When the Kids Get the Camera... & Malcolm Gadwell..

I just took the pictures off of my camera and I found lots of these kinds of pictures:
 

Yesterday afternoon these 2 worked really hard on puzzles:

Last Wednesday evening I took B out on a date (early b-day present.)  

We went to hear Malcolm Gladwell and he was a wonderful storyteller!  He talked a lot about his new book, here,  but did bring in parts of his other books too.  At the end there was a question/answer period with him.  It was an awesome time. 

Bruce is in the Friend!

My friend told me today that she saw Bruce in the "Friend" magazine.  He's on page 47: 

We think it's pretty cool.  

If you want to read the rest of "The Friend" click here: http://www.lds.org/friend/2013/11?lang=eng

Make Weak Things Become Strong...

   

  About five years ago I was pretty weak.  I was happy, faithful, willing to serve, and was called to be the Relief Society President in the Amherst Ward.  I was excited.  I had been president before and I was the 2nd Counselor for a while in the ward before we moved here.  

      The sisters here are amazing, talented, kind, and I learn so much from them every day.  I stayed busy.  I had a lot of phone calls to answer, visits to make, meetings to attend, and lots of lots of prayers.  But- I was blessed.  I have a wonderful husband and family that support me so much.  James wasn't even born when I was called so it's all he's known.  There were extremely hard moments when we had dear friends of ours pass away, but again I was supported with such wonderful friends who would give me hugs and cry with me.   

     

Yesterday I was released from the calling.  No more visiting teaching "re-arranging,"  no more order forms, no more monthly meeting and newsletters, no more "Welcome to the Ward" visits,  not until the next time at least :)

     I am stronger.  My testimony is stronger.  I still have a ways to go, but I am so happy that the Lord has molded me into who I am today. 

 I love to serve and I'm excited for what will come next.  I am REALLY excited about the flowers my mom and dad sent to me today.

The card read, "Your euphoria is well earned. Congratulations on the 5 years of remarkable and exemplary service to so many! Love Mom and Dad"