Relief Society 12/07/2011

I had the privilege to be at the RS Christmas Enrichment this year and I have to say I was impressed. It has up until this time, been a well kept secret, at least to me, that the sisters eat really, really well. I never knew. The meal was wonderful. They even had pretty plates (with a plate under a plate), silver forks and knives, beautiful center pieces, and a clear water dispenser. I was thankful to have been invited to eat and was glad I had worn a white shirt and tie.

There was a craft session after the meal where Sister Walker taught the sisters to make center pieces for their homes. She put in a lot of effort and deserves a special thanks. Below are a few pictures.

Brian Walker Baptism 11/26/2011

Today at noon was the baptism of Brother Brian Walker, and I have to say that it was one of the best baptisms I have been to. Everyone there was truly blessed to be a part of his day, for the Spirit was there in abundance. Below are a few pictures courtesy of Sister Holmes.

B Day Fun

I would like to have gotten a few more pics, but this was the best one of the four I did get. The kids really love Brother Thornley.

Primary Party 10/19/2011

This Wednesday we had a primary party where the kids could dress up and play some games as well as load up on candy. There were tons of kids and most dressed up. Thanks to Sister Clark for heading up the party. Thanks to the YM and YW for helping with the games and cupcakes. And thanks to all others that helped. We had a good time as the pictures below will show.

Sister Walker wins the trunk or treat decoration contest.

Cake walks are always fun.

Twister anyone?

BEFORE (face paint)

AFTER

Face paint or chocolate?

Don't fall Rylee!!

Outing 5/31/2011

I think Sister Clark gets the credit for putting this outing together. It started at Chick-fil-a. The Clarks (and all their kids), Amanda and William (and all their kids), the Wallraths (and all their kids),the Landrys (and four of their six kids), plus Thomas were there. I'm not sure but I think that is 55% of the Branch and 90% of the Primary. We ate and then watched the kids play on the playground.

We then met up a bit later at the movie theater for Kung Fu Panda 2. The movie was good and I managed to stay awake for the whole thing, I think. It was a lot of fun to hang out with everyone. Thanks Stephanie.

Below is a video and a few pics.

Fireside 5/15/2011

It is not often that we have an adult fireside, but tonight we did. It was held at the home of President and Sister Ross. The program involved Brother and Sister Matis and their mission to Damascus, Syria. They spent just over two years there and had a lot of good experiences. They were there because of the affiliation that BYU has with the University in Damascus, and their purposes were largely humanitarian in nature, aside from his professorship at the University.

Their insight on the people, culture, history and economics of Syria were enlightening. I learned a great deal about Syria that I had never known.

Below are a few pictures of the fireside. There was a great turnout and the fellowship was warm.

Young Marrieds Activity 5/13/2011

Once again it was time for our young marrieds night. The Wallraths were kind enough to offer their home. We started by having various types of snacks. Yum, Yum!

Mark and Sandria had prepared a lesson of sorts for us, complete with a quiz and handouts. The message was on "Love Language" and was presented in a video by John Lund. The quiz told us about which love language we speak, thus helping us communicate better with our spouse. Much easier if we know what language they speak.

Lots of fun was had by all. Thanks and big hugs to everyone.

Mutual 5/11/2011

It was decided that we would have mutual on the second Wednesday this month in order to do a bit of service at the church. The youth weeded the front flower beds, although I can't remember any flowers in there. The church really did a good job of creating a beautiful piece of landscaping and we wanted to make sure it stayed beautiful.

The picture below shows most of those that helped that were willing to be photographed. I'm only sorry that I didn't get a before and after picture of the work. Just be sure to take notice of the flower beds in front. They worked hard and did a great job.

Thanks for the ice cream and cookies President Ross and Sister Webb.

West End Cemetery Clean Up... 3/26/2011

Today we helped in the West End Cemetery cleanup. Before I comment at all I want to say that I am not even going to try to name everyone in the photos below. There were that many people that showed up to help.

We began at 8am. It had to be the perfect day to do this job. Breezy and not too hot. There were members of other faiths there as well. The jobs included righting headstones, cutting low hanging limbs, weed eating, mowing, raking leaves, and cleaning up. We worked on about half of the cemetery.

After about three hours we had everything done. The cemetery association fed the workers BBQ.

I have to admit that while I was weed eating I couldn't help but look at the names and dates on the headstones. What was life like back in 1880? I bet they rode horses or walked every where. Was this person a farmer, or did he work in the drug store down town? I bet it was hot in the summer. How could anyone sleep when it is so hot; and without screens the bugs would eat you alive if you opened the windows. Was this person a saint, or scoundrel? More than likely just a person trying to raise a family and make a living.

I just want to express the feeling of joy and happiness that I felt while doing this project. I certainly got the feeling that I wasn't the only one that felt this way.