Mama of Many - The Williams Family - Wait! Where did all these people come from?
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Saturday, April 17, 2010
It's Prom - 2010
Every year in High School tradition there are the sports, activities and the dances. Here you see two beautiful girls all dressed up to enjoy their High School Prom like many girls across the US. But there is so much more behind these pictures. First of all, it’s a first for us to have two girls going at the same time. (These are daughters 4 & 5) Sierra turned “16” in March so she was old enough to go when she was asked.
Another fact is my husband is a General Contractor, a business that has been hit really hard with the recession. Things are always tight anyway with a family our size, there is always that concern deep in your heart (do we have the money?) You want your children to be able to do all they can and enjoy the fun stuff of youth.
Katie & Sierra
Sisters!
Tanner & Katie
Keyan & Sierra
Here is the part that touches my heart.
My girls have such an amazing group of friends, both of these dress are borrowed from those friends, the one Sierra is wearing the young lady had never worn herself yet. Big sister Alissa did the hair and make up and big sister Kristen made the boutonnieres. My girls have always been so sensible about these things. Another thing I love, is that they are modest and they choose to be. This mother's heart is full tonight.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Feeling the Need to Prepare
We have always received counsel to get prepared. I’ve grown up with this understanding; my bed frame was boxes of food storage. Growing up in California I experienced earthquakes, you feel very out of control. And as we have moved our family around the US we have lived in areas with all kinds of threats tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, floods, blizzards, earthquakes, we even lived by a chemical depot in AL. I have always worked hard to store the things we needed, but it got a little tricky as we moved so often and with each threat comes a little different preparation. Now that we have been settled for a while I have felt the need once again to get prepared to really to work on it again.
Working on 72 hour kits is an ever on going process. As the kids keep growing and the importance of keeping food and water fresh, (you need to rotate every six months or so.) I first had backpacks for everyone with everything you would need, the problem there is no way the kids could carry them. Putting more in Mom and Dad’s pack is a solution, but what if you get separated? I went to clear boxes, you could see what was in there, I had one for kitchen/cooking supplies, one for bathroom/health care, another for food and one more for others items. They stacked nice and stay dry but they are not easy to move. All the while I would continue to gather food items for our year supply.
There seems to be more things happening in our world that enforces the need to prepare is some way, whatever way we can. I know we will be blessed for the efforts we make. So as timing has it, the stores in our area have been having case lot and food storage sales. Look at some of the goodies I got.
Then this happens, Local earthquake gets Utah's attention - SALT LAKE CITY -- Thursday's earthquake in Utah didn't do much damage, but it got a lot of people's attention -- and it has a lot of people thinking. Is it a sign that a "big one" is coming -- or even worse?
So feeling a little better about my efforts but feeling I really need to continue.
Provident Living
I Prepared blog
Emergency Essentials
Working on 72 hour kits is an ever on going process. As the kids keep growing and the importance of keeping food and water fresh, (you need to rotate every six months or so.) I first had backpacks for everyone with everything you would need, the problem there is no way the kids could carry them. Putting more in Mom and Dad’s pack is a solution, but what if you get separated? I went to clear boxes, you could see what was in there, I had one for kitchen/cooking supplies, one for bathroom/health care, another for food and one more for others items. They stacked nice and stay dry but they are not easy to move. All the while I would continue to gather food items for our year supply.
There seems to be more things happening in our world that enforces the need to prepare is some way, whatever way we can. I know we will be blessed for the efforts we make. So as timing has it, the stores in our area have been having case lot and food storage sales. Look at some of the goodies I got.
Then this happens, Local earthquake gets Utah's attention - SALT LAKE CITY -- Thursday's earthquake in Utah didn't do much damage, but it got a lot of people's attention -- and it has a lot of people thinking. Is it a sign that a "big one" is coming -- or even worse?
So feeling a little better about my efforts but feeling I really need to continue.
