Monday, December 30, 2013

Skillet Baked Ziti

Ingredients

· 6 garlic cloves, minced

· 4 teaspoons olive oil

· ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

· salt and pepper

· 1 (28 ounce) can tomatoes – crushed by your hand :)

· 3 cups water

· 12 ounces ziti pasta 

· 1/2 cup whole-milk ricotta

· ½ cup heavy cream

· ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

· ¼ cup chopped fresh basil

· 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 475 degrees.

2. Combine 1 tablespoon oil, garlic, pepper flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in 12-inch ovensafe nonstick skillet and saute over medium-high heat until fragrant, about 1 minute.

3. Add crushed tomatoes, water, ziti and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

4. Cover and cook, stirring often and adjusting heat as needed to maintain vigorous simmer, until ziti is almost tender, 15-18 minutes. Make sure you don't cook it too much. It will continue to cook in the oven.

5. Meanwhile, combine ricotta, remaining 1 teaspoon oil, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper in a bowl. Set aside.

6. Stir in cream, Parmesan, and basil into the skillet and season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. At this point if your skillet is not ovensafe, transfer the pasta mixture into a shallow 2-quart casserole dish before sprinkling with the ricotta and cheese and baking. If you're really against turning on the oven you could cover the skillet with a lid and melt the cheese that way but it won't get browned and toasty.

8. Add dollops of the ricotta mixture with a spoon and sprinkle mozzarella evenly over ziti.

9. Transfer skillet to oven and bake until cheese has melted and browned, about 10 minutes. Let cool slightly and sprinkle with remaining tablespoon of basil. Serve.

 

Make it a great one!!

Tammy_IM_48x48_thumb2222222About Tammy: Daughter, Sister, Wife, Homeschooling Mother of 7 (ages: G13, G12, B10, G7, B6, B3, G2). Stepmom of 2. Mother in law to two, Grandma to Peyton, Mattix and Andrew. Writer at BellaOnline. Blogger at Latter-Day Homeschool and JuddzWorld!! Happy & Satisfied!!

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Dunkin’ Stick Muffins

Ingredients:

For the Muffins:

1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup milk

For the Glaze:

3 tablespoons butter; melted
1 cup confectioners’ sugar; sifted
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons hot water

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line 12 muffin cups with muffin liners or spray with nonstick cooking spray.


In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together butter, vegetable oil, and sugars till smooth. Beat in eggs, one at a time. With the mixer on low speed, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt and vanilla until just combined. Stir the flour into the butter mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour and mixing until just combined. Do not overmix!

Spoon batter into cups, filling the cups, and smooth tops. Divide batter equally among prepared muffin cups. Bake until muffin tops are a pale golden and springy to the touch, 15 to 17 minutes, rotating halfway through baking time. Cool muffins in muffin tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack and cool 10 minutes before glazing.

To make the glaze, In a medium bowl mix together the melted butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla and water. Whisk until smooth.

When muffins have cooled slightly, dip the muffin crown into the glaze and allow the glaze to harden. Once hardened, dip a second time and allow to harden then serve.

Make it a great one!!

Tammy_IM_48x48_thumb2222222About Tammy: Daughter, Sister, Wife, Homeschooling Mother of 7 (ages: G13, G12, B10, G7, B6, B3, G2). Stepmom of 2. Mother in law to two, Grandma to Peyton, Mattix and Andrew. Writer at BellaOnline. Blogger at Latter-Day Homeschool and JuddzWorld!! Happy & Satisfied!!

