When Life Gives You Lemons....

This weekend it was our turn to do the "Bishopric Fireside."

Darin and I decided to base our talks on optimism, and choosing to be happy--even when things are hard.  My sister, Heather, had a great idea to do a "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade" theme for the treats!  I LOVED how it turned out.  I made lemonade, lemon cookies, lemon cake, lemon tarts, and I bought lemon candy and lemon bars.

At the beginning of the lesson, as each person came in, we gave them a pebble to put into their shoe, and a candy to put in their mouth.  After the opening prayer we asked them about their experience.  Several said that it was really painful, others complained that their rock was bigger than someone else's.  One girl at the end said, that she really liked the candy.  Then we talked about how even when there are hard things there is always something to be happy about--we just need to focus on the good!  

Next, we watched Elder Wirthlin's video "Come What May and Love It!"  Then we had the kids make a list of things that can help you be happy (be with friends, smile, listen to uplifting music, exercise, etc.)  

Next we had each kid write on a slip of paper something difficult they may be facing, or a challenge they may have in the future, then we put them in a bowl and let them answer how they could look on the bright side in that situation.  We had a lot of good answers, but we also had a lot of dumb deacon answers--that I was secretly laughing about.

Last Darin and I shared a few thoughts and testimony, and we ended with our yummy refreshments!  (I STILL CANNOT believe how much the youth can eat!--I had double what is shown in the pictures and they ate nearly ALL of it!)

Youth Conference Part 2

Friday morning the youth did some service projects, then they spent the rest of the day in SLC around Temple Square.  I didn't get to go with them, but Darin said is was really fun.

That night, I had the YW over for a sleepover.  We did heart-attacks to the boys where they had their sleepover.  An hour later, we had a knock on the door and the boys had "paper-plated" us.  They left a note, a box of popcorn, and lots of boy-humor pickup lines.  The girls LOVED it!

We did spiritual thoughts, scriptures, and prayers, then we did facials, had treats, and they watched a movie in their sweet tent I made for them.  They were all kind and very appreciative.

In the morning, I made them crepes and then there were off to go back to temple square for the day!

This is what it looked like from the outside...

And here is the inside.

Here are the treats.  Cookies, tarts, and a popcorn bar.

This picture cracks me up! Darin said, "You're going to take a picture of me explaining our remote control?"  I said yes, and the girls said, "Lets act really fascinated by the remote."

It was our anniversary, so Darin got away with the boys to buy me some chocolates.
Then before bringing the girls to our house, they went and got me flowers! :)  Sweet spouse! 

Be a little "BUTTER"

3 times a year the young women and young men in our ward have a "fireside."  

(I think we are supposed to call them something different now, but I can't remember what).

They rotate to the different members of the bishopric and it was our turn.

Darin and I spoke about making goals and trying harder to become better.
We did a lot of analogies with butter, and had them shake their own butter.

After the devotional we had rolls and 5 different kinds of butter.  We did cinnamon honey butter, cilantro lime butter, raspberry butter, blackberry butter, and garlic butter.  I think the cilantro lime was my favorite.  

I made 84 rolls for 13 kids--and we only had ONE roll left!!  I was glad they liked them!!

Sure LOVE this group of kids---I especially have a soft spot for these girls--they were my Beehives and Mia Maids when I got released.  Now they are MiaMaids and Laurels!!  Love them!

 

Girls Camp

We were able to go to the last part of Girls Camp last night.

The girls spent the week at Hinckley Ranch and it was BEAUTIFUL!!

They had rope courses, rock climbing walls, shooting, archery, canoes, and more.

We got to be up there for a few games, visiting, a faith walk, retiring the flag (and the men did a musical number), dessert, and the best part--testimony meeting.  These girls (and their leaders) are amazing.  I love being with them and hearing from them.

And a big shout out to mom, dad, and CHRIS for watching our littles!  

THANK YOU!!

General Women's Meeting

Last night I was able to go the the General Women's Meeting with my mom, my sister, three of my nieces, and my mother-in-law.  It was a WONDERFUL meeting!  I always feel so refreshed and motivated to be better.

You can watch the full meeting on lds.org, or you can watch one of my favorite clips here:

Youth Devotional

We had a little devotional at our house last week for all the Young Men and Young Women.  Darin and I were asked to speak on dating—one of my favorite subjects!  After our talks we had some scones.  It was my first time making scones and they turned out great!  I sure do love the youth in our ward!