A time to reflect and rejoice on the birth of our Savior. Yes we in our church believe that he was born in the spring but that does not stop us from honoring Him and rejoicing with everyone else, singing praises and Hosannahs to the Christ Child and all that he means to us.
We are in the middle of rehearsing music for our annual Christmas Sacrament program, Stake Christmas program and The Messiah sing along. Lots of wonderful music, some in arrangements that I have never heard before. All glorious and guaranteed to have everyone feel the spirit of rejoicing.
Early Saturday morning we had a ward choir rehearsal. We were few in number but worked out many details. Then it was back home to start decorating the family room. Nikolas had put up the tree in our absence. I had spent a good chunk of the past week painting our family room and we are enjoying the new color.
Later in the day John and I attended the Nashville Temple with the HPG (High Priest Group). Full to overflowing and such a special feeling to have many of us in attendance. We witnessed Raquel E. going through for the first time in preparation for leaving on her mission to Ogden next Wednesday. Afterwards everyone went out to dinner.
I enjoy Fast and Testimony meeting Sundays. Michelle C. I think summed everything up well with her feelings of happiness about the celebration of Christ's birth and life. We need to focus on the joy and not the stress that many feel as they become overwhelmed with family celebrations.
Relief Society had to be rearranged because Meg E. is sick and could not give the lesson. Many of us shared a favorite scripture and a story about Christmas. "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" Matthew 6:21. My story was about the years we have been involved with singing Handel's MEssiah and our interactions with the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
Stake Choir practice was like a group of old family & friends (and some new) meeting up again for the first time in a while. The Carols are gorgeous and some of the arrangements I had not heard before. We are singing part of one in Spanish. This was our only opportunity to practice properly before conference next week-end and as usual the Tolks inspired us beyond our normal abilities :)
We watched The First Presidency Christmas Devotional from home this year. Wonderful, as always, and such a great start to this season of celebration. After that we read a Christmas story with Kris and Nik and they headed off to bed. We stayed up for a while listening to our new Christmas CD for this year "David Tolk Christmas", short but pretty. We are giving it as a gift to family members this year.
May the joy of this time of year continue on in all our hearts through the coming year and may we each look to our Savior and grow in our relationship with him.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
A visit to Cheekwood
Today is the first day of fall break and I dragged Kristina and Nik to see the Chihuly Exhibit at Cheekwood. We got there just as the gates were opening so were able to "beat the crowd". Nik took most of the photographs which was not easy given the position of the sun :)
There's more. I'll do another posting soon.
There's more. I'll do another posting soon.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Stripping the shutters
Happy Columbus Day to those of you living State-side. John has the day off work so we are tackling one set of shutters. I had already scraped off loose paint so John is trying out some paint stripper instead of sanding.
There's at least 3 layers of paint to get rid of and the green looks like mold once it bubbles up. Definitely a bit of an "ick" factor when you look at it in reality.
John has been stripping since early this morning and has a ways to go so I doubt I'll be doing the painting today. I've been doing some yard work instead.
There's at least 3 layers of paint to get rid of and the green looks like mold once it bubbles up. Definitely a bit of an "ick" factor when you look at it in reality.
John has been stripping since early this morning and has a ways to go so I doubt I'll be doing the painting today. I've been doing some yard work instead.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Along with the beauty the following photos might have a bit of an "ick" factor for some.
We had a random mini cantaloupe grow in our garden this year. I eventually got round to cutting it open and it tasted pretty good. I wee bit ripe but still good.
Turns out sugar ants love cantaloupes too so a week long experiment ensued (outside). The ants were followed by flies who were followed by bees who were followed by wasps who were followed by ........
The photos were taken after an overnight thunderstorm so the cantaloupe was sitting in some juicy water.
And guess what ........ we have two baby cantaloupes growing on what remains of the vine.
We had a random mini cantaloupe grow in our garden this year. I eventually got round to cutting it open and it tasted pretty good. I wee bit ripe but still good.
Turns out sugar ants love cantaloupes too so a week long experiment ensued (outside). The ants were followed by flies who were followed by bees who were followed by wasps who were followed by ........
And guess what ........ we have two baby cantaloupes growing on what remains of the vine.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Girls Camp - Camp Reflections from our Camp Director
Contents of April's e-mail are used with her permission. (Surnames have been removed for privacy reasons).
I was able to experience and see so many special moments as these girls grew in the gospel and shared time with each other. They laughed, talked, cried and supported each other. Many of these girls are the only Mormons in their school and they appreciated the time with so many others of their faith. Strong friendships were forged with all of us.
