Calling-Release

One of things that love about our church is that we have lay ministry (people who serve without pay). I have had many callings since I was baptized in 1980. My very first calling was to play the piano in Primary (organization for children).

With every calling there is a release. A few weeks ago I was released from serving as stake Relief Society president. Being called to serve, in whatever capacity, has brought blessings and greater meaning into my life. For almost 10 years I have served the Relief Society (organization for the women of our church). I first served as ward president for 4 years, then as a counselor in the stake Relief Society presidency for a year and a half then as stake Relief Society president for four and half years. It really has been a joyful part of my life. I have learned to love the sisters I served with. I do feel sad and will miss the association and blessings that were part of my life for so many years. I simply loved the calling I had. But I gracefully accepted the release. I know the call came from Heavenly Father as well as the release.

President J. Reuben Clark said, "In the service of the Lord, it is not where you serve but how." I know others where more capable than I was but the Lord gave me the responsibility for a reason. I learned so much and have had so many sacred experiences that I will treasure always.

Serving as a church service missionary at the Relief Society Building.

Singing in the choir at the general Relief Society meeting. I got to sit in the same chairs where the Mormon Tabernacle Choir members sit!!

With Merrilee Webb our amazing director and my sweet friend Lorie.

Women's Conference with Mariama Kallon

This was an amazing conference. We couldn't believe the things Mariama went through living in Africa. She told her story and it was inspiring. We also had a chance to do several service project after she spoke.

Raised in war-torn Sierra Leone, Mariama Kallon saw many things as a young girl that might fill a person with fear and hatred. Soon after witnessing the violent murders of parents and siblings and spending her youth fleeing from rebels, she was introduced to the gospel of Jesus Christ and found hope in God and peace in a knowledge of eternal families. She was given a humanitarian kit by the Church, which became a treasured symbol of hope that she used to bless the lives of many as they again fled for their lives. After returning to her town, she was called on a mission to the Salt Lake City Temple Square Mission, and wept in gratitude to the Lord as she visited the place where her precious humanitarian kit was made. Today Mariama stands as an example of the divine purposes of humanitarian work and tells her story to numerous audiences, urging them to participate in this work. She currently resides and works in Salt Lake City, where she has attended LDS Business College. 

Jennifer Welch-Babidge sang at the conference. She has a beautiful voice, one the best I have ever heard. She has performed with the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera and many other stages around the world.

She sang a song called "Miracles" and it was perfect way to conclude the conference.
Amid the countless blessings the Lord has given me
The light of truth and goodness; the Holy Spirit's peace
I see the many sorrows that his children must endure
So much hurt I long to heal. How can I change the world?

There are hands I cannot hold
Hearts I cannot comfort
Tears that only miracles can stay
So let me love and serve and teach
Those who come within my reach
For miracles begin that way

The Savior walked in Galilee, unknown in many lands
Yet touching every nation by the labors of his hands
Giving light to all the world by teaching but the few
He is my example in the work that I must do

I will bear the burden of my neighbor in his need
I will share my Savior's love in every kindly deed
He will magnify my efforts, and I'll understand at last
That by these small and simple things are great things brought to pass.

Cleaning up after a meeting.

Women's Conference with Anne Pingree, former general Relief Society counselor.

Tricia served as my counselor for about year and a half. I learned so much from her.

Meeting with the angels at the Developmental Center.

One of several times we met with Sister Julie Beck, current general Relief Society president.

Yes... lunch with Sister Allred and Sister Beck!

Our wonderful stake president, Howard Bangerter. It was a joy to serve with him.

My dream team, Val Peterson, Ann Adamson and Valerie Blain. Amazing women!!

Our final Women's Conference with Sheri Dew.

The annual "Young at Heart" Christmas luncheon. We loved serving lunch to those who are 65 and older in our stake.

Leadership training... The sister standing next to me is Shauna Valentine and she is the new stake Relief Society president.

Thanks for the kinds words of appreciation through emails, cards, phone calls and flowers.

I wonder what my next calling will be!

Lunch with my boys!

My two 27 year olds and I had lunch together to celebrate Mark's birthday. Yes, you know Christopher and Mark are both 27 for about a month.

We took Mark to Fong's, a new restaurant in American Fork. I had a shrimp dish that was very similar to one I had in Taiwan. It was delicious!

