Magpad

Magpad

Sunday, November 30, 2014

He is the Gift - Christmas Video

This is a good reminder of what Christmas is about.  
You can also see the video by clicking here

Kristine, who is serving a mission in Portland, Oregon, said this about the video:

"The ultimate gift of love was given a long time ago but you and I are still recipients of that gift."

Saturday, November 15, 2014

Christmas Eve 1914: War Time Truce

It was a cold Christmas Eve in 1914 when British and German soldiers participated in a truce that has been remembered ever since.

Thank you, Sainsbury, a large supermarket chain in the United Kingdom, for releasing a commercial that reenacts the historic event.
You can also see the video by clicking here

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Sitting on the Bench: Thoughts on Suicide Prevention

Several years ago, one of my close relatives had a suicide attempt. It was devastating for everyone involved.   Because of his experience, I have been more aware of the this topic.  

Recently, I had a discussion with one of my friends on this topic.  Through our discussion I learned that suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US. 

Starting at 2:00 in the video below, a young man discusses his experience about how he seriously tried to take his life because of his depression.  He describes how his brother “lifted” him starting with taking a week off of work just to be there. He explained that the fact that his family reached out to him in love is what got him on the road to healing. The message at the end of the video is: “There is nothing more powerful than the arm of love that can be put around those who are struggling.” We need to watch out for each other. We need to love one another." 
 
You can also view the video on You Tube by clicking here.  

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Meet the Mormons

Several months ago I heard about a movie that was going to be produced by our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to be shown in movie theaters. As I have watched the different trailers come out one by one, I have been impressed by each story.  Take a half a minute to watch each clip.  You, too, will be uplifted....
The official Trailer
You can also see this video by clicking here.

Meet the CANDY BOMBER:
Col. Gail Halvorsen (Ret.)  Known as “The Candy Bomber” during the 1940s Berlin Airlift, Gail Halvorsen sparked a movement when he started dropping candy tied to parachutes out of his airplane window to children below. This small act of kindness quickly became a life-saving boost to the morale of the people of West Berlin and soon caught worldwide attention and support.
You can also see the clip by clicking here

Meet the BISHOP:
Jermaine Sullivan works full-time as an academic counselor to 200 students in order to support his wife and three kids. He also volunteers full-time as a Bishop of a Mormon church in Atlanta, Georgia. He leads his diverse congregation with youthful exuberance while shattering stereotypes of what it means to be a Mormon Bishop.
You can also see the clip by clicking here

Meet the MOM
Dawn Armstrong, a struggling single mother, had hit rock bottom and lost all hope. Then she met some Mormon missionaries who helped her and her son get back on their feet and start a new life. Her son is now older and ready to fulfill his two-year voluntary missionary work. As she helps him prepare to leave home for the first time ever, she also prepares to say goodbye.
You can also see the clip by clicking here.  

Meet the FIGHTER:
With her husband’s help, extreme sports enthusiast Carolina Muñoz Marin has fought her way to the top of women’s amateur kickboxing in Costa Rica, challenging the traditional stereotypes of a Mormon woman. In between family time and training for competitions, Carolina and her husband run a charity to help those in Costa Rica who are less fortunate.
You can also video the clip by clicking here

Meet the COACH:
As Head Football Coach of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, Ken Niumatalolo balances the pressures of his high-stress job by putting his family and faith first. In the competitive, high-stakes world of college football, he made the shocking decision to cancel staff meetings on Sundays, traditionally seen as critical to the team’s success, to instead honor the Sabbath day.
You can also see the clip by clicking here

Meet the HUMANITARIAN:
After leaving his village to receive a degree in Engineering, Bishnu Adhikari returned to his home in Nepal with a newfound faith and a determination to help improve the living conditions of the area. Bishnu now travels to remote villages in the Himalayan Mountains to build roads, schools and water systems, all while living with his faith and respecting his culture and his family’s expectations.
You can also see the clip by clicking here 

Enjoy the another trailer of the movie.
You can also see the trailer by clicking here

Net proceeds from the film will be donated to charity.  (The Red Cross).

From the LDS newsroom homepage:  
A new uplifting song recorded by Mormon artist David Archuleta is being enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people around the world. The single, "Glorious," is from #MeettheMormons, a new feature-length documentary that was released in 250 theaters across the country on 10 October by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

You can also see the video by clicking here.

This is the full video.  Pass the popcorn and enjoy the show! 
   
  You can also see the whole video by clicking here

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Are you sad? Listen to this HAPPY Medley!

Frozen's Santin Fontana was the guest artist at the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's 2014 Summer Celebration of Song Concert.  The last number was a series of songs about being happy.   Enjoy!  
You can also listen to the song by clicking here  

Friday, September 5, 2014

SEMINARY.....Let the Fun Begin!

This week we started seminary.  
This year we are studying Doctrine and Covenants and Church History.

There is no better way to start the day than to be with these 
WONDERFUL students each morning! 

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Santino Fontana and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

I enjoyed watching the Pioneer Day Concert this past July on my computer.  I didn't know much about the guest singer, Broadway singer and actor, Santino Fontana before seeing the concert.  The Mormon Tabernacle Choir's webpage describes him as:  The artist who brought magic to life as Prince Hans in Disney's blockbuster film Frozen.

This video help me learn a little more about Santino and his thoughts and impressions of singing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
You can also view this video by clicking here.  

You can see the the entire concert by clicking here. Enjoy!

Whimsical inventions? In 1962, yes. In 2014, a reality.

This is a picture of me in 1962.
  
I was 6 years old and in the 1st grade.  

On September 23, 1962 the The Jetsons TV show debuted.   
I watched that first show along with all The Jetsons shows. 
I have fond memories the Jetson family. 
Wikipedia explains:  

The Jetsons live in the year 2062 in a futuristic utopia (100 years in the future at the time of the show's debut) of elaborate robotic contraptions, aliens, holograms, and whimsical inventions.

Whimsical inventions.  What are whimsical inventions?
  • home computers?
  • the Internet?
  • microwave ovens?
  • cell phones?
  • modern medical technology such as an EKG or MRI?
NONE of these whimsical inventions were around when I was  6 years old.


You can also see the video by clicking here.

As a 6 year old I would have never imagined that I would "Skype" with my grandchildren who live in Idaho while I live in California.   

I tried explaining to my son how cool it was to imagine these things as a 6 year old kid.  I never thought that what I saw on The Jetsons show would ever happen in my lifetime.    Now am experiencing many of the Jetson's ways of life today as a 57 year old....just 51 years later.

He wasn't impressed.

I'm just wondering when Rosie, the household robot maid, will be part of my life!

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

A Face Lift for the Mag Pad

After 24 years we decided it was time to paint our house.

Before 

 There was a lot of prep work involved


Welcome to the new MagPad

Home Sweet Home

Thank you Michael and crew.  
We couldn't ask for a better team 


Tuesday, July 29, 2014

The Hope of God's Light

After watching the world's reaction to Robin Williams' death, this video has taken on a new meaning to me.  It is worth the time to watch this short video clip.
You can also view the video by clicking here.

I am so happy that Kristine is sharing this message of hope and peace as she is serving her mission in Portland, Oregon.  Keep up the good work, Sister Magnusson

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Richard Elliott and The Orchestra at Temple Square Plays: Hot Pipes

I enjoyed watching the 2014 Pioneer Day Concert via the Internet.  As I watched it, I really enjoyed listening to Richard Elliot and The Orchestra at Temple Square play Hot Pipes.
  You can see the whole concert by clicking here.  
Hot Pipes starts at 48 minutes

If you were impressed with Richard Elliott's organ playing skills, you can  read an article about him by clicking here.

ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS

  • Richard Elliott joined the Church in his early twenties in 1980.
  • In 1991 he became a full-time Tabernacle organist.
  • In 2008 a potentially career-threatening arm injury led him to develop the footwork for which he is becoming known.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Words of Advice from Señor Magnusson

For the past 13 years, Scott has given the same instructions to the audience at the Gladstone High School's graduation ceremony.  His words have always been received with the same reaction.  Watch the clip from this year's graduation to see what their reaction has been:

You can also view the  video by clicking here

Sunday, June 22, 2014

The Savior Wants to Forgive

Forgiveness is one of the messages my daughter, Kristine, is teaching the people in Oregon as she is serving her mission for The Chruch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I love the message about forgiveness that is taught on the two videos shown below:

The Lord wants us to understand his willingness to forgive.  
Hear a man's true story of addiction, burglary, and arrests, 
and how he was able to repent and receive forgiveness.  
You can also view the video by clicking here

Our Heavenly Father sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Savior 
and show us the way to live according to God's plan.  
You can also view the video by clicking here

Monday, June 2, 2014

The Power of Lunches

I have been in a reflective mood lately.  You see, my job  for the past 30 years is about to come to an end.  Thirty years ago last fall, my oldest daughter entered kindergarten.  That was the day that my job as mothering school age children began.  Now, in just a few days, that job will come to an end when my youngest son graduates from high school.

When I think of my "job", one word comes to mind:  Lunches.  My daughter, Janelle, wrote a college essay on the subject of the power of lunches. 

"This I Believe"
by Janelle Magnusson Anderson

I believe in the power of lunches.

My mom has six children and a husband, all of who needed a lunch for school and work. And so mom made seven lunches every day for twenty five years. That’s over 63,000 lunches.

Love seems to be expressed in two ways: word and action. Over the years, I began to realize that mom’s lunches were full of love. Every day, my brown paper bag held basically the same thing: a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, apple, tortilla chips, and water bottle. But it also held something more.

Each and every lunch held time. Mom’s day began earlier than mine. She would be up early in the kitchen, spreading peanut butter and washing apples while in her pink robe. Making lunches only took a few minutes, but those were precious minutes that I could use putting on makeup instead of bagging my own sandwich. Mom never called attention to this time she spent serving. She just did it because she loved me.

Each and every lunch held acknowledgment. Mom wrote our individual names on all the paper lunch sacks. Kind of elementary, I know. But mom liked writing our names. She would say them out loud as she wrote, writing them phonetically: “Janelllllllllllllllllle” for Janelle. “Li-a-sa” for Lisa. There is love in a name spoken and heard—something so personable and individual. Sometimes kids at school called us names, or made us feel as if we did not have one. But at lunch time, there was our name in front of us. It was a mother’s acknowledgment of who we were. And we knew that it was spoken and written with love; because of that, nothing else mattered.

 I think I first began to realize what lunches meant to me in elementary school. Some kids brought things like “lunchables,” which was the unspoken “cool” lunch to bring. These included yummy treats like candy and mini pizzas, and they didn’t come in brown paper bags. I remember sometimes wishing I could walk into the cafeteria with a “cool lunch.” But then, my brown paper bag occasionally held homemade cookies or rice krispy treats. All of a sudden, I was spoken of as the bringer of a cool lunch! My friends would “ooo” and “ahh” over my good fortune of a mom who would actually make treats for me. And then my cookie would get split into eight different shares and passed around the cafeteria table.

Love is spoken through acts of service, and my mom served me every day of my school career. Not only did her lunches fill me nutritionally, but I was also daily filled with reminders of her love. Now I live away from home, and so I make my own lunch every day. What do I make? Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Though they aren’t spread with a mother’s love, I don’t think I will ever eat a sandwich again without thinking of my mom.



Thank you  Renee, Rachel, Lisa, Janelle, Kristine, and Sam for letting me mother you during your Elementary, Jr. High, and High School career.  And thank you for the honor of always being your mother, no matter what your age is.  

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Wings of Freedom Tour

Scott has always enjoyed studying history.  In fact, he was a history minor in college.  Scott and his brothers were especially interested in World War II history.  They had quite the collection of model airplanes hanging up in their bedroom when they were kids.  

When Scott read about the  Wings of Freedom Tour in our local newspaper, he was so happy to be able to  fit in a visit to the Van Nuys airport to check it out.
You can also see the video by clicking here .

Enjoy looking at the pictures that we took of our tour:





















Our friend, Jack McEwen, is a World War II vet.  He was a pilot in the Airforce and he flew the B-17. When he saw the pictures that I took of our tour, he sent me this email.....

Ah, Kathleen, me lassie, ya warmed the cockles of me heart!  I flew the B-17 in World War II.  It was the sweet-heart bomber that brought one home. Seeing your pictures was an appreciated blessing.  This model was the B-17G that had a controlled nose turret.  I flew the E model  in combat in the South Pacific. (Guadalcanal) in 1942-43. 

I was relieved of combat in July 43 being replaced by B-14s which we called flying box cars.  They were easily damaged under fire, and couldn't make a water landing. I was the Base operation's officer in Kearney, Nebraska staging B-17Fs and Gs to England until VE Day and then B-19s to the Pacific.

I was to have gone on a Church mission in one month, but in the first national draft my number was the sixteenth number drawn.  The Draft Board would have deferred me, but needed a letter from Salt Lake  verifying my mission call. A personal letter from President Heber J. Grant informed me the Church would honor the military call, inasmuch as I was not a actual set -apart functioning full time missionary. With a broken heart, I spent the next four years in the Army Air Corps.   The good Lord watched over and cared for me.   Again, thanks for sharing the pictures.

Jack

It was a humbling experience for me to see and walk through these planes and imagine the sacrifices that were made by the people who were involved with them in the name of freedom.  Thank you Jack, and all our veterans, for your service to me and our country.

Saturday, May 17, 2014

I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus

This is one of my favorite Primary songs that has been beautifully portrayed
by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Friday, May 16, 2014

Baby Songs

Every grandparent of little kids should know about this video.  When my kids were little, this was a favorite to watch.  One generation later, it continues to be a favorite with the grandkids.  

Grab your special blanket and enjoy watching the movie, unless it is being washed.  If that's the case, refer to the song, Don't Wash my Blanket at 14:30 on the video.

  

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

It's That Time of Year


 
We will soon have the opportunity to listen to General Conference.  I love being taught by our Prophet, Pres. Monson, our Apostles, and other Church leaders.

Elder Holland explains what General Conference is in the video below, or you can watch it by clicking here.
Our family has attended General Conferencein the Conference Center  a couple of times.  Usually, we watch Conference at home on our TV or computer.   You can learn more about the Conference Center and what goes on behind the scenes of Conference by watching the video below, or by clicking here.

Friday, March 14, 2014

The Family: Questions and Answers

Landon Seamons gave a talk in church this past Sunday that impressed me.  He answered questions that a person might have about life and the family by using phrases from the The Family - A Proclamation to the World.  Thank you Landon for letting me share your insights on our family blog. 

 This is my favorite picture of our family

-How can I find happiness?
Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.

-Where did I come from? Why am I here?
In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life.

-Will I see my family members again?
The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave.  Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

-Did God give any commandments about families?
The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife.

-Are there any commandments about families specifically for me?
God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force.
God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

-Does God really care about everyone?
We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.

-Does Heavenly Father want me to be a part of a family?
Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

-How does our Father want us to act in our families?
Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children.

-What about kids? What does Heavenly Father expect me to do with them?
Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live.

-Why should we listen to everything that God says about families?
We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God.
We warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

-What should I do? 
We sall upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society. 

 You can find a copy of THE FAMILY - A Proclamation to the World by clicking here

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Movie Choices

Parents!  Step up to the plate and do your job!  And what is your job?  To be the parent.

I read with interest the advice column in this morning's newspaper: Annie's Mailbox 
 PG-13: Not My 14-Year-Old

Dear Annie: I'm livid. My 14-year-old daughter and her friends want to see a certain PG-13 movie on Saturday. But after I read the reviews, I will not allow her to go. Why does the film industry produce movies with words and scenes that are such filth?

We want movies for our children that have decent content and tell stories that have values and drama without us parents always having to worry that what will be said or shown is contrary to what we want our children exposed to. Can't some great producer or film school graduate figure that out? They would be surprised to know how many parents no longer allow their kids to go to the movies, and that means no money in their pockets.

Please, let's protect their innocence as long as possible before they have to see the world's ugliness passed off as entertainment. — Mom

Dear Mom: If all kids truly stayed away from PG-13 movies that contained too much violence, sex and foul language, change would come. Unfortunately, that's not what happens. Your daughter and her friends might stay home, but most kids don't.