Tammy’s Macaroni & Cheese

Serves: 4-8 Servings J Depends if it is used as a side or main dish

Ingredients

Kosher salt
Vegetable oil
1 pound elbow macaroni or cavatappi (shaped like little ears – so cute!)
1 quart milk
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided -
1/2 cup all-purpose flour

CHEESE: You need 20 ounces of cheese – mix it up however you like. I usually just use Cheddar. J Gives it that nice orange color that people expect with MacNCheese. We like it pretty cheese – so I look to see how cheese it looks. I usually put a layer of cheese on the top just under the bread crumbs.
12 ounces Gruyere, grated (4 cups)
8 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar, grated (2 cups)

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/2 cups fresh white bread crumbs (5 slices, crusts removed) or use your favorite croutons on top. I don’t even crush them. J

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Drizzle oil into a large pot of boiling salted water. Add the macaroni and cook according to the directions on the package, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain well.
Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan, but don't boil it. Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large (4-quart) pot and add the flour. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring with a whisk. While whisking, add the hot milk and cook for a minute or two more, until thickened and smooth. Off the heat, add the Gruyere, Cheddar, 1 tablespoon salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add the cooked macaroni and stir well. Pour into a 3-quart baking dish.
Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, combine them with the fresh bread crumbs, and sprinkle on the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the macaroni is browned on the top.

OPTIONAL:

Tomatoes, chopped onions, ßObviously I don’t use these if the “pickies” are in attendance – but sometimes it is fun to dress it up. (Add corn, broccoli, etc and make it a healthful, all in one meal)

Make it a great one!!

Tammy_IM_48x48_thumb2222222About Tammy: Daughter, Sister, Wife, Homeschooling Mother of 7 (ages: G13, G12, B10, G7, B6, B3, G2). Stepmom of 2. Mother in law to two, Grandma to Peyton, Mattix and Andrew. Writer at BellaOnline. Blogger at Latter-Day Homeschool and JuddzWorld!! Happy & Satisfied!!

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Cheesecake Factory Carrot Cake Cheesecake

Makes one 9 or 10" cheesecake

Cheesecake:
    • 16 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature)
    • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 tablespoon flour
    • 3 eggs
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Carrot Cake:
    • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 2 eggs
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla
    • 1 cup flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • 1 generous pinch of salt
    • 1 (8 1/2 ounce) can crushed pineapple, well drained with juice reserved
    • 1 cup grated carrots
    • 1/2 cup flaked coconut
    • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 

Pineapple Cream Cheese Frosting:
    • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened (I used 4 oz.)
    • 1 tablespoon butter, softened
    • 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
    • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
    • 1 tablespoon reserved pineapple juice (I used 2 Tbsp.)
    • Dash of salt
Directions:


1. Grease a 9 or 9 1/2 inch spring form pan. Set aside.

2. In the large bowl of an electric mixer, beat together 2 packages cream cheese and 3/4 cup sugar until smooth. Beat in 1 tablespoon flour, 3 eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla until smooth. Set aside.

3. For the carrot cake: In a large bowl, combine oil, 1 cup sugar, 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla, blending thoroughly. Stir in 1 cup flour, baking soda, cinnamon and pinch of salt, mixing well. Stir in drained pineapple, carrots, coconut and walnuts.

4. Spread 1 1/2 cups carrot cake batter over bottom of prepared pan. Drop large spoonfuls of cream cheese batter over carrot cake batter. Top with large spoonfuls of remaining carrot cake batter. Repeat with remaining cream cheese batter, spreading evenly with a knife. (Do not marble with the knife.)

5.Bake in preheated 350˚F oven 50 to 65 minutes or until cake is set and cooked through. Cool to room temperature and then refrigerate. When cake is cold, prepare the frosting.

6. For the frosting: In a bowl of an electric mixer, combine 2 ounce cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, 1 tablespoon reserved pineapple juice and a dash of salt. Beat until smooth and of spreading consistency. Frost top of cheesecake.

7. Refrigerate 3 to 4 hours before serving.

 

Make it a great one!!

Tammy_IM_48x48_thumb2222222About Tammy: Daughter, Sister, Wife, Homeschooling Mother of 7 (ages: G13, G12, B10, G7, B6, B3, G2). Stepmom of 2. Mother in law to two, Grandma to Peyton, Mattix and Andrew. Writer at BellaOnline. Blogger at Latter-Day Homeschool and JuddzWorld!! Happy & Satisfied!!

