Tuesday, December 18, 2007

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

So, we went to the train park in Scottsdale for family night last night (I totally recommend it) and came home to the head broken off one of our reindeer, a hole in our snow globe, my neighbors big blow up snowman in my other neighbors driveway and all the front yard decor knocked over. Seriously, who does this? I'm sure it was a teenager with nothing better to do than go around breaking peoples things and trying to steal something cool. I couldnt believe it! He did leave nice shoe prints in our freshly mowed grass! I was talking to another neighbor as we were trying to clean it all up and over the weekend a white truck with blue lettering on the side and a quad in the back stopped on the side of his house, ripped all the lights off the side wall of his house and drove off. My other neighbor saw the whole thing and they ended up calling the cops to report it. Just wanted to let you all know that we have a couple GRINCH'S in the neighborhood so keep a better eye on your things if you care about them!
Maren

Monday, December 17, 2007

Just reduced!

Just an FYI for everyone. The Jensen's recently drastically reduced the price of their house to $229,777. I know that is about $50,000 LESS than what they paid for it but really want to sell since they have already moved. It is 2854 sq. ft, 5bed/3bath, large gameroom, staggered cherry cabinets, granite countertops in kitchen and laundry, 20 in. tile, upgraded carpet, and lots lots more. I know this is a crazy market but I just wanted to help get the word out more for them. I wish I could buy it because it is a GORGEOUS house!
kitchen


gameroom


Friday, December 14, 2007

Looking for a job?

My husband Steve's work is hiring a route driver. The company is called Auto Chlor. The route pays 49,000-51,000 a year. If you have any questions please call Steve on our home number or on his cell 480-678-5473.
Thanks, Tiffany Amestoy

Thursday, November 29, 2007

A Great Idea

Put your car keys beside your bed at night. If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies. This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this: It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage. If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break in your house, odds are the burglar or rapist won't stick around. After a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that.
And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there. It would also be useful for any emergency, such as a heart attack, where you can't reach a phone. My Mom has suggested to my Dad that he carry his car keys with him in case he falls outside and she doesn't hear him. He can activate the car alarm and then she'll know there's a problem. This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life or a sexual abuse crime.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Party Cancelled

Hello Ladies, Well I have to cancel the Arbonne Party. My neighbor is having one tonight and when my sister in law (she is the one who sells it) ask me to have a party and to pick a date I tried to pick a date far enough in advanced but I picked a date on the same night as an enrichment so I am just going to have to postpone for now. Thank You for the RSVP's that I received.

Tiffany

Monday, November 26, 2007

Check it out!!

Long time no post! SORRY! It has been real crazy with the holiday and all. But I did manage to change the layout and music again. Well, I just wanted to tell you about the blog that Kammie has started regarding food storage, preparedness and the cannery. Check back often for updates and classes that will be starting up with the new year! She puts so much time, thought and effort into everything she does and for that, I am very grateful. Give her a hug or a pat on the back next time you see her! She has definately motivated me to get going on my year supply-thank goodness for a new year and new years resolutions! To see the blog, click on the site from the sidebar!

Thursday, November 15, 2007

ARBONNE
INTERNATIONAL

Pure, Safe, Beneficial

Come and see why Arbonne
skin care products are a step
above the rest, and how they
produce amazing results!

Home of
Tiffany Amestoy
39470 N Dusty Drive
Queen Creek, AZ 85242

Wednesday, November 28
7pm

Leave your checkbooks at
home and experience what many
of your friends are raving about!

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Baby stuff for sale

I have some baby items that are for sale.

~Fisher Price Aquarium Cradle Swing (Just about brand new) - $20

~Beginnings Baby Swing (also just about brand new) - $15

~A White Cradle Bassinet w/pad - $35

~Century Car Seat (up to 40 lbs.) - $5

These prices are not set in stone, if you want to come by and look at them you are very welcome to. If anyone is interested please call Sherry Rogers.

Friday, November 2, 2007

Service in Honduras

(Brooke is a good friend of mine and asked me to share this with everybody! You are welcome to drop things off at my house and I can take it to her in Mesa. -Maren)
Hello!
I am so excited for the holidays coming up. I love the spirit of service at this time of year. Everyone seems a little more grateful and wants to give more. Ross Farnsworth, my dad, has a charity foundation down in Honduras. The people down there live in poverty and have very little. What great lessons our family have learned being able to witness such grateful loving people despite their circumstances. We are so blessed to live in America and have what we do!
There is a lot I could tell you about this foundation he has called One Life at A Time and everything being done down there from houses being built, schools being established, job opportunities being made, education opportunities increasing, missions being funded, orphanages being helped. I recently approached my dad asking him what is REALLY needed down there at this very time. And without any hesitation, he told me that the missionaries that are serving there, as well as the Pre-missionaries, have absolutely NOTHING. Majority of them are natives and come from poverty situations as it is. A lot of the boys are not going on missions because they can't afford nice clothes, medical physicals, or even visa's. My dad will be traveling down there first part of December to oversee everything as well as take down the clothes and shoes he can gather beforehand. I am his taker on this and am going to do whatever I can to gather as much as I can for him to take down. He sent me a list of all that is needed down there. I am going to compile the list. If anyone can contribute something as little as a pair of socks, please know that it will be used and someone will be endlessly grateful for it. I will have a huge box staying in my living room for the next 4 weeks to gather everything I can from people. Anyone that drops by, gets a goody bag! I encourage people to contact family or ward members and pick up anything they are willing to get rid of and give away. Feel free to forward this email to whomever you think may be interested in helping. This could be a great family night and teaching opportunity for our children! Please drop your gatherings off at my home by December 1st. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT HAVE TIME AND ARE WILLING TO HELP!! I have a couple pictures attached of the pre-missionaries working hard to earn money to go on a mission. These are only some of the hundreds there. The main focus of this foundation is to create education opportunities, so these people have a chance at life.
MY ADDRESS:
3717 E. Clovis Ave.
Mesa, AZ 85206
480-219-6665

LIST OF NEEDS:
*Men's suits and ties
*Men's tops
*Men's trousers
*Socks
*Shoes-both church and tennis shoes
*Belts
*Suitcases
*Women's skirts and pants
*Women's tops
*Shoes-church and tennis shoes.
*thick socks
*Stockings
*Bed Linen

Please take note that EVERY size is needed desperately. However, a handful of the missionaries are Latin and very petite people. So smaller sizes are GREATLY needed in both men and women.
This is a great time to clean out your closets and instead of going to Desert Industries...COME BY MY HOUSE. I will send out pictures of the Hondurans receiving their clothes via email to all of those that contribute so you can see who all will be getting your clothes. It will be an amazing experience for them, especially around Christmas time.
Thanks for all of your help!! We all can make a difference.
-Brooke
ONE LIFE AT A TIME SITE:
www.olaat.org

Monday, October 29, 2007

Tables/Chairs and Volunteers

As you all know, we are having the Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction for Troy Wendt on November 9th from 6-8pm. We are in need of a couple things if anyone could help us out. We still need more tables and chairs for people to eat on and to display the auction items. Also, we are looking for a few people to volunteer their time at either the ticket table when people arrive, serving the food or at the auction table. If you could help out in either of these areas, it would be greatly appreciated! You can call Maren Urkov or Susie Packer for more information. Thanks!!

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Garage Sale items needed

Ashlee Dwiggins friend was killed in a car accident last week and leaves behind a husband and a 5 month old baby. She is having a benefit garage sale in her friends behalf THIS Saturday from 7-12ish. If anyone has any items they would like to donate to the garage sale, take them to Ashlee's house or call her to make arrangements. It is going to be in Mesa on Val Vista and Brown if anyone wants to go to it.

Friday, October 19, 2007

Auction items needed!!

So, as you all know, Susie has been working hard on this dinner and silent auction for the Wendt Family on November 9th. If you would like to donate your services, a basket, or a tangible item, please contact her. She is still needing more items. Thanks!

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Pimp My Dinner

My friends started this blog of their favorite dinners. www.pimpmydinner.blogspot.com It is a fun site to look at to try new recipes. If you are anything like me, I get sick of the same old meals every week so I love to try smoething new. Here is my personal favorite I'd like to share with you. It is yummy to put the chicken on top of a salad or eat it in a burrito. When I do burritos, I melt cheese on tortillas(the cook them yourself tortillas) and add chicken, lettuce, rice and pour dressing over the top. Try it out!
NOTE: This is NOT the actual recipe from Cafe Rio. If you havent ever been there, it is a MUST!!!
Yummy Cafe Rio Chicken Salad or Burritos
In crock pot:
chicken (i have used anywhere from 2-4 pounds and the only noticeable difference with less meat is it's a TEENSY weensy bit spicier)
7 oz. can chipotle chilies in adobo sauce (pour onto chicken)
Sprinkle the following on:
1 cup sugar
1 heaping tsp dry ground mustard
1 heaping tsp cumin
1 heaping tsp minced garlic
pour over all 1 1/2 cans coke (I buy the 2 liter and just pour 18 oz or so)

How long you cook it depends on your crock, tenders or breasts and if they are frozen. I've done frozen breasts on high and they were done in like 4 hours, but my crock pot is crazy.

Once chicken is done, take ALL chipotles out. Shred meat and put it back in sauce and keep warm until ready to serve.

Dressing:
I put the following in the blender:
1 ranch dressing envelope
1 cup mayo
1 cup milk
1/2 bunch cilantro (cut most of stems off)
3/4 fairly good size jalepeno (seeds removed, that is the spiciest part)
2-3 tomatillos
dash of salt
blend away!

Rice:
White rice cooked, then I add chopped cilantro ( use the other 1/2 of the bunch)
squeeze some limes on it and toss.
For those that care... the chipotles in adobo sauce are cheapest at Walmart (i think by like almost 50 cents a can) and even if you use five pounds of meat, i'd still just use one can.

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Spaghetti Dinner/Silent Auction

SAVE THE DATE!!!

Friday November 9, 2007
6-8pm
Spaghetti Dinner
and Silent Auction to help the Wendt Family.
$5.00 per person or $20.00 for family
To reserve your spot and pre-purchase tickets
www.wendtfamilybenefit.org
100% of the Auction proceeds will go to the Wendt Family!!!!
Please email susieq@packerfam.com if you would like to donate anything for the auction or if you have any tables or chairs we can use for the evening.

Items that are needed for the dinner
*Folding Tables
*Chairs
*Items for Auction – please email susieq@packerfam.com if you would like to donate anything for auction

Here are some ideas:
*Desserts
*Theme baskets
*Party Bouncers – if you have a connection
*Pest control
*Airline tickets
*Babysitting
*Yard Work
*Any other Service
*Gift Certificates

100% of the Auction proceeds will go to the Wendt Family!!!!

There will also be a Harmon Elementary and Community Sponsored Turkey Waddle Walk/Race on Thanksgiving morning – For more information visit www.turkeywaddle.com

Saturday, October 13, 2007

Safety Fair


Children’s Safety Fair
October 27, 2007
10am-1pm At Jack Harmon Elementary School (Cortona/ChandlerHeights) In The Pecan Creek subdivision
(On Ironowood between Ocotillo and Chandler Heights)
Bring the whole family to learn ways to keep your children safe. Hosted by Pecan Creek block watch along with Pinal County Sheriff’s office, Safe Kids Arizona, Rural Metro, Southwest Ambulance, and local clubs and organizations.
The following activities will be provided free of charge:
*Child fingerprinting with photo identification cards
*Children’s stranger danger presentation
*Halloween safety tips with free glow sticks
*Gun Safety information with free gun locks
*Bike and helmet inspections with children’s safety course
(have your kids bring their bikes)
*Fatal vision cart-drunk driving simulation
*Car seat inspections
*Bounce House
*Rock Climbing
Guest appearances by:
~Eddie the Eagle for gun safety
~Snoopy the dog for Met Life
~Your local Pinal County Sheriff officers
~K-9 Unit
~Rural Metro Fire with their truck
~Southwest Ambulance (Will attend as long as there isn’t an emergency)
*Local children clubs, activities will be present with information on them
****Bring toy donation for Toys for Tots and receive raffle ticket for a chance to win a free month of Johnson Utilities****
For more information on this event, call Dena @ 577-3206 or email at pecancreekblockwatch@yahoo.com

Watch this!!

Take just 8 minutes out of your day and watch this
very funny, but all inspiring video clip made for all of us.
Maybe we can talk the makers into making
a "Home Teaching Movie"! (: ~Enjoy!!!~


The Visiting Teaching Movie

www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSRs1K8Hl54

"(Visiting Teaching) is a very serious
responsibility; it really is.
But it is not a heavy burden,
it just takes a little more faith.
It is worthy of our very best effort."
~President Gordon B. Hinckley

