What ways can we make our family strong? (be nice to each other, help around the house, prayers, scripture reading, go to church etc)

If you have gospel picture kit, show pictures of these things, family proclamation.

Why does our family need to work together, why does it need to be strong?

Object Lesson:
Using Oranges/apples or rocks (something that won't blow away) My girls used 2 oranges and they told this lovely (if not cheesy, story they made up :)
"This is the Orange family. They have a mum and dad and 5 kids. They are all nice to each other and like to help. They are kind and listen and go to church and read scriptures. They clean up and like to play together and love their family".

Then they got a hair dryer and blew on the orange. When small problems come (put hairdryer on low setting) the family still stayed together. When big problems came (high setting), the family was still strong and able to work through it.

Next family is the LID family (use plastic bottle lids or something that will blow away)"This is the Lid family. They don't listen to eachother. They seem to fight a lot and don't like to help around the house. The forget to have their scriptures and prayers and can be mean to eachother. They don't look out for each other as best they should"When problems come, even small ones (low setting on hairdryer) their family is blown away. They do not stick together. When big problems come it is even worse.

Which family do we need to be like?
What can we do better in our family to be like the Orange family?
How can we stay strong?

Activity:Make a paper chain or something symbolic of your family being joined together. Show how the more pieces of string or sticks tied together the stronger it becomes.

Closing Song: “Families can be together Forever" Children's Songbook #188
Closing Prayer: Daddy
Treat: Eat Oranges or Apples :)Have one big dessert and some spoons and all 'share' it together

http://nataliesfhespot.blogspot.com/

October Visiting Teaching Handout

CLICK HERE to go to site for VT handouts

General Conference Activity Packet

It's General Conference time again!

We hope you all enjoy the messages from our prophet and leaders!

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Morning Session: 11:00-1:00

Afternoon Session: 3:00-5:00

Priesthood Session: 7:00 @ the Stake Center

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Morning Session: 11:00-1:00
Afternoon Session: 3:00-5:00

Internet Broadcast

http://www.byutv.org/

www.lds.org/broadcast

To download a children's conference activity packet to help your children stay focused and get the most out of conference,

CLICK HERE

Getting To Know Me

Hi,

I’m Ellen C. and was called to serve as the Education Counselor a few months ago. My husband Vaughn and I have lived in this ward for over 13 years. My husband served as the bishop for six years before Bishop Harlan.

I was born in Logan, UT but lived in Walnut Creek, CA from the age of 4-13 and then moved to SLC when I was in the eighth grade. I went to Ricks College (BYU Idaho).
I met my husband at Young Adults in Salt Lake City. We were married a year later. We’ve lived in Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Oklahoma and Texas. We have 5 children (3 boys followed by 2 girls) and 7+ grandchildren. We officially became empty nesters when our youngest, Heather was married this past April. It also gave us the distinction of having five weddings in the past six years which is my excuse for my lapses in memory or anything else that goes awry!

I worked part-time the last six years keeping the books and doing the billing for a marriage and family therapist but recently retired. It’s been great having the time to work in the temple, to try a variety of new things, get back to some old hobbies, as well as the flexibility to come and go, visit family and play grandma.

I enjoy singing, playing the flute, watching old movies, reading, and the beauty of nature.
I love…to find the humor in day to day life, chocolate, studying the scriptures, spending time with family (not necessarily in that order : ) and have recently taken up quilting with its accompanying “fieldtrips” and “shop hops”. I have decided I am a fabric “collector” that occasionally completes a quilt.

I am excited to serve in Relief Society and look forward to getting to know each of you as we work together.

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Family History Sunday School Class

A new Family History Sunday School class will soon be offered. Please let Brother Vaughn Camp (vaughncamp@gmail.com) know if you are interested. You may also CLICK HERE to go to the church web site where you may view or download the lessons and videos.

Family Home Evening: A House of Order

PURPOSE
Commit family members to make your home a "house of order" (D&C 132:8).

FOR THE PARENT

All parents hope to raise happy, healthy children who love the Lord and are willing to serve others. This is one of the heaviest responsibilities that God has given men and women. Our Heavenly Father will help us if we will seek and accept his guidance by praying, studying the scriptures, and following the counsel of his chosen leaders.

The Lord said, "Mine house is a house of order . . . and not a house of confusion." If we pattern our homes according to our Heavenly Father's guidance, we will be better parents. An orderly home is a home where parents preside, direct, and teach; where all have responsibilities and are considerate and thoughtful of each other; and where family members are knit together with love. (See D&C 88:119.)

PREPARATION
1. Have several pieces of paper that can be cut into two-inch strips as needed and a marker of some kind to write on them. You will need three or four strips per family member.
2. Have a piece of colored paper for each family member to make a poster.

SUGGESTED HYMN AND SONG
"Today, While the Sun Shines" [Hymns, no. 229].
"When We're Helping" [The Children’s Songbook, p. 198].

SUGGESTED LESSON
Begin with a game called "Come to Order." Explain that the word order means, among other things, the way in which things are placed or a condition in which everything is in its right place. Line up your family in different orders, such as the following (be sure that the father or family head is the one giving the directions if possible):
1. Line up according to age, from the oldest to the youngest.
2. Line up according to the size of feet, from the littlest to the biggest.
3. Line up according to height, from the tallest to the shortest.
When everyone is seated again, point out that to play this game, someone had to select the order, and the others had to follow that direction. Explain to your family that order comes to a home when everyone understands and carries out his responsibilities. The opposite of order is confusion. Confusion comes when people do not know what is expected of them.

We Can Make Our Home a House of Order
Heavenly Father has said that his house is a house of order. Have someone read Doctrine and Covenants 132:8.

Explain that Heavenly Father gives us directions out of his great love. If we will follow those directions, we will be happy and can accomplish all we should. He would like us to follow this same pattern in our homes so that they may be houses of order also. Through his prophets, the Lord has explained what he expects of parents and children. As always, his directions are given because he loves us and wants us to be happy. The Lord has given responsibilities to both parents and to children. In order to have a loving and happy family, each person must do his part.

Parents Have Responsibilities
Discuss with your family some of the responsibilities Heavenly Father has given parents. Start with the three important ones listed below. As you talk about each one, write each of the headings below on a strip of paper for each parent, and place one of the strips of paper on the floor in front of each parent.

Preside
- What does the word preside mean? (To give direction or take charge.)

To point out how important it is to have someone preside in any group, do the following experiment. Ask each family member to think of his favorite game. When you tell them to start, have all the family members tell, at the same time, how to play their games. After a minute, call the group back to order.

-What happened when everyone gave directions for a different game at the same time? (The result was confusion.)
- Could you tell what all the others were saying?

Point out how much easier it would have been to understand everyone's favorite game if someone had taken charge and called on one person at a time to explain his game.

Explain that Heavenly Father has given parents the job of presiding in the home because they love their children. He knows that they will try to give directions and make decisions that will be the best for their children.

While parents are equal partners in the home, it is the father's responsibility to be the patriarch, or head of the house (see Ephesians 5:23-25). If the father is not present, the mother presides no matter how old the sons are or what priesthood they may hold.

Teach the Gospel
Parents have been told by the Lord to teach their children. Have someone read Mosiah 4:14-15 and Doctrine and Covenants 68:25. Point out that having family home evenings helps you carry out this responsibility.

Be an Example
One of the best ways parents can teach their children is by example. In Jacob 2:35, Jacob points out the effect of bad example. Husbands and wives should show love and respect for each other and for their children by their actions as well as by their words.

Explain that parents are human and sometimes fail to set the proper example at all times. Sometimes parents get tired, feel discouraged, or lose their tempers. But they do love their children and are trying to be good parents though they may make some mistakes.

Children Have Responsibilities Too
Our Heavenly Father has also told us what he expects children to do in the home. Children share with their parents the responsibility of making a happy home and a house of order. Discuss the following responsibilities and make a strip with the words written on it for each child. Place a strip of paper on the floor in front of each child.

Obey
Have someone read Ephesians 6: 1. Explain that parents and children should counsel together in making family rules and decisions. If children understand why a rule is made, it is easier for them to accept that rule. When the family, under the direction of the parents, has made a rule or decision, all are responsible to obey that rule and abide by that decision.

Honor Parents
Discuss how we honor our parents. Explain that honor means to show respect. We honor parents when we follow their teachings and do the things we know they would like us to do. Read Ephesians 6:2-3.

- How could honoring parents help us to "live long on the earth?"

Point out your concern for your children's health and safety. Relate a personal experience of a time when following a parent's advice saved someone from harm, or use the following story:

Jon and Brad were admiring Jon's older brother's new bike.
"What a beauty," said Brad, 'Td give anything to be able to ride it!"
"Bob is only six like us," Jon said, "and he rides his brother's bike all over. You know, my parents have never really said I couldn't ride the bike."
"Neither have my parents, but I know what they'd say if I asked them. They'd say that I should wait until I'm older and big enough."
"Well, our parents don't need to know if we just take a short ride around the school yard."
As they rode around the school yard, they skidded on some gravel and took a painful fall that left them scraped and bruised.
After the accident, both Jon and Brad understood why their parents would not have let them ride the bike had they asked. Following their parents advice would have saved them trouble and pain.

Contribute
Explain that each family member is personally responsible to help make the family happy and strong. Children should contribute by not just taking from the family but by giving to the family as well.

- How can you contribute to the family? (You may want the family members to answer this question to themselves.)

Ask your children to name other ways they can help make your home a house of order. Write each one on a strip of paper, and place it in front of the children to whom it applies.

Conclude the lesson by telling the children how much you love them and how hard you are trying to be a good parent. Children need to hear often that their parents love them so that they will understand that directions, rules, and order in the home come from that love.

Let each family member make a poster of his responsibilities in the family. Have each child paste the strips of paper he has in front of him onto a piece of colored paper, write his name at the top, and decorate it. The poster could then be put up by the child's bed or wherever it could be seen each day as a reminder.

(from www.lightplanet.com)

What a Great Reunion!

Thanks to all of those who came to our Reunion Enrichment last night! We had so much fun getting acquainted and reacquainted with our sisters in the ward. A special thanks to the Roshella B. and the Enrichment committee for all of their hard work!

Enrichment

Come to a Reunion!

Get ready to have some fun and get to know

your sisters from the Class of the Last Dispensation!

Thursday, September 10, 2009
6:30 p.m. @ the church
Dinner will be served
Childcare available

Remember Your Visiting Teaching!

(print a bigger version of this on alittletipsy.blogspot.com)

Getting to Know Me

My name is Patrice P. and I was recently called as the ward Relief Society President. I was born in Pocatello, Idaho, and while growing up I moved frequently between Utah, Idaho, and Nebraska, finally settling in Arlington, Texas, in high school. When I graduated I went off to BYU and promptly married Allen, whom I met in an introductory geology lab. I was a freshman student; he was the graduate instructor for the course. We’ve spent most of our married life living in Houston, and the past 19 years in the Nottingham Country Ward. We have four children, all of whom graduated from Taylor High School. By profession, I am a registered nurse and spent ten years working in the operating room, and then I retired to do my favorite thing—spend time with my six (almost seven) grandchildren. Besides spending time with family, these past few years Allen and I have enjoyed working in the Houston Temple on Fridays, and of course I have fun serving in the Relief Society. In my spare time, I also like quilting, exercising, reading, and watching reruns of Law and Order.

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SAVE THE DATE

ENRICHMENT

September 10, 2009

6:30 p.m. @ the church

Dinner will be served

Childcare available

Come to a Reunion! Get ready to have some fun and get to know your sisters from the Class of the Last Dispensation!

Family Home Evening Lesson -- Self Reliance

Family Home Evening Lesson
Self Reliance

Opening Song: "I will be valiant" Children's Songbook #162

Opening Prayer

Lesson:

Talk briefly how it is important for families to be able to look after themselves. You could mention food storage, 72 hour kits, growing a garden, knowing your scripture stories, saving money etc.

Depending on the age of your child choose as many or few activites from below to show/teach your child - This is a hands on FHE!

