Primary Fun

I'm not in young women's anymore. I'm kinda jealous today as I see pictures of camp. They went river rafting in Moab. Wow. It looks like they had a great time. I am having my own kind of fun in primary, though, and it's good.

On Saturday we had a Flag Day parade. We all met at Sister Perry's house. She's our new primary president. The kids brought bikes, wagons, and scooters. Some were decorated. I rode my bike, which I think surprised some kids. Yes, grown ups have bikes. Brother Burnett played band/patriotic music through a portable speaker he wheeled in a stroller. Our ward boundaries are so small and safe that we just rode through the streets as ward members waved at us. Brother Chang was on his porch banging pots and pans to make noise for us. It was so cute. We ended at the park and had red, white, and blue popsicles. What a fun morning.

Look at all the red, white, and blue! How cute is this?!

See me on my bike? I'm in the back, on the right.

I'm learning that one of cute 5 year olds that I teach is quite literal in her thinking. A couple of months ago, she talked about the bad guys who cut off their nails and put them in Jesus' hands to kill him. She was thinking fingernails. How cute is that? Well, this week, she asked her mom where Satan lives. Her mom explained that Satan doesn't have a body. She knowingly responded "He only has a head." I better be very careful and explain things very clearly. Isn't that just great.

I love that the primary kids give me hugs and say hello. Today I dropped by the Davis home to return a floral decoration to a dress I had fixed. The pin part had broken. I have pins and a glue gun at our house. They are getting ready to move, so I doubt anything is very easy to find. I offered to fix it for Ivie. She was hesitant at first, worried her mom would wonder where the flower was, but I assured her I'd return it and her sister said it was ok. When I returned it after church, her younger sister, Hazel, who is in my class, asked if I could stay a while with them. I did. We just sat under the tree in their yard and I listened to all 4 kids talk at once. Cute kids.

Manila Stake Conference June 3-4, 2017

We had stake conference this weekend and it was really good. If I had to pick a general theme, it would be "coming to Christ." Excellent talks. 

Last night, President Brinton spoke on how we can be better receivers of God's word. The wife of a counselor in the mission presidency spoke about an experience they had in Japan when her husband was a mission president. There was a significant earthquake and the sisters called to report the damage they had. There was a crack in their apartment wall and all their dishes had fallen out of the cupboards and broken. The mission president's wife talked them trough what to do, then called to check on the elders. They, too, had felt the earthquake. It was strong. Their dishes were all ok because they were in the sink. LOVE IT. Elders vs. Sisters. Hahahaha. 

President Livingston talked about a recent training he had where he was told that President Monson's counsel to the leadership training at general conference in April was brief and it was this: to reduce and to simplify. We were sitting next to RaDawn and Dave Mehr and I said to RaDawn "he's the man!" President Livingston warned us of distractions and busyness. He mentioned the disease (dis-ease) of being busy. 

This morning, A recently returned missionary spoke on how his mission brought him closer to Christ. He shared that there were hard days. He hadn't expected it to be as difficult as it was. He thought it would be all rainbows and sunshine. He served in England. He said there was little of either of those. He said he was really encouraged by Elder Nelson's conference talk where he said that our joy has little to do with our circumstances but everything to do with our focus. Having served a mission, I do think if you're focusing on loving the people and obeying your mission president, that there can be joy. Don't make joy dependent on baptisms. The Lord is in charge of that. TRUST the Holy Ghost. Be worthy and do your best. 

Another great point he made was a twist on Mosiah 5:13. It says: 

"For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?"

He asked how can you NOT know the master when you've been serving him day after day. God knows you and appreciates a missionary's sacrifice. He knows them.

I wasn't feeling well and needed to go to the bathroom, but really wanted to hear the entire talk by the patriarch's wife. She told of her experience seeing what God sees in our youth. It was very powerful. She talked of an experience she had in Eldred G. Smith's home years ago. He was about 80 years old and was the patriarch to the entire church. Some women were gathered there and talking about raising families. One woman asked why her son is behaving the way he is if he knows the gospel. What was going on? Brother Smith said forcefully, "it's because he's forgotten who he is!" 

A YW president from another ward spoke of bringing youth to Christ. She suggest three things: see the hand of the Lord, study the scriptures, and strive to do things. She told of her desire to run the Boston Marathon. In order to qualify, she would had to improve her time by an hour and 20 minutes. WHAT?! She worked and worked. Then she pulled out a medal. She said it wasn't a visual aid because that wouldn't be allowed. It was a statement necklace. She qualified and competed in the Boston Marathon just a few weeks ago. She said the best way to help others see, study and strive is to testify, and to do it today.

