After Relief Society comes......

As some of you know - and some of you might not know - last Sunday I was released as Relief Society President. I had been in just a few weeks short of 3 years. I knew this day would come. In fact, a few months ago, as I sat in Relief Society and was looking at the sisters in my ward, the thought came to my mind that my time was up real soon. So, I had been preparing myself. It was still harder than I though it would be. Not because I still want the job, but when you have that mantle and you serve so long and have that worry and concern for all the sisters - it's hard to let that feeling go. So, I left the calling with some gladness, but with some sorrow too. It will be strange not to get those calls anymore about Sister's who are in need - physically or spiritually, to get the call of a baby being born, or someone passing away. To not go into the homes and offer your time and service. Not that I am giving up on service - but to devote so much into it before, and not so much no will be a lonesome feeling.

Now - what happens next you ask? I was wondering too, but didn't have too long of a wait. Wednesday night I had a visit from the 2nd counselor. I am now one of the primary girls Achievement Day leaders. I am also one of the rotating pianists for Relief Society. As for Achievement Days - I will get the opportunity to work with Danielle! It will be my first opportunity to work with one of my daughters. (Well, except being Mikel's visiting teaching companion. I assigned us that while RS president. One of the perks!) Anyway - I have never had the chance to be in Young Women with Mikel or Kristi. So, I am looking forward to working with Dani - and she is excited to.

Life moves on. The last 3 years as RS president has been a blessing in my life. I have learned and grown from that experience. I must also say - it has been one of the most challenging times in my life - not just because of the calling, but because of so much that my family went through during that time. How thankful I am for the blessings that came to me and my family during those years of service. As for now - on to my new adventure working with the 8-11 year old girls. Quite a difference from the women in the ward!

Heeeeeeere's Carson!!!!!!

Here are a few random shots of Carson from the last couple of weeks.

He found some chocolate and really enjoyed himself! He seems to have a nose for it. He can find it anywhere!

He is enjoying the sand toys he got for his birthday in our back yard.
Carson loves to play with Oscar's toys. We always have to take them away and give them back to Oscar. Well, Oscar took his toy into his crate. Carson decided he still wanted it, so he went in after it. Problem was - after he got in, he couldn't figure on how to get out!
Dani had her dress up box out - and Carson found it. Of course, he had to empty it!

Here come the Suns!

About a month ago, Kristi entered an essay contest. The grand prize was a trip for the child and a parent to Boston to watch the Phoenix Suns play the Boston Celtics, and to tour the Boston area. She was a little disappointed not to win, but she did win 2 tickets to a Suns home game. Thursday night, she and her dad attended the game. It was Kristi's first Suns game. She was very excited to attend! She loved it all. Doug enjoyed it to - he got to see Shaq play in person!


Here's Kristi! She borrowed Mikel's Steve Nash Jersey. What a Suns fan!!!

Happy Birthday Jeanene and Garth!

This week my older sister and brother celebrated birthdays (but I won't tell you how old they are - just older than me!). Jeanene's was on the 9th and Garth's is on the 13th. It isn't often I take the time to let them know how much I love, appreciate and admire them - so I will now!

Jeanene is a wonderful older sister - one I admire greatly for many reasons. She is so talented and creative, a very beautiful women, inside and out! She is a wonderful example of service and does so much for our entire family. When we first moved to Mesa -she and Gary moved down here too. My kids really grew to know and love their Aunt Jeanene. She always had time for us and would take us places and spend much time with us. We hated to see them move back to St. George. Whenever we go to St. George, we always know we are welcome at her house. She has taught me so much - housekeeping tips (which I desperately need), sewing techniques, being there for family, and much, much more. I love you Jeanene! Hope you had a wonderful birthday.

Here are a few pictures I have of Jeanene. The first is from a few years ago when we were up in St. George and while there, had Jason ordained a deacon. She is with my brother, Kevin.

Here's Jeanene holding Carson, and with her granddaughter, Kallie. (doesn't Kallie look alot like Jeanene? (Lucky Kallie!)

