Progressive Dinner

On August, 22nd last week for Young Women's I was in charge of the combined young women activity.  The Beehives  wanted to do a Progressive dinner for it.  I thought it was a great idea, but I wanted to do something to teach etiquette.  So we went to three different homes. First for Salad, at Lauri's, then we came to my house for the main dish, and then we went to Makinzee's home for dessert.  It went really well, but maybe a little too long. We started at 6:30 and weren't done till almost 9pm.  

At each home we talked about different parts of etiquette.  We showed them what each piece of silverware is for when fine dining.  We taught them how to fold napkins in fun shapes and then  we talked about basic etiquette around in tons of situations.  My advisor Liz made hand outs for everyone.  She is so creative.  She put the handout on a fork.  And it said:

"Take five (with candy bar) to learn about etiquette.  It will be a life saver (of course with the candy life safers) tied to a fork.  

1st day of school and other stuff

On our way to Bear Lake last week we decided to stop in Brigham City to go inside of the new Brigham City temple.  It is beautiful!!!!

 Waiting to go inside the Brigham City temple open house.  Before going through the temple you get to see a beautiful film describing what happens in the temple and why we have temples.

Spencer had his first day of college on Wednesday, August 22nd.  Coby had his first day of college on Monday, May 27th.  Kara had her first day of high school on Tuesday, August 28th.  Colton isn't going to school this semester, but is working full time.  The picture above is  Kara on her first day of 10th grade.  Also her first day of going to Bingham High!

 All packed and ready to go!

We are carpooling with a bunch of people in the neighborhood. I am so excited to not have to drive there two times each day.  We hope to be able to get a bus permit, but we won't know for another month.

So far everyone is enjoying school!  Which makes me very happy!

Kara singing Shopping Around for her recital at Weber State Unversity

Naylor Farm block party 2012!!!

 On Saturday, August 18th Matt and I hosted a neighborhood block party. Kara and Colton were kind enough to pass out hand outs to all the homes in our neighborhood.  Unfortunately, since I had been out of town most of August I didn't get to send reminders to everyone again.  We had a fairly okay turn out, but  a lot of people were out of town and many probably forgot.    We live in a wonderful neighborhood and it was fun to get to know some of our neighbors better that evening.

I forgot to take pictures, but I did remember to take theses at the tail end of the party.  Two of my neighbors volunteered to help me next year with the party to make it more FUN!!!  I loved their ideas.

Also, on Saturday, our next door neighbor Erin was baptized!!!  She is a Beehive as of this week and it has been so fun to get to know her better.  Congrats Erin!!!!

Education Week 2012 Part Two

One cool thing about Education week is that I get to see Coby more.  It was great to pop in and see him at work.   Coby works in the BYU library reading Germany records and recording them.  He is such a hard worker.   Coby also spent most of Thursday night with me.  Kara and some of the youth from our ward  went to the Education Week youth dance.  The dance didn't get over until 11 pm so Coby and I hung out.  We went to a really good restaurant called, Banana Leaf and had curry.   Thanks Coby, for keeping me company that night so I was awake enough to drive back to Salt Lake after midnight!!!! 

Kara and some of her friends from our ward came to Education Week.  It made it fun for Kara.  One morning on our way to Education Week,  I took Kara and her friend to their high school to get their school pictures.  Below is a picture right before their picture.

It was fun to go to some of the youth classes with Kara.   We met up for lunch a few times.   I met up with one of my best friends, Diane, who was my roommate my freshman year, that I keep in touch with..  I also sat through a few classes from people from Washington.  I love my Washington friends I usually run into at Education Week.

Below are some of the other thoughts I want to remember from Education Week:
Our spiritually is the process of becoming. 

Are you learning to love others in your environment? That is the main goal of mortality--to LOVE!

Know that what other people say or do is a reflection of THEM not you! 

Stop worrying on what people think about you.  If you are in high school still that is okay, but if you are out of high school you can totally give it up.  Merilee Boyack (one of my favorite speakers)

 Don't spend all of your years thinking you need to show up to sacrament perfect.   It is okay to let people know you are weak.  We are organized into wards to specifically watch out for one another.

"You have a target on your back.  The closer one tries to become like the Savior, the more the adversary will seek to have that person.   Protection is found by obedience to the laws and ordinances.  However deceptive the adversary is, we are not left defenseless."