We celebrated again on Sunday. Mark wanted steak, baked potatoes and fresh corn. I was happy to obliged. I also added some very yummy chicken kabobs. He wanted one of his favorites, creme brulee for dessert. We topped that with a bowl a perfect raspberries.

Mark can enjoy a nice massage and Chris made a donation in Mark's name to the Human Fund ~ Money for the People!!

It was a fun night that ended by playing our favorite game, Cranium. In a very close game Chris, Mark and Tiff beat out Ma and Pa.

Happy Birthday again, Mark ~ you're going to have a great year!

For My Aunt...

This post is for my Aunt Bernice who lives in Oklahoma. She wanted to see the blankets and things I made for Cash. So here ya go...

This is afghan is for Tiffani to snuggled up with while she is feeding Cash.

Tiff's Dad painted the nursery and I made curtains so I need to get a picture of the room all finished. It is so cute!!

I just want to be sure Cash will stay warm this winter!!

After the Shower...

I still can't believe all the clothes and wonderful gifts Tiffani and Mark got. The clothes nearly covered their living room floor! Cindi and I helped Tiff sort through the clothes and put them in piles by size. I don't think Cash will need anymore clothes for a year. However, I can't guarantee that I won't still buy him clothes! Who knows, maybe I already have.

How many men does it take to put a stroller together?

As it turns out, it takes three! Tim, Chris and Mark did manage to get the stroller assembled.

34 days... more or less until we can take Cash for a stroll!

Quote for the Week... Seasons

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to reap that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing.
A time to get and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace."
~ Ecclesiastes 3:1

Mark Joseph

August 12, 2010

To my son Mark on his 27^st birthday

Dear Son,

First and most important is my love for you. I am so grateful to be your Mom.

Secondly is how proud I am of you as a man. You have proven to be the type of boy, and now man, that I am proud to have as a son. Manly, yet gentle - studious and intelligent and yet able to turn a joke or quip.

In a few weeks you will have a son of your own and will begin to understand the love a parent has for their child.

I will never forget the first time I held you in my arms. I am so glad we had you.

I love you. Happy Birthday!!

Oh Baby #2

Four of my dearest friends and my amazing sister-in-law Pam hosted shower #2 for Tiffani. I was overwhelmed by all the lovely details and started to cry before I even walked into the house. Susan, who is one of the most generous people I know opened her home for the shower.

Thanks Kennan for the darling invitations! You're just so darn creative!

My nieces, Kennan and Brooke decorated inside and out. It was all so lovely!

Then there was the food... holy cow I have never seen such a beautiful table. Everything was so delicious!

Billie created the beautiful flower arrangement.

Brooke, Kennan, Billie, Pam, Lorie, Denise and Susan... I just can't find the words to thank them for giving Tiffani such an amazing shower. I still tear up when I think about it. Best friends and family ever. I love them all so much!!

Is Brooke's blouse cute or what?!!

It took Tiffani about two hours open all the gifts. Cash will be the best dressed boy around. We have so many kind and giving neighbors. Notice the glider rocker... Uncle Christopher's gift for his first nephew.

Tiffani... can I just say again how grateful I am to have a daughter. She loved all the gifts.

Pam, Billie, Jill, Sandee and Elaine

Tiffani, Tiff's Mom Cindi and sister Bree, Mary and Lorie

After Tiffani opened a gift with clothes, Susan hung them up on this clothesline. Pam made the jammies hanging at the end. Really cute!

Grandpa Tim picked out a Sunday outfit for Cash. If it's possible, I think he might be more excited than I am about having a grandson!

I am going to be a grandma!!

Making things for Cash and looking for clothes was more fun than I can say. I can't wait to see him in his new wardrobe.

Yes I crocheted a few blankets, it's what I do!

Gifts and more gifts!!

More blankets, one for everyday of the week! What can I say, I am outta control.

Mark is going to be a daddy, I hope Cash has his dimples!!

Mark gave Tiffani a pregnancy massage.

Showing her gratitude. So sweet.

Time to open the big gift.

Family and friends donated enough money to get the stroller and car seat Tiff and Mark had chosen. Again, their generosity was overwhelming. A heartfelt thanks to all who "showered" Tiffani and Mark with so many gifts. What a wonderful tradition to welcome a new little baby into the world.

Thank you everyone!!!!

Just about 5 weeks until we meet our grandson!!

A VERY grateful,

Thank you K for taking pictures for me!!

Tiffani and I had a headache after the shower. Chris said it's face fatigue from smiling so much!!!