Whirlwind Weekend

I've had a wonderful weekend, full of laughter, joy, tears, and a lot of fun.
I was blessed to be able to attend a scrapbooking convention in Mesa on both Friday and Saturday, and definitely enjoyed every minute of that.
My friend and paper-crafting mentor, Wendie Waldman,a came over from Silver City, so we were able to scrap and papercraft together.
She brought her good friend Lois along, and I had a wonderful time getting to know her.
It's amazing how a common hobby can bond you together differently than just spending time together.

Friday evening Pat and I had our date night, and we went to the temple.
It had been a month and a half and we felt that we needed to get back and enjoy the blessings of peace and an increase of the spirit that we always receive after attending the temple.
Our late dinner at Cafe Rio was delicious...and I finished those leftovers for lunch today.
We're getting a Costa Vida out here...and I am THRILLED!
It's not quite the same, but better than any other Mexican restuarants out here right now.

Saturday, between my scrapbooking classes, I squeezed in a session at my sister's stake women's conference.
I was so excited to get to be with her for a couple of hours, but to get spiritual food on top of that, I felt very blessed.
We listened to Clyde Bawden play the piano and give an inspirational message.
It was moving, and even life-changing to hear him.
If you ever get the chance to hear him in person, make the time, and feel the truth of what he teaches.
It's AWESOME!
(He gave out CD's of his music at the end of the talk, so I listened to it today...LOVE IT!)

After a late night crop, and getting home about 11:30pm, I had a talk to refine and get ready for Sacrament Meeting today.
I'm always glad when my responsibility is ended...but I don't mind public speaking.
I'm grateful for the Holy Ghost and the direction I am given by following that "still, small voice".
I was sad Pat didn't get to share his prepared talk...he spent a lot of time and energy and worked to prepare what the Lord wanted him to share with our ward as well.
By the time it was his turn, we had run out of time...
The bishopric promised him he wasn't off the hook yet...we'll have to see what happens.

My in-laws are staying over for appointments in the morning, and I've got a quick follow-up visit to the doctor in the morning to talk about my anemia and low-functioning thyroid.
Our plan is to make loads of fresh strawberry jam after that and then have a wonderful FHE with our family.

Oh, and just for the record, I had an odd a-ha moment this week.
It hit me that any time I comment on anyone else's blog, you can click on that link and follow it here to read my blog.
I know that, but I really thought about it this week, and realized that there are probably a lot of you out there that have "found me", but chosen not to comment.
I totally get that, but I would love to know you're here, and read your blog too! (If you have one!)
So, here's an open invitation to all of you "lurkers" to come comment on my blog and let me know you're reading!
I'm glad you're here...

Have a wonderful, productive week!
See you soon!

Memorial pictures

In honor of Susan, the school where we taught together had a memorial in her honor last Thursday.

We snapped a few pictures to remember the day.

This bench and the plaque behind it were placed in the school courtyard for "Our Friend and Teacher, Susan Ludwig".

Isaac was a mess the entire program (chalked up to an ear infection and a shortened, interrupted nap, and a little boy approaching 2!) When I took this picture, he was strapped in the stroller...he was screaming regardless of where he was, and I couldn't quite get the stroller up near the bench. Emily and I both read original poems for the ceremony, and felt that it was very much an honor and a privilege to be part of that service. I loved that Emily could get up in front of an entire school (full of people she didn't know!) and read her poem with no major nervousness. I miss my dear friend, and yet I am grateful she is no longer suffering from the cancer that had come back 3 times. I often feel she is watching us, laughing at the scenarios that she can see from every perspective now.

How grateful I am for the knowledge of eternity.