Learn to Index!

Who here is good at deciphering old calligraphy and three hundred year old cursive? You are not sure if you are good at it? Well, come give it a try at Larkin's house next Wednesday evening at 7:30! As Guardians of the Hearth (our theme for LYS this month), it is important for us to help preserve our family history. One way we can do that is through indexing. Check out the link below to learn more about indexing. You can take a two minute "test drive" to see if you like indexing. Then, when you realize that indexing is actually fun definitely more useful than playing angry birds/scrabble on your phone,  you can easily download the software to your computer or smart phone and index anytime you want! Dont let the phrase "download software" throw you off (i hate the word software, it scares me), the church website makes it super easy. 

Worldwide Record Indexing

This link has four tutorial videos.

So bring your laptops/smart phones and a snack to Larkins house on Wednesday 27th at 7:30pm and we will chat and learn how to index together. Larkin is pretty good at indexing, so she can be our guide if we need help.  We thought 7:30 would be a good time because it would allow moms to get kids ready for bed before heading out, but if it is too late, we can move the time back a bit. 

If you are anti-indexing, that is ok too! Just come to chat and hang out.

love, 

Regan

January Goal Ideas: Continuing Education Classes

January's goals are all about learning new skills and finding ways to improve our homes. Kirkwood Community College has several continuing education courses that might help!

Click here to see the courses.

Courses are generally several weeks long and sometimes have a minimal fee.

Family/Home/Finance

Consumer/Finance                         Cosmetology Foods/Entertaining

Interior Design Lawn/Garden Family Develop.

General Interest

Arts Crafts Dance Dog Obedience Language/Culture

Leisure Mind/Body Music/Fine Arts Photography Writing/Literature

Goal Suggestion: Christmas Devotional

In case you missed the 2012 First Presidency Christmas Devotional, click here to read, watch or download. Watch as a family for Family Home Evening or perhaps on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Then don't forget to log this as a goal for the month.

Wishing you a warm and happy December,
The Literacy Committee

Christmas Is . . .

Check out the church's new website page "Christmas Is" to find out ways you can share and enjoy the true meaning of Christmas.

Click here.

November Gratitude Journal: Day 30

Here are five things I'm grateful for:

1. Jay
2. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and all the blessings
it brings into my life
3. Hugs from little ones, especially my fifteen nieces and nephews
4. Laughter
5. Music

{Talia Stirling}

November Gratitude Journal: Day 29

Of course I am grateful for the bucket list... family, income, shelter, gospel, etc... but here are a few things I am especially grateful for today!

I am grateful for indoor plumbing.  I can not imagine a life without showers, toilets, kitchen faucets, washing machines, and a toddler to boot!
I am grateful for our infrastructure, the trucking lanes, and the highways that allow ease of travel and things like food shipments to get to our hometowns.  

I am grateful for innovative minds that have made and continue to make everyday "chores" more convenient and easy.

I am grateful to be given the opportunities to learn new things every day.

I am grateful for the Lord letting me borrow from his endless supply of patience and I am grateful for a daughter who seems to drain my supply as fast as I can borrow it.

I am grateful for the trials I have been entrusted with throughout my life.  They have shaped me into who I am today, and even though I'm not perfect I know I'd be a lot less whole without the growth they have provided.

I am grateful for college football.  Fall + NCAA football + Hot Chocolate = SATURDAY ECSTASY!!!!  Really, NCAA football makes life worth living :)

{Brookie Stander}



One thing that has constantly been near the top of my thankful list is the ability to read. I love to read for pleasure and information. Perhaps that was one thing that motivated me to become a teacher. I am so grateful for the great thoughts and words open to me because of my ability to read.

No gratitude list is complete without "family" written down. I have much family to be thankful for.

I am thankful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is such a blessing to have the truth and to know that it is true.

{Lara Gelder}

November Gratitude Journal: Day 28

I am grateful for having shelter and plenty of food. I'm grateful for a husband who both complements and compliments me. I'm grateful that babies learn how to smile before they learn how to talk. I'm grateful for my dishwasher. I'm grateful for the family I grew up in, the one I married into, and the one I'm currently building. I'm grateful that this list could go on forever if I had enough time.

{Emily Leslie}

I am so thankful for the knowledge I have of the atonement.  Because of my Savior’s incredible sacrifice, there is Nothing in this world to fear, He has overcome the world! Words cannot express the gratitude I have for Him and for our Eternal Father who  “so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.”  Because our Savior was willing to suffer for us, we never have to suffer alone, and we can one day be with Them again. 

I am so thankful to be a mother.   I am so thankful for the gift these babies are in my life and for the knowledge I have that I get to be their mother forever!

I am so thankful for Matt!  I admire him and appreciate him so. darn. much.  Thank goodness he is also mine forever!

I am thankful to be living in a time where there is the fullness of the Gospel! I am thankful for the sacrifice of the saints who made that possible.  And what a treat to be able to watch it spread across the whole earth!

I am thankful for friends and family and to live in a day when communicating with people thousands of miles away is no big thing! So thankful for cell phones and all the other ways we can communicate from afar!