Spiritual ~
Share Testimonies with each other. Talk about why it is important to have/develop a testimony
Scriptures - look through scriptures and why it is important for us to know the stories therein

Money ~
Have play money (or real) and get children to put in amounts that is spent on food, house, bills, tithing, etc then show how much is left(teach that it is important to save some money for emergencies (like broken cars, storms, sickness, if daddy loses job etc)

Car ~
Show children where the oil or water or petrol goes in the car, get them to help you. They will enjoy looking at the engine!

Sewing ~
We all need to know how to repair clothes, sew on a button etc. Older children can sew on some scaps of material or a button, younger children could thread beads on string etc

Emotional ~
The need to be happy and be able to move on even when we are sad. Play some games like "If you're happy and you know it" "If you chance to see a frown - turn it upside down" Sit and talk about feelings etc

Food ~
Eat some food storage. Pack 72 hour kits. We have kits with little cereal boxes, muslie bars,chocolate bars, juice box, dried fruit. These go out of date every 6 months so we sit around and eat the contents and pack new ones.

Shelter ~
Build a shelter out of blankets, tarps or set up a small tent. Ask Child if they could make shelter if needed be?

Closing Song: "Dare to do right" Children's Songbook #158

Closing Prayer:

Treat:

Food Storage foods :)

(from The Family Home Evening Spot -- nataliesfhespot.blogspot.com)

August Visiting Teaching Message

Don't forget to visit your sisters!

(click the link to the right for this month's message)

Handout from alittletipsy.blogspot.com

FHE-Liberty

Family Home Evening Lesson
“Liberty”

(Taken from “Captain Moroni and the Title of Liberty,” Friend, May 1994, 20)

Opening Song: “My Country” (Children’s Song Book # 224)

Opening Prayer: Child

Lesson: Mommy

(This entire lesson is from the “Captain Moroni and the Title of Liberty” article. Click on the link to use for your lesson. It is perfect and condenses the story better than I ever could with pictures and all.)

Talk about how the Title of Liberty it is a lot like our Flag. If we live the way were are suppose to and follow what the Lord has asked we can be blessed by the wonderful country that we live in.

You can teach your children about respecting the Flag and put “The Pledge of Allegiance” up in your home for your family to see and practice and learn.


Talk about the 4th of July and the liberty’s that we have in this country and what it means to you and your family.

Activity: Choose any of these fun 4th of July activities from Enchanted Learning.

Closing Song: “My Flag, My Flag” (Children’s Song Book # 225)

Closing Prayer: Daddy

Treat: Make red, white, and blue parfaits by layering blueberries, strawberries, and whip cream in a clear cup or by using red and blue jello with whip cream.

Thank You

Bloom Where You're Planted

A GREAT big THANKS to our Enrichment Committee for such a wonderful evening last Tuesday.
It was fun AND informative. If you weren't able to attend, you missed a really good time but Amy and Heather have posted the recipes and gardening information.

June Visiting Teaching Message

Visiting Teaching Message of Month
June 2009

June 09.pdf

Participate in Sincere Prayer
Ensign, June 2009

Prayerfully teach these scriptures and quotations or, if needed, another principle that will bless the sisters you visit. Bear testimony of the doctrine. Invite those you visit to share what they have felt and learned.

Sincere Prayer Has Strengthening Power

Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president: "Think of our combined strength if every sister had sincere prayer every morning and night or, better yet, prayed unceasingly as the Lord has commanded. If every family had family prayer daily . . . , we would be stronger" ("What Latter-day Saint Women Do Best: Stand Strong and Immovable," Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2007, 110).

Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: "Prayer changes our lives. Through it we draw near to the Lord, and he reaches out his finger and touches us, so we never again are the same.

"Prayer is a great tower of strength, a pillar of unending righteousness, a mighty force that moves mountains and saves souls" ("Patterns of Prayer," Ensign, May 1984, 32).

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: "Every honest and sincere prayer adds another piece to chain-mail armor. . . . One of the most important ways to clothe yourselves in the armor of God is to make sure that prayer—earnest, sincere, consistent prayer—is part of your daily lives" ("Be Strong in the Lord," Ensign, July 2004, 10).

D&C 112:10: "Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers."

