PGH2 Relief Society

2010-06-03T14:36:00.000-07:00

November December Calendar

2009-10-25T11:03:00.001-07:00

Girls Weekend, THANKS Sister. Getty

2009-09-06T11:46:00.000-07:00

Kirtland Trip- June 13th

2009-09-06T11:29:00.001-07:00

July and August Calendar

2009-06-28T11:09:00.000-07:00

WALKING GROUP

2009-06-28T11:05:00.000-07:00

To check out Jen Olsen's walking group she is starting go to our other bloggers list on the right hand side of this blog and click on LADY'S NIGHT OUT. she has all the information there.

May/June 2009 Newsletter

2009-06-14T06:40:00.000-07:00

A little late, but here it is :)

Ta-Daa!

Food Storage Calculator

2009-06-14T05:45:00.000-07:00

Jeanne Machin sent an Excel spreadsheet to aid food storage preparation. It is a fantastic way to examine what your household needs. Just plug in how many adults and children are in the home and how long you want your storage to last, and the document will automatically calculate how much of each item you should purchase. Great find, Jeanne. Thanks!

Food Storage Calculator

April Sister Spotlight

2009-03-23T06:28:00.000-07:00

Elaine Kay Moore Steffenauer

I was born June 8th, 1948. I was born in New Castle, PA and live there until I was 16.

I was not named after anyone but my neice, Karen Elaine, was named after me.

I like all colors--I just like to wear black. Purple is my least favorite--today that is.

I was baptized when I was 13. I only attended church when I visited my Grandmother in Slippery Rock but I always knew the church was true I think because of her testimony. I began to attend regularly when we moved here, first in Pleasant Hills Branch then 2nd Ward, then 5th Ward and now 2nd Ward again--all in the same building. We have moved and returned several times and have lived here this time since 1984.

I recommend doing what makes you happy. To quote President Henry B. Eyring, "You ought to find something that you love so much that when you don't have to think about anything, that's what you think about".

I love children--I don't do grownups. I work in a Montessori Pre-School and love my job. I never thought I would look forward to Mondays, but I do.

In the kitchen--I am the faucet--either hot or cold.

When I grow up I am going to be a Rockette. I will be the 5th one the right--watch for me.

As others have said, I would travel to see my children and other family members. I also like the beach and find it very relaxing. If I could travel in time I would be at my Grandmother's farm. I loved both the work and the play there.

The farthest I have traveled is Japan. We lived in Okinawa when we were first married and Don was in the Air Force.

March and April

2009-03-22T06:48:00.000-07:00

February Spotlight: Sister Alyona Russin

2009-02-02T15:42:00.000-08:00

My mom's parents had a painted picture at home named, "Alyonushka." My mom liked it so much that she called me after the woman in the picture.

My birthday is June 16th, and I was born in Turkmenistan. My favorite color is either red, or pink (it depends on my mood.)

I have been a member of the church for 8 years, although I have been going for 10. I have been a member of the ward for a little more than a year.

I recommend "Jane Air" by Charlotte Brontee, Russian Sweets, getting a pet, and "My fair Lady" the movie.

The item in my kitchen that best describes me is my cat's because they are always there!

My hobbies and talents are beading, cross stitching, shopping, traveling, listening, psychology, dancing, banking, and I am an animal lover.

When I was little I was always jealous that adults could buy as much ice cream as they want. So I wanted to grow up and be able to eat ice cream whenever I wanted.

I want to see the whole world. I want to visit all countries in Europe (they have so much history), Australia - it must be different cause it's so far away from other countries. Egypt- longest asian culture, China and Japan.

The farthest I have been from home is America :) or Russia.... depends on what you call home.

Country Pinto Beans.... goes great with Cornbread!

2009-02-02T15:29:00.000-08:00

1 pound dry pinto beans

1/4 pound bacon or salt pork

1 medium onion, chopped

2 teaspoons salt

* Wash beans by stirring in water and draining until the water is clear. Cover with water and soak overnight. Drain soaking water and cover the beans again with water. Add the onions and the bacon. Cover and simmer for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally and add water if necessary. When the beans are tender add the salt. Continue to cook until the liquid is creamy.

Homemade Wheat Bread

2009-02-02T15:27:00.001-08:00

Spice it up a bit!!

2009-02-02T15:24:00.001-08:00

Barb's Thoughts on Herbs and Spices
Be brave. Buy one herb or spice per month. Focus on that herb. Add it to mild flavored dishes so you can discover how it tastes best. Fish, egg, or cheese dishes are good choices for testing.
If you like a particular herb, try to buy it in bulk. You will save a fortune by foregoing the fancy bottle. Sam's Club has some choices. The Uncommon Market has a mind boggling assortment.

If you want to add a twist to some old favorites, try these blends in your salad dressing, soup, or dip:
Mexican Flair: Cumin, Coriander, Chili Powder, garlic- you can also add: cilantro, black beans, green chilies, corn, hot peppers, shredded beef or chicken.
Italian Flair: Oregano, Basil, Garlic, and Marjoram- you can also add: kidney beans, Italian cheeses, zucchini, eggplant, and onions.
Chinese Flair: Soy Sauce, Chinese 5 Spice, garlic- you can also add: clinatro, Bok Choy, bean sprouts, water chestnuts, and shrimp.

Tips:
Note that I put garlic in just about everything. It's as basic as salt and pepper. When using dry garlic, I prefer garlic granules over powdered. I never use garlic salt. I prefer regulating them individually.
Add a little sugar to recipes that call for tomatoes and vinegar to cut back on the acidicnature of the ingredients.
Don't be afraid to add spices to your favorite recipes. A little nutmeg in a white sauce gives it a sweeter flavor. Tarragon in a meat rub adds an earthy/nutty flavor.
Grow fresh herbs in the spring. It's easy when you use 'starter plants.' Double what the recipe calls for if the herbs are fresh. Dry and seal what you don't use at the end of the season.
Use paprika as a browning ingredient for garlic bread and poultry.
Try some blends that you find in the store: Jamaican Jerk, Greek and Italian Seasoning, Creole and poultry blend, ect.
Be brave! Start with a little. Smell it, taste it, and then add more if you want to!

Italian Wedding Soup, and Taco Soup

2009-02-02T15:15:00.001-08:00

Taco Soup:
2 pounds ground meat (brown and drain), 1 small onion, 1 28oz can diced tomatoes, 1 28oz can tomatoe sauce, 1 16oz kidney beans (drain), 1 16oz black beans (drain), 1 16oz corn (do not drain), 1 1/2 pkg. taco seasoning.

Place on high in crock-pot for 3 hours, or low for 6-8 hours. Toppings are sour cream, cheese, taco chips.

Italian Wedding Soup
3 lg. cans 59oz chicken broth, 1 box frozen chopped spinach, 1 box pasta (small shells), 1 pound ground meat, 5 cloves of garlic, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup of Italian bread crumbs, 1/2 cup parmesean/romano cheese, salt/pepper, 1 tablespoon parsley.

Bring broth to slow boil. In a bowl, mix ground meat, eggs, bread crumbs cheese, garlic, parsley, salt/pepper to taste. Form small meatballs, and drop into broth. Boil 20 min. Add spinach. Make pasta separately, then add to soup last. Simmer 10-15 minutes. Enjoy!!

Bite Sized Cream Puffs

2009-02-02T15:12:00.001-08:00

Total Preparation and cooking time: 50 min. Serves 10.

1/2 cup butter, 1 cup water, 1 cup flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 4 eggs, filling, 1 1/2 cups milk, 1 sm package instant pudding mix (vanilla or chocolate), 1 cup heavy cream, 1/8 cup confectioner's sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, glaze, 2 squares semisweet chocolate, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 cup confectioner's sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 3 tablespoons hot water.

Preheat oven to 400 degress F. In a medium saucepan, combine butter and water and bring to a rolling boil. Reduce to low heat and stir vigorously until mixture leaves the sides of the pan and begins to form a stiff ball. Remove from heat. Add egs, one at a time, beating well to mix in completely. Spoon dough a tablespoon at a time on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Centers should be dry. Cool completely. Carefully cut the top off and scrape out the soft isides with a teaspoon and fill. For filling, mix milk with instant pudding until smooth. Whip cream to soft peaks and add sugar and vanilla and the instant pudding mixture and beat to form peaks. For glaze, melt on low the chocolate and butter, beat in sugar and enough of the hot water to create the consistency you desire. Refrigerate cream puffs until serving.

Enrichment, January 2009: Bad in the kitchen???

2009-02-02T15:02:00.000-08:00

January and February Calendar

2009-01-20T06:36:00.001-08:00

December Events

2008-11-25T19:42:00.000-08:00

A few changes: Jay's tie and pie event is on the 30th, same place, same time. Also don't forget Devin and Britny's Wedding Open House on December 27th from 7-9 at the church.

Super Saturday, November 1, 2008

2008-11-02T19:24:00.000-08:00

The Sisters all came together for a day of crafts and fun! Some great projects were done and thanks to the Enrichment committee for all their hard work.

November Sister Spotlight: Sister Garloff

2008-11-02T12:31:00.000-08:00

I was named after my grandmother. Her name is Giovanna, which is Joanne in Italian. My birthday is February 3rd, and I was born in Washington, PA. My favorite color is Turquoise.

I have been a part of this Ward for as long as I have been a member of the church, which has been since October 26th, 2008.

I recommend both the book "The Great Gatsby" and the movie- the original with Mia Farrow and Robert Redford. They portray the time period very well.

I enjoy reading, journaling, card making, and watching football and hockey.

When I was little, what I wanted to be when I "grew up" was a nurse and help sick people.

If I could travel anywhere in the world I would go to Israel. I would like to walk where the Lord walked, and see the part of the world he lived in.

The farthest I have been from home is Alaska. I went there 10 years ago with my husband, and we took a two day trip to Barrow.

November Calendar

2008-10-27T14:38:00.000-07:00

October Calendar

2008-10-27T14:27:00.000-07:00

Spiritual Harvest 2008

2008-09-14T19:05:00.000-07:00

September Sister Spotlight: Jeanne Machin

2008-09-01T05:04:00.000-07:00

My mom does family history and came across a long line of Jeanne Coventrys in my line. I am Jeanne Coventry the 9th.

My birthday is January 19, 1976 and I was born in Davenport, Iowa.

My favorite color's are Caribbean Sea Blue and Fire engine red, but not always together!

I have been a member of the church for 32 years, and I have spent 7 of those years in this ward.

I recommend always wearing lipstick, even in a seemingly ridiculous situation. Exercising daily and eating at Lydia's in the Strip District as often as possible (which is why you need to exercise daily!)

The one kitchen item that best describes me is a shiny gold lamé potholder.... every day practical with a touch of glamour.

My hobbies and talents include singing, playing violin, baking and cooking ( I make a mean chocolate chip cookie) Yoga, walking/running, I'm a big movie-buff, choral singing and conducting, and acting like a Muppet to make my kids and husband laugh.

When I was little, what I wanted to be when I grew up was to work at McDonalds. I then upgraded to wanting to be a chef... but those fries keep calling my name!

If I could travel anywhere in the world I would choose Egypt to see the pyramids, Peru to hike to Machu Picchu, Paris to see EVERYTHING and the Virgin Islands to snorkel in that gorgeous, blue water.

The farthest I have been from home is Majorca, Spain.

September Lessons and Activities

2008-09-01T05:01:00.000-07:00

7th: Relief Society Message

14th: #17 The Great Plan of Salvation

16th: Relief Society works on Quilt

21st: #18 Beyond the Veil: Life in the Eternities

27th: Stake Enrichment Meeting and General Women's Broadcast

28th: TFOT- "Ask of Faith" David A Bednar

September Birthdays

2008-09-01T04:57:00.000-07:00

5th: Kim Gallagher

7th: Sarah Purdy

9th: Jen Olsen

14th: Coleen Hahn

25th: Danielle Getty

28th: Kathleen Kerelitch

29th: Patricia Tumas

30: Karen Barton

August Sister Spotlight: Jennifer Lee Olsen

2008-08-04T07:50:00.000-07:00

I was born in Layton Utah on September 9, 1978. I was named after my Grandma Donna Lee Andras because she was an incredible woman.

My favorite color is celery green.

I have been a member of the church my whole life and have been in the Pittsburgh Second Ward for 3 1/2 years.

I recommend Ice Blocking. It can make you feel like a kid until the next day at least. :) Then you become sore and realize you aren't a kid anymore.

The item in the kitchen that best describes me is Fiesta Red Chili Pepper Chip/Dip Platter because I love spicy food and having parties.

Some of my hobbies and talents include: singing, making bracelets, cooking, organizing (not my house though), listening, playing the guitar, dancing, having food fights with my family.....and I make cute kids!

When I was little I wanted to be either a Doctor or a fast food worker when I grew up.

I want to see the whole world. First class and five star, or a backpack and a sleeping bag....I want to see it all!

The furthest I have been from Utah is Stone Harbor, NJ. The furthest from Pittsburgh I have been is Utah.

August Activities

2008-08-04T07:48:00.000-07:00

12th: RS Working on Quilt

19th: Dinner and Swim @ Sister Campbell's home @ 6:30 pm

August Lessons

2008-08-04T07:42:00.000-07:00

3rd: RS Presidency Message

10th: TFOT "My Words Never Cease" Jeffrey R. Holland

17th: #16 Revelation and the Living Profit

24th: #15 Establishing the Cause of Zion

31st: Joint Priesthood and Relief Society Metting

August Birthdays

2008-08-04T07:38:00.000-07:00

8th Paula Voelkel

13th Barb Rogers

14th Delores Seemiller

20th Barb Hornby

20th Mary Ann O'Farrell

27th Carol Brown

27th Liz Waits

27th Mareta Richards

27th Barb Rosa

30th Patti Campbell

August / September Handout

2008-07-27T14:21:00.000-07:00

Download or print your copy.

