April 30, 2018

April 24, 2018 Graduation

Charlene and Gramps at

Thanksgiving Point

Brad's Orchid

San Onofre NMCRS 

Team Volunteer Award

Diane, Julianne and Donna

NMCRS

Birthday Party at

San Onofre NMCRS

Spring walk

Spring hills near our apartment

April 30, 2018

Gray May has arrived a little early in California.  Most mornings are overcast but it burns off.  We visited several Marine families on base and took them each a bag of fresh fruit. We stopped by Ralph's to pick up the produce and a nice young lady stopped and asked us where we were serving.  She previously investigated the church and was very friendly.  We really enjoyed visiting with her.  We were stopped two additional times in the store and asked questions about our mission.  That was fun.  Both of the marine families we visited Monday have gluten allergies.  They really appreciated receiving goodies they could eat. They appreciated us stopping by and we had a nice chat with both of them.  Since we visited on our way to our missionary correlation meeting, we had an extra half hour so we drove to the beach and watched the surfers--the ocean is so relaxing.

Graduation on Tuesday was pretty standard.  After we finished there, we took the missionaries to Panda Express (their request) for lunch.  Funny, the girl we had met at Ralph's the day before sat next to us at Panda so we could introduce her to the missionaries--a tender mercy.  Worked hard at FAM, as always.  Our contractor sent us the final estimate for our house.  I think we are ready to move forward with it.  They should break ground in the next 30 days.  My friend Charlene sent us a picture of her with Grandpa at Thanksgiving Point enjoying the Tulip Festival.  She said she had to chase down his golf cart but was so excited to say hello to him and meet Denise and David.  It's such a small world.

I've included a picture of Brad's orchid.  We were given the orchid as a gift when we first arrived.  I was ready to throw it out after the blooms died last year.  But, Brad has worked patiently with it--washing the leaves and buying special food to nurse it back to life.  He was so excited when another bloom appeared this week.  A great example of how ministering can bring renewed life.  I'm glad he didn't give up on the plant.

Things were very slow at the NMCRS.  I was thankful I got to teach Budget for Babies.  Those classes are always fun.  Talking with expectant parents is delightful.  

My birthday celebration on Thursday was wonderful.  After working at the Thrift Store, Elder Halvorsen took me shopping and picked out some fun spring clothes for me.  We went to Subway for lunch (the first time since we've been in California) and finished up with an hour at the commissary.  I was thankful for all of the birthday wishes I received from friends and family.  Got to talk to most of our kids and that was very special.  I am so blessed.  We talked about honesty at ARP that evening.  Those meetings allow people the opportunity to share their inner feelings and the Spirit is always so strong.

Celebrations continued on Friday at the San Onofre Office.  They had made some lemon cake that was so delicious in my honor.  They are so thoughtful and I love lemon!!  This week the San Onofre Office won  the Camp Pendleton Team Volunteer of the Year Award.  This summarizes what was submitted to the selection committee:  The 25 volunteers at the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society San Onofre provided over 3,500 hours of service in 2017 to Marines and Sailors on Camp Pendleton.  With professionalism and compassion, they aided clients facing financial hardship by providing budget counseling and education, as well as issuing $942,415 in the form of interest free loans or grants.  Our volunteers enabled the office to assist 1,269 clients, all service members, veterans or their family members...Our volunteers are kind, supportive people who understand that juggling a military career and a balanced financial life is not always easy for our clients.  Through their attitude and sincerity, they reassure our clients that situations are not dire and help the service member get to a place where their full attention is back to their mission and not on financial worries at home.  It is a privilege to work with these wonderful people and help ease the burden of the Marines and their families.

Saturday it was time to get hiking again.  The hills are alive with beautiful spring flowers.  Such a lovely place to live.  We talked with Scott's family and congratulated Tate on his Grand Slam Friday night.  He is such an amazing baseball player.  Hazel was preparing for a dance recital Saturday night.  Eric's family called to show us Kaden's tanned raccoon--it was huge!  They are coming for a visit tomorrow and we can't wait to give them all big hugs.  We saw pictures of Dylan, Emma and Aspen in the dress rehearsal for their spring ballet based on Alice in Wonderland--the girls are such beautiful   dancers.  We got to talk with Boyd's family on Sunday before they hosted Grandpa at a Fireside in Bountiful.  Modern technology is such a blessing to senior missionary couples.  I don't know what we would do without smart phones and FaceTime.

