{Tender Moments}

I had a wonderful time at Mesa CKC this past weekend. (besides being attacked by massive allergies from all this beautiful wind we are having) I had the opportunity to work with two fabulous friends - Brenda & Heidi. They seriously rocked the pickle booth and I got to teach classes. The classes were small and sweet - all the gals were fabulous. Then thanks to about 10 fabulous gals our booth was torn down and packed up by a little after 6pm and I got to go to the adult session of our Stake Conference at church. I really wanted to make it to the Saturday night session and I did - thanks so much gals.

It was an emotional weekend for me. Eight years ago John Ogden was called to be our Stake President. What an awesome man of God he is. I grew up with his kids and he was a bishop when I was a teenager - so we go way back. He watched me grow up and was a very influential leader from my youth and now he has been a very influential leader in my children's lives. He has been the most amazing stake president for the past 8 years. He has been an amazing role model and positive influence on my children and our family. You can truly feel of his love whenever you are around him. I know he cares so deeply for me and my family. As he does all the members of our stake. He came this past fall and gave Morgan a beautiful blessing when she was really sick and the blessing promised she would return to full health. He then had the opportunity to meet with Morgan and Trent on Thursday night to help prepare Morgan for entering the temple. It was his last interview as a stake president and it was very touching for all of them. It was like he was able to see the blessing he was able to give her come full circle as she now prepares to marry her eternal companion. He has been to girls camp, youth conference, boy scout camps with Marissa, Morgan, Dylan and Karleigh where they have been blessed to hear his testimony and feel of his spirit. He is one of those people who have been put on this earth to bless peoples lives. I am positive that he touches the heart of everyone he meets. He has a beautiful home on Bainbridge Island and when Don and I went to visit Marissa he let us stay at his home. It made it for a very beautiful visit with her and Christopher.

Today he was released and he will be serving as the mission president of the England Birmingham Mission. How blessed those missionaries will be to have him and Judy presiding over them.

Since our stake presidency was re-organized we had two visiting general authorities. Elder Glenn L. Pace and Elder Wilford W. Andersen. It was an honor to hear the words they had to share and feel of their spirit. Their counsel was so uplifting and their testimony of the savior was touching and real. What a marvelous spirit could be felt today. We have a new stