So, the same weekend as the water party was our stake conference. We were privileged to hear from Elder Richard G. Scott. Saturday evening we attended the adult session. We listened to lots of good talks, and then it was Elder Scott's turn. It was so cool. He asked us what we would do to prepare if we knew we were going to meet the prophet Joseph Smith, and lots of people shared their ideas. Most of them were standard answers; I would study his life; I would try to emulate the Savior because that is who he tried to emulate; I would pray that I could be inspired/ready/etcetera. Then there were some who said they'd invite everyone they knew to come with them, or they would try to serve others because he lived a life of service. Elder Scott told us that we will meet Joseph one day, and so we should all be preparing.
Then, even more fascinating than an open forum in stake conference was the Q and A session that followed. He let the audience ask him questions. My favorite was about the Payson temple. Someone said we knew the groundbreaking was announced for October 8th, and then asked if Elder Scott knew the estimated completion time for the temple. It was awesome because of his answer :) He said he knew that information because he is the Chair of the Temple Sites Comittee :) but did we really think he would answer that? He said that was something for President Monson to announce, not one of his friends :) lol Awesome.
At the end, Elder Scott, along with Area 70 Elder Richard Wheeler and President Ballard stood at the door and we got to shake their hands. It was an amazing experience. :) (And Elder Scott is shorter than I realized lol) I had such an amazing time that on the way home, I called my dad about it lol
Sunday, we headed out to he 400 north building as it was our ward's turn to meet there for the general session of conference. You know, I think it's rather neat that when we have stake meetings, half of the stake has to be in a different building. Just think what would happen if we had 100 percent attendance!
Anyway, I took a few notes during the Sunday session and got some good stuff for what I need :) Umm, I guess I'll just point out a few bullets that, as I'm reading over this a few weeks after conference, still stand out :)
President Workman taught that our afflictions are our blessings. It made me think of the story of refining silver. Here's a link to an online copy: The Refiner's Touch. Read it if you're not familiar with it. Re-read it if you are :) It's short.
An interesting note from Elder Wheeler's talk was about Satan. He told us Satan's role is to blind men and to lead them astray. I found that interesting because most of us know what we should or shouldn't be doing. If you find yourself in a seriously bad situation and you reflect how you got there, it's easy to say, "What was I thinking?" Believe me, it doesn't make you feel any better about yourself when you're in that spot, especially when you know what's okay and what isn't. Even as you're walking down that wrong path and you think, I probably shouldn't be doing this, but you keep going. When you're there, it's helpful to remember how Satan ensares us. Just like the gospel is built line upon line, precept upon precept, Satan uses the same method to take us in the opposite direction. Things start off innocently enough, but then your vision clouds in the moment, and you can easily end up in the complete opposite place from where you wanted to be. I'm not saying that's an excuse, but it's helpful to know there's a trap in order to avoid it :)
Of course, on the flip side of that, Elder Wheeler talked about the Atonement. The atonement is so much more than allowing us forgiveness from our sins. As he put it, it can cover all of our trials. Trials don't have to be sinful in nature. Trials can be not being able to find work and wondering how you are going to pay your bills. The Atonement is a means to pay our debt. Jesus stands in our place to pay the price of justice. Through the Atonement, we can really get to know Heavenly Father and Jesus. We can more fully feel of their love. The Atonement is the perfect example of charity. Jesus didn't have to die for us. He could have said no. He didn't do anything to warrant feeling all of the pain of the world, but He did it because he loves us and wants to help us. He truly is the perfect example. He has offered us so much through the atonement, and we should really try to use it daily and become more like Him. I was searching through my scriptures to find one that illustrated that Jesus suffered for more than just our sins, and in my notes was Alma 7:11. I should just read my notes instead of searcing on my own :) I'm including versus 12 and 13 as well, which I had highlighted already in my scriptures. Go me :) Copied from lds.org.
11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and aafflictions and btemptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will ctake upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
12 And he will take upon him adeath, that he may bloose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to csuccor his people according to their infirmities.
13 Now the Spirit aknoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the bflesh that he might ctake upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.
So you see, He suffered for even our temptations, you know, when we have that inner argument about whether or not we should eat that piece of cake, even though we know we don't need it :) When we're sick, He felt that same pain. There are so many things He suffered for that we don't even have control over. But why make His suffering in vain by the things I do have control over?