Even us as leaders talked, laughed, stayed up late sharing experiences. These were all memories I will never forget.
Again I cannot express to you enough the deep and abiding gratitude I feel for all you. I was both humbled and honored to work with you all. I felt the Savior's love for you and it was very powerful. My testimony and commitment to the gospel strengthened.
So thank you, thank you very much. All of the hours, weeks and months of planning came together and it was worth every moment. I loved the inspirations that came as we planned and I have so appreciated the many wonderful and sweet blessings that have come to me personally. We were all so very blessed.
I want to share with you my love and respect for several sisters that spent countless hours in planning and preparation for camp: Michelle, Leigh, Jen, Sarah, Amy,Tina, Sally, Christine, Jennifer, Vinnie, Terri, Estella, Candice, LeeAnn, all of the lovely, creative, hard working, willing to help and FUN cabin moms, the Ward Camp Directors, the kitchen assistants, the young women presidencies and leaders.
Oh Wow! Each time I have sat down to email all of you regarding this year's camp, I couldn't get through it without crying. I have been so full of gratitude for the committment, hard work and dedication you all put forth into not only making camp successful but to letting the young women know how much you loved them.
This past week, I felt the love of our Heavenly Father for our young women so strongly. We had wonderful weather and a beautiful spirit. I know that many precious daughters sparked the beginnings of testimonies, friendships, memories and spiritual experiences that they will never forget.
The various hikes were wonderful. We walked the trails, rested in breezy, shaded areas and pondered over powerful scriptures such as the baptisms of Alma the elder, Joseph Smith's account of his experiences in the sacred grove and the account of Gethsemane. And we learned a ton about the trees and plants along the way-- who knew Tori was so gifted!
The workshops during the day given by Jen and Sarah, Amy, and Candice were powerful and uplifting. So many of the young women have commented on these workshops and how their testimonies and committment to the gospel has strengthened as a result of them. And just in case you are wondering (we've had a lot of email requests), Amy does have more beads for those who lost theirs or didn't get one!
Tubing, flying through the air like a squirrel, swinging down the zip line and conquering the fear of heights with the climbing wall were confidence building. I can't believe how brave some of those girls were and how they were committed to getting to the top of that wall!
The various hikes were wonderful. We walked the trails, rested in breezy, shaded areas and pondered over powerful scriptures such as the baptisms of Alma the elder, Joseph Smith's account of his experiences in the sacred grove and the account of Gethsemane. And we learned a ton about the trees and plants along the way-- who knew Tori was so gifted!
The workshops during the day given by Jen and Sarah, Amy, and Candice were powerful and uplifting. So many of the young women have commented on these workshops and how their testimonies and committment to the gospel has strengthened as a result of them. And just in case you are wondering (we've had a lot of email requests), Amy does have more beads for those who lost theirs or didn't get one!
Tubing, flying through the air like a squirrel, swinging down the zip line and conquering the fear of heights with the climbing wall were confidence building. I can't believe how brave some of those girls were and how they were committed to getting to the top of that wall!
The survivor games by Michelle were so much fun! I didn't eat the crickets myself but I did try a beet at camp and for that I feel like a survivor! It was SO funny to see the girls getting marbles out of the ice bucket and then running to the hot sidewalk to warm their feet!
We wrote HUNDREDS of letters to our missionaries! Michelle said that one of her favorite things as a missionary was to receive lots of letters so I hope that each missionary gets a few of our letters and knows how much they mean to us and how proud we are of them serving their missions!
The food was wonderful and mealtimes were fun! We were always so HUNGRY! That was the best food I have ever eaten! Once Leigh wakes up, I want all of the recipes...especially the banana split pudding and the lemon cake...oh and the pineapple cake...well ok all of the desserts!! I made dirt pudding last night for dinner!!!
The nighttime skits were funny and fun and united the girls with laughter and friendship. The yellow suit that the leaders wore in their modesty skit will forever be remembered and may even become the modesty dress for someone to wear if they "forget" to dress modestly at camp!
The nighttime skits were funny and fun and united the girls with laughter and friendship. The yellow suit that the leaders wore in their modesty skit will forever be remembered and may even become the modesty dress for someone to wear if they "forget" to dress modestly at camp!
The spiritual portions later in the evening, the talk by Vinnie, the video clips from the apostles and particularly the testimony meeting were inspirational, encouraging and strengthening. Our young women are developing into lovely, strong sisters in zion. These testimonies from these precious daughters of God were powerful and awe-inspiring.