We, too, wish Hollywood would stop pandering to our most base instincts, but as long as the money keeps coming in, that's what is going to be out there. The only movies guaranteed not to have such material are those rated G and PG. Beyond that, parents have to read reviews and use their best judgment.


I would like to add that as your children move into the teen years, train them to read the movie reviews themselves and help them make an educated decision if the movie is appropriate and in line with  your family's media standards. 

Our family uses the standards for appropriate media choices that are found in  For the Strength of Youth Pamphlet

 ...Choose wisely when using media because whatever you read, listen to, or look at has an effect on you...

...Satan uses media to deceive you by making what is wrong and evil look normal, humorous, or exciting. He tries to mislead you into thinking that breaking God’s commandments is acceptable and has no negative consequences for you or others. Do not attend, view, or participate in anything that is vulgar, immoral, violent, or pornographic in any way. Do not participate in anything that presents immorality or violence as acceptable. Have the courage to walk out of a movie, change your music, or turn off a computer, television, or mobile device if what you see or hear drives away the Spirit.

I have found that the website kids-in-mind.com is a wonderful tool to use when deciding on whether or not it is appropriate to see a movie or not.  They also have an app that I have downloaded to my ipad.
This is the app picture that is on my iPad for Kids in Mind
This is explanation taken from kids-in-mind.com on how it is set up:

Kids In Mind gives you a way to determine exactly what content is in a movie and whether a movie is appropriate. Unlike the MPAA ratings (R, PG-13, PG, etc.) we do not assign a rating based on age.
We assign each film three distinct, category-specific ratings: one for SEX & NUDITY, one for VIOLENCE & GORE and one for PROFANITY.
       
Each rating is on a scale of zero to ten, depending on quantity (more F-words, for instance, will mean a higher Profanity rating, and so on) as well as context (especially when it comes to the categories of sex, nudity, violence and gore, since they are not as easily quantifiable as profanity).


Check it out.....And please pass the popcorn. 

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

I Will Be Your Light in the Wilderness

Lisa submitted an article that was published in the March 2014 Ensign Magazine.

She wrote about her impressions of 1 Nephi 17:13 found in the Book of Mormon:

“And I will also be your light in the wilderness; and I will prepare the way before you...wherefore, inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall be led towards the promised land; and ye shall know that it is by me that ye are led.”

Below is a cut and paste of the article:

I Will Be Your Light in the Wilderness
By Lisa Lynnette Magnusson

It had been a long day at work, and I was in no mood to go visiting teaching. I printed off the message from the Church’s website before turning off my computer, planning to skim the text during the red traffic lights on the way to the home of the sister I was to visit. I glanced through the message carelessly as I picked it up off the printer, but the first scripture made me stop and sit back down at my desk: “I will also be your light in the wilderness;. . . wherefore, inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall be led towards the promised land; and ye shall know that it is by me that ye are led” (1 Nephi 17:13).

The Spirit whispered that although the afternoon’s visiting teaching appointment was for the benefit of the sister I was to visit, this message was meant for me. Though my life was nothing to complain about, I was a young single adult living far away from home, trying to get established in a new career and doing my best to serve actively in a challenging calling. I knew there was a promised land out there somewhere in my future, but at the present, it often felt as if I were trudging through a wilderness with no end in sight. It was easy to feel discouraged.

That afternoon when I visited the sister with whom I had the appointment, she and I shared our testimonies of the Savior with each other, and my hope was renewed. I was not left to find my way through the darkness alone. The Savior was the light through this unique “wilderness” period of my life. I had felt His guiding influence as I made important life decisions. Just as the Lord prepared Nephi’s family for their journey by providing them with the Liahona and the brass plates, I had been prepared by the faith and power that come through regular scripture study and temple attendance. Even though at times I yearned for my promised land, I realized that there were many benefits to spending time in the wilderness being led by the Lord. I was learning how to go to Heavenly Father with my concerns and recognize answers to prayers. I was learning to have patience in His timing. I was learning that He would provide manna to sustain me when I felt emotionally and spiritually famished (see Mosiah 7:19). In short, I was becoming better prepared for my arrival in the promised land.

