tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26538216779672361452024-03-14T07:11:35.647-06:00Missionary MailA collection of creative package and letter ideas to send to the missionary in your life.shalanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11576435973749257459noreply@blogger.comBlogger138125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653821677967236145.post-75514116831042147382016-08-20T16:05:00.001-06:002016-08-20T16:05:47.139-06:00What's Up, Doc?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8sZRLlJX_o7aH01sDMZVUk3dG6YW1GedgL7whnuc-vzcl8RC5en4uPap2WxeXAtOnpYUJbcMIjw95qSgL3X75ozF6r6DBOtia1Rua-xNXsfnAtQAlx4Rv_ski2ay6Pjipo-6xZPWRhZg/s1600/DSCN2548+-+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8sZRLlJX_o7aH01sDMZVUk3dG6YW1GedgL7whnuc-vzcl8RC5en4uPap2WxeXAtOnpYUJbcMIjw95qSgL3X75ozF6r6DBOtia1Rua-xNXsfnAtQAlx4Rv_ski2ay6Pjipo-6xZPWRhZg/s640/DSCN2548+-+edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Remember how Valentine's Day snuck up on me? Easter did the same thing! Nearing the holiday I stumbled upon these darling <a href="http://www.2daydeliver.com/product_detail.php?id=SKUB00HSC9C3E#.V7jPZ1JTEdU">carrot cellophane bags</a> at Walmart. They are SO CUTE!! I love the green leaves at the top. You might be able to find them at the craft store when the holiday is approaching...or...I found them online for you <em>(click </em><a href="http://www.2daydeliver.com/product_detail.php?id=SKUB00HSC9C3E#.V7jPZ1JTEdU"><em>here</em></a><em> for the link)</em>. Just fill them with some Easter treats and tie with a bit of ribbon. I used curly ribbon and then curled it to add to the leaf effect. Think my missionary will catch on? I think not. Add a bit of coordinating tissue paper and some shredded paper if needed for filler and you're good to go. Again, I was able to fit two into a small Flat Rate box from the Post Office. Again, about $5 to send. Yay!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvm01RALKHv9TPvjG45YprIhVbLCk_kRs-FFT2Sl-L_APRnwpyMw3pmVZ2VJTnwhGmc15j6s-44Yr92mR5oqi28lFWAumhzvF9H9S4GkpK1QOnM5XAQJDXdtBzljC127orqjMN43KK0nA/s1600/DSCN2549+-+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvm01RALKHv9TPvjG45YprIhVbLCk_kRs-FFT2Sl-L_APRnwpyMw3pmVZ2VJTnwhGmc15j6s-44Yr92mR5oqi28lFWAumhzvF9H9S4GkpK1QOnM5XAQJDXdtBzljC127orqjMN43KK0nA/s400/DSCN2549+-+edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now when someone asks what you sent your missionary for Easter you can say, "Carrots!" </div>
shalanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11576435973749257459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653821677967236145.post-58426901234402438032016-08-20T15:23:00.001-06:002016-08-20T15:23:52.001-06:00Love Sacks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwdqcsZ7srAxJ3fvBf9X19KbH3qpf01Jt4xGuX3S0taBMuzMzRgO5UuD_x93xAdK0lTY2ti-5Ir-IldkO2d5SNWs17L8aA7CEqyeSuco_V7fjy5Wh-LKegh3BA8Y3p7o8ahMhKbVKYso/s1600/DSCN2176+-+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwdqcsZ7srAxJ3fvBf9X19KbH3qpf01Jt4xGuX3S0taBMuzMzRgO5UuD_x93xAdK0lTY2ti-5Ir-IldkO2d5SNWs17L8aA7CEqyeSuco_V7fjy5Wh-LKegh3BA8Y3p7o8ahMhKbVKYso/s640/DSCN2176+-+edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Why is it that holidays tend to sneak up on me? I try to stay on top of things and then all of a sudden I discover that a holiday is coming up in a week or so and I have to step up my pace...or stay up late. Usually, it's the latter. Valentine's Day was just one such time so I had to quickly throw what I had together and get it in the mail in the morning.</div>
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I stopped by the grocery store and grabbed some Valentine candy and just dumped it all into a big bowl and gave it a good mix. I happened to have these cute red and white paper sacks from another project. You can get them at the craft store or online <em>(if you're more prepared than I am, they are less expensive online!) </em>Throw in some candy or other treats <em>(you could go healthy if you want...but it's Valentine's Day...so why?)</em> and fold down the top. I tied it with some red and white bakers twine and added a tag to each bag. Decorate the tags with a strip of coordinating Washi Tape <em>(came in a Christmas pack</em>) or stickers or stamps <em>(I used a tiny heart) </em>or whatever you have lying around in your stash then write their name and a short message on the back of the tag. You can purchase the twine, tags and Washi tape from the craft store if you don't have any...I think I purchase all three at different times from <a href="https://www.pickyourplum.com/">Pick Your Plum</a> which lately seems to have a lot of clothing but sometimes has some pretty cool package containers and craft items.</div>
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One of the great things about something simple like this is the fact that it didn't cost me a mint to put together or to mail. I have a lot of missionaries that I send to and need to send one to their companion as well so I need to keep the cost down where I can. I could fit two Love Sacks into a small Flat Rate box and mail for about $5 a box within the United States. Just the right amount of sweet without being <em>too</em> much.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9YeQjztBhyaw_p70srSxDIrpme7CGU5QJHZ3SPa-GID9nrtlZ-WF-9_MvWuSjsJSta68UeNd2L16kCbHQymF7kxEvFI7l54bcuxyw2KZg4I1MDkUP0Ngua0RV6wlN_hiGpobKY3o-vw/s1600/Ribbet+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9YeQjztBhyaw_p70srSxDIrpme7CGU5QJHZ3SPa-GID9nrtlZ-WF-9_MvWuSjsJSta68UeNd2L16kCbHQymF7kxEvFI7l54bcuxyw2KZg4I1MDkUP0Ngua0RV6wlN_hiGpobKY3o-vw/s640/Ribbet+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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shalanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11576435973749257459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653821677967236145.post-44824800777156645652016-08-20T13:59:00.001-06:002016-08-20T13:59:44.223-06:00Christmas Letters to Ward Missionaries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkL2Q6ABmPUE7XZUFWAm889DUvr-k8f7H5_PvYqGMWGMeBDPjDZLLTiMSXganiq-C9P0Plr_Fmz6DmkcEl6yXmvtSHYeDsSxAreWWaemx782JnuiAcRby-0KGiu3x-oSsIy1NTWYE4UE/s1600/2014-12-06+09.27.18+-+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkL2Q6ABmPUE7XZUFWAm889DUvr-k8f7H5_PvYqGMWGMeBDPjDZLLTiMSXganiq-C9P0Plr_Fmz6DmkcEl6yXmvtSHYeDsSxAreWWaemx782JnuiAcRby-0KGiu3x-oSsIy1NTWYE4UE/s400/2014-12-06+09.27.18+-+edited.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSWiQpyYc4KgEYV8i2sBZ9rg81Nk4IWUCSNg4juDv9y-EW9M-qq7mioM76fNouc0SEMM6hZXZZTveP-OWh3_djL8KUO4csugnBJ-eOU67LKlYIAqvFAhCWnErMbI3QOpt4s5EbNZz3fs/s1600/2014-12-06+09.29.00+-+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSWiQpyYc4KgEYV8i2sBZ9rg81Nk4IWUCSNg4juDv9y-EW9M-qq7mioM76fNouc0SEMM6hZXZZTveP-OWh3_djL8KUO4csugnBJ-eOU67LKlYIAqvFAhCWnErMbI3QOpt4s5EbNZz3fs/s400/2014-12-06+09.29.00+-+edited.jpg" width="296" /></a><br />
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Our ward came up with a clever idea to send Christmas greetings to the missionaries serving from our ward. We have a LOT!! They cut rectangles of Christmas wrapping paper <em>(just leave the width and cut the length only) </em>and used push pins to attach them to the carpeted walls in the cultural hall. Attach name tags above each paper <em>(see photo) </em>so everyone knows who they're writing to...or you could just write their name at the top of the paper. Have markers available for ward members to use...pens and pencils will poke holes in the paper. If your nervous about the markers poking through the paper and writing on the walls, just attach a piece of poster board behind each one. Encourage the ward to write messages and not just sign their names. Fold each one up and send it on it's merry way. The missionaries loved it!</div>
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<em>Hint: If you're using dark wrapping paper, have the members write</em></div>
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<em>on the opposite side so their messages will show up easier.</em></div>
shalanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11576435973749257459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653821677967236145.post-30353560781372873192016-08-20T13:04:00.000-06:002016-08-20T13:04:31.883-06:00Important Papers Packet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsIl3s9b__g_IbpH_pCoHOKiYW3whCSCL5mEyrhObibScczw36UcnElHINqxEglzyz1hX-eo87ehni0kElqV-L0yIilr48PisuLOHNCAf4l9we5lfxzP1NzpArFjikPoj5lRvn20HIuw/s1600/DSCN4040+-+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsIl3s9b__g_IbpH_pCoHOKiYW3whCSCL5mEyrhObibScczw36UcnElHINqxEglzyz1hX-eo87ehni0kElqV-L0yIilr48PisuLOHNCAf4l9we5lfxzP1NzpArFjikPoj5lRvn20HIuw/s640/DSCN4040+-+edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When you have a child go on a mission, one of the things they request them to do is have some important papers on hand when they arrive at the mission home. For my other boys I just put these papers into the binder they were to take that had their pedigree chart and family history stories, etc. For Connor I picked up one of these plastic packets with a snap closure from the office supply store. It was $1 and worked perfectly. I used my label maker <em>(absolutely LOVE my label maker!)</em> and put his name on it. The papers that you send with your missionary are kept at the mission home for the duration of their mission and will be returned to them when they finish their mission. Because I knew they would be kept safe, I also sent a copy of the cards he keeps in his wallet (front and back), his drivers license (front and back), and the information part of his passport. Now if his wallet or passport is ever lost or stolen he just needs to get the papers from the mission office to be able to quickly cancel and reorder anything that needs to be replaced. I also kept a copy at home in Connor's mission binder.</div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;">Do NOT send original documents...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;"> unless requested by the mission home. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;">Send only photo copies. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;">If the mission home requests an original, </span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;">keep a photo copy at home for your own records.</span></div>
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<em>Papers to consider including:</em></div>
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<em>Birth Certificate</em></div>
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<em>Social Security card</em></div>
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<em>Passport</em></div>
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<em>Drivers License (front and back)</em></div>
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<em>Driving record</em></div>
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<em>Immunization record</em></div>
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<em>Prescription record</em></div>
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<em>Insurance card</em></div>
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<em>Important contact information (parents, bishop, etc.)</em></div>
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<em>credit/debit/bank cards (front and back)</em></div>
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<em>bank contact information</em></div>
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<em>HIPA release form</em></div>
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<em>(permission for you to receive medical information)</em></div>
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<em>Power of Attorney</em></div>
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<em>(permission for you to handle affairs for your missionary while they are away)</em></div>
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shalanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11576435973749257459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653821677967236145.post-90339797836313741192016-08-20T12:11:00.001-06:002016-08-20T12:19:13.064-06:00Sending You S'more Love: S'mores in a Jar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYsky3q6KjZ7hFQgEzrLrMS33GNLYRGzFlTM5tz5pO1db_yJhTn-yunlB1HTdK2ySn_HIFf0LSpb2nHy0fVExo7C6zO_n0NvChxO0JrXVM5iblOEp4EOva5MOWEuWWrofHCTMjMRAIDw/s1600/DSCN1465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYsky3q6KjZ7hFQgEzrLrMS33GNLYRGzFlTM5tz5pO1db_yJhTn-yunlB1HTdK2ySn_HIFf0LSpb2nHy0fVExo7C6zO_n0NvChxO0JrXVM5iblOEp4EOva5MOWEuWWrofHCTMjMRAIDw/s640/DSCN1465.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sometimes these packages just make me giggle. I'm sure my missionaries just roll their eyes...and then chow down of course, because well, they're boys after all. I sent this with the camping 'photo book' from our family camp out to years ago...and we just returned from this year's camp out...yup, I'm <em>that</em> far behind on posting. Lame, I know. Matt loved it though and said they were super yummy. Don't know what the <a href="http://missionarymail.blogspot.com/2014/01/make-photo-book.html">'photo book'</a> is? Click <a href="http://missionarymail.blogspot.com/2014/01/make-photo-book.html">here</a> for that post... On to s'mores, 'cause who doesn't love a good s'more?!</div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Materials Needed:</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">half-pint jars</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">mini marshmallows</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">graham crackers</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">chocolate candy bar or chocolate chips</span></em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjyg6254UnNaAXhBYDjHPqA93pG5H9t0HqDjlKH3cun-5uMjb7Psa_LA9hfGmoWHB9W0L8adFNOn4yyg1NWEMbPbLJ7C1tuwXdzetI6BvsoNpiZQUWf-8GmjVVmSZBFlWHlt-xHWyuEs/s1600/DSCN1461+-+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjyg6254UnNaAXhBYDjHPqA93pG5H9t0HqDjlKH3cun-5uMjb7Psa_LA9hfGmoWHB9W0L8adFNOn4yyg1NWEMbPbLJ7C1tuwXdzetI6BvsoNpiZQUWf-8GmjVVmSZBFlWHlt-xHWyuEs/s320/DSCN1461+-+edited.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Recipe:</div>
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1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs</div>
