YWIE

Last week for Young Women's we had our annual Young Women in Excellence night. It was very successful and I think the young women really enjoyed it. Many of the parents came as well as two members of our stake presidency and all of the YW stake presidency. We had the girls vote beforehand what they wanted the theme for the evening to be and half of them wanted a temple theme and the other half wanted a garden/flower theme. We decided to compromise and do them both- a temple garden. Besides, what goes together better than temples and flowers? It was held in the RS room and we filled the room with various pictures of temples and flowers and a few fresh flowers. Our special guest speaker was a sister who does landscaping at the temple. I think the girls enjoyed hearing from her and not from their boring leaders AGAIN. I had each of the girls tell me their favorite temple and then I ordered 5x7 pictures from LDS distribution and bought some frames from the dollar store. Unfortunately, the pictures did not arrive in time for our special evening. I finally got them just the other day. The YW were really excited when I told them I had a picture of their favorite temple to hang in their room. There was a nice spirit at our meeting and it helped reenforce Sister Dalton's emphasis on temples. Her talk in the last General Conference "A Return to Virtue" was powerful and went along with our theme perfectly. My young women are strong and steadfast. Most of them have strong testimonies and try their best to live virtuously in the face of so much sleaze and filth that encompasses them on a daily basis. It's comforting to know that, in spite of the world becoming increasingly more wicked, if I teach my children correct principles and point them towards the temple then I don't need to worry or live in fear.

Shots

Last week I took the kids in to get some shots. I had butterflies in my stomach the entire drive to the doctor. Ruby was first. I held her on my lap while James watched the two nurses inject Ruby's thighs with needles. He didn't seem too bothered by her screaming. James was next. I thought he would resist but he just calmly climbed onto my lap and watched the nurses give him three shots. I was expecting him to flip out especially since he's been extra sensitive lately. His little lip turned downward into a frown for a second and then he was fine. No crying, no screaming, no wimpering. I almost started crying for him because he was such a brave, strong boy. As I put his pants back on he said, "I'm ready to go home now. I had fun at the doctor." Who is this kid? Who says they had fun at the doctor after getting three shots in the leg? That's my boy for ya.

There's a Clumsy Lover in all of Us

Last Saturday night, we put the kids to bed and headed downtown for some fiddlin', bluegrass, and celtic-rockin' good time. The Clumsy Lovers is one of my favorite bands. Their music is fun and upbeat and you can't keep yourself from dancing to it. The guy on the left can really wail on the banjo and mandolin. The crowd was lively and everyone was dancing and having so much fun. My brother and his wife met us at the show and they were hooked! They loved it and can't wait for them to come back. I've turned many friends into fans since their music appeals to all types. I must be getting old because I was exhausted by the time we got home at midnight. We haven't stayed out that late since before we got married I think. Anyway, you can check out some of their music at www.clumsylovers.com or you can check them out on facebook. I highly recommend them. It's definitely feel-good music and who can't use a little of that these days?

Halloween

I love Halloween! It was so fun this year and James was THE cutest little Dumbo I've ever seen. Ok, he was the only Dumbo. He had a blast trick or treating and stayed out almost as long as his older cousins. He took a couple of spills due to his very large ears blocking his vision. The magic of Halloween was recaptured watching James run from house to house and saying "Thank you! Halloween!" It was a great night.

Pictures

Little pioneers. My parents went to Nauvoo this summer and brought back pioneer hats for all of the grand kids.

Great grandma and grandpa.

Delish Banana Bread

This is the best banana bread... ever! It is so moist and soft and easy to make. So, if you're on the hunt for a great banana bread recipe then look no further.
Ingredients:
1 cup butter (it tastes better with butter rather than margerine)
1 1/2c granulated sugar
2 large eggs
4 very ripe bananas
1 tsp vanilla
1/4c buttermilk
1 tsp baking soda
2c flour
1/2 tsp salt

1.Cream butter and sugar together
2. Add mashed bananas, eggs, vanilla and mix well. Batter will be curdley.
3. In another bowl, wisk flour, soda, and salt. Add flour mixture to banana mixture and combine. Add buttermilk and mix until combined.
4. Grease and flour two 8 1/2"x4 1/2" bread pans.
5.Bake @ 350 45-50 min or until bread pulls away from sides and inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Visiting Teaching

My visiting teachers came yesterday for their monthly visit. They are two of the oldest women in the ward and both have been widows for a number of years. They are sweet and gracious and caring. When they were first assigned to me, I couldn't help but wonder if there had been some mistake. However, it's been more than two years since they first started coming to my home and they have rarely missed a month. They are so kind and loving to my children and genuinely care about my family. They never seem like they're in a rush (well, they honestly have no other obligations) and they always sit next to each other on the couch and they hold hands as they laugh and reminisce about all of the years they've spent serving together in our ward. They always tell me to cherish the time I have with my children because it goes by so fast. It isn't unusual for one of them to get a little misty eyed when talking about the gospel and what it means to them and to their children and grandchildren. They both express such joy whenenever they talk about their families. They are happy and optimistic and encouraging and fun! I hope I have a full head of beautiful white hair when I'm old just like one of these sisters- a crown and symbol of all of her years of experience and wisdom. It makes me think of this quote by Elder Maxwell from my favorite book of his "All These Things Shall Give Thee Experience:"

Are not the real heroes and heroines of today those who are givers rather than demanders, those who are selfless rather than selfish, those who share rather than grab, those who care about tomorrow as well as today, and those who do their duty quietly without the accompaniment of crashing cymbals and trumpets? The faithful but perhaps plump woman whose nails are worn but who is a giving mother, wife, and neighbor has a queenly beauty and a regal way, if we would but see her as she really is; her beauty will not be taken from her by the passing years."