Invitations

It's Great to be Eight

Eight is Great

This last week was a pretty busy week with Twilight Camp, our oldest turning 8 and then to culminate the adventures, he entered the waters of baptism and became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints– we were so thrilled with his decision!

He is enjoying Cub Scouts and had a great week with over 200 other cub scouts at Twilight Camp. The highlight to him was shooting a bb gun! 

His birthday was celebrated by taken a few of his friends to see Toy Story 3 in 3-D, and then having lunch and cupcakes together.

The day after he turned 8 he was baptized. He planned the entire program (picked out who would speak, say prayers, and what songs he wanted to sing). It was a wonderful milestone in his life.

 Here are 8 things I love about our oldest:

1.   He is compassionate – I love that he is sensitive to others needs. Although he can be a bit emotional I wouldn’t want him any other way. I have a feeling this quality of being compassionate and sensitive will suit him well in his life!

2. He is athletic – I love watching him try new sports and enjoy seeing how easy it seems to be for him, most of the time. There are a few things he tries that he has to practice at, and this frustrates him, but he still tries!

3. He is smart – he has a great sense of others and the world around him. He may not be the most book smart kid in the world, but I appreciate that he has a good head on his shoulders and is well rounded!

4. He has an infectious smile and laugh – when you catch a glimpse of a true smile, his dimple shows and my heart melts. He has a great laugh and though he tends to be on the more serious side, it is so fun when you get the treat of his laughter!

5. He wants to be the best he can – sometimes this means he adds stress to himself, but for the most part he will keep doing something until he figures it out. He is not a stranger to frustration and tears because of this trait, but I admire his stick-to-it-ness!

6. He has a great sense of right and wrong – This is a good quality but does led to him telling people what they ought to do, making sure everyone follows the rules, etc… (Unfortunately and fortunately, he gets this from his mother).

7.  He is a GREAT big brother – even when his younger brother is being annoying, he tries really hard to play well with Little C! I know that his younger brothers (Little C and the one that will be here in a few months) can look to him and they will have a great example to follow!

8. He is helpful – if we ask him to do something, there is usually no complaint from him. He may need to be reminded a few times, but he will do it!

I love him and am so grateful that I get to be his mom!!!

Happy Memory Making to You,

I Know That My Redeemer Lives

Today Big D gave a talk in Primary and I hear he did a great job (I unfortunately missed it, but his Dad was there to see this one. It has been a while since we both saw one of his talks at the same time). I just thought I would share his talk that we worked on together:

"I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth" Job 19:25.

I know that Jesus was born on the Earth, just like me and you. When I partake of the sacrament each week, I have the chance to remember Jesus and all that He did for me. Remembering Jesus helps me to choose the right. My family tries to remember the things that Jesus did when he lived on the Earth. As a family we pray together and read the scriptures together. I love learning about Jesus and I know that we are blessed because of all that he did! I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

AS I WATCHED HIM STUGGLE UP THAT HILL

Well, I survived! 25+ miles of walking, pulling, pushing, and getting very dirty!!!! All the time, planning, and hard work paid off in large dividends this past week as 148 youth from our stake, about 50 members of our young single adult ward, and some 140+ support staff felt the spirit of our Pioneer Ancestors and the sweet testimony that Heavenly Father lives and that His son Jesus Christ lives!

I was so impressed with the wonderful vignettes that portrayed some very tender moments in our LDS history (the Sweetwater Crossing to save the stranded Martin Willie Handcart company, the mustering of our men into the United States Army to become members of the Mormon Battalion, the farewell to our YSA as they went off to establish a settlement, Brigham Young declaring that "this is the place" - to name a few).

I was impressed with those who were asked to speak at key times along the trail. The sweet message by dear Sister Carrie Smith before all the women pulled and pushed those handcarts up a steep incline touched me deeply. In fact the woman's pull was a part that changed me! To know that our female LDS ancestors had to pull the handcarts across the plains and mountains brought me great strength during that difficult time.

In reflection of that moment, I am brought to tears each time I think of my experience pushing until I literally did not think I could any longer. When I reached that moment of pure exhaustion, the young men from our family took over. I can't help but relate that tender moment of rescue to the great sacrifice of our Savior!!!! I can see Jesus walking to the Garden of Gethsemane where he prayed mightily for me and you.

