Arts & Entertainment: Memorial to the Living

by Gaynell Parker on Musings from an LDS Writing Mom
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 29 May 2008

Memorial day is kind of a strange day for me. On one hand, it's the first weekend of summer, and on the other, a time to remember the dead. I didn't grow up thinking it was a day to visit grave sites, so I thought it was a bit odd that my mother-in-law did it every year. When we lived at a different house, it had a huge snowball bush in our back yard. She would come every memorial day and harvest what was left of the large blooms to go decorate graves. I thought it was a little morbid -- but ya know.

As time has gone on, and more of my loved ones have left us, I have seen the wisdom of this practice. Yesterday we thought we'd beat the crowds and go visit my moms headstone. Unfortunately, I forgot to take my camera (I'm not thinking blog moment every day yet...grin) and so I can't show you how cute her headstone is. It's raised up off the ground about two feet, and has a darling carving of Winnie the Pooh on the back, chasing butterflies, with the words from my mom and dad's favorite song. Something about feeling butterflies... The joke at her funeral was how she'd raised all of us on Winne the Pooh before it became popular. -- Read More

Arts & Entertainment/ Movies: Jon Heder

by Linda Scanlan a.k.a. L.S. Keilbart on I Knew I Could Fly
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 29 May 2008

Jon Heder is a name that people are starting to become familiar with. Starring roles in Napoleon Dynamite, The Benchwarmers, Blades of Glory, Just like Heaven and School For Scoundrels has almost made him a household name. Who is this man and where has he hailed from?

-- Read More

Books: Betty Briggs and YA Fiction

by Anne Bradshaw on Not Entirely British
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 29 May 2008

Betty Briggs is one of my favorite people. Like me, she also loves horses. Unlike me, she actually owns some--and successfully brings them into her Young Adult novels. If your teens love horses, then Betty's books are a must-read.

She says, "I can’t remember a time when I didn’t write. In grade school I used to take work home at night so I could create stories to entertain my classmates during the day. I loved filling the pages of notebooks on both sides so the paper would crinkle. At that time, my dream was to write and illustrate children’s books when I grew up. ~ Read More

Clothing & More: Back to Basics

by Nichole Giles on Nichole's Fairy Squeaks
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 29 May 2008

Last week I told you about the crazy notion I once had in my head (for way, way too long) that in order to be a good LDS wife and mother, I had to give up big chunks of my personality. One of those chunks included the jewelry-loving me. The one that wore leather string around my wrists, earrings nearly as big as my head, and the most unique rings I could find.

Okay, so I admit, giving up the leather wasn’t a bad thing. After all, I wasn’t a teenager anymore, and that was part of a teenaged fad. And the earrings were completely impractical for a mother with young babies. Ouch! But I gave up so much more than those silly things. I gave up any jewelry altogether except my wedding ring. ~ Read More

Health & Food/Dutch Oven: After the Rooster Crows

by Keith Fisher on The Camp Cook in your Backyard
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 29 May 2008

Before we know it, we’ll be in the middle of the patriotic season. Inevitably, we’ll have the opportunity to cook or attend one of the many fund raising breakfasts offered on those holidays. Since my blog is dedicated to out-door cooking not just Dutch oven, let’s talk about breakfast in Camp.

When I was a kid I remember waking up during camping trips and watching my grandfather make breakfast. He loved to cook in the mountains and he designated himself camp cook. His pancakes from scratch were the best, and he could flip an egg with finesse. ~ Read More

Home & Family: When the Family Falls Apart

by Muriel Sluyter on Rocky Mountain Straight Talk
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 29 May 2008

A man contacted me a short time ago to request a copy of an old column. He said his copy had come from someone else’s copy, which had come from someone else’s copy, and it was practically unreadable. I dug into my archives and found it was several years old and full of quotes from the long-dead, but very wise, Alexander Fraser Tytler; then I knew why it was being passed around. I have quoted him extensively over the years, and I am going to do it again today. In that column I said:

“For many people around this world, freedom is anything but commonplace; it is, in fact, a dream that will never be realized during their lifetime. We who have possessed it for over 200 years think of it as an entitlement, rather than an extraordinary condition enjoyed by comparatively few of this world’s inhabitants. -- Read More

Home & Family/Preparedness: Disaster Preparedness and 72-hour Kits Are Not The Same

by Barbara Salsbury on Three P's in a Pod
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 29 May 2008

With the headlines and media reports still reeling with the news of disaster after disaster many people are finally hearing the wake-up call and sincerely trying to become prepared. Spring many times coincides with an onslaught of heavy rain, floods, more ice and snow and so on, before the much looked-for flowers and sun appear. So thoughts and plans toward preparedness are indeed practical at this season.

Being prepared for a disaster and having a 72-hour kit are not the same. You need to know the difference. -- Read More

LDS Outlets/Gardening & Landscaping: Gardening Like Laura

by Heather Justesen on Heather Justesen
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 29 May 2008

I'm really excited about the opportunity to blog for yourLDSneighborhood.com on landscaping and gardening.

If you discount snitching peas off the vine when I was a preschooler as actual gardening experience, you could say I first began gardening in my early elementary school years. The summer after I discovered Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House books, I was determined to grow my own food--just like a real-life pioneer. (Of course, at this time I wanted to be Laura Ingalls, in every way--an insane dream I fortunately grew out of.) There was a patch of dirt my mom had used for veggies a few other times back behind their business, where we kids spent the long summer days. I know I planted peas, but don't recall if I planted anything else. It's a good thing peas have such a short growing season, because I remember becoming bored with all the weeding before they finished producing for the summer. -- Read More

LDS Outlets/Humor: Why Don't You Write Me?

by C.L. Beck on Write Up My Alley
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 29 May 2008

There’s no doubt I’m giving away my age by mentioning this, but a number of years ago there was a song released by Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel called Why Don’t You Write Me. It’s one that easily becomes an ear worm.

Have you ever had an ear worm? In case you’ve been infected but didn’t recognize it for the insidious bug that it is, an ear worm is a tune that gets into your mind and repeats itself over . . . and over . . . and over . . . and over . . . and . . . well, you get my drift. ~ Read More

New Neighbors: Going to the Seashore

by Cheri Crane on Crane-ium
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 29 May 2008

When I was younger, I dreamed of going to see the ocean. I pictured in my mind beaches loaded with beautiful seashells that were just waiting for me to gather. I faithfully watched every episode that recorded Jacques Cousteau's adventures at sea. I loved watching the beautiful fish he often filmed, wishing with all of my heart that I could grow up and experience similar adventures.

I first saw the ocean on my honeymoon. My husband and I traveled to the Oregon Coast. I was fascinated and wanted to become one with the ocean. However, it was the first week of May and I quickly learned after wading in said water that it was too cold to plunge into the depths. Instead, I looked for seashells . . . and learned a painful lesson. ~ Read More

Religious: Missionary Work is Rigorous

by Rebecca Talley on Rebecca Talley Writes
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 29 May 2008

“Missionary work is rigorous. It is demanding. It is difficult. It has never been easy and it never will be. It requires strength of body, strength of mind, strength of spirit.” Gordon B. Hinckley

One of the reasons we moved to the country was to allow our kids to learn a work ethic. We wanted to allow them the opportunity to be responsible for animals and the work it takes to care for animals on a daily basis.

My oldest son wanted to raise pigs. Since I’m a city girl, I really had no idea what it meant to raise pigs and my husband’s family had raised cattle. We built a pen and then bought four piglets. A neighbor donated an 800 lb. sow. We were set, or so we thought. -- Read More

Scrapbooking & Crafts: Midnight Album Madness

by Kim Thompson on Scribbled Scraps
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 29 May 2008

Are you working on more than one album? I know the feeling! I have six children and I feel guilty because I’ve completed a lot more scrapbook pages for my oldest than the others. So, I’ve been working on the other albums. My kids are always interested in what I’m doing and want to see the finished pages. I often get asked the question, “When are you going to work on mine?”

It’s overwhelming enough to work on one album at a time, let alone six. But I’ve picked up some tips and tricks to make it easier and thought I’d share them with you. ~ Read More

Services: Service Lessons

by Liz Adair on Liz Sez
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 29 May 2008

The Adair Clan welcomes every summer at our annual Memorial Day Campout (also called the Annual Memorial Day Deluge) and say farewell at our yearly Labor Day Campout (sometimes also called the Labor Day Deluge). We live in Northwest Washington State. What can I say? If you’re going to have all that green, you’re going to have to learn to go camping in the rain.

Memorial Day we spend at the Church property on the Stillaguamish River. The reason we camp there is because of the 25’ by 45’ covered area on the lower campground, an early addition as they started developing the property. -- Read More

Arts & Entertainment: The Beauty of Code

by Gaynell Parker on Musings of an LDS Writing Mom
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 26 May 2008

I got to thinking about the internet and websites today, as I played around with my browser. I usually use Firefox, and it was on the fritz, so I had to go to IE. I don’t like IE - I’ve never been a big Microsoft fan – call it the rebel in me. But it gave me options to install a theme, and once I got looking at them, I wasted a good half hour or more finding one that I wanted. I now have a dolphin for my cursor...

It made me wonder what other people look for in a website. Have you ever thought about what it is that draws you to a place on the internet? Take yourldsneighborhood. What is it that you like about the site? Myself, I like the artwork. It’s fun without being cutesy. Sort of like a scrapbooking style, you know? I like the different sites in it. It makes me feel at home. -- Read More

Arts & Entertainment/ Movies: Live Action/CGI Films

by Linda Scanlan a.k.a. L.S. Keilbart on I Knew I Could Fly
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 26 May 2008

Do you need some good entertainment for children between the ages of eight and twelve? At this age children are not quite ready to let go of their animated attractions, nor are they ready for the high paced action films. Here lies the dilemma for older children and adults in the household.

Live action intermingled with computer animation can relieve the stress of all age groups. Box office hits such as Space Jam, Transformers, and Scooby-Doo all attest to the pleasure of all age groups. ~ Read More

Books: Seasons of Sacrifice

by Anne Bradshaw on Not Entirely British
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 26 May 2008

Today I'm posting an interview with well known author of historical fiction, Tristi Pinkston.

Anne: Tristi, you've been on virtual book tour since the beginning of the month. How has the experience been for you so far?

Tristi: I'm having a wonderful time. The reviews have been positive, the hosts have been friendly and thoughtful, and I have something to look forward to every day.

Anne: Your new book, "Season of Sacrifice," is based on the lives of your great-great-grandfather and his wife. Many people think their family history would make a great book, and yet often their books are not successful. Why do you feel your book is different? What makes your family history story interesting enough to sell? -- Read More

Clothing & More: For the Love of Rocks

by Nichole Giles on Nichole's Fairy Squeaks
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 26 May 2008

How many grown women do you know who collect rocks? I’m not talking about the pebbles in your yard or the ones you dig up when you’re gardening. But neither am I talking about diamonds and rubies.

Sure, those jewels are lovely, and absolutely desirable. But they’re expensive, and to collect real gems can be unrealistic for some women to gather.

I’m talking more about the beautiful natural stones that are mined locally to your home, and those that are relatively easy to come across. Rocks themselves are a connection to the earth, to nature, and each different variety is said to have a different healing property. -- Read More

Health & Food/Dutch Oven: Basic 101: Listing the Equipment

by Keith Fisher on The Camp in Your Backyard
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 26 May 2008

Last time, we had a more advanced topic. This time, let’s get back to the basics. As you begin your camp cooking career, you’ll discover a need for more specialized equipment. You might start using things outdoors, you would never need indoors.

Many cooks have published lists over the years. After glancing at most of them I discovered one cook's essential list is different than others. Some cooks buy fancy gadgets while others raid toolboxes and comb thrift stores. Some manufacture their own equipment, others purchase everything. Whatever your preference, I will try to list the basics and talk a little about some items. -- Read More

Home & Family: Forgotten Heroes

by Muriel Sluyter on Rocky Mountain Straight Talk
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 26 May 2008

When the First World War ended, it became important to the American people to commemorate the signing of the peace treaties. As a result, November 11 was set aside and celebrated as Armistice Day. Several decades ago, it was changed to Armed Forces Day, and the armistice which ended that awful conflict was forgotten.

The American people wanted to remember those brave men who had fallen in that hideous slaughter, their fathers, sons, brothers and husbands, and so, a day was set aside to decorate their graves. It was appropriately called Decoration Day. Several decades ago, it was changed to Memorial Day. Our men who had fallen in the First World War had made the first step toward becoming forgotten heroes. ~ Read More

Home & Family/Preparedness: Have you seen a unicorn?

by Barbara Salsbury on Three P's in a Pod
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 26 May 2008

You Choose: Preparedness or Becoming A Unicorn

How many of you think you may be related to the unicorn? Or have you considered that you might even be a unicorn? Were the Unicorns Forgotten? Or …

A few years ago there was a popular song sung by the Irish Rovers Dirt Band. It was about Noah, the building of a large ark, and the gathering of the animals. The “star” of this particular song was the unicorn, which was a particular favorite of the Lord. Noah was reminded repeatedly, “don’t you forget my unicorn.” Perhaps you remember? “There were green alligators and long necked geese, humpty backed camels and chimpanzees; cats and rats and “ely-phants” and sure as you’re born, don’t you forget my unicorn.” … -- Read More

LDS Outlets/Humor: Oh My Heck

by C.L. Beck on Write Up My Alley
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 26 May 208

There are distinct advantages to writing for the LDS market—ones that I'm eternally grateful for. See, there's one right there. I can say I'm eternally grateful for something and no one thinks I'm weird.

Another benefit is I don't have to make up new names for things pertaining to the next life. If I want my character to die and go to the celestial kingdom, I don't have to send him to “the happy hunting ground.” If his cat dies, I don't have to send it to “the great litter box in the sky.” Without a titch of worry about political correctness, I can just ship them all off to heaven and be done with it. -- Read More

New Neighbors: Beauty Abounds

by Cheri Crane on Crane-ium
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 26 May 2008

These days there is a lot of talk about the high price of gasoline. Because of the increase in cost, most people are cutting back to save money. It is estimated that fewer people will be taking vacations this summer.

Here's a thought---no matter where you live, there are numerous places to go and see, almost in your backyard. It might take some imagination and a bit of creativity, but this world is filled with beautiful places to visit that are closer than you think. Try "Googling" your hometown---you might be surprised by the amount of information you can find regarding museums, parks, picnic areas, hiking trails, campgrounds, etc. -- Read More

Religious: Faith in Jesus Christ

by Rebecca Talley on Rebecca Talley Writes
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 26 May 2008

To better serve as a full-time or member missionary it’s important to have a basic understanding of the fundamental principles of the gospel.

The first principle of the gospel is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are often accused of not being Christians even though the name Jesus Christ is included in the title. The reason some claim we are not Christians is because of our belief that Lucifer and Jesus are brothers.

Other religions do not believe in the pre-existence where we all enjoyed relationships as brothers and sisters, and children to heavenly parents before mortality. We believe that we were all created as spirits before we were born. We learned and grew spiritually while in the pre-existence and for a time we lived in harmony and peace. -- Read More

Scrapbooking & Crafts: Digital by Design

by Kim Thompson on Scribbled Scraps
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 26 May 2008


I would venture a guess that most of you use a digital camera. I would also guess you probably have piles of pictures taken before the digital age. Earlier this week, I talked about physical storage systems for all of those pictures.

Physically storing your pictures in a safe way to preserve their archival qualities is important, but it is still sometimes difficult to search through pictures and find the exact one you need. I have recently been scanning all of my photographs and looking for a program to store and sort them. ~ Read More

Services: Ateer Teaches Clay About Perspective

by Liz Adair on Liz Sez
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 26 May 2008

If you read my last posting, you know my son Clay is in Cairo. He's been there all school year studying Arabic at the American University of Cairo. I asked him to be a guest blogger today.

Clay writes: A few weeks ago I had one of those good lessons that teaches about the important things in life and how attitude really can make all the difference.

A friend and I were invited to teach an English language conversation class at a local NGO (non-governmental agency) here in Cairo, Egypt. Our class consisted of 18- to 40-year-old men, all Sudanese refugees. After slight hesitation, we accepted and began to be excited about the project. ~ Read More

Arts & Entertainment: Origami

by Gaynell Parker on Musings of an LDS Writing Mom
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 22 May 2008

My daughter discovered something a year or so ago, and it's been a consuming passion for the past six months. I thought she would get tired of it and move onto something else (which is my children's wont) but she hasn't. In fact, she has continued to be more fascinated with it and keeps buying more stuff that has to do with it.