We had a fabulous Sunday at the Basilone Branch.  Nine Marines attended the morning services and three of them brought their families.  Sister Dawson was one of our guest speakers.  She spoke about hope.  She is a wonderful speaker and her thoughts are always so inspiring.  In the evening, Elder Halvorsen had arranged for Grayson Lee (a senior NCO in our ward) to speak at the Fireside.  He spoke from his heart and shared what he felt the SOI students needed to know to be successful and what he wished he would have known as a Marine.  He challenged the marines to develop good habits--eat healthy, exercise and develop their faith.  He said he wished he would have known how far reaching his example would be.  He said fellow Marines gauge their moral conduct on what you do.  If the "Mormon" swears, then they can be a little more vulgar.  He said he has seen how his behavior directly impacts the behavior of his Marine brothers.  Lastly, he testified that the most important thing they should do is live worthy to always have the Spirit as their companion.  All of the Marines were tuned in to his message.  

After the meeting, I was thrilled when some of the Marines asked us for help.  One needed a package mailed to his girlfriend for her birthday.  Another asked if we could find a marking pencil he could use for his scriptures.  A third, a returned missionary who served in Italy, asked if we could locate a copy of the Book of Mormon in Italian so he wouldn't forget the language.  We received an email from a mom in Hawaii who was concerned about communicating with her son--she will send his letters to our address and we will deliver them to him  It was such a wonderful reminder that we truly are helping these young men while they are here at the School of Infantry.  We love serving.

April 23, 2018

Elder K Welcomes Families to Cake Cutting 4-19-18

San Clemente Stake Center for ARP Meetings

Elder Halvorsen at Segerstrom Center

for Millenial Choir & Orchestra

Missionaries participating in JustServe Project

Sister Halvorsen at service project

(Trying to be more conscious of sun protection)

Elder Halvorsen planting at Bonita Canyon Park

Families help with service project

April 23, 2018

Monday I spent the day doing paperwork and preparing a talk for the upcoming Sunday.  Brad was able to go on a nice hike that day while my knees were healing.

This week's missionary transfers brought Elder Pack back to our area.  It was great to see him at graduation.  However, we'll miss Elder Fambrough who will now serve in the Mission Viejo ward.  Our Delta Company marines graduated this week.  They have been a very faithful group and we will miss having them at our Sunday services.  FAM was happy to see us after our one week absence.  There was a stack of clothing waiting for us to sort.  We came home tired.

Military transfer/retirement season is now underway.  We checked so many marines in and out at the NMCRS.  It was a very busy day.  We also processed 14 Quick Assist Loans so we were able to help lots of people which always feels good.  We got a sweet email from Eric telling us how excited his kids are to come and visit next week.  We are counting down the days.  Can't wait to see them.

We actually had a heavy rain storm on Thursday morning and the temperatures were quite chilly.  We were glad there was lots to do at the Base Thrift Store that kept us busy and warm.  The Family Cake Cutting was well attended and afterwards we ate a meal with the senior couples.  There is a new website that lists senior couple missionary opportunities (seniormissionary.lds.org)  We checked it out and our position is listed as "High Need" available on 08 November 2018.  We're so hoping a couple will volunteer to serve in our area when we leave  The positions of all of those we serve with in the San Diego and Carlsbad Missions were also listed.  Sobering to realize our service and association will come to an end in about six months. 

We arrived a little early at the ARP meeting so we enjoyed the view from the San Clemente Stake Center.  It is certainly build in a beautiful area.  The meeting that night was based on Step 12 

--Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, share this message with others and practice these principles in all you do.  During the sharing portion that evening several participants shared touching stories of people who had been their sponsors and mentors.  Two participants had dropped everything this week to take someone who had relapsed to Utah to be admitted to a treatment center.  The love and support they have for each other is so Christlike.  It reminded me of President Oak's Conference Talk and his example of paddling upstream so we aren't pulled down.  He mentioned that if we row as a team, the journey is easier.  These brothers and sisters do row together.  These meetings are so inspiring.