Sincere Prayer Is Holy Communication

President James E. Faust (1920–2007), Second Counselor in the First Presidency: "First, prayer is a humble acknowledgment that God is our Father and that the Lord Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. Second, it is a sincere confession of sin and transgression and a request for forgiveness. Third, it is recognition that we need help beyond our own ability. Fourth, it is an opportunity to express thanksgiving and gratitude to our Creator. It is important that we frequently say: 'We thank Thee . . . ,' 'We acknowledge before Thee . . . ,' 'We are grateful unto Thee . . . ' Fifth, it is a privilege to ask Deity for specific blessings.

" . . . Sincere prayers come from the heart. Indeed, sincerity requires that we draw from the earnest feelings of our hearts" ("The Lifeline of Prayer," Liahona, July 2002, 62; Ensign, May 2002, 59–60).

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: "Meaningful prayer requires both holy communication and consecrated work. Blessings require some effort on our part before we can obtain them, and prayer, as 'a form of work, . . . is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings' (Bible Dictionary, 'Prayer,' 753). We press forward and persevere in the consecrated work of prayer, after we say 'amen,' by acting upon the things we have expressed to Heavenly Father" ("Ask in Faith," Liahona and Ensign, May 2008, 95).

President Thomas S. Monson: "As we offer unto the Lord our family and our personal prayers, let us do so with faith and trust in Him. Let us remember the injunction of the Apostle Paul to the Hebrews: 'For he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.' If any of us has been slow to hearken to the counsel to pray always, there is no finer hour to begin than now" ("A Royal Priesthood," Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2007, 61).

Helpful Hints for Flower Arranging

1. Before arranging, cut flower stems at an angle. This will open the bottoms of the stems and allow the flower to bloom.

2. When arranging, start with the greenery (pink wax flower is a nice alternative to the more common baby's breath for a delicate, Victorian-type arrangement)

3. Leave under the water line will rot more quickly so remove excess leaves lower on the stems.

4. If using foam for your arrangement, it's helpful to soak it in water and plant food before placing it at the bottom of the vase.

5. Keep the water level in the vase at about 1/2 full.

6. As the water line lowers, you can just add to the water. You don't need to change it.

7. Adding a penny to the water in an arrangement with tulips will make the tulips last longer.

8. Don't mix roses with any of the greenery or other flowers until you are ready to arrange them because the fumes will make the roses die more quickly.

Grilling Tips

Thanks to Brother Matt C. for putting together the following grilling basics!

Basic Grilling Tips

#1 Tip – KEEP IT CLEAN –
Always brush your grill grate with a stiff wire brush to clean it.
Oil the grate with a folded paper towel dipped in oil and rubbed over the bars of the grate. Food will stick to a dirty grate.

Tips for Great Grilled Steak
1. Use rubs, marinades, sauces, butters and bastes to add an extra dimension of flavor. Even something as basic as sea salt and cracked black pepper adds a spectacular taste to beef.

2. 

Build the right fire. Understand the difference between direct and indirect grilling and when to use each.

3. Cook it to perfection. (If the grill is too hot, the outside of the steak can overcook before the inside is ready; if too cold, you won’t get the right searing.) Place your hand an inch above the grill and count 1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi, OUCH (too hot to hold your hand over it.




4. Know when your steak is done. Remember medium rare is 145°F; medium 160°F and well done is 170°F.

5. Turn, don’t stab. Tongs are the most important tool in the griller’s workshop.

6. 

Give it a rest. After grilling, give the steak a rest for a couple of minutes to let the juices redistribute before cutting into it.

Tips for Great Chicken
1. Use the “2 Mississippi, OUCH” test
2. Coat your chicken in Olive Oil prior to grilling – this will hold on the juice
3. Marinate before grilling

Know Indirect vs. Direct

Indirect – Use for smoking or slow cook (ribs, brisket, beer-can chicken, salmon). This is done by placing the coals (or lighting only one side of the grill) to one side and cooking the food on the other. In other words, the food is not be being cooked directly over the flame.

Direct – Use for grilling (steak, hotdogs, hamburgers, chicken breast). This is done by placing the food directly over the flame.

