"Pride and Prejudice a Latter Day Comedy"

http://deseretbook.com/store/product?sku=4909496

I enjoyed these films but I was disapointed in the fact that the "LDS" film kept showing the midriff of the main character about an 1". I know it's not much but I'd appreciate more support for modesty from LDS film makers.

"Everything You Want"

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0403237/

Nathan laughed a lot with this one. Rich is still analizing it. I've just gotta laugh. It was a nice movie.

(I rented the above films from the LDS book store)

"Cupid and Cate"

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0224816/

This is my second time with "Cupid and Cate". It has some good messages about growing up and forgiveness. It's also a wonderful love story.

(find it at the library)

School To Be or Not To Be...

I've been a little scared to begin school this fall. I don't want to incure debt that will be a burden on my family. On the other hand, I feel that if I don't attend soon I will continue to live a sorrow of not even reaching for my dreams. My many desires and dreams will all be ushered along with a college education.

I want to thank my good friend Holly, my Mom, my Husband, and children for thier support and encouragement to reach for my dreams.

THANK YOU!

Much Love,
Cindy

New Garden Beds

I'm currently building raised garden beds.

BUILDING
supplies;
compost
vermiculite
peat moss
jig saw
2"x6"x8' boards (3 to a box)
1/4"x36" all thread-plated metal rods (1 to a box)

My first bed was made from red garden poles and 20" stakes (18" are recommended). I worried that it just wasn't sturdy enough plus I've a grudge against the poles after they stained the interior of my van. So, I purchased 2"x6"x8' Douglas fir (2"x8" are recommended) and began again. I do wish I would have went with my initial desire for 2"x8"s but I'm optimistic.

They look nice and they should hold up. My son, Nathan, found a source for pre-made raised beds online. They were built tongue and groove with pins in the corners. So, that's what I'm doing. Extra Large nails would be easier but I went for cheap and cut my own metal rods.

I'm happy with how the beds are coming together. I'm even trying the same technique on the leftover red poles. I returned the uncut poles.

This project is fun but is taking a lot of hard labor. It's been a great way of getting my body used to physical labor again before hitting the gym. I think I always will work harder for a project than a machine.

PLANTING
I the bed closest to the shed I planted two varieties of pole beans that can be eaten green, canned, or dried, carrots, and sunflowers.

We're participating in a large community garden so I'm unsure of what to plant at home. I did buy a sweet red bell pepper and some celery. I may plant some lettuce, watermelon, and yellow squash.

Ground level beds;
We'd like to get some asparagus in this year but they're selling for around $8 a plant. I'd also like a rhubarb plant but that's another $10.

HERBS
On the side of my house I built another bed for herbs. I'm afraid anything from the mint family will just take over. I definitely want some German Chamomile. It's hard to find so I will plant it from seed. I was going to plant evening primrose too but it seems that you have to extract the oil from the seed to use it so, I think I'll pass on that one.

Basil is also looking good. I think I'd like to have some sweet basil. Rosemary doesn't winter over here so I would like to grow it in a pot indoors. It's supposed to be invigorating.

I'm trying to decide between lemon balm and lemon basil. Which is better for infusions and herbal teas?

DREAM
I would really like to grow concord grapes, elderberries, blueberries, and raspberries. They're very good for you. I would also like to grow huckleberries but I'm not sure if they've come up with a way to grow them in your garden yet.

I love berries more than vegetables.

Happy Planting!

Craigslist Frenzy!

Most of my friends know I've been a little busy with craigslist lately.

I've got some awesome deals, some not so good deals, sold or given things away in a hurry, and met some very nice people!

I dare you to try it too.

You might see some my listings as well.

Cindy

Shoes for Camp!

A couple weeks ago. I stopped by the Idaho Youth Ranch outlet in boise. I was looking for a laundry cabinet and found three pairs of awesome shoes instead.

Two pairs of Nike brand tennis shoes and one other. Perfect for the kids camping trips this summer.

To my surprise the love them so much they've been wearing them everyday.

Not bad for $2.50 a pair!

Check it out!

It's not for the faint of heart, mind you. Some people wear gloves.

Check the archives for links and direction to the Yard.

Smoke Jumper

****

This film is about a young woman who is faced with several questions about herself and who she really is. The picture borders on "feministism".

The film is done very well.

I recommend this movie to youth (12 and over) and adults.

*Please read the reviews for specific information on content

Available at some Redbox locations

http://www.christiancinema.com/catalog/article_info.php?articles_id=5942

Faith Like Potatoes

*****

I figure with a title like that every Idahoan should watch this film.

This film portrays the walk of faith in man's life. It's based on a true story. It's very good.

*There is some drinking, some bursts of anger, and potentially scary scenes.

I recommend highly recommend this movie for adults.

Available at some Redbox locations.

http://www.christiancinema.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=2681&s_kwcid=faith%20like%20potatoes2636115776&gclid=COD2k7GLupoCFQ6jagodJG20bw

The Knights Tales -Trilogy

I love to read the books written by Gerald Morris.

He's currently working on a trilogy on the knights of the round table. These are written for a younger audience than his other series, the Squire's Tales.

My son is eleven and he loved them too. He kept running to me so we could share a secret laugh about the different scenarios in the book. If you like a little humor with your Sir Lancelot you'll love his work too. It would also be a fun book to read as a family.

