The things Matt missed

We enveloped Matt back into our arms last week  to welcome him back after 5 days in Dallas.  Boy did I miss my man and I think it’s safe to say he missed us  too.  He didn't enjoy being super close to the tornado's either.

Here are a few of the other things he missed (besides us), for better or for worse:
--watching Kara drive to school each day
--crazy dogs that would fight.
--the happenings of Coby in Turkey
--yummy dinners
--I got released from Young Women's  :( 
--Identity theft on my credit card----AGAIN
--Kara doing a TON of homework until all hours of the night!

Since he has been back:
Coby has found a place to live in Turkey.  No more sharing a room with 8 complete strangers!

He is living (above)  here for a month when a friend he met in Turkey until his friends come and join him next month.  I am excited that he found a place to live.

Kara had her  last school choir concert and she sang a solo.  She did an amazing job!!!!

Kara's doing a lot of homework still.  Seriously, that girl needs to take a break---oh yeah summer is almost here for her to take her break!!!! 

I got a lot of kudos at work---YEAH!!!  I am finally starting to get the hang of it. My boss handed me a gift card since I have been improving so much.   He told my brother I am the FUTURE superstar.  I am sure he was kidding, but it was very nice to receive some positive words when it has taken me so long to really learn about this job.   I had no idea this job could have involved so much work and that it could be this complex.   Someday I will share, but I know I would bore you to tears!

 I did get released from Young Women's after almost serving there for 3 years.  I was completely overwhelmed so it was the right thing, but it was sad, nonetheless.  I love working with the girls, but working with the girls requires a lot of time and I seem to have a short supply of that.

Gratitude Post 13

I am so grateful to be able to work with the Young Women in my ward.  My favorite calling has always been to work with YW.  I  have been very blessed because so many of my callings have been working with young women. 

Most of my time working with YW have been with the Beehives, although I have spent several years working with Mia Maid, but never Laurels. I guess I am just not that mature yet. 

  They seem to love whatever we are doing, no matter what it is.  They have a positive attitude about EVERYTHING and they think you are a ROCK STAR!!!!  How could you not love that.

 I love our week night activities.  I work with some very stalwart women who are so talented and such an example of service.  I love that I get to be in YW's while my daughter is there too.  She makes me even LOVE it more, if that is possible!!!

   

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.  

I can do Hard things--trek!!~~

I love trek!!!  There is a spirit felt at trek that is life changing.  I never would have believed it was true if I haven't had the privilege of participating in it.  There are so many lessons that can be learned at trek, but the strongest lesson of all is that we are loved by our Heavenly Father and we have a Savior who made it possible for us to live again as families.  



Trek is HARD and difficult, but because of that it is so rewarding. Trek is an opportunity to be super sweaty, dirty,  and very HOT!!!  Because of the difficulties you experience there you feel so abundantly blessed for all that you normally take for granted.  As President Baer said, going on trek and leaving the world behind helps us to become more dedicated as a disciple of Christ.   To feel the love and peace that only the gospel can give.  

 I had the most amazing trek family!   I was in the Lion Family with Janelle, Colby, Patrick, Andrew, Dillian,  Lexi, Julia,  Uncle Aaron, Brittney,  and Staci. Our Ma and Pa Janelle and Colby were amazing.   They anticipated any need we might have and they sure were good with the squirting you when you are hot.  Above we are getting ready to get in the bus!

 Brittney, Kelly, Patrick M, Andrew and Patrick W.  I had the privilege of being in Patrick and Andrew's family! 

 Kara was in a different family and a different company then I was.  It was always great to see her smiling face!

Andrew playing a joke on Patrick

 Brittney, Lexi and Staci!!! Some of the sweetest girls ever!!!  And Dillion on the side.

 Some of the boys in our ward.

 Our make shift shade area.  There were no trees on trek so we were always in the sun.  It was so dusty.  Dirt was in everything we used or touched.  Everyone was so dirty.

 Kara working on crafts with her family

 On the last day we were playing games during the morning.   It is so rewarding to watch the youth interact with one another.  They bonded so quickly and  it was so hard to believe that some had barely just me, because they seemed like they had know one another forever.

 The medic unit!!  They were so amazing.  In our family ever girl had a blister and most of the boys too.  The reason was because it was so hot and there was so much dirt that rubbed against our feet.  They did a tremendous job helping all that needed it. 

Our last few minutes of trek before we entered the buses.  I was so grateful to see the buses that would take us home, but sad to leave my trek family!