I am thankful for art in all forms and all other beautiful things and moments.

{Mary Smith}

November Gratitude Journal: Day 27

I am thankful for....

   a body that is functioning and able

   a husband that works hard and loves me

   a family that supports and cares for me

   a testimony of truth

   a job that challenges me

   a home 

   the internet

   and chocolate

to name a few:)

{Abbey Zmoos}

I am thankful for a wonderful husband, who loves me beyond words

a stable job that helps me to grow and learn in ways I never anticipated

a wonderful home to return to, a place where I feel safe and happy

good physical health, I have the strength to run and play sports

a mind full of creativity and a willful drive to try new things

a loving family, sisters who are my best friends and parents who would do anything to help me succeed in life

the gospel of Jesus Christ, the joy of knowing that the Lord has a plan for me and that I have the eternal capacity to become like He is

my life, for all the happiness that fills my soul with joy and carries me through the difficult times. 

{Melissa Humbert}

November Gratitude Journal: Day 26

Here are some things I'm grateful for:

My family
My husband
My daughter
Knowledge of the plan of salvation and knowing I'm a daughter of God
My Savior
My job
Priesthood blessings
Prayer
The holiday season
The scriptures

{Mallory McFarlane}

November Gratitude Journal: Day 25

Two cute kitties to snuggle with.

A husband who loves me and puts some fun in my life.

Being able to live with my parents and everything they so willingly do
to help us.

Aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents that live close and never
hesitate to offer their love and support.

A job that allows me to pay our bills and coworkers that are easy to
get along with.

A testimony of the Gospel that gives me hope and allows me to see the light.

{Sarah Voss}




I'm thankful for my family, the one I was born into, the one I married into, and the ones I choose to call family.
I'm thankful for technology. I love that I can share pictures and video of my son with my family far away. I also love that I we can skype with family and Max can be familiar with far away family.
I am thankful for mail and the USPS. I love to send and receive cards and letters in the mail. It's so much more personal than an email.
I am thankful for hugs. Especially great big Mommy Hugs, even when it's not my mom. I got 2 (very much needed) Mommy Hugs today!
I'm thankful for modern medicine. My family and extended family have been to the doctor and hospitals a lot this month and I am so grateful they are clean and sterile, that doctors are knowledgeable and are able to help us heal.
I'm so thankful for my son and his even temperament and calm personality.
I'm thankful for music and the impact it has in my life. It can set a tone in our home and change a bad mood. 

I'm thankful for cute bright colored heels. They always make me feel good about myself. 

{Alexis Kurth}

November Gratitude Journal: Day 24

My thankfuls....

 

• Growing up in a small farming town in Idaho
• A loving family who stays close even if we all live in completely different parts of the country
• Technology that helps me stay connected with friends and family
• My new job, that stretches and challenges me
• To live in a place that has 4 separate seasons
• A dependable vehicle (for the first time in my life haha)
• Movies/TV shows that help me unwind and relax
• Hair product that brings me such silly happiness 
• Traveling to new and exciting parts of the country/world
• Animals, i am obsessed
• A hardworking husband who would do anything for me and our future family
•  An eternal marriage that brings more joy to my life than i ever thought possible.
• The gospel that gives me such peace and direction

{Meggan Morgan}

November Gratitude Journal: Day 23

1. I am thankful for family prayer and treagans great example.
2... For modern technology so we can talk to our families everyday.
3.... Hensleigh is sleeping through the night at 12 weeks old.
4.... Treagan is a great dad and likes to help out taking care of Hens.
5.... I got to go to Utah and spend time with family.
6.... For a healthy and happy baby.
7.... For a healthy body and that I am able to exercise.
8.... For the ensign and being able to read it everyday.
9.... I am able to stay home and take care of Hensleigh every day.
10.... For great friends here in Iowa.

{Kim White}



I am grateful for Macy, she is always SUPER excited to see me when I get home, and she always makes me laugh....

I am grateful for friends who keep me sane, help me pass my classes, and are always there for me no matter what!

I am grateful for the beauty of nature, it shows that Heavenly Father loves us and made this world just for us.

And of course, grateful for Daniel - even though he makes fun of me everyday!

{Brittany Johansen}

November Gratitude Journal: Day 22

-I am so grateful for my husband. I am grateful that we met and fell in love quickly. He is my friend, my confidant, and my comforter. He always knows the right things to say and the right time to give me a hug. He works so hard at making sure we have a successful future.
-I am grateful for modern technology that allows me to forget that I am 1,900 miles away from my parents. I love to chat with them in my living room (even if it is through a computer).
-I am grateful for my in-laws. They are so kind and loving and have made me feel like I was part of the family the moment I met them.
-I am grateful that we had the opportunity to visit my in-laws on their mission in Guyana. It was a very humbling experience that will always remind me to be grateful for everything that I have.
-I am grateful for my dog, Lucy. Her sweet personality and charismatic face brightens up our home. She has kept me company on many long days while David has been away. I never thought it would be possible to have an animal be such a close friend. But, Lucy is definitely one of my closet friends.
-I am grateful for my job. It that allows me to work at home and also to travel and see my family whenever I want to.
-I am grateful for the body Heavenly Father has given me. I enjoy using my body. I love to jog and push my body to see how far I can go.
-I am grateful for this Church. I am grateful for the knowledge that we were put on this Earth for a divine purpose. I am grateful to have a Heavenly Father that looks out for me and is there when I need him. I am grateful to know that I will see my loved ones again.