Provident Living
I Prepared blog
Emergency Essentials
Saturday, April 10, 2010
BYU Ballroom Concert - “Encore”
Ballroom Dance Company at BYU Celebrates 50 Years
The award-winning Brigham Young University Ballroom Dance Company will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a gala performance called "Encore" at the Marriott Center on the BYU campus this weekend. Throughout its career, the BYU Ballroom Dance Company has been awarded 27 national championships and was the first American company to win the British Formation Championships, which it has won 19 times.
Alissa is on the touring team and she loves it. This year is the British Formation Championships held in Blackpool, England. This is an amazing group of young people, and her cutie husband also dances, he is on the backup tour team.
The award-winning Brigham Young University Ballroom Dance Company will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a gala performance called "Encore" at the Marriott Center on the BYU campus this weekend. Throughout its career, the BYU Ballroom Dance Company has been awarded 27 national championships and was the first American company to win the British Formation Championships, which it has won 19 times.
Opener
A Salute To Fred Astaire
Theatrical Arts - High On The Mountain Top
Rock This Town - Lindy
Dance With My Father - Rumba
Hair Spray
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Preparedness Pitfalls and Potholes
Preparedness Pitfalls and Potholes
by Angie Sullivan
LDS Living Magazine
Beware of these common preparedness mistakes as you try to build up a good storage of food and water.
As our journey continues, I just simply can't go on without warning you of some of the "pitfalls and potholes" of preparedness. They are the mistakes that many people make as they begin storing for the future. The following points are seven of the most common mistakes in food storage.
1. Water
Don't forget it! I know I've mentioned this before, but surprisingly, water is often overlooked. If you do purchase water storage kits or barrels, fill them as soon as possible. Water is crucial, yet because it is so accessible to us, we often forget it.
2. Extended Staples
Don't forget to store the additional pantry "staples" that turn basic foods into recipes. Consider storing oil, baking soda, baking powder, yeast, shortening, and powdered eggs, to name a few. Purchase a food storage cookbook and try the recipes to see what your family enjoys. Make sure you have the extended staples you need for those recipes.
3. Vitamins
Obviously you want to try your very hardest to include as many high vitamin foods as you can. Nevertheless, you will still want to store multivitamins for your family. You might consider asking your doctor what multivitamin is best for your family and each person's individual needs. It is also wise to store vitamin C tablets, as citrus and other fresh fruits with vitamin C may be hard to come by in an emergency. This is a crucial vitamin to store as it prevents scurvy, a disease of the connective tissue. One University discovered that vitamin C tablets, if stored properly, can store up to twenty years.
4. Quick and Easy "Psychological" Foods
These are foods that require little or no preparation, are familiar and taste good, and are comforting. These would be the "fun foods" of the food storage plan. Meals Ready to Eat (MRE) are a good option. They come in many different flavors, and even offer cake and cookies!
5. Balance
Buy several different items. Instead of having a year supply or large amount of one item, such as wheat, have a varied supply that you can live on for as many months as possible. Should you need to use your food storage before completing your plan, you will have the balance and variety you need to survive.
6. Containers
What a tragedy to store bags and bags of food only to have moisture, insects, or rodents ruin it! Using food grade storage containers will help you retain your food storage investment. Number 10 cans are excellent for food storage, especially when coupled with an oxygen absorber. If you choose to store in 5 gallon buckets, be sure to use a food grade liner. Do not use garbage bags as they are not safe for food.
7. Use Your Storage
The most common mistake lies in never touching your food storage. I know this sounds counterproductive, but periodically using the items you store and rotating them into your daily diet is the best way to know that you can eat what you store. You will be more familiar with the products, and more comfortable with the preparation.
Remember to avoid these seven pitfalls and potholes, and you will be able to continue safely and happily on your journey to preparedness!
Copyright Emergency Essentials for LDS Living, 2010.
LDS Living Magazine
by Angie Sullivan
LDS Living Magazine
Beware of these common preparedness mistakes as you try to build up a good storage of food and water. As our journey continues, I just simply can't go on without warning you of some of the "pitfalls and potholes" of preparedness. They are the mistakes that many people make as they begin storing for the future. The following points are seven of the most common mistakes in food storage.
