Weaved

 

Weaved, written by Brie (17 years old)
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The night was coming to a close, and she could feel her body slowing down as it prepared to sleep. She sat upon her bed, an open notebook and pen atop her lap. She picked up the pen and lightly tapped it against her knee, something she did regularly when she was stuck.
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Writer's block, she thought to herself.
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She uncrossed her long legs and stretched them out as she yawned. She leaned back against the sturdy wall behind her and started twisting her blonde hair. Waiting for something inspiring to hit her, she twirled and unraveled golden strands, twisting the ends with her fingers. And then she began to braid. She absentmindedly separated her hair into three sections and started crossing each over the other until a braid was formed.
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Looking at her braid in the mirror across the room from her, she pondered it's simplicity. It was so beautiful, the way the hair weaved in and out, like ripples in a flowing river. She grabbed the end of her braid and thought, My life is like a braid.
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And with that, the pen in her hand burst into life.
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She was entirely made up of thousands - if not millions - of things, but she decided to categorize.
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1. Heart & Soul. Her spirit, her beliefs, and her morals.
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2. Gifts & Flaws. Her intelligence, her talents, and her quirks.
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3. Self-Inflicted & Completely Out Of My Control. Her trials, her hardships, and her heartaches - both internal and external.
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She began to sort the different aspects of her life into these three categories. After several minutes, her body began to grow even more tired. As she set down her pen, she felt satisfied with how her list was ending up.
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She was who she was because of those three categories. She had been weaved, with all the best of intentions, into the person she was today.
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She closed her notebook quietly and set it aside. As she climbed out of her bed, she ran her hand down the braid again and smiled. She knelt down and offered up a prayer of thanks and complete gratitude for who she was and who she was becoming.
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The greatest part of the braid is the elastic that's holding it all in place - she decided this was the partnership of her Father in Heaven and His son, Jesus Christ. Without them, she'd fall apart.
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On the very edge of reality and a dream, she climbed up and fell heavily onto her bed. In no time at all, her heavy eyelids succumbed to sleep.
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My sweet daughter, Brie, is an inspiration to me. She has been blessed with such a wonderful gift - being able to express herself through the written word. I admire her strength  and her willingness to share her love of the gospel.
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Here she is, probably a decade ago, sportin' some pretty cute braids. :) How quickly time moves forward.
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Popcorn "Stand"

This is what Kim's stake did for their young women and their mothers, on the night of the General YW Meeting... such a cute idea!
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We Dig Doug!

If you live in Utah Valley, we invite you to take part in this heartfelt event on Saturday, April 13, 2013. It was originally going to be held in our parents backyard, but because of an outpouring of love from the community it has been moved to the Cascade Golf Center in Orem, Utah. All proceeds will be donated to the Douglas Kotter family. Visit We Dig Doug! for more information.
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2013 Youth Conference T-Shirt Design

Here is the t-shirt design we used for our stake youth conference this year:
 
We wanted there to be meaning behind the shirt. This is what we came up with...
  • The mountain - represents the mountain of the lord/temple.
  • Youth standing on top of the mountain - represents both the young men and young women.
  • The tattered flag - represents what they stand for, personal title of liberty.
  • The gear - though we stand firm in the gospel, we are always moving the work forward through service.
  • ... or the sun - anchored in Christ, the son of God.
I loved that there were seniors involved in the process. We sat down and talked about what they wanted the design to look like, they sketched, changes were made, and eventually the final design was approved. 
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When it came time to pick out colors for the t-shirts, our senior co-chairs took the lead. They chose charcoal (for all the seniors), indigo blue (for all the adults), and pistachio, orchid, daisy, red, Carolina blue, jade dome (teal), tangerine, and ice grey for all the youth.
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A text went out Monday night encouraging all those who attended youth conference over spring break to wear their t-shirts to school on Tuesday. Tuesday, after school, one of the seniors come by my house and she was so proud of the t-shirts she helped design. As she should be! :)
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Kenneth Cope sporting one of our t-shirts. :)
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Build a Bridge to Their Hearts

I came across this article and thought I'd share. I absolutely love the message and envision some wonderful leadership training moments. :) Visit the link below for the complete article:
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RESOURCE
Taken from a timeless message for leaders of youth:
Building Bridges, Thomas S Monson, New Era, November 1985
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"Leaders of our young people fill a variety of roles. Some are trained executives and secretaries in the world of business, skilled physicians and nurses in the field of medicine, or competent teachers in the classrooms of learning. Others have studied sociology, psychology, languages, or history. Many are filling the vital role of homemaker. In reality, each is also engaged in the building trade. The product: building a bridge to the heart of a youth."
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How can we reach our youth?  I answer, “Build a bridge to their hearts.”
 
Some attempt to build a bridge with inferior materials, inadequate planning, and improper tools. The finished product may appear substantial, attractive, and be ready for use in a minimum of time. But then come the storms and the stresses of life and the tell-tale sign: “Danger! Bridge washed out!” We cannot risk such an occurrence in our bridge building. Our responsibility is too great, our influence too lasting, our opportunity too perishable. We must build wisely, skillfully, and, with meticulous care, follow our blueprint.
 
In any bridge-building project, the first requirement is a visit to the site, that we might get clearly in our minds the task which lies ahead and the problems likely to be encountered. How wide is the gulf? How firm is the base? What is the stress factor? What are the available resources? Where and when do we commence?
 
Bridge builder, do you know your youth? Do you understand their problems and their perplexities, yearnings, ambitions, and hopes? Do you know how far they have traveled, the troubles they have experienced, the burdens they have carried, the sorrows they have borne?
 
Then we must prepare. A blueprint is to be drawn. Nothing can be left to chance. If we fail to prepare, we prepare to fail. Trite? Perhaps, but ever so true.
 
Preparation will dispel that hidden and insidious enemy who lurks within and limits our effectiveness. This enemy of whom I speak is fear. A fear to wholeheartedly accept our calling. A fear to provide direction to others. A fear to lead, to motivate, to inspire. In his wisdom, the Lord provided a formula whereby we might overcome the arch villain—fear. He instructed: “if ye are prepared ye shall not fear” (D&C 38:30).

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Is it a drawbridge?
Such a bridge is controlled exclusively by the operator. By command it moves up and out of place or down and into place. In Honolulu, I saw the weakness of such a bridge. While the operator raised the two portions high into the air to permit a vessel to pass beneath, long lines of automobiles and pedestrians waited impatiently. Their own onward course was halted abruptly. When our youth need our help, we cannot afford to have a disconnected bridge. The angry waters of discouragement and despair wait altogether too threateningly and menacingly to swallow the young person who would attempt a crossing to safety. The drawbridge is out.
 
 
What about a swinging bridge?
Such a bridge is easily built. It is quaint and provides a sweeping view. But what happens to such a bridge when the winds of life whip up to tempest proportions? The bridge swings with the gale and can hurl an unsuspecting traveler to destruction.
When bridge builders are wavering in their testimony, when they yield to temptation or the way of the world, they hold out to young people the dangers of a swinging bridge. Wise youth will not trust such a bridge. And wise builders will not waste their time or energies on such an uncertain undertaking.
 
 
Should we consider the footbridge?
Hastily erected, it permits limited traffic. There are no safety rails. It cannot carry the weight of present-day responsibility. It may reach to the opposite bank, but it won’t reach to the heart of a youth. The leader in the Church who looks at his or her assignment as one day a week, four days a month and no more, is guilty of such gross underbuilding. The footbridge cannot meet today’s growing needs. It parallels narrow concepts, limited vision, inadequate communication, and unsatisfactory results.
 
 
What of the covered bridge?
We see a few as we travel about the countryside. Usually they span small streams. Oh, the covered bridge may keep out a few storms, but have you noticed how the moss forms on the areas that never receive the sunlight? A musty odor and a dark passage await each person to cross over. To reach our youth, we need to permit the sunlight of truth to shine warmly on all parts of our bridge of understanding. We are to be optimistic, forward looking, abreast of these challenging times—and the old-fashioned covered bridge simply won’t suffice.
 