Happy Birthday to an awesome big brother! Garth wasn't around much when I was growing up. He left on his mission just after I was born, but I have always looked up to him and admired him greatly. He has achieved so much in his life - he has a wonderful wife and family, success in his occupation, and is a spiritual giant. Whenever anyone needs advice of any kind - he is there to listen and help if needed. He loves to have family visit and take people around to show them the beautiful area in which he lives. He is generous with his time and talents. I love you Garth. Thanks for the wonderful example you are in my life!

A few years ago our family took a trip and visited Garth. He was more than welcoming to our noisy, active family. He took us all on a hike to this beautiful preserve area. Dani really enjoyed getting to know her Uncle Garth. Here he is holding her hand as we hiked up the trail.

Because I don't see him much - I had so few pictures to choose from! Here is another one from the hike as he stops to visit with family and friends.
Once again, here we all are. I am so blessed with my family. Garth and Jeanene are two who bring so much to the family and help hold us all together. I wish we could all get together and see each other more! (So - who's planning a reunion?)

Little mischief maker

Life is always an adventure with Carson! If he is being quiet - watch out! Kristi was babysitting the other day and called us in a panic on what to do. Carson had dumped out the entire box of Rice Krispies. I told her to sweep them up - but she is learning from her mom - she had to take pictures first! Here they are - all dumped out. At least he hadn't started dumping out the Cherrios yet!

Ah - ha - jackpot. All the food he wants - right before his eyes.
Eating his booty - and then stomping on the rest.
He loves to find ANYTHING he can to get in too. Grabbing the toilet paper and seeing how far it will go - not only on the toilet paper rolls, but the spares under the bathroom counter. The other day I was in my room taking care of things - he was in there and was being quiet. I found him in my closet pulling all of my shirts off the lower bar as fast as he could. Yesterday - emptying the new container of wipes. Life is an adventure that I'm not sure I am up too this late in my life - but he is worth it!

Easter Pageant

Last night our family went to the Mesa Easter Pageant for a Tuesday night FHE. It is held on the front lawn of the Mesa Temple. It is a wonderful, enriching program about the life of Jesus Christ. What a wonderful way it was to help us feel the meaning of Easter. I would urge anyone to attend. It is held every year on the temple grounds for two week before Easter. We went on the dress rehearsal night - which, in my opinion, is the best night to go. They go straight through the entire program, there are less people, parking places close by, and no anti-mormon demonstrators (which there are plenty of the rest of time). We would love to have any visitors from out of town stay with us and take them to the pageant.

This year in the visitor's center, they had a special display of photo's entitled "Reflections of Christ" which were beautiful photo's of the actors taken elsewhere of the life of Christ, with special music written for this display, playing, to add to the special feeling.

Come for a visit - if not this year, but next and see this wonderful presentation! Here are a few pictures off of the website of the pageant.

Fun Recipe

We are a busy family - as you probably know already! Jason - alone- has baseball games on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday this week - all starting at 4 pm. So, when I get home - it is dinner time! (He also has a choir concert on Tuesday and band concert on Thursday. Busy kid - and busy mom!) Anyway, I am always looking for quick, easy recipes because at times, I don't have a lot of time to fix a meal - or I try to fix something earlier in the day and have ready for dinner that night. Crock-pots are great for this, but I like to have other recipes on hand too! This is a recipe I came across quite a few years ago - and my kids love it! It is one we can eat today - and store in the freezer for later or the kids to have whenever. (By the way - I triple or even more - so we do have the extra!)

Fun Burgers

Brown 1 lb hamburger, salt and pepper lightly to taste. Add 1/2 cup catsup, 1 cup chopped dill pickle (can do a little bit less if you want), and 1 cup shredded mozzerella cheese. Spoon mixture into hamburger buns or semi-hard rolls. (Makes about 8) Wrap each roll in aluminum foil. Bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes. These can also be heated for 20 minutes on a barbeque grill. Extra rolls can be stored in the refrigerator for several days or frozen until needed. Allow extra cooking time for frozen rolls.

That's it!

Like I said, quick and easy - and my kids absolutely love them! In fact - the cooked ones leftover from the night before - Kendall will take to school and eat for his lunch, cold. Weird kid I know - but hey, it saves on lunch money! I am cooking up 5 lbs of burger today and wrapping them all up- some for tonight and tomorrow lunch - and the rest in the freezer. Give them a try. I am sure your kids will love them like mine do!