1. Water
Don't forget it! I know I've mentioned this before, but surprisingly, water is often overlooked. If you do purchase water storage kits or barrels, fill them as soon as possible. Water is crucial, yet because it is so accessible to us, we often forget it.
2. Extended Staples
Don't forget to store the additional pantry "staples" that turn basic foods into recipes. Consider storing oil, baking soda, baking powder, yeast, shortening, and powdered eggs, to name a few. Purchase a food storage cookbook and try the recipes to see what your family enjoys. Make sure you have the extended staples you need for those recipes.
3. Vitamins
Obviously you want to try your very hardest to include as many high vitamin foods as you can. Nevertheless, you will still want to store multivitamins for your family. You might consider asking your doctor what multivitamin is best for your family and each person's individual needs. It is also wise to store vitamin C tablets, as citrus and other fresh fruits with vitamin C may be hard to come by in an emergency. This is a crucial vitamin to store as it prevents scurvy, a disease of the connective tissue. One University discovered that vitamin C tablets, if stored properly, can store up to twenty years.
4. Quick and Easy "Psychological" Foods
These are foods that require little or no preparation, are familiar and taste good, and are comforting. These would be the "fun foods" of the food storage plan. Meals Ready to Eat (MRE) are a good option. They come in many different flavors, and even offer cake and cookies!
5. Balance
Buy several different items. Instead of having a year supply or large amount of one item, such as wheat, have a varied supply that you can live on for as many months as possible. Should you need to use your food storage before completing your plan, you will have the balance and variety you need to survive.
6. Containers
What a tragedy to store bags and bags of food only to have moisture, insects, or rodents ruin it! Using food grade storage containers will help you retain your food storage investment. Number 10 cans are excellent for food storage, especially when coupled with an oxygen absorber. If you choose to store in 5 gallon buckets, be sure to use a food grade liner. Do not use garbage bags as they are not safe for food.
7. Use Your Storage
The most common mistake lies in never touching your food storage. I know this sounds counterproductive, but periodically using the items you store and rotating them into your daily diet is the best way to know that you can eat what you store. You will be more familiar with the products, and more comfortable with the preparation.
Remember to avoid these seven pitfalls and potholes, and you will be able to continue safely and happily on your journey to preparedness!
Copyright Emergency Essentials for LDS Living, 2010.
LDS Living Magazine
Monday, April 5, 2010
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
Strawberry Freezer Jam!!
Every year we look forward to "strawberry season", our favorite is making and sharing strawberry freezer jam. I made six batches of the yummy red scrumptious goo. There really should be something wrong with 2 cups of strawberries to 4 cups of sugar. But we love it!! (The best is on homemade bread! Okay, I made the jam anyone have the bread? :-)
Strawberry Trivia
Here are some fun food trivia facts about strawberries that you can use as conversation starters..."Did you know that...."
• Strawberries are a member of the rose family (they are not "technically" berries)
• Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside; an average strawberry has about 200 seeds.
• One acre of land planted with strawberry plants produces about 50,000 pounds of strawberries
• Fresh Strawberries were once used as toothpaste, as the strawberry juice helped in cleansing discolored tooth.
• Supposedly if you break a strawberry into two and share it with some one then you will fall in love with each other
• Strawberries were once avoided by pregnant women because it was believed that their children would be born with strawberry birth marks.
• The ancient Romans believed that strawberries alleviated symptoms of depression, fainting, inflammation, fevers, throat infections, kidney stones, bad breath, gout, and diseases of the blood, liver and spleen.
• Strawberries are rich in fiber. Strawberries are second only to blueberries when it comes to antioxidants in fruits. Strawberries offer more Vitamin C than any other berry.
+
+
=
(a little piece of heaven)
Strawberry Trivia
Here are some fun food trivia facts about strawberries that you can use as conversation starters..."Did you know that...."
• Strawberries are a member of the rose family (they are not "technically" berries)
• Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside; an average strawberry has about 200 seeds.