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

The Divine Mission of Jesus Christ: The Only Begotten Son

Faith, Family, Relief

This is part of a series of Visiting Teaching Messages featuring aspects of the mission of the Savior.

Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is called the Only Begotten Son because He is the only person on earth to be born of a mortal mother and an immortal Father. He inherited divine powers from God, His Father. From His mother, Mary, He inherited mortality and was subject to hunger, thirst, fatigue, pain, and death.1

Because Jesus Christ is the Only Begotten of the Father, He was able to lay down His life and take it up again. The scriptures teach that “through the atonement of Christ,” we “obtain a resurrection” (Jacob 4:11). We also learn that all “might be raised in immortality unto eternal life” if we “would believe” (D&C 29:43).

As we come to understand more fully what it means for Jesus to be the Only Begotten Son of the Father, our faith in Christ will increase. Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, “Faith in Jesus Christ is the conviction and assurance of (1) His status as the Only Begotten Son of God, (2) His infinite Atonement, and (3) His literal Resurrection.”2 Modern prophets have testified: “[Jesus Christ] was … the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.”3

From the Scriptures

John 3:16; Doctrine and Covenants 20:21–24; Moses 5:6–9

From Our History

In the New Testament we read of women, named and unnamed, who exercised faith in Jesus Christ, learned and lived His teachings, and testified of His ministry, miracles, and majesty. These women became exemplary disciples and important witnesses in the work of salvation.

For example, Martha bore strong testimony of the Savior’s divinity when she said to Him, “I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world” (John 11:27).

Some of the earliest witnesses of the Savior’s divinity were His mother, Mary, and her cousin Elisabeth. Soon after the angel Gabriel visited Mary, she visited Elisabeth. As soon as Elisabeth heard Mary’s greeting, she “was filled with the Holy Ghost” (Luke 1:41) and bore testimony that Mary would become mother to the Son of God.

What Can I Do?

1. Why is it important for me to understand the roles of Jesus Christ?

2. How do covenants increase our faith in the Savior?

Make it a great one!!

Tammy_IM_48x48_thumb22222222About Tammy: Daughter, Sister, Wife, Homeschooling Mother of 7 (ages: G13, G12, B10, G7, B6, B3, G2). Stepmom of 2. Mother in law to two, Grandma to Peyton, Mattix and Andrew. Writer at BellaOnline. Blogger at Latter-Day Homeschool and JuddzWorld!! Happy & Satisfied!!

Thursday, December 05, 2013

Ranch Chicken Enchilada Casserole {Crockpot}

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 packet taco seasoning

1 packet ranch dressing mix

4 flour tortillas (burrito size)

1 cup ranch dressing

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

cilantro or parsley to garnish, if desired

Directions:

Place chicken in slow cooker and sprinkle seasoning mixes over top. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. Shred chicken with two forks and stir to evenly distribute juices and seasonings. In the bottom of a 9x13 baking pan, cover the bottom with two tortillas. Spread half of shredded chicken on tortillas, then 1/2 cup ranch dressing drizzled, and top with 1 cup shredded cheese. Repeat layers once more. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and lasagna is heated through. Serve with additional ranch dressing as desired.

Make it a great one!!

Tammy_IM_48x48_thumb2222222About Tammy: Daughter, Sister, Wife, Homeschooling Mother of 7 (ages: G13, G12, B10, G7, B6, B3, G2). Stepmom of 2. Mother in law to two, Grandma to Peyton, Mattix and Andrew. Writer at BellaOnline. Blogger at Latter-Day Homeschool and JuddzWorld!! Happy & Satisfied!!

Wednesday, December 04, 2013

CINNAMON ROLL CAKE


 

INGREDIENTS:

Cake:

3 c. flour
1/4 tsp.salt
1 c. sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 c. milk
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. butter, melted

Topping:

1 c. butter, softened
1 c. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. flour
1 Tbsp. cinnamon

Directions:

Mix everything together except for the butter. Slowly stir in the melted butter and pour into a greased 9x13 pan. For the topping, mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Drop evenly over the batter and swirl with a knife. Bake at 350 for 28-32 minutes.

Glaze:

2 c. powdered sugar
5 Tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
While warm drizzle the glaze over the cake.

 

Make it a great one!!

Tammy_IM_48x48_thumb2222222_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumbAbout Tammy: Daughter, Sister, Wife, Homeschooling Mother of 7 (ages: G13, G12, B10, G7, B6, B3, G2). Stepmom of 2. Mother in law to two, Grandma to Peyton, Mattix and Andrew. Writer at BellaOnline. Blogger at Latter-Day Homeschool and JuddzWorld!! Happy & Satisfied!!

Sunday, December 01, 2013

You know enough

 

Make it a great one!!

Tammy_IM_48x48_thumb222_thumb_About Tammy: Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother of 7 (ages: G12, G11, B8, G6, B5, B2, G1). Stepmom of 2. Mother in law to two, Grandma to Peyton, Mattix and Andrew and blogger at BellaOnline!! Happy & Satisfied

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Snickers Salad

Ingredients


1 1/2 cups cold milk
1 (3.4 oz) package of instant vanilla pudding mix
8 oz Cool Whip
6 cups of apple chunks (about 4 large apples)
4 king sized Snickers candy bars

Instructions


In a large bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes.
Let pudding stand for about 2 minutes or until partially set.
Stir in Cool Whip.
Stir in apples and candy bars.
Refrigerate about an hour before eating.

 

Make it a great one!!

Tammy_IM_48x48_thumb2222222_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumbAbout Tammy: Daughter, Sister, Wife, Homeschooling Mother of 7 (ages: G13, G12, B10, G7, B6, B3, G2). Stepmom of 2. Mother in law to two, Grandma to Peyton, Mattix and Andrew. Writer at BellaOnline. Blogger at Latter-Day Homeschool and JuddzWorld!! Happy & Satisfied!!

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Trusting in the Lord

 

Make it a great one!!

Tammy_IM_48x48_thumb222_thumb__thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumbAbout Tammy: Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother of 7 (ages: G12, G11, B8, G6, B5, B2, G1). Stepmom of 2. Mother in law to two, Grandma to Peyton, Mattix and Andrew and blogger at BellaOnline!! Happy & Satisfied

Sunday, November 10, 2013

We can live with God again

 

Make it a great one!!

Tammy_IM_48x48_thumb222_thumb__thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumbAbout Tammy: Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother of 7 (ages: G12, G11, B8, G6, B5, B2, G1). Stepmom of 2. Mother in law to two, Grandma to Peyton, Mattix and Andrew and blogger at BellaOnline!! Happy & Satisfied

Wednesday, November 06, 2013

Oven-Baked Frito Pie

Ingredients:

1 lb. lean ground beef
1 can (16 oz) chili beans
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 envelope low sodium taco seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (2% fat kind)
3 1/2 cups corn chips (Fritos)
1 1/4 cup fat free sour cream

Directions:

Cook ground beef until meat is browned; drain. Stir in beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning mix and 1/4 c. of cheese. Sprinkle 1 cup corn chips in bottom of 8x8 baking dish. Cover with chili. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Spread sour cream over chili. Top with remaining corn chips and cheese. Bake 4-5 minutes longer.

 

Make it a great one!!

Tammy_IM_48x48_thumb2222222_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumbAbout Tammy: Daughter, Sister, Wife, Homeschooling Mother of 7 (ages: G13, G12, B10, G7, B6, B3, G2). Stepmom of 2. Mother in law to two, Grandma to Peyton, Mattix and Andrew. Writer at BellaOnline. Blogger at Latter-Day Homeschool and JuddzWorld!! Happy & Satisfied!!

