On My Mind

I meant to write this much, much earlier in the day...but with it being a Halloween I am just now sitting down to jot down my thoughts. Doug had made a goal for us as a couple to try and attend the temple once a month since July. I am proud to say we have only missed one month (August). Last week as we were going through our schedules, today was clear so I made the appointment for the 10am session. (Wednesday is the only morning 2 sessions available) After I had our date set, it didn't occur to me it was the 31st (Halloween) until later. Nothing like planning on the 11th hour! The session was full as it always is and gave me a chance to actually clear my thoughts. Normally my mind is racing a thousand times per minute throughout the day. I am constantly worrying about what I should get done next, etc. Today I went in with the intentions specifically thinking about my brother Justin. I haven't gone with a purpose in a while, but was feeling like I should.

Justin and Jenny
November 1980
3 days old

Yesterday was my brother Justin's 27th birthday. We are five years apart. I remember the day he was born like it was yesterday. My parents dropped me off at one of my friend Kim's house and I got to stay there for two full days. Who wouldn't love that in kindergarten? As many of you know my brother has had problems since the day he has been born. Unfortunately, many of these things were not noticed until he was about 17-18 months old.

Dad, Justin and Jenny
February 1982

He had reflux from all of the medications he took as a baby, and really has never been healthy. From ear infections, to colds, you name it Justin has had it. Fast forward to elementary school and Justin would sit literally inches from the t.v. set because he couldn't see the images from afar. My parents then tried magnified glasses and dark glasses (due to his sensitivity to light). Of course he had several tests for various things, along with being in speech therapy, but nothing was clear as to what he had except for Nystagmus (rapid eye movement of the eyes). I am sure this left my parents beyond frustrated as any parent would.

Janet, Jenny and Justin
One of the few photos I have with his eyes opened
What was my mom thinking, look at my hair I am not 3 like my sister!

The learning disabilities of course carried on into middle school and high school. Unfortunately, he was placed in several classes that were for slower children, but this didn't seem to help him much. He not only was slow in several areas, but was hearing and seeing impaired. It seemed it was hard to find a specific placement for him. He did have some eye sight at the end of high school but it was slowly diminishing. Lucky my parents enforced learning braille during that time, because that is how he reads and gets around now.

Jenny, Janet and Justin
Mtn View Graduation 2000

Sadly, he will never live on his own. Which I know would be a dream for him. He so badly wants independence and to feel important. He even has a storage unit full of house things for "someday" Really who wouldn't? He got a small taste of independence in Denver, Colorado last year when he had the opportunity to go to a blind community to learn basic skills. He learned things such as cooking, getting from point A to point B, and the metro system. This was a great opportunity for him, but not so much health wise. Without family around to regulate what Justin was eating, he literally gained about 25-30 lbs just living there for 6 months. This caused stress on his heart (he was already on medication for) and high blood pressure. He has also been hospitalized with ulcers in the past.

Justin and Taylor
1st Birthday 1998

Once he returned home, he immediately got back into a schedule of regularly using the treadmill and strict dieting. He was able to at least get most of his weight off, but is still struggling with his health. He isn't one to complain and has a severe high tolerance for pain. So, when Justin hurts, he really means it. A few weeks ago he had so much pain my dad and Susanne escorted him to the emergency room. They were told by doctors that they would have to remove his gallbladder and went ahead and removed his appendix. This normally is a "no biggie" surgery for most, but when I got wind of it being Justin I couldn't help but worry. With all of his issues and bad cards dealt for him, what's next?

Luke and Justin
They both like to fix things, really two peas in a pod!

Sadly, there was some more disturbing news by the physicians. When they did his surgery they noticed that his liver did not look so well, and saw something on his colon that would need a biopsy to see clearly as to what was going on in his belly. This was a week or so ago and the results came back Monday (the eve of Justie's birthday) They found out he has Cirrhosis of the liver. Most of the time it is known as a disease for alcoholics. Justin hasn't had an ounce of this stuff his entire life. With the liver being a vital organ in your body, it's obviously one you can't live without.


