Giving Tree

Our Christmas Giving Tree is located in the north foyer of the church during meeting times. On the tree are ornaments designating a store name. Please purchase a gift card for $10 or more and turn it in on or before Dec 19 to Sister Heather Hale or a member of the Relief Society Presidency. If you aren't able to get an ornament, you can still participate by choosing your own store!

Furniture For Sale

There is a woman in our stake in a difficult situation financially and is in need to sell some new furniture from her house. If you are looking for furniture and might be intersted in at least looking at what she is trying to sell, please contact Candacy at csyphus@hotmail.com.
Thank You!

Relief Society Brunch

Come and celebrate the joys of the season at the Relief Society Christmas Brunch Saturday, December 4 from 9 to 11 AM at the Votaw Home (3617 E Kaibab Place - Old Stone Ranch). This will be a party you won't want to miss!! Come and enjoy the joy of sisterhood before the craziness of the Christmas season starts!

Ward Christmas Party

Come celebrate with us on December 11 from 5:30 to 8:30 at Layton Lakes Park (SWC Queen Creek and Lindsay). This is sure to be one of the most memorable ward parties you've ever been to! Come prepared for a yummy dinner and a fierce competition... The "Ugly Sweater" Contest!

Stake Conference

This weekend November 13-14. General Sunday Meeting will be broadcast to Cooper building. Time Schedule as follows:
Stake Leadership Meeting (for all auxiliary presidencies) 4:00PM Saturday Nov 13 at Stake Center
General Adult Session 7:00PM Saturday Nov 13 at Stake Center
General Membership Session Sunday, Nov 14 - 10:00AM at Stake Center

Ward Halloween Party - A Harvest Celebration

Calling all Princesses, Witches, Star Wars Guys, Bunny Foo Foo's and other characters!! Our ward Halloween Party is coming up on Saturday evening, October 30 from 5:30 to 8PM in the West parking lot at the church!! Come and enjoy dinner and a fun evening together, topped off with the traditional parade of spooks through the parking lot as they visit your trunk to collect a treat (there are 275 primary kiddos in our ward, plus some older kids). Feel free bring a crock-pot full of soup or chili to share! There will be a contest for the best decorated trunk! Sister McDonald also needs helpers to make corn bread.

Powdered Milk Presentation

What am I supposed to do with all this powdered milk?! The kids won't drink it! Come to the church on Wednesday, October 27th at 7:00PM for a very special presentation on powdered milk preparation! Rhonda will be there to show us how to use dried milk for recipes in yogurt, and parmesean cheese and several other yummy dishes! This is a ward preparedness activity, so men are invited too!! Contact Heather Hale for more info!!

Circle the Wagons Dinner

An evening of good friends and food, old west style! Thursday, October 21 at 6:30PM at Sandra Crandall's home, (14227 E Jade Pl., Chandler) we invite y'all over for a night of handcarts, campfire stories, and Pioneer spirit! We'll be parking at Haley Elementary School and taking a hay ride into the event. All sisters will be organized into "companies" with other sisters in their neighborhood, in order to carpool. If you have not been contacted by your "Wagon Driver" or if you need a babysitter, please call Shauna Clark at 480-219-2060 ASAP and she will help you make last minute plans! BRING A CAMP CHAIR IF YOU HAVE ONE!! We'll enjoy a yummy dinner and an inspirational message... you don't want to miss this wonderful evening!!

Book Club

Here are the upcoming book selections:

November 3rd - The Help by Kathryn Stockett. A novel about..."three women whose determination to start a movement of their own forever changes a town, and the way women-mothers, daughters, caregivers, friends-view one another." The Help is available through both Chandler and Maricopa County Library systems.

December 1st - The Silence of God by Gale Sears. A historical novel based on a true story about an LDS family living in Russia when the Russian revolution breaks out.

Please contact Debbie Kutchinsky (debkutchinsky@gmail.com) if anyone in the ward may have a copy of either of these books that they would be willing to lend so that we can economize on some of our books.

Thanks, and happy reading!

Adoption Conference by LDS Social Services

Adoption Conference Sponsored by LDS Family Services

When: Friday, Oct. 8, 2010 starting at 6pm, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010 starting at 8am

Where: ASU Institute Building, 1000 S McAllister, Tempe,AZ

Who: Anyone who is thinking about adoption, thinking about placing a child for adoption, adoptive applicants, birth families, adoptive parents, those who were adopted, Stake Agency Representatives, Adoption Professionals, and others.

What: Over 30 classes to choose from with topics such as Adoption Basics, Infertility, International Adoption and Cultural Identity, Adoption Advocacy, Adoption and Schools, Avoiding Adoption Fraud, Post Placement Expectations and Communication. Also hear some stories of adoption from panels of Adoptees, Birthmothers, Birthgrandparents, and Adoptive Parents.

We will be privileged to hear from and visit with amazing adoption advocates such as Lindsey Redfern of "theRhouse" blog, Kerstin Daynes author of "Infertility: Help, Hope, and Healing", Heidi Naylor of the National FSA Board, Lewis Tenney, Sharon Slater of Family Watch International, and other amazing speakers and entertainers.

We will also have representatives from AZDES Foster Care, other adoption agencies, adoption attorneys ,etc to learn about option to adopt in ways other than through LDS Family Services.

Cost: $22 per single and $40 per couple (this will cover the cost of food, materials and a conference t-shirt)
Free for Birthmothers/Fathers and 1 guest ($10 for each additional guest)
$10 for Agency Representatives.

Go to http://swregconf.info to register.

Registration: Regular registration now until Sept 30 at http://swregconf.info
Late registration will run from October 1-9 @ $25 per single and $45 per couple
There will be no registration at the door.

It's Nacho Ordinary Saturday Night!

The General Relief Society Broadcast will be held on Saturday the 25th at 4pm at the Stake Center. Come to be fed spiritually, as well as literally with some fabulous Mexican food! See you there!

Relief Society Temple Trip

On Thursday, September 23rd, join the Releif Society sisters for a temple trip! Meet at 5:30pm in the cafeteria for dinner and then we'll be attending the 6:30pm session. And afterwards (about 8:30), meet at Nielson's Custard for desert! It located at 1901 E. Southern (NW corner of Gilbert and Southern). Please meet us for dessert even if you're not able to attend the session!

Exchange Students Need Homes!

Here are a couple of kids who need emergency new homes!

First - Alex from Barcelona, Spain has been living temporarily with my family (Natalie & Dave Whitlock). His original family changed their minds but he already had his school acceptance and his ticket to Phoenix, so he came. We adore him and have NO complaints. Unfortunately, the school insists he reside within their boundaries and we don't... SO, we are desperately seeking a home for him within the Chandler High school boundaries. They want him moved by monday!!

The other student in need is a young lady from Finland, Saara. Her host mom lives in an older home and her bedroom is in the basement. Saara appears to be allergic to the mold/dust there or in some way the environment is making her sick. I was skeptical at first but she's been to the doctor and now again last night, the emergency room. Her sinuses are infected and inflamed and getting worse. Her natural family is very concerned and wants her moved asap. I can't say that I blame them. And frankly, she was going to have to move anyway, as the current host family is loosing their home and moving into an apartment, so better now than later I suppose :) She attends a charter school in Queen Creek but they also bus, so the possible locations where she could live are more flexible.

If you would think on these two situations, spread the word, make a few calls, post to your facebook, or ANYTHING you can do to help find a family (temp or permanent) for one of these students, it would be so appreciated! We've been working on them for days (weeks in the case of Alex) and we're at a dead end... We may also have a girl from South Korea and one from China needing new homes soon too... Most students and their families work out great but there are always a few despite everyone's best efforts that for one reason or another need new homes, and it's obviously a challenge :)

Thanks for your help and we hope to give these kids some good news soon!

Please contact:
Natalie & Dave Whitlock
480-722-1530 home
480-528-8242 cell
nwhitlock@edutrav.org

Time Out for Women

Time Out for Women will be held at the Phoenix Convention Center on October 15-16. It might be fun for some of us to all go together! The cost is $47 for the two days, and if 5 or more people register together as a group, there's a $10 discount! You can find more information here. Anyone interested in attending can email or call Ann Johnson (988-6074) the sooner the better, but at least by September 14th.

Super Saturday Crafts

The Super Saturday will be held at the Cooper building on Saturday, Sept 11th. Take a look at the goodies!



Please email to let us know which items you'd like to make!
cooper2reliefsociety@hotmail.com

Here are the items and what you will need to pay for and bring for each:


GLASS BLOCK - $6 Cost Includes:
1. Glass Block - Provided
2. Wired ribbon – You provide your Fav Ribbon
3. Lights a 20 light set - Provided
4. Vinyl (red) “Believe” - Provided
5. Hot Glue Gun - Please bring your own Hot Glue Gun if you have one


MENU BOARD - Free
1. 12X12 Frame (with glass) – You Provide
2. 12X12 Scrapbook paper – You Provide
3. Vinyl (Black) – RS Provide
4. Dry Erase marker – You Provide


COUNT DOWN FRAME - Free
1. 5X7 Frame (with glass) – You Provide
2. Scrapbook paper – You Provide
3. Vinyl (Black) – RS Provide
4. Dry Erase Marker – You Provide


“THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS” FRAME - $3 Includes:
1. Unfinished frame - Provided
2. Scrapbook Paper – You Provide
3. Modge Podge - Provided
4. Sponge Brushes - Provided
5. Vinyl (Black) - Provided


GIRLS HAIR BOWS - Free
1. Material (2 matching fabrics roughly 1/4 of a yard each, makes 3-4 bows) – You Provide
2. Coordinating Button – You Provide
3. Coordinating Ribbon – You Provide
4. hair clips or alligator clips – RS Provide
5. Pinking Scissors – Please bring a set if you have one
6. Hot Glue guns to glue together – Please bring if you have one
7. Needle and thread – RS Provided


CLIP BOARD CHALKBOARD - $2.00 Includes
1. Clip Board - Provided
2. Black Board Paint - Provided
3. Sponge Brush - Provided
4. Scrapbook Paper – You Provide your Fav
5. Ribbon – You Provide your Fav
6. Modge Podge - Provided
7. Vinyl – Provided (need the name you want printed)
8. Chalk – You Provide

Dear Adoption Families...

If you or anyone you know are interested in providing a forever family for the children listed below, please contact Alicia Quigley. Thanks for considering adoption!

Alicia Quigley
801-451-2121
801-915-0885 cell
alicia_quigley@yahoo.com


Meet Gabriella, Victor, Francisca, and Anthony!






Francisca A. DOB: 3-11-03

Anthony A., Jr. DOB: 10-10-05

Gabriella A. DOB: 07-07-07

Victor A. DOB: 9-23-08


Ethnicity: Hispanic

II. Child Description (describe the child's personality, interests, along with any special needs, i.e. medical, developmental, physical, emotional and psychological.)

Francisca is very an affectionate and sociable child. She loves being around people and sharing things about her day. Francisca enjoys playing with her dolls, singing and playing with her younger siblings. Francisca enjoys doing puzzles and coloring activities. This year she attended 1st Grade in regular classes and advanced to 2nd grade in the fall.

Anthony is described as an outgoing child that loves to laugh. He enjoys puzzles, learning new things and playing with cars. Anthony interacts well with peers and adults. He follows instructions and redirection is not hard with Anthony. Caregivers note that he Anthony is very friendly, likeable and does not shy away from new people. Anthony attends daycare.

Gabriella is very likeable and outgoing, quick learner and enjoys being around peers. She loves playing with dolls and toys that make music. She is not school aged. Caregivers describe her as a happy child, quick learner and can be a little defiant at times.

Victor is a very friendly and happy baby. He enjoys exploring his surroundings and is a quick learner. Victor is not school age and stays home with caregivers.

III. Characteristics of Adoptive Family Desired (describe the type of family best suited to meet the child's needs, i.e. older children, being the only child, family with certain experiences)

The children expressed that they do not want to be adopted by a Hispanic family and prefers a Caucasian family. They would like a family that will adopt and raise them together. They would like a family that loves them and treats them well. The children also express they want a family that goes to church and prays every night. A family that has a clean home and does not spank is also important to them.

The children will thrive in a home where they are the only children or with a few other children. They need consistency, structure and assurance that they are loved. The children respond well to one-on-one attention, so it's important that the parents are patient and can give them individualize attention. They also need to be shown how a healthy and stable family interacts with one another.

The children were formerly part of a sibling group of 6 and are now being adopted seperately.

Ward Tailgate Party

The ward Tailgate Party was an absolute blast! It was great to see everyone come out and compete! The sisters were amazing, see for yourself...



Can't wait for the next one!

Nursery Toys Needed

There is a request from the nursery for gently used and age appropriate toys for both the nursery classes (18mo - 3yrs). If you have a donation for the nursery please contact

Addie LaDuke at 520-982-7631.

RS Game Night - Aug 12th 7-9pm

Thursday Aug 12th 7-9pm @ Renee Griffith Home

Come out and play games and hang out with the girls. Renee has the games and we need to girls to play (that's you). Come and go as you need, we will take you any way or at any time we can have you. There will be goodies to munch on too. Get the kids in bed and come on over!

Griffith Home - 3057 E. Blue Ridge Pl (Brooks Ranch SubD)

Mind, Body and Soul - Stake RS Night

Mind, Body & Soul - Stake RS Night

Our Stake Meeting on August 19th. It is titled "Mind, Body and Soul". It will be like a Ward RS Meeting. We are starting @ 6:30 and breaking into workshops by 6:45. We have 3 outstanding classes and the sisters can pick two of them. Bring your neighbors and non-member friends, this will be a great evening to share with them. This evening will be held at the Stake Bldg on Ray & McQueen. Light refreshments provided.

Please contact Candacy Syphus 480-802-4938 for carpool options.

Class 1
"My body and brain after 40". This class will be taught by
Dr.Joe Brooks who is a Obstetrician/Gynecologist. He will
address the changes that come, why we feel like we do and
what things we need to during the aging years.

Class 2
"Why do I feel this way?"- This class will deal with anxiety/
depression.Sarah Williams is a family therapist and
psychologist and will talk about hormones, remedies and
when someone might need extra help.

Class 3
"Are we happy yet?"- Taught by Nancy Whyte. Nancy is a
recovery room nurse who address what keeps us from
finding true happiness.

Ward Social - Not Your Sunday Sundae

Come one Come All to the Ward Social, "Not your Sunday Sundae". It's funny because it is on a Saturday. Ha Ha! We are all being split up by host families and we will each be assigned where to go once you sign up (see below) and then you will bring either a topping to share or a type of paper goods to share. Ice Cream will be provided at Host home. Come have a blast eating tons of ice cream and sharing each others company and meet a new family. We will all have a blast! Kid friendly event.

Date: July 31st Saturday
Time: 6pm - 8pm
Where: Host Family Home
Sign Up: Please see the sign up web page at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/notyour1 if you need an invite to the SignUp genius please email jaime at jaime@votawfamily.com

Questions: Please contact Sharon McDonald at 480-275-9767

LDS Social Services Request

Ladies there has been a request to the wards in the area for help with 2 birth mothers, they need a temporary home during their pregnancy. It is our understanding that they are giving up their babies to LDS Social Services for placement after birth.

If this is something that you would like more information on or would be willing to help these women during this critical time in their lives please contact David Dastrup at LDS Social Services at 480-968-2995 or email him at dastrupdw@ldsfamilyservices.org

Cooking with NO Electricity Class

Cooking with NO Electricity

June 23rd Weds - 7pm @ Heather Hale Home

Come Join us at Heather Hale's home to learn how to cook for our families when the electricity goes out. Suzanne Sidders will be presenting for us this night. There will be Solar oven demonstrations and instruction given too. Please contact Heather Hale if you are interested in purchasing a Solar Oven, she is getting a group buy set up and there are a few spots left.

RS Temple Night - 06/10 6:30pm Session

Sister we would love to invite you all out to be a part of our Temple Night. We are planning on attending the 6:30pm session on Thursday the 10th of June. For those that can break free early we will be eating in the cafateria at 5:30 (ish) and for those night owls we are going to go over to Nielson's Custard for a cool treat afterwards. The address is 1901 E Southern (NW corner of Gilbert and Southern). We invite all the sisters to participate in this evening either thru Temple attendance or a for a cool treat.

Aloha Cooper Sisters

Aloha sister of Cooper 2nd. There must have been 60+ "8 cow women" at our quarterly Luau party last week. We all ate well and where uplifted my Melinda Crapo's message on self worth and our divine roles as mothers and daughters of God. We sure missed all of the sisters that didn't come but don't worry there will be another party coming up in the Fall.

Kim was picking on Candacy about her ever so stylish green Hawaiian lei and brown shirt.

Rene and her deck of cards, she is trying to get a pick up game of cards on the stairs.

Heather is obviously upset that Rene is playing cards on the stairs again!

Look at the matching lei and outfit Lynlee is sporting, note to Candacy wear green shirt next time.

See Amanda is in the Aloha spirit with that flower tucked behind her ear.

Kim is giving Jodi the scoop on the mismatched lei and outfit Candacy was wearing. Green and brown, what?

Sharon is just dripping with Aloha spirit here and her dessert was sinful!

OK girls, this is taking the Aloha spirit to a WHOLE NEW level! Brave souls!

Dig in girls!

Heather has retreated to her bean bag with a plate of treats.

And last but not least ...... Ahhhhh so cute!

An 8 Cow Wife - Quarterly Activity

Calling all 8 cow wives to our Cooper 2nd Ward RS quarterly activity May 13th at 6pm at the Votaw's home (3617 E Kaibab Pl).

Hawaiian Plate Dinner is provided! Bring a dessert to share and come enjoy your other fellow 8 cow wives and watch the original movie outside under the stars. Bring a folding law chair; Hawaiian attire is not required but is encouraged. Hawaiian trinkets and embellishments will be provided.

Bread Class - Night 1 No Rise Wheat Bread

April Gould taught us all how to make homemade healthy wheat bread with out any rise time. Amazing! This was week #1 in our series on Bread Making. We know that all you ladies and your families will benefit from learning how to use your wheat and staples in your food storage not to mention enjoy the yummy bread you can make at home. We hope you all can attend our classes on the 8th and the 15th where we will be learning how to make Artisan Bread. Thank you April for opening up your home for such a fun class!