Use a RUB! Any rub will do and it will add tremendous flavor. Below is a recipe for a simple rub that is great on beef (brisket, hamburgers, streak) and is perfect on Pork (chops, butt, ribs, loin)
Makes 1 cup
1/4 cup coarse salt (sea or kosher

1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup sweet paprika
3 tablespoons black pepper
1 tablespoon garlic flakes
1 tablespoon onion flakes
1/2 to1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon celery seeds

Lid Closed or Open
General rule is the thickness of your hand. If the steak, chicken, hamburger is thinner then the thickness of your hand then the lid can stay open; if thicker, then closed.

Two last things!
1. If you’re a look’n – it’s not cook’n. Be patient, BBQ takes time
2. Your husband is not as good as he thinks. Without hurting his ego, gently nudge him to bbqu.net or virtualweberbullet.com for smoking and grilling tips. Also, I would suggest watching BBQU on PBS with Steve Raichlen (barbecuebible.com)

Bloom Where You Are Planted

We held our Enrichment night on Tuesday and had such a wonderful evening together as sisters! Thanks to all of those who helped out, shared their talents, and attended. It was great to be together!

We began the evening with a dinner in Heather T.'s beautiful backyard where we tasted amazing grilling samples and learned some grilling basics from Brother Mark B., ate salads, and learned all about native plants and gardening from Sister Kathy M.

We then took a tour of a neighbor's amazing garden before ending up in Sister Andera N.'s gorgeous backyard for delectible desserts and a flower arranging demonstration from Sisters Leigh T. and Cynthia S.

Stay tuned for notes from the presentations and be sure to check our recipe blog (see link on the side bar on the right) to get the recipes from the evening!

2Q09 Enrichment - Planting Tips in Texas

NATIVE OR ADAPTED PLANTS FOR THE HOUSTON / KATY AREA

Thanks to Kathy M. for putting all this great information!

Why native plants?
LOW MAINTENANCE
THE PLANTS ARE USED TO OUR HIGH HUMIDITY AND EXTREME SUMMER HEAT AS WELL AS AN OCCASIONAL BLUE NORTHER
THEY ARE ABLE TO SURVIVE ON RAINFALL AFTER THEY ARE ESTABLISHED.
MORE HEAT AND DROUGHT TOLERANT

These are plants that were brought to the Houston area by our first settlers from other parts of the United States or even other parts of the world. Adapted plants came from similar soil and climate needs and are considered native because they feel at home and grow well here.
The most important thing to remember before purchasing a TEXAS native plant is that Texas is a very large place and just because a plant claims to be native to Texas doesn’t automatically mean it will grow well in Katy. A plant that grows well in El Paso might not tolerate our spring downpours and summer humidity. But a plant that thrives in Savannah, Georgia or Charleston, SC may feel right at home in Katy.

Before you plant, make sure your bed/soil is in good shape. Add several inches of organic matter such as shredded pine bark, peat or rice hulls to your bed to help absorb and store water. Raised beds are a MUST for drought resistant plants since they cannot tolerate wet “feet”. If you are starting a new bed, you might also add an inch or two of bagged soil. Work/till all of the soil and organic matter together.

Mulching also cuts down on the amount of water lost to evaporation.

Something to remember when choosing a plant, part sun or afternoon sun suffices for a full sun plant in our environment. But if a plant gets lanky or doesn’t flower, it may need more sun.

HEAT AND DROUGHT TOLERANT FLOWERS FOR KATY AREA
(All of these must be planted in raised beds)
SUN – LOW TO MEDIUM HEIGHT

BLUE DAZE, BUTTERFLY WEED, COPPER CANYON, DAISIES, CRINUM, CUPHEA, FERN LEAF, LAVENDER, GAURA, LANTANA, MEXICAN MINT, MARIGOLD, ZINNIAS, PLUMBAGO, RUBEKIA (BLACK EYED SUSAN), PAVONIA, SCAVEOLA

SUN – TALLER GROWING

ORCHID TREE, CASSIA, CESTRUM, DURANTA, HARDY SALVIAS, ESPERANZA (YELLOW BELLS), OLEANDER, MORNING GLORY, VITEX , POINCIANA, HAMELIA (HUMMING BIRD BUSH)