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Great Tips

GREAT TIPS-Thanks Kammie!
1. Reheat Pizza
Heat up leftover pizza in a nonstick skillet on top of the stove, set heat to med-low and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy micro pizza. I saw this on the cooking channel and it really works.
2. Easy Deviled Eggs
Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash till they are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, keep mashing it up mixing thoroughly, cut the tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg. Just throw bag away when done easy clean up.
3. Expanding Frosting
When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar and calories per serving.
4. Reheating refrigerated bread
To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in a microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture will keep the food moist and help it reheat faster.
5. Newspaper weeds away
Start putting in your plants, work the nutrients in your soil. Wet newspapers put layers around the plants overlapping as you go cover with mulch and forget about weeds. Weeds will get through some gardening plastic they will not get through wet newspapers.
6. Broken Glass
Use a wet cotton ball or Q-tip to pick up the small shards of glass you can't see easily.
7. No More Mosquitoes
Place a dryer sheet in your pocket. It will keep the mosquitoes away.
8. Squirrel Away
To keep squirrels from eating your plants sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn't hurt the plant and the squirrels won't come near it.
9. Flexible vacuum
To get something out of a heat register or under the fridge add an empty paper towel roll or empty gift wrap roll to your vacuum. It can be bent or flattened to get in narrow openings.
10. Reducing Static Cling
Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you will not have a clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works with slacks that cling when wearing panty hose. Place pin in seam of slacks and -- ta da! -- static is gone.
11. Measuring Cups
Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill with hot water. Dump out the hot water, but don't dry cup. Next, add your ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out.
12. Foggy Windshield
Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of your car. When the windows fog, rub with the eraser! Works better than a cloth!
13. Reopening envelope
If you seal an envelope and then realize you forgot to include something inside, just place your sealed envelope in the freezer for an hour or two. Viola! It unseals easily.
14. Conditioner
Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It's a lot cheaper than shaving cream and leaves your legs really smooth. It's also a great way to use up the conditioner you bought but didn't like when you tried it in your hair...
15. Goodbye Fruit Flies
To get rid of pesky fruit flies , take a small glass fill it 1/2" with Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 drops of dish washing liquid , mix well. You will find those flies drawn to the cup and gone forever!
16. Get Rid of Ants
Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it, take it "home", can't digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so, especially if it rains, but it works & you don't have the worry about pets or small children being harmed!
17. INFO ABOUT CLOTHES DRYERS
The heating unit went out on my dryer! The gentleman that fixes things around the house for us told us that he wanted to show us something and he went over to the dryer and pulled out the lint filter. It was clean. (I always clean the lint from the filter after every load clothes.) He told us that he wanted to show us something; he took the filter over to the sink, ran hot water over it. The lint filter is made of a mesh material - I'm sure you know what your dryer's lint filter looks like. WELL...the hot water just sat on top of the mesh! It didn't go through it at all! He told us that dryer sheets cause a film over that mesh that's what burns out the heating unit. You can't SEE the film, but it's there. It's what is in the dryer sheets to make your clothes soft and static free - that nice fragrance too, you know how they can feel waxy when you take them out of the box, well this stuff builds up on your clothes and on your lint screen. This is also what causes dryer units to catch fire & potentially burn your house down with it! He said the best way to keep your dryer working for a very long time (& to keep your electric bill lower) is to take that filter out & wash it with hot soapy water & an old toothbrush (or other brush) at least every six months. He said that makes the life of the dryer at least twice as long!

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

House for SALE

Our neighbors are getting a little bit desperate to sell. They have asked us to get the word out to the members of our church. :-) The house is vacant and ready to move in!!! If anyone knows anyone who wants to buy, tell them about this nice house. It isn't everyday you get to choose your own neighbor! i also have flyers to give out, too!


Thanks so much,
Karen Parkes
This house is the "Twilight" model:
Asking $259,999
4 Bedrooms/2.5 Bathrooms
2308 square feet
built in 2005

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

CP80
We can NOT let our children drown in a sea of Internet pornography!
DID YOU KNOW…
*12-17 year olds are the largest consumers of internet porn.
*11 years old is the average age of first exposure to internet pornography.
*85.5% of the pornography business, stems from the United States.
*There are over 600 million pornographic websites.
*Businesses lose $85 billion a year due to workers misusing the internet.
* 70% of pornography is viewed between 9am-5pm.
Ralph Yarro is trying to pass legislation nationwide. HE NEEDS OUR HELP! This legislation will change our society forever if passed. Ralph is a computer genius from Utah whom has established a way for there to be such thing as a ‘CLEAN’ computer. He has hired on full time, 4 people to work on this program. He recently met with Jon Kyl on September 28th and presented this plan to him. This anticipated day was a great success. Jon Kyl is THRILLED about it and has high hopes it will come to pass; however, now needs to present this plan to the White House. If this legislation passes, there will be no need to buy a new computer or software. It will simply involve contacting your internet server (Cox, Quest etc…) and stating you want this specific channel. It’s as easy as flipping a switch for them and BOOM all of a sudden you have a ‘clean’ channel that isn’t even capable of processing FILTH. It’s not a filter, but literally a CLEAN channel. I’m sure a lot of you are thinking: Why does this need to be approved by the government? Well it is because the US government controls these channels and so therefore; they need to approve opening a new ‘clean’ channel across the country.
What can I do to Help CP80?
STAND UP AND BE HEARD
- write, email, or call your state Congressmen and Senators. Let them know this issue is important to you! Let them know you SUPPORT CP80!! CALL NOW.
BE A VOICE IN YOUR COMMUNITY- write a letter to the editor or call radio shows. Discuss the dangers of internet pornography on your BLOG.
BECOME A TECH SAVVY PARENT-be actively searching for better ways to protect your children from all internet sources. BE STRICT WITH RULES AND STICK WITH THEM.
EDUCATE YOURSELF- register at http://www.cp80.org/. It is a simple and quick process. You will receive updates on the status of CP80 and the progress it is making!
PLEASE MAKE MULTIPLE COPIES OF THIS FLYER- pass them out to family, friends, neighbors, and all of your ward members. MAKE CP80 KNOWN! Encourage others to register at http://www.cp80.org/
*WE EACH CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! LET’S JUST DO IT!!

