Family Picture Fun

 When we found out that our entire family would be together for a few days over the summer, my husband decided he wanted a new family picture.  He found flag shirts buy one get one free.  It was his plan so I went ahead with his plan.  I wanted to go to the rock, but we had time constraints so stayed home in our own yard.

Here are the Gourleys.  Not too bad considering we took many of them.  The kids just would not cooperate.

 Papa and Nana with our four little gems.

 This was a really tough picture to get.  Brock wanted to get away.  Adam wouldn't put his feet down.  Again this was the best we could do.

 The Fillmores looking great.

 Our beautiful children.

 They had some goofiness as well.

 My sweetheart and I.

 The boys.

 Our silly girls.

 Our cat who hissed at Sammi.  She's not very nice.

 Our beauties.

I printed some of these and put them in frames on the piano but didn't get any made up to put on the wall since we had professional photos taken in December.  Evelyn was the only one who changed much since then.

Girls Camp 2013

   Last week I had the opportunity to go to girls camp once again.  I love the sisters who come and give their time to serve.  I love being with the sisters.

 Every year there are bats in the lodge.  This year I found where they hang out during the day. 

 There were bees everywhere.  I didn't hear of anyone getting stung though.

 Cathy was on bat patrol.

 The older girls along with their leaders went to camp Tesomas for some high adventure activities.  Here's President Wagner zip lining.

 Our camp director, Brenda climbing the rock wall.

 Kayaking.  My sweetie got to do this with the girls.

The first day we put up a most disgraceful flag.  Therefore, a new one was purchased and the old one was retired.  I have never been a part of this ceremony before.  It was very reverent and patriotic.  The girls stood up and put their hands over their hearts and began singing the national anthem.

It was a great week weather wise.  We had a few glitches with only a handful of girls.  We have a rule that cell phones are not allowed at camp unless you are an leader.  A few of the older girls could not leave theirs alone.  Ultimately they were confiscated.  It is really sad that for four days these few girls couldn't be obedient to the rules.  

It got me thinking about obedience.  I have no wonder why obedience is the first law of heaven.  It is those small things that trip people up.  How can we ever obey the big things if we can't obey the little stuff?

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.

Just Because

Not a birthday, not an anniversary.  Perhaps just because he loves me.  My sweet husband brought these beauties home for me last night.  What a wonderful surprise!  I LOVE yellow roses!

One More Day

Yesterday I was driving home alone from dropping Andrew and Tim at EFY.  I had 4+ hours to myself in the car.  I listened to the radio a lot.  I heard the song, One More Day by Diamond Rio.
The lyric of the chorus is this:
One more day
One more time
One more sunset, maybe I'd be satisfied
But then again
I know what it would do
Leave me wishing still, for one more day with you.

I thought about how I wished that many times in the past almost 20 years.  I also know that even if such a wish was granted, it would never be enough time and I would wish for it all over again.  I felt that pain of losing my mom all over again.  Now, however, I wish for that one more day not for myself but for my dad.

Then I recognized that the plan of salvation is perfect.  Not only will I get that "one more day" but I will have eternity to spend with my mom and the rest of my family.

I am human and subject to human emotions with my limited scope of eternity.  After nearly 20 years it still hurts sometimes.  I knew it would.  After all, if I didn't love so deeply, it wouldn't hurt so much.  I'll take the hurt because I know the love.