I think this is a good place to segue into Elder Scott's talk. We have a huge blessing of receiving a temple in our own town. (Down the street from my old house!). The groundbreaking is October 8th. We have time to prepare to go to OUR temple. Yes, we should go to the temple anyway and always be preparing, but the fact we will have our very own Payson temple is a good motivator, and there's a significant amount of time so that those who aren't ready can be ready to go through it when it is done. It's exciting. Elder Scott also talked about the atonement near the end of his talk. He said the Atonement was singularly earned by Jesus, so He is the only way back to God. So true.
For funsies, I want to tell you about Elder Scott's Sunday talk too. He didn't have an open forum, but he did call up to the stand two young women and asked them questions. He had them illustrate the things their families are doing to prepare. He asked how they read and study the scriptures. It was fun because one of the young women is going on a mission. Lucky her, she got to stay and talk some more lol. It is helpful to learn what others do, to either get ideas on how we can improve, or just to be strengthened in our own testimonies.
I can't recall specifics around this note at this point in time, but I wrote down that primary kids set an awesome example for us to follow. It's so true. I love being in the primary. These kids are smart, and they want to know the truth. They want to be happy and choose the right, even if they insist on answering the opposite answer every time :) Yes, we're responsible for bringing them up in the gospel, but they know things and they learn from our examples and the things we've taught them. They learn the same way we do, but making connections to things they already know. The gospel truly is simple, and they are blessed with a simple understanding of it. They can help us remember that. There's a reason Jesus says we should be like the little children, because they're innocent and eager to learn. Wouldn't it be nice if we could say the same for ourselves?
We can teach others and help them through gentle guidance and example. We shouldn't be afraid to share our testimonies, the things we know to be true. Even if someone doesn't accept it, they usually appreciate your intent and will concede that you believe it. As long as it is done in a loving manner, wanting to truly share your happiness and knowledge for their good, they won't fight you on it. In fact, most people will appreciate that you felt you could share something so dear to you with them. We need to do more to love and invite those around us to partake of the truths of the gospel. Yeah, it takes time and effort because we have to build relationships with people. But we should be doing that anyway, right? I have a lot to work on :)
Anyway, I'm glad we attended conference, and just writing about it weeks after the fact makes me happy and reminds me that the gospel is true and the church is good. I know Heavenly Father and Jesus live and love me and each one of us. I know that we can rely on Him to help us through anything we come up against. I just need to do it more :) I know the Atonement is real and I need to strive to apply it more in my life. I know Elder Scott is an apostle of the Lord sent to help clear the mists so we can see the path we should follow. I know President Monson is the prophet of the Lord and that he truly loves each of us as well. I know the temple is the House of God, and we really should strive to live worthy to enter. And when we have that privilege, we need to use it so we can become even closer to Him. Just like building relationships with other people takes time and effort, so does our relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus. We need to talk with them through prayer and visit their House to spend time with them. That way, we will be able to follow Them and our trials will become easier to bare. I bare this witness in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
On Saturday, Sept. 10th, we had a primary water party. I was put in charge and decided to go with a theme (because making invitations is easier if there is a theme). I went with Fishers of Men.
Cute isn't it? :)
After help from the internet and my friends on FB, we had a few ideas of how to integrate fish and water into activities. However, after our presidency meeting, we decided just to have a slip and slide and water squirters. Simple, and the kids had a blast.
First, I had Denise give a five minute talk about being fishers of men - which worked out so well with September's sharingtime theme of missionary work. We also had a jar full of swedish fish that they could write down their guesses as to how many were in the jar. We had lots of fun playing in the water. However, my watch got too wet and doesn't quite work right anymore :\ oops. Here are some pics of the fun, wet, mayhem :)
These girlies were trying to take off with the snacks before it was time to eat them :)
I managed to get Denise in on the fun - I was being ganged up on and convinced the small children they should go after Sister Alexander ;)
Snack time! We had swedish fish, goldfish crackers, and otter pops.
There were 366 fish in that jar. We had two guesses for 400, so Korbin and Carson had to Rock, Paper, Scissors for the win - Korbin was excited she won. (Carson got extra treats for coming in second.)
Models, both of them lol
At the end of the day, even Brother Wilson decided to join the fun :)
Mass slip and slide run!
Why they thought it was a good idea to climb the pine tree in swimming suits and bare feet, I'll never know...
The party was a huge success. We sent the kids home wet and sugared up :) We had an awesome turnout and only a few bumps and bruises. It was fun to play with our older girls who have entered young women's too. The older kids were a huge help in getting stuff set up, making sure the little kids were taken care of, and helping us pack everything up. We really do have some awesome kids in our ward, and I'm glad I got to splash about with them :)
Labor Day is when Payson has its annual festivities - Onion Days. Matt had to be in the parade on Monday with the pipe band. I fully intended to go watch, but then I didn't. Instead, I cleaned around the house - yay for a cleaner house lol.