Friday, we did our weekly texts.  Elder Halvorsen received the nicest response from a recent graduate.  It said "Thank you very much for everything and for feeding us physically and most importantly spiritually.  May our Heavenly Father continue to bless you guys on your journey serving his sheep."  We have been blessed to minister to these wonderful young men.  

After serving at the San Onofre Office, we quickly drove to Irvine to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts to see the Millenial Choir and Orchestra perform.  They were magnificent.  The arrangements are just wonderful and the performers are amazing.  They shared some very touching stories to introduce their songs.  One of their choir members had passed away from a brain tumor at the age of 11.  They dedicated Peace Be Still to her and the youth choir appeared as angels in the balconies--so beautiful.  Another choir member's mother had requested to hear their rendition of How Great Thou Art before her passing and they shared how it brought great comfort to her.  Music can be so healing and uplifting.  We thoroughly enjoyed the evening.  We met a new couple who had just arrived to serve in the office--The Sansoms are from Cottonwood Heights.  It will be fun to get to know them as we work together to serve in the California, Irvine Mission.  On the way home, Brad went out of his way to stop so we could buy my semiannual Papa Murphy's Chicken Garlic Pizza.  Loved every bite the last few days.

We got to rise and shout early on Saturday morning to participate with the San Clemente Stake on a JustServe Project planting shrubs at Bonita Canyon Park.  Four elder companionships joined us as we worked with about 50 stake members to plant over 100 shrubs.  It should really beautify the area.  That night we joined at the Richard's home with the couples who serve with at the Basilone Military Marine Branch for dinner and games.  They are all such wonderful people.  It is a joy working with them.

Sunday we were scheduled to pick up several marines for our morning services but they ended up cancelling at the last minute which was disappointing.  I was asked to speak that morning and relate a conference address.  I based my remarks on Small and Simple Things by President Oaks.  I urged the marines to use Spiritual CPR (Church, Pray, Read) and avoid destructive forces that would lead them into addictions.  The high councilman challenged the marines to always be worthy to use their priesthood.  This was such a meaningful topic to us because our oldest grandson--Tate--received the Aaronic Priesthood that day.  We are so proud of him and know that he will use his Priesthood to serve others and bless their lives.  We really missed being in Mona with Scott and his family for this very special occasion and we were glad Grant and Eric's families were able to support them.

We got another sweet text from a marine who had just arrived at SOI.  He wrote and said he was sorry he would be unable to attend this week because they were required to check into their barracks at 6 pm.  However, he then attached a picture of him and his brother with Grandpa at USU several weeks ago.  What a small world it is.  Our lives are so connected.  It was a tender mercy to know he had recently visited with Gramps in Logan.  

President Stephens gave a wonderful fireside talk.  He used the video of an Indian bringing a rattler down the mountain and then getting bit.  The snake said--You knew what I was before you picked me up. He was able to outline for the marines how to maintain their standards while serving.  President Stephens retired from the marines after 30 years.  He provides a great example for them to follow. 

April 16, 2018

FHE with San Clemente Empty Nesters

Sis Foltz, Bro and Sister Lusk

NMCRS Training

Diane, Elise, Francis, Amy, Kerri, Marita, 

Sister and Elder Halvorsen, Mayu

April 12 Cake Cutting Graduates

Captain Kennelly 

Our Apartment with Elder Halvorsen

Owen's Baptism Announcement

April 16, 2018

It's been another great week.  So nice to be engaged in the Lord's work.  We started the week by attending the San Clemente Empty Nesters' Family Home Evening.  Sister Lusk, pictured on the right, plans the events each month.  We had a wonderful ham dinner (I took broccoli salad) and discussed the April Conference.  Those in attendance had some great insights and we enjoyed the discussion.  We had to excuse ourselves a little early to attend the missionary correlation meeting with Bro. Lang--we always enjoy meeting with that group.

It was a busy birthday week.  We celebrated Tate and Dylan both turning 12 and Owen turning 8.  Important milestones in their lives.  So proud of these cherished grandchildren and the good choices they are making in their lives.  Each is a noble spirit.

We spent Tuesday in Case Worker training with the San Onofre NMCRS volunteers.  The headquarters trainer Nina remembered us from the last time we attend her class about six months ago.  She is a delightful person.  We really enjoy her classes and associating with the volunteers.  I received a very strange letter that day from a person I worked with in Washington DC in 1972.  She sent me an article about the Washington DC temple being renovated.  She remembered that I was there while the temple was being built.  I couldn't believe she took the time to find my address and send the article.  It was fun to respond by telling her we are currently serving as missionaries, sharing my testimony and encouraging her to go to the temple open house and feel the spirit there is 2020.

Thursday I got to cashier at the Thrift Store again.  One of the volunteers I have worked closely with announced that she is moving to Japan in a few weeks.  I will miss working with Andrea.  She is a hard worker and a delightful person.  She asked if she could come visit us in Utah when she returns in 2023.  Volunteering has helped us make some wonderful friends.

We had 80 people participate in the cake cutting at MCRD.  There were seven marines graduating.  Capt. Kennelly was the featured speaker.  He gave the marines some great advice about how to be faithful Mormons and successful Marines.  After the meeting, we went with Sattleys and Kapololus to a new Cafe Rio in the area.  I must admit, this crew would never make it in Utah--the service was SOOO slow.  But, the food was great.  We hurried home after the meal to attend the ARP meeting which always provides us with an uplifting experience.  It is wonderful to see the hope the gospel brings into the lives of those struggling with addiction.

Friday we had a fabulous time handing out hot dogs to Delta Company at Concrete Beach.  This company had a lot of faithful marines who attended our services regularly. Ritz recently had a hamstring pull and had received a blessing last Sunday.  When I asked him how he was feeling he shared the miracle that had happened because of the blessing.  Monday he said he felt great.  When he went to the doctor for a recheck, the doctor was amazed and said Ritz had had a miraculous recovery.  He'd never seen an injury like that heal so quickly.  What a blessing it is to see miracles happen in the lives of these young men.  The event did have a downside, however, as we were cleaning up I stumbled over a brick that was holding up a shade tent and went flying.  My knees were both badly bruised and I think I may have injured a rib or two.  Never a dull moment.  We left the event and worked at the San Onofre Office until four.  My legs were pretty stiff at that point but I'm starting to feel much better.

No exercising or hiking for me on Saturday.  We did get to attend Emma Dawson's high school play which was a treat.  Many of the stars were members of the Church and they were all so talented.  They have a bright future.  I hope Emma has opportunities to participate in musicals in Okinawa.

Sunday I had the opportunity to prepare breakfast for the marines.  We had 8 faithful marines attending the morning service.  Sister Lundquist based her lesson on Larry Wilson's conference talk--Take the Holy Spirit as Your Guide.  The marines could definitely relate to the story of the sailor who was asked to pray for the safety of his ship and received personal revelation as to what needed to be done. We had 41 marines and 5 additional family members attend our evening meeting where Bro. Richards shared personal thoughts about how consequences are connected with our decisions.  He counseled the marines to be wise and be sensitive to the promptings of the Spirit in their lives.  It was sad saying goodbye to Delta Company.  They have been such a strong group.  We will miss seeing their smiling faces each week.  We pray for their safety and success in the Corps.

April 9, 2018

Aspen at Guadalajara Restaurant in San Diego

Loved having dinner with Cathy, Dylan, Emma and Aspen

in San Diego

Elder Sanford and Elder Fambrough wanted to eat at Biggie's Burgers

Our first MCRD Graduation of the year. 

Lots of family members attended the Cake Cutting.

Our MCRD Council had a farewell dinner for

Elder and Sister Hillan

Farewell dinner for Elder and Sister DeJohn

The Cliffs Restaurant in Laguna Beach

Quaint shops in Laguna Beach

Great view of Laguna Beach from the restaurant patio

Diego Arizola and Andrew Cherrington

The Sprinter

Newport Beach Temple Trip

Elder Halvorsen, Arizola and Cherrington

April 9, 2018

As I look at the pictures today, I realize we ate out A LOT this week!!  But every meal was special.  We were thrilled to get the call that Cathy, Dylan, Aspen and Emma would be in San Diego on for dinner on April 2.  We met at one of their favorite restaurants and enjoyed every moment with them.  They were able to have a great spring break in Southern California and visited Six Flags and the beach.  We loved seeing them.

Before we met them on Monday, I tried my baking skills and made four dozen sweet rolls to deliver to the military families who live in the San Clemente Ward.  I was exhausted after kneading that much dough.  But, we were able to have great visits with nine families.  It was the best day for visits that we've had since we arrived.  

We arrived at graduation early on Tuesday morning but they randomly decided to start the graduation early so we were late.  We did get to visit with Keaton Roberts after the graduation.  He had shared the gospel with several of his battle buddies and helped the Elders with teaching the lessons on Sunday evenings.  We will miss him and all of his friends.  It was our day to take the Elders to lunch so after graduation, they chose Biggie's Burgers in San Clemente.  The decor was 50's style and it was a fun joint.  Elder Fambrough really liked the shakes.

We had a crazy day at NMCRS on Wednesday.  There were no clients all morning.  Then I left Brad at the front desk on his own and went to take a 1/2 hour lunch.  While I was gone 5 people came in for Quick Assist Loans.  You just can't guess when people will come in for assistance.  The best part of the day was seeing one of the first marines who had come through SOI with us.  Amazing to think we have already been here long enough to see one of our boys get married and become a member of the fleet.  It was a nice reunion.

It was fabulous to drive to San Diego on Thursday for the first Cake Cutting of 2018.  There is now a new Branch Presidency at MCRD and they wanted to start the Cake Cutting again.  You can see from the picture that it is popular with families.  We had a huge group there.  One of the marines graduating had a special connection with Grandpa.  His father and grandfather had been in the Air Force.  In elementary school he had to do a report on a modern day hero and they suggested he use Grandpa for his hero.  They had a picture of him with Grandpa at an event his father attended when he was active duty.  So, they were thrilled to meet Elder Halvorsen.  After the cake cutting we went out with the senior missionaries we entered the MTC with last May.  The Hillans will complete there 12 month mission in a few weeks and return home to Alabama.  It was the last meeting of our original group.  They are all such special people.  It is a privilege to work with them.  We got to talk to Scott's family on our drive home.  They were enjoying a short trip to Southern Utah for Beau to participate in a baseball tournament.  On the way they enjoyed some time at Bryce's National Park and did some hiking at Calf Creek Falls.  

More farewells on Friday.  After working at the San Onofre Office we drove to Laguna Beach to say goodbye to Elder and Sister DeJohn.  We will really miss them.  They have been an office couple and Sister DeJohn is an emergency room physician.  She helped me when I had my back problems.  They are such interesting people.  We have thoroughly enjoyed our association with them.  The Cliffs Restaurant in Laguna Beach had an amazing view and it was a gorgeous evening.