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1/4 cup melted butter</div>
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1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows</div>
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milk chocolate candy bar</div>
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(roughly chopped)</div>
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or use chocolate chips</div>
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Mix melted butter and graham cracker crumbs until well combined. Add 2 Tbs. of crumb mixture to the bottom of each jar. Add chocolate pieces to cover crumb mixture. Add mini marshmallows for the third layer. Repeat all three layers ending with marshmallows. Secure lid. (Yield: 5 half-pint jars)</div>
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<a href="https://app.box.com/s/r17avcus19jwyawmynfgur29xyuqunxf"><img alt="https://app.box.com/s/r17avcus19jwyawmynfgur29xyuqunxf" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIcyX_ZRfVBeqbSEn1cSaAE4NmqrshQ5SdhTlBq-u2A51TsXQFRLnEL2_O2vHF5FQaA0n6NHX7ktwGA6t6DJSOgmxAJJSeVebqxfnbbuuf0FFaOZUaqBnsP1lj80SBvmARPOYGeeDhw8/s640/BLOG+-+S%2527more+Jar+Tag.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<em>Click <a href="https://app.box.com/s/r17avcus19jwyawmynfgur29xyuqunxf">here</a> to download the jar topper and recipe card.</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5djZqbXAfV_LrK3IJnkz33AOGpOAaiZrXDh_QVMcg2zfxNXKGJvAkggQ3jCy86YWPGd3n3uF1TCHawPOqx8mmoA5WnA3zskXy6Oqto3G91-3CmG2iJlwqg6Y562WDuzk4YJZeKIXJm4/s1600/DSCN1471+-+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5djZqbXAfV_LrK3IJnkz33AOGpOAaiZrXDh_QVMcg2zfxNXKGJvAkggQ3jCy86YWPGd3n3uF1TCHawPOqx8mmoA5WnA3zskXy6Oqto3G91-3CmG2iJlwqg6Y562WDuzk4YJZeKIXJm4/s640/DSCN1471+-+edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Make sure to line your box and wrap each jar in bubble wrap. I also included some red tissue paper and brown shredded paper - Matt said they got there just fine. Top it all off with the instruction card. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Don't forget to write a note on the back of the topper </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">if you're not including a letter or card...Why?</span> </div>
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I didn't used to do this. I would send letters or I would send packages. Not usually both at the same time. I should clarify a bit: I send letters but to help them get more mail I didn't usually include a letter in with the package. The letter was always separate. In Matt's mission <em>(and I think most missions that are stateside)</em> all mail had to go through the mission home. I don't like it but I understand the reasons why so I'm ok with it. Letters would receive an address sticker and be forwarded immediately to the missionaries. Packages would stay in the office until the Zone Leaders came in weekly to pick up supplies or when the senior missionaries or mission president went to the area where they were. Here's the problem: When Matt arrived in his first area whoever typed the address into the computer typed it in wrong. For 30 days...his <em>first</em> 30 days in the field, Matt didn't receive one single stitch of mail. Nothing. Nada. Zilch...and we had <em>NO IDEA</em> until we started getting letters back 'return to sender'. Why does it take two days to receive a letter but 3+ weeks to get it back when it's not deliverable! It's a mystery...but Matt thought we just weren't writing. Just makes me tear up writing about it. He did receive one package. His 'greenie' package and on that <em>one package</em>, I had taken the time to write a note on the back of the package topper. He needed that. He needed that boost. He needed to know, right then, that we hadn't forgotten about him. From the moment I read that in his letter, I decided that I would always write a note in each package because you just never know when that might be the only mail they receive.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRipJXVY5m2tSIRbFkg-wEXDdfCLX9tHpTDrXX-0yfBhudVZIaIs3cuK-AFV3qO7bKBKUHmniGia2cuMFcZGpgfXbI_Nr3W2wK9Ta4Av4BrkpKk0iW0V1rv284NjwDgI3wizQmyogUkYA/s1600/Printable+-+campout+2014+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRipJXVY5m2tSIRbFkg-wEXDdfCLX9tHpTDrXX-0yfBhudVZIaIs3cuK-AFV3qO7bKBKUHmniGia2cuMFcZGpgfXbI_Nr3W2wK9Ta4Av4BrkpKk0iW0V1rv284NjwDgI3wizQmyogUkYA/s640/Printable+-+campout+2014+cover.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's the cover for our campout 'photo book'...</div>
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May I just mention that I am loving Photoshop?</div>
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Yeah. We're best friends</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80u9AvZv6Wp4O48UFoHL-A3fo05G-8tjNB-L3yBtCLcguJbL0UenxlhAX6JcFsPoJaioQ44a1xw4CfuqO-TtN9SFAtdARIE2JS25nwX7jhGo-DxcGWxCUpuSteyIC-UF8aDQUrs2QdrQ/s1600/Printable+-+campout+2014+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80u9AvZv6Wp4O48UFoHL-A3fo05G-8tjNB-L3yBtCLcguJbL0UenxlhAX6JcFsPoJaioQ44a1xw4CfuqO-TtN9SFAtdARIE2JS25nwX7jhGo-DxcGWxCUpuSteyIC-UF8aDQUrs2QdrQ/s640/Printable+-+campout+2014+back.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Pretty simple, I know...humor me.<br />
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shalanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11576435973749257459noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653821677967236145.post-29216779260530352422016-08-20T10:30:00.001-06:002016-08-20T10:30:28.688-06:00"You Can't Stop the Waves" - Quote Card<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLc8R-5FNnxRrvVAt6m-xOa3ZjMbkHNoZAVZamjbN6ho1V8_cNDeyxwE6EuJak81z4Gp1h4YMu6-fYXMVtjNFAeiDacG9Go9HeX-3rDf2IDRvIATBICqT7LV_MihUdI_p74ucU4AvaG8/s1600/Quote+-+You+can%2527t+stop+the+waves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLc8R-5FNnxRrvVAt6m-xOa3ZjMbkHNoZAVZamjbN6ho1V8_cNDeyxwE6EuJak81z4Gp1h4YMu6-fYXMVtjNFAeiDacG9Go9HeX-3rDf2IDRvIATBICqT7LV_MihUdI_p74ucU4AvaG8/s640/Quote+-+You+can%2527t+stop+the+waves.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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"You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf." </div>
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How appropriate is that for missionaries? It explains their life in a nutshell...</div>
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or at least in a single sentence, right?</div>
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Print out onto heavy, white card stock. Laminate, frame or just include with your letter.</div>
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<em>Click <a href="https://app.box.com/s/npitj3o7auziodtc4hwj1fabvppwg6yf">here</a> to download the Quote Card.</em></div>
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shalanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11576435973749257459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653821677967236145.post-17545838661004335192016-08-20T10:09:00.001-06:002016-08-20T10:09:10.365-06:00Orange You Glad it's Summer?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8ixYWsT74ebiACzvJO3Pg2sCO5yWDLGEj1VBuBITEwHusXEepUdMUkeHvRM38TYidvjzIQtbf4hqaNNlXYYYvCi0WPH370OYSdFGjKt9STTfq6CfC5JghmAYx5Bc-XjsMdUljFq9K4c/s1600/DSCN1493+-+EDITED+%2528COVER+PHOTO%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8ixYWsT74ebiACzvJO3Pg2sCO5yWDLGEj1VBuBITEwHusXEepUdMUkeHvRM38TYidvjzIQtbf4hqaNNlXYYYvCi0WPH370OYSdFGjKt9STTfq6CfC5JghmAYx5Bc-XjsMdUljFq9K4c/s640/DSCN1493+-+EDITED+%2528COVER+PHOTO%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This package was SO fun to put together. Pretty simple and pretty inexpensive and SO CUTE!! Orange makes me smile. It's just so...HAPPY!! After the long, dreary winter this package is sure to bring a smile to the face of your missionary. How could it not? It's CUTE!!</div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Materials Needed:</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">orange shredded paper</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">cellophane bag</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">coordinating ribbon/tulle</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">(at least three styles suggested)</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">orange STUFF!</span></em></div>
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It's really pretty easy to fill these cute little bags. Put a bit of shredded paper in the bottom of the sack. It will protect the items that you put inside and make it look a bit nicer. Look around the store or your home for things that are orange. You don't have to include a lot to make the bag look pretty full. For the Sister missionaries I included an orange flower that has a clip on it...they probably won't use it in their hair <em>(not really the current style)</em> but they could clip it on a sweater or blouse or on their shoulder bag, orange fingernail polish <em>(mission rules vary on this depending on the mission president but they can always paint their cute little toes!), </em>there are also orange EOS lip balms and orange tubes of mascara...go wild!! You could also include and orange tie for the Elders as well as a small spiral orange notebook, an orange pen <em>(the ink wouldn't be orange, just the outside silly).</em> Of course you would include a few treats: Reese's candy bars, orange flavored Tootsie Rolls, Orange Slice candy, Orange gummie rounds, orange suckers, orange Tic Tac's...Cheez-it's also come in an orange package. Make it fun, easy and inexpensive! Print off the cute bag tag <em>(see below)</em> and tie a fluffy bow on the top and you're good to go. Don't know how to tie a 'cute fluffy bow'? It's a cinch! Just watch...</div>
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#1 - Punch a hole in the top of your bag tag where shown. Collect coordinating ribbon/tulle in various widths. I suggest at least three different styles. Cut one piece of ribbon about eight inches long and set aside <em>(this is used to tie your sack closed in step #4). </em>Stack all of the other ribbons/tulle on top of each other matching the ends as shown in the photo.</div>
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#2 - Spreading your fingers slightly apart, wrap the stack of ribbons around your fingers <em>(see photo)</em> at least three times. The more times you wrap them around your fingers the fuller the bow will be. Don't go too crazy or it might end up looking like a pom pom...unless that's the look you're going for in which case <em>GO NUTS!!</em></div>
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#3 - Cut the ends. Don't worry about cutting it even with the ends. You can trim them up when you're finished. Set the ribbons aside. Just set something on top of it to hold in in place for a second...</div>
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#6 - ...and tie another knot to hold everything in place.</div>
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#7 - Your bow should now look something like this...</div>
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#8 - Slip your scissors through the loops of the ribbon/tulle and cut on both sides of the bow. Don't worry, you really can't mess this up...Using the ends of the longer ribbon that you used to tie everything together in step #4, thread on your bag tag <em>(see below)</em> and tie securely. Trim the ends of the 'tie' ribbon.<br />
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#9 - Now just fluff and twist the pieces of ribbon into shape. Trim any longer ends remembering that we're not making a pom pom <em>(unless YOU are)</em> and we don't want the whole thing to be too even. Viola! Aren't you talented!! Cute, huh? And easy! Told 'ya!!</div>
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Just copy onto heavy card stock. I laminated mine so it didn't tear through the card stock when I tied it onto my package but you could just put a piece of clear tape over the hole on both sides before punching it out.</div>
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<em>Click <a href="https://app.box.com/s/lm9nbordwt3mbx8wf8geajb4s6lkdbmd">here</a> to download the bag tag</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qoyeyzRWECoU-G3rXlpBbevzOIOexaJiVWO6m6GoTGWF2HR83s7kMSIwrr9x7q8Nd7Zcnr-nH3rjwj2qVuGrHXPG1xv9xcaZ1wESqbtVp4Dj05RD-P7h9z5tYFA-OVJFJ2TghynOo7Q/s1600/DSCN1499+-+EDITED+%2528QUOTE+CARD%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qoyeyzRWECoU-G3rXlpBbevzOIOexaJiVWO6m6GoTGWF2HR83s7kMSIwrr9x7q8Nd7Zcnr-nH3rjwj2qVuGrHXPG1xv9xcaZ1wESqbtVp4Dj05RD-P7h9z5tYFA-OVJFJ2TghynOo7Q/s640/DSCN1499+-+EDITED+%2528QUOTE+CARD%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also included this cute, inspirational 5x7 quote as a package topper. </div>
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It looks adorable framed don't you think?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6yVPQYer0M-VOkJ8h7qP2eDv408El6qCkiKVzAiu7rVpeLnyQfWFUQJGuLMLqGy8j_CSFskYNNhX3lHHy6tL6NUn_HwI0j4mrB7CazcD3TW2tBP4KeStli_N0omKadQijavmy8Tfo9k/s1600/TOPPER+-+Orange+You+Glad+its+Summer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6yVPQYer0M-VOkJ8h7qP2eDv408El6qCkiKVzAiu7rVpeLnyQfWFUQJGuLMLqGy8j_CSFskYNNhX3lHHy6tL6NUn_HwI0j4mrB7CazcD3TW2tBP4KeStli_N0omKadQijavmy8Tfo9k/s640/TOPPER+-+Orange+You+Glad+its+Summer.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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Or unframed is also good...maybe you could include an orange magnet!</div>
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<em>Click <a href="https://app.box.com/s/0v7vkp9k8f7yhr24lrxyu51wsob6gmaj">here</a> to download the package topper.</em></div>
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shalanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11576435973749257459noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653821677967236145.post-75715015050665455912016-08-19T19:07:00.000-06:002016-08-20T12:22:30.926-06:00"Love Your Companion" - Quote Card<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://app.box.com/s/lykyj1ffb797iqivfvrexa5xlr3utzh0"><img alt="https://app.box.com/s/lykyj1ffb797iqivfvrexa5xlr3utzh0" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dfvei7p8a79O4mx1WgbGYzlz7jYwXCw5jHMYyTQlzY4E05ttK_gjSiWTtlO_1J0Z86-6Q6ZGXzpsqLwME3dUv_3wnUIgClrow7PlpptQzokmMrFrkC0zipsztYf_qjkoYmIogcjgnG0/s640/QUOTE+CARD+-+Love+your+companion.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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This quote is a favorite of mine from President Eyring. He's not specifically speaking about mission companions though. He's talking about your eternal companion, but the quote still fits. Getting along with your companion is super important. If you don't get along with your companion, the work will suffer...a lot. This I know from experience. You can learn to love your companion by serving them. Sometimes it's the only way. Praying <em>for</em> them is invaluable as well.</div>
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That said...the time that I didn't get along with my companion was the time that I grew the closest to the Lord. Funny how He can turn all things around and use them to bring you to your knees before Him.</div>
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<em>To find a few ways to use Quote Cards click <a href="http://missionarymail.blogspot.com.br/2016/08/bloom-where-youre-planted-quote-card.html">here</a>.</em></div>
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<em>Click <a href="https://app.box.com/s/lykyj1ffb797iqivfvrexa5xlr3utzh0">here</a> to download the quote card.</em><br />
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shalanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11576435973749257459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653821677967236145.post-22002291155960915282016-08-18T18:21:00.000-06:002016-08-18T18:21:23.898-06:00Create a Family Newsletter<div style="text-align: justify;">
When my parents left on their first mission to Zimbabwe they were terribly concerned about "missing out" on what was going on with their children and grandchildren. All 11 of us were married by then with children a plenty (it is Utah, you know!) and some lived in other states and ALL of us were busy, buSY, BUSY! As the grandkids got older it just got harder to keep up with everyone. My husband encouraged me to start a family newsletter and so <em>The Bouwhuis Family Newsletter</em> was born and every month for the next four+ years we all got to catch up on each other's lives. It was a LOT of work but definitely worth it. </div>
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My computer has a program that has templates for calendars, agendas, letter heads, etc. (Microsoft Publisher) One option is Newsletters. I simply picked the one that I liked the best and filled in the spaces. It really was pretty simple. I chose an online picture that matched the month i.e. a Christmas image in December and then set the color scheme to match the image. I asked each family for their highlights each month and then occasionally for additional information depending on the article I was writing. I included photos as often as possible especially if they showed the grandkids in action. Because the newsletter was going to the whole family and not just Grandma and Grandpa, I included inspirational excerpts from their letters and emails in the newsletter as well. When my first son left on his mission, I added an article on his mission. When he would get transferred I would include a bit about his new area with a photo and statistics about his new home. </div>
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Don't leave this for the last minute: Work on it all month long. When someone sends something, cut and paste it to your newsletter. When you see a photo on Facebook or other social media that you would like to include, do it then. When someone texts you a quote, cut and paste it then. It only takes a few minutes if you set up your newsletter for the next month while this month's is printing.</div>
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Creating this newsletter brought me much joy. It lasted through my parent's two missions and through my oldest sons mission. When the joy stopped, I stopped and switched to a newsletter for my immediate family entitled <em>If Your Last Name's a Color.</em> (<em>click here for that post)</em></div>
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Below is a list of some of the articles that were featured in <em>The Bouwhuis Family Newsletter:</em></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Highlights</em></span></div>
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Every family would send me their "highlights" for the month. I would send out an email each month along with a deadline for when their 'highlights' needed to be sent. Remember, people are busy. Give them plenty of time along with a reminder email on the day that you're finalizing prior to printing. If you still don't hear from everyone, print it anyway. </div>
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It is what it is. Something from most of the family is better than nothing from everyone.</div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Calendar for the next month</span></em></div>
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My calendar would take up the bottom half of the front page and include anything the pertained to the family i.e. baptisms, blessings, reunions, get-togethers, etc. If there was more information included in another article in the newsletter, put the page number (for example: see pg. 4)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Birthday's & Anniversaries</em></span></div>
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A separate box contained a list of everyone having a birthday or anniversary during that month.</div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">From the Great Ohio</span></em></div>
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This was the title for news from Mason when he was serving in Ohio. </div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Out of Africa</span></em></div>
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The title for news from my parents when they were serving in Zimbabwe.</div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Cousins Corner</span></em></div>
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At current count there are 60 grandkids and 4 great-grandkids on just my parents side. Jeff suggested an article highlighting each grandchild throughout the year. I took the number of grandkids at the time and divided it by 12 issues to figure out how many grandkids I needed to 'highlight' in each issue. The parent (or the child if they were older) were responsible to get me a current photo along with the child's favorite things - color, food, grade, friend, what they like to do in their free time, hobbies, etc. I didn't come up with the questions, the parents just interviewed the child. I would also include a list of the grandchildren to be highlighted in the next newsletter to give the parents a heads up. This article was only printed for one year.</div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Our Family in Motion</span></em></div>
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This was actually a photo collage with captions under each photo. Photos that showed our family in action - dance photos, sports, baptisms, blessings, birthdays, etc. </div>
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This was an entire page.</div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Out of the Mouth's of Babes</span></em></div>
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This was everyone's favorite part of the Newsletter. This is where we would record all of the fun things that people would say...especially the little ones. People would email or text these to me as they happened which is really the only way it will work. Forgetting is just a part of life. This took up as much space as it took. Sometimes I would get a lot of quotes and sometimes only a couple. Make sure to record who said the quote and if you have a large family, who their parents are. This will help out the family now but also help future posterity as they </div>
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read through your record.</div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Anamnesis</span></em></div>
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Amamnesis means recollection or memory. I wrote down the name of each adult in the family i.e. Grandma, Grandpa, all their children and their children's spouses. I cut the papers apart and put all the names into an envelope. Divide the number of adults by 12 issues and that is the number of separate Anamnesis articles that will go in each issue. Each adult being featured was to send an article/story of a memory that they had. The field was wide open. They could remember anything even if it didn't have anything to do with our immediate family. Make sure to include a list of those who are writing their memory the next month.</div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Legacy</span></em></div>
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In this section I would share a Family History story of one of our ancestors. Don't forget to include a photo with the ancestors name underneath along with how everyone is related to that person, for example: Jessie VanOrden Bouwhuis is Grandpa's mother and the grandchildren's Great Grandmother.</div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Out of the Best Books</span></em></div>
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I asked family members to review a few of their favorite books. Include the title, author, genre and a brief review. Include everyone, even the grandkids. This article lasted one year.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Conference Quotes</em></span></div>
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Anyone who wanted to could send their favorite quote or talk from General Conference. I only did this article when Conference was the previous month. Send an email or text on Conference Saturday and Sunday asking people to send their favorite things.<br />
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Miscellaneous Quotes</span></em><br />
Use inspirational quotes to fill in space between articles.<br />
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Postage: .49 cents each</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Printer ink: $25 a cartridge</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Having current family history recorded and helping </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">the missionaries to still feel part of the family: </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">priceless!!</span></em></div>
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Warning: Postage can get pricy along with printer ink...but not all families are as large as mine so it might not be an issue for you. It can also cause angst when people don't forward their items in a timely manner. It will only cause you stress if you let it.</div>
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Here's an example of what one of our Newsletters looked like:</div>
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<em>(it's the only one that I had saved as a pdf on my laptop...probably not a superb example)</em></div>
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shalanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11576435973749257459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653821677967236145.post-22134262872470835502016-08-18T17:14:00.001-06:002016-08-18T17:14:31.709-06:00Gingerbread House Kit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic5edg8CswjwrnL7TkFpegr5PYVJE7zn4IA2snE3BqkU1NA6r19h0OLZB3ob5NSH-V7xzcUiL6QA-x4UNYqEX4Y8aIVxJ_oCexlJzygLyz0wKiaB9lsTIhc0tNQwdrLXAn94cb3S_whmk/s1600/Gingerbread+House+-+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic5edg8CswjwrnL7TkFpegr5PYVJE7zn4IA2snE3BqkU1NA6r19h0OLZB3ob5NSH-V7xzcUiL6QA-x4UNYqEX4Y8aIVxJ_oCexlJzygLyz0wKiaB9lsTIhc0tNQwdrLXAn94cb3S_whmk/s640/Gingerbread+House+-+cover.jpg" width="536" /></a></div>
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Matt was working with a family during his first Christmas season in Seattle and was looking for ideas of things to help build their relationship with the little kids. I had just stumbled upon some Gingerbread House kits while I was at IKEA <em>(love that store!)</em> and because I'm <strike>lazy</strike> busy during the holidays I had picked up a bunch for the kids to use. Check THAT little tradition off my list of things to do! They never eat the gingerbread anyway. Actually, I think these are their Pepparkaka ginger cookie not gingerbread...even better. They are delish! Anyhow, I think they were $3 for each kit. How could I NOT? I thought this would be a great Family Home Evening activity for them to do with this cute little family. Nothing better than bonding over FOOD, right?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjre-jngx08PB6fRZqAZAEU_F4uYnWl-PgFsnrslRzsFwQxBmMmYwYl8NAo9jwdm4SLC66aQZHln5zuzVUXhrnK5muw0yBeWvIY0SwtOxjsBmvuJLTkSSrmvlPq0bu6-2rovNF1LpU5RlQ/s1600/Gingerbread+House+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjre-jngx08PB6fRZqAZAEU_F4uYnWl-PgFsnrslRzsFwQxBmMmYwYl8NAo9jwdm4SLC66aQZHln5zuzVUXhrnK5muw0yBeWvIY0SwtOxjsBmvuJLTkSSrmvlPq0bu6-2rovNF1LpU5RlQ/s400/Gingerbread+House+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I picked up a bunch of candy and some powdered meringue* to use for the Royal Icing so that it didn't need to be refrigerated because of the raw egg whites. Mixed up a large batch and put it in a Ziploc bag. Threw in a couple of frosting tips along with some instructions and a piece of foil covered cardboard and voilà!</div>
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<em>*Note: You can purchase meringue powder anywhere cake decorating supplies are sold. The recipe is on the container.</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvtjosZ7bc5Qvetkvo_houqSkG1LIkGwklci9oa306lcddDpyf8AMxAR_Qmm0Cs3yBhNbHMctpQxaOHha5XYlbgRgXh2ZNaoNPbOAOGTyl3KYvbFIaJUzEupgEaCONrr-wMO3mM29Ae8/s1600/Ribbet+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvtjosZ7bc5Qvetkvo_houqSkG1LIkGwklci9oa306lcddDpyf8AMxAR_Qmm0Cs3yBhNbHMctpQxaOHha5XYlbgRgXh2ZNaoNPbOAOGTyl3KYvbFIaJUzEupgEaCONrr-wMO3mM29Ae8/s640/Ribbet+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyadnHC4Sy0qSPZ4iKVCly1Y-VoVXez6qXLAmfCE5xkub9Suljxo-jWQAcqbYab1Hn8wcUgRRQx4ctCPb3aLti8icemAqBy3fqtXY7UupE2fkliqXyPSYoyjETDF4deiYtRnSl6eUy-s0/s1600/BLOG+-+%2528photo%2529+Gingerbread+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyadnHC4Sy0qSPZ4iKVCly1Y-VoVXez6qXLAmfCE5xkub9Suljxo-jWQAcqbYab1Hn8wcUgRRQx4ctCPb3aLti8icemAqBy3fqtXY7UupE2fkliqXyPSYoyjETDF4deiYtRnSl6eUy-s0/s640/BLOG+-+%2528photo%2529+Gingerbread+House.jpg" width="426" /></a><em></em></div>
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<em>click <a href="https://app.box.com/s/2rvewcmgqbazkxb4u221kzzgqgl6ptrj">here</a> to download the Gingerbread House package topper</em></div>
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shalanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11576435973749257459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653821677967236145.post-41207836377596258082016-08-18T16:08:00.001-06:002016-08-18T16:08:40.207-06:00Baby, It's Cold Outside!<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCh69ZbgZcpMo37T5OKyoupKlwuujRM9tq9aRHbCqCCwVa4vrQL34BvFnhDK164ABxzO_W8Sr8JT7CAbllqFoIliSs_KXh0aFgF5lgeBEn2Nlz1XmkJHOObiBYhv8UZhcggeoZF_9_D4k/s1600/Baby+it's%2Bcold%2Boutside%2B-%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCh69ZbgZcpMo37T5OKyoupKlwuujRM9tq9aRHbCqCCwVa4vrQL34BvFnhDK164ABxzO_W8Sr8JT7CAbllqFoIliSs_KXh0aFgF5lgeBEn2Nlz1XmkJHOObiBYhv8UZhcggeoZF_9_D4k/s1600/Baby+it's%2Bcold%2Boutside%2B-%2Bcover.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgg2XrTuWBk1zCW992s3mRnzWuM25s9Jrd2bxpV6IsZKD6_p3a1a1ZfZF9xBDL_e6CDb2-ZJQGdLhTxpfmkj1XAX0y0TZpqIEyidbfQzNiQvdpRyiP7Dv8_Ni8vES4IurzcO0dhxoq8_Q/s1600/Baby+it's%2Bcold%2Boutside%2B-%2Bblankets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgg2XrTuWBk1zCW992s3mRnzWuM25s9Jrd2bxpV6IsZKD6_p3a1a1ZfZF9xBDL_e6CDb2-ZJQGdLhTxpfmkj1XAX0y0TZpqIEyidbfQzNiQvdpRyiP7Dv8_Ni8vES4IurzcO0dhxoq8_Q/s1600/Baby+it's%2Bcold%2Boutside%2B-%2Bblankets.jpg" width="400" /></a>It's not actually cold outside at the moment but it will be soon! <br />
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I started dreaming up this package right around Christmas time when Walmart had their holiday fleece throws on clearance for $2.50. I dug through the bin searching for ones that were more of a winter theme and not Christmas. I managed to find enough for all of my missionaries...sometimes the stars manage to align <i>just</i> right. You could easily find winter themed fleece on clearance at the fabric store and you could make your own fleece throw. Here's a link for an easy to follow tutorial:<br />
<a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-Tied-Fleece-Blanket/">http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-Tied-Fleece-Blanket/</a> In the tutorial they instruct you to use two layers of coordinating fabric. I only ever use one. Two is just TOO hot for my kids. Sometimes I cut and tie the edges...and sometimes I just cut off the salvage edge and leave it be. You choose. Easy.</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Package contents</u>:</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">fleece blankets</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">hot chocolate</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">mugs</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Aromatherapy Rice Bag</span></i></div>
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<i>(click <a href="http://missionarymail.blogspot.com/2015/02/aromatherapy-rice-bag.html">here</a> for instructions and printable)</i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">snowballs</span></i></div>
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<i>(found at Gordman's last year but you can make your own, click <a href="http://missionarymail.blogspot.com/2012/01/snowstorm-in-box.html">here</a></i></div>
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<i>or you can order them online from <a href="http://www.spitties4kiddies.com/indoor-snowballs/">here</a>)</i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Snowball Cookies</span></i></div>
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<i>(click here for the recipe and printable)</i></div>
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I went to the Dollar Store and purchased mugs, and hot chocolate mixes. One for my missionary and one for their companion. I tried to get them in coordinating colors with my package...I was using cool blue, white and silver. I'm a little OCD like that. I'm sure my missionary just rolls his eyes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuc28PqhuhupN3O9yGUEYUGj8nBzOdKzHHYgHeKoOhz6UbORugdt3QVmugzu_wPt5s8qOBzd82kfDDflW5hKXBcCAN_JhmgVGV8eniyT1N36ZDwolMCydAtjFxroqHEBzXQ8PtiH3Q5Mc/s1600/Winter+-+Baby+it's%2Bcold%2Boutside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuc28PqhuhupN3O9yGUEYUGj8nBzOdKzHHYgHeKoOhz6UbORugdt3QVmugzu_wPt5s8qOBzd82kfDDflW5hKXBcCAN_JhmgVGV8eniyT1N36ZDwolMCydAtjFxroqHEBzXQ8PtiH3Q5Mc/s1600/Winter+-+Baby+it's%2Bcold%2Boutside.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Click <a href="https://app.box.com/s/ckcbfxu6le59fbtpbqhjwipwedhsiow2">here</a> to download the package topper.</div>
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Print onto white cardstock. Cut out. Place on top of package.</div>
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Don't forget to write a note on the back!</div>
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shalanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11576435973749257459noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653821677967236145.post-5512496062858280482016-08-18T15:32:00.001-06:002016-08-19T19:08:08.272-06:00"Bloom Where You're Planted" - Quote Card<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://app.box.com/s/qnsbjzjyfzyxa4id3132j1phxzbfyoqv"><img alt="https://app.box.com/s/qnsbjzjyfzyxa4id3132j1phxzbfyoqv" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4en1MDsO1O8nbLItPSwWMvXbqmiBmapbvjJLCsTqKkYYBtfUz2NaEzbZ-ppE8rrORkJtnI30HbcwX5Jq-lXAFwz2A2Y0znk0E6gkS-psy70dZkCrKU5f6L3fi8WyOIckI2CDUmtriBE/s640/Quote+-+Bloom+Where+You%2527re+Planted.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Occasionally, when I'm sending a letter I will include a quote card. Most of the time they go along with the theme or topic of my letter. I know. I'm strange. That's the way I fly. I try to always make them 4x6 inches so that they will fit nicely in a regular envelope. Just print them onto heavy card stock and cut them out. Occasionally, I send magnets (for their fridge) or a 4x6 inch frame with them when they leave on their mission. That way they can use it to decorate their apartment and just change it out when they receive a different quote card. Just pick up a frame at the thrift or Dollar Store. Laminated cards could be used as bookmarks. </div>
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This would also make a nice birthday gift...you could send a new quote card every month. Guess I better get busy and make some more!!</div>
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<em>Click <a href="https://app.box.com/s/qnsbjzjyfzyxa4id3132j1phxzbfyoqv">here</a> to download the quote card.</em></div>
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<em>Photo credit: yeah...I don't know. I always go to the free photo sites </em></div>
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<em>and most of the time they don't tell you who took the photo. Sorry.</em></div>
shalanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11576435973749257459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653821677967236145.post-65692060043454935672016-08-18T14:26:00.000-06:002016-08-18T14:26:00.956-06:007-up Lifting Ways to Have a Great Mission<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTO7UjtJXIw7yQ7NR05L7ww5uVFGbgyc8WYzo1G7SR582gInmJ4NtmcnKj6k-pbt4pRWs6iBsKeKKDC1rqSKyIA9ROB0TlifqQgLFGxZAMqc76PrJQANnNJsjke53nculw9S3VJ_M4HZ0/s1600/7up+Lifting+Ways....jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTO7UjtJXIw7yQ7NR05L7ww5uVFGbgyc8WYzo1G7SR582gInmJ4NtmcnKj6k-pbt4pRWs6iBsKeKKDC1rqSKyIA9ROB0TlifqQgLFGxZAMqc76PrJQANnNJsjke53nculw9S3VJ_M4HZ0/s1600/7up+Lifting+Ways....jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTO7UjtJXIw7yQ7NR05L7ww5uVFGbgyc8WYzo1G7SR582gInmJ4NtmcnKj6k-pbt4pRWs6iBsKeKKDC1rqSKyIA9ROB0TlifqQgLFGxZAMqc76PrJQANnNJsjke53nculw9S3VJ_M4HZ0/s640/7up+Lifting+Ways....jpg" width="416" /></a><br />
I found<a href="http://mycomputerismycanvas.blogspot.com/2013/09/freebie-7up-lifting-ways-bookmark.html"> 7-up Lifting Ways to Have a Great School Year</a> from Colette on <em><a href="http://mycomputerismycanvas.blogspot.com/">My Computer is My Canvas</a></em> and tweaked it a bit to make it work for missionaries. The poem is all over the internet so it's impossible to find out who the author is and give them credit for the original idea. Sorry. <br />
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You can download the free printable by clicking <a href="https://app.box.com/s/2d144qdna3wusqqy31usxa9sfe4tc9ft">here</a>. Simply print onto heavy white cardstock, cut them out, punch a hole in the top for a bit of ribbon (optional) and laminate for durability.</div>
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I absolutely LOVE this idea and send it to my missionaries when they first enter the MTC. For my foreign missionaries that can't receive packages, I just take off the bottle/can of 7-up and send the bookmark by itself. So easy!<br />
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Don't forget to send one for their companion...or companions, if they're in the MTC.</div>
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shalanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11576435973749257459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653821677967236145.post-44147124705556895952016-08-18T14:14:00.001-06:002016-08-18T14:14:34.962-06:00Maybe a Postcard Will Do<div align="center" style="text-align: justify;">
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Here's the thing...you've got to write letters to get letters. People are great to send a letter to your missionary occasionally but if they never hear back, then the writing slows down and they just don't think about it any more. It's a rare person who writes letters expecting nothing in return. Our lives are BUSY!!</div>
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I had a goal while serving my mission to reply to each letter that I received. I did it! It was hard, but I did it. I remember many a p-day when I would pump out 14 letters. My handwriting has never been the same. I used to get a blister on the callus of my writing finger. Seriously!</div>
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When Mason was on his mission I realized that most missionaries just don't have the time to reply in long letters. Maybe it's a 'girl thing' but he just couldn't do it. He would write, but it was taking him forever to get caught up and he was getting stressed and missionaries NEED mail and they DON'T need more stress. It occurred to me that many of us (mom's and dad's NOT included) don't really need a LONG letter. They just need something...</div>
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<em>"Thanks so much for your letter!</em></div>
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<em>It's wonderful to hear from people at home.</em></div>
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<em>Things are great here! I love missionary work.</em></div>
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<em>Stay strong and keep the faith...</em></div>
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<em>Love,</em></div>
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<em>Elder Brown</em></div>
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Doesn't take much to keep a niece or nephew, aunt or uncle, or ward member happy but all will be thrilled to receive <em>anything</em> in return. Every missionary, no matter how busy, has time to jot a few lines. Postcards keep things nice and tidy and short and simple AND the postage is less. Winner, winner chicken dinner!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbyCM6ItX5eNZ0XGyRURrMcwMuUkTnZAfJYW89fcoO925DMhcJq6NbB0FDJsX8-4BrTxjwWBPh8WKnMRusuoBSxLUtPyJ4vDNTyPgxJz3WgycbDl3BTckQ6TJXMF_iP2DqL2pICl4TnE/s1600/Post+Cards+%2528Elder%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbyCM6ItX5eNZ0XGyRURrMcwMuUkTnZAfJYW89fcoO925DMhcJq6NbB0FDJsX8-4BrTxjwWBPh8WKnMRusuoBSxLUtPyJ4vDNTyPgxJz3WgycbDl3BTckQ6TJXMF_iP2DqL2pICl4TnE/s640/Post+Cards+%2528Elder%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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For the Elders...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWkgNCmL2fdeHc6hX6Opf8GILAruhGSmQcsAKZJBwSFyEKpEaBNRHl90R1r8EBYTzuVQ4qLspPDSt7OCiy9j4U43PiST3IQ4CDI6n2CBaA-EQg4FSR3YEFX8ve9PG_FTm6F-8cvt0iYo/s1600/Post+card+%2528Sister%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWkgNCmL2fdeHc6hX6Opf8GILAruhGSmQcsAKZJBwSFyEKpEaBNRHl90R1r8EBYTzuVQ4qLspPDSt7OCiy9j4U43PiST3IQ4CDI6n2CBaA-EQg4FSR3YEFX8ve9PG_FTm6F-8cvt0iYo/s640/Post+card+%2528Sister%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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...and for the Sisters.</div>
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When Mason was serving in Ohio I was able to go through some of his photos and have them made into postcards <em>(see that post <a href="http://missionarymail.blogspot.com/2011/11/christmas-idea-1-postcards.html">here</a>)</em> but Matt wasn't as...creative?...with his photos and I just couldn't find anything that would translate into a good postcard so I searched the internet for free photos that were applicable and went to work on Photoshop. I came up with four styles for the Elders and four for the Sisters. Had them printed (front and back) at Alphagraphics <em>(love that place!)</em> on a heavy cardstock that is glossy on one side <em>(for the photo or picture) </em>and matte on the other <em>(for writing).</em> Tied them up with ribbon and sent them on their merry little way with some postcard stamps. I even had his mission address printed at the top for the return address. All Matt's mail had to go through the mission home anyway and that way I didn't have to worry if he was transferred. </div>
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<em>Printing Tip: If you just copy these files on 8.5x11 paper you will have a .25 inch white border around the entire edge of the paper as the copy machines are not designed to print right to the edge of the paper. You could have them shrink down the file (for the front and back) so that the entire post card prints...or...you could have them print on larger paper and print two copies on each page. This is the option that I usually do as I am always sending more than four post cards in my package. Print the 'back' of the post card onto the back side of the front image and cut out.</em></div>
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Here's the postcards for the Elders:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfpGxzWRdZkQzqxYc48-Lyg1cOJnH_jJ-Y7gJv1wtsztcgtuh4Vw10Zn3oSxQtt1FoHRVvp9fBGw8S8l1ZsgITBGEb7XyQ5vwg_EvNgLYOXK5KnGHQNRTdMskp4a2Erp50JSIlF_Pawo/s1600/POST+CARD+-+As+cold+waters....jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfpGxzWRdZkQzqxYc48-Lyg1cOJnH_jJ-Y7gJv1wtsztcgtuh4Vw10Zn3oSxQtt1FoHRVvp9fBGw8S8l1ZsgITBGEb7XyQ5vwg_EvNgLYOXK5KnGHQNRTdMskp4a2Erp50JSIlF_Pawo/s640/POST+CARD+-+As+cold+waters....jpg" width="544" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCa1BoemZV1uBmAuJrBpsaZTWQO0UcDXTPp1C8_dGrHDyD-TrYsvzEdRM7Ee4lfO7DZXI99qPMxVW9Ie7uU1LCVYKkGb2Kwtioi2pdQ3_9115XMhYeyL7GYqO7q3Whf6tb8ALmvrDNto/s1600/POST+CARD+-+Be+Strong....jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCa1BoemZV1uBmAuJrBpsaZTWQO0UcDXTPp1C8_dGrHDyD-TrYsvzEdRM7Ee4lfO7DZXI99qPMxVW9Ie7uU1LCVYKkGb2Kwtioi2pdQ3_9115XMhYeyL7GYqO7q3Whf6tb8ALmvrDNto/s640/POST+CARD+-+Be+Strong....jpg" width="544" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbVdO8W3gksKRD3vEkBOIAKtL2bLPp5Ei9cwjk4zmfWh8ZSlEMxfZ64r5RGLJ51OEPfKoCpsawv2IVLKSYNoIqrTjx4dhyEGuiPKRDfGpbSYrmh85D31x7NbNrgx9rW1R_xIrQUjalkQ/s1600/POST+CARD+-+When+ye+are+in+the+service.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbVdO8W3gksKRD3vEkBOIAKtL2bLPp5Ei9cwjk4zmfWh8ZSlEMxfZ64r5RGLJ51OEPfKoCpsawv2IVLKSYNoIqrTjx4dhyEGuiPKRDfGpbSYrmh85D31x7NbNrgx9rW1R_xIrQUjalkQ/s640/POST+CARD+-+When+ye+are+in+the+service.jpg" width="544" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8dPqA370zLcp3NZtsGWydIBNjidDeA6pLAZF49wJMtd-bE575E2JWqvP_CvXtxypfcolUHuvaYYH9tU4H2h8FjnmrX-3xS_GotZ7SICm7EQ89mHh-jC84J5fykKbHywFVhQpolxgZm8/s1600/BOOK+-+%2528Letter+Days%2529+Post+Cards+-+Field+is+White.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8dPqA370zLcp3NZtsGWydIBNjidDeA6pLAZF49wJMtd-bE575E2JWqvP_CvXtxypfcolUHuvaYYH9tU4H2h8FjnmrX-3xS_GotZ7SICm7EQ89mHh-jC84J5fykKbHywFVhQpolxgZm8/s640/BOOK+-+%2528Letter+Days%2529+Post+Cards+-+Field+is+White.jpg" width="486" /></a></div>
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<em>click here to download the Elder post cards <a href="https://app.box.com/s/20f8hd7j0cam2e0mxxiheqnzdt493w5a">(fronts)</a></em></div>
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<em>click here to download the Elder post cards <a href="https://app.box.com/s/epyweorjh6d7extas1jnxqvyqxe6dv4q">(backs)</a></em></div>
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...and for the Sisters:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVy56d8BGkEH7ErU2b2W8Fb1cV1caWjbzrxGki3azoLI4Sm-PzNLoOruEc3hRjtX-_v8wEIZmTUHruTFtoJt2XfJ48bar6qzNw7ifGDjQBcYP0oFMlgTLiGb2Vsejfq7mLqvkrbzV7Co/s1600/BOOK+-+%2528Letter+Days%2529+Post+Card+-+Nothing+is+Impossible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVy56d8BGkEH7ErU2b2W8Fb1cV1caWjbzrxGki3azoLI4Sm-PzNLoOruEc3hRjtX-_v8wEIZmTUHruTFtoJt2XfJ48bar6qzNw7ifGDjQBcYP0oFMlgTLiGb2Vsejfq7mLqvkrbzV7Co/s640/BOOK+-+%2528Letter+Days%2529+Post+Card+-+Nothing+is+Impossible.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNV-YvSG0B9lwexaO_P7Ik-Z-nEUx2P-BBLUkt_QcQhxZ0VMOZLR4qNymLTr3JZRerFAg-H4Gu4D2xYJT3bzVv6r1NQrYIMJsRQRh5XEJVI72ZHLWs-ioNLn0PD3X2xULPOdXsPB4igA4/s1600/POST+CARD+-+Count+your+rainbows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNV-YvSG0B9lwexaO_P7Ik-Z-nEUx2P-BBLUkt_QcQhxZ0VMOZLR4qNymLTr3JZRerFAg-H4Gu4D2xYJT3bzVv6r1NQrYIMJsRQRh5XEJVI72ZHLWs-ioNLn0PD3X2xULPOdXsPB4igA4/s640/POST+CARD+-+Count+your+rainbows.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8jIrYaybYXQYBgHMRT-2u_boC4j7Dx8X4Sucmm2rvYq1yQM0DH5m4rK2evzfYcDFqF2xGNahNoI2IkHc1Y3pkp35hDpDWMOTR17dzD6fey61LhxCKo9wsIeC-uCambHEh1zEBCDx1D4/s1600/Post+Card+-+Go+the+Extra+Mile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8jIrYaybYXQYBgHMRT-2u_boC4j7Dx8X4Sucmm2rvYq1yQM0DH5m4rK2evzfYcDFqF2xGNahNoI2IkHc1Y3pkp35hDpDWMOTR17dzD6fey61LhxCKo9wsIeC-uCambHEh1zEBCDx1D4/s640/Post+Card+-+Go+the+Extra+Mile.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAYIJ3nCf_T_8nb0COj1Q9opXjLy_hV87Tj-WkiVLn7dF7ISqGoQM5XWqydGWAg75TfLBA2iFctk6VkttgyYTyTnWxxmV0tNOc81BkE9taS4_5o5xIkFjXU4Th8z_XF3h4D2Tj8foDAE/s1600/POST+CARD+-+If+you+can%2527t+feed....jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAYIJ3nCf_T_8nb0COj1Q9opXjLy_hV87Tj-WkiVLn7dF7ISqGoQM5XWqydGWAg75TfLBA2iFctk6VkttgyYTyTnWxxmV0tNOc81BkE9taS4_5o5xIkFjXU4Th8z_XF3h4D2Tj8foDAE/s640/POST+CARD+-+If+you+can%2527t+feed....jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<em>click here to download the Sister post cards <a href="https://app.box.com/s/yjzycddvo2lb8gr8gf7gpe8yjijq5de2">(fronts)</a></em></div>
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<em>click here to download the Sister post cards <a href="https://app.box.com/s/aymuj8qfabt9orbbgegenrturk6f6kye">(backs)</a></em></div>
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And just so 'ya know: Here's what the back of the post card looks like...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIEZTjpRXS-_xcISbkfMj0tTjPZGShlSP68Gi46N9lsaeYxIvXIOVQ5B81ggM4QoBimCXkzXs6bhvlaCfM2hailI1umyBkQKd9WyHh6d2F_vHZMKvtS02p2WAaBRe6u5QsMnlhHlE1t8/s1600/BLOG+-+Post+card+back+%2528single.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIEZTjpRXS-_xcISbkfMj0tTjPZGShlSP68Gi46N9lsaeYxIvXIOVQ5B81ggM4QoBimCXkzXs6bhvlaCfM2hailI1umyBkQKd9WyHh6d2F_vHZMKvtS02p2WAaBRe6u5QsMnlhHlE1t8/s640/BLOG+-+Post+card+back+%2528single.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I wrote and included this sappy little poem to use as a package topper...</div>
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<em>(with the help of my good friend, Tonya)</em></div>
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For the Elders:</div>
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<a href="https://app.box.com/s/xy59zcpp7m781avuvhr5c3xi9g8ehp5k"><img alt="https://app.box.com/s/xy59zcpp7m781avuvhr5c3xi9g8ehp5k" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyIS8liRjhfFG41zG9efnDnHxXy6Fp-CKYRDVkAXvyfUBNBNiprpRCwDXBNAkbsu0WTrvyH6oOpcrzy6MU9orTRO1Uv2hqtRO_iXzJHxpqblKwyAY1ZWclS_2mQcrpM4SpTUWY5tIb2E/s640/Printable+-+Postcard+poem+%2528Elder%2529.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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<em></em> </div>
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<em>you can download the poem by clicking <a href="https://app.box.com/s/xy59zcpp7m781avuvhr5c3xi9g8ehp5k">here</a></em></div>
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For the Sisters:</div>
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<a href="https://app.box.com/s/jhzecokt3n5t63l9ez2i1mmglu8eil34"><img alt="https://app.box.com/s/jhzecokt3n5t63l9ez2i1mmglu8eil34" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEqxtboIDE4q3dlgt-FEWkPP2SuYimYPOWHHuuWeqP-pe6XeWfStkxEsOUmkCBhIKaL76yA-DNQ9rZnKXnI8-H_-A3HA2XvAVL_k2ujpfe40ZzAyWe9-irPaTDY12mVprPri6OP7m-lE/s640/Printable+-+Postcard+poem+%2528sister%2529.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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<em>you can download the poem by clicking <a href="https://app.box.com/s/jhzecokt3n5t63l9ez2i1mmglu8eil34">here</a></em><br />
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shalanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11576435973749257459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653821677967236145.post-5400692724417165342016-08-18T12:29:00.000-06:002016-08-18T12:29:24.944-06:00Thanksgiving Dinner in a BAG<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxoe2R081o-oscbBsPuLt2sqDim7r4MZqzgJQ1PRuiPq_AyiExGYH80EXcgw9MPmJAfMwzN9IBsAoicggJ9V-Dlh4V1aoN93QcZp_0zxzFLiMfebfixebKFsaq33-sOb3UEMW8VVkm3l0/s1600/Turkey+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxoe2R081o-oscbBsPuLt2sqDim7r4MZqzgJQ1PRuiPq_AyiExGYH80EXcgw9MPmJAfMwzN9IBsAoicggJ9V-Dlh4V1aoN93QcZp_0zxzFLiMfebfixebKFsaq33-sOb3UEMW8VVkm3l0/s640/Turkey+cover.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This was all over the internet last Thanksgiving so I'm sure that you've seen it before but I thought I'd post a little tutorial anyway. This was so much fun to make and my husband, Jeff just laughed and laughed at me and I'm sure my missionary just rolled his eyes but they are all so good to just humor me and let me play and have fun.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2w-turM4ZPhOKGpHnJbOzJ1jX2Y1BT4f_ppaBJ6XIO-yRA4uxtYVwy87yZG_rOLfoz92dhuYsCZ1aij0YcJm_6yBmQD5JjK-bSd-5Ze31Z1LbSWaRQxfKUJYxRdPVXO98Xq-a86QPDWE/s1600/Turkey+supplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2w-turM4ZPhOKGpHnJbOzJ1jX2Y1BT4f_ppaBJ6XIO-yRA4uxtYVwy87yZG_rOLfoz92dhuYsCZ1aij0YcJm_6yBmQD5JjK-bSd-5Ze31Z1LbSWaRQxfKUJYxRdPVXO98Xq-a86QPDWE/s400/Turkey+supplies.jpg" width="400" /></a><em>You will need:</em></div>
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<em>large brown paper bag</em></div>
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<em>2 brown paper lunch sacks</em></div>
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<em>1 piece of white paper</em></div>
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<em>hot glue gun</em></div>
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<em>glue sticks</em></div>
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<em></em> </div>
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<em>Turkey dinners</em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hormel has a brand </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">that doesn't need refrigeration</span></em></div>
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<em>canned vegetables</em></div>
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<em>stuffing mix</em></div>
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<em>instant mashed potato mix</em></div>
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<em>gravy mix</em></div>
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<em>fruit pies</em></div>
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Hormel has a brand of dinner that doesn't require refrigeration. I found them on the same aisle as the macaroni and cheese. I purchased enough for four not knowing if just one would fill them up and thinking that if it did, they could use it for another meal. Lucky I did, because the day it was delivered, the Zone Leaders were there and they had enough dinner for all four of them. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcAmi21tMkb1Ansjq7jm9djSuvOHLaM7S9MKJY_WMr6X-pac71ypjJlWS-ANMQQvjxwmEcGxWDcoKV0n3IY8E5GZwaOHk_QvvGUmvDlPfrUsvqBx8KAYKFXLGbIasQfVy59HFkk1_AyZs/s1600/Turkey+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcAmi21tMkb1Ansjq7jm9djSuvOHLaM7S9MKJY_WMr6X-pac71ypjJlWS-ANMQQvjxwmEcGxWDcoKV0n3IY8E5GZwaOHk_QvvGUmvDlPfrUsvqBx8KAYKFXLGbIasQfVy59HFkk1_AyZs/s320/Turkey+2.jpg" width="320" /></a>Start by putting everything in the bag. Remember you will be folding the front edges in to make the front of the turkey so keep the big bulky stuff toward the back. Keep in mind how it will be sitting during shipping. I was using a tall, narrow bow so I knew my turkey would be standing on one end during transit. What was on it's side while I was making the turkey would be standing up in the box. You don't want your fruit pies getting crushed! When you're finished, pack it all in place with popped popcorn. I also included a tube of Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies for both Matt and his companion. Because they are a more sticky cookie, I put a small square of waxed paper in between each cookie. Lay your turkey back down and fold/tuck the edges inside and glue closed with a hot glue gun.</div>
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<em>click here for the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe</em></div>
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<em>click <a href="http://missionarymail.blogspot.com/2012/02/word-about-mailing-cookies.html">here</a> for tips on mailing cookies</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jvTja0-UboDIkQvsoJ0n-SF5-icBcyHjJMrDCVHhWJZ7steGMm3EZslYCEecs7eWZnzXAFjw4i-48WmyBsMpGvjOtizYlxmmVjdnEmPBCcgFU_XTyCbT3j2q6yXdaMslJZV50xvUrGo/s1600/Turkey+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jvTja0-UboDIkQvsoJ0n-SF5-icBcyHjJMrDCVHhWJZ7steGMm3EZslYCEecs7eWZnzXAFjw4i-48WmyBsMpGvjOtizYlxmmVjdnEmPBCcgFU_XTyCbT3j2q6yXdaMslJZV50xvUrGo/s400/Turkey+3.jpg" width="400" /></a>'Crush' in the four back corners of your filled bag so that the back of your turkey will be rounded.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3XGzRm3v6BExw_jQKKeom82Yl4Qs9fFHc_tVXAQWeGq-wfSCIkvYtkqFaX4LbHxlxqIMfHzM-JcYeZYZoEMwasZBsLuWW7qFpJMzwI7zahID1POvpovJ2RFVgwh0X6HnnX4ik8ujgYE/s1600/Turkey+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3XGzRm3v6BExw_jQKKeom82Yl4Qs9fFHc_tVXAQWeGq-wfSCIkvYtkqFaX4LbHxlxqIMfHzM-JcYeZYZoEMwasZBsLuWW7qFpJMzwI7zahID1POvpovJ2RFVgwh0X6HnnX4ik8ujgYE/s640/Turkey+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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To make the drumsticks of your turkey, fill a quart size Ziploc bag with caramel corn and using your hands, mold it into the shape of a drumstick. You could use regular popcorn but it's not as malleable and I like to think it's the dark meat <em>(ha, ha...everyone laughs, but Matt loved the caramel corn!).</em> Insert the caramel corn into a brown paper lunch sack and shape with your hands as shown below. Twist the ends closed. </div>
