The Kids Experience a Rally

 Last week Mitt Romney came to our town for a rally.  After experiencing the Santorum Rally, I really wanted my children to have the opportunity to get involved and learn more about our Presidential Race to the White House.  Here is a picture of Corbin shaking hands with Mitt.

Thanks to an old friend, Jeff Allen, we were able to get a family picture at the rally.  The rally was a little long (because he was late in arriving) and we were on our feet the whole time so the kids were tired by the end.  But I think it was a good experience for everyone.  Afterwards, the kids were treated to a special treat, ice-cream! 

My New Calling: Gospel Doctrine

I was recently called as my ward's only Gospel Doctrine Teacher!  I was just feeling comfortable serving as the Relief Society 2nd counselor and looking forward to this year, when I was surprisingly released and called to this new calling.  I was in shock when I said "yes."  My first week teaching didn't go as I had planned in my mind, it's harder than I thought it would be.  I just found this great article called "Increasing Participation in Lessons" that will come to my rescue. 

I am coming to this new assignment right smack dab in the Isaiah chapters that are quoted in 2 Nephi - even more daunting!  I have found a good articles to help me sort through this.  You might also enjoy them:  1) How can I understand Isaiah? found in the March New Era 2012, and 2) Ten Keys to Understanding Isaiah by Elder Bruce R McConkie.

If you have any great teaching tips of what you have liked about your current or past gospel doctrine class, please share!  This is stretching me to my limits.

More great resources: 
Gospel Doctrine Study Guide  
LDS Institute Manuals
BYU Scripture Discussions
Teaching Guidebook
LDS Living
Gospelink
Israel Revealed by Daniel Rona
Meridian Magazine 
Feast upon the Word blog 
Bro. Beardall's Gospel Doctrine Class
Teaching Them the Word of God Will all Diligence
The Power of Teaching Doctrine
Teaching - No Greater Call
The Teacher's Divine Commission
Inviting Class Discussion
Spiritual Guides for Teachers of Righteousness

My Menu Board

I finally finished my menu board (check this post for more info).  I am happy with the final product because it's bright, colorful, and fun....plus it has a great purpose.  Now I am working on making my menu ideas.  I decided to color-code my menu cards according to the typical recipe book categories (chicken, pasta, etc).  You will notice that each menu card has a strip of cardstock on the left side under the clothespin.  This week we are eating a lot of chicken (orange tag) and pasta (yellow tag)!

Corbin and I made a quick stop at the library.  I grabbed two of Rachel Ray's cookbooks, so many of my recipes this week come from her cookbooks.

Tuesday - Southwestern Chicken & Black Bean Burrito with chips & salsa

Wednesday - Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup and rolls (I love having soup leftovers for the kids' lunch.  It stays warm in their thermos containers).

Thursday - Garlic Roast Chicken with Rosemary & Lemon, Pesto- smashed potatoes, veggie

Friday - Homemade pizza, smoothie, relish tray

Saturday - Pasta Carbonara, Rosemary Foccacia bread (we love this bread), veggie

Sunday - Hawaiian Haystacks, fruit smoothie

Hot Valentines Date: Let's Attend A Presidential Rally

 Last night I convinced Paul to attend a Rick Santorum rally with me.  I am grateful for the opportunity to hear him speak, to shake his hand, and have a good look at him - eye to eye.  I don't have any great pictures, Paul said he tried his hardest - oh, well.  I am very concerned about our country.  We need new leadership that will stand for America, stand with God, and stand with the people and I think that Rick Santorum is the man for the job.

Here is a list of the 2012 Presidential debates with their video links.  During the Q & A section, Rick Santorum encouraged us to go back and watch the debate called the Thanksgiving Family Forum (He said here the candidates were each given 18 minutes that they could use however they wanted during the forum, but once their time was up, then they wouldn't be called on to answer anymore.  This forces the candidates to carefully pick and talk about the issues of most importance to them).