My take-aways:

1. Those I teach are "my converts." They include: my children, my primary class, and my BYU students. Help them remember who they are and that Heavenly Father loves them. 

2. Rededicate myself to my word of the year: PAUSE. In light of President Monson's counsel to reduce and simplify, make sure I'm pausing to evaluate what I'm up to and where I'm putting my energy.

3. Let the scriptures be the first swipe on my phone in the morning.

4. Study Elder Holland's talk where he talks about having help from both sides of the veil. Horses and chariots of fire.

5. Don't forget who I am.

6. When I sing songs with my primary kids, take time to teach them doctrine. Sometimes.

He asked for one hour

In my class, before we eat, the students take turns sharing a thought and giving the prayer. I love to hear their insights. Recently one really stuck with me and I've shared it with my kids and friends. I wanted to write it down so I don't forget it.

In Matthew 26:40 "and he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?"

This is when Christ was suffering in the garden at the end of His life. I know I've read this and thought, "Wow, they couldn't stay awake for an hour? For Christ? When He was suffering for us?" The questions and accusations can go on and on.

But...liken it to myself. Can I give Him an hour each week in Sacrament Meeting? Can I put away distractions and just learn the gospel and be filled?

I'm going to do better.

Some OLD Pictures

People have run across old photos and texted them to me. Here are some I've received recently. They bring back memories.

Kristen, me, our cousin Kendra Hunter Burton, and Karen got into the dress-up box around 1981

Kim Rose Cassetti and me at Amador HS graduation 1984

Kim and me before prom 1984

An oldie but goodie. We used to always laugh at the washrag Kristen is holding. Looks like poo. Me, Kris, and Jenny late 60's

Miscellaneous May

Now that the kids are gone, people are offering me their puppies and their children. I'll watch an occasional kid, but I don't want another animal.

this is me and Beckham Luthi. His mom, Kilee, was a TA years ago. I watched this guy while mom and dad went to dinner and a movie.

Mackenzie Christensen has a new sister and comes to play with Mitty and beans

Mel gave me the prettiest flowers and they lasted til way after she had left. A little bit of Mel's smile and sweetness on my kitchen table for a bit.

Still going to High Fitness and I love it. This is me and Kim and her niece Keesa at a big event in Lindon. It included yummy birthday cake after. It was packed, but we had a blast.

Keesa, me, Kim

Memorial Day Holden Cemetery Tour 2017

Went to Holden again on Memorial Day.

Since dad was born and raised in Holden, he knows everyone in the cemetery. We got reacquainted with everyone and mom even pointed out a grave marker that I'd never seen before. How did I miss this one in the last 8 years?!

We also took a picture of John Edward's grave with flowers for Jen. He seems to be her guardian angel. Jen senses him near a lot. Kinda special.

And, of course, no trip to Millard County would be complete without a stop at the Flying J and Petting Zoo where you can get a drink, use the bathroom, and see a camel. Dad says Lyle Wasden's cousin owns it and it's "a gold mine." We always get a kick out of it.

It was nice to visit with mom and dad in the car. We basically drove there, paid respects, drove past dad's boyhood home (they've removed the giant pine tree in the front yard), and came home. Keenan came this time and it was a nice way to spend the day. Although...I don't quite understand why people in Utah think Memorial Day is about putting flowers on graves. It's a nice gesture and all, but Memorial Day is about fallen soldiers.

Side note: I had started the day with a great walk with Sherie, my normal walking buddy, and Kim, my High Fitness buddy. Kim works full-time, but had the day off. It was fun to catch up. We never really get to talk at High Fitness since the music is so loud and we're so winded. She filled me in on her son's wedding and I filled her in on Melia's MTC day.

Sister Adcock

It's official! We have a missionary. We've had one for almost 2 weeks. On May 17, Melia entered the MTC around 12:24 pm.

I got back from Florida and we put all of our efforts into getting Melia ready to enter the mission field. She really, really wanted to go to the temple with grandma and grandpa. They'd been out of town. We were able to arrange a temple meet-up in Provo for Friday, May 12. My sister Karen was in town and joined us. We had a nice time and Mel got to ask grandma and grandpa lots of questions. I didn't realize how much it meant to her until she mentioned it in her farewell talk.

grandpa and grandma Hunter, Mel, and me (Karen was working in the car)

Many Crocketts were in town, so Saturday we met up with them for ice cream. We had so much fun visiting and spent so much time there that it became time for dinner. We just kept the party going and moved from Rockwell Ice Cream to Slab Pizza. Shauna Crockett was the bonus.