Saturday we left the house at 8:15 am for our monthly temple trip with the marines.  We had four marines scheduled to join us so the Richards loaned us their Mercedes Sprinter to transport the large group.  We got about 1/2 mile from our pick up point and we ran into a road block.  There was an Iron Man race in progress.  We didn't know that MPs would be blocking roads for the cycling portion of the race.  So, we couldn't reach the marines from the north.  We had to drive to Oceanside and enter Camp Pendleton from the south.  We passed hundreds of cyclists as we drove through the base. We arrived at the pick up point 1 1/2 hours after the scheduled time.  We now only had two marines ready to go to the temple with us.  Diego Arizola (from Las Vegas) and Andrew Cherrington (from Northern California) were ready to go.  They were pretty comfortable riding in the 11 seat van.  Again, the cycling race caused us grief and we had to continue north to get off the base.  When we were finally ready to get on the freeway the traffic was so heavy going to San Diego that it would have taken us 90 minutes instead of 60 minutes.  So, they agreed to go to the Newport Beach Temple.  We made it for the noon session.  Cherrington wanted to attend a session and Arizola performed baptisms.  They both really enjoyed the experience.  It was fun getting to know them. Arizola is only 17!!  He graduated from high school early with a 4.79 GPA. He joined the marines because he felt school was easy and he wanted a real challenge.  Cherrington shared some tender feelings he had about the services we provide.  He said that when he saw the missionaries at MCRD he about started crying.  He said every time he walks in to church he feels like he has come home.  We took them to an early dinner at Denny's.  While we were there, we ran into the FAM Director, Nancy, who we work with on Tuesdays.  She was so complimentary about our service at FAM.  The marines realized we do a variety of service during the week.  We got the marines home at 5 pm.  On the way to their barracks, Kaden and Tige called us to talk to us about their practice shooting for the day.  The marines enjoyed seeing them on Skype.

Sunday it was Elder Halvorsen's turn to teach the Sunday School lesson at the Branch.  He did a great job talking about the Old Testament.  We had 13 marines and the Rowbury family of 9 who had come to California for Adam's graduation.  We found out Sunday that Jacob Barker hopes to be baptized on May 5.  He was the marine who "accidentally" attended our meeting on March 4.  He was the only one in attendance and arrived just before we were all going to leave for "lack of interest."  Instead we had a personalized testimony meeting.  Since then he has studied with the Elders and hopes to be baptized before he graduates on May 8.  We will be praying that everything falls into place for that to happen.  

April 2, 20018

Learned to make these yummy rolls

Grant's Family and Grandpa in the News

(Luke, Sadie, Susie and Kate)

Happy Easter from Eric's family

Reese, Kaden, Tige and Gwen

April 2, 2018

Busy day yesterday so I'm a little late getting the blog written.  It's been a wonderful week full of great spiritual experiences (but not many pictures).  We did post a great picture of Grant's family with Grandpa.  Happy to see that South Jordan highlighted his visit to Golden Fields Elementary where Luke and Sadie attend.  Loved the heading--Berlin Candy Bomber Urges Students To Serve Others.  Grandpa has always been an example of service and continues to urge others to join him.

Monday I got back great news from the dermatologist that my biopsy was benign. We were thrilled to get that news.  He helped me understand that once you have had melanoma you need to be vigilant to make sure it doesn't come back.  I had just been enjoying the California sunshine, so I need to be more careful.  We worked most of the day on our taxes.  I thought those would get easier after we had retired but we had to go over all of our moving records and that was very time consuming.  But, Brad's almost done with them so that will be a happy day.

It was Nicole's birthday on Tuesday and we loved talking with her for a few minutes.  She is such amazing woman.  She inspires all of us by how she uses her time and talents.  We love her dearly.  Sister Baker and Sister Flanders invited us to join them for a teaching appointment with Dave and Paula. They are great teachers and we were blessed to have the opportunity to participate in the discussion and bear testimony of the importance of the Atonement in our lives.  Dave is a member who has had addiction problems over the past 20 years.  The more we encounter folks who are struggling with addiction, the more we realize what a dark and lonely challenge they face. We are so blessed to have the Word of Wisdom for our protection.

We celebrated Eric on Wednesday.  We can't measure the joy he has brought into our lives.  What an outstanding father, husband and son.  He has such a big heart and has been so supportive while we have been serving our mission.  He has held down the fort while we have been gone and we're so thankful for him.  Had the opportunity to work with a terrific story teller at NMCRS.  She kept me entertained during my shift.  Carolyn is a very fun person.