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<em>click here for a soft Caramel Corn recipe</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6a7ucF6BLOuL37Y9_Qo_a3f4stIf37Kx2rawetrmEZV80SUIG5ssKtQwp5IXLBhouYog8S4ZLAfDvQUa1ovDBVKHpth0WmoxN6OC0PX0zHTusUhV69Lre6g7-b5yKJQLfxxi-cbSG4Go/s1600/Turkey+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6a7ucF6BLOuL37Y9_Qo_a3f4stIf37Kx2rawetrmEZV80SUIG5ssKtQwp5IXLBhouYog8S4ZLAfDvQUa1ovDBVKHpth0WmoxN6OC0PX0zHTusUhV69Lre6g7-b5yKJQLfxxi-cbSG4Go/s320/Turkey+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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To make the poultry frills cut a piece of paper measuring the length of the paper so 11" x about 2". Cut all along one long edge a little more than half-way through making your space between cuts about an 1/8 of an inch apart. Apply a dot of glue to one end and start wrapping around the end of your drumstick securing with more hot glue at the end. Don't forget you need to make <em>two</em> drumsticks! Using a glue gun, glue your drumsticks in place. There you have it! So fun! It just makes me giggle, it's SO CUTE!!</div>
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I stood mine up in a box and added crumpled tissue paper for support around the sides and a package topper. Don't forget to write a note on the back of the topper!</div>
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<a href="https://app.box.com/s/nqh6v9jh61ezukkyape1gv34osnsz09q"><img alt="https://app.box.com/s/nqh6v9jh61ezukkyape1gv34osnsz09q" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoQFzaO6Sfgd0HlGPhjIBZsMUSR4s2KBdgnqGk0bLWLFInFJBFRCGj2j2TKAH3ciX6ogPx0mV0ovQYFSJwwyEX59t6RGAtMBmMKgBPskuDFaLfQwXJFDw9iqakbZzozM0mM239MDteCY/s640/TOPPER+-+Happy+Gobble+till+you+Wobble+Day.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<em>click <a href="https://app.box.com/s/nqh6v9jh61ezukkyape1gv34osnsz09q">here</a> to download the free package topper</em></div>
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Here is a link to a video tutorial from Martha Stewart that I found invaluable:</div>
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<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/286383/paper-bag-turkey">http://www.marthastewart.com/286383/paper-bag-turkey</a></div>
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shalanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11576435973749257459noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653821677967236145.post-41577113452916405912016-08-18T11:53:00.002-06:002016-08-18T11:53:44.903-06:00Rise & Shine!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7BDHwgbyy7T4fAZBlQz6MdMuB4OKYxBizUPxQHqKELuHDgCY5v-LUpM-Ia_eXa0qFeQk6L1TLUxGSwH4gDAYYRcaFLl9kRJrCn9NeLYo_rBZFAesEYYlMJRHZDBQtbGUSOiN1SoljFs/s1600/Rise+%2526+Shine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7BDHwgbyy7T4fAZBlQz6MdMuB4OKYxBizUPxQHqKELuHDgCY5v-LUpM-Ia_eXa0qFeQk6L1TLUxGSwH4gDAYYRcaFLl9kRJrCn9NeLYo_rBZFAesEYYlMJRHZDBQtbGUSOiN1SoljFs/s640/Rise+%2526+Shine.jpg" width="524" /></a></div>
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Whenever we're in Hawaii, I pick up some Coconut Syrup. Oh. My. Goodness! It is SO yummy! I probably bring home more than I should, I'm sure. I've looked into ordering it on the internet but it's super pricey and we - as in Matt and I, 'cause we're the only ones around here that like coconut - appreciate it all the more because we only get it every other year or so. Seriously. It is a little bit of syrupy heaven! ...and I just noticed that it's not even in the photo, sheesh!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvnGtkRywoub3kELU7fFO-sbnc562FWRGwlOl9XD0u2X67lXBBPIoQe8fS7iHdJ4o_qJ2Hi9V37TrmYjhouxOD8a8c41hgHpZswpKhbYGsy8KvG-PtTAQ4RmqAk-QX_bemvk3oFGXGus/s1600/Syrup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvnGtkRywoub3kELU7fFO-sbnc562FWRGwlOl9XD0u2X67lXBBPIoQe8fS7iHdJ4o_qJ2Hi9V37TrmYjhouxOD8a8c41hgHpZswpKhbYGsy8KvG-PtTAQ4RmqAk-QX_bemvk3oFGXGus/s320/Syrup.jpg" width="137" /></a></div>
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Now that he is on his mission (he's actually home now, but I'm super behind on posting) it felt a little strange to just send up bottles of syrup so I came up with this Rise & Shine breakfast package. So fun! Include all things breakfast-ie...</div>
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syrup </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">plastic bottle so it won't break while shipping</span></div>
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pancake mix</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">the kind where you just add water</span></div>
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juices</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">the kind that don't need to be refrigerated prior to opening</span></div>
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bacon</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">the pre-cooked kind</span></div>
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I'm sure you will have TONS of ideas to send in your Rise & Shine package. What does your missionary like for breakfast?</div>
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<a href="https://app.box.com/s/62euem3yb2698ts6y6hr42twf4gtth1f"><img alt="https://app.box.com/s/62euem3yb2698ts6y6hr42twf4gtth1f" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDk7E0ybgHocJdfoyk6vYhyeQtp9F3nai-cLebuSB-Ik6DKiZP6sh9peThEHkBADuH7OKYfOOV_bK4Fdv_x8vSt9kcJ7qOYf31DJVvYLzv5v0MtlVRCQmP6jGgwiQQzJG8yPwxO9WM92k/s640/Printable+-+Rise+%2526+Shine.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<em>click <a href="https://app.box.com/s/62euem3yb2698ts6y6hr42twf4gtth1f">here</a> to download the free printable</em></div>
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<em>Note: My very first effort at Photoshop...I've come a long way since then, baby.</em></div>
shalanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11576435973749257459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653821677967236145.post-16678845450172932462016-08-18T10:42:00.000-06:002016-08-18T14:39:58.806-06:00Here I Am!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiASIKdHBpAC1UNFEYwHv_ISQZukGhKf3YAPvVNK67NaYuG_QgkGTXKBPZM5qxJ3umkgcD6RKUc5alh3HAQhycfNOqJbwpKtsA1ZN6di6WODTsaVTzZkNMXNx93dSkgLErne5BTJG3JArY/s1600/san_francisco_bay_area_vacation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiASIKdHBpAC1UNFEYwHv_ISQZukGhKf3YAPvVNK67NaYuG_QgkGTXKBPZM5qxJ3umkgcD6RKUc5alh3HAQhycfNOqJbwpKtsA1ZN6di6WODTsaVTzZkNMXNx93dSkgLErne5BTJG3JArY/s640/san_francisco_bay_area_vacation.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm here...maybe you thought I had dropped off the edge of the planet? Or that I didn't have a missionary out? Well, one missionary has come home from Seattle just over a year ago and another has gone to beautiful Alaska and has been out five months...AND...I currently have nephews in Russia and New Zealand and nieces in Russia, Massachusetts and Virginia so I'm sending out packages for six. Ka CHING!! Mind you the ones out of the country get packages that are significantly smaller. I am still very much in the mode of creative packages...just have a lot less time to blog about them. With work three days a week and babysitting my grandson the other two days of the week it doesn't leave a whole lot of time to blog about them but I take photos with the hope that one day...</div>
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Guess what?! It's 'one day'! Yesterday my husband and I arrived in San Francisco for a work convention. He's in meetings. Me? Trying to catch up on some blog posts. YAY!! So, if you're a 'follower' then please accept my apologies but I'm going to try to flood your inbox with new posts over the next few days.<br />
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<em>Note: No, this isn't the view from my hotel window and it's a good thing because I wouldn't get ANYTHING accomplished this week I'd just be day dreaming...my view is of the freeway and construction. Still. Happy to be here! (photo credit: I wish I knew. Isn't it beautiful?)</em></div>
shalanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11576435973749257459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653821677967236145.post-70628903111454337382015-08-15T14:00:00.001-06:002015-08-15T14:00:11.209-06:00Temple Pictures<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2u5X72UmbRtG87CiyuncSQUX_UUwasKJ2yePheH3ofZEev0A7xSpk_ptDbAMIdNcR4IlRoQHfAGvtugm7u_ffo7JQKe8U4dbfVF7wLBss1_h7czskOaCUi5KXM-O-CHKRWfqTUQOqQLI/s1600/Christmas+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2u5X72UmbRtG87CiyuncSQUX_UUwasKJ2yePheH3ofZEev0A7xSpk_ptDbAMIdNcR4IlRoQHfAGvtugm7u_ffo7JQKe8U4dbfVF7wLBss1_h7czskOaCUi5KXM-O-CHKRWfqTUQOqQLI/s400/Christmas+photo.jpg" width="303" /></a>The <a href="http://store.lds.org/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TopCategories1?langId=-1&storeId=715839595&catalogId=10557">Distribution Center</a> has some really nice photos of our temples that are very economical but one day nearing Christmas I stumbled upon a stunning photo of the Salt Lake Temple in the winter. I thought it would make a beautiful decoration for Matt's apartment and would help bring the holiday spirit into his tiny home. </div>
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<br />I had some 5"x7" <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70142968/">RIBBA frames</a> from IKEA that were only $5. You could probably find one at a dollar store as well or a thrift store or one that you have at home...free is ALWAYS better! I just saved the photo to my desktop and then printed it out onto some photo paper. Added the photo to the frame and tied a piece of tulle and it was good to go. Easy! So excited to find other seasonal photos of the temple to send and he can just replace the photo.</div>
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<em>I tried to find the link for this photo but was unable to at the time of posting but there were many other stunning photos and so many temples to choose from! </em></div>
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<em>Find a photo of a temple near where they are serving...</em></div>
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<em>Note: Be careful about copyright protected photos.</em><em> </em><br />
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shalanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11576435973749257459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653821677967236145.post-15362924383022280222015-08-14T17:32:00.000-06:002015-08-14T17:32:22.728-06:00Letters: Sometimes you just need a direction...<div style="text-align: justify;">
Every month on Fast Sunday we have a Ward Walk-About. We live in Utah so our boundaries are quite small...not that it matters. It would be a great missionary tool! In the evening on Fast Sunday someone's house or sometimes two are the designated gathering place for our walk. Everyone gathers in the yard and in the street...some bring chairs, sometimes there are blankets on the grass, often there is a treat of some kind but for the next couple of hours we just visit...and laugh...and usually we do something for the plethora of missionaries and the one member of the military that we have serving from our ward.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jS56ggebsaM1YCv0WyY2kMED1PV-_eT7KK5VKESIRpBxeExM-JekHI-Yv2M-8W2wped_GvrmuQcaTMBC8wGKkKveNfaW3KFe_PMhzb5j5agmbiG_vDA1KZEItkrbfSGeutPQXy4sbt4/s1600/Advice+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jS56ggebsaM1YCv0WyY2kMED1PV-_eT7KK5VKESIRpBxeExM-JekHI-Yv2M-8W2wped_GvrmuQcaTMBC8wGKkKveNfaW3KFe_PMhzb5j5agmbiG_vDA1KZEItkrbfSGeutPQXy4sbt4/s400/Advice+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I had noticed that when just a blank piece of paper is put out that people tend to just sign their names. Nice, but a letter or note is so much better. This month I was asked to come up with what to send (the missionary moms in our ward take turns). I decided to give everyone a direction...a starting off point for their letter and it worked great! I found rolls of brown package paper (not sure what it's called) at Walmart and it was really inexpensive and thinner than butcher paper. With the plastic wrap still on the paper, I used my handy, dandy chop saw and cut each roll so it was a little smaller than a business size envelope. I decided that I would rather use two stamps than have to send our letter in a box...that's just too pricey for the 16 missionaries that we currently have out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4FMeJNBGP2tMzgAYzawR3FZ8XlzSmof39tRtNPV3gkKOvqOQO7U7FMVshNgyd_5Ba6dQfb7UZ77UIlgBWZgGo01IaLSU321RqihLcI2HUVSrayORxUeWcUUiDKScJpRseIA3MjmyBYo/s1600/Advice+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4FMeJNBGP2tMzgAYzawR3FZ8XlzSmof39tRtNPV3gkKOvqOQO7U7FMVshNgyd_5Ba6dQfb7UZ77UIlgBWZgGo01IaLSU321RqihLcI2HUVSrayORxUeWcUUiDKScJpRseIA3MjmyBYo/s640/Advice+3.jpg" width="330" /></a>I created a document in Word (shown in the photo above) that said: "Advice: How to have a great mission", then I just used my light box to trace it onto the top of each paper. You could also tape your template onto a window and use that as nature's light box. I wrote each missionary's name at the top then I just taped them all to a long table, actually a couple of them but you could also just tape them to a garage door just don't hand out Sharpie's for everyone to use or you might have a much autographed garage door when you're finished.</div>
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If people are intimidated by writing to a lot of missionaries, remind them that they don't have to come up with different 'advice' for each one...just write the same advice over and over!</div>
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This worked GREAT!! People just don't know what to write about. Giving them a direction is sometimes all it takes. The possibilities are endless!</div>
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<em>Note: If you're worried about the expense of mailing to all the missionaries in your ward or maybe to all of them in your extended family, just give them to the missionary's family to mail.</em></div>
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shalanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11576435973749257459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653821677967236145.post-56568734681595296612015-08-14T16:23:00.000-06:002015-08-14T16:23:57.945-06:00Create a Family Newsletter - Take 2!<div style="text-align: justify;">