{Kami Summers}

November Gratitude Journal: Day 21

 I am thankful for (In no Particular order):

1.  My husband and all the hard work he puts into law school to make a better life for us.
2. William and the lessons he has taught me. (Patience,Love,Unselfishness)
3. A wonderful apartment and all the space we have!
4. The sunshine and how it warms my face
5. Rain for the relaxing sound that puts me to sleep as well as the wonderful smell!
6. Music and  how I can feel the spirit when I listen to it as well as feeling  the emotions it conveys to me
7. My Life and how the lord is allowing me to take breath every day to learn,feel,see,taste, and hear the wonderful things he created
8. My family and their support
9. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and their plan for me as well as the sacrifice they both suffered so that I can live with them again.
10. The Temple and the spirit I feel there
11. My covenants
12. My talents, even the ones I don't think I'm very good at!
13. Kisses, hugs, and snuggle time
14. Books and the knowledge I can obtain from them-or just relaxing with a good book is great too! 

{Hannah Melling}

I am grateful for:

warm weather

nights off

days off

weekends off

time with family

kindness and friendly faces

my husband who does way too much for me

a warm house

my health

a stable job

{Erin Sheffield}

November Gratitude Journal: Day 20

I am most grateful for my husband, Eric and our daughter, Dillon.

{Billie Tyler}

Mostly, I'm grateful for Shane!  And of course, Cam and Chase.  Then, all the rest of my family and Shane's family.  I'm grateful for the knowledge I have that families can be eternal.  I'm grateful to have a knowledge of the Savior and the Atonement, and to know that I can progress and become better, and that one day, my life will be completely clean and I will be able to be with my Heavenly Father and my Savior.  I'm grateful that I live in a time when we have air conditioning, heating, dishwashers, and so many comforts of life.  I'm also grateful for chocolate!

{Lynette Sweat} 

November Gratitude Journal: Day 19

I am grateful for:
--Knowledge that my Heavenly Father loves me, has a plan for me, and puts trust in me.
--A healthy body, good doctors, and modern medicine.
--Family: a good husband, a healthy baby girl, and wonderful extended family.
--Modern day revelation, the scriptures, our Prophet and other church leaders.
--The temple and the peace it brings to our lives.
--Yummy food (especially this time of year!) and people to enjoy it with.
--A great home and all the modern conveniences we have.
--Good books and good entertainment.
--Fall weather and snow plows in the winter.
--The opportunity we have to be in Iowa City and all of the wonderful people we have met!

{Erica Lowe}


A few of the things I am grateful for:

blueberries

rain

strollers

hot cocoa

elmo

packages 

and the loved ones who send them

warm socks

spoons

surpsises

a forgiving daughter and husband

dear friends

train whistles

chubby baby legs

libraries

the color green

airplanes

our bishop

the gospel

my Savior

The list goes on. and on. and on!

{Wendy Shaha}

November Gratitude Journal: Day 18

I am thankful for the opportunity I've had to receive an education and use it to support my family. I am thankful for missionary work both full time and member missionaries and the knowledge and blessings my experience and conversion because of both, has brought to my life! I'm also thankful for eternal families!!!!

{Laura Olsen}

November Gratitude Journal: Day 17

I'm grateful for both Phillip and I familys. I'm grateful for the gospel, our home our home our dogs and each other.

{BreeAnn Keddy}



Here are a few things I am grateful for:

-a warm house and a warm bed
-a patient and forgiving husband who is willing to work hard
-a forgiving daughter who seems to love me even when I'm imperfect
-the opportunity to be a mother
-the peace and reassurance the Gospel brings to my life
-the Savior: His love, His example, His sacrifice, and His forgiveness
-parents who taught me wrong from right and continue to be a huge support and influence in my life

{Rachel Harding}

November Gratitude Journal: Day 16

I am grateful for:
Being able to go back to school
Having a job I enjoy
How hard working my husband is
Having great friends that have became family when family is so far away

{JoEll Carling}

November Gratitude Journal: Day 15

things I am grateful for . . .

knowing I am a daughter of God and that I matter to Him.

friends and family who have shown more kindness to me this year than I will ever be able to repay.

a husband who always puts my needs above his own.

becoming a new mother. the last 5 weeks have been wonderful and challenging, happy and exhausting. I am thankful to have two little girls to wake up to each morning.

the little things in life: fall colors. natural light. oatmeal cookies. the smell of babies. clean pajamas. christmas music. weekly dates. white noise and furnace noise. wild berry smoothies. stroller rides. pretty paper. peppermint bark. baby baths. blueberry muffins. 

the things I really am most grateful for, are the people and relationships in my life. 

{Channa}