-Brenda
Oct 24, 2009
Cleaning Out
We have spent the past 2 weeks cleaning out the basement of the Orem Pebbles. You would think that we would be done by now, but after years of neglect trying to juggle Pebbles Inc. too... it has been an ugly job. Piles of display racks, old phones, computers, shelving and stuff I don't even know what to do with. Should they stay or should they go? Plenty of wiping down, rearranging and painting is being done and you can almost feel this old house breath a sigh of relief. It's been a group effort and couldn't have been done this quickly without my family and everyone here at Pebbles. We still have so much to do, but we're getting there.
-Brenda
-Brenda
Oct 21, 2009
David & Goliath
I have looked at this rock often over the past couple of years as I keep it near me. I love it. For Standards Night, I led a discussion about David & Goliath. The faith of David was amazing... the faith he had in the Lord and his braveness. He must have so carefully picked out his stones that he would take into battle. Afterwards, the girls picked out their rock (I brought FREE from the field by our home) and using rub-ons, wrote the area of the gospel they wanted to spend time strengthening. We modge podged them with a matte finish afterwards. It was a wonderful evening spent in quiet reflection for each of us. I have noticed that most of the girls have kept their rocks through the years... a good sign that they liked them. Many of you have emailed me for the discussion outline and I have placed it below. The key is to keep it open as a discussion that involves the kids. They can often teach each other better then we can. Feel free to pick and choose what you use and make it your own. This would be good for the YM and family too!
Take care
-Brenda
David & Goliath
A Standards Night Discussion with the Young Women
by Brenda Birrell
I want to talk to you for just a few minutes about Standards Night
Why do we have Standard’s Night?
When I started to think about Standards Night, the thought of listing the standards of youth seemed so repetitive. Important but repetitive. Have we read them? Do we know what they are? Do we keep our booklet handy? Do we feel they are written for each of us?
Instead of focusing on what they are, tonight the Laurels want to share their feelings on why we have them.
Because it’s the WHY that brings purpose to the Standards of Youth. I don’t know about you, but when I understand the thoughts and reasons behind a principle, it is often easier and even a privilege to follow.
Have each Laurel ( or youth) take turns speaking about an area in the Standards of Youth that has been a struggle, but they or a friend have gained strength in as they have worked on it. Something they feel comfortable sharing, from the heart.
In Elder Holland’s talk, he spoke about the reason’s why President Hinckley does the things he does for us… he loves us.
Why do the all of our church leaders do what they do? They love us.
Why do our parents do what they do? They love us.
Why did / does Heavenly Father do what He did? He loves us.
Why did / does our brother Jesus Christ do what He did? He loves us.
They love us. Just as we are.
Why do you think we were given the Strength of Youth guidelines? Why do you think it is so important to follow them? To keep the Lord’s spirit with us.
And as Elder Holland said, we won’t make it through life without it… not a life filled with peace and joy. Deep faith that can strengthen us through life’s hard times that are sure to come.
The Strength of Youth is for all of us…young and old. When you are no longer in Young Women’s you will take this values with you and continue to work on them. Some you will find easy to follow, others are more difficult.
Let’s talk about David & Goliath for a few minutes…
David was a young man, probably about the size of __ (pick a young man in your ward)
How tall do you think Goliath was? 10 feet tallish
When David went to fight Goliath he was prepared. How was he prepared?
He had the spirit of God with him. He prayed. He KNEW God.
He was good. I am sure he probably made his share of mistakes, but repented along the way.
He carefully chose five of the best stones. He didn’t just randomly pick them.
He didn’t just take one stone. He had a backup plan with five
He was confident. The scriptures tell us he was very skilled.
He removed the armour that was put upon him by Saul, “I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them” Why?
We talk a lot about David and Goliath. A young man fighting a giant of a man. A young man going into battle.
I am here tonight to let you know we are each fighting giants. The Goliaths we fight today are different than David’s. Take a look around you… at each young woman and leader. We each have giants we are fighting, though they are often different for each of us. And sometimes they are the same, but we still feel alone in our problems as we fight our giants don’t we?
What are some of our giants?
Low self esteem
Movies, TV, Music
Afraid to be yourself
Envy
Sickness
Family relationships
Unkindness
Being judgmental
Not being true to yourself
Ungratefulness
Being too busy
Dishonesty
Gossiping
Depression
Rebelliousness
Dating / Chastity
Dressing immodestly
Friends
Language
Pornography
When confronted with a Goliath size problem… which way do we respond? How do we prepare for battle?
He’s too big to hit?
Or like David, is he too big to miss?
The only way David succeeded was because he had faith in the Lord. The Lord helped David and He will help us. How? Include him in our lives, pray continually, ponder, be thankful, read scriptures, follow the commandments, love one another and repent always.
The strength of Youth guidelines are like the stones that David picked up to fight Goliath..
Focus on giants you stumble.
Focus on God your Giants tumble.
Take care
-Brenda
David & Goliath
A Standards Night Discussion with the Young Women
by Brenda Birrell
I want to talk to you for just a few minutes about Standards Night
Why do we have Standard’s Night?
When I started to think about Standards Night, the thought of listing the standards of youth seemed so repetitive. Important but repetitive. Have we read them? Do we know what they are? Do we keep our booklet handy? Do we feel they are written for each of us?
Instead of focusing on what they are, tonight the Laurels want to share their feelings on why we have them.
Because it’s the WHY that brings purpose to the Standards of Youth. I don’t know about you, but when I understand the thoughts and reasons behind a principle, it is often easier and even a privilege to follow.
Have each Laurel ( or youth) take turns speaking about an area in the Standards of Youth that has been a struggle, but they or a friend have gained strength in as they have worked on it. Something they feel comfortable sharing, from the heart.
In Elder Holland’s talk, he spoke about the reason’s why President Hinckley does the things he does for us… he loves us.
Why do the all of our church leaders do what they do? They love us.
Why do our parents do what they do? They love us.
Why did / does Heavenly Father do what He did? He loves us.
Why did / does our brother Jesus Christ do what He did? He loves us.
They love us. Just as we are.
Why do you think we were given the Strength of Youth guidelines? Why do you think it is so important to follow them? To keep the Lord’s spirit with us.
And as Elder Holland said, we won’t make it through life without it… not a life filled with peace and joy. Deep faith that can strengthen us through life’s hard times that are sure to come.
The Strength of Youth is for all of us…young and old. When you are no longer in Young Women’s you will take this values with you and continue to work on them. Some you will find easy to follow, others are more difficult.
Let’s talk about David & Goliath for a few minutes…
David was a young man, probably about the size of __ (pick a young man in your ward)
How tall do you think Goliath was? 10 feet tallish
When David went to fight Goliath he was prepared. How was he prepared?
He had the spirit of God with him. He prayed. He KNEW God.
He was good. I am sure he probably made his share of mistakes, but repented along the way.
He carefully chose five of the best stones. He didn’t just randomly pick them.
He didn’t just take one stone. He had a backup plan with five
He was confident. The scriptures tell us he was very skilled.
He removed the armour that was put upon him by Saul, “I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them” Why?
We talk a lot about David and Goliath. A young man fighting a giant of a man. A young man going into battle.
I am here tonight to let you know we are each fighting giants. The Goliaths we fight today are different than David’s. Take a look around you… at each young woman and leader. We each have giants we are fighting, though they are often different for each of us. And sometimes they are the same, but we still feel alone in our problems as we fight our giants don’t we?
What are some of our giants?
Low self esteem
Movies, TV, Music
Afraid to be yourself
Envy
Sickness
Family relationships
Unkindness
Being judgmental
Not being true to yourself
Ungratefulness
Being too busy
Dishonesty
Gossiping
Depression
Rebelliousness
Dating / Chastity
Dressing immodestly
Friends
Language
Pornography
When confronted with a Goliath size problem… which way do we respond? How do we prepare for battle?