Little does my dad know when he told me this the other day, I lost it completely. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. It's so not fair! Despite all of his illnesses, problems, etc he is the happiest person you will ever meet. Justin always has a smile on his face and it doesn't take too much to please him. The littlest of things give him joy. Just going out of your way to take him somewhere makes him feel important and happy.

Jenny, Justin and Mom
Janet's nursing graduation
Dec. 2004

He definitely is someone I look up to and admire. I know this is a fatal disease. Time will only tell when, hopefully not for a very, long time. Obviously, he will be given medications to prolong the disease. I can't help but feel like I should make the most of this time with him. We take so many things such as health in our lives. My heart aches right now and most of this may not even make sense. I know he can't read this post, but I just wanted to express how much I love my brother and how important he is in my life. I know I haven't been around much over the past 12 years, but at least I can say we are coming home very, very soon. After all of this, I can't help but have him on my mind all the time. It makes me wonder if there wasn't a diagnosis for all of the things he has had his entire life. Are they all linked? It definitely makes you wonder..... We weren't planning on coming home for Thanksgiving due to finances, but I felt very strong today that we needed to be there. This birthday post didn't turn out to be much of one, but I really do want to shout Happy Birthday Justin--We all love you! And lots and lots of prayers are coming your way.


good deed: went to the temple

SPT-Rock On Baby

"Our 80's Punk Band"

Do you celebrate Halloween? Do you go all out with costumes, or do you prefer to lay low with the porch light turned off? Did you enjoy Halloween as a child? What was your favorite costume? Will you dress up this year, or leave it for the little ones?

"I wanna be a rock star!"

The SPT shot

Unlike last year as pirates, Saturday we transformed into 80's Punk Rock Stars. I will have to give Doug the FULL credit to this idea. I wanted to have us dress up as Harry Potter, and his reply was "that's boring" So we compromised and the rock star was born. The best part was it didn't take much to create the costume. I found most of the stuff at Goodwill (including Doug's fabulous boots) The key to looking the creation was the hair. It took me about an hour and surprisingly the boys were ALL done in about 30 minutes.

Me and my Man

I will say I got several double takes, my hair felt like raffia, but over all it was a pretty fun costume. I was a bit freaked out how much I looked and felt like "Pink" And believe it or not we were back to normal after one shampoo and shower. I was amazed at how easy the stuff came out. My kids have choose another costume for tomorrow, which I am totally fine with. Next year I am hoping to have a Halloween party at our new house. Good thing we have a year to brainstorm :)

**Are you frightened?**
**Are we trashy or what?**

good deed: took Ellice a thank you treat.

Glue People

I have had such a roller coaster of emotions today. This will probably sound like a 1st graders writing, but it's pretty much me in a nutshell today. Today I felt:

-happy
-sad
-mad
-excited
-blessed
-bugged
-annoyed
-hopeful
-disgusted
-guilty
-frustrated
-proud
-relieved
-exhausted
-even cried!

Now I'll I need is some glue to hold me together. I will say we ended the day with Taylor's strings concert. I got there right when it started (I'll spare the details as to why). I think they did a wonderful job considering they have only been doing this for 4 weeks.

Our pirate violinist
Good Job T-tay!

They all dressed up for the spooky concert. I added in the video for grandpa and grandma, which is hard to see, but at least you can hear.

Enjoy!

good deed: mailed off thank-you cards

So Stoked!

Weston, Abby, Maryn and Luke

Friday was my day of last minute preparations for the ward Halloween party. My husband was adamant (and I really mean it) that we have homemade root beer for the party. We have done it in years past and so many people loved it. The problem was having only one grocery store chain (HEB) limits you if they don't carry the product. I searched ALL week for root beer extract and had no luck, until Friday. As I was walking the aisles at Wal-mart I spotted it and bought the rest. I immediately called Doug and he was so stoked. We were about to order it on the internet last week, but decided against it due to time limitations. Three stores in three hours wasn't too bad considering I had three littles in tow. I took my friend's little girl with us (who was an angel) since she had Luke the previous day. They were all surprisingly pretty good, so I rewarded them with some Costco pizza, meeting up with Maryn and Angie.

The Saturday drop off

Saturday was literally a rat race. I dropped off Taylor at basketball and had to run in and register Jared for basketball. We decided to for go an organization and stick to just letting him do a camp for a few months. The other bonus is no game obligations and once a week. I couldn't be more excited. Yesterday was also Jared's last game. They finished off the season no better than it started....never scoring a touchdown. It was pretty pathetic.

Huddling up for the first play and hour late......
@$@$#@!

I actually felt kinda bad for Jared since they always stuck the "slower" kids to run the ball. Umm hello? The coaches seriously had no clue and had 4 perfectly fast kids that they never let run the ball. Doug showed up to watch the rest of the game while I grabbed Taylor and headed to the church to set-up. Stoked we have no more football--yippee!

I was fortunate to have several people show up and help set up. It ended up being a huge success with plenty of food. Doug and I were a little skeptical with the small size of our new building, we were cozy, but I think it worked out just fine. We made up a ballot for those who participated in the dressing up and carving a pumpkin. These were some of the winners (and my favorite's as well) As you can see we were one of the winners, but ended up giving it to another person. I couldn't take a ribbon being in charge of the party! (it just didn't feel right)

Our Relief Society President (who I also visit teach) cracked me up. She has been so excited about the Twilight series and claims them to be her favorite books thus far. She even decided to dress up as Esme Cullin and had her hubby as Carlisle Cullin. It was a hoot!

Morris'
aka
Carilse and Esme Cullin

Reuben and Sara
aka
Anakin and Amadala

My friend Sara has been a sweatshop over the past week.... not only making centerpieces for the party but made her family these Star Wars costumes from Goodwill sheets. Didn't she do a fabulous job? My favorite was baby Owen's ewok outfit. Too cute. Sara also totally saved me by helping me do my hair, which ended up taking over an hour to do.

Greg and Angie
aka
1972 Homecoming King and Queen

Angie continues to surprise me each year by her creativity. The morning of our party she claimed her and Greg had nothing to wear and would be going as themselves. Ha! This was by far Doug and I's favorite. They were dressed as Homecoming King and Queen from 1972. The best was their girls said Greg looked like Doug from the back, so they decided to use their ribbon from our high school "Mtn View" That comb over wig continues to make me giggle. Love it. As far as our family costumes I think they turned out pretty good considering how ronchy we looked. I got some double takes at the church as well as at the store! I was going to post them, but that would ruin SPT this week. So even though I have them, you'll have to wait.

Good Mail from Kristi, Natasha and Grandma

This weekend came and went almost too fast. Due to the craziness of it, I feel we were robbed relaxation. And because I didn't get my mail for the past few days, I was stoked to find this in my mailbox. Tons of goodies. Kristi sent me a belated birthday gift with an awesome ribbon stash, magnet and bag. Natasha sent me a target gift card because of my post. My grandma who is so good about holidays, sent our clan cards and some money. Thanks to all for making my day! Now moving on to real Halloween (Wednesday) and a special birthday coming up Thursday. My kids decided to be something different for trick or treating. That is how I convince them for our family theme each year.


good deed: brought Doug's youth class treats

Are You Kidding Me?

This post could have been written yesterday. However, I chose not to write this out because I felt like I was about to scream. Now that it is behind me in the past I can laugh about it. It went something like this.........

