{Creating Life} Giving Back.

It has been a few weeks since I have posted this segment.  As a Mom of 4 I have my hands in lots of fun cookie jars and I finally have a second to put my hands on my laptop.  lol

We had a fun treat filled Halloween.  I am not sure how many pounds that has added to my "pockets" but I am sure it has done some damage. :) 
One of the things we all love about the Holiday season right?  grrr 
Today I have a 2 part post to share with you.
Hope you enjoy!

Thanksgiving Treat in a Basket.

(my first tutorial...don't tell me if you hate it. lol)

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend a little gathering hosted by one of my cute friend, Leslie.  Leslie creates darling fabric pumpkins and sells them to various local shops including Thanksgiving Point.  During this gathering she hosted at her home I had the opportunity to buy a set of her fun pumpkins and was also treated to her yummy pumpkin bars.  Leslie shared her tasty recipe with me and I decided to make some up and give them to the sisters in my ward that I visit each month (visiting teaching).   I used the paper basket idea to make the giving a little more fun.   My baskets were made in Halloween colors but any paper would work.  If you are looking for a great way to share a neighbor treat for Thanksgiving or Christmas this is an easy and fun way to give.   The pumpkin bars would also be a great treat for Thanksgiving....just use some fall colored sprinkles instead of Halloween sprinkles and you have a cute treat to share that your friends will love.

Here is a tutorial to make the paper baskets:

You need one 12x12 sheet of paper (preferably card stock)

One 2x12 strip of coordinating color/pattern

Two brads (or whatever you wish to attach handles with)

Two punched shapes of your choice (this is optional...anything or nothing will work.  Just depends upon what you like).

With the 12x12 cut a slit every 4 inches and 4 inches deep.

So there will be two slits on two sides of your 12x12 paper.

Once you have your slits you are going to fold toward the middle.

So it looks like a bunch of of squares.

Then take the corners of one side and bring them up and meet them together.  The middle section is behind.  Glue it together so it looks like this.

Once you have created the basket you can attach the handle.  Use your 2x12 strip and glue it in place on each side.

Now create a small hole where you want the brad to go.   Attach the brad to the shape first and then attach them both to the handle. 

So it looks like this on both sides.

Ta-Da!  You have a cute basket ready to help you share a treat and a note.

Here is another example...these were the Halloween treat baskets.

I used black raffia rather than brads.

Pumpkin Bars
2 cups sugar
1 cup oil
4 eggs
2 cups pumpkin (or applesauce...it is sooo yummy too.)
2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. heaping cinnamon
Mix and bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes.
Cool and frost.
Cream Cheese Icing
1  3oz. pkg of cream cheese
3/4 cup softened butter (or margarine)
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
I also add a little bit of milk so it spreads easily.

Idea for Holiday Gatherings

I have another friend that I find rather brilliant.  Her name is Holly.  Her hubby is the Bishop in her ward and each year they invite the Bishopric members and their wives over for a Christmas dinner.  After her and her guests enjoy a yummy soup and salad dinner she is preparing a service project that will help children.   They will be creating 12 fleece blankets to give to children in Foster Care and she will be inviting her guests to bring along a favorite children's book or stuffed animal to give along with the blankets.   I thought this was a wonderful idea.   Most of the time when we gather at parties or dinners we sit around and talk or play games but it truly is the perfect time to give back by using our hands to create something that will touch the life of another.   Holly is a Mom of 4 children...two of which blessed her home through
adoption.  Holly loves children and this plan gives her and her hubby and friends the opportunity to send love to children who can't be with their parents at no fault of their own.   I wanted to share this idea with you in hopes you will think of ways you can help children this holiday season.   There are so many needs....I wanted to highlight 3 of them.

1.  The Utah Adoption Exchange (if you live outside of Utah check with your local heart gallery).

2.  Utah Foster Care Foundation -

Holiday Help

Utah Foster Care Foundation participates in the Giving Tree Program each year, helping to collect gifts for Utah’s children in care–it is the Foundation’s belief that every child deserves a normal life, including the time surrounding the holidays.

During the holiday season, gift requests are collected from children in foster care throughout the state. We then make requests to local businesses, community members and church groups to step forward and help us fill these requests by purchasing gifts from the “wish” list or by making a cash donation.

Many of the children and teens in care have been removed from their biological families because of abuse and neglect and Christmas can be an especially difficult time for them. If you would like to assist with our Giving Tree Program, please contact the Foundation staff member in your community.

Salt Lake Valley: Tina, 801.994.5205
Ogden Office: Mindy, 801.392.1114
Orem Office: Jessica, 801.373.3006
Moab Office: Geri, 435.259.3345
Roosevelt Office: Faith, 435.724.0959
Price Office: Kobi, 435.636.0210
St. George Office: Diane, 435.656.8065

Toll-free: 877.505.KIDS
Local: 801.994.5205
moreinfo@utahfostercare.org

3.  Check with your local Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

While Spencer was in the NICU we learned about the need they have for preemie and newborn size clothing and blankets.  I have a special place in my heart for the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Utah County.  They were wonderful with our little guy!

There is so much need everywhere...whether you decide to donate to one of the above or someplace close to your own heart you will be touching lives and hearts. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (2nd Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) gave a talk during the April 2010 LDS General Conference titled "You Are My Hands".  It is a very touching talk.  I wanted to end this long post by quoting one portion.
"As we extend our hands and hearts toward others in Christlike love, something wonderful happens to us. Our own spirits become healed, more refined, and stronger. We become happier, more peaceful, and more receptive to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit."