Monday Message

"Let us be in a position so we are able to not only feed ourselves through the home production and storage, but others as well." (President Ezra Taft Benson)

I think we all have seen the pictures of miles-long lines of people in food lines. There are so many people hurting right now...my heart goes out to them and I am praying for everyone as well.

With Thanksgiving behind us we are now looking to Christmas, unfortunately new case counts of Covid are rising rapidly.

We need to stay the course that will make all safe.

We need to carry the wonderful feeling we get at Christmas time, love for others all year long. We can hold that feeling, we can promote this feeling we can. Our world needs that now more than ever.

This is a busy year with needing to stay home and cooking from scratch everything is harder so find time to rest and find things that will recharge your batteries.

https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/tips/g645/crafty-christmas-presents-ideas/?slide=5 - this has some homemade Christmas ideas, just keep hitting that arrow at the right.

https://www.pinterest.com/mamasmiles/handmade-christmas/ this has lots and lots of ideas, I like the cootie catcher in Christmas theme, scroll down till you find it.

https://maravilhasdocroche.blogspot.com/2007/09/passo-passo.html...cute ornament

https://coolcreativity.com/crochet/santa-ornament-free-crochet-pattern/ - how cute is this?

https://www.frugalfamily.co.uk/36-simple-homemade-ornaments-for-kids/ - ideas for ornaments for kids to make, be sure to scroll down near the bottom - cute ideas!

https://budgetingisachallenge.com/no-money-to-spend-at-christmas-how-i-survived/ this is a good read, great ideas when things are tight.

One year I made this Angry Birds set for my grandson. Check out the post about it HERE.

The most important thing is not to feel sorry for yourself, these are trying times for many. Steer clear of guilt at not having the money to purchase gifts for the kids, there are things you can do...

My grandma had six littles during the depression...She once told me that out of an orange crate she made a little cupboard for my mom when she was little.

Try to tell the kids that this year we are having hard times, ask them for input like what can we do to make a happy Christmas? I think you will be surprised at their ideas. This will be a team effort and so long as you do things that bring fond memories that will be what they remember most.

https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/12-days-of-pancakes/ - cute ideas, yum!

https://kitchenfunwithmy3sons.com/christmas-santa-pancakes/ - too cute, I love pancakes.

https://www.popsugar.com/family/Christmas-Breakfast-Pancakes-Kids-20981531 - yum!

https://www.theidearoom.net/reindeer-pancakes-christmas-breakfast/ - yum, yum!

We may not have money but fun costs very little. I am sure if you had a different pancake each day fun would be had.

Write on a piece of paper the games you have, cut them apart and fold them in half. Then when things like this are needed, someone can draw and all play that one pick. I think having that could go all year as fun for all.

For young kids, go through your clothing, toss in a box, wild socks, jewelry, hats, shoes, and fun will be at your house as they dress up.

One time I was watching the grandkids, I always had a dress up box, always. Well we were all dressed up and going on a safari to find certain stuffed animals when the doorbell rang. I thought it was their mom, Grandpa answered the door and it wasn't her but someone from church. There we were in pith helmets and weird clothes as we were on a safari and looked like it. So with that pic in your head, remember it didn't cost anything and we had lots of fun.

I guess what I am saying is, think outside the box and be surprised what you come up with.

Times are hard, especially hard but make memories.