City Beautiful

 Last week Pat, Tom and I packed up the car and went to Nauvoo for a couple of days.  I wish Andrew could have come along.  He wanted to work and earn some money so stayed behind.

The bagpipe band does a parade down Mulholland street during the day and Tom needed to see them.  So, we made our way into town and listened to them play.

He had to have a photo taken with them.  They asked him to stand at attention and this is what we got. 

In the evening we went to the pageant.  Prior to the show beginning there are lots of games and things to do.  Tom, once again, wanted to see the bagpipers.



 This brother came up to Tom and asked if he wanted to hold his pipes.  He insisted I take a picture of Tom holding his pipes. 

 He and I talked for a while and I found out the history of his bagpipes.  Needless to say, he doesn't let just anyone hold his pipes.  He has them insured for $20,000!  YIKES!  He asked Tom if he wanted to hold them.  Turns out he was a major Special Olympics volunteer.

 Just a few shots from the show.  It is a wonderful show that tells very specifically what the Book of Mormon is and what temples are for.  It outlines the Plan of Salvation as well. 

 I missed being in the pageant, but then thought about all those wonderful people who did the show with us and really just wished to be with them in this sacred city.

It was a short visit.  Only part of three days.  Two trips to the temple were included which I loved.  Grandpa's for breakfast was a must and the Turtle Tails at the fudge shop somehow made their way home with us. 

Can't wait to go back next year.  We already have our house reserved!

Tom's Birthday

 Tom celebrated his 28th birthday on June 24th.  Our bishop/neighbor celebrates his on the same day.  We had decided that a kickball game was in order for the festivity.  We invited some people and
away we went.  It was a good time as always.  Cake and ice cream followed.  Clare made this incredible cake that was the American flag when you cut into it.  It was impressive to say the least!

Olivia and her daddy Jason.

Weston kicking that ball hard.

 Clare got into the act as well.

 Tom doesn't appear to be watching the action.

 Brady giving it a good swift boot.

Hannah not being outdone by any boys.

This seems to be an annual event.  As long as Tom wants to do it, we will keep on keeping on.

Stake President's Wife

Over the last 6+ years I've been asked many times, "What's it like being married to the stake president?"  I find that a strange question.  He's the same guy I married many years ago and just because he has a stewardship that's very visable doesn't mean he's suddenly an alien life form.  At times I wonder what kind of perception others in the stake who don't know me well have of me.  Sometimes I think they look at me and feel intimidated.  That's a laugh!

I have had some very unique experiences that very few other women get to have.  I have been at most of the "setting apart" appointments for the missionaries departing our stake.   All are special, but some are more memorable than others.  I've heard multiple times that the new language will become second nature.  I've heard that these missionaries will come to love the people.  I've heard that the relationships with the companions will be special.  I also heard that not every relationship with a companion will be positive.  That's not exactly what you want to hear.  I've heard that the angels will be round about these missionaries.  The most remarkable thing I've heard has only been spoken twice, at least in my presence.  That was that the influence of the Savior will be so strong that they will feel Him standing at their side.  What a promised blessing!

I've had the experience of meeting some general authorities on a personal basis.  They are all so genuine and caring.  They ask about our family which is always fun to talk about.  We've had them in our home as well.  It is a really fun experience.  Each of those brethren shares very interesting personal experiences with the prophet or one of the twelve.  I cherish these experiences.

One of my favorite things about being the stake president's wife is the opportunity to get to know the mission president and his wife.  Last week we got to meet President and Sister Cutler and their daughter Megan.  I look forward to getting to know them better.  I love Sister Barrett and Sister Jones and value their friendship.  I can't imagine it will be any difference with Sister Cutler.

I guess when I look at it this way, I can tell those who ask, "What's it like to be married to the stake president?" I should answer, "wonderful!"  Will I miss it?  Probably.  But for now I will just enjoy having the title of Stake President's Wife.