"The Lord loves me.  He wants me back. Satan hates me.  He wants to isolate me."  Jennifer Platt

Why is it so important to study the scriptures?
P-Protection
E-Easier to feel the Spirit
A- All things you should do (in the scriptures)
C-Covenants
E-Easier to feel the Spirit

The greatest reason to  read daily from the scriptures is that it puts us in the frame and setting where we can be receptive to insights from the Holy Ghost.  John Hilton III

"I don't have to be a light to the whole world.  I just have to be HIS light to my world." Brad Wilcox

"So often what others need from us is help and teaching and support and coaching, not judgment and anger and consequences."

I loved Education Week and I am so grateful I have the opportunity to go!!  I truly am blesses and I have a lot of things to think about and work through!

Education Week 2012 Part 1

 

I love Education week!!!  I feel so spiritual uplifted.  I went for the first time in 1988 and I have been trying to go whenever I could since.  Now that my children are older it is much easier to go and so I go as much as possible.   And this year, like last year, Kara went with me! 

Here are some of the things I want to remember from Education week.

What is required for the Celestial Kingdom:

1.  Have a current temple recommend always.

2.  Family-be part of one and spend time with them.

3.  Have excellent personal spiritual habits--personal prayers,  scripture study and meditation.

4.  Keep the commandments.  

5.  Serve and love others.

All negative emotions come from unmet expectations

Gratitude:  Be happy with where you are, but don't be content to stay there.  This is the manner of happiness.  

Have I seen the hand of the God reaching out to touch me.  Ask this question daily and see how much he touches your life. 

Best ways to do good in the following areas that have proven and tried with thousands of people.

Religious Activity

1.  Personal religious practice (daily reading and reading scriptures on your own.

Weight Loss (help with losing weight and keeping it off for good)

1.  Weigh yourself daily

2.  Keep track of the food you eat and write it down 2 to 3 days a week.

3.  Cardio activity in your home or outside.

Marriage

1.  Arguing-- if you argue and attack in a demeaning way--bad.

2.  Speaking honestly and respectfully.

Parenting

1.  Consistency

2. Immediacy

3.  Predictability

Career

1.  Know your stuff--be good

2.  Know the right stuff.

3.  Be seen as a team player.

Happiness

1. Happiness doesn't change generally after you reach 75k a year.

2.  Quality of family experiences and friends.

3.  Using money to help others.

"Don't try to just be good, that isn't the goal.  The goal is to become like Him as much as possible here on the earth."  

We can choose to become a disciple of Christ. We train ourselves and others to believe our lies.  The lives become the "rules" we've labeled ourselves.  I_____________it's who I am.  

78% leave the church at least 1 year total in their life.  By the age of 65, 66% are active out of 100.  For some reason this statistic really bothered me.  I will  not EVER become the 78%!

We didn't come to the earth to gain a testimony, we already had one.  

"Our Heavenly Father is more liberal in his views and boundaries in his mercies and blessings, than we are ready to believe or receive." Joseph Smith

One of the main purposes of being a parents is not how your children turned out, but what YOU became from being a parent.  Does being a parent make you kinder or more of a raving maniac?

How to live a happier life:

1.  Live according to what you know.

2. Spend the most on what matters most.

3.  Stop comparing.

4.  Stop worrying, especially if it won't help.

5.  Remember the purposes of life. 

 (Ryan Eggett

"The longer we live, the greater our realization that it is brief." Thomas Monson`

Death continues the mortal probation.  It's not until your resurrected that it's over. There is  a lot of work that's going to go on in the spirit world.  It's not over until the slim lady sings; slim because she is resurrected. 

"The Lord is going to teach you how to overcome your weakness.  But you need to be careful what you decide is most important in overcoming.  There are some things that matter more than others."

Visiting my parents grave and Oregon

 It was sad to say good bye to everyone in Washington.  I for one, just hate saying good bye.   After saying good bye to Matt's parents we went to visit  my parents grave.  Sometimes I wonder why I do this as it always makes me cry and miss my parents all the more.  Whenever I go to Seattle I miss my parents more since Seattle is where I have all of my memories with them. So I am already on the verge of tears the whole trip, go figure.   I took a picture of the grave because when people ask me when my dad died I can't always remember the year and now I can remember. 

 Matt always start cleaning around their grave.  It is good because I am usually bawling.  I have never been one of those people who can smile when there are in front of graves for a picture..  I just don't feel like there is something to smile about---I know kind of dramatic, but it is how I feel. 

The cemetery they were buried at is so beautiful and they keep the gardens so clean and manicured.  I am so grateful for this.   After leaving the cemetery we drove straight to Portland. It is such a beautiful drive.  When we arrived in Portland we went straight to get Voo Doo doughnuts. I had heard so much about their doughnuts so, I had to give them a try.   They were good, but the reason they are so famous is because of the names of the doughnuts and the way they are decorated.   Apparently, people go to Voo Doo to get married.  And believe it or not, but there was a wedding while we were there.  

 

We arrived at my Aunt Jean's home.  I truly admire and adore my aunt.  For the last decade or more she has been taking care of my Grandma by herself.  She has sacrificed so much of her time and energy to take care of her.  My aunt is 76 and I really feel like she needs more help.  She has never asked for much help or complained, but I feel very neglectful in helping with my grandma.  My aunt cooked us a lovely meal and I felt so bad that she had spent so much time when she should have been relaxing.  I felt bad to add to her stress. 

 

 My friend Ann recently put this on her blog. Like my aunt she has been taking care of her Grandma.  After reading this I feel like this really describes my Aunt perfectly.

 I truly believe that one of the greatest errands for earthly Angels is the care and love of the elderly.  Babies are so easy to love, hold and adore.. but many people scoff at helping older people -- changing them... patiently feeding them, etc.   I know that the Lord sends some of his greatest blessings to those who care for the Elderly so lovingly and caringly."

After spending the day with my Grandma and Aunt we went to the outlet malls to take Kara shopping.  We got there pretty late, and they were about to close, but she got some wonderful deals.  Then we drove to my Aunt Traci's home.  She is my dad's youngest sister.   Traci is super good at taking pictures.  I always forget to get  my picture taken, but she seems to always remember to capture the moment.  Thanks Traci!!!

Traci made us some very yummy food!  They have a treager they cooked biscuits on they were to die for.  Traci also made some of the best eggs I have had, in a long time.  She spoiled us rotten.  She has some of the best sheets I have ever slept on---seriously.  They are doing a roadshow in Utah at Costco. I am totally going to buy them.  They are called Jennifer Adams sheets and I am in love!  My Aunt Jean told my Aunt Traci about them and I am in love!

 After leaving the Portland area, we headed to Boise.  We called up Matt's grandpa to find a time we could meet up with him.  So we met up at the movies.  We went to see Marigold Hotel with Grandpa P.  Aunt Julie and Uncle John the minute we arrived.  It was a very delightful movie.  Afterwards, we all went out to dinner.  I love visiting with John and Julie.  They are such vibrant people.  They aren't afraid to ask questions and to answer question in return.  Thank you John and Julie for letting us crash your activity. Thank you for looking out for Grandpa P and taking such good care of him.  They truly are the sandwiched people, not only are they helping with their father, but their children and Julie watches her grandson every day!!!  WOW--I hope I can have that kind of energy.   Grandpa P. is one amazing man.  He is strong and vibrant and going strong in his 90's.  We sure love him!!!

We stayed at my brother John's home that evening in Boise.  I love visiting with their family. It is so cool that my best friend  married my older brother.  I feel blessed we are in the same family.  Thank you for letting us stay at your home. 

As we were coming home Kara said she felt like she was a little homeless. She said she had been in more homes as a visitor and had slept on so many different beds that she was so glad to be coming home.  I am grateful for the amazing family we have and the great example they are to us.   I am grateful to Matt's parents for raising such a wonderful man.  They are just some of the salt of the earth people.  I am so grateful to have such wonderful family members who are willing to open up their home and to feed us and to act like they enjoy it!!!  I am especially grateful for a beautiful home to come home to, and that my boys took care of it while we were gone.

Kara and I are leaving for Education week for the rest of the week tomorrow. I am so excited to learn and be edified.  It truly is a wonderful life!!! 