I was able to experience and see so many special moments as these girls grew in the gospel and shared time with each other. They laughed, talked, cried and supported each other. Many of these girls are the only Mormons in their school and they appreciated the time with so many others of their faith. Strong friendships were forged with all of us.
Even us as leaders talked, laughed, stayed up late sharing experiences. These were all memories I will never forget.
Again I cannot express to you enough the deep and abiding gratitude I feel for all you. I was both humbled and honored to work with you all. I felt the Savior's love for you and it was very powerful. My testimony and commitment to the gospel strengthened.
So thank you, thank you very much. All of the hours, weeks and months of planning came together and it was worth every moment. I loved the inspirations that came as we planned and I have so appreciated the many wonderful and sweet blessings that have come to me personally. We were all so very blessed.
I want to share with you my love and respect for several sisters that spent countless hours in planning and preparation for camp: Michelle, Leigh, Jen, Sarah, Amy,Tina, Sally, Christine, Jennifer, Vinnie, Terri, Estella, Candice, LeeAnn, all of the lovely, creative, hard working, willing to help and FUN cabin moms, the Ward Camp Directors, the kitchen assistants, the young women presidencies and leaders.
I love you all! THANK YOU for making this year's camp a success!
Girls Camp - some fun observations and statements
The cabins at Youth Incorporated are semi "rustic" i.e almost open to the elements. I was amazed at how many girls have minor phobias about cobwebs and bugs. Even with Kris and I cleaning our cabin up a lot before our group arriving some were still "icking."
The theme is Survivor and no we cannot do more decorating.
Cabin 11 - no mans land - is it haunted - who knows - but you don't want to go in there or be sent there as "punishment" for not doing capers.
Screaming at snakes does not send them scurrying off into the undergrowth.
Providencia found out that mice love mattresses for making nests.
Who opened our suitcases and put mini marshmallows in our shoes?
Tribal dances are not just found in Africa. A group of girls sure know how to make a lodge floor bounce mightily.
I have no problems sitting in amongst cobwebs and throwing up in an outside toilet. Not quite what I was thinking about when I told friends I was going to be communing with nature for a few days :)
Leah and her ukulele were very popular. Leah and anything were very popular :)
Take blankets even in the summer. Nights can get cold. And no a sheet is not a blanket.
Pack half as much as you think you need. Hiking out of the woods was an eye opening experience for some.
The Flying Squirrel? What's the Flying Squirrel? We're supposed to do what so she can go where?
What's capers? Cleaning assignment. You mean we have to do the toilets!!!
Noises in the middle of the night through screened in partitions tend to get amplified.
That's no cat, that's a raccoon (trying to climb up and in our cabin door).
Do we have to do the high adventure stuff? No, but you do have to show up, sit and watch.
Don't forget your water bottles.
YCL pranks can get a bit old late at night.
Don't forget to close the gates.
If you drive faster than 35 on the road to camp you WILL get pulled over.
I thought power boating was not allowed on the lake at night?
Something smells like it's cooking inside my van.
We love our cooks. The food was great.
When I get home I'm going to take a shower and go to bed.
Do not wear flip flops unless you are going to the pool or bath house. Yeah right.
One of the lifeguards was from Scotland. Yeah :) Did I get to meet him? Neah :(
Nope they are still in their cabin. (trying to drop off a secret cabin gift on arrival day was tricky)
The theme is Survivor and no we cannot do more decorating.
Cabin 11 - no mans land - is it haunted - who knows - but you don't want to go in there or be sent there as "punishment" for not doing capers.
Screaming at snakes does not send them scurrying off into the undergrowth.
Providencia found out that mice love mattresses for making nests.
Who opened our suitcases and put mini marshmallows in our shoes?
Tribal dances are not just found in Africa. A group of girls sure know how to make a lodge floor bounce mightily.
I have no problems sitting in amongst cobwebs and throwing up in an outside toilet. Not quite what I was thinking about when I told friends I was going to be communing with nature for a few days :)
Leah and her ukulele were very popular. Leah and anything were very popular :)
Take blankets even in the summer. Nights can get cold. And no a sheet is not a blanket.
Pack half as much as you think you need. Hiking out of the woods was an eye opening experience for some.
The Flying Squirrel? What's the Flying Squirrel? We're supposed to do what so she can go where?
What's capers? Cleaning assignment. You mean we have to do the toilets!!!
Noises in the middle of the night through screened in partitions tend to get amplified.
That's no cat, that's a raccoon (trying to climb up and in our cabin door).
Do we have to do the high adventure stuff? No, but you do have to show up, sit and watch.
Don't forget your water bottles.
YCL pranks can get a bit old late at night.
Don't forget to close the gates.
If you drive faster than 35 on the road to camp you WILL get pulled over.
I thought power boating was not allowed on the lake at night?
Something smells like it's cooking inside my van.
We love our cooks. The food was great.
When I get home I'm going to take a shower and go to bed.
Do not wear flip flops unless you are going to the pool or bath house. Yeah right.
One of the lifeguards was from Scotland. Yeah :) Did I get to meet him? Neah :(
Nope they are still in their cabin. (trying to drop off a secret cabin gift on arrival day was tricky)
Girls Camp - Day 2
Cooking certification at the fire pit
Crafts in the lodge. Since I was helping with this one I did not get photographs of the other rotation activities.
skits at the fire pit
Stake Young Women Leaders doing their take on dressing modestly.
Day 2 schedule
6.00 - Rise and Shine. Cabin devotional
7.00 - Flag ceremony
7.15 - split regular breakfast or breakfast/cooking certification
8.00 - 1&3 hike
10.00 - climbing tower, crafts, survivor hour rotation
11.30 - lunch
12.15 till 5.00 - climbing tower, crafts, survivor hour, swim rotations
3.00 - Adult leader meeting
5.00 - skit prep or capers
5.50 - flag ceremony
6.00 - dinner
7.00 - tribal council
9.00 - lodge time
9.45 - showers
10.15 - ward devotionals
11.00 - lights out
I got sick during the night of day 2 and missed all of day three so no photos from me. I'll try to get some from elsewhere.
Day 3 schedule
6.00 - Rise and shine. Cabin devotional
7.00 - Flag ceremony
7.15 - split regular breakfast or breakfast/cooking certification
8.00 - 2&4 hike
10.00 - "Music and the Spirit" or "Soulvivor-got skills?"
11.15 - lunch
12.00 - "Soulvivor-got skills" or "Music and the Spirit"
1.00 till 5.00 - Tubing or swimming rotation
3.00 - Adult leaders meeting
5.20 - flag ceremony
5.30 - Dinner with the bishops
6.30 - tribal ceremony
7.30 - testimony meeting
9.30 - secret cabin reveal and treats
10.00 - showers
10.30 - ward devotionals
11.00 - lights out
Last "day" - Rise and shine, flag ceremony, breakfast, capers, home.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Girls Camp - Day 1
Summer is chugging along and Girls Camp is now done.
Prep day - Camp Leaders, Kitchen volunteers, YCL's, Cabin moms went up the day before to prepare the camp site and cabins for the "Survival" themed events.
Schedule - day 1
7.00 - Breakfast
8.00 - Flag Ceremony
10.00 - Camper registration
11.15 - Opening ceremony
12.15 - Lunch
1.00 - 5.00 - Flying Squirrel, Zip line, Free time, Swimming rotations
3.00 - Adult leader meeting
5.00 - Skit prep and Capers
5.50 - Flag ceremony
6.00 - Dinner
7.00 - Tribal council
9.00 - Lodge time
9.45 - showers
10.15 - Ward devotionals
11.00 - lights out
Our Stake Camp Director doing a plug for the missionaries :)
Our ward cabin.
Getting ready to do the zip line.
"I really don't like heights."
Bora Bora caused a stir with their photo booth.
"We're doing what !!!!!!!" The Flying Squirrel.
Some of our fabulous kitchen crew.
Time for a dip in the pool.
Something to do with an AL accident last year.
Prep day - Camp Leaders, Kitchen volunteers, YCL's, Cabin moms went up the day before to prepare the camp site and cabins for the "Survival" themed events.
Schedule - day 1
7.00 - Breakfast
8.00 - Flag Ceremony
10.00 - Camper registration
11.15 - Opening ceremony
12.15 - Lunch
1.00 - 5.00 - Flying Squirrel, Zip line, Free time, Swimming rotations
3.00 - Adult leader meeting
5.00 - Skit prep and Capers
5.50 - Flag ceremony
6.00 - Dinner
7.00 - Tribal council
9.00 - Lodge time
9.45 - showers
10.15 - Ward devotionals
11.00 - lights out
Opening Ceremony and YCL skits
"Jamaica Me Crazy" skit
"And she's going where !!!!"
Does that mean we have to bring our own chair ?
It actually was cool enough in the evenings for a big roaring camp fire :)
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