After Matt got home and showered, we went over to his parents' house for the traditional pizza :) It was fun to hang out with family. Mocha got to meet new friends, Maggie and Paisley. She does so well with new animals, as long as they're not mean to her. She really loved being off her leash and running around outside. She also loved rolling in the hay.... oh well. She didn't get too dirty. :)
Also awesome was the pair of Swainson's hawks we saw on the pole in the field. :) Dad brought out his binoculars and his scope so we could see them better. Here are a few pics taken through the scope.
Shades of Brown came and performed their acoustic set for us. Well, Mark wasn't there, but it was a fun rehearsal, and more of the family got to hear Matt's band :).
Matt with the djembe, Chase with the ipad ;), and Spencer with his fancy new guitar
Mocha
Family :)
She LOVED Mocha :)
The Way I Remember It
It was also Katie's birthday, so we went out to the Liddle's house that evening for BBQ and to hang out with friends. Shades of Brown did a little more playing there, too, again, sans Mark. He did make it over, but he didn't play :) It was really nice to see Katie's dad. He was our bishop when Matt and I were in the singles ward, and he had a terrible accident a little while ago. It's nice that he's making improvements. He's an awesome guy.
And that, was the extent of our Labor Day festivities. It was really nice not to have to work on Monday :)
This is just a little post to cover the little things that have happened that don't warrant their own post :)
The weekend after Jackson, Shades of Brown performed at I Sea Stars in Payson. It was a lovely evening. It was in the park at the bandstand, and decorated nicely :) We watched Nick Sales, The Summer Transition (who I now follow of FB :)), The.Freebie (Zac, you're awesome!), and then Shades of Brown, and Allred (who I also follow now - ♥!). It was nice weather. Mocha came out with us. It was a long time without water, but she was a good puppy :)
This was an acoustic show, so you'll notice Matt's not on his set. Instead, he had bongos, shakers, and a djembe.
It was nice to have family and friends come out to support them :) After Shades of Brown was Allred - he's awesome! At the end, it started to rain, but lightly (or maybe that was because of the sun shield they have above the benches?) Anyway, it was a cool effect, and we hung out getting wet and listening to good music.
In other news, my obsessiveness as reached a new level - I now have a handful of FB friends who aren't even real people. (Okay, they're run by real people, but they are for fictional characters.) Yes, I'm friends with Dragon Age characters now. *sigh* It is entertaining though, especially when they stay in character :) Alistair is done especially well.
Okay, so that's pretty much it. Matt is back in school, still no job. Mostly he is at school, doing homework, or drumming. Mocha and Cinco are learning to get along more, and Mocha actually plays with her spider toy now - she loves to run and play with it! She's so funny, too. We have a rug in front of our tv, and she'll take her toys and the doorstop, and anything else she can find (like the bird's happy hut since it's not currently in the cage), and make a pile there. Unfortunately, Matt has left a couple hats out, and she has gotten ahold of them. She is a fun addition to our family, though.
One last trip for the summer - as always was when the band headed north to Jackson Hole, Wyoming the third weekend in August.
The games was a little different this year. They didn't have much money, so they didn't hold a band contest. Initially, they were only offering piping solos, but BJ decided to come up and judge so there could also be drumming solos. Our band and the Eagle Rock Pipe Band from Idaho Falls were brought in as guest bands in order to have some entertainment throughout the day, so all of our band went up.
I originally had Friday off, because I naturally assumed we would leave Utah at a decent hour and enjoy the evening in Jackson. However, Shades of Brown put a damper on that plan because they were playing at a party. The party started at 7pm, and we thought the would play close to then. However, apparently they didn't play until about 9pm, which was when Natalie and Tashina arrived at our house because we had thought we could leave by then....
Matt finally made it home and we finished loading, and we left Payson at about 11:30pm. Natalie's backseat in the truck wasn't very comfortable, so I didn't get a lot of sleep :\ I did get a few naps in, and after Bridger's pillow ended up between us, I used that for awhile to get a little bit longer of a nap. I did, however, plan ahead and was in PJ pants with my face washed and contacts out for the ride. This was a wonderful plan as we didn't get to the hotel until about 4:30am.