I often think back to what I learned from that visiting teaching appointment, especially during times when the wilderness seems especially barren and lonely. I look forward to the day when I can stand in my promised land and look back at the many miles I have traveled—not on my own but with the help of the Savior’s guiding light. ◼

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

The Best Valentine Day Gift Ever


 
Sister Kristine Magnusson posted this thought on her facebook wall on Valentines Day.   Her words touched my heart.  What a great Valentine's Day gift! 
Happy Valentines Day! As a missionary you seem to get this incredible gift of seeing people through Heavenly Father's eyes. I have been able to experience a small portion of the incredible amount of love He has for each of us! What an amazing gift we have from God, to know that His love for us never changes!

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, not angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39

Saturday, February 8, 2014

A Punny Valentine

I got an email from from Orange Cat for a link for Punny Valentine ideas.  For anyone who knows the Magpad, we have been known to have some interesting conversations around the kitchen table trying to out pun each other.

When I saw Orange Cat's post, I decided to cut and paste it onto our blog.  You can see the origional post by clicking here.  Thank you Julie Ward for the clever ideas.


Valentine’s Day is on the horizon, the stores are already starting to fill up with Easter decorations-never mind St. Patrick’s Day-and you’ve done it again.  You’ve arrived too late to the holiday-aisle party and the coveted, must-have, character (or celebrity) Valentines your kids have their hearts set on are gone.  Instead of convincing them to get the “see, these are super cute,” generic, picked over knock-knock joke Valentines you made them get last year, skip the holiday aisle altogether and make your own funny, punny Valentines.

All you need are a few easy-to-find items, a printer and some creativity!  You can make valentines that include a sweet treat, or if you’re trying to avoid a major sugar rush, something useful or homemade.  The key is to connect a sweet saying with a fun item.  Make cards, tags, stickers or bag toppers to attach to your item. Play around with fun fonts, and if you have a color printer, colors.  

Then, wrap them, tag them, attach them or tie them with a sweet bow and voila!  Cool, clever Valentines for friends, family and even the whole class!

Some examples to get you started:

To this saying….            Attach this!

I dig you!                         A plastic sand shovel with M&M’s
I like the way you roll     Roll of Rolos or Toosie Rolls
You rock, Valentine!        Pop Rocks
I’m hooked on you          Swedish Fish
You blow me away          Balloon (uninflated) or bubble gum
I’m crazy about you        Crazy straw
We’re mint to be             York Peppermint Patty
I’m mad about you          Page from a Mad Libs book
I’m fortune-ate to have you as a friend  Fortune cookie
You blow my mind, Valentine!                Mini-bubbles
It’s Valentine’s Day…have a ball!          Bouncy ball
You make my heart glow  Glow stick
You light up my life!         Glow stick
You’re #1 in my book       Homemade bookmark
Hope your day is chalk full of fun   A stick of sidewalk chalk
Valentine, you are just write            Pen or pencil
You’re a great catch!                       Bag of Goldfish crackers
Can I co-coax you to be mine?        Hot cocoa packet
You warm my heart        Hot cocoa packet
You rule!                         Ruler
I’m a sucker for you!      Lollipop
You a-maze me, Valentine    Mini-maze puzzle
I’m stuck on you               Sheet of stickers
I’m bananas over you       Banana
I like you a hole bunch     Donut holes
Won’t chew be mine?       Gumballs
I think you’re beary nice, Valentine    Teddy Grahams
You are awesomesauce!   Applesauce cup
You’re my main squeeze  Squeezable applesauce
A big bear hug for you     Gummy bears
You cracker me up           Graham crackers or Cheez-its

Start the day off right! With a little bit of preparation, you can create a fun Valentine’s breakfast made entirely out of these Valentines:

You’re my main squeeze       Small bottle of orange juice
You’re the apple of my eye   Small bottle of apple juice
Donut you know how much I love you?        Donut
I’m bacon you to be my valentine    Bacon!
Don’t waffle: Say you’ll be mine!    Toaster waffles
You’re cereal-ously cool       Mini box of cereal
You’re my lucky charm        Mini box of Lucky Charms

While you’re at it, make one of these bigger valentines for teachers your own family celebration!