We were tired after working at the Thrift Store.  I went through several bins of hangers and got a lot of items ready for sale.  We had several new people attend the Addiction Recovery Class that evening. Hearing their stories just breaks my heart.  So many people are affected by one person's choices.  The Step that evening was Restitution and Reconciliation.  "Wherever possible, make direct restitution to all persons you have harmed." One of my favorite statements in the reading was:  "You have gone down into the depths of humility and found the Lord waiting to embrace you."  I'm so grateful that the Lord is always there waiting to embrace all of us as we struggle in this life.  May we all recognize the healing balm of forgiveness and give it freely.

Most of the base shut down early for Easter on Friday so we didn't have many clients at the San Onofre Office.  But, Brad was able to assist a marine who needed emergency leave to go home for a funeral.  We were there to help the one and felt our time was well spent.

Loved listening to General Conference this weekend and participating in the Solemn Assembly as we sustained Russell M. Nelson as our new prophet.  I was overjoyed to sustain Elder Gong and Elder Soares as new apostles.  I had actually had a prayer in my heart for months that the Lord would see fit to call additional apostles with international backgrounds.  It was thrilling to sustain these men.  One of my favorite talks from the Saturday sessions taught us about the role of mistakes and failures in our lives and was given by Lynn Robbins.  Elder Bednar's talk on meekness was also a personal favorite.  We took our hour hike between session and loved being outside.  While Elder Halvorsen participated in Priesthood meeting I met with six sisters from the San Clemente Ward and made sweet rolls (cinnamon and orange).  It was a fun evening with these wonderful sisters.  I made a batch on my own yesterday which is why my blog is late.  It is a lot more work when you make them on your own--but that will be covered in next week's blog. 

Easter Sunday was glorious.  We had a record 12 marines attending our morning testimony meeting. They shared emotional testimonies that were so inspiring.  Newberry shared how much he appreciated those who were worthy to administer the sacrament.  He stated that when the marine offers him the sacrament tray he envisions the Savior's pierced hand holding the tray.  Are we willing to accept his offering to us or was his sacrifice in vain?  Leavitt shared some personal experiences of having his father close to death and his friend's father killed.  He bore strong testimony of the power of the resurrection and eternal families.  Leavitt also had an experience where some of his friends had invited him to go out for the evening.  At the last minute, he had a strong impression that he should not join them.  After they had left, he was very upset with himself for not going.  So, he took out his frustration by going for a run in the desert.  When he returned, his mother embraced him crying.  The friends had been in a party next to where the Las Vegas massacre had taken place.  They were not shot but suffered deep emotional wounds from what they saw that night.  He shared how thankful he was for the Gift of the Holy Ghost to warn us if we will listen.  Peters testified that we all make mistakes and we have the opportunity to repent.  As most marines, he is facing some difficult challenges and he was so grateful they could join together in the chapel that Easter morning. We had 56 marines attend our evening fireside--one of our largest crowds.  With the additional visitors we fed around 80 people and were thankful we had enough food.  We served them a traditional Easter dinner with ham, cheesy potatoes, rolls, salad and chocolate bunny cupcakes (make with love by Sister Weber).  It was a great evening.

Although we missed the morning session of Conference, we were able to listen to the second session. It was exciting to hear about the changes related to Home Teaching and Visiting Teaching.  Instead, we will be ministering to the one.  I have a testimony of this new direction.  The last few years, I have ministered to a dear sister in Draper.  She was inactive and really didn't want to havethe messages each month.  So, even though my companion and I visited her regularly, I also found myself "ministering" by walking with her in the mornings, attending a quilting class with her, sharing books and becoming dear friends.  I love this sister and feel through frequently sharing social experiences our hearts were knit together.  Sue continues to write me on my mission.  We laugh and cry about personal family experiences and I feel that she is one of my best friends.  Through ministering, both of our hearts were changed. It reminds me of the song from Wicked--Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.  

We enjoyed talking to many of our extended family on Easter Sunday.  We had a great visit with Craig for his April 1 birthday.  We are so thankful for Craig.  He has so many talents that he freely shares with anyone who may need a helping hand.  He is a gospel scholar, hard worker, creative craftsman, talented musician and great athlete.  But, he's also a loving father, thoughtful friend and wonderful husband.  So blessed to have him in our family.