I can see him crying in the garden from the pain of the burden and I am so saddened that I have added to that burden. I can see Jesus on trail, being mocked and ridiculed. I can see him carrying the large wooden cross through the streets of Jerusalem and then I see him struggling up the Hill to the place of his death. I am in AWE by the rescue He performed for me!

I have a greater appreciation for those who sacrificed so much to ensure that we could benefit from practicing our religion as we choose. I have greater appreciation for my own ancestors, who were not LDS, but who also worked hard and sacrificed to make a better life for those who would follow. My testimony has grown significantly and I am so grateful for the opportunity I have had with my involvement in the Pioneer Handcart Trek. Indeed our Savior called to those around him to "Come Follow Me" and I will do my best each day to do just that! I am a follower and a believer!

To see some pictures from this past week please check out our photographers images (the slide show is rather quick so I just click on the box that shows the images).

May we always strive to make our trek of life an amazing experience!

Happy Trekking, Megan

Dancing Fever

Last night at our Stake Trek Activity we all learned some new "pioneer" dances that we will perform at the hoedown that we will have up on the trail in August. I was so happy to see the youth enjoying themselves and really participating. Most of us wore our pioneer clothing and I have to say seeing almost everybody in their period costumes helped me to get real excited for the trek!

There was one point in the evening when one of the "dance instructor" got up on stage to announce that there will now be a demonstration of our next dance. To those in attendance this was the BIG SURPRISE. A group of us women, had prepared an "Evolution of Dance" of sorts and instead of showing them the next dance we performed our dance. It was received with applause and laughter! I think some of the youth were surprised to see their leaders doing some of the dances that are popular today - like the Soldja Boy!

After watching the video I am so happy with how well it turned out. We learned it rather quickly and for some in our group this was their first time dancing to certain types of music. I personally had so much fun putting the music and dance together and working as a group to fine tune it! It made me realize how much I miss being with a dance studio, where you can create and perform regularly!

{Youth Fireside}

Last night, I had the opportunity to speak at our Stake Youth Fireside. The theme was "Choose you this day" and I knew what I wanted to speak on the moment I was asked. I was asked to share my conversion story, which I did, but I also wanted to be more specific with youth regarding the theme of the night. I wanted them to think about the things that could happen, the temptations and trials that will come their way and how they would react to them. I wanted them to make choices now of what they would say or do if: someone handed them a glass filled with beer; a cute guy or girl wanted to get a little too close for comfort - if you know what I mean; what will they say when people are making fun of the not so popular kid as school; will they get a tattoo; what about body piercings; what about the types of clothes they buy and wear; etc... I was so grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts and my testimony with the youth.

There were two other speakers too, and they were phenomenal! Lauren Foley, was recently baptized (she just turned 16), and she shared her testimony and ideas on how to stay strong. Then Ben Sandel, the Elder's Quorum President in our stakes Singles Ward, was great too! I love how bold he was with the youth. He shared 4 things the youth need to do to avoid potential pitfalls (1. make time for quiet; 2. obey the law of chastity; 3. Be where you should be; and 4. Be a good friend).

It was a great night, I just wish that we had more youth attend the fireside!!!! They all needed to hear the things that we talked about!

A newborn's conversation with God

A baby asked God, 'They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?' God said, 'Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you.'

The child further inquired, 'But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy.' God said, 'Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy.'

Again the child asked, 'And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?' God said, 'Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak.'

'And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?' God said, 'Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray.'

'Who will protect me?' God said, 'Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life.'

'But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore.' God said, 'Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you.'

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, 'God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name.'

God said, 'You will simply call her, 'Mom.'

FHE - The Prophet and The Apostles (Priesthood)

So here we are back to Monday - FHE! Tonight was a rather difficult attempt at FHE. The boys were content running in circles around our kitchen, dinning room and family room - they didn't want to be bothered!

