MAY/JUNE

As I looked at the calendar yesterday, I wondered where May went and how could it be my Sydnee's birthday tomorrow. Then I remembered all the fun I have had. So with a brief synopsis. At the end of April, beginning of May I went with Tammie Stratton and her friend Barbara and met Cheryl at Women's Conference at BYU. I don't know what was more fun -- catching up on friendships or attending classes. Both were great, and I even enjoyed the shopping we did on our way home. Women's Conference is absolutely amazing, the organization, events, and classes that they fit into two days was phenomenal. My favorite talk was L.Tom Perry. Who encouraged us to bring the church out of obscurity. He asked us to share more about the church with those we meet and know. One of my favorite friend moments was when Cheryl surprised me with a "40th" Birthday celebration -- complete with Osmond Albums, rubicks cube, balloons and pictures. I truly am so grateful for a husband and children who made it all possible

Then a week later Sheldon and I went on a cruise to Alaska. It was amazing in so many ways. Amazingly COLD, Amazingly Beautiful, Amazingly Fun, Amazingly Areobic, Amazingly Breathtaking. We went with our friends the Picketts. We travelled through the inner passage, which I didn't realize we'd see land most of our trip. The scenery was incredible, the trees, mountains, snow, glaciers, birds, small whales, and waterfall were all my new favorites. Because the outside was not enticing to me we spent a lot of time at the gym -- I still don't think I lost any weight, but I may have prevented myself from gaining a few pounds. We enjoyed the time to visit and laugh, really laugh, at myself and other fun things. We had fun in all the ports but Jeuna was our absolute favorite. I copiloted the helicopter and we flew over several glaciers and then climbed one for about two hours. I want to go back and go down into a mulon rouge (probably spelt that wrong) but that looked amazing, I'd have to hire someone to take me down, because the tours don't do it.

Then last week I travelled with Meagan, Linda & Brianna to NYC. We had so much fun. We walked between 10-15 miles a day, and that was with our ability to use the lovely subways, which I loved figuring out. We laughed, played, rode trains, made new friends, and saw so many new things, we didn't sleep a lot, but were so grateful to Jeanie, Clay & Christa for hosting us at their home. After getting to Philadelphia after fairly uneventful flights. Linda guided us to Clay's home. Tuesday morning we went exploring NYC. We learned the city wakes up about 10:00 even when it is raining. Tuesday we saw Time Square, NBC Studios, Rockafellar Center, M&M & Hershey Store, American Girl Doll, Toys R Us, and MARY POPPINS. The second act of Mary Poppins was fabulous. I still need to get the music, but it was so much fun. Wednesday we started off at the Statue of Liberty -- I loved the audio and learned so many fun things about this incredible National Symbol, after exploring the Statue and taking a few pictures we headed over to Ellis Island -- again it was so much fun to learn about this incredible place first hand. Then we went and explored lower Manhattan, finding Trinity Church (National Treasure), Wall Street, and the WTC and Christ Church. The churches in NY are incredible, the architecture and art within them is fabulous. Then we still had time to spend a little time in FAO Schwartz and make reservations for Serendipity before heading to the Temple. That night on our way home we explored Macy's and had so much fun on their wooden escalators. Then Thursday we headed to Philadelphia. We saw Independance Hall and then spent most of our day listening to incredible stories told by "Once upon a Nation" employees. They were fabulous and entertained us in the rain (yes it rained in Philly along with every day we were in NYC). We finished their program and got a free carousel ride, free sundae (that place was closed due to rain), and a coupon book. We then learned that Philadelphia rolls up its town at 5:00 so we went and ate a snack and headed back to New Jersey -- the long way through Wal-Mart (don't ask). The next day we had to be up bright and early to catch the 5:00 train into Manhattan so we could get to the Today show. After standing there and watching the "Black Eye Peas" practice and sing Meagan, Brianna and Linda made it on National Television for their few seconds ok second of stardom and we decided to sprint over to Central Park to see if we could see the Jonas Brothers on ABC. We found them in the nick of time and saw them perform for the last 5 seconds of their program. (It was all worth it). We then again explored some more of NYC, China Town, Then FAO Schwartz, Pizza at central park, Dinner at Serendipity, Candy at Dylans, and FUN, FUN FUN at Toys R Us. Meagan and I took the long road up to the Empire state building then we decided to head home. Saturday we said good bye to Clay and Jeanie then went back to Philadelphia saw Liberty Bell, Visited with Ali , Sophie & Maddie (thanks so much for coming and seeing us). Then headed to the airport for some much needed rest. We are so thankful to our families for letting us go on this incredible trip.

Where does the time Go.

I truly don't know when I posted something last, but I know the things I want to blog about. I'll start with the first one. GENERAL CONFERENCE. Every first weekend in April and October The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints holds a semi-annual conference in Salt Lake City. For two days five two hour sessions are held in which leaders of the church speak to the members, motivating them to be better, rise up to their potential, and most importantly look to Christ. It is broadcast worldwide. I have always enjoyed conference, I have a found memory of President Kimball the first latter-day prophet I remember. I remember watching him on TV when I was probably six or seven, and then being able to be in the Tabernancle with him when I was 12. Over the past ten years I have gained a greater respect, reverence and testimony of General Conference.

In April we were able to be in Salt Lake City and attend the conference at the Conference Center Sunday Morning. It was such a great blessing. I loved every talk that morning, but truly I loved every talk that was given each day. As I have studied and listen to them again I have found so many favorites that had such great meaning to me. I began to make a list of my favorite quotes. Here are a few:

Elder Uchdorft “Discipleship is not a spectator sport. We cannot expect to experience the blessings of faith by standing inactive on the sidelines any more than we can experience the benefits of health by sitting on a sofa watching sporting events on television and giving advice to the athletes.”

Elder Snow by Thomas S. Monson, “faith and doubt cannot exist in the same mind at the same time, for one will dispel the other”

Elder Anderson, “I do know with perfect and certain clarity through the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, the Beloved Son of God.”

Elder Oaks from Mother Teresa, “One thing will always secure heaven for us—the acts of charity and kindness with which we have filled our lives.” “We can do no great things, only small things with great love”

Elder Bednar from D&C 109:22 “That thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them”

Elder Bednar quotes from ameritus general authorities “I have come to understand the protection available through our temple covenants and what it means to make an acceptable offering of temple worship.” Each response to my question focused upon the protectin power of the ordinances and covenants available in the house of the Lord”

Elder Bednar from Brigham Young, “Now is the time for labor. Let the fire of the covenant which you made in the House of the Lord, burn in your hearts, like flame unquenchable”

Elder Bednar, “I bear solemn witness that the fire of the covenant will burn in the heart of every faithful member of this Church who shall worship and honorable hold a name and standing in the Lord’s holy house.”

Elder Stevenson, “You are never lost when you can see the temple”

Elder Stevenson from Pres. Monson “As we touch the temple, the temple will touch us”

Elder Stevenson, “Only the home can compare with the temple in sacredness”

Elder Ballard, "The voice of the Lord is clear and unmistakable. He knows you. He loves you. He wants you to be eternally happy. But according to your God-given agency, the choice is yours."

Elder Snow, "Life’s challenges and changes provide opportunities for us to grow as we exercise our agency in making righteous decisions."

These are just a few. I loved so many more. I am so thankful and humbled by the things I have learned and continue to learn from the servants of God.