• One acre of land planted with strawberry plants produces about 50,000 pounds of strawberries
• Fresh Strawberries were once used as toothpaste, as the strawberry juice helped in cleansing discolored tooth.
• Supposedly if you break a strawberry into two and share it with some one then you will fall in love with each other
• Strawberries were once avoided by pregnant women because it was believed that their children would be born with strawberry birth marks.
• The ancient Romans believed that strawberries alleviated symptoms of depression, fainting, inflammation, fevers, throat infections, kidney stones, bad breath, gout, and diseases of the blood, liver and spleen.
• Strawberries are rich in fiber. Strawberries are second only to blueberries when it comes to antioxidants in fruits. Strawberries offer more Vitamin C than any other berry.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Voyage Through Time: This Is The Place!
As fourth graders you learn about the state history of the state you live in. Our elementary school has a great play/musical that they do teaching the children about the History of Utah.
From
Dinosaurs
American Indians -
(Ute, Paiute, Goshute, Shoshone and Navajo)
Trappers, Traders, & Explorers
Pioneers & Cowboys
Mining & Railroads
Statehood & the Progressive Era
And Utah today.
Words- Sam Francis, Gary Francis
Music- Gary Francis
Utah! People working together
Utah! What a great place to be.
Blessed from Heaven above.
It's the land that we love.
This is the place!
Utah! With its mountains and valleys.
Utah! With its canyons and streams.
You can go anywhere.
But there's none that compare.
This is the place!
It was Brigham Young who led the pioneers across the plains.
They suffered with the trials they had to face.
With faith they kept on going till they reached the Great Salt Lake
Here they heard the words..."THIS IS THE PLACE!"
Utah! With its focus on family,
Utah! Helps each child to succeed.
People care how they live.
Each has so much to give.
This is the place!
Utah! Getting bigger and better.
Utah! Always leading the way.
New technology's here...
Growing faster each year.
This is the place!
There is beauty in the snow-capped mountains, in the lakes and streams.
There are valleys filled with farms and orchards too.
The spirit of its people shows in everything they do.
Utah is the place where dreams come true.
Utah! With its pioneer spirit.
Utah! What a great legacy!
Blessed from Heaven above.
It's the land that we love.
This is the place!
Utah! Utah! Utah!
THIS IS THE PLACE!
From
Dinosaurs
American Indians -
(Ute, Paiute, Goshute, Shoshone and Navajo)
Trappers, Traders, & Explorers
Pioneers & Cowboys
Mining & Railroads
Statehood & the Progressive Era
And Utah today.
With all my kids, (this is number 7 & 8), this was the best school production I have seen. With props, mics, back drops, live music, great costumes, dance, with a well written script. The children were so well prepared. It was wonderful!! Great job!! To the directors and all who worked on it, Great job!! That was a lot of 4th graders to teach and direct in such a way. I could feel how proud the kids were of themselves for a job WELL done.
Devin as James Bridger (Trapper) and Derek as a Spanish Missionary (a map marker)
Click on link below to hear this great song!
Music- Gary Francis
Utah! People working together
Utah! What a great place to be.
Blessed from Heaven above.
It's the land that we love.
This is the place!
Utah! With its mountains and valleys.
Utah! With its canyons and streams.
You can go anywhere.
But there's none that compare.
This is the place!
It was Brigham Young who led the pioneers across the plains.
They suffered with the trials they had to face.
With faith they kept on going till they reached the Great Salt Lake
Here they heard the words..."THIS IS THE PLACE!"
Utah! With its focus on family,
Utah! Helps each child to succeed.
People care how they live.
Each has so much to give.
This is the place!
Utah! Getting bigger and better.
Utah! Always leading the way.
New technology's here...
Growing faster each year.
This is the place!
There is beauty in the snow-capped mountains, in the lakes and streams.
There are valleys filled with farms and orchards too.
The spirit of its people shows in everything they do.
Utah is the place where dreams come true.
Utah! With its pioneer spirit.
Utah! What a great legacy!
Blessed from Heaven above.
It's the land that we love.
This is the place!
Utah! Utah! Utah!
THIS IS THE PLACE!
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