VINES THAT GIVE YOU SUMMER COLOR WITH LITTLE TO NO ATTENTION

BUTTERFLY VINE, CORAL VINE, CROSSVINE, HYACINTH, BEAN VINE, RANGOON CREEPER

SHADE FLOWERS – LOW TO MEDIUM HEIGHT

BEGONIAS, CRINUMS, CALLA LILY (WHITE ONLY), CHENILLE, PLANT NEWER VARIETIES OF HOSTAS, WHITE SPIDER LILIES, PENTAS (ALSO DO WELL IN SUN)
SUMMER PHLOX, PINK POLKA DOT PLANT, PLUMBAGO “KATIE”, COMPACT RUELLIA,
SHRIMP PLANT, STRAWBERRY BUSH

SHADE – TALLER GROWING

BARLARIA, CUTLEAF, CONEFLOWER, FIRESPIKE, HIBISCUS (NEEDS SOME SUN), TURKS CAP, GINGERS RANGE FROM GROUND COVERS TO TALL SPIKES – TRY THEM IN SHADY AREAS

NATIVE PLANTS THAT MAKE GREAT CUT FLOWERS

PURPLE GAY FEATHER (Liatris), GOLDENROD (Doesn’t Cause Hayfever), When the flowers start to fade on these, drain the water from the vase. Both flowers will dry naturally in the vase and last a couple of years.
HYDRANGEA and HORSEMINT remain attractive after drying.
PURPLE CORNFLOWERS will lose their petals but the cone will add unusual interest to an arrangement.
PASSION FLOWERS, HIBISCUS, and DAYLILIES look beautiful floating in a pool of water.
Fertilizing with a slow release fertilizer is the key to profuse flower production.

GULF COAST HARDY PERENNIALS

BLACK EYED SUSAN, KLONDIKE, COSMOS, CROCOSMIA, DAYLILIES ‘First Love’, ‘Melody Pink’ DIANTHUS, ‘Strawberry Fields’, GOMPHRENA, HIBISCUS, HYDRANGEA, JACOBINA, PENTAS, PURPLE CORNFLOWER

NATIVE BLOOMERS THAT CUT WELL

BLUEBONNET, COREOPSIS, GOLDENROD, INDIAN BLANKET (Gaildardia), INDIAN PAINTBRUSH, LANTANA, QUEEN ANNES LACE, SUNFLOWER

FRAGRANCE
BUTTERFLY GINGER, NICOTINA (Flowering Tobacco)

VINES
SWEET AUTUMN CLEMATIS, CORAL VINE, PASSION FLOWER VINE

2Q09 Enrichment - Fun Things to Do in Houston This Summer!

Here are some great activities for the summer - enjoy!!! A special thanks to Karen G. for pulling this together for us!

Parks

Peckham Park: 5597 Gardenia Lane, Katy, TX miniature golf, park for kids, swimming, walking trail, and fishing http://www.pct3.hctx.net/parks/maryjopeckham.aspx

Bear Creek Park: 3535 War Memorial DR. wildlife habitat, playgrounds, jogging trails http://www.pct3.hctx.net/parks/bearcreekpioneers.aspx

Bane Park: 9600 W. Little York Rd 20 acres with fishing lake, playground, rock climbing wall, splash pad and restrooms. http://www.hcp4.net/parks/bane/index.htm

Zube Park--free train rides 3rd Saturday of each month March-November http://www.hals.org/

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center 4501 Woodway Dr., Houston, TX 77024 A 155 acre nature sanctuary with 5 miles of walking trails, and interpretive center with a discovery room with hands on activities and exhibits. Free! http://www.houstonarboretum.org/hours.asp

Nature Discovery Center a 4 acre rural retreat in Bellaire, TX. Discovery rooms are open Tues-Sat full of intriguing exhibits and hands on activities for learning fun. It’s Free! http://www.naturediscoverycenter.org/

Bayou Wildlife Park in Alvin, TX take a tram ride over 80 acres of natural habitat. See and feed animals and birds from Africa, India, Asia, Australia, and North and South America. Pony rides and a petting zoo are also available. http://www.bayouwildlifepark.com/index.html