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Should we attempt to build a narrow bridge?
The initial effort is modest, but inconvenience and hazardous travel will follow. One-way traffic, the curse of the narrow bridge, is like one-way communication. It is outmoded. A good leader must learn to listen. Listening is not a passive activity. To actively listen to another person requires willpower, concentration, and great mental effort. Its rewards are many, because only then do we really learn to understand our youth.
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What, then, is the proper bridge to build?
When I was in Sydney, Australia, I crossed over one of the world’s truly great bridges. It is a tribute to human genius. I appraised its virtues:
  1. There was two way, multiple lane passage.
  2. The bearing load could accommodate the smallest Volkswagen or any number of mammoth semi-trucks and trailers.
  3. It was well supported and firmly anchored on both sides.
  4. It had been constructed with care. It could withstand the most severe storm or heaviest burden. Its stress strength was above, as well as below, the surface. Some parts, like the giant cables, were exposed to view. Other portions, such as the bearing girders and underwater supports, were hidden, but nevertheless doing duty as required.
  5. One felt safe in crossing such a bridge.
When our youth can discuss their challenges with us, rather than being relegated to the position of patient listener only, we have such multiple-lane passage. Understanding is enhanced and our work becomes our joy, for we see its effect in the lives of others. When the bearing load of our bridge is geared to accommodate minimum and maximum requirements, our youth trust our judgment and will unburden the heavy loads that sometimes weigh upon the human heart. When we have an abiding faith in the living God, when our outward actions reflect our inner convictions, we have the composite strength of exposed and hidden virtues. They combine to give safe passage for our youth.
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Bridge builders, when we really love our youth, they will not find themselves in that dreaded “Never, Never Land.” Never the object of concern. Never the recipient of needed aid. Rather, we will be present, serving diligently and devotedly in the cause of truth and the cause of youth. We may never open gates of cities or doors of palaces, but true happiness and lasting joy will be ours as we achieve success in building a bridge to the heart of a youth.
 
 
We and our youth may be in the position described in this classic poem:
 
An old man, traveling a lone highway,
Came at evening cold and gray,
To a chasm deep and wide.
The old man crossed in the twilight dim,
For the sullen stream held no fears for him,
But he turned when he reached the other side.
And builded a bridge to span the tide.
“Old man,” cried a fellow pilgrim near,”
You are wasting your strength with building here;
Your journey will end with the ending day,
And you never again will pass this way.
“You have crossed the chasm deep and wide.
Why build you a bridge at eventide?”
And the builder raised his old gray head:
“Good friend, on the path I have come,” he said,
“There followeth after me today
A youth whose feet will pass this way.
“This stream which has been as naught to me
To that fair-haired boy may a pitfall be;
He, too, must cross in the twilight dim—
Good friend, I am building this bridge for him.”


YOUshare: Daily Progress

I received another email recently about "a great resource for personal progress".  Daily Progress, a blog created by Samantha Keyes.
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Samantha writes: "This blog was started as I began looking for a way to complete personal progress. For me, it's always been a matter of feeling overwhelmed by the huge task at hand or just forgetting. In a ward leadership meeting with our Stake Young Women's leaders, one of them said something that stuck with me. She suggested we ask our girls 'What are you doing TODAY for Personal Progress?' So I made a calendar with a few small tasks to do each day. I only needed to look at that day and nothing else. We're talking simple. Say morning and evening prayers today. The next day, read a scripture. The next day, evaluate an experience and check it off if you can. Easy-peasy, right?
Well, I thought if I was going to take the time to plan it all out that I might as well share it. And so began this blog...."  Daily Progress
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Thank you for sharing Samantha! You were right, this is a great resource. It is almost like having a good friend working on personal progress right along with you. I especially love your encouraging words each day. :) 

YOUshare: LOL 4 LDS

I recently received an email from a sweet mom telling me about her 12 year old daughter and her daughter's friend.  The two girls decided to publish a website to teach people about being LDS - and use it as a value project. The site is LOL 4 LDS – "Lessons of Life for LDS".
 
I love that these two young women are taking the time to study the gospel, trying to really understand it, and are willing to share it with anyone and everyone. Anastasia and Callie will come to understand that the time they put into this project will bless their lives more than anyone else. :) To anyone who has ever taught a lesson, wouldn't you agree?
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Everything they have posted thus far links directly back to lds.org - videos, scriptures, and even where to find the nearest lds church. :)
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I love how they share the Articles of Faith... not only did they post all 13 Articles of Faith, they explained them in their own words. Such wonderful insights. I am looking forward to their upcoming lesson on the sacrament, which it looks like they are having some boys, who just happen to be deacons - who actually pass the sacrament, help them out.
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I believe it is safe to assume this is going to be more than a 10 hour project. ;) I look forward to what these two young women have to share!
 
 

Mighty! Sports Day

Years ago, when I was a young woman, my friends and I lived for church ball.  The competition in our stake was fierce! We came up with the shout out, "SYB!" which meant "sacrifice your bodies". We would do anything it took to get to the ball, even if it meant getting hurt. Silly girls. :)
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My best friend through all these wonderful years was Kathy Smart. She and I lived and breathed sports. We thought we were pretty good, but the school coaches never seemed to see our potential. ;)  We tried out for the school teams to no avail. That is why church ball was so wonderful, for us. Our YW coaches were amazing and were some of greatest cheerleaders during those years.
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I am smiling right now, even giggling a little, with all the fun memories... such good memories. All of them!
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VOLLEYBALL
We spent countless hours playing volleyball in the cultural hall, on grassy areas at near by junior high school, and in our own yards. One of our young women leaders lived near the church house and she had a key to the building. We knocked on her door many, many times asking for the key to the building. (Times are so different now.)
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The sounds... "Bump! Set! Spike!", "I got it!", "Call it!", "SYB!", "Rotate!", and that wonderful whistle being blown by one of our Specialists/Referees - usually Sister Llewellyn and Rob Sorenson.
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We even had a co-ed volleyball team. Some of the young men were ball hogs. They didn't think we could get the ball - this really ticked us off.  But, being able to play with and against some really cute boys made up for it. :)
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Here is the key chain each of us received after participating in the Regional Championship Games. It was a pretty big deal! :)
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BASKETBALL
Basketball was fierce! We had a rival ward within our stake, and when basketball season arrived it meant war. In a good, competitive kid of way. Sportsmanship was always key - sportsmanship reminders that is. ;)
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During our weekly YW basketball practices we would focus on dibbling (up and down the court, in and out of cones), passing (stand across from a partner and practice the bounce pass, chest pass, and over the head pass), and of course shooting the ball into the basket (lay-ups, free-throw, out side shots). :)
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To help us with our skills, we would challenge a certain group of boys to a game of basketball on the elementary school blacktop after school, often. We would play girls against boys, around the world, H.O.R.S.E, and speed (which was our favorite).
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SOFTBALL
I still have the softball bat, from my days as a young woman. I remember feeling so cool, bringing that bat to practice each week.
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I loved the feeling of throwing the ball back and forth. The power in the throw, the sound of it hitting the mitt. And the sound of the bat hitting the ball - knowing right away that it was going to be a good one. I still enjoy going to the batting cages with my daughters (though we don't go often enough).
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YW SPORTS DAY
I know that in areas where a couple of my sisters live, the YW sports programs are going strong. They are involved and love it! I am a little jealous.
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Our stake does not currently have a sports program for our young women, but we do hold a YW Sports Day each year. A day of fun, friends, and sweat!
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This year we centered the day around the word "Mighty!"
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SET-UP
Set-Up was easy. Volleyball net in the cultural hall. And 2 larger rooms cleared out for Kick Boxing and Zumba classes. Music was set-up for all rooms. And a table was set-up on the stage for snacks and handouts.
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LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
We invited adult leaders to help out with each rotation and paired them each with at least one of our Laurels (seniors in high school). It's all about shadow leadership! The idea was to have the seniors take the lead, with the adult leaders supporting them.
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ACTIVITIES
The young women were divided into three groups. Each group started with a different activity. This is what our schedule looked like this year:
  • Zumba! (3 rotations)
  • Kick Boxing (3 rotations)
  • Volleyball (3 rotations)
  • Snack Break
  • Mini "Mighty!" Devotional - This was incredible! It was given by one of Laurels (a senior). I have asked her for a copy of her talk.
  • Zumba! (all)
  • Crossfire (all)
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HANDOUT
Each of the young women were given an iron-on - which they could use on an item of clothing a pillowcase, a bag, ... it could be transferred to any porous surface - even wood if they wanted. The instructions were printed and pasted onto the back of the polka dot paper.
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It was also suggested that these could have been made in vinyl. Then the young women could have put them on their mirrors, car windows, closet doors, etc.
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SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES
I would love to hear what the young women are doing in your wards and stakes, in the way of sports (health and fitness). Do tell! :)

Meet Me Under The Mistletoe

For the past few years, I have had intentions of sending my family fresh mistletoe during the Christmas season. (It will happen!) Not the "packaged fresh" mistletoe found at the checkout stand, but mistletoe I gathered myself.
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I have known mistletoe grew nearby, but even in all my asking of friends where to find it, I have been at a loss. I would walk and drive near the locations I was told I would find it, but I had no idea what I was actually looking for.  A tree, a bush... what was mistletoe?
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This year, I decided to do a Google image search for mistletoe. As I scrolled through the photos, a light bulb went on - I discovered I had been looking at mistletoe at almost every turn.
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Here in Central California, there is mistletoe growing all over the place. I now know, that it is really easy to spot during the winter months, especially when the rest of the leaves have fallen from the trees. The picture below is one of the photos I found online... a striking image of a tree in winter, filled with mistletoe. As you can see, when you purchase those plastic mistletoe spheres, it's pretty close to true form. :)  Someone should climb this tree (below) and tie big red bows above each ball of mistletoe.
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Once I learned how to spot mistletoe I had to learn more! And when I learn something new I like to share. Sometimes over and over again, just ask my kids. They know all about mistletoe now. My parents, who visited recently from Utah, know all about mistletoe, my daughter's friends know about mistletoe (if they have been in the car with me recently). :)  I have to hold my tongue and simply point now, for fear of being shot down with eye rolls and deep sighs.
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WHAT IS MISTLETOE?
Mistletoe is a semi-parasitic plant. It grows on the stems of woody plants, from which they derive water, minerals, nutrients and small amounts of organic compounds carried in the sap. Mistletoe can may grow on ash, beech, birch, hickory, maple, oak, pecan, sycamore, walnut and willow.
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Birds spread mistletoe from tree to tree when they eat the pulp around the seeds, which stick to them. The seeds then germinate and the parasite grows through the bark into the tree's water-conducting tissues where the sinkers develop. While the seeds aren't harmful to birds, they are poisonous to humans and pets.
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Though a parasite, mistletoe does do some good. It offers food to a wide variety of creatures throughout the year, helps improve soil quality beneath infected trees, and often provides a safe hiding or nesting place. In addition, it offers up an invitation to all who stand beneath it... "Kiss!"
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SHARING A LITTLE LOVE
On Superbowl Sunday, I took my kids on a nice little hike - after church and before the big game. At the end of the hike we found a tree filled with mistletoe. We each took turns beneath it. :) Can I just tell you... I love my kids! :)
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WHY DO WE "KISS" BENEATH THE MISTLETOE?
The origin of the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe is vague. However, the tradition may have stemmed from either the Viking association of the plant with Frigga (the goddess of love) or from the ancient belief that mistletoe was related to fertility.
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The correct mistletoe etiquette is for the man to remove one berry when he kisses a woman. When all the berries are gone, there's no more kissing permitted underneath that plant. :)
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One legend states that a couple who kisses underneath mistletoe will have good luck, but a couple neglecting to kiss will have bad luck. Specifically, it is believed that a couple kissing under the mistletoe ensure themselves of marriage and a long, happy life, while an unmarried woman not kissed under the mistletoe will remain single for another year.
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Maidens may place a sprig of the plant under their pillow at night in the same manner a child places his or her lost tooth in anticipation of a visit from the Tooth Fairy. Instead of exchanging teeth for money, however, the sprig of mistletoe allows women to dream of their Prince Charming.
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While mistletoe is widely viewed as a symbol of love and fertility, it's also representative of peace. Ancient tales tell of enemies who encounter each other underneath trees bearing mistletoe. The enemies lay down their arms, embrace, and agree to a truce until the next day. This act of goodwill is yet another possibility for why we kiss under mistletoe: abstaining from violence and exchanging greetings under the plant may have prompted the custom of kissing.
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FREE PRINTABLE
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"Meet Me Under the Mistletoe"
by Freshaire Designs (me) :)
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OPERATION: KISS ME
I think mistletoe should be a Valentine's Day tradition, not just Christmas. I am on a mission to make this happen! It just seems to be a perfect fit - with all the kissing. :)
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POSSIBLE FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES
One of my daughters is earning half her tuition for EFY this summer. To help her reach her goal we packaged up: a sprig of mistletoe, instructions for use, and a heart shaped Dove chocolate into a cello bag and tied it up with a bow. She sold them for $1.
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If you live in an area where you can gather fresh mistletoe, this could be a fun and easy fundraiser for you during any of the following holidays:  Christmas (tradition), Valentine's Day (Kiss Me), St. Patrick's Day ("Kiss Me! I'm Irish"), or at Halloween (in the European Middle Ages mistletoe was hung over doors to ward off witches).
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For more information on everything mistletoe, visit: www.mistletoe.org.uk or Mistletoe Matters

Somewhere Over The Rainbow

Last week I attended an adorable New Beginnings. The theme, "New Beginnings: Somewhere Over the Rainbow", was inspired by the movie, Wizard of Oz... just in case you hadn't already figured that one out. :)
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My understanding is that my oh-so-creative friend, Sara-Lynn, was the genius behind the decorations. She told me that she had collaborated with her sister, who also serves in the young women and did a similar theme. Gotta love sisters! - My sister, Kim, also had a Wizard of Oz themed New Beginnings... blog post to come!
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I took a few pictures and jotted down a few notes to share with you. :)  Wish I had taken better pictures and taken better notes... sorry.
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The laurel president conducted the night. She was dressed as Glenda the Good Witch.
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MUSIC FOR THE NIGHT
Opening Song:  I Like To Look For Rainbows - a.k.a. "When I Am Baptized"
Here is a beautiful piano cover of this song I found on YouTube, for you pure enjoyment and relaxation:
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Musical number: Somewhere Over The Rainbow, performed by a group of young women with guitar accompaniment by my daughter, Brie 
Just because I like to share... I absolutely love Eva Cassidy's music. Here is her rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow":
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WELCOME NEW BEEHIVES
All new and soon-to-be Beehives were invited to sit on the front row. Each of them were given a little picnic basket, lined with blue and white gingham fabric and tied with a white ribbon. Inside the basket was a cute little stuffed dog, "Toto". Throughout the night, their baskets were filled with all kinds of goodies.
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CLASS MOTTOS & LOGOS
Each class president took a moment to introduce their class motto and a little bit about what it meant to be a "Beehive", "Mia Maid", or "Laurel". The goal was to give the new and soon-to-be Beehives something to look forward to. :) After their brief introductions, they placed a gift into the girl's baskets; a representation of their class logo:
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Beehives - bee cookie
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Mia Maids - chocolate kiss rose
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Laurels - laurel leaf crown
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YW VALUES PRESENTATION
The young women presented the young women values in such a fun way. Each value was assigned to a different group of young women to present. Each group wrote their own mini-skit, with a Wizard of Oz theme. I wish I had taken notes on all their skits!
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Each group set a lighted mason jar (with the YW value on the front of the jar and in the color of their value) on the front table.
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Here is a list of "values-skit inspirations-goodies/gift":
  • Faith - Lollipop Guild - foot lollipop
  • Divine Nature - Cowardly Lion - packet of seeds
  • Individual Worth - Wicked Witch - 100 grand candy bar
  • Knowledge - Scarecrow - bag of smarties
  • Choice and Accountability - Tin Man - tin can with hearts
  • Good Works - Glenda, the Good Witch - toy wand
  • Integrity - wicked Witch - purple "no-slip" headband
  • Virtue - Ruby Red Slippers - cupcake, gold sprinkles, mini red slipper topper
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PRESENTATIONS
Personal Progress Ribbons
This took a bit of time. By class, the YW leaders handed out bookmarks, ribbons, and gold YW stickers (organized beforehand into envelopes) to those young women who had earned them.
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Personal Progress Completion - Royal Court of Ruby Red Slippers
Each young women who had completed the personal progress program was given one of these adorable paper shoes filled with chocolate dipped strawberries.
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Honor Bees - Queen Bee's
Each young women who had completed an additional 40 hour project, received her honor bee and a ginormous bee cookie (made by Beehives), a crown and a wand. Talk about the royal treatment!
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CLOSING REMARKS
The ward's YW President invited all mothers to join their daughters in completing Personal Progress. She had a personal progress book for every mother. :) Already working on it!
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Before the Bishop shared his remarks, he hid behind a wooden screen, using a megaphone, such as the Wizard in the Wizard of Oz. it was cute. His remarks went along with the theme, as he encouraged the young women in their journey along the yellow brick road - "life".
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DECOR/AMBIANCE