Kalaree and YW in Excellence
Last night was YW in Excellence for our ward. 
I can't even begin to express what and awesome experience it was. I was in tears from the beginning and ended bawling just from the spirit that was there. It also reconfirmed to me that this move, if for no other reasons, was for Kalaree. The theme was "I believe..." The YW leaders took about a month and spent a little of each Sunday talking about testimonies and what they are and when to share them and how to share them. The girls rough them out starting with a list of what they believe and then moving on with that. By the end they had generated a beautiful statement of belief that truly is a spiritual uplifting testimony. Anyone who had the opportunity to see them last night would not of been able to deny the truth. The leaders took each girl's testimony and printed it onto a piece of paper and then decoupaged it onto a board for them to display in their rooms.
They then used them for the center pieces on the tables. They began the meeting by the YW president speaking then they had the president of each class talk about their projects. Kalaree was one to share. They then served refreshments while the parents were allowed to wander around and read the testimonies and view the projects the girls had on display. We came back together and watched a slide presentation on the girls. This was so powerful. It was the YW in our ward. I can't even begin to tell you the bond that these girls share. The whole time I was watching this slide show I kept thinking how this is what Kalaree deserves. She deserves friends that lift her up. She deserves people that unconditionally love her. She deserves to have these kinds of friendships and that is why we have YWs. I asked for a copy of the slide show and when I get it I will upload it here for you all. A church produced slide show would not be half as strong spiritually as this one was. They then had the stake YW president speak and the ended by the bishop addressing the girls and by sheer inspiration he stood and said, "forgive me, because I had something planned but I really feel that we need to go a different route." He then asked each mother in the room to come forward and share with the girls what they feel that the girls need to strive of excellence in. Nothing like a bunch of bawling mothers to stand and to share that the importance of the values are the way to true happiness. I could truly feel the love that came from each and every mother not just for their own child but for each and every girl in that room as if we were their leader also.
On another note Emily Hawkins from Spokane did a photo shoot of Kalaree prior to our move. Kalaree really loves Emily and Issac and this was a very special gift that Emily could give her. Especially since Emily is so very talented. Her blog is the Ike and Em on the side bar and her pictures of antique stores are framable, in fact I wouldn't mind one of those framed in my room for Christmas. Another gift plug. Anyways, Emily said I could share them here. Aren't they just gorgeous?
I know I promised Christmas pictures but believe it or not but we don't have any up yet other than the tree. I really need to get a move on that. At this rate though it won't be till next weekend. Hopefully sooner. Got to run, I have a dinner and movie girls night out planned since David is away with the Young Men tonight.
I can't even begin to express what and awesome experience it was. I was in tears from the beginning and ended bawling just from the spirit that was there. It also reconfirmed to me that this move, if for no other reasons, was for Kalaree. The theme was "I believe..." The YW leaders took about a month and spent a little of each Sunday talking about testimonies and what they are and when to share them and how to share them. The girls rough them out starting with a list of what they believe and then moving on with that. By the end they had generated a beautiful statement of belief that truly is a spiritual uplifting testimony. Anyone who had the opportunity to see them last night would not of been able to deny the truth. The leaders took each girl's testimony and printed it onto a piece of paper and then decoupaged it onto a board for them to display in their rooms.
They then used them for the center pieces on the tables. They began the meeting by the YW president speaking then they had the president of each class talk about their projects. Kalaree was one to share. They then served refreshments while the parents were allowed to wander around and read the testimonies and view the projects the girls had on display. We came back together and watched a slide presentation on the girls. This was so powerful. It was the YW in our ward. I can't even begin to tell you the bond that these girls share. The whole time I was watching this slide show I kept thinking how this is what Kalaree deserves. She deserves friends that lift her up. She deserves people that unconditionally love her. She deserves to have these kinds of friendships and that is why we have YWs. I asked for a copy of the slide show and when I get it I will upload it here for you all. A church produced slide show would not be half as strong spiritually as this one was. They then had the stake YW president speak and the ended by the bishop addressing the girls and by sheer inspiration he stood and said, "forgive me, because I had something planned but I really feel that we need to go a different route." He then asked each mother in the room to come forward and share with the girls what they feel that the girls need to strive of excellence in. Nothing like a bunch of bawling mothers to stand and to share that the importance of the values are the way to true happiness. I could truly feel the love that came from each and every mother not just for their own child but for each and every girl in that room as if we were their leader also. On another note Emily Hawkins from Spokane did a photo shoot of Kalaree prior to our move. Kalaree really loves Emily and Issac and this was a very special gift that Emily could give her. Especially since Emily is so very talented. Her blog is the Ike and Em on the side bar and her pictures of antique stores are framable, in fact I wouldn't mind one of those framed in my room for Christmas. Another gift plug. Anyways, Emily said I could share them here. Aren't they just gorgeous?
I know I promised Christmas pictures but believe it or not but we don't have any up yet other than the tree. I really need to get a move on that. At this rate though it won't be till next weekend. Hopefully sooner. Got to run, I have a dinner and movie girls night out planned since David is away with the Young Men tonight.
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