I have thought a lot about trek and the lessons that we can learn there.  I really think it is amazing that you can bring a bunch of youth to this land and have it be a life changing event that strengthens them.  If I hadn't already participated in two treks I would think it was crazy that it can be so life altering, but all I can say is, that it is.  I do believe that everyday life does provide us with enough  hardship and it can  sufficiently test our testimony, but going on trek seem to give us the added strength to become even stronger, spiritually, physically, and emotionally.   I am a  big believer of trek. I believe that when you take youth away from their element without the distractions of cell phone, Facebook and friends that you can truly realize what is important.  I am grateful for the opportunity I have to work with the youth in our ward.  My cup truly runneth over with blessings!!!

Girls Night out!!!

( Rachel, Cami, Jenny, Kris, Ann, Camille, Clairesse )

Last night we had a girls night out.  We went to Cheesecake Factory because yesterday was national Cheesecake day and so our cheesecake was half off.   I love being with girls friends and just having a good time.   Thanks for the picture Ann!!! You are awesome!  I have met amazing girls in my neighborhood.  I just love it.    I didn't get home until after midnight and Ann and I still went walking this morning at 7:30!!!  I don't think I would have gone if I was going alone!!

I am all packed for trek and I am excited to spend time with the youth and feel the strong spirit that is so strong when you go on trek.  I am all packed and I even started getting packed to go to Seattle as we leave a day after we get home!  I am excited, but tired today and still have so much to do.   I am grateful that I belong to the church of Jesus Christ.  I love the Lord and I am so grateful for the sacrifice he has made for me and His perfect plan of Happiness.  I am so grateful for the sacrifices the pioneers made and what faith they had to endure each and everyday.   I feel so blessed.     

Girls Camp-- Thursday and Friday

 On Thursday we stayed around our camp area.  We did more crafts and we had a fun couple come and  speak to us about, "All Things Bright and Beautiful."  They did an amazing job as did all of the missionaries we came in contact with. There are 67 couples who work at Heber Valley to make  it run smooth.  They are all very kind, helpful and so willing to serve.  I think it would be a cool mission to go on.   We worked on certification and we made balloon and fabric flip flops.    Above is a picture of the YCL's leading us in singing.  We had a lot of fun singing silly camp songs.   We also had my friend Ann Marie's in- laws, who work at the camp, come over for dinner.  They were a lot of fun to talk.

 The bishopric came too that night for dinner. Karlin was in charge of the food and she did amazing.   I think it was the best and most food I had, had in a long time. 

 The picture of all the girls that came during camp.  Minus Lynn Selin who came and  Trisha.  I love this picture because it captures how much laughing Leya truly did.  She was always giggling and she has the cutest giggle that can't help you from smiling.

 It was fun to get to know the girls better and also the leaders I work with.    We have some amazing women in our young woman that I am privileged to work with.  We sure missed you Liz and Mackinzee

This is where we held testimony meeting before everyone got there.   It was a beautiful testimony meeting where the spirit was so strong there.  Every person there bore their testimony.  I don't know if I have ever been to a meeting where that happened.  We have some strong girls in our ward.  There was no drama that happened there at all.  Which is kind of amazing for one week.  Thank you to the priesthood brethren who came up a day, or part of the week--, Brother Maxwell, Brother Selin,  Brother Leah, Brother Hartley, Brother Sampson, Brother McMurdie, and Brother Coulam.

On Friday we got up early and cleaned up the camp.  The girls were so helpful and since we worked together we got out of there almost two hours early.  What a wonderful week.

Girls Camp Wednesday

 On Wednesday morning we went to the Obstacle course 5  right after breakfast.  It is a beautiful steep hike up there.   This is also the day where I took the most pictures and I forgot on most of the other days!

Our ward split up into two groups.  Our group started with the swing.  It was a fun time.  Most of us did it, minus a few adults.  Some were really reluctant to do it, but most of us wanted to go on it more!

 Kara in action.

 Chelsea!!!  She was the quietest one on it.  I don't know how she could contain her scream.

 Emmalie

 Erin

 The girls who held the rope and pulled really hard when someone went up.

 Rachel

 Leya

 Kaitlyn

 Kelly

 Me

 I think this is Brenda?

 After the swings we went to the different  obstacle course, with a total of 7 in all..  They were all so fun to do and it was cool that they each had a message that we could learn from.  They all really made you do a lot of team work or you couldn't have done them.

Our group waiting for the next obstacle course. 

 The other group from our ward.

 Tarzan and Jane swing

 Figuring out the Tarzan and Jane swing.

 Lauri and Trisha came up today.  They sure look CLEAN!!!

 Our whole group minus, Kelly taking the picture after we were finished with the obstacle course.  Three hours of FUN!!!