Models Wanted!

So I have been putting off this post for some time because I feel sortof sheepish for asking, but I really need some practice on painting people. I have barely touched a paintbrush in the past 3 years (I studied art in college) and want to get some painting time in before I have our baby in June--won't have much time then! I just want people to come and pose for me to take a picture to do a small portrait painting. It doesn't matter what you wear ( as long as it is something! I am not doing figure painting) It doesn't matter your age. If it turns out, you can keep it.
There are some stipulations though:

1- I can't promise it will look good!

2-I can't promise it will look like you--like I said, I am out of practice.

3- I get final say on the pose (don't worry, nothing weird. It just depends on if I am in the mood to do a silly, smiling, thoughtful, sentimental or dramatic lighting type of thing) but I am welcome to input if you have a preference for the mood of the painting.

Here are a couple I have done lately:


Don't be shy-- I would be most grateful for any volunteers!
Thanks! Melinda Christensen

You can call me (My number is in the ward directory) or e-mail me at melinda.knight@gmail.com

Anybody Want a Pear Tree?

We have two pear trees that I think were planted the spring before last by the previous owners of our house. They are way too close together so we are getting rid of one. It is healthy and small enough to be transplanted pretty easily (about 6 feet tall). If anybody wants it give us a call--otherwise we'll probably just dig it up and get rid of it.
This is Melinda Christensen by the way, I know my name probably shows up at the bottom of the post, but just to be sure...

Gardening Classes

There are some community gardening education classes offered by the USU extension.  They are great classes, have some great info, and best of all, are FREE!  You can go to all of them, or just pick the ones you are most interested in.  They are on Tuesday nights from 6-9 at the Cache Administration Building.  The schedule is:

March 3:  Lawns, soils, and fertilizers

March 17:  Weeds, pests, diseases, and their control

March 24:  Useful plants for your yard

March 31:  Vegetable gardening and fruit production

If you would like more information about the classes, feel free to call Megan Tanner

Get out of the house!

We are starting a play group at the church.  It will be Wednesdays from 10:00 to 11:00ish.  It will give you a chance to get out of the house and come visit with sisters, as well as let your kids play.   We will do this until it warms up a bit more outside :)  Call Lisa Saunders if you have any questions!  Thanks

Getting to Know You…Spotlight

Caroline Beckstead
Grew up in Bingham,Ut. She has been married to Bill for the past 10 years . She enjoys reading Historical novels and going to plays and jazz
festivals. She and her husband also play in a Jazz Band called “The Goodies but Oldies” She has lived in England, Texas and Illinois. She has four children and many “grans and greats” Caroline says her many life experiences have helped her understand why she has an unwavering testimony of Jesus Christ . She has learned to have compassion for those with handicaps because as a young child she had polio. We are glad she is in our ward and look to her as a good example of faith and wisdom.

Blog Authors

I sent an email inviting you to be an author on the blog.  Please accept the invitation and feel free to add anything to the blog you would like.  We would like this to be a place for sisters to keep in contact with each other, and have a forum to ask questions and have discussions.  If you did not get an email, please let Megan Tanner know, and I will get you added to the list.  Thanks!

Confetti Stuffed Burritos

2 1/2 C peeled sweet potatoes

3/4 C chicken broth

1/2 C chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

3/4 C corn

3/4 C cooked black beans

1/2 C chopped red pepper

1/4 C cilantro

1 1/2 T lime juice

3/4 C refried beans

Combine broth and sweet potato.  Simmer over med-low heat for about 7 minutes or until tender.  Add onion and garlic, cook 2 minutes.  Add next ingredients and heat through.

Wrap in tortillas and top with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, etc.