Framed Easter Printable

Following up on yesterday's post...

April Visiting Teaching Gifts

I chose to use white marbled vellum:

Here's the Easter printable on the vellum. Pretty isn't it?

I couldn't decide which pastel card to layer under the vellum, so I made one of each.

The marbling doesn't show up well in these photos, but I think it looks really nice.

I used 8 x 10 frames, but you could certainly print smaller ones or even use as a simple handout. Here's the finished project on pink, blue, green, and lavender.

Tied and tagged

Happy Easter!

I love this "printable" so much! I may just make a little fridge magnet for every sister in our Relief Society.

April Visiting Teaching Gift

I like to take a little something to the ladies I visit each month. I found the perfect thing for April. It's a meaningful Easter gift, yet inexpensive enough to make four of them (one for each of the sisters I visit, plus one for my partner).

The words are from a favorite LDS hymn "I Know that My Redeemer Lives" (text by Samuel Medley, 1775) You can download this Easter printable here in four different colors (black, green, lavender, and dark purple). I'm going to print it in black on special paper and frame in distressed wood like this:

Then I'll add a cute Spring-colored ribbon. Check this later post to see a photo of the finished gifts.

Some things change; some don't...

What do these photos all have in common?

Spring 1993

Summer 1993

Fall 1994

Summer 2005

Fall 2005

Summer 2008

Fall 2008

Spring 2009

Winter 2009

Winter 2010

Anyone see a pattern? :)-

I don't get it.

Do you think it's genetic?

"I'm so frustrated!"

As the Relief Society President in my ward, I sometimes have the opportunity to counsel women who come to me seeking advice or simply wanting a sounding board as they sort through their problems.

Often, the issues they talk to me about stem from frustrations in their relationships whether they be with friends, family, or coworkers. Although I don't have a professional background in psychology, I do my best to listen with empathy and ask open ended questions.

One book that I have recommended more than any other is Dr. John M. Gottman's "The Relationship Cure". My bishop says it's the best book on relationships he has ever read. I have found some of the communication exercises in the book to be extremely enlightening. Are you aware of others' bids for connection? Do you respond by turning towards, turning away, or turning against? You may be surprised.

If you are looking for a way to improve any or all the relationships in your life (marriage, parent/child, roommate, coworker, boss, in-laws, etc.) invest the $10.03 and pick this one up at Walmart. Better yet, check it out at the public library for free.

Who among us doesn't want healthier relationships, stronger emotional connections, and better communication? This book not only can dramatically transform troubled relationships into positive ones, but it can elevate and improve even the good relationships in your life. It's extremely useful, practical, and spot-on.

I recommend it.

Don't you know? I'm a GREAT aunt!

(Charlotte smiling at me)

My beautiful niece, Candice, and her cute family now live in Omaha which is only three hours away. It's wonderful to have extended family within a day's drive.

(Candice and Charlotte at the zoo on a cold day)

Their townhouse is just minutes from Omaha's famous Henry Doorly Zoo.

(The desert dome at Omaha Zoo)

Candice is doing a great job decorating it and making it feel like home. (The townhouse, not the zoo!) Last weekend, my brother and his wife were in Omaha visiting, so we drove up to spend the day with them.

(Kevin and Marian with their darling granddaughter - one of seven grandchildren.)

We had a wonderful visit, and Kevin treated us all to a delicious dinner at The Cheesecake Factory, my favorite!

(Cheesecake Factory, Omaha)

With Kevin's recommendation, I tried their Chris Outrageous Chocolate Cake for the first time.

OH! MY! GOSH!

It was a perfect little day trip and we certainly enjoyed the company and the food, despite the weather. We look forward to seeing Candice, Craig, and Charlotte again soon...over Easter weekend.

Glimpses of Jen's Spring Break

(Before watching this video, pause tunes at bottom of blog.)

Empty TP Rolls

I always heard if you ever become a Girl Scout Leader or a Cub Scout Den Mother you should save everything (empty TP rolls, egg cartons, milk cartons, you name it) because there will come a time when you need them for a kids' craft. Since Brookie is three now and has such advanced fine motor skills, she loves crafts! I decided it was time to use up some of my collection today. After googling images for "crafts made with TP rolls" I found this darling idea from Parents' Magazine. Perfect for Spring!

Isn't it so cute?!!! I didn't find any directions, but it was simple enough to figure it out.

1. First, I placed a rubber band around the cardboard tube (about 1/8 inch from the center) to act as a guide for my pen.

2. Then I drew a line the circumference of the tube and a second one about 1/4 inch from the first.

3. Next, I cut the tube with scissors from the edge just up to the line all the way around. I made snips about 1/4 inch apart, but depending on how wide you want your flower petals, you could adjust this.

4. Repeat on the other side.

5. Finally spread out the petals.

6. The flower can be left natural or painted any color you desire. (Tip: use a very dry paint and brush. My cardboard got a little too limpy.)

7. Stuff the center with crumpled giftwrap tissue or other colored paper.

8. Stick in a skewer for stem (pipe cleaners could work too; I just happened to have skewers on hand).

9. Add a paper leaf if you want and display in a cute vase or container. Voila!

What child wouldn't be proud to take this home? The true test is...can a three year old do it? With a little help from me, Brookie made three more flowers. Not quite magazine photo quality, but pretty darn good. Her favorite parts were gluing on the leaves, crumbling up the paper for flower centers, and filling the vase with Easter grass. She had trouble cutting all the way to the center line, but did a great job overall! She is so proud of herself and loves her flowers.

Happy Spring Mom and Dad!