JULY'S SISTER SPOTLIGHT

2008-07-13T10:50:00.003-07:00

I was born on March 21st, in Dexter, Maine. My favorite color is blue.

I have been a member of the church for 45 years, I converted in my youth. I have been a member of Pittsburgh 2nd Ward for 11 years.

I Recommend spending time with young children. They are loving, forgiving, honest and the least unspoiled by the world.

The kitchen item that best describes me is the blender. :) I usually blend in easily with any group of people, and like to help other people feel a part of what's happening.

I love the ocean and collect lighthouse memorabilia in particular. A joke in our family is that my grandchildren are my hobby now. I love to spend time with them, and collect things that I think they will enjoy.

When I was little, what I wanted to do when I grew up was go to college, be married and have children.

If I could travel anywhere in the world it would be to visit any of my children and grandchildren, who live in distant states. I'd really rather see their loving faces than any other sight in the world.

The farthest I have been from home is Portland, OR....and the Pacific Ocean near there.

Activities for July

2008-07-08T06:35:00.000-07:00

10th: Going to Cannery and Bishop's Storehouse

22nd: Preparedness Binders. Finger foods will be served. Talk to Sister Christenson about any questions. It is at 7pm. If you are not able to make it and still want a binder, let Sister Christenson know.

Seneca Lake Church Camp

2008-07-07T07:35:00.000-07:00

Seneca Lake Church Camp is owned by the church and can be a great option for lodging needs when visiting Cumorah Historic Sites. It is 40 minutes from Hill Cumorah and 15 minutes form the Peter Whitmer Home.

This year the Hill Cumorah Pageant is from July 10-19 (excluding the 13th and 14th.)

There are 10 cabins, each sleeping 16 people, tent areas, a kitchen, an amphitheater with log sets and a fire-pit, bathrooms with showers, swimming, boating, and dinning with seating up to 250 people. In addition to the cabins, there is a home a little separated from the camp with 5 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, full kitchen, washer, dryer, ect. You can check all of these things out on the website.

This camp has been open for two years and is restricted for use by members only.

The Camp has a full-time missionary couple. They are the Camp Directors. Their phone number is: 315-585-9583. Their email is: senecacamp@gmail.com

Check out the camps website: it is under links, named Seneca Lake Church Camp!

Lessons For July

2008-07-07T07:22:00.000-07:00

6th: Relief Society Presidency Message

13th: #13 "Obedience: When the Lord Commands, Do It."

20th: #14 "Words of Hope and Consolation at the Time of Death."

27th: TFOT "Gospel of Jesus Christ"- L. Tom Perry

July Birthday's

2008-07-07T07:15:00.000-07:00

12th: Rachael Fambrough

13th: Joy Johnson

22nd: Bernadette Flavin

23rd: Terri Fallert

24th: Beverly Battaglia

26th: Iris Neiser

27th: Bernadette Watton

27th: Dana Klein

UPDATE TO THE HANDOUT

2008-06-08T13:56:00.000-07:00

June 29th is no longer Sacrament only. General Priesthood Meeting now at 5:00pm and we will have church at the regular time. The third hour of church will be Combined Relief Society and Priesthood.

June and July Handout

2008-05-29T08:08:00.001-07:00

Print out or download the Relief Society Handout for June and July

June Birthdays

2008-05-28T07:54:00.000-07:00

2nd: Deborah Mills

6th: Constance Mulbah

7th: Chrissy Hines

8th: Elaine Steffenauer

9th: Amanda O'Connor

15th: Laura Perkins

16th: Yelena Russin

20th: Sandra Hrezo

22nd: Janet Herron

24th: Martha Watkins

26th: Theresa Jackel

Memorial Breakfast

2008-05-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Lots of fun early Monday morning for the wards Memorial Day Breakfast. A nice big turn out and great weather. Hula hooping and elderberry jam eating made this activity a lot of fun!

June Lessons and Activities:

2008-05-24T17:56:00.000-07:00

1: RS Presidency Message

8: #11"The Organization and Destiny of the True and Living Church

15: #12 "Proclaim Glad Tidings to All he World

14^th or 21^st: Pick Strawberries at Trax Farm/ hand out recipes for jam

22: TFOT "Opening Our Hearts" - Gerald N. Lund

29: General Priesthood Meeting - Sacrament Only

May Birthdays

2008-05-05T08:22:00.000-07:00

9th: Diane Burnett

16th: Claire Barrett

26th: Jan Killen

27th: Sherry Augustine

29th: Jackie Marenholtz

30th: Terri Atkinson

Relief Society Lessons for May

2008-05-05T08:14:00.000-07:00

Sunday May 4th: Sister Lefler gives Presidency Message

Sunday May 11th: HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!! Lesson 9

Sunday May 18th: Lesson 10

Sunday May 25th: Teaching For Our Times, Sister Barrett