I'm talking about Origami. She started out with a book/kit her grandmother gave her for Christmas last year, and went on from there. Her favorite store to shop is Barnes and Noble (she's a bookaholic as well) and they apparently keep much of this stuff in stock, because she comes home with something new every pay period. At first she was buying books about it -- how to fold more, etc. Then she discovered little kits with loads of paper. Apparently it's all about the paper. -- Read More

Arts & Entertainment/ Movies: Rescued

by Linda Scanlan a.k.a. L.S. Keilbart on I Knew I Could Fly
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 22 May 2008

Rescued: Candlelight Media Group presents "Rescued" starring Jaci Twiss, Shea Potter, and Matthew Reese as three coworkers who get stranded on an island after a business flight gone wrong. As they survive together, a love triangle emerges, and Megan (Twiss) starts to see the importance of being true to yourself and what matters most. The film is directed by Brian Brough, and produced by Brough and Brittany Wiscombe, and written by Wiscombe. It was released on DVD April 29th. See the trailer for Rescued on the Candlelight Media Group website.

Now that the "official" description is past let's get on with the meat of the story.

Megan has lost her way, only she doesn't see it that way. She makes one excuse after another for not attending church, breaking the Word of Wisdom and not being a member missionary. She has been raised in a devout Latter-Day Saint home. She feels that the rules are too restricting. Once out on her own she tries to fit in by not letting her Mormon light shine. -- Read More

Books: The Mysterious Dr. Bridell's Amazing Book

by Anne Bradshaw on Not Entirely British
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 22 May 2008

When I first received a copy of Dr. Bridell’s Logical and Rational Poetic and Beautiful & Completely Guaranteed Diet for ALL Your Appetites, I had two reactions: 1) What a long title! 2) What a rip off! Twenty dollars seemed a lot to pay to learn how to consume half size meals—especially when I didn’t need to lose weight.

I’ve since eaten my words—well, half of them—I still think the title is longer than cooked spaghetti. But the overall antique effect of the cover is eye-catching and informative, so I’m sure it will grab attention.

First time through the book, I skimmed, leaving too much on the plate. Second time, I read in detail and digested to the end. Savoring all the ideas made a powerful difference. I no longer felt ripped off. On the contrary, I think it’s worth every cent, and can recommend Dr. Bridell to anyone who wants to live a full life (physically, spiritually and emotionally), and look and feel their best. Doctor bills, and the cost of many diets, are way higher than twenty dollars. -- Read More

Clothing & More: Toe Rings and Toe Jam

by Nichole Giles on Nichole's Fairy Squeaks
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 22 May 2008

Ah summer! Warm air moves in—finally—bringing with it thoughts of swimming and cropped pants (or shorts) and my favorite kind of shoes. Sandals. I don’t know about anyone else, but personally, I hate wearing shoes. Most of the time, I prefer to go barefooted—even though that usually means cracked heals and calloused toes. (Just to be clear, I love shoes; I just don’t like to wear them much. I’m such a girl!)

But sandals are different. They give your feet the chance to breathe, yet protect them from the harsh realities of the bare ground. And there are so many pretty styles to choose from. High heals, platforms, t-strap, wedges, ankle-wrap, flip-flop…the list could go on and on and become an entirely different subject. -- Read More

Health & Food/Dutch Oven: Turn Up the Heat

by Keith Fisher on The Camp Cook in your Backyard
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 22 May 2008

The newsman said it’s a red air quality day on the Wasatch Front in Utah. In the winter they call this a no burn day. It’s only a matter of time before the officials declare fire restrictions, so let’s talk about heat sources.

Traditionally, the only heat source for outdoor cooking was the coals from a wood fire. Of course charcoal, buffalo chips, and cowpies were used, but Charcoal had to be made and transported. Buffalo chips . . . well I don’t want to think about buffalo chips except to say, I’ve heard they burn too hot, making it difficult to control the heat. ~ Read More

Home & Family: Aaron and the Baby Goats

by Muriel Sluyter on Rocky Mountain Straight Talk
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 22 May 2008

A few years ago, our youngest daughter brought a very nice guy home. She and he were students at the same college. He was a linebacker, and looked like the kind of guy you wouldn’t want to irritate. He gave you the feeling that if you crossed him once, you might not live long enough to do it twice.

But his impressive, indeed ominous, appearance belies a gentle nature. He has turned out to be a phenomenal husband and father, gentle but strong, kind but firm. He willing works at extremely hard, dirty jobs, then comes home and makes delicious pies for his adoring wife and children. -- Read More

LDS Outlets/Humor: A Complimentary Pack of Prune Juice

by C.L. Beck on Write Up My Alley
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 22 May 2008

Not long ago, I sent an email to a large corporation regarding a problem I’d encountered with them. I’d love to tell you the company’s name, but that’s liable to get the pants sued off me. And when it comes to that, my momma didn’t raise no dummy.

(After that last sentence, it’s obvious she didn’t raise me where they spoke decent English, either. *Big wave* to all my kin in the town of TwoSheepAndADeadRooster, Oklahoma!)

But I digress. Just so you’ll understand the situation, I’ve included the correspondence below.

Dear BigNastyBusinessWhoDoesn’tGiveADang,

On January fifth I ordered a book on writing. You responded speedily with a note that you would ship within two days. Two weeks later, I checked the site and it said you would ship by the end of February. Now here it is May, and your site says you will ship by December. This is not acceptable. What do you suggest I do? -- Read More

New Neighbors: Enjoy the Journey

by Cheri Crane on Crane-ium
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 22 May 2008

Last week, as my husband and I explored Zion National Park, I "people watched." It must be a writer thing. Or I'm snoopy. I prefer to think that it's a writer thing. Anyway. . . I observed the people and places around me as I snapped numerous pictures. I was intrigued by the way a set of caring grandparents supervised\entertained three young granddaughters. I was touched by the talent of the artist from Japan as he busily sketched and painted the beauty that abounds in that national park. I laughed quietly when a woman screamed after I warned her to not step on the cute little snake before I took its picture. I watched, amazed, as adventurous types used ropes to scale the vertical walls of Zion Canyon. -- Read More

Religious: Ideas for Mission Prep

by Rebecca Talley on Rebecca Talley Writes
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 22 May 2008

Since the bar has now been raised for young people to serve missions, it is important for parents to realize that preparation for serving a mission starts long before the teenage years. Preparation should begin shortly after birth and continue throughout childhood and adolescence. Here are some ideas to help your son or daughter prepare to serve an honorable mission:

1. Set a pattern of prayer in your home. Have regular family prayer and encourage children to have their own personal prayers. Set the example by allowing your children to see and hear you pray.

2. Have regular Family Home Evenings. FHE was instituted many years ago as a way to combat the growing evil in the world. Today, our families are continually assaulted and the need for regular, consistent FHE is even greater than ever before. The home is the best place for children to learn the gospel. -- Read More

Scrapbooking & Crafts: A Shoebox is not the Solution

by Kim Thompson on Scribbled Scraps

How many of you still have a shoebox full of unorganized, unlabeled photographs? I admit it, even I do. How often is there a photo you need for something and you have to frantically search through your entire house, looking for the one perfect photo? There are a few basic steps you can follow to organize your pictures so you can spend more time scrapping them and less time searching.

The first decision you need to make is how you want to store your photos until you are able to put them in scrapbooks. There are lots of photo storage boxes available from many scrapbook manufacturers. -- Read More

Services: Whitney Shares a Poem

by Liz Adair on Liz Sez
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 22 May 2008

I’d like to introduce you to Whitney. Whitney has been living and working in Cairo, Egypt since last September and has become good friends with my son Clay. (She's easy to spot--the only girl in the picture.) I asked both of them to write about an experience they had teaching English to a class of Sudanese refugees at St. Andrews Church in Cairo. I’m posting Whitney’s article first, edited to meet a length constraint.

She writes:

My first time to St. Andrews, I was new to Cairo, didn't speak the language, and was in full-throttle culture shock. As I sat down for my first tutoring session, I realized that I would be working with fellow ex-patriots, with two major differences – they did not choose to leave their country, and they’re unable to return to their homeland. -- Read More

Arts & Entertainment: My Mailbox

by Gaynell Parker of The Musings of LDS Writing Mom
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 19 May 2008

Last year we had an issue with kids throwing pumpkins at our mailbox. I don't know how many of you suffer from the same disease we do here with regards to no brains and pumpkins, but it's a yearly illness that routinely takes out the mailboxes. Sometimes they get tired of waiting and use a baseball bat -- they've even been known to use a car. But this time, it was a pumpkin. We weren't the only ones struck by the onset of the disease, there were several other mailboxes that suffered a similar fate. ~ Read More

Arts & Entertainment/ Movies: RV

by Linda Scanlan a.k.a. L.S Keilbart on I Knew I Could Fly
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 19 May 2008

School ends here next week and we are already booking our summer vacations. A family reunion in Colorado, art camp in North Dakota, girls camp in Idaho and time with my husband in Montana. This of course is all in June!!!

One of the perfect movies to get families ready for their summer vacation is "RV" starring Robin Williams. Let's start with some movie facts from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0449089/goofs. -- Read More

Books: Hilarious Free Book for 5 to 11-year-olds

by Anne Bradshaw on Not Entirely British
on yourLDSNeighborhood Newsstands - 19 May 2008

Matthew Buckley, author of side-splitting children's books, Chickens in the Headlights, and Bullies in the Headlights, is going live online with a new book. And it's FREE!

Matthew says, "I tried for a year to start another book, but it just wasn't coming. A month ago I was lying in bed, and the idea for a mid grade reader came to me. In about an hour I had the story worked out in my mind. I couldn't help but giggle into my pillow, and take notes so I wouldn't forget it while I slept. ~ Read More

Clothing & More: Jewels of Individuality

by Nichole Giles on Nichole's Fairy Squeaks
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 19 May 2008

The following is the beginning—a prologue if you will—of a series of blogs about all things pretty and why it is not just okay, but important that women of all kinds remember to hold onto their individuality. Even if that individual doesn’t fit the perfect picture of a modern LDS wife and mother.

About the time I started having kids, I stopped wearing earrings and bracelets. I even condensed my ring collection to just my wedding ring. That was so unlike me, because I have always loved jewelry. I can’t remember a time in my life when my eye wasn’t drawn to jewelry choices of all kinds, from sparkly bangles to leather shoestrings tied around someone’s wrist. ~ Read More

Health & Food/Dutch Oven: So You've Got a New Dutch Oven, What Now?

by Keith Fisher onThe Camp Cook in Your Backyard
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 19 May 2008

Take it out of the box. It won't do any good unless you use it, but remember it’s your pot, use it how you want. There are as many ways of seasoning as there are cooks, this is just one way. All new cast iron comes with a protective wax coating. It’s designed to protect against rust while the oven is sitting in a warehouse somewhere.

Note: These days, most Dutch ovens have been pre-seasoned at the factory but since yours has probably been in storage, in the box, for many years, you will need to know this. No seasoning is forever, however, so you will need this even with a new Dutch oven. ~ Read More

Home & Family: Daddy, Am I Beautiful?

by Muriel Sluyter on Rocky Mountain Straight Talk
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 19 May 2008

During my teen years, which is a time when so many young girls feel ugly, fat and awkward, I felt beautiful. It was not something I thought. It was something I felt. Elizabeth Taylor was, to my young mind, the undisputed Queen of Beauty and yet I, bearing absolutely no resemblance to Elizabeth Taylor, felt beautiful.

I have contemplated this phenomenon, and have come to realize that my earliest memories include my father's voice, and the words which come back are "Aren't you Daddy's pretty little girl?"... "Daddy's smart little girl"... "Daddy's good little girl"... "Daddy's little girl is so beautiful,"..."so beautiful"..."so beautiful".... Can anyone question why I was vastly less at risk than most of feeling ugly, undesirable or of no value during those fragile years? ~ Read More

LDS Outlets/Humor: yourLDSNeighborhood . . . Oooo Far Out

by C.L. Beck on Write Up My Alley
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 19 May 2008

I’ve discovered that I have a major neurological malfunction—my fingers are not connected to my brain. Every time I sit down at the keyboard they dash about of their own accord, typing out gibberish in Chinese. Sometimes, just to fool me, they’ll even type something that makes sense, but it’s not the sense I’d intended.

One time, I came up with a whiz-bang idea for a newspaper column. OK, maybe it wasn’t really whiz-bang, but it was an idea. Hoping to impress the publisher of the paper, I fired off an e-mail detailing my proposal to write a column. They'd previously printed freelance articles I’d sent, so I brazenly told the editor that work I’d submitted before seldom needed editing. -- Read More

New Neighbors: Zion National Park

by Cheri Crane on Crane-ium
on yourlDSneighborhood Newsstands - 19 May 2008

I'm typing this almost live from St. George, Utah. We spent most of the day hiking around Zion National Park so tonight I'm a little bit tired. But it was very much worth it. On our way down to St. George yesterday, we swung by the north end of the park to a place called Kolob Canyons.

Here's a great tip for anyone pondering a trip through Zion Canyon. There are about 3 different ways to enter this national park. You pay $25.00 at any of the entrances and you can re-enter the park as many times as you want, at any of the other entrances for up to a week with this same receipt. (So don't lose it. This is important. And don't tuck it inside your camera case folded upbecause it might tear, I'm just sayin' . . . okay, it happened to me today. Sigh . . . in way of good news, they still accepted it.) ~ Read More

Religious: Missionary Work By Example

by Rebecca Talley on Rebecca Talley Writes
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 19 May 2008

It’s come down to the two Davids. I’m not at all surprised, they’re both so talented. David Cook has such an amazing ability to make a song his own. David Archuleta sings with such conviction and sincerity, he brings tears to my eyes.

I love to watch American Idol and see these kids not only share, but improve, their talents each week. They use their musical talent to share themselves with the world.

David Archuleta now has the world as his audience and has an opportunity to share something else with the world: the gospel of Jesus Christ. -- Read More

Scrapbooking & Crafts: It's All About Time

by Kim Thompson on Scribbled Scraps
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 19 May 2008

Let’s face it . . .we are all busy. If you’re like me, scrapbooking can be overwhelming. There are so many products available and new techniques, it seems hard to keep up with it all. I’m always on the lookout for products that make scrapbooking easier. Pebbles Inc. has a new product I think you’re going to love. The new Share & Tell album system is affordable and completely customizable.

You can spend a little time or a lot and create a family keepsake you will be proud of. You decide how much time you have to spend—no time, some time, or creative time. -- Read More

Services: All That Jazz

by Liz Adair on Liz Sez
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 19 May 2008


It may seem strange to write about a jazz band on a blog about service, but hear me out.

I first heard Blue Street Jazz Band at Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands. When we got there, we didn’t know there was a festival going on, but we met an acquaintance as he was hurrying off the ferry with a clarinet case in his hand. Blue Street had just lost their reed man and he was sitting in. This acquaintance had played with a lot of traditional—some call it Dixieland—jazz groups and was used to the wholesale improvisation that makes traditional jazz such a dynamic art form. But, he said, Blue Street was way out of his league, and we really needed to give them a listen. We did, and my husband, Derrill, and I became instant Blue Street groupies. ~ Read More

Arts & Entertainment: Welcome to the World of Art

by Gaynell Parker on Musings of an LDS Writing Mom
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 15 May 2008

Greetings on this first day of blogland for the LDSneighborhood. I'm excited! Today I wanted to talk about the word Art, and what it means to me. Have you ever thought about what that word entails?

I used to think that it meant only physical things; paints, brushes, canvas, paper, pencils, charcoal, pastels – the list is endless. But it's so much more than that. There are lots of different aspects involved in art. There is dance, music, theater, etc. Since I’m sure there will be different blogs on music, as well as perhaps the other aspects I’ve listed, I’m going to focus mainly on the visual art – painting, sculpting, and photography. Yes, Photography is art too. Ever hear about Ansel Adams and his black and white photos? Pretty cool stuff. -- Read More

Arts & Entertainment/Movies: A Walk to Remember

by Linda Scanlan a.k.a. L.S. Keilbart on I Knew I Could Fly
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 15 May 2008

About 10 years ago I was a visitor in a ward in the Salt Lake Area. A young couple was asked to speak about Temple Marriage. The young Sister arose and told the most loving, compassionate story of love I had ever heard. She spoke of her first marriage (She could only have been about 20 at the time I heard her speak). Her husband had a disease that he was dying from. She fell in love with this young man because of the beauty of his spirit. She agreed to marry him in the Temple knowing that they would never have a normal marriage. Their marriage became a month of memories and service for a young man that I will not forget.

I remember this talk every time I watch "A Walk to Remember". Shane West plays Landon, the good looking, shallow High School student that is court ordered to community service. It is here that he comes to know Mandy Moore's character Jamie. -- Read More

Books: Free 'Kick in the Pants' for Authors

by Anne Bradshaw on Not Entirely British
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 15 May 2008

If you ever thought that famous national authors, David Wolverton and David Farland were two different people, you were wrong. They are the same. David uses his real surname, Wolverton, for his science fiction books, and the pseudonym, David Farland, for his fantasy works.

I came across this talented and bighearted man through his free service to any writer wishing to improve his/her skills by receiving Dave’s daily (most of the time) Kick in the Pants email. For free, I might add. How often is anything so good ever free? -- Read More

Home & Family: Biography of a Great Lady - Mary Moore, Part 4

by Muriel Sluyter on Rocky Mountain Straight Talk
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 15 May 2008

And we come to the end . . .

Now let's leave Mary in these appalling circumstances, and find James, the brother whom the Shawnees kidnapped on Sept. 7, 1784. Mary's life depends on him, so let's pull him off the pages of history, and get him into this story. We'll begin with James' own account: His father sent him to the Poage property, which had been abandoned because of Shawnee raids, to catch a horse. It was his regularly scheduled task to take their home-grown wheat 12 miles to the mill, have it ground and return with the flour, often arriving long after dark. ~ Read More

LDS Outlets/Humor: What if it's Boring?

by C.L. Beck on Write Up My Alley
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 15 May 2008

Tomorrow will be my two-week anniversary. Yes, I set my blog up almost two weeks ago, and I’m still in love with it. But, lest you think it was an easy relationship, let me tell you how it started. . .

“The ones that died were the optimists,” I heard my husband, Russ, say to my son on the phone. I found myself hoping he was in reference to someone other than guests who ate my cooking. As it turned out, he was talking about prisoners of war. It seems the ones who did the best in difficult conditions were the realistic optimists. -- Read More

New Neighbors: Culture, Tradition, Travel

by Cheri Crane on Crane-ium
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 15 May, 2008

This could prove to be interesting. I just learned that I will be blogging about 3 items, those mentioned in the title above. I'm thinking I will have a lot of fun with this. Hopefully, you, the avid reader, will too. ;) And no worries, I will still be posting at least one poem a week in between everything else. (This is for my 3 fans out there who faithfully read my poetry).

I've also learned that my posts will show up in the New Neighbors section of LDSneighborhood. It is sounding like they'll have everything up and running by Monday. My blogs will be available on this site on Mondays and Thursdays. -- Read More

Religious: The Spirit of Missionary Work

by Rebecca Talley on Rebecca Talley Writes
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 15 May 2008

Mother's Day is always a wonderful day. My children all spoiled me with poems, cards, candy, and hugs. They were so cute. My honey also spoiled me with yummy dark chocolate, red licorice, and a beautiful card.

A very fun part of the day was when my missionary called. He'd said he'd call right after church so we all rushed home. (I'd told my kids that if they didn't go directly to the car after church, they'd be walking home). We all hovered over the phone, anticipating the call. -- Read More

Scrapbooking & Crafts: The Digital Evolution

by Kim Thompson on Scribbled Scraps
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 15 May 2008

The art of memory making is as old as time. There is evidence of scrapbooks clear back to the 1500’s. Since the early 1990’s scrapbooking has exploded in America and is now the number one hobby. As long as people have been clipping and saving mementos, the industry has been dedicated to providing the essential tools of the trade, including scissors, adhesives, markers, paper, and stickers. But the recent surge in digital scrapbooking is changing all that. -- Read More

Services: Mother's Spirit

by Liz Adair on Liz Sez
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 15 May 2008

My mother died in 1988 at the age of 72. Since Mother’s day is this Sunday, I thought I’d write about how she taught me about service.

Mother was a great conversationalist and a spellbinding storyteller. She was careful to teach me the little unwritten social ‘dos’ of the mid-twentieth century: never wear blue and green together, no white shoes between September and May, don't eat the lettuce garnish under the chicken salad. And, when my brother or I had been disobedient or sassy, she could give a tongue lashing that would flay the soul and make us vow NEVER to do that again. You would think that with those verbal skills, she would have explained to me that service is a necessary part of living, but I don’t remember her ever saying anything about it. -- Read More

Arts & Entertainment/ Movies: Enchanted

by Linda Scanlan a.k.a L.S. Keilbart on I Knew I Could Fly
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 12 May 2008

Enchanted is one of Disney's newest DVD releases. The movie is indeed enchanting! Animated fairytale characters find themselves in "reality". They bring with them their fairytale perks, ie; breaking out in song, having animals help with chores, etc. Children will recognize this film as a conglomerate of such movies as Snow White, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. -- Read More

Books: Marnie Pehrson, Inspiration Writing

by Anne Bradshaw on Not Entirely British
on the yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 12 May 2008

Marnie Pehrson started her home business back in 1990 as a computer trainer and consultant. In 1994 she wrote her first book, How to Run a Computer Training Business and began marketing it on AOL and Compuserve. By 1996, she and a friend (Alanna Webb) opened the first online mall. In 1998 Marnie combined her love for writing with her knack for marketing to create IdeaMarketers.com which has become the longest running article directory on the Web. SheLovesGod.com came along in 2000 and Marnie launched her inspirational writing career through this site. ~ Read Moore

Home & Family: Biography of a Great Lady - Mary Moore, Part 3

by Muriel Sluyter on Rocky Mountain Straight Talk
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 12 May, 2008

And we carry on . . .

Martha Ivans and Mary remained with the Shawnees until the fall of 1788. They were slaves, literally property of value, but were treated very like Indian children. Their only danger came from a dispute concerning their ownership. When the Indians who claimed them were sober, the girls were safe, but when they were drunk, the girls were taken into hiding by sober Shawnees in order to save their lives. ~ Read More

LDS Outlets/Humor: A Rose by Any Other Name

by C.L. Beck on Write Up My Alley
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 12 May 2008

In Romeo and Juliet, Juliet says, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”

That’s easy for her to say. Her mother didn’t name her Ima Hogg or Candy Cane. Juliet might’ve sung a different tune if her last name was Passwater and Romeo’s was Horsepucky.