You’ve got a pizza my heart   Gift card for pizza
You’re my superstar               Tickets to a movie or concert
Yo! Happy Valentine’s Day!   Gift card for fro yo
We make a great pair             Cozy socks
Don’t ever change                  Bag of quarters
You are sew cool!                   Mini sewing kit
Bee Mine                                Honey bear and tea

And, whatever you do this Valentine’s Day, bee sure to have a grape day!


Julie Ward

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Good Advice When Making Decisions

"When we make decisions, God expects us to pray and trust and then not panic or 'jump ship' when something doesn't seem to be going right."

Watch this inspiring video that highlights a personal story by Elder Jeffrey R Holland.
You can also see the video by clicking here

Monday, January 20, 2014

Life/Death: Answers

When a loved one has died, have you wondered if you would ever see them again?

I asked a friend, whose father passed away this past year, if he believed if he would see his father again.  He paused, thought for a long moment, and then said, "We'll see if it happens."


You can also view the video by clicking here

I told him I knew I would see my father again.  My father died 6 years ago.  The above short video explains what I know about the subject of life and death.  

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Colby Fire!

On Thursday morning a fire broke out in the hills above Glendora.
 Notice the Los Angeles temple in the bottom of the picture.
This picture is from the LA Times

At 6:15 am Thursday morning on the way to seminary, we noticed a plume of smoke rising up from the mountains to the east of us.  
 
This picture was taken by the Glendora Police Dept. 

We are very fortunate and blessed to have the resourses to battle this blaze. 750 firefighter personnel are fighting the fire, with 100 trucks, two air tankers and eight helicopters.
 
This is a picture of a super scooper plane obtaining water from nearby Santa Fe Dam. 
This picture was taken by Margaret Finlay.

The helicopters get their water from nearby reservoirs . 
I got this picture from 10news.com

750  firefighter personal were deployed to fight this fire. 
This picture is from scpr.org

*Three men were being held in jail on suspicion of recklessly starting the Colby Fire in lieu of $20,000 bail each by the Glendora Police Department, Chief Tim Staab said at a Thursday morning news conference.

Staab said police believe the three set a campfire and were tossing papers into the fire when a breeze kicked up and ignited the larger blaze in the foothills. Staab said he was told by detectives that "One [suspect] had made an admission to our detectives and admitted to starting this fire." That suspect was apologetic, Staab said.

The men came to police attention after a resident reported two people walking suspiciously away from the fire Thursday morning, Staab said. The two were detained. A third person was given a ride down by the U.S. Forest Service and was later detained.

The suspects are being cooperative, Staab said. Staab added that the area isn't a camping area, but that people do camp in the area.

*I got most of my information for this post from this website.  Thankyou scpr.org/news  Southern California Public Radio

This is an email update I received about the Colby Fire from the City of Duarte:

January 20, 2014

Dear Nextdoor Neighbor;

The Colby Fire is 78% contained with more than 3 square miles burned. In all, five homes were destroyed, three persons were injured and 17 structures were damaged. Full containment is expected sometime on Wednesday of this week. The City of Duarte deactivated its Emergency Operation Center last Thursday at 11:30 p.m. but have continued to monitor the incident. There remains no significant threats to the cities of Duarte or Bradbury.

The last wave of evacuees in the Azusa neighborhood of Mountain Cove, were allowed to return home Saturday evening. At the peak, the fire caused approximately 3700 evacuations throughout Glendora and Azusa. The fire started early Thursday morning in the Angeles National Forest when Santa Ana winds hit a campfire that was set by three men. The three suspects, 23-year-old Jonathan Jarrell of Irwindale, 22-year-old Clifford Henry Jr. of Glendora and 21-year-old transient Steven Aguirre, were booked on suspicion of recklessly starting a fire the same day and are being held in lieu of $500,000 bail.

For more up to date information about the fire use Twitter: #ColbyFire No twitter/ No problem: Visit http://fire.lacounty.gov/