First activity done...

There was no rest between teaching seminary and undertaking my first social as Ward Activity Chair. I'm grateful it's over and I'm grateful it went well. I'm also happy to share the idea with anyone who also finds themselves with this calling. And last of all, I'm so thankful for the wonderful friends who helped me pull it off. For 5 years I have been doing a calling which requires no co-ordinating of schedules and no need to ask for help to be successful. That no longer applies. You can't pull off a good ward social without support and worker bees.

So...our activity was called

ACE of CAKES

Scripture Style

Here are some of the fabulous cakes that came through the door!

This one got the most votes of the night....it was fabulous!

The Hixons

Well, it was pretty hard to say goodbye to the Hixon family today after Sunday dinner. But instead of being sad (which I am ) I'll just be grateful for the time we got to spend together.

I'm hoping that Asher will remember Grandma Mills and how much fun we had playing cars and playing with the birds. I won't be able to eat another Fiber One bar without thinking of the times he brought the whole box to me one at a time, or look at the sippy cup without thinking of the drinks he had from it.

Thanks Jamie and Dan for sticking around for as long as you did. Thanks for making the trek over for dinner every Sunday and for all the love you added to our home. Thank goodness for internet communication. I don't feel totally left behind because I know we can still share our lives with each other through our computers...but I'm sure going to miss Asher hugs!

Be safe and happy in Arizona....and we shall see you in a few months. Love you guys!

Music Moments

While on a walk early this morning, listening to my iPod, I once again realized how grateful I am for music...and for all the people with talent that write lyrics and notes on a page. It is a part of life that brings me a lot of happiness.

Seminary

Freshmen Seminary class 2008/09

The end of seminary is both happy and sad for me. I'm grateful that I will be able to sleep past 5:15 am in the morning; and that I won't be pressured to prepare a lesson every single day. I also won't miss the kids that have little respect for the seminary program.

But I will really miss the kids who liked being there every morning, the other teachers who were my connection to a social life..... and scripture study that put my day into such a nice spiritual order. I will have to work a lot harder now to accomplishing good things, and they surely won't be accomplished by 7:30 in the morning.

Being a seminary teacher was a big part of my life. I'm lucky to have had the opportunity.
I think everyone should try it at least once!

Motherhood

I love being a mom! Who knew it would just get better and better. Thanks kids for making it so easy!

Firefighters

We often don't realize how much we appreciate the service that some people provide until they provide it in protection of our own community and family. The city of Santa Barbara has had three major fires in the past year alone. The fire fighters who work tirelessly to keep us safe are on the minds of our entire city. We can't adequately express our thanks for the work they do.



Our family has an even more personal connection. I'm sure we think of Billy and remember him in our prayers each day as he joins his fellow fire fighters to fight the blaze. Thanks Billy! You are our hero!

The Wonderful Weekend

Since I started teaching seminary the weekend has had new meaning for me! I so look forward to it, that when it comes it almost feels like a holiday! Fridays are especially great! I don't have to think about a lesson plan at least until Saturday....woohoo!!!!! Celebrate good times...come on!
Can you tell I'm writing this on Friday?

EASTER SUNDAY

Before the glorious resurrection was the work of the atonement. It is the central focus of all Christian belief. As a Christian, I am humbly grateful for this pivotal event in history.

"Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:4-5

Neil Linden Andersen, our newest apostle

After another fabulous weekend of conference, how could I not say how grateful I am for the leaders of this church. We are so blessed as a people to have the guidance of a Prophet of God and the leadership of the Quoram of the Twelve and all the other general authorities that have been called to serve us.

Can I pick a favorite talk from this weekend? I think I can...it would be Elder Holland with his amazing insights into the saviors atoning sacrifice.

Beautiful place to live

We live pretty close to the beach and if I feel like it, I can walk to it in about 30 minutes. Yesterday I took the time. Like always when I stand at the edge of the coast line, I'm appreciative of the beautiful world Heavenly Father created for me.