Connor, Shauna, Me, Karen, Allie, Mel, Elle, Kamiko, and Keenan

Sisters!

Mel spoke on Mother's Day. It was a perfect day. We invited friends and family to come to our house before church for breakfast. We had crepes, breakfast casseroles, and fruit. About 75 people came. I got to feed my mom and sisters and dear friends breakfast on mother's day. A little note about making crepes ahead of time. THEY STICK TOGETHER IF THEY'RE HOT. Yep, Mel and I spent lots of time making and freezing crepes with waxed paper layered between each crepe. Didn't work. When I went to separate the thawed crepes on Friday, it was obvious that it would have taken me longer to separate them than to make more. So we made more. It really wasn't a big deal. We made them, let them cool to room temp, then layered them with paper towel. That worked GREAT. We had nutella, cookie butter, whipped cream, strawberries, and bananas. We had just the right amount of food. Mysti Tupou brought some cut fruit and the Oswalds brought orange juice. Other than that, we just did it ourselves.

Me and my kids on Mother's Day

Mel gave a very good talk. I think everyone was surprised at how much she had to say. She was so poised and prepared. Keenan and I were both very surprised. We didn't know what to expect since she hasn't spoken in church in years, but she did great. A number of people commented on her talk. When she finished, Annie Oswald, who was sitting next to me, said "she's ready." Yep, she was. We stayed at church for all 3 hours since I teach primary and don't have a co-teacher. When I got home, I was surprised to see the kitchen clean. Jenny and mom and my kiddos had cleaned it for me. That was so great. I took a long nap, then we cooked Papa Murphy's pizza for Mother's Day dinner. A fantastic day. Oh, and my kiddos gave me 3 8-inch round cake pans, a cake decorating turntable, and cardboard cake rounds. I want to start making cute cakes and these will get me started.

Monday we all went out to dinner. I have found that the night before the MTC, the missionary can be quite nervous and not have much of an appetite, so we went to Cafe Rio on Monday as a family. Mel and I also worked on one last jumper for her to take. On Tuesday, Mel and I went down to the Payson Temple to do some sealings with mom and dad. That was really special and I'm glad Mel made time to go. We made final touches on the jumper. I wanted to tweak a couple of things so it didn't look homemade. Mel got set apart on Tuesday night at 9:30. That was a great experience for all. I took notes and typed them up for Mel to take with her. It's very easy to send your missionary off when you know she's prepared, the Lord is watching over her, and she's HAPPY. She will be such a joy to everyone. About JOY...Mel has joked that she wants "Joy to the World" on her mission plaque. We haven't discussed this with the ward, yet, but we hope it can happen. It's her favorite hymn and favorite "quote." Coincidently, when she was set apart, President Livingston mentioned more than once that she will bring JOY, to go forth with JOY, etc. Joy to the world, for sure. Or at least Joy to Arkansas and surrounding areas.

STREAK OVER. Mel and I were working on a 100 day streak. It ended too soon.

We had to get up really early to take Allie to the airport on Wednesday, May 17. She had already arranged to fly to St. Louis for Desmond's graduation. So they said their goodbyes early in the morning. Oh, side note...we drove to the airport in freezing rain and snow. What a day. We got back home and went back to bed for a bit. Then we got up and got ready to go to the MTC. Mel had to be there at 12:30. We met grandma and grandpa at noon at the Provo temple to take some pictures. Starlyn and Erin came to say goodbye and they were nice enough to take pictures for us. I had arranged for a couple of my pre-student teachers to teach my lecture and the TA's covered lab so I could spend the morning at home. It's what Mel wanted and it's a good thing I did it. I'm glad I listened to her.

This guy went with me to Bolivia. My dad bought it for me. It fixed a flat tire on a bus. Kamiko took it to Chile. It's now on its way to Arkansas and surrounding areas.

Mel doesn't have big hair. It's a tree behind her

Starlyn, Mel, and Erin

The family, minus Allie, who was on a layover in Denver

Grandpa, grandma, Sister A, Keenan, me, and Kamiko

Cute missionary with her grandparents

This is the jumper we made just before Mel left.

Allie joined us at the MTC via facetime

We got all our pictures, hugged, and got in the van. We got to the MTC parking lot a bit early, but they were directing traffic already. We pulled up the the sister side, unloaded our cargo, including Mel, gave hugs, and drove away by 12:27. I was at work at 12:40. We were all going to be OK. Everything is good.