Last Sunday was Benito Juarez’ birthday. At least that is what the calendar has listed. Who is he anyway? And why do we care. More importantly, Jon missed church due to work. It was ward conference, too. Bummer. The Stake Youth Leaders gave some wonderful messages about holding to the Lord's values (they referenced the Scout Law and the Young Women Values) and how holding to these will make you seem "peculiar" at times, but that is great! They also talked about setting goals, and working NOW for things that you want in your life later, as well as the value of hard work! Darlene found a fun scripture on the topic in Proverb 6:6... look it up, smile, then follow the counsel! That evening Jon had an appointment to meet with the Stake President. He was a bit nervous. What did he want? He just wanted to ask Jon to speak next Tuesday at Stake Priesthood Leadership training...
Monday was Family Home Evening. Darlene did some visiting teaching. Caiti got home from track practice, Kimmee got home from Culture Jam practice. Jon got home from work. And, Bryan had us all watch "New Moon" for family night! Then we all sat and finished the evening with another fun episode of "Chuck"!
Tuesday Caiti got home from track practice, Kimmee got home from Culture Jam practice, Jon got home from work, Bryan and Mom were already home... and the family went to the temple! It was Darlene's mom's birthday. Happy Birthday Nanna! We sent her a lovely bouquet of flowers. To celebrate here, our youth group went to the temple and did baptisms for their deceased ancestors to include Nanna’s and Grandpa Ken’s ancestors. Our whole family went! It was a wonderful experience. A young couple came and wanted to do baptisms, but when the temple worker told them they would have to wait until we were done, they elected to pass. Darlene chimed in and suggested they do the Initiatory ordinances for the baptisms the kids just finished. That worked out great and we got 44 of our relatives ready for their endowments! It was a good night.
Wednesday, again, Darlene was home, Bryan came home from school, Kimmee got home from Culture Jam practice, Jon got home from work and Caiti was at a track meet (her 4x4 team was DQ'd because 2 of the girls rolled their shorts opting for the "sexy" look instead of wearing their uniforms correctly. Caiti was not one of them, she was upset about the DQ). Darlene went with one of the Young women Counselors to visit the parents of one of her new Mia Maids. Due to some "different" circumstances, Darlene was a bit nervous for this visit. All went very well and she really enjoyed visiting with this young ladies mother. Caiti came home from her meet late, tired and sweaty....uck!
On Thursday, Jon and Darlene went back to the temple and did more family names. We’ve asked the ward to help us do the endowments since we are getting so many. Even if we did one a week it would take over a year. We decided those people had waited long enough. Plus our Stake President has challenged our stake to do 10,000 ordinances by Sep for family file names. We got home, picked up Bryan and Caiti and went over to the High School were Kimmee participated in a “Culture Jam” Performance. Essentially, it was a talent show performed by students and teachers with a Hollywood/Disney musical theme. Kimmee danced in 5 of the performances the International and French clubs were "sponsoring". All the proceeds went to High School students in Haiti. Kimmee did wonderfully! Jon had to leave early to conduct his weekly missionary meeting. He was able to see all but the last dance of Kimmee's.
Friday night was date night but we were all so tired from the week's busy schedule... we stayed home, ate pizza and watched TV! Awesome family time!!!
Saturday night, while Caiti stayed home and watched the "Kid's Choice Awards" (slimefest central), Bryan and Kimmee attended a surprise party for one of their friends! They had a great time and Bryan showed off his mad "ninja" skills! Jon and Darlene attended a social at Jon's squadron commander’s house. It was also a going away party for one of the guys in the squadron. The booze were flowing freely. And so were the people as the night wore on... During the evening we joined in a toast to the guy leaving. We raised our lovely plastic bottles of Aquafina water in salute. It was a fun evening but as things began to get a little louder, we decided to sneak out as soon as we felt we had stayed the requisite amount of time.
Sunday was wonderful! Bryan was asked to give an impromptu talk on the importance of General Conference in his life (he did a marvelous job!) and Kimmee played "I know that my Redeemer lives" on her violin for the rest hymn. It was lovely and very peaceful. What great blessing the gospel bring into our home and the lives of our family!