Another joy, which actually was quite fun, except was a little inconvenient because we got in so late, was the hotel had some issue (thanks Shawn for calling to let me know :)) and so Shawn and Joe were bunking in our room. This really didn't bother me, except I felt bad waking them at 4:30am. When we got in, Matt took off his shoes and fell asleep, jeans, button-up shirt, and all. I had to brush my teeth first, however. I felt icky when I got in. But it was super nice that was all I had to worry about before getting to bed :)
Because Dave wanted the bands to be playing throughout the day, we had to be at the fairgrounds at 9am. Before I go off about how amazing it was I was able to wake up and get ready just fine, I should probably mention that I follow Owl City on twitter.
I know, how does that relate? Well, you see, I get his tweets sent to my phone, and my phone was apparently on really loud, and Adam, being overseas at the moment and an insomniac, tweeted at 6am Saturday morning, which woke us all up :) Joe got up a little after that, and I followed suit so I had time to shower. Even though I only slept for like 3 to 4 hours, I was awake and did fine most of the day.
We left around 9am for the fairgrounds. The weather was nice most of the day. Because of our late arrival, Matt wasn't soloing. However, Matt plays for Natalie's solo - but she came to her senses and decided to scratch :) While the band tents were being set up, Shawn and I did our usual - go find breakfast instead of put up the tent - routine. They had a sandwich booth, and we got breakfast sandwiches and hung out getting food. Lucky for Matt, it was too much food for me, so he got to share :)
Since the games (which is usually small in terms of vendors anyway) had no money, the festival was even smaller this year. Shawn and I shopped some during the day and found the usual stuff. Our friends from Colorado were there with their booth, and we avoided it. (It's a husband and wife - and he does NOT shut up ever....) The band played a few times throughout the day, and they even did an opening and closing massed bands - all two of them lol.
Kyle being silly on our way to the fairgrounds.
Opening massed bands
They have scholarships they award to officers - one was out of town, but this one was the other recipient.
After massed bands was my favorite part of the festival - sword fights! The Renaissance Scots put on different fights with different period weapons - it was fun to watch, and I learned about the different weapons. I mostly took video, but here are a couple pictures :)
Is it just me, or does the one on the left totally look like Ephram from Everwood?
It was most awesome - whenever one of them 'died' - we were to shout HUZZAH! I love that word :)
The cast
I hung out with Joe during one of the band's performances. Unfortunately for me, Joe was at the Colorado shop.... and there was much talking by the proprietor. He wouldn't really leave us alone, but oh well. :) Joe and I went back to the sandwich tent for some lunch - mmm grilled cheese. I hung out watching the festivities while Joe headed back to the tent.
During one of the sets, the drummers got to perform their drum salute :)
Matt thoroughly enjoyed this sign - it didn't really say what they wanted it to say....
This poor little bee came to visit us - did you know bees have orange bums? I didn't.
It's us! We really were there. lol
By the afternoon, the clouds were rolling in - it just sprinkled a bit, it wasn't too bad. It was an awesome effect in the sky though :)
I watched The Renaissance Scots again before closing massed bands :) And then there was massed bands, and then we got to go back to the hotel :) Yes, I got a little sunburned, but not too bad.
That night, everyone headed over to Bubba's BBQ for dinner (:p). However, Bubba's was crowded and wouldn't seat us all together. We considered pizza and the Merry Piglets - and we ended up at the Merry Piglets (Mexican) - guess what, they didn't seat us all together either. I don't know what Don's issue was... oh well. I prefer Piglets to Bubba's. Since we had such a long wait, a few people stayed in line while the rest of us wandered off in search of ice cream lol. There is a Haagen Dazs shop on the corner of town square. I got the most delicious mango freeze drink thing - and Matt got this:
Lol - his first adventure ended up on his nose :) Isn't he cute? Then a few of us went in the shop next door (shown behind Matt to the left) that has awesome natural stuff - for way expensive. When Matt and I came two years ago, they had a giant geode with a glass top for use as a coffee table. Matt wants it :) It wasn't there this time, though, but we still wandered around.
We ended up taking the second to last table of our group, with Natalie, Tashina, Bridger, and Shawn. Amazingly, they were super slow with us and we left last. :p It was fun, though. I left my actual camera, and the pics I tried taking with my phone are super dark. Yay for Photoshop, though. The ones of us and Tashina and Natalie are blurry, but Shawn turned out well :)
Since Natalie and Tashina were taking an extra day and doing the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone, we came home with Rob. We didn't do church. Rob's ride was much sweeter :) We stopped in Evanston for gas and munchies, and then came the rest of the way home. We had fun riding home with everyone, and we got home at a decent hour on Sunday. In time for laundry :p Actually, we ended up going to Matt's parents' house for Sunday dinner because we got home so timely :) Then laundry - it was almost a typical Sunday :)