Angie, Jenny, Bridget and Tracy
Taking a tour of Angie's new house

My sweet friend Ellice agreed to kid swap with me so that I could go to lunch with Angie, Bridget and Tracy at Chuy's. I specifically made sure we had Alberto and had one less child in tow (Luke). This should have made the experience grand, right? NOT. You see, my son has decided on a daily basis (without fail) to mess his pants regardless if he has already gone for the day into the toilet. Yesterday was no different. He was underneath the table, being quiet and decided to come up to me in a calm voice, "mom I need to go poop." Great! He is getting it. Much to my surprise something was awaiting me in the bathroom as I assisted him onto the toliet. The restaurant bathroom of all places. ICK! I'll spare the details. My nice lunch with my girlfriends suddenly ended. I left feeling bugged, annoyed and helpless. Seriously, is it going to stop?? Help me.

This needs to happen more often!

Weston did take a nap willingly, which literally saved his little hiney. Jared got home from school and I decided to trim the boys hair. I haven't cut them for a few months so their hair would style for a "punk" do on Saturday. I have decided to grow them out because I am oddly liking the long "California" style hair on them. I decided that I was just going to trim the ears and neck line. It was getting a little frightening looking, you know that in between stage--helmet head. Jared agreed to go first since Luke started freaking out. **Note, Luke freaks out over everything. He sat and watched Jared go through the process. I was done in about 5 minutes. Jared and I tried to assure him, it wouldn't take very long. He complied for about 10 seconds and began to scream. I pulled his shirt back trying to get him to hold still.......then incident #2 occurred. As I let go of his shirt his smacked his head on the back on the concrete. Ouch. The sad thing is (other than he hurt himself) was the minute he felt the blood he said "MOM I'M GOING TO DIE!" (in a panicked voice) I tried to calm him down the best I could, but we are talking Luke drama people. I got a hold of Doug and had to trek down to the Ortho Institute. Not the closest location, especially around 4pm. And if you see the linked post, I am beginning to think cutting hair on or near a Friday is a jinx!

Luke's nasty wound

I loaded the kids into the car and noticed that my car was not starting as easily. I had noticed this the day before, but didn't think anything of it. I then made the mistake to voice my opinion out loud by saying, oh great now my car is dying. This of course got Luke in a frenzy. He mistakingly thought I meant he was going to die. Here we go again! I managed to start the car and went on my way to Doug's location. The minute I drove up and he saw "daddy's work" we experienced the freak out. And screams of "NO I'M NOT GOING IN THERE!!" He thought for sure he was getting stitches or something. After Doug looked at it and determined it was just a superficial wound, I was beyond relieved. Phew!

Do you think we frequent this place enough?
Jared, Weston and Taylor taken a few weeks ago.

By this time the kids were complaining of hunger and Jared had to be at practice in 45 minutes. The last one of the season---woo hoo! I stopped at Chick Fila since it was customer appreciation week. They were giving away free milk shakes with the purchase of a value meal. With the Honda Dealership being right around the corner, I had a gut feeling I should take my car in to have them test my battery. I was so glad I did, because it was on the verge of dying. They asked me if I wanted to have them replace it for the cost of $140? That is highway robbery. Are you kidding me? You can guess what my reply was, umm no thanks I think I will take it to Wal-mart. The man gave me a weird look and I was on my way.

Kathy wasn't headless, I was just trying to be discrete about my photo.

Which leads me into incident #3. I dropped off Jared at football practice and made my way up to a Super-Walmart to get a new battery. I asked the mechanic about replacing a new battery and he said it would be about 2.5 hours. I didn't have that kind of time so, he lead me to the next closest Auto Zone. I was fully aware I wasn't in the best part of town, but I was desperate. I went inside (feeling a bit out of place) everything was in spanish and I was the only blonde girl around. Not trying to be prejudice, just feeling a little self conscious here. I think the shift was changing because I watched about 4 guys walk out and say, "see ya later". I wasn't expecting a woman to be helping me, but Kathy saved me!! She walked out to my car like a pro, took out the old battery and I was on my way. (Hey, and I learned how to take a battery out) I would have bought her a soda, but there wasn't a machine around. I gave her a $1, it wasn't much but it was what I had in my purse. She refused it but I told her it was a must. I had to laugh because another co-worker (a guy) says man I should have helped you out. Too bad buddy. Girls rule! It's a good thing I believe in the theory that bad things come in three's because I couldn't have handled another incident yesterday. And yes, I do know it could have been MUCH, much worse.

