On the Way Home

The end of our Idaho trip was less than ideal--quite a bit of drama & tears.

And it wasn't from the kids.

We weren't in the most spiritual of moods when we got to Temple Square.

 How can this not take your breath away, though?

Love this temple.

 The tabernacle never ceases to amaze me.

Still trying to convince the kids that this is where I sang in General Conference.

{True story!  Check out April General Conference 1996}

The camera can't do justice to all the awe-inspiring sparkle!

Threes

Blessings come in threes, right?!?

Today Darren was called as a counselor in the Bishopric.

For the third time.

This has been the only time the call has come as a surprise to both of us.

This particular Sunday was quite ironic, as dear Bishop Randall's family {the Bishop who Darren was serving with in AZ} came for a visit and went to church with us.

Darren's observation:

It just goes to show you can run from a calling, but you can't hide!

You'll do great, babe.

Our 1st Corn Roast

Corn Roast at the Lagoon is an annual tradition here in our ward.

We didn't quite know what to expect.Live music, s'mores, kids playing, warm water to splash in, great company, and delish, roasted corn!

This is how they do it:

Cut the top inch off your corn

Boil it {husk and all} for 12 minutes over an open flame

Peel your husk down, leaving the stalk and husk for a handle

Dip in melted buddah

Sprinkle desired toppings {sea salt, Parmesan cheese, chili powder, etc.}

SO good.

Messy, but GOOD.

Lovely lagoon, beautiful evening.

After the sun went down, we stayed close to the fires & chatted with friends.

This is the only time we saw Xanderman.

He was too busy playing with the guys to hang out with his parents.

The Izus did a fantastic job putting it all together!

New Calling

Activity Day Leader!
I am excited, but this is totally new to me.

My Sister Came!

Rebecca came to celebrate her birthday weekend with us. Hooray! How adoooorable is she?!?

{with her stolen flower from a nearby plant}

On Saturday, we met her friend Mindy @ the Newport Beach temple.
The moment I walked in the front doors, I was overpowered by the feeling that I'd finally come home.
It is breathtakingly beautiful and the spirit is indescribable.

After, we went to In 'N' Out--Rebecca has been going into Animal Fry withdrawals since moving to Utah.

That afternoon, we went to Newport Beach and met up with Rebecca's friend Kristen. Love their sandcastle!
I went boogie boarding for the first time in 6 years.
I could feel my age.
Bruises and sand in every place imaginable.

Xanderman's pit. Did I mention I did not take a single picture with my camera the whole time Rebecca was here? I just borrowed her pics she posted on FB.
I am a rotten sister.

To end the day, the girls went
{in our post-beach loveliness}
to have some lettuce wraps @ Pei Wei and frozen yogurt @ Pinkberry. Mmmm!

FHE in the Park

Our new ward has a fun tradition.

Every 2nd Monday during the summer months, they meet at a park for ward FHE.

They BBQ burgers & dogs, and the members bring a side or dessert to share. We had a great time! They had an amazing face painter come, and the kiddos loved it.

What a great idea!

Spaghetti in Primary

I thought once my kiddos were in school, I'd have all this creative free time. Granted, I do spend close to 2 hours transporting kids to and from school {I pick up and drop off 4 times a day} but a lot of my creative time is spent doing my church calling {Jr./Sr./Nursery chorister}. It is a lot of {crazy} fun, and I love it. Yesterday, I told the kiddos if they sang really well, that a visitor would come. I pulled out Nettie, who loves her some spaghetti! I tied pieces of yellow, white & blue yarn together, and then as the kids sang, I pulled the yarn from behind so it looked like she was eating spaghetti. Whichever color she was eating determined who sang {boys=blue, girls=yellow, everyone=white}.

I'm telling you, the Sr. Primary boys have NEVER sang so fantastic. It gave me goosebumps!

{Nettie was created by the Silhouette:}

Sunday, Crazy Sunday

This Sunday was so nuts.
I made Belgian waffles with strawberries and whipped cream on top for my company.
I went to choir practice.
I left my Son at home, thinking he went to church with my husband {when he was really in the backyard playing}.
I freaked out a little bit.
Said Son was recovered and brought to church by Grandpa.
I gave a talk in Sacrament Meeting.
I stepped in at the last minute and played the piano for the choir.
I stepped in at the last minute and played the organ.
I did Jr. Primary Sharing Time {which I found out about on Saturday night}.
I did Jr. Primary Singing Time.
I did Nursery Singing Time.
I did Sr. Primary Sharing Time.
I did Sr. Primary Singing Time.
I got a migraine.
I made a fabulous dinner & topped it off with peanut butter kiss cookies.
I'm out.