Brazos Bend State Park 21901 FM 762, Needville, TX Has camping, picnicking, hiking, biking and fishing. Great place to see lots of alligators. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/brazos_bend/

George Observatory Located inside Brazos Bend State Park Open to public viewing on Saturday evenings. Tickets are $5 to look through the big telescopes. http://www.hmns.org/see_do/george_observatory.asp

George Ranch Historical Park 10215 FM 762 Richmond, TX Visit 4 different homesteads through time from 1830’s, 1860’s, 1890’s, and 1930’s and see what life was like for them on their working ranch. Open Tues-Sat $9/adults, $5/kids 5-15 http://www.georgeranch.org/

Washington on the Brazos State Historical Park 293 acre state historic site with three main attractions –Independence Hall, Barrington Living History Farm, and the Star of the Republic Museum. http://www.starmuseum.org/visit_publictour.htm

Sea Center Texas 3000 Medical Dr. Lake Jackson, TX 50 miles south of Houston. Marine aquarium, fish hatchery and education center in lake Jackson. Admission Free, donations accepted. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/visitorcenters/seacenter/visit/

San Jacinto Battleground 3523 Battleground Rd, LaPorte, TX http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/san_jacinto_battleground/

Battleship Texas 3523 highway 134, LaPorte, TX http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/battleship_texas/

Miller Outdoor Theater Professional entertainment from Jazz to dance to Shakespeare to musical theatre—all free. http://www.milleroutdoortheatre.com/

Houston China Town –starts from Bellaire & Beltway 8 Eastward to Gessner. From Harwin Dr. Southward to Bellaire. http://www.chinatownconnection.com/

Tour of Minute Maid Park http://houston.astros.mlb.com/hou/ballpark/astrostours.jsp Get a behind the scenes look of the baseball park. See historic Union Station, press boxes, dugouts, luxery suites and more. $9/adults, $5/kids

Drive-in movie just minutes west of Katy. Open Thur-Sun. $5/person http://starsatnightdrivein.com/

Oil ranch 23501 Macedonia Rd, Hockley, TX $12.95/person Guest Ranch with pony ride, milk a cow, dairy barn, baby animal farm, train rides, hayrides, Indian village, swimming http://www.oilranch.com/index.php

Blue bell Creamery Tour where they make Blue Bell Ice Cream in Brenham, TX. Monday –Friday—no weekend tours. $3/person including a serving a ice cream. http://www.bluebell.com/

Pick your Own Berries http://www.moorheadsblueberryfarm.com/ great deal—only $1.50 lb for blueberries. http://www.kingsorchard.com/ they have strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and more but are more costly at ~$3.50/lb

Splashtown Waterpark in Spring, TX ~$30.00/person http://www.splashtownpark.com/

Noah’s Ark Pool 10570 Westpark Has a large pool with dual slides and 2 diving boards, a small pool ideal for little ones $5/person http://ecommunity.westchasedistrict.com/Community/DisplayAd.asp?id=2042

Houston Zoo http://www.houstonzoo.org/

George Bush Presidential Library and Museum 1000 George Bush Drive West, College Station, TX under 5 free $3/ kids, $7/adults http://bushlibrary.tamu.edu/

Galveston!
Crabbing Way fun and this website will tell you how. http://www.crystalbeach.com/fishing/crabbing2.htm

Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle Research Center in Galveston 4700 Ave. U, Galveston, TX 409-766-3500 Tours are given by appointment. http://galveston.ssp.nmfs.gov/index.html

Oil Rig, Offshore Energy Center Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum, Pier 19, Galveston TX. adults $8, students, $5, under 6 free. http://www.oceanstaroec.com/museum.htm

Moody Gardens One Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX Kind of pricey but fun for kids. http://www.moodygardens.com/

Kemah Boardwalk Pricey, but fun especially for the elementary age kids. http://www.kemahboardwalk.com/flash_content/flash_content.html

Space center Need to go here at least once while you live in Houston http://www.spacecenter.org/

Schlitterbahn Very fun waterpark in Galveston, New Braunfels, or South Padre. $30-40/person http://www.schlitterbahn.com/