When Matt left on his mission to Seattle I started a little newsletter for just our family. By this time my oldest two were married and my daughter was expecting her first child. I didn't want Matt to feel that he was left out of all the 'goings' on in our family especially with his first niece on the way. By this time I had stopped publishing the 'extended family' newsletter.</div>
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As with the previous newsletter <em>(you can find more on that by clicking here), </em>I just used a program that was already set up on my computer that had ready-made fill in the blank templates (I use Microsoft Publisher...it's old but I know it well and it works great for me). I chose a template that I liked and just filled in the blanks every month and change the photo with something free on the internet (you could also upload a photo that you have taken but I didn't want to put yet another pressure on myself...call me lazy). Change the color scheme each month to coordinate with the photo.</div>
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Here are some of the articles that we included:<br />
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">The Main Event</span></em></div>
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This was really the focus of our family newsletter and that's how I wanted it to be. This way Matt was able to hear from even those who weren't super great at writing letters. This was space for everyone to write what was going on in their lives. I didn't edit it at all...ok, not much, just corrected spelling. I would type everyone's name in a little gray box (siblings, mom and dad, and spouses - see photo below) and everyone would just type a bit of what had been going on that month. Everyone comes home every Sunday evening for dinner and our family Gospel Study so it wasn't a big deal for everyone to just take a minute or two on a given Sunday. If you decide to do it that way, just make sure that everyone hits the 'save' button when they're finished with their bit...otherwise you may have to start over and that's a pain in the patootie! These were never done in 'birth order' rather whomever was around and wanted to be next...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZp2VIxRPfaReaeeZGrz8-x8ZBYg2EYVyBwu2cA2ys7Bd1UL6mgaMpUq87m6cdsREtO9T43ZM40-0FD27dw51t9KsPJR0W9ZdliR3dWRpxq6l_xAh-oM8RpJW6khQ2Cxu43yHWjTGzlc/s1600/Newsletter+-+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZp2VIxRPfaReaeeZGrz8-x8ZBYg2EYVyBwu2cA2ys7Bd1UL6mgaMpUq87m6cdsREtO9T43ZM40-0FD27dw51t9KsPJR0W9ZdliR3dWRpxq6l_xAh-oM8RpJW6khQ2Cxu43yHWjTGzlc/s640/Newsletter+-+cover.jpg" width="488" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Special Points of Interest</span></em></div>
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Guess I could have come up with a more catchy title but it was already in the template and I just didn't change it. This is where I would list family items that were coming up or needed to be added to their own calendars. It was the next best thing to having an actual calendar printed in the newsletter like I put in our extended family calendar <em>(click here for that post)</em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Baby, Oh Baby!</span></em></div>
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This was fun. Here is where we would put photos of my daughter along with ultrasound photos and count down the weeks to her pregnancy. We also sent out a fun gender reveal package when they found out they were having a girl. <em>(click <a href="http://missionarymail.blogspot.com/2013/10/thank-heaven-for-little-girls.html">here</a> for that package)</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfR0y6-U_0mNVz8smsqW-HYMPK8wvLvjwMLKllHXKmO4iFsuIa0kOrOMYMKH0WglLki1cMb4ulOn28eU52k3sjevs2lv5OXubz6IATkZcjc3X3Mg5xn1Me09IaflWcmgjXlD0kdxaJtI/s1600/Newsletter+-+page+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfR0y6-U_0mNVz8smsqW-HYMPK8wvLvjwMLKllHXKmO4iFsuIa0kOrOMYMKH0WglLki1cMb4ulOn28eU52k3sjevs2lv5OXubz6IATkZcjc3X3Mg5xn1Me09IaflWcmgjXlD0kdxaJtI/s640/Newsletter+-+page+2.jpg" width="486" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Seattle Times</span></em></div>
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This is where I would include updates on our missionary (my missionary is the one on the far left in the left photo giving everyone the 'thumb's up'). Sometimes this section was short, sometimes long...depending on what information I was getting from him at the time. If he was transferred I would try and figure out where he was living and stalk his apartment on Google Earth and insert a photo...it was SO difficult to get an address for him though as he was worried I would send mail there and it was against the rules), or I would put a bit about his new area...whatever did we do prior to the internet and Google search?</div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Out of the Mouths of Babes</span></em></div>
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I swear this was everyone's favorite part of the newsletter. It was here that we would record all of the funny things that people say that you just know you'll never forget but you do. Remember, babes don't have to be just the young ones...I've got a few VERY funny kids and they aren't so young anymore.</div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">iFunny</span></em></div>
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I have a teenage son who just loves to share funny things that he stumbles upon on the internet. Jeff came up with the idea that he could be in charge of this article so every month Colin would look for just the perfect comic, or photo, or something that tickled his funny bone. He's a great kid!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Include Quotes</em></span></div>
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Not really an article but a great space filler when someone's article wasn't quite long enough. I tried to find quotes that matched the month, for example: November = gratitude quotes/scriptures.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiS4rp0SKnMcTpWlSoLxLjMoXS6dqtCjmXHv3zSj0bYztfaIOqNMht1WHkIaCZetsrWezzPgPNqgQdP_Vbnr-vuRsELWMRrz3MHHhLOnjN0wITrHUPvzMOzPzQ7Q2EcLgWu2QkARfc9eQ/s1600/Newsletter+-+page+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiS4rp0SKnMcTpWlSoLxLjMoXS6dqtCjmXHv3zSj0bYztfaIOqNMht1WHkIaCZetsrWezzPgPNqgQdP_Vbnr-vuRsELWMRrz3MHHhLOnjN0wITrHUPvzMOzPzQ7Q2EcLgWu2QkARfc9eQ/s640/Newsletter+-+page+3.jpg" width="496" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Brown Spots</span></em></div>
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Another article that Jeff cam up with...he's a keeper. This article was always written by Maren, my youngest. She would come up with a question and then ask or call or text everyone for their responses. In this case her question was: "What is your favorite Christmas tradition?" It was always fun to find out everyone's memories. Making everyone's responses in alternating tones (in the above case: black and charcoal) made everyone's answers a little easier to differentiate.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzd71e7I-lLzL7XxdGpJD1iJBGghk_gvf3TIO1FJ9YePcYptpeWD_jXwTyQ55R4Rp7tybJx6wzlL-f9J39gZcR4_RFZWUCCr-Fw-Iq9-blPpLbuO1EWCqllokzjhqK_IxvwIQ5Oiwn24/s1600/Newsletter+-+pg+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzd71e7I-lLzL7XxdGpJD1iJBGghk_gvf3TIO1FJ9YePcYptpeWD_jXwTyQ55R4Rp7tybJx6wzlL-f9J39gZcR4_RFZWUCCr-Fw-Iq9-blPpLbuO1EWCqllokzjhqK_IxvwIQ5Oiwn24/s640/Newsletter+-+pg+3.jpg" width="496" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Include Photos</span></em></div>
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Including photos is not really an article either but it was one of our favorite parts of the newsletter. Missionaries really feel like they are missing out on what's happening. If you keep them caught up on things at home it can really help.</div>
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Here's my opinion, for what it's worth (which is not much)...if a newsletter works for your family then do it! If it is just an added stress or is not accomplishing your goals, then don't. And even if you start a newsletter, it is not set in stone. If something stops working then stop doing it. You have my permission. I found great joy in creating our family newsletters and hope that it helped my missionaries to feel that they were still included in the going's on at home.</div>
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shalanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11576435973749257459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653821677967236145.post-45359908638243667372015-08-13T18:45:00.001-06:002015-08-13T18:45:50.656-06:00Socks<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to the missionary packet which you receive with your mission call, you are to label everything...so we did...except for Matt's dark socks...you know, the Gold Toe ones that you can buy at Costco and Sam's in bulk so they're <strike>cheaper</strike> much less expensive. Yeah, we didn't label those. It's not like a black laundry Sharpie is going to show up, right? Well, it appears that a lot of missionaries take the Gold Toe socks on their mission...and when you combine efforts when doing laundry to cut down on expense, it just might mean that slowly...they start to disappear. </div>
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Well that's what happened. Within a transfer or two, poor Matt was down to less than a week's worth of socks. Off I go to Sam's to pick up more socks with my brain spinning to figure out a way to mark his dark socks so he can quickly sort said socks from his companions...then it hit me...the Red Sox! The Red Sox are Matt's favorite baseball team and at the time of the sock dilemma were on their way to the World Series. <em>Yes, I know that was in 2013 and now it's 2015...I'm a bit behind in posting.</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5avbERuKeOKucthxPreSB15fgGFw6ql68_6DQMHMOPEhS3KtsMh8djJxLnq8fw4Ud1gH088oy-tjS3siTm-4xqc1POJdWMrJ1g7S1AwYztStbMM2E55GoAo9NpFOHnCCd8qyT5zsvwTI/s1600/Red+Sox%2521%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5avbERuKeOKucthxPreSB15fgGFw6ql68_6DQMHMOPEhS3KtsMh8djJxLnq8fw4Ud1gH088oy-tjS3siTm-4xqc1POJdWMrJ1g7S1AwYztStbMM2E55GoAo9NpFOHnCCd8qyT5zsvwTI/s640/Red+Sox%2521%2521.jpg" width="506" /></a></div>
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So here's how we quickly marked Matt's socks. Using the zig-zag stitch on my sewing machine I quickly zigged a half inch zag using red thread in the top of each sock. Quick. Easy. Effective. I mean, what are the odds that any other Elder in the Seattle Mission is going to have red zig-zag stitching in the tops of all his socks? Oh...wait...until now. Dang. That's ok. Not THAT many people read my blog. Stitch away!</div>
shalanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11576435973749257459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653821677967236145.post-59831220313283520232015-08-13T17:39:00.000-06:002015-08-13T17:39:05.345-06:00Mini Sewing Kit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEuv4qdnBml4E7DVICzylLzpTr7kwqZEwEopr2345uULZTlrn_vpFdYxp6CNP0m375ZfVRRmiO3JsRM9fRRFytqAv3knPg1WXJNfbXJi2Pyb3olOYwCwJr0wUSeCjfBiHbR5sjdKePKrs/s1600/Sewing+Kit+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEuv4qdnBml4E7DVICzylLzpTr7kwqZEwEopr2345uULZTlrn_vpFdYxp6CNP0m375ZfVRRmiO3JsRM9fRRFytqAv3knPg1WXJNfbXJi2Pyb3olOYwCwJr0wUSeCjfBiHbR5sjdKePKrs/s400/Sewing+Kit+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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When Mason and Matt went on their missions they received a rather LONG list of items to bring, one of which was a sewing kit...for obvious reasons. While at Mr. Mac and Men's Wearhouse (among other places) trying to check off all the items on our list, we had the dickens of a time trying to find an acceptable sewing kit for these two guys. Most of them were just too big. Not really too big as in large. Just too big as in, "Mom, I'm never going to use all that stuff! Who needs a million colors of thread?" So we decided to make our own.</div>
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I picked up a small plastic box from Office Depot or Office Max or whatever they're going as this week, for .50 cents. It measures 3" (w) x 2.5" (d) x 2" (h). It's the same size that we used to make his mini first aid kit for his back pack <em>(click </em><a href="http://missionarymail.blogspot.com/2014/05/mini-first-aid-kit.html"><em>here</em></a><em> for that post). </em>It holds all the essentials:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfqa3faKpopvnPY01A8IO-Y9NiVKnYV2czwzBE1eo3A10ILBqIsCY3_ivbKJdBweaD1M54c4liKjGI-XA-leLKFAMJ6K4EIRmXTIbN08dTsd2R-4SCKWc9XuqaMiV2tquRMDsU28BxpE/s1600/Sewing+Kit+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfqa3faKpopvnPY01A8IO-Y9NiVKnYV2czwzBE1eo3A10ILBqIsCY3_ivbKJdBweaD1M54c4liKjGI-XA-leLKFAMJ6K4EIRmXTIbN08dTsd2R-4SCKWc9XuqaMiV2tquRMDsU28BxpE/s640/Sewing+Kit+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDcgtjZZ6FG1oVhptAs8qmLpmbmd_h2JAFvAHJrJtpMsfAAKM6hxZF5RvY5NNJW9jI0BS8xFD1qXL6LsczDSEisev9SKlRTz9jHzC17KwkWpI-yi0_uSTC3Jqk33RWOzLBiXMW1OucJ8/s1600/Kitchen+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDcgtjZZ6FG1oVhptAs8qmLpmbmd_h2JAFvAHJrJtpMsfAAKM6hxZF5RvY5NNJW9jI0BS8xFD1qXL6LsczDSEisev9SKlRTz9jHzC17KwkWpI-yi0_uSTC3Jqk33RWOzLBiXMW1OucJ8/s640/Kitchen+6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You may already have all of these items in your home:</div>
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safety pins (various sizes)</div>
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needles</div>
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pins</div>
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white thread (small spool)</div>
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black thread (small spool)</div>
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Therm-o-web hem tape*</div>
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you will also need some small jewelry bags</div>
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(see photo above - they measure 2"x3" and are reclosable and available at craft stores)</div>