Last day in Seattle

On Thursday Matt went boat shopping with his dad.   I went to a funeral for George Hanson. My sister Katie said she would drive me there, because I really wanted to be able to go. Thank you Katie!!!!
 When I was eight years old George and Erma Hanson started  coming over to our home where my father and mother taught them the gospel.  My mom was such a natural missionary and she asked them if they would like to come over to our home for FHE.  Six months later the Hanson's were baptized by my Dad.  We developed a close relationship with them and spent a lot of time in each others homes.  Erma was my first young women's president and then became the stake young women's president.  I use to baby sit her children a lot and we would just visit.  She was such a strength to me after my mom died too.   Then after I was married and I moved back into the ward I was the cub scout leader and we held cub scouts at her home.  It was so nice to reconnect with her then too.  

It was a beautiful service. My step mom, Sheryl was asked to read a beautiful poem too.  It was so nice to see people I hadn't seen for so many years.  So many people from the ward I grew up from were there and I loved visiting with them. 

After the funeral Katie took me to one of my mom's Laurels she taught.  When she was a Laurel my mom had given her a beautiful  statue.  She asked me to stop by her home as she had a gift to give Kara.  I thought it was so touching that she had saved it for my daughter.  What a sweetheart she is.

When I got back to Matt's parents home Matt and Kara were working in the his parents yard with them.  It looked great.  Then we went to the beach that is practically in their back yard. 

 Then we left to go to Matt's sister, Melissa's home.  Her husband Herb had made us a very delicious dinner.  If only I could make spaghetti like him.

 We had a wonderful time visiting with their family. 

 Matt's parents with Kara in the back ground.   While we are there Kara sang a solo and tried to play the piano on a miniature piano.  And then Dylan and Michael played their trumpet and french horn (I think that is what they played) for us.  It was amazing. 

As we were leaving Matt's sister Melissa asked Herb to take some pictures of us. Here is one of them. 

Seattle

 On Wednesday we spent the day in Seattle.  My father in law was nice enough to drive us into town so that we didn't have to deal with parking a car.  We stopped first at Pike Place Market.  I have spent a lot of Saturday's in my life at Pike Place.  My dad use to love to go there to get fresh fish.    They have a really good selection. 

 In Seattle they recently have a new attraction.  It is called the 'Great Wheel'. It is 175 feet tall and just opened this summer.  It was very cool.  If you can believe it you can even order food to eat while you are on it.  

 I love all the flowers they sell at Pike Place market.  If we weren't walking the whole day we would have bought some. They are so vibrant and so inexpensive.

 We walked along the Puget Sound.  It is so pretty. 

 We went to Ivar's for lunch.  They have such good fish. One thing I miss about living in Utah is the fresh fish.   We ate outside  looking at the Puget Sound.   Kara ended up giving half of her lunch to the Sea Gulls.

 Here are some of the Sea Gulls that were trying to eat our lunch.

 Then we walked to the Space Needle.  It was a little bit further of a walk than we had thought.  We went to the Pacific Science Center. I use to go there frequently as a child.    We wanted to go to the King Tut exhibit. When I was in the 4th grade I went to the same exhibit.  It is just fascinating then, just as it is now.

 After that we went through the rest of the Pacific Science Center. 

There are so many spiders in Washington and they are HUGE!!!!  And of course they had even bigger spiders at the Science Center exhibits.

 We went through the Butterfly exhibit too. 

After we were done exploring Seattle we took the monorail and then the transit system close to Matt's parent's home.  They were so sweet and were waiting for us when we arrived.  

After we got home from Seattle we drove over to my step mom Sheryl's home, the home where I grew up at.   It was nice to visit with her.  The trees around my old neighborhood are so big!!!!  I feel like they are taking over the neighborhood---seriously.  The landscaping in Washington is so much more natural.  It made me miss the manicured lawns around my neighborhood.  

After we went to visit Sheryl we drove to Matt's sister, Sharon.  We met her for dinner at Red Robin.  It was so good to see her place and catch up with her.   We then went back to her place and looked at family albums.  Kara loved it. Kara adores Sharon and she reminds me a lot of her aunt sometimes.   She lives right off of the Puget Sound. We walked down to the water and  talked some more.   Sharon is such a strong woman that I have always admired.   

By the time we got home we were so tired.  Matt's parents waited up for us and it was good to visit with them.