Meet Janssen

Moroni 7: 35-37
And now, my beloved brethren, if this be the case that these things are true which I have spoken unto you, and God will show unto you, with power and great glory at the last day, that they are true, and if they are true has the day of miracles ceased? Or have angels ceased to appear unto the children of men? Or has he withheld the power of the Holy Ghost from them? Or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be saved? Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain.

Briefly share your education/work experience? what did/do you choose to spend your time on? why?

I got a bachelor's degree in history from BYU and then a year or so later went back to school at the University of Texas at Austin to get a masters in information studies, with a focus on services for children and youth; I can imagine a program that would be more fun! Now I am an elementary school librarian and run the libraries at two schools.

What's your favorite way to spend the weekend?

Playing games with friends, lounging around in a clean house (notice I didn't say that CLEANING the house was my favorite way to spend the weekend), cooking, and watching movies.

What is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen?

My grandparents' fiftieth wedding anniversary. We had a big dinner in Salt Lake and every single family member was there. It was one of the best nights of my life.

Who can always make you laugh? how?

Dave Barry. I love reading his old newspaper columns and dying with laughter.

How long have you been in the Hingham Ward?

Since the end of August 2009. Newbies!

What is a "Fun Fact" about you"?

I didn't graduate from high school. I was doing part-time homeschool and didn't have enough credits to graduate.

What is your home town?

Las Vegas, Nevada.

Quilting Marathon Activity

To replace the postponed activities that were interrupted by this week's storm forecast we are going to take advantage of Winter Break by hosting a Quilting Marathon Activity:

Help us assemble, sew, and maybe even get a jump on tying!  The format is open house, so come and go as you please!   


All day Wednesday, February 17th from 9 AM to 9 PM and again Thursday morning, 9 AM to noon.

The Relief Society will be providing light refreshments and may organize take-out at mealtimes.  Feel free to bring additional snacks to share!

We invite you to bring any friends and/or family members who are interested :)  We especially invite you to bring your daughters' participating in the Young Women or Faith in God programs!  We will open up the Primary wing as a play area for little ones (supervision will not be provided but we will help arrange a rotation for sisters who want to quilt and bring their kids along).

Still want to donate materials? We've collected enough fabric for about 20 quilts but are still working on getting batting and smaller supplies like white thread, safety pins, straight pins, needles and especially clamps.  If you have these items to donate or lend please contact Jennie Wilde or Connie Harrop so we can maximize the use of cash donations elsewhere.  Thank you!

Quilts for Disaster Relief

The Relief Society (via LDS Humanitarian Services) is getting together a little project to make quilts for victims of natural disasters like the terrible earthquake in Haiti.  We invite every ward member (and friends!) to participate in this effort to provide some relief to the victims of such devastating events.  Wanna be a part of it?  Here's what you can do:


We need:

 Donated: fabric (90x90, preshrunk if necessary, no denim or corduroy please), batting (bonded polyester 1/2 inch thick), pins, thread, needles for tying, yarn, and your time!
If you choose you may also make a cash donation to help purchase these items in bulk.  To do so, please speak with Jennie Wilde or Connie Harrop.
 
Lent to us:  sewing machines, quilting frames and 2 1/2 inch or larger clamps, fabric scissors, tacks, (please label clearly so we can return them easily)



When it's all coming together:

We're looking to gather as many materials as we possibly can by Sunday, February 7th so we can get working.  I know that's just a few days warning so of course we'll continue to take donations as they trickle in but would like to get things started as soon as possible :) Please bring whatever items you can donate or lend to the Relief Society room.

Wednesday, February 10th we will gather at the church to assemble, pin and begin sewing at 7 PM.  Those who can't make it Wednesday night would be invited to come help Thursday, February 11 at 10 AM.  Any unbound quilts will be sent home with volunteers to finish.

Saturday, February 20th we will have quilting frames set up and ready to go beginning at 10 AM.  Additionally, there will be "tying parties" announced to be hosted in your neighborhood groups between February 16th and February 27th.  Watch for those dates.  We will leave a quilt up on frames on the stage at the church from the 20th until they are all done so if you happen to be at the building stop in and do a couple stitches!

Even if you can't make it to any of these events we invite you to participate!  Barbara Hogan is exploring the possibility of coordinating with a Randolph school to get a few done.  You could also do one as a family, as a project with your spouse, with your book group, for a girls night in.....you can find simple instructions here

As quilts are completed we will collect them in the Relief Society room.  The first batch should be turned in by Sunday, February 28th in order to be shipped to Church Humanitarian Services (and forwarded to those locations most in need) on March 1st. 

Thank you so much for your good works!

February Food Storage Prompts

Happy February!  Here's what to stock up on this month...

Week 1: Rice

Week 2: Beans

Week 3:  Pears

Week 4: Corn

Feature Food Recipe:  "Pear Walnut Chicken" by Taste of Home Test Kitchen via allrecipes.com. 

Ingredients

• 1 (15 ounce) can sliced pears
• 1/2 cup unsweetened apple juice
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1 inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• Hot cooked rice

Directions

1. Drain pears, reserving juice in a 1-cup measuring cup. Add enough water to measure 3/4 cup. Set pears aside. In a small bowl, combine the pear juice mixture, apple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce and garlic powder; set aside.
2. In a large skillet, saute chicken in oil for 4-6 minutes or until no longer pink. Add parsley and pear juice mixture. Cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and cold water until smooth; pour into skillet. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1 minute or until thickened. Stir in walnuts and pears. Serve over rice if desired.

Other favorite recipes featuring this month's ingredients?  Share!