Finally we got them to sit down (well at least be near us) and then Peanut #1 was being disrespectful so he was excused to sit in his room while we sang the opening song ("Love is Spoken Here"). What better song to sing while one child is pouting in his room and the youngest is screaming at the top of his lungs for his "DaDil" (Big D according to Little C). So after that lovely song, we invited Big D to join us again and we had an opening prayer. Following that I asked Peanut #1 if he knew what the priesthood was - nada! He was being stubborn and choose to not give an answer. I told him it was the power of God here on the earth!

So we talked about what it was for a bit and then I shared with our little family some pictures and tid-bits about our prophet,


his counselors, and the apostles. You can find the cool cards here !

I learned some new things about these men who were called by God to head His church on the earth! Here are some of the neat things we learned:

- President Monson was 22 years old when he was called as a Bishop.
- President Eyring likes to cook and water coloring.
- President Uchtdorf hobby is dancing!
- Elder Packer has 10 children! Wow! He also added a fourth-year Book of Mormon course to seminary, which became a standard in the seminary curriculum!
- Elder Perry is from the Sacramento area, in fact he was in our stakes Stake Presidency years ago.
- Elder Nelson is a well known heart surgeon!
- Elder Oaks uses this as his personal motto: "Work first, play later."
- Elder Ballard (loved his talk at General Conference) served a mission in England.
- Elder Wirthlin was born on June 11, 1917 and he played football at the University of Utah.
- Elder Scott developed nuclear power plants for submarines and aircraft carriers.
- Elder Hales memorized the names of all the apostles when he was a deacon.
- Elder Holland was ordained an apostle on my birthday (June 23) in 1994 (the year I was baptized).
- Elder Bednar baptized his father in 1979 (Elder Bedbar was 27 years old).
- Elder Cook played an important role in developing the new missionary guide, Preach My Gospel.
- Elder Christofferson served his mission in Argentina.

After we learned more about the apostles we talked about the Aaronic Priesthood and what responsibilities come with it, then we talked about the Melchizedek Priesthood and the responsiblities that come with that. I ended bearing my testimony that the priesthood is so important that Heavenly Father made sure it was brought back to the earth in the latter days. That his daddy was a worthy holder of the priesthood and that it was given to him from Jesus (through his line of authority). I challenged Peanut #1 to live his life always looking for ways to help and serve others to help prepare him to receive the Aaronic Priesthood when he turns 12.

We ended with a delightful version of "popcorn popping" (Peanut #2 was so cute doing the hand motions). With our closing prayer offered by Peanut #1 we then closed the evening enjoying a treat and then off to bed they went!

Whew - it was a good lesson. A little lengthy (like this post), but Big D had fun guessing the types of things that the apostles liked to do, or how many kids they had, etc... Even though it can be challenging, at times, to even have FHE, I definitly think it is worth the effort!

Change is good right?

The last few weeks have been a rollercoaster ride in the calling department! Two weeks ago, the Stake YW Presidency was brought into a member of the stake presidencies office and we were informed that we were being released. I knew we would be released soon, since the Stake YW President was in for almost 2 years and since our mutual activities are done on a stake level, the stake presidency has made it known that the calling is about a 2 year calling. But I have only been in there for 8 months and I wasn't ready to go. Truth be told - I'm never ready to leave the YW's program! I love working with the young women and it is a sad day, or two, when I am released.

So for a week I was wondering what my next calling would be! I truly will serve where-ever the Lord need's me, but there are just certain callings that are a better fit for me! Those who know me know I try my best to give my all to whatever calling I have, so that isn't the issue. My concern was serving in a calling that wasn't in my comfort zone. Does that make sense?

Well as I was in the Stake Center parking lot on April 25th, waiting for girls to arrive so that I could drive them down to Dillon's Beach, President Moser asked if he could speak to me briefly! So we met and he informed me that the new Stake YW's President has asked for me to stay on as secretary! (Whahoooo). So of course I said yes, knowing my husband would support me in that calling! So for a week I worried, prayed, studied my scriptures more, etc... and was truly at peace with the fact that I would not be with the girls anymore! And then, BAM, I am asked to stay - okay twist my arm, I'll stay (really no twisting needed).

