Change is Change

Anyone who knows me, knows that I like change. I'm always trying something new or trying a new way to do things in an attempt to make it better. But there are some changes that still rock my world. Being released last Sunday is one of them. I have enjoyed this calling with a passion and a love that I've never experienced before. The best part has ALWAYS been the opportunity I have had to work with and learn from AMAZING people. I will dearly miss working with all of you, but you should know that you have restored my belief that there are wonderful people in the area all working with the same purpose...the same goal. Thank you for all of your support over the years. Thank you for your fine examples and love.

Our old Primary blog will still be on the web only under a different name. You are still welcome to use or adapt anything that we created over the last several years. The new address is: independencestakeofzion.blogspot.com

Know of my love and determination to serve where ever I am needed. Thank you again for all the many wonderful experiences we have shared.

with love always, your sister,
Melissa Longo

Wedding Bells

We would like to publicly post our CONGRATULATIONS to Anna on her marriage to Jon Sperry. So now you can call her SISTER SPERRY!! What a nice sound!

Nurseries are for Growing

Over the last several months Sister Longo and I have visited most of the wards to share with the nursery leaders some training. We enjoyed being with the children and also learned a great deal, from the wonderful leaders. I would like to share with you some of the things that we learned in these visits, specifically on creating a safe and loving environment in nursery.

Many of the nurseries had soft music playing during open play time. This invites the Spirit and gives the children a sense of familiarity as many of them know the songs, from home or from previous weeks. I noticed at times that when the music was to loud the children were easily agitated but when it was softly in the background it had a very nice calming effect.

All of the nurseries had a strong feeling of love from the leaders to the children, this was evident by their warm welcomes, with hugs and kind words and the children’s names used. One of the most memorable was a sister serving in the Independence 1st ward nursery, who refers to the children as her babies, and she greets and sends home every child with a hugs a kiss and making certain they know how much she loves them.

It was also very sweet to watch as some children would get upset, often it only took as simple hug or soft reassuring words from there loving teacher to calm them.

There are many other things that we saw that warmed our hearts as we visited. These I share with you because they are plain and precious and with that can be used very effectively in many other settings including other classes within primary.

Thank you for all of you hard work.
Anna Plemons

FRIEND Website

Have you seen this yet? The Church launched a new addition to their lds.org site for families and Primary presidencies. It has wonderful interactive games, stories, coloring pages and more for children. Quick links to music and sharing time helps for Primary presidencies. We love it! Take a quick moment and check out the link: http://www.friend.lds.org/

Have a wonderful day!

New Packet-Preparing for the New Year

We just wanted to make sure everyone saw the new packet on the right hand side under the title of: "Preparing for the New Year Checklist and Forms". As usual, you just have to click on the link and then create (very easy) or log in to your Box.net account. You should be able to download the forms right onto your computer. If you have any other ideas on how to help make planning for the New Year in a happy, stress-reduced way, PLEASE share!

The One, The Only...The Zesty Bean Dip you've been asking for!

Here's the recipe for the dip that was served at the Stake Primary Appreciation Dinner.
Zesty Bean Dip

1 can of corn
1 can of black eye peas
1 ½ avocado
3 tomatoes (medium sized)
A bunch of cilantro (to taste)
A bunch of green or white onion
2 cloves of garlic (you can substitute garlic powder)
Zesty Italian dressing seasoning mix

Slice up the avocado and tomatoes into bite sized amounts. Chop up the cilantro and green onion. Add all of the ingredients together. Put the packet of Zesty Italian dressing mix in with the other ingredients and mix. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips.

Fiesta, Fiesta, Fiesta

Can you say "Ole?" We had the best time at our Annual Primary Appreciation Dinner. We had an incredible turn out, the food was terrific...if we do say so ourselves (the Zesty Bean Dip and the Tortilla Soup were favorites) and the entertainment was muy bien! We'd like to offer an enormous "GRACIAS" to Diaz and Elizabeth (friends of Anna's) who came to give our dance demo and class (too much fun!) and to the participants of the Mariachi band. And thanks to all of you who attended. You made it a HUGE success. We can't wait until next year's party!