He’s too big to hit?
Or like David, is he too big to miss?
The only way David succeeded was because he had faith in the Lord. The Lord helped David and He will help us. How? Include him in our lives, pray continually, ponder, be thankful, read scriptures, follow the commandments, love one another and repent always.
The strength of Youth guidelines are like the stones that David picked up to fight Goliath..
Focus on giants you stumble.
Focus on God your Giants tumble.
Oct 15, 2009
Handmade Paper Flowers
Don't forget to drop by Pebbles in my Pocket this Friday & Saturday for our 25% sale on pattern paper and open stock buttons... Not only will you be able to learn how to make our sweet paper flowers but you'll have a wonderful time getting inspired with new paper craft projects found in the store. Bring your friends... I hope to see you there!
-Brenda
-Brenda
Oct 14, 2009
YW Value Magnets
A fun activity and affordable craft for the young women to make... Perfect for all metal surfaces, refrigerators and school lockers or can be scattered on a dresser or shelf without the magnets :) Simply modge podge onto the back of clear pebbles and attach a strong magnet. Design comes in one assorted sheet or sheets of 30 of one theme. Available at Pebbles in my Pocket stores and online at www.pebblesinmypocket.com
Have fun!
-Brenda
Have fun!
-Brenda
Oct 12, 2009
Pizza Muffins
Cooking night again with the Laurels. On this night we learned how to make Pizza Muffins, Caesar salad and homemade hot fudge sauce over ice cream. A yummy night all around! We talked about the importance of lighting a candle and making dinner special, no matter the simpleness of the meal. Our favorite activities are always the nights we gather and cook :)
-Brenda
-Brenda
Oct 2, 2009
American Crafts & Pebbles Inc.
It's final. The papers are signed and Pebbles Inc. will now be in the hands of American Crafts. It has only been two short weeks from start to finish and I believe it will be a good home for Pebbles Inc. These past nine years with Pebbles Inc. have been filled with many wonderful memories and a lot of learning experiences. Having one foot in retail stores and the other in product development has been hard at best to juggle with family. I love them all, but you can't have it all. People who say you can are crazy. There are sacrifices with every choice we make and people who do not own a business do not begin to understand the stresses involved. I have to simplify my life. I did what was best for my family and for the continuation of Pebbles and some of the employees. My focus will now be on the stores and consulting in product development for our Pebbles line at American Crafts. It has been a hard 2 weeks and aside from feeling sad, this feels right.
-Brenda
Pebbles Inc. brand products feature easy-to-use scrapbooking supplies, including patterned paper, craft chalk and stencils, Snapshot photo stickers, decorative Chips chipboard shapes, self-adhesive Candy Dot embellishments, themed die cuts, color-coordinated ribbon spools and more.
American Crafts will continue to offer current Pebbles Inc. product line and plans to introduce new products over time. Pebbles Inc. will remain a separate brand under the American Crafts umbrella.
Pebbles Inc. was founded in 2001 by Brenda Birrell as an extension of the Pebbles in my Pocket retail stores, located in Orem, Salt Lake City and St. George, Utah. The retail stores will remain under Birrell’s ownership and management.
Jeff Mitchell, president of American Crafts, says that Pebbles in my Pocket retail stores have been loyal American Crafts customers for years. “We consider Brenda a longtime friend and recognize the tremendous contributions she has made as a pioneer in scrapbooking. We think the line of products she and her designers have created nicely complements American Crafts’ product lines,” said Mitchell. “We’re excited to add Pebbles Inc. into the mix and offer an even greater selection of high-quality craft supplies.”
The core of Pebbles’ design team will join American Crafts to ensure a continuation of Pebbles’ simple, cute and fun look that’s well loved by beginner and intermediate scrapbookers alike.