Sunday, November 03, 2013

God IS our Father

 

Make it a great one!!

Tammy_IM_48x48_thumb222_thumb__thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumbAbout Tammy: Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother of 7 (ages: G12, G11, B8, G6, B5, B2, G1). Stepmom of 2. Mother in law to two, Grandma to Peyton, Mattix and Andrew and blogger at BellaOnline!! Happy & Satisfied

Friday, November 01, 2013

November Desktop Background

Another desktop background for you guys! Enjoy!

 

Desktop November for blog-001

 

Make it a great one!!

Tammy_IM_48x48_thumb2222222About Tammy: Daughter, Sister, Wife, Homeschooling Mother of 7 (ages: G13, G12, B10, G7, B6, B3, G2). Stepmom of 2. Mother in law to two, Grandma to Peyton, Mattix and Andrew. Writer at BellaOnline. Blogger at Latter-Day Homeschool and JuddzWorld!! Happy & Satisfied!!

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Conference Issue of the Ensign

Such a great blessing to have

November 2013

download

Welcome to Conference
Thomas S. Monson     download

General Conference: Strengthening Faith and Testimony
Robert D. Hales          download

Be Meek and Lowly of Heart
Ulisses Soares        download

Do We Know What We Have?
Carole M. Stephens        download

Look Ahead and Believe
Edward Dube       download

The Windows of Heaven
David A. Bednar       download

Come, Join with Us
Dieter F. Uchtdorf        download

The Key to Spiritual Protection
Boyd K. Packer        download

The Moral Force of Women
D. Todd Christofferson        download

Hastening the Lord’s Game Plan!
S. Gifford Nielsen       download

Small and Simple Things
Arnulfo Valenzuela        download

Wilt Thou Be Made Whole?
Timothy J. Dyches        download

Like a Broken Vessel
Jeffrey R. Holland        download

Put Your Trust in the Lord
M. Russell Ballard        download

The Doctrines and Principles Contained in the Articles of Faith
L. Tom Perry       download

Ye Are No More Strangers
Gérald J. Caussé        download

Called of Him to Declare His Word
Randy D. Funk        download

You Can Do It Now!
Dieter F. Uchtdorf        download

Bind Up Their Wounds
Henry B. Eyring        download

True Shepherds
Thomas S. Monson        download

To My Grandchildren
Henry B. Eyring        download

No Other Gods
Dallin H. Oaks        download

Be Ye Converted
Bonnie L. Oscarson        download

The Strength to Endure
Richard J. Maynes        download

Personal Strength through the Atonement of Jesus Christ
Richard G. Scott        download

“I Will Not Fail Thee, nor Forsake Thee”
Thomas S. Monson        download

Lamentations of Jeremiah: Beware of Bondage
Quentin L. Cook            download

Power in the Priesthood
Neil L. Andersen        download

Teaching with the Power and Authority of God
David M. McConkie        download

Continually Holding Fast
Kevin S. Hamilton        download

Look Up
Adrián Ochoa        download

Drawing Closer to God
Terence M. Vinson        download

Decisions for Eternity
Russell M. Nelson        download

Till We Meet Again
Thomas S. Monson        download

The Power, Joy, and Love of Covenant Keeping    
Linda K. Burton     download

We Have Great Reason to Rejoice
Carole M. Stephens    download

Claim the Blessings of Your Covenants
Linda S. Reeves    download

We Never Walk Alone
Thomas S. Monson     download

Conference Story Index          download

Teachings for Our Time     download

Make it a great one!!

About Tammy: Daughter, Sister, Wife, Homeschooling Mother of 7 (ages: G13, G12, B10, G7, B6, B3, G2). Stepmom of 2. Mother in law to two, Grandma to Peyton, Mattix and Andrew. Writer at BellaOnline. Contributive Blogger at Latter-Day Homeschool and JuddzWorld!! Happy & Satisfied!!

Jesus Christ is the way

 

Make it a great one!!

Tammy_IM_48x48_thumb222_thumb__thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumbAbout Tammy: Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother of 7 (ages: G12, G11, B8, G6, B5, B2, G1). Stepmom of 2. Mother in law to two, Grandma to Peyton, Mattix and Andrew and blogger at BellaOnline!! Happy & Satisfied

The Coat

 

Make it a great one!!

Tammy_IM_48x48_thumb222_thumb__thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumbAbout Tammy: Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother of 7 (ages: G12, G11, B8, G6, B5, B2, G1). Stepmom of 2. Mother in law to two, Grandma to Peyton, Mattix and Andrew and blogger at BellaOnline!! Happy & Satisfied

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Crockpot Orange Chicken

Ingredients:

4 – 5 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, thawed
3/4 cup Orange Marmalade
3/4 cup of BBQ Sauce
2 tbsp. Soy Sauce

Directions:

Cook chicken in crockpot on high for 3 hours {covered}
After 3 hours, drain juices from crockpot
Mix together bbq sauce, orange marmalade, and soy sauce
Pour mixture over chicken, and cook on high for 30 more minutes {covered}

 

Make it a great one!!

Tammy_IM_48x48_thumb2222222_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumbAbout Tammy: Daughter, Sister, Wife, Homeschooling Mother of 7 (ages: G13, G12, B10, G7, B6, B3, G2). Stepmom of 2. Mother in law to two, Grandma to Peyton, Mattix and Andrew. Writer at BellaOnline. Blogger at Latter-Day Homeschool and JuddzWorld!! Happy & Satisfied!!

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Elder Bednar–Special Witness

 

Make it a great one!!

Tammy_IM_48x48_thumb222_thumb__thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumbAbout Tammy: Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother of 7 (ages: G12, G11, B8, G6, B5, B2, G1). Stepmom of 2. Mother in law to two, Grandma to Peyton, Mattix and Andrew and blogger at BellaOnline!! Happy & Satisfied

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Men’s hearts shall fail them

 

Make it a great one!!

Tammy_IM_48x48_thumb222_thumb__thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumbAbout Tammy: Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother of 7 (ages: G12, G11, B8, G6, B5, B2, G1). Stepmom of 2. Mother in law to two, Grandma to Peyton, Mattix and Andrew and blogger at BellaOnline!! Happy & Satisfied

Wednesday, October 09, 2013

Mom Retreat

We are changed. We look different, and we act different. The things we listen to and read and say are different, and what we wear is different because we become daughters of God bound to Him by covenant." 

—Carole M. Stephens

I always wonder how I can be better as a Mother, as a Wife and a friend. I *could* pay money and go somewhere to get “perspective'” on how I can relate to my children and be “PRESENT” in their lives. I could. OR I can use my General Conference Talks as my reference point. My scriptures as my Guide. My RS Lessons as my compass. I love the fact that although we always seem to be seeking for something “more” in life, Heavenly Father has already organized things for us so that we don’t have to spend money on things that are not necessary or important.

I think if I make an effort to allow General Conference to be my Spiritual Retreat for myself AND for my Family I will be much happier. These talks are all SUPER STUPENDOUSLY AMAZING!! I mean, “We are Daughters of Our Heavenly Father” reaffirms my own personal divinity and encourages me to “return to Virtue”.  “For Peace at Home” teaches me principles that will help my family grow closer together and to be happy. “The Hope of God’s Light” gives me encouragement so that when I am feeling down or sad or burdened by the weight of my circumstances I can feel renewed in the Love of my Heavenly Father and focus on what is truly important. “Lord I Believe” helps me by giving me tools to  increase my faith and to recognize the power of the faith that I already have. “Marriage: Watch & Learn” gives me specific ways I can strengthen my marriage and my relationships with others. “Obedience Brings Blessings” is devoted to helping me understand the importance of being obedient to my Heavenly Father. 

For instance, April 2013 General Conference the talks:

Welcome to Conference  Thomas S. Monson Listen  download

These Things I Know    Boyd K. Packer         Listen  download

A Sure Foundation    Dean M. Davies        Listen download

We Are Daughters of Our Heavenly FatherElaine S. Dalton  Listen download

The Savior Wants to Forgive       Craig A. Cardon Listen download

“This Is My Work and Glory”       M. Russell Ballard   Listen download

“Come unto Me”      Henry B. Eyring   Listendownload

For Peace at Home    Richard G. Scott Listen Download

Personal Peace: The Reward of Righteousness  Quentin L. Cook Listen  download

The Lord’s Way     Stanley G. Ellis Listen  download

The Gospel to All the World        John B. Dickson Listen  download

We Believe in Being Chaste      David A. Bednar Listen  download

Catch the Wave     Russell M. Nelson Listen  download

Stand Strong in Holy Places      Robert D. Hales Listen  download

The Power of the Priesthood in the Boy       Tad R. Callister Listen  download

Your Sacred Duty to Minister     David L. Beck Listen  download

Four Titles       Dieter F. Uchtdorf Listen  download

We Are One       Henry B. Eyring Listen  download

Come, All Ye Sons of God     Thomas S. Monson  Listen  download

The Hope of God’s Light     Dieter F. Uchtdorf Listen  download

It’s a Miracle     Neil L. Andersen  Listen  download

The Words We Speak     Rosemary M. Wixom  Listen  download

Marriage: Watch and Learn     L. Whitney Clayton Listen  download

Obedience to Law Is Liberty     L. Tom Perry  Listen  download

Obedience Brings Blessings     Thomas S. Monson Listen  download

“Lord, I Believe”       Jeffrey R. Holland Listen  download

Followers of Christ      Dallin H. Oaks  Listen  download

The Father and the Son     Christoffel Golden Jr. Listen  download

The Home: The School of Life     Enrique R. Falabella  Listen   download

Being Accepted of the Lord       Erich W. Kopischke  Listen  download

Beautiful Mornings       Bruce D. Porter  Listen   download

Redemption     D. Todd Christofferson  Listen   download

Until We Meet Again     Thomas S. Monson  Listen  download

Your Holy Places     Ann M. Dibb  Listen  download

When You Save a Girl, You Save Generations     Mary N. Cook  Listen  download

Be Not Moved!     Elaine S. Dalton Listen  download

Your Wonderful Journey Home       Dieter F. Uchtdorf  Listen  download

Making Conference Part of Our Lives              Listen  download

Another great “Retreat” is attending the Temple OFTEN. What an incredible way to remind ourselves of what is important and what our Eternal Goals are and should be and how we can realign ourselves to the path Heavenly Father asks of us.

Do I need to spend money on ANYTHING to buoy up my Spirit? No, the scriptures themselves are full of enlightenment and knowledge that I need to be the best person, daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother, grandmother, visiting teacher –> that I can possibly be.

Do I really need to pay someone to tell me how to be “PRESENT” and “ENGAGED” with my children and family? No, these things come naturally as I strive to do what’s right. There is no counsel more important than that of the Prophets and Apostles that speak to us.

General Conference has just passed. I don’t believe there was one talk that didn’t touch me. I loved them all. I have already watched some of them a second time. I love Conference and the feelings that it brings into my life and the life of my family. It isn’t too early to start planning my General Conference Retreat for April 2014!! Only 6 more months to go!!! :) 

Make it a great one!!

Tammy_IM_48x48_thumb2222222About Tammy: Daughter, Sister, Wife, Homeschooling Mother of 7 (ages: G13, G12, B10, G7, B6, B3, G2). Stepmom of 2. Mother in law to two, Grandma to Peyton, Mattix and Andrew. Writer at BellaOnline. Blogger at Latter-Day Homeschool and JuddzWorld!! Happy & Satisfied!!