The BIG 26!!!

October 17th was Scott's birthday and we received a big suprise! The Powells (Scott's sister and her family) were coming to visit!--Brent, Holly, Jackson, Jacob and Ethan. They were so sweet to make the long drive from Colorado and make Scott feel special on his special day.

We did so many fun things while they were here. We went to Big Judd's--home of the massive hamburger, played around in a straw maze--Brent is a great map follower and got us through so quickly... if I had been leading the way we would probably still be in there.

We also went to a local pumpkin patch, played with our neighbors' bassett hound puupy, Hank, watched movies and of course went out to eat for Scott's birthday. We took Holly and Brent to our new favorite spot--Grandpa's Southern BBQ. delicious. scrumptious.

Later, we sang "Happy Birthday" and Scott blew out his candles on top of a yummy cheesecake with strawberries. It was a fun weekend spent with family that we rarely get to see. Thanks Powells for visiting us and especially for being such great in-laws to me. We love you!

For Scott's Sunday Birthday dinner I made his favorite--roast beef with carrots, onions and homemade mashed potatos and gravy (its a secret recipe that my grandma has passed down to me. shh.) My sister Brittany and brother Spencer came over for the night from Rexburg. We watched a movie, talked and ate Scott's favorite dessert--his mom's recipe for strawberry pie.

It was a fun, fun weekend for a wonderful, funny, fabulous, handsome, hard-working, caring, perfect husband!

I love you sweetheart! Have fun playing with your presents!

It's official...

only 24 more days until the midnight premiere of New Moon. And yes, I already have my ticket.

Finally, Almonzo!!

finally!

Today was the big day. Almonzo Wilder finally realized he loved Laura. Ahhhhh. What a relief. I have been anticipating this blessed episode for weeks, maybe even months.

Yes. Months. I watch my Little House on the Prairie religiously every day. Heaven bless the Hallmark channel.

Poor Laura. All she wanted was to be recognized as a woman and not a little girl. For years she has been in love with him, but he always saw her as a fun little friend. Her one goal was to become a teacher. If she was a teacher, then maybe he would see her as a woman. She becomes a teacher and finally he gets a clue! Silly Almonzo. Oh, What wonderful drama and girlish giddiness!

When Almonzo looked at her with those loving eyes as he helped her in the buggy, I giggled! When he punched that silly boy in the face, I squealed! When he gave her that shawl on her sweet sixteen and they kissed at the Church Social, I screamed!

I can't wait for the next few episodes. And when they walk down the aisle at their wedding, I'll cry as if I was really there. Again, Heaven Bless the Hallmark channel.

Pearls

Certain "pearls" spoken at The General Relief Society Broadcast impressed me. It's always a confidence boost--"you are wonderful"--and then a challenge--"you can be even more wonderful."

Sister Julie B. Beck (General President)

• Relief Society was part of the gospel restored in the Restoration.
• Attendance is a small part of magnifying Relief Society.
• Use Relief Society time in an inspired way.
• What does my ward/Relief Society need me to do?
• Become partners with the Lord in your Visiting Teaching.
• Never suppress a generaous thought.

Sister Silvia H. Allred (1st Counselor)

• Be a righteous heroine.
• Your Relief Society attendance will bless you. But your Relief Society participation will bless the whole church.

Sister Barbara Thompson (2nd Counselor)

• Mind the gap between believing in Jesus Christ and being valiant in the testimony of Jesus Christ.
• Recognize the Lord's approval. He loves you dearly.
• Be a holy woman.

President Henry B. Eyring

• The great legacy/foundation that Relief Society should follow is Charity.
• There is no salvation without compassionate service.
• The legacy is passed from heart to heart.
• When you are on the Lord's errand you will be inspired.
• "Our legacy never faileth because charity never faileth." -Lucy Mack Smith

One of the main points I got from the meeting was that everything we do as a Relief Society should be done in the name of Relief Society. I admit, that as Sister Beck announced the discontinuing of the name Home, Family, and Personal Enrichment, I was nervous. I thought it was the end of Enrichment all together, and I have already spent so much time on my calling and especially the infamous Super Saturday on the 24th.

But all is well. Pretty much we just have to change the name to Relief Society Super Saturday!

I am so grateful for the guidance and direction that we receive from our living Prophet and righteous leaders. What a blessing to be able to listen to General Conference this weekend and receive inspired teaching. Happy Conference!