Family Time

The highlight of the week was spending time with Scott, Nicole, Ivey, Tate, Beau and Hazel.  We were so excited that they were able to spend some time with us on their way to Redondo Beach for a Smith Family Reunion.  On Friday we had beach time in San Clemente at T Street Beach and the kids had a blast on the boogie boards we had picked up at the thrift store. (Didn't realize what a good decision it was to buy those for 75 cents each)   I made the mistake of getting in the ocean and could hardly get out. The undercurrent was really strong.  Ivey stayed with me as I floated down the coast.  Scott pulled me out.  Have to remember I'm not as young as I used to be and just walk along the beach when I see big waves. We stopped at a fun place called the Packing House in Anaheim for dinner.  Tate treated us to a dessert consisting of liquid nitrogen cereal balls that was unique.  We were all blowing smoke.  We then went to an Angels baseball game.  The attached picture shows the scoreboard welcoming the Halvorsen Family to the game--unfortunately it isn't very clear.  Although the Angels lost, we had a fun evening.  Saturday we drove up the Pacific Coast Highway and stopped for pictures at the Newport Beach Temple.  We also went to the Lamborghini store where we got a glimpse of what a $3 million car looks like.  Hazel had her picture taken with all of the cars.  Burritos for lunch and then it was time to say good bye.  Such a wonderful weekend.  We love this great family.  Looking forward to more visitors.  Come and see us when you are in the area!

We started working with the members in the San Clemente Ward this week.  I made some cinnamon pull aparts and we popped in to visit members living on the base.  Unfortunately, we only found one couple home.  But, we had a delightful visit with them.  The husband is an instructor in the SOI (School of Infantry) program.  It was fun to have him relate what happens in SOI and compare it to the reports we get from our marines.  There is always two sides to every story.  We really enjoyed getting to know them.

We also started attending the weekly missionary correlation meeting at the Lang's house.  Bro. and Sister Lang are really incredible people.  They live in a house very near the beach--Bro. Lang said it is a retirement home for old surfers.  It was such a beautiful area.  It was impressive to see how much concern they have for the members of the ward.  Love associating with these good people and look forward to many fun evenings with them.

Work at the Relief Society was interesting.  We got to sit in on several cases.  Makes me so thankful for the many blessings we have in our lives.  People really have to face some difficult situations and challenges.  It is nice that there are organizations who are able to help them.  Thankful that we were taught to live within our means and plan wisely for the future.  You never know what is just around the corner and it is nice to be prepared for whatever it is.

Brad has been having some back problems the past few days.  Glad he seems to be improving a little. I'm realizing you can't take good health for granted.  It is a real blessing.

The topic for our Sunday services this week was "Deepening our roots in the Gospel."  We enjoyed reading several Conference addresses that were based on this theme.  I enjoyed reflecting on Helaman 5:12 "Remember that is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."   My experience at the beach reminded me that I want to have a sure foundation for my life so that the tides won't carry me away into the gulf of misery.  How thankful I am for my Savior, Jesus Christ.  He is my rock.