Clothes and suitcases needed

Hey there!
I am trying to help Linda Burrell help a friend from her old ward. Her name is Sister Betty Butler and she is from Peru. Anyway she goes to Peru every year and brings clothing for the people there in our church. So what we were hoping is that you could maybe send a bulk email letting everyone know about her and what she's doing. What she needs are clothing in good condition (church and not church) and also suitcases to send them in (between carry-on and medium size) the condition of them really don't matter because they are just being used to ship the clothing to the people by plane. Also if you could mention that this sister also has a friend that works at Safeway who calls her when they have a overstock of food, including everything from produce, deli items and even desserts to come pick up free of charge. How it works is she calls Linda when she gets stuff and Linda picks it up and she would love to help out whoever she can who might like to have some of the food. She literally gets a phone call almost everyday and there is just too much for one family to use! I hope that you can help us out and if anyone has any questions, please call Linda Burrell.

Thanks, Jenn Stout

Petition for Oprah

Oprah recently aired a program which featured "experts" who advocated casual sex with friends, pornography, and having affairs as ways to improve relationships and marriage.

Below is an e-mail I received that has a link to sign a petition to send to the Oprah Show.

I just signed up for this petition about a show that recently aired onOprah and thought you would want to take action on this as well:http://www.lightedcandle.org/oprah.asp Please read attachment "The Family" A Proclamation To The World. We must stand up! To be able to stand up we must know who we are and who we stand for. I love you all and know the Lord will bless you and our families for using your voice to defend what is right.

http://www.mormon.org/mormonorg/eng/basic-beliefs/glossary/glossary-definition/family-the-a-proclamation-to-the-world

HOA Halloween Party

Hello Everyone,

I just received a phone call from a non-member friend of mine who has been put in charge of helping find volunteers for the spooktacular this year! It will be held on Mon. October 29th at Harmon Elementary from 5:30-8pm. They are scheduling in 45min shifts and really need the support of the neighborhood parents! Please contact her and sign up for a 45 minute shift so that we can all enjoy the spooktacular with our kids! Her name is Jennifer Heiken and her e-mail is jjheiken@msn.com . They are also looking for volunteers to help set up and clean up so if you would rather come before or after the event that would be great! Thanks so much!

Ashlee Dwiggins

Home Show and Fall Festival




I wanted to announce a FREE family event on October 27th. It’s a Home Show (w/local business booths) and Fall Festival (w/ fun activities for kids). Here’s the details:


The festival will be held at Walker Butte (east of Johnson Ranch) on the football field on Saturday, October 27th from 10-2.

Major events include:
Bouncy Houses
Fingerprinting – Police Department
Fire Safety – Fire Department
Local Food Vendors
Petting Zoo
And More
Each booth will also plan their own mini-event: (i.e. face painting, cake walk, etc.)

Feel free to email me with any questions,

Celynda DeWitt

PS – Sister Younger-Howard will be selling her beautiful designer jewelry. You won’t want to miss it!!

The blog continues!!!

I, like many of you, wanted to keep this blog going. I found it very useful and fun to look at. Email me if you want me to post something for you, smurkov@aol.com.
Items for sale, items you are looking for, a new job, a fun craft, a steal of a deal-I'm all about bargain shopping. Or, if you have a question or a problem let me know and I can make a poll and we all can vote on it! I'm all about 'good clean fun'!

Also, feel free to leave comments on any posts! Under ever post there is a place to leave one. Click on 'Comments' and type away. If you have a favorite song you want me to add (or subtract) to the list of music, let me know.