Second Star to the Right and Straight on 'til Morning ~

“To live will be an awfully big adventure.” 

― J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan

This is the 45th year for the Festival of Trees and We CAN's sixth year doing a tree for the Festival.  This year, our creative, talented artistic director, Paula Perkins, took us to Never Never Land through the Darling's Nursery window.

Carolyn and Paula ~ getting us all started

We arrived at the South Town Center this morning on a cold, beautiful bright winter's day.  Our number was on the opposite side of the hall, so we all hoped that it would be a little warmer this year, but not to be - our booth was right in front of a big, OPEN  bay door and the wind was cold.  We put on our coats and mittens!

Paula and Carolyn decorating the tree

We are given a 9 x 7 space, which can be challenging when trying to fit two beds, a rocking chair, a Christmas tree and lots of presents! 

Rae Lee, Carol and Sandy covered the frames with fabric

 We spent a couple of hours on this cold concrete floor, stapling fabric to the frames - 

 Paula makes certain that everything is wired in and just perfect!  Everything on the tree must be wired in to the branches and there is re-bar going up the center of the tree that is connected to the tree stand below, making the tree solid and easily transported to the new owners after the Festival. 

 Carolyn, Paula and Sue working on the ornaments for the tree.

 Tinkerbell is the star of the show - she appears inside the paper lanterns and on the colorful clocks and takes the show on top of the tree

The bright colorful garland is all folded paper, wooden spools and ribbon 

 Second Star to the Right and Straight on Til Morning!

 John and Michael's beds are covered with bright home-made quilts and matching pillowcases

Carol's getting feisty with the electric tools! 

 Because of a few technical difficulties and rules that we were not aware of, Paula  had to re-design some of the background scenes . . . and they turned out beautifully.  There are silhouettes of  Michael, Peter and Wendy flying over the London Skyline. 

 All the banners add a personal touch and festive look to the Nursery

This year's crew minus Scott, who helped in spite of a recent shoulder surgery
Lynn, Rae Lee, Carolyn, Carol, Paula, Sue and Sandy 

All finished!  And what a fun Nursery 

  Ahhh, we were all cold (freezing cold) hungry and tired . . . it was so great to sit down at Olive Garden to visit eat  and relax Lynn, Carolyn, Paula, Sue, Rae Lee,  Carol  and Sandy behind the camera
Festival of Trees runs from Wednesday, December 2 through Saturday, December 5th at the South Town Center in Sandy, Utah. All proceeds go to help children at Primary Children's Hospital get the medical care they need.  Many of the trees done for the festival are dedicated to children or other loved ones and their stories are always inspirational and touching.   It is a great way to help children in need.  We work together on our tree and crafts that will be sold at the Festival Boutique throughout the year ~ so it feels like Christmas all year long!. We enjoy lots of laughter, fun and many hours of service together. They are all great ladies!

A Remarkable Venture

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." ~ Theodore Roosevelt

Wednesday, February 3rd, we went to the American Fork Stake Center at 825 East 500 North to join at least a hundred other men and women assisting in the Humanitarian Efforts that started 19 years ago by this remarkable woman,  RoseAnn Guenther.  And as busy as she was, she greeted us at the door and offered to give us a tour of everything going on in the Stake Center that morning. 

Ladies were crocheting and knitting newborn hats and booties as well as chemo caps.

Blankets were being tyed, yards and yards of fabric were being cut out for children's jumpers and pajamas, other fabrics were being put together for more quilts. There were at least 20 sewing machines and sergers set up on the stage going full blast. 

Others were putting together beaded toys for children. When we walked in the lovely aroma of freshly baked bread greeted us and RoseAnn explained that a man and his wife bake bread and sell it each week in order for the Launfal Foundation, the non-profit organization that supports this huge venture, to purchase more supplies. Also for sale were children's hair ribbons, crocheted hair bands and other fun things. The Launfal Foundation was named after Sir Launfal found in a 14th century poem written by Thomas Chestre. In the poem, Sir Launfal is one of King Arthur's knights and is known for his chivalry and giving of gifts.

Through RoseAnn's dedication and a highly skilled team of volunteers, this Stake Center is turned into an amazing production facility every Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Every month they fill cargo containers that are shipped around the world to fill needs~ and it is their hope that the people who receive these things will feel the love and caring that go into the making of them and light and hope.

After our morning of labor, we all went to Zuppas for lunch~ and it is highly recommended!
Rae Lee, Jan, Paulette and Carolyn ~ enjoying the delicious soup, salad and sandwiches at Zuppas!

Carolyn, Ardis and Phyllis (and Sandy's behind the camera!)