Birrell says her goal with Pebbles Inc. has always been to allow people the opportunity to preserve memories and strengthen relationships in a fun and easy way.
“I feel good knowing American Crafts will move that initiative forward,” said Birrell. “When we made the decision to sell Pebbles Inc. to focus on managing our retail stores, American Crafts immediately came to mind as the perfect fit.”
American Crafts has created stylish and innovative scrapbooking products since the early 1990s. The company has established itself as a leader in the industry by providing stylish, high-quality products and responsive customer service. In addition to patterned paper, American Crafts produces Thickers,, albums, unique pens and markers, Premium Ribbon, Fla!r embellishments, Remarks stickers, Minimarks rub-on transfers and other embellishments that always rank as customers’ favorites.
Pebbles Inc. brand represents inspiring scrapbooking products that are fun and easy to use. Since 2001, Pebbles Inc. products have helped people preserve their memories in a simple, fun way. The company offers patterned paper, craft chalk and stencils Snapshot photo stickers, decorative Pebbles Chips chipboard shapes, self-adhesive Candy Dot embellishments, themed die cuts, color-coordinated ribbon spools and other easy-to-use supplies.
-Brenda
Pebbles Inc. brand products feature easy-to-use scrapbooking supplies, including patterned paper, craft chalk and stencils, Snapshot photo stickers, decorative Chips chipboard shapes, self-adhesive Candy Dot embellishments, themed die cuts, color-coordinated ribbon spools and more.
American Crafts will continue to offer current Pebbles Inc. product line and plans to introduce new products over time. Pebbles Inc. will remain a separate brand under the American Crafts umbrella.
Pebbles Inc. was founded in 2001 by Brenda Birrell as an extension of the Pebbles in my Pocket retail stores, located in Orem, Salt Lake City and St. George, Utah. The retail stores will remain under Birrell’s ownership and management.
Jeff Mitchell, president of American Crafts, says that Pebbles in my Pocket retail stores have been loyal American Crafts customers for years. “We consider Brenda a longtime friend and recognize the tremendous contributions she has made as a pioneer in scrapbooking. We think the line of products she and her designers have created nicely complements American Crafts’ product lines,” said Mitchell. “We’re excited to add Pebbles Inc. into the mix and offer an even greater selection of high-quality craft supplies.”
The core of Pebbles’ design team will join American Crafts to ensure a continuation of Pebbles’ simple, cute and fun look that’s well loved by beginner and intermediate scrapbookers alike.
Birrell says her goal with Pebbles Inc. has always been to allow people the opportunity to preserve memories and strengthen relationships in a fun and easy way.
“I feel good knowing American Crafts will move that initiative forward,” said Birrell. “When we made the decision to sell Pebbles Inc. to focus on managing our retail stores, American Crafts immediately came to mind as the perfect fit.”
American Crafts has created stylish and innovative scrapbooking products since the early 1990s. The company has established itself as a leader in the industry by providing stylish, high-quality products and responsive customer service. In addition to patterned paper, American Crafts produces Thickers,, albums, unique pens and markers, Premium Ribbon, Fla!r embellishments, Remarks stickers, Minimarks rub-on transfers and other embellishments that always rank as customers’ favorites.
Pebbles Inc. brand represents inspiring scrapbooking products that are fun and easy to use. Since 2001, Pebbles Inc. products have helped people preserve their memories in a simple, fun way. The company offers patterned paper, craft chalk and stencils Snapshot photo stickers, decorative Pebbles Chips chipboard shapes, self-adhesive Candy Dot embellishments, themed die cuts, color-coordinated ribbon spools and other easy-to-use supplies.
YW Value Paper
We are sooo excited to show you our new YW 12x12 printed paper for the eight young women values... and each value comes with a coordinating stripe too! I am already thinking of the cute projects we will be making, check back often :) Available at your favorite Pebbles in my Pocket stores or online.
-Brenda
-Brenda
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