I’m not kidding, those are real names. Okay, I’ll admit that I made up Horsepucky. The other names, however, belong to living, breathing people . . . or maybe dead ones who used to breathe. -- Read More

New Neighbors: 1st Post for Travel Section of the Neighborhood

by Cheri Crane on Crane-ium
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 12 May 2008

Hi all. So in way of exciting news, I will be blogging a couple of times a week for the hip-happening website: http://yourldsneighborhood.com I'll be sharing some of my traveling adventures. Today will be the first in what I hope will be a series of warm fuzzy\humorous episodes. [It's an introduction to what I'm attempting to do. And here's a hint: be sure to check out the website above. ~ Read More

Religious: Sacrifice Brings Forth Blessings

by Rebecca Talley on Rebecca Talley Writes
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 12 May 2008

Several years ago, I heard a knock at my front door. I opened it to two older gentleman who wanted to teach me about their religion. They shared several scriptures, interpreting them much differently than what I was used to. I listened politely. At the conclusion of their remarks, they said, "We go out and preach the gospel regularly because we believe in what we're doing. Do you know of any other religion that sends out missionaries?"

I'm sure they didn't expect my response, "As a matter of fact, I do." I then went on to explain how the LDS Church has a missionary force of tens of thousands. Though I found it hard to believe they weren't aware of our missionaries, I didn't want to assume they were deliberately trying to be deceptive. After all, they believed enough in their religion that they were willing to give up their time to share their message. ~ Read More

Services: Bloggin' On Service

by Liz Adair on Liz Sez
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 12 May 2008

How many different meanings of the word service can you name?

I’ve been thinking about that ever since Candace Salima asked me to blog a couple times a week on that subject. In ruminating about it, I’d mentally pronounce the word, let it hang, and see what came to mind. Here are a few things I came up with:

Service . . . station. I remember service stations when you really got service—or got annoyed. If no one came out promptly to pump your gas, or if he simply filled the tank and didn't wash the windows and check your oil and tires, it could blight your day. I may write one day about the transition to self-serve and what that means in the grand scheme of things. ~ Read More

Books: Don't You Marry the Mormon Boys

by Anne Bradshaw on Not Entirely British
on the yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 8 May, 2008

Author Janet Kay Jensen’s new book is causing quite a stir in Australia. Don’t You Marry the Mormon Boys was front page feature story in Brisbane Australia's Australia.TO 24.7 News.

This is Janet’s first novel, although she has co-authored other non-fiction books. She says, “Oddly enough, Don’t You Marry the Mormon Boys has received little notice in Utah. I sent emails to all the papers with no response. But I persisted, and found reviewers in Canada, and NJ among other states, and now Australia. The great thing is they ‘get’ the story. That is so important to me, to spread a little truth about our religion and culture in my book.” ~ Read More

Home & Family: Biography of a Great Lady - Mary Moore, Part 2

by Muriel Sluyter on Rocky Mountain Straight Talk
on the yourLDSneighborhood Newsstand - 8 May 2008

And the saga continues . . .

It was early morning and James had two helpers cutting wheat, while he gave his horses their daily salt. John Simpson was lying in the loft of the cabin, too sick to work. Margaret was fixing breakfast; two of the children, Rebecca and William, were returning from the spring with the morning's supply of water.

With a shout, two raiding parties of Indians burst into view. One party headed for the house, and the other rushed to the field where the men were working. The first party shot Rebecca and William, approximately 7 and 5 years old, as they returned from the spring, after which they shot little Alexander, about 3 years old, near the house. ~ Read More

Religious: The MTC Experience

by Rebecca Talley on Rebecca Talley Writes

My son has been serving in the Italy Rome mission. Interestingly enough, his first mission president was our family doctor, which made me feel a little better about sending my first child halfway around the world.

As the day approached for my son to enter the MTC, I had mixed feelings. It was a day I’d looked forward to for 19 years, a culmination of all of my teaching, prodding (he might say harassing), and efforts to help my son prepare to serve his mission. I was thrilled he’d not only made the choice to serve, but was also worthy to do so. I was very proud of him. Yet, I knew that his absence would create a hole in the family and a hole in my heart. He’d been such a part of the family for so many years and none of his younger siblings knew life without him. I knew it wouldn’t be the same without him and though he was serving the Lord, it would be hard without him. ~ Read More

Arts & Entertainment/ Movies: Romeo and Juliet

by Linda Scanlan on I Knew I Could Fly
on the yourLDSneighborhood Newsstand - 5 May, 2008

History is fascinating. The movie industry has brought truth, glamor and understanding to the historically challenged population. Shakespeare seems to be number one on the list for those historically challenged people. Fortunately Twentieth Century Fox has given this group of handicapped individuals hope.

Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes starred in the 1996 Shakespearean film “Romeo and Juliet”. A new generation was introduced to this classic set in “the futuristic urban backdrop of Verona Beach.” Though in a modern setting, the original dialog has been maintained. The combination of old and new created a new form of “classic” for movie goers. ~ Read More

Home & Family: Biography of a Great Lady - Mary Moore, Part 1

by Muriel Sluyter on Rocky Mountain Straight Talk
on the yourLDSneighborhood Newsstand, 5 May 2008

I should like to tell of Mary Moore - a real story about a real person - who lived in Virginia two centuries ago . . . James Moore, of Scottish descent and grandfather of Mary Moore, was born in Ireland. In about 1726, he and his brother Joseph sailed for America, settling in Pennsylvania.

Joseph died after approximately two years, leaving James to discover the wonders of America alone. In his loneliness, he met and married Jane Walker, a girl of Scottish descent, whose father had emigrated to Ireland, married, fathered seven children, and finally, brought his family to America. ~ Read More