good deed: balanced the check book/organized bills

Loyalty To Brands

It's such a rare occasion that both my laundry baskets look like this. It's quite pleasing, even though I know it won't last long. When my husband takes call at the hospital, my laundry seems to diminish quite a bit. The other beauty of having a physician around is the scrubs attire he wears at least 3 out of the 5 days of work. They have to be the best thing in the world to launder. You don't have to iron them, and you can put them with towels or darks. It's great! I have no idea why one person would create or make it seem like I have double the laundry, but it does.

"Liz Claiborne"
Canary yellow get up--yikes!
I also LOVE my banana clip to match--so cool!

Laundry seems to get me thinking about clothes and how much our family seems to have of them. I think we have enough to dress an entire army! It's seriously embarrassing. I think it's good that as I have gotten older I have weaned myself away from the "name brands" per say. That doesn't mean I wasn't ever guilty of being a name brand worshiper. When I was Taylor's age (do I dare say) I wouldn't wear anything that WASN'T name brand. I was a name brand snob! No wonder I didn't get very many clothes for my birthday! One outfit alone would pay for several non-branded items. As I was rummaging through photos I couldn't help but laugh at the things I would wear in honor of the name brand. Some were okay and cute and others, oh my! Some of the brands I supported were Liz Claiborne, Guess, and Esprit. I also had bags to go along with them. Remember those Guess and Claiborne purses? As you can see from the above photo it didn't matter about color, just the brand. Can you imagine going out in public in this outfit. Ick!

Jenny and Courtney
Universal Studios 1987

Here is my best friend and I in matching denim Guess jackets. I vividly remember wanting "Guess" and not Levi's or Lee brand. I also think it's funny that we even had on matching white gap shorts and gap shirts (which you can't see).

Love that feathered hair!

When I found this beauty snap shot of myself I had to chuckle. Just look at my skirt. It was up so high I look like a grandpa. You can't see my shoes in the photo, but I remember wearing Keds white tennis shoes. (along with about three other colors to match various outfits) And yes, they had to have the blue tag in the back. The scary thing is, I am Taylor's age in this photo. I am glad to report I am not so anal about brands anymore. Thank heavens! Taylor is just now starting to get into brand names, but a lot of the time I can convince her otherwise as long as they win her approval. I normally will buy what is cute and pretty inexpensive. I will say I am pretty loyal to two brands in particular. Shade clothing for one, mainly so I don't have wardrobe malfunctions. I think I own every colored shirt. And secondly, my recent addiction to good make-up, MAC brand.

This is what I put on my face each and everyday. I have learned that it not only stays on better, but lasts a tad longer. This MAC stuff is a tad higher, but SO worth the price. And Maybelline is by far my favorite mascara. I also read on my friends blog (if you have time check it out--it's very informative).

**Do you have loyalty any brands?**

good deed: set up an appointment for the temple

What's Happening In Our World

I can't express how nice it is to be actually sitting down vegging in front of the computer. I feel like I could write a novel about what has been going on in our world, but I'll try and shorten it a bit. Yesterday I organized a play group to Love Creek Orchards in Medina, TX. For the month of October they turn it into a pumpkin patch fest for kids. My dear friend Bridget was in Austin visiting family and drove out to meet us for the day. What a true friend. It was a 2 hour drive for her, but it was a treat to see her and the kids. I hadn't seen them since last year.

Bridget and Jenny

The weather was absolutely gorgeous! It was definitely perfect "fall" weather and was hands down a better experience than my corn maize. I was even impressed with the port a potties. They were clean and had soap and water. We arrived and the kids automatically ran over to see all of the chickens, horses, and goats. It was really set up quite cute. They had a singing time (see above photo) these guys were a crack up. The kids lasted a few songs and wanted to play on the play ground.

Bridget, Jenny, Ellice, Tilane, and Mary Anne

We then headed over to the hay ride, which took us through the apple, peach, and berry orchards. I had no idea we had such a variety growing so close to home. It makes me sad to think I missed peach season. We ended the day by letting the kids paint pumpkins.

Weston really liked doing it and couldn't stop talking about his pumpkin. With pumpkins on the brain Doug decided to tackle the carving tonight since the rest of the week he wouldn't have the time.

We ended up buying one of those carving packets from Target. I have to say it was the way to go. We were a bit skeptical at the plastic tools, but they worked out so great! I even bought a strobe light to go inside. Pretty impressive eh?

Jared and Taylor picked the bat pattern and Doug couldn't pass up the skull head. I had to laugh because when he first looked at it, he said man that looks hard. (I think he did just fine) In which I replied, you have the hands of a surgeon and have been cutting intricate things for 6 years! I am anxious to see what other members of our ward come up with this weekend. We are going to have them lined up on tables lit in the front.

Rancho Bernardo, CA

On a completely random note, I have been constantly glued to the internet and updates on the California fires. My grandma and aunt had to be evacuated and haven't been able to return back to their homes yet. They live in Poway and Rancho Bernardo. My other aunt and cousin who stayed behind was able to be escorted back in to retrieve some medication. (she is periodically keeping us updated via email) Luckily, my grandma's house wasn't touched, but 60 plus homes in her neighborhood were burned to the ground. This photo that my cousin sent to me was the people that lived behind my grandma. It is definitely surreal and so sad to see so many people loosing their homes. It seems that much closer when you have family that it is effecting. I was also reading through the San Diego newspaper and saw where they had several addresses listed that were burned. Can you imagine looking for your street address in the paper? It's so awful. I can only imagine the smoke and nasty air. My heart and prayers go out to these California residents, I hope yours will as well.

good deed: got Doug's stuff ready for work

SPT-Riddle Me This

A danger sign should be placed on these doors.....enter with caution
you are about to enter the Target zone.

Q: what's black & white, and READ all over??

A: this week's spt challenge!!

An easy one this week - is it really easier to see your "true colors" when the photo is black & white? What do you see?

Isn't this red so pleasing to the eye?

Just look at the bags behind me waiting to be filled with goods.

This challenge was more difficult for me. So I decided to take this week's challenge literally. I stopped in at my favorite "red" store. My checkbook was in the "black" when I entered. However, leaving this particular store it became into the "red zone" (shhhh don't tell) due to all of the unnecessary "white" bags I left with. (I am really kidding about the red--but it sounded good) Truth be known I can't control myself at this store, not even just to look. I am admitting to my Targaholic disorder. The red circle gets me EVERYTIME!

Do you have this condition as well?

good deed: took the boys to the pumpkin patch

What A Treat!

Yesterday we had the Gordon's over for Doug's yummy homemade egg rolls with some Thai chicken. It was a treat to have them over because it has been a really long time since we have had Sunday dinner together. Maci conducted FHE (which was hilarious) and Mackenzi read a message from the friend. I made some sugar cookies for the kids to decorate. They tasted okay, but for some reason the shapes of the pumpkins weren't so much a shape but a blob of cookie.

My head and nose looking mighty scary!

I was about to type that Angie is FINALLY looking pregnant...she's only 7 months--hello! However, looking at this photo you can't even tell so I guess I would be lying if I said that. Well, if you want to call pregnant a mini bump. It was fun to sit and hang out with great friends.

This morning we woke up to some seriously cold weather. It was pouring down rain and in the upper 40's. Since my kids had shorts laid out for school I was frantically going through their drawers trying to find them some warm pants. Most of my boys pants fit around the waist, but they looked like were heading for a flood. I managed to find some to work for today and ran out to Old Navy to stock up for the rest of the week. Talk about being unprepared!