The first one is "The Adventures of Sir Lancelot the Great"

The second one is "The Adventures of Givret the Short"

The third one isn't out yet.

For more book reviews see goodreads.com

Visiting Teaching

Here's a copy of a letter I wrote to the same friend about the visiting teaching program in Relief Society, the organization for women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.


Dear Friend,

This week I was asked to share with you some thoughts on being a wife and mother…

I married my husband when I was nineteen. I had not seen many good marriages growing up. So, it took a lot of faith for me to marry, especially for eternity.

I knew that it was Heavenly Father’s will that I marry and have a family. So, when the time came I took the leap. I continue in that faith today. Marriage is teaching me how to love, be selfless, be humble, be faithful, work together, be obedient, be loved and to trust in the Lord.
I’ve received great strength from my husband. Of course, he can help me in the garden and get a lot done, but he’s also a source of spiritual strength. His faithfulness gives me strength to hang in there when times are hard. His good counsel guides me and helps me to find my way. His encouragement lifts me when I’m down. When he holds my hand I feel secure. When he smiles at me I feel beautiful.

One of my favorite things about being a wife is having someone to do something special for.
The thought of becoming a mother brought with it many reservations. I was worried that I would not have the patience or the dedication necessary to give my children a good home. Childbirth also frightened the dickens out of me. That’s when I held on to the blessings promised in my patriarchal blessing and in the temple. It was another leap of faith. God held true to his promises!

I love being apart of my children’s lives. As a mother, you’re the coach in their young lives. When they stumble you’re there. When they fly you’re there too. Motherhood can be very difficult at times but they’re so worth it!

I have a testimony of temple marriage. It’s worth the study of a lifetime. Everything Heavenly Father asks us to do is for a wise purpose. As we follow his teachings we draw nearer to him and will become more like him. Becoming a righteous wife and mother is truly a noble calling and birthright. Nothing in this world can better prepare us to enter into the presence of our Heavenly Father.

With Great Love and Affection,

Cindy

Relief Society

This is a copy of a letter I wrote to a young friend about to enter the Relief Society, the organization for women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Dear Caitlyn

You will enter Relief Society very soon. At that time you’ll be given the opportunity to serve as a visiting teacher.

As a visiting teacher you, and your companion, will be asked to visit and teach two or three of your fellow sisters. It’s important to seek God’s help in fulfilling your calling and in learning to love your sisters. You will be blessed with greater love for your sisters as you pray for and serve them.

Every month the leaders of the church pass down a message or special thoughts that they would like us to share with our assigned sisters during the month. It’s an opportunity for each sister to teach and be taught individually the principals of the Gospel as they relate to her and her individual circumstances.

Throughout the month we try to be attentive to the needs of our sisters as well. She might need a listening ear, a friend to sit by, or a simple hello. Other times she may be in need of physical assistance such as a ride to the store, babysitting, help cleaning the house, or nourishing meals. Occasionally, a sister in your care may need more than you can give. In these cases it’s important to call upon your Relief Society presidency for assistance. If your sister is suffering for want of food, shelter, safety, or extra spiritual support your Relief Society presidency and Bishopric will work together to do all that they can to ensure her needs and the needs of her family are met.

Visiting teaching has been a wonderful blessing in my life. My visiting teachers may not become my best friends but they always show me love and kindness. At times, the service of a visiting teacher whether in sharing her testimony, gentle encouragement, a listening ear, child care, or in helping me in a move has had a greater affect on my life and that of my family than they could ever imagine.

I love getting to know my sisters in the ward. I especially enjoy spending time with the older sisters. They’ve helped to fill gaps in my life when I’m in need of an aunt, a grandmother, a mother, a sister, or a friend.

I testify to you, my sister, Caitlyn that visiting teaching is inspired of Heavenly Father. He has provided a way for us to learn to love and serve each other. Through heartfelt prayer and service we as sisters will become more like our Savior. We in turn will be better equipped to withstand the wiles of the adversary and we will be a strength unto each other, our families, our communities, and to the world.

I testify of these truths in the name of Jesus Christ.

Sincerely,

Cindy

The Love Dare

Remember the movie "Fire Proof"?

The book "The Love Dare," referred to in the movie, is available at your local bookstores. I checked out a copy from the library but soon realized I wanted to use the journal section to record my progress. I've already ordered myself a copy.

Learning from this book is probably better than watching the movie.

"I Dare You!"

P.S. Feel free to share your experiences.

Do you remember the Black Sheep?

We've had a great time watching the old "Baa, Baa Black Sheep" t.v. show.

I got a little worried when my son, Nathan, began to quote them, "If you can't out think 'em an if you can't rank 'em, then you out fight 'em!" Charming isn't it? Okay, it could be worse we could be watching M.A.S.H.

I Did It!

I finally chose to become an independant consultant. I found a product that I think is very good, SCENTSY. My family is very supportive. Rich and children love that we have our own warmers and scents (I'm usually too frugal for candles). Currently, I'm deciding just how much time and money to put in to this project.

I would love to be your consultant too!

How is that for a plug?

Writer's Critique

I've joined a children's writers critique group forming in Nampa. I'm excited to have something to keep me on my toes. We're going to meet once a month. Let me know if you're interested as their is a limit to the amount of members allowed.