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*Therm-o-web hem tape (or any other brand) will be an invaluable help to your missionary if a hem comes out of their suit or skirt. All they have to do is lay the tape inside the hem fold, and press. The heat from the iron will fuse the hem in place without them having to take a lot of time to sew in a proper hem and worry about how large their stitches are.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some helpful tips and tricks:</span></div>
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- Thread your safety pins (various sizes) onto another safety pin.</div>
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- Weave your needles into a piece of paper or fabric, then put them into a small jewelry baggie.</div>
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- Put a few pins into a jewelry baggie.</div>
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- Cut out the instructions for the hem tape and wrap a long piece of the hem tape around the folded instructions and place inside a jewelry baggie <em>(see photo below)</em></div>
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- Send only the colors of thread that your missionary will need i.e. don't send brown thread unless they actually have a brown suit.</div>
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- No need to send scissors as they will already have a pair in their snazzy <a href="http://missionarymail.blogspot.com/2014/05/office-supply-kit.html">Office Supply Kit</a> that you made for them...you made one didn't you?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkiPWv7n5ywdArpoVMEeh_K4hk0QYB36cWqf2TPNe6qe-umLLsIoxVNJoikWk-Geqts1uuoe0b4xtHzX-sRjSIukYEJ8JARClITWfPBQfSjm5i6GhlMXTuWU9BWfLb40X7BWSr3Spyrc4/s1600/Sewing+Kit+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkiPWv7n5ywdArpoVMEeh_K4hk0QYB36cWqf2TPNe6qe-umLLsIoxVNJoikWk-Geqts1uuoe0b4xtHzX-sRjSIukYEJ8JARClITWfPBQfSjm5i6GhlMXTuWU9BWfLb40X7BWSr3Spyrc4/s640/Sewing+Kit+3.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMO7PDgALO44iPs-c6NZpTrqmU3A341S2AqFeL9Z-G_sqnVrF55ExceX04triPj73JaPBrLd9AItHLbKWCR39A4KDcoR8JW9SaU0C-K50Oonqk9NCvp9gAE6LjUR4Pp6ZUY0Nvppihzw/s1600/Sewing+Kit+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="531" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMO7PDgALO44iPs-c6NZpTrqmU3A341S2AqFeL9Z-G_sqnVrF55ExceX04triPj73JaPBrLd9AItHLbKWCR39A4KDcoR8JW9SaU0C-K50Oonqk9NCvp9gAE6LjUR4Pp6ZUY0Nvppihzw/s640/Sewing+Kit+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There you have it. Simple.</div>
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shalanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11576435973749257459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653821677967236145.post-90078635518054566952015-08-13T15:45:00.000-06:002015-08-13T15:45:17.386-06:00Money Candles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYseZCNrLDpPg9a6YMIdVlI5S0EbN9W0uDNs2npYOjHcTyefq9YoHC5f2Xxx4O75wlzSVtUI6YYrBeg_2VtQRZYOdtu4YIZ8cef01gLjFzMphpV8_S5TFRojuwN1UkTgndQ5SyM9AdoRs/s1600/Money+Candles+-+Title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYseZCNrLDpPg9a6YMIdVlI5S0EbN9W0uDNs2npYOjHcTyefq9YoHC5f2Xxx4O75wlzSVtUI6YYrBeg_2VtQRZYOdtu4YIZ8cef01gLjFzMphpV8_S5TFRojuwN1UkTgndQ5SyM9AdoRs/s640/Money+Candles+-+Title.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have found a missionary's second birthday in the field to be somewhat strange. Their first birthday is pretty easy. They know EXACTLY what they want or need or miss, etc. Their second birthday is not so simple...they say they don't <em>need </em>or <em>want</em> for anything and have even gone as far as to say, "Don't worry about sending anything for my birthday." What? Serious? Where is my boy?! Of course there's always the issue of carrying it all over your mission for each and every transfer so that might be it as well, even though I tell them to leave things in their apartment when they're transferred for other missionaries to enjoy (things like the <a href="http://missionarymail.blogspot.com/search/label/Hump%20Day">Nerf machine guns I sent for his Hump Day</a>) . Who knows.</div>
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As a mom, I've decided to believe that our kids are growing up. They've realized that they really don't actually <em>need</em> anything and their <em>wants</em> are significantly less than they were before they left. If they are serving a foreign mission (and some domestic missions) they have come to actually see how little others have and to differentiate between their needs and wants. I <em>think</em> it's a maturity thing and I'm not going to discourage him from feeling that but I <em>am</em> a mom so I can't just go for 19 years celebrating his birthday and then let one <em>go</em>! It's just not in my DNA!!</div>
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This year when I got the reply to my <em>"What would you like for your birthday" </em>question, I was ready. I had been watching the stores and online for a 'Grandpa' or 'Mr. Rogers' button-up cardigan in a neutral color. It can get pretty chilly in Seattle with all the rain and damp so layering works best for warmth. He had mentioned that he had found one at a thrift store in Seattle but that he'd started a 'trend' with the other missionaries and now they are quite difficult to find. I found a nice one online and then sent a few of his favorite treats and a 'box of candles'...Money Candles. What missionary can't find something to do with a little extra cash? None that I know of!</div>
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Some time ago, I purchased these cute little boxes with a cellophane 'window' in the front from <a href="http://www.pickyourplum.com/">Pick Your Plum</a>. They were the perfect height for my 'candles'. If you can't find one, just use something that you already have around the house and cover it with some scrapbook paper or decorate with Washi tape. You could even cut your own 'window' in a box and cover it on the inside with a bit of clear plastic or food wrap and tape it in place. You might even be able to use an actual empty birthday candle box if it's the right size for the bills.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ioM4GCYUBlnjxzxANCfIHvy_jV3B8U6pxpb1AMRFnLf_IUS-Jqn0Km8GXmQ5lugi1x9EwK0_FCVqXKVBRIbiQOzpH5PDpYs8AZNuoNnM7V_APK3FOWXmIiZqm8gx0l3z6neK5ElzYCY/s1600/Money+Candles+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ioM4GCYUBlnjxzxANCfIHvy_jV3B8U6pxpb1AMRFnLf_IUS-Jqn0Km8GXmQ5lugi1x9EwK0_FCVqXKVBRIbiQOzpH5PDpYs8AZNuoNnM7V_APK3FOWXmIiZqm8gx0l3z6neK5ElzYCY/s640/Money+Candles+1.jpg" width="604" /></a></div>
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Place a piece of string or twine in the center of your bill for the wick.</div>
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Make sure that it extends about a quarter of an inch out the top of the candle... </div>
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you may want to tape it in place with a small piece of tape.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZYqzRVah6iWhE2Lwutl6BRBDASwD0lw3WZ9SJW7hFDdIkzvWB84AyuO2S30wBlnVHaUR4C4P3LjKD9Qy2n9n0yaqSHW9yVTPXObqErVTujrvzDk-VU0sM7j5fck_jGpV-WOpFrFSTXU/s1600/Money+Candles+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZYqzRVah6iWhE2Lwutl6BRBDASwD0lw3WZ9SJW7hFDdIkzvWB84AyuO2S30wBlnVHaUR4C4P3LjKD9Qy2n9n0yaqSHW9yVTPXObqErVTujrvzDk-VU0sM7j5fck_jGpV-WOpFrFSTXU/s640/Money+Candles+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Roll up the bill and secure with a piece of Washi tape. You could use any kind of decorative tape or even a sticker but I like how the Washi tape isn't very tacky so it will be easy to remove without leaving any sticky residue. I wrapped the tape all the way around the bill so it looks like a stripe...more than one stripe would be cute too! When you're all finished, carefully line them up in your box. I had a little space left over at the back edge so I just crumpled up another bill and pushed it behind the candles so they would stay nice and snuggly in place while in the mail. Matt is turning 20 so I added number stickers to the front of the box. If nothing else, he can take his companion out for dinner. He's going to love it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXp-y32xGyY7qDRnW_R-cc9nXec_zP0Y-LDutDWbboonlXKs8ZviGrKE74SEQ9px5lvq1609DMEoVBuxNXmcN3z7Jg6e3iSsVnNRn2viftjgZIAt4dSM-dYWMWfOImXvQlrjETyQikmo/s1600/Money+Candles+-+birthday+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXp-y32xGyY7qDRnW_R-cc9nXec_zP0Y-LDutDWbboonlXKs8ZviGrKE74SEQ9px5lvq1609DMEoVBuxNXmcN3z7Jg6e3iSsVnNRn2viftjgZIAt4dSM-dYWMWfOImXvQlrjETyQikmo/s640/Money+Candles+-+birthday+box.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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shalanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11576435973749257459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653821677967236145.post-90088573497422488602015-03-13T16:43:00.001-06:002015-03-13T16:43:14.814-06:00Leprechaun POOP!!<div style="text-align: justify;">
After Christmas I stumbled upon a large bag of red and green M&M's on clearance at the grocery store. I came home and separated out all of the red from the green. The red one's I included in Matt's Valentine's package and the green I saved for St. Patrick's Day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYyBNKd5dn4ikgti2Ninfw0t_7gl16V-n4PSQwsZMUKhyphenhyphenSSmpTjDWwB61EaMUjyoM_Dyqc5Ddz5FSFYDLwZqWnxCSta0DHg5VfHeUlobhz1bRHRaHfM2RPu-eFTxw9k1OP1sa-irh0Ww/s1600/Leprechaun+Poop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYyBNKd5dn4ikgti2Ninfw0t_7gl16V-n4PSQwsZMUKhyphenhyphenSSmpTjDWwB61EaMUjyoM_Dyqc5Ddz5FSFYDLwZqWnxCSta0DHg5VfHeUlobhz1bRHRaHfM2RPu-eFTxw9k1OP1sa-irh0Ww/s1600/Leprechaun+Poop.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>(Yeah, I know the purple and green don't really match but I couldn't resist...it's SPRING!!)</i></div>
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Using a poem that I found on <a href="http://crazylittleprojects.com/">Crazy Little Projects</a> <i>(click <a href="http://crazylittleprojects.com/2013/03/leprechaun-poop-poem.html">here</a> for the link) </i>I whipped up this little sandwich bag topper and filled the bag with the green M&M's and some Rolo's. It would work with any kind of candy that are green or gold. Just the gold Rolo's would be so funny!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrg2yNUlwzbe-NB6Yc97KARyusGu2Gxm3_a0s-pK4e6RrrN-19ryVPfUace-4jDOe13ePbHfXKBZ0DDUCtnCes2Fjj1SjlMKqcWdVjirqx6jqPKdQnEN9UHHecK-S7LLNRzHT_j8JI7eQ/s1600/BAG+TOPPER+-+Leprachaun+Poop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrg2yNUlwzbe-NB6Yc97KARyusGu2Gxm3_a0s-pK4e6RrrN-19ryVPfUace-4jDOe13ePbHfXKBZ0DDUCtnCes2Fjj1SjlMKqcWdVjirqx6jqPKdQnEN9UHHecK-S7LLNRzHT_j8JI7eQ/s1600/BAG+TOPPER+-+Leprachaun+Poop.jpg" height="378" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>(click <a href="https://app.box.com/s/gh67cju6113q4r9g7rhnc3avzniys2za">here</a> to download)</i></div>
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I included our messages that we wrote at our last Bash for our family missionaries <i>(click <a href="http://missionarymail.blogspot.com/2015/03/leprechaun-mail.html">here</a> for the post)</i>, some green cookies <i>(Thanks, Tonya!) </i>and this Irish Blessing for the package topper. Simple.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjdkm4xJNXMKQIlWkpmZb-RynOkERwGv0D7Kb-bC3Kkb80gBl-wgYXoxvPI_gGl2jzQr2znyWrzxRcravmbcqjRjqIJeCiF900MlyIkcozUitHInuZzI0VotWacvLqbbFtZYlw9M-650/s1600/TOPPER+-+Old+Irish+Blessing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjdkm4xJNXMKQIlWkpmZb-RynOkERwGv0D7Kb-bC3Kkb80gBl-wgYXoxvPI_gGl2jzQr2znyWrzxRcravmbcqjRjqIJeCiF900MlyIkcozUitHInuZzI0VotWacvLqbbFtZYlw9M-650/s1600/TOPPER+-+Old+Irish+Blessing.jpg" height="640" width="456" /></a></div>
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<i>(click <a href="https://app.box.com/s/fpuj77xm3d1d9540g6ztywkg5sr8ekmy">here</a> to download)</i></div>
shalanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11576435973749257459noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653821677967236145.post-47935696358226070882015-03-13T16:37:00.000-06:002015-03-13T16:37:13.837-06:00Leprechaun Mail<div style="text-align: justify;">
We had our family Bash recently and I had all the cousins write short notes to our family missionaries. I tend to get better participation if I keep things quick and simple. Too complicated or time consuming and their eyes tend to glaze over. I found these cute St. Patrick's Day lunch box notes from Heather at <a href="http://blog.chickabug.com/">The Chickabug Blog</a> <i>(click <a href="http://blog.chickabug.com/2013/03/free-printable-st-patricks-day-school-lunch-notes.html">here</a> for the free printable*) </i>that worked perfectly. Some of them even have a question or wording on the top for those who can't think up something to write.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9CEAdAs5_yWtzt8iSJyIA_jKKKbJB4kqVSGeibcHiF17vYX0fZWcZnGcSwwrVq0L2p8-xI3Nq0Cj7QZKDhJGAd45TNxhUviOLGv8ZdoJ__sLgBVnxPnWHLAJGUCZ1JqzdQhxVCEISxE/s1600/St.+Patrick's%2BDay%2B-%2BLeprechaun%2BMail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9CEAdAs5_yWtzt8iSJyIA_jKKKbJB4kqVSGeibcHiF17vYX0fZWcZnGcSwwrVq0L2p8-xI3Nq0Cj7QZKDhJGAd45TNxhUviOLGv8ZdoJ__sLgBVnxPnWHLAJGUCZ1JqzdQhxVCEISxE/s1600/St.+Patrick's%2BDay%2B-%2BLeprechaun%2BMail.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I wanted to put all the notes (there was quite a pile of them) into a small vellum envelope but I didn't have any on hand so I made my own out of waxed paper. Not the perfect solution but I didn't have to go to the store. Free is always better...just ask my husband. After cutting out the envelopes, I closed them with a bit of Washi tape. Cute. Free. Easy. Winner, winner, chicken dinner!!</div>
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<i>click <a href="https://app.box.com/s/5js1b27fpcm5cpizzcqf30df0ozpmmea">here</a> to download the envelope template</i></div>
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<i>*Used with permission from Heather at The Chickabug Blog.</i></div>
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shalanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11576435973749257459noreply@blogger.com0