Due to this cold blast (I like to call it) It was a treat for the kids to actually wear warmer clothes and for me to put on my winter shoes. I definitely wasn't about to wear flip flops in this kind of weather. Brrr.

It was a treat to open up my mailbox and find a Halloween card w/stickers from my sister, and a thank you card from Kelly smiling back at me. I was also hand delivered a thank you along with my Tupperware full of cookies from the Clark's. (which was totally unnecessary) Thanks Sara those cookies were yummy! I have to laugh because her husband home teaches us and I think he has dropped us treats by every month. No complaints here!

good deed: prepared a little Halloween treat for my people I visit.

I copied this poem that was given my last year by my visiting teachers:

It’s Halloween! It’s Halloween!

The moon is full and bright

And we shall see what can’t be seen

On any other night.

Skeletons and ghosts and ghouls,

Grinning goblins fighting duels,

Werewolves rising from their tombs,

Witches on their magic brooms.

In masks and gowns

We haunt the street

And knock on doors

for trick or treat.

Tonight we are

The king and queen,

For oh tonight

it’s Halloween!

-Jack Preluctsky-

First 3 Hour Block--Pressure Is On!

We were out the door on time!

Luke wasn't in the mood for a snap shot.

A few weeks ago I received a call from my Relief Society President. She asked me if I had the lesson planned to teach on the 22nd of this month. Whhaat? Was all I could say. Apparently, there was some sort of miscommunication gap before our ward split. She thought one of her presidency members called me and squared it away. Oops. I had no idea I was even teaching. I responded by saying, would gladly teach. (this was a couple of weeks ago--and some time has slipped by me). I never really panic when I accept to teach until the night before. Last night I worried about my lesson and if it was going to run smoothly. The lesson was #20 Women of The Church.




It wasn't so much that it was a hard lesson, but I think there were so many different areas to cover, it became a bit overwhelming. Plus I was feeling the pressure as being the debut teacher of relief society in our new ward. Luckily, I got a call a few days ago asking if I would keep my lesson short so we could mingle as a new unit. Sure! I narrowed it down to three points. President Monson's talk at the Relief Society Meeting summed it up perfect. If you haven't heard or read this I strongly urge you to. It's a wonderful talk! Three things I used from his talk specifically were:

1. study diligently--seek the scriptures, set high goals, and expand our talents.

2. pray earnestly--discussed how important it is to get to know our heavenly father at a personal level. This is our defense against temptations.

3. serve willingly--use the most of our time, be selfless, talked about good deed goal.

This one of the first quilts I made

that reminded me of our roles as women.

I touched on each of these briefly and shared a story with each. I use this form of teaching (with stories added) because those are the lessons I enjoy the most. As I was running over my lesson last night, it dawned on me that I had forgotten to go out and get treats. I really try and have things for my lesson because for some reason it just makes me feel that much more prepared. (sounds silly, but true) And what woman doesn't enjoy a treat? It was about 9pm when I discovered this, I was tired from the day in the heat and had no desire to go to the store.

Early to rise so my rolls could rise.
Look out Betty!

Then it dawned on me since we have early church why not make cinnamon rolls? Probably a crazy decision, but I did just that. In fact, I even tried a new recipe I knew my friend had. I seem to be doing this a lot lately. It definitely did not disappoint....wish you were all there to enjoy them as much as we did! The best part of this lesson is that I HAD to read and study about it. I know that sounds weird, but when I am forced to do something I know I will do it. It also reminded me how much I enjoyed this calling a few years back.......3 years to be exact. Now I need to switch gears in to activities chair, I have a party throw in less than a week. Yikes!
The quote I ended with:

"Do not pray for tasks equal to your abilities, but pray for abilities equal to your tasks. Then the performance of your tasks will be no miracle, but you will be the miracle."

President Monson
Relief Society Broadcast, Oct. 2007

good deed: taught relief society