So it is now official, the changes were presented to the stake members and we were all sustained and set appart. I am so sad that I won't get to work with these fabulous women,

but I am excited to work with the new presidency, the ward leaders, and the young women of our stake!

FHE - Samuel the Lamanite (Follow the Prophet)

Simplicity is the goal this week! So I made a choice to keep our FHE simple and to the point! I think it went really well!


We started with a rousing song from the Children's Songbook, then we had a nice opening prayer. Then I showed the picture of Samuel the Lamanite standing on the wall of the city of Zarahemla (Gospel Art Kit # 314),



and asked who it was? Peanut #1 said it was "Samuel the Lemucule" (so close). So I paraphrased the first few paragraph's from the back of the picture and then when we got to the part where Samuel climbed on the wall, Big D gladly took on the role of Samuel!



Big D then repeated the words I read (the things Samuel said to the Nephites while he was on the wall).



Some of the Nephites (aka. my husband and Little C) ....




...started throwing wadded up newspaper at him! Amazingly non of the wads hit him!!! (the hand of mommy was protecting him)!



Here is Little C having a turn being Samuel! He was so cute!



Big D got a turn being a Nephite and throwing things at Samuel!


We had a nice time and after our closing song and prayer we went bowling (in our family room, Wii bowling is awesome)! I love my family!

* We usually will do this FHE during the summer and we follow the lesson with a water balloon launching contest. I fill a few buckets with water balloons (you have to plan ahead for this, because it takes forever to fill up 100 balloons). We then have one person be Samuel up on the top of the play structure and then we see if we can hit that person! Another idea would be when talking about the Stripling Warriors you could have a water balloon war! We have done both and they are a blast. Definitly a fun thing to do with another family too! So be friendly and invite another family over!

Dillon's Beach

I had a phenomenal weekend with the Stake YW Presidency, Stake Camp Directors, and the young women who will be youth leaders at Girls Camp! We went to Dillon's Beach and stayed at a lovely beach house. We spent the night talking about the theme for girl's camp (it is still Top Secret, but it is so good), the girls signed up for the jobs they want at camp, requested what level they would like to work with, we tie dyed shirts, and spent the evening having fun (i.e. we were dancing and one of the other leaders and myself were trying to teach the girls some fun dance moves from when we were their age)! Let's just say I woke up sore for two days (I guess the centipede is meant to be done when you are 17 not 30 :-)



The Pacific Ocean! Let's just say, it was freeezzzzing!

Glad none of us were crabby! There was no drama! Thank goodness!

Beautiful star fish! They were every where! I just love the orange ones!

Sidney looking very diva-ish!

Can you say America's Next Top Model! Olivia with a very striking pose!

Our resident mermaid, Elise! Beautiful indeed! The funny thing about this picture is that when she went to remove the starfish they were trying to attach themselves to her shirt, so there were star designs from the water on their tentacles (or whatever those little things are called)! It was hilarious!

My girl Amanda and myself! This picture does not do us justice and mind you it was taken after about 5 hours of sleep!

Playing at the beach! Did I mention it was cold!

The girls and most of the leaders! What a great group of women!

A beautiful sunset!

... describes our weekend! Enough said!

My Three White Dresses

We are having our Stake Young Womanhood Recognition night in a few weeks and Lucy choose a wonderful theme - "My Three White Dresses." This is based on a poem and picture by Bernie Tanner. I love that we will be talking about these 3 important and sacred dresses and the times when we wear them (baby blessing, baptism, and temple marriage).

So while I was working on the invitation, I came across this video on you tube. I hope you enjoy the music and beautiful pictures!



p.s. You might want a tissue or 2!

I survived youth conference

The last few months have found me to be very busy! Team mom, science docent, volunteering in Dallin's class, weekly youth activities, and YOUTH CONFERENCE! Well this past Friday (where the youth came for a bonfire and speakers) and Saturday, we gathered about 100 youth together to have fun, be spiritually feed, and to watch the creative roadshows they put together in 4 hours!


I had the privilege of being part of the planning of this event. So for the past 3 months we, the Stake YW and YM's presidencies, have been planning a bonfire, a plane crash, a scavenger hunt, roadshows, and food for 100+ youth ages 12-18! I was put in charge of the Saturday morning portion of our youth conference, which consisted of a plane crash, a scavenger hunt, 3 workshops, a closing address from our Stake President and a testimony meeting!



Check In Desk for Sac East Airlines. That's me behind the podium with Stake YM's President, Lance, checking in! I just wish we had gotten a picture of the security check point! It was so good! Ryan, Stake YM's 2nd Counselor, made this 9ft. walk through metal detector, like you see at the airports. Some of the YM leaders had stud finders that they were using as detector wands! I love how the leaders got into the "act!"



A wacky passenger. Guy, one of our High Counselors, really had fun with our theme! He played the obnoxious traveler so very well! He argued with the check in desk about up grading to first class, called security to check an unattended item, and just had fun!

Here is the inside of our plane. "Now boarding, at gate E12, Sac East Airlines flight 227 with non stop service to Sacramento East Stake Youth Conference."

A close up of the chair covers and windows!

Our pilot, Greg (who is a pilot in real life), and our Stake YW President, Laurel (a very lovely flight attendant).

The flight attendants for the flight: Me (Secretary), Lisa (2nd counselor in Stake YW's), Laurel (Stake YW's president), and Lucy (1st counselor in Stake YW's).

The plane during the boarding process! Note the security/emergency pamphlets in their seat back pockets. There were also barf bags, just in case! (Credit for the seat back covers, pamphlets, and windows goes to those who planned the youth conference back in 2001 where they had a plane crash that ended with the youth dying and then visiting the 3 degrees of glory. Our conference was based on Scripture Power and Spiritual Survival).

Lance made some phenomenal sound effects! He makes a good jet engine sound! I was waiting for him to start beat boxing (he never would do that in front of the youth, but it would have been funny).

So, the plane had to make an emergency landing in the mountains. We landed safely, but we did have to get off the plane. Once the doors were opened, the youth saw this inflatable slide waiting for them. So we all had to exit the plane, including the flight attendants and pilot!

Here's one of the youth making his exit from the plane with me pointing to his survival team.

Yes we like to have fun! Lisa and Lucy enjoyed their turn down the slide!

Following the emergency exit the youth were divided into 3 groups (based upon the color of their lei). They then had to work together to find survival items that were hidden throughout the church building. So they were given their first clue and the search began. After they found 4 items they went to a workshop where one of our fabulous speakers (my girl Erica, remarkable Agnes, and super cool Richard) talked about those survival items and how they relate to the scriptures and their spiritual survival. After their first workshop they searched for 4 more items, went to a workshop (where those 4 new things were discussed), they looked for their last 4 survival items and then went to their final workshop (again they discussed the last 4 items). After the final workshop, the youth went to the chapel where our Stake President gave a fabulous talk about the standards we bear. A lovely musical number was performed by some talented youth, and then to close the morning out - a testimony meeting. It was just great and just what I had hoped for!

The rest of the day consisted of lunch, games, planning roadshows by wards, dinner, and then the roadshow performances by the youth in front of our stake! What a great youth conference! Thank you to all the leaders and youth who helped make this such a fun and successful conference!

Seminary!!!

So many of you know that I joined the church when I was 17 years old (at the beginning of my senior year of high school). I would have loved to have attended seminary but there was no way I could fit it in. I had a zero period class and then after school I had flag practice and other school meetings, and after that I went to my after school job at the Antioch Public Library! My days were jam packed.

Well today I went to seminary!!! I was asked to give this month's devotional and I was so relieved that I was given an open topic. I really enjoy being with the youth and have served in some compacity with the youth for 5 of the last 7 years! I was concerned about the early hour (I am not a morning person and 6:30am is early for me). But I was surprised - I really shouldn't have been though. I kind-of liked getting up that early (the scriptures are true and we were given a suggestion to go to bed early and rise early - so that we can be wise, right?). Well it was just a great experience. My devotional was based on my favorite holiday, Easter, and I was so glad to talk about what Jesus did the last week of his mortal ministry.

Something I always love about teaching or giving talks, is the studying and preparing for it. I always get so much out of it!!! I love to learn and have so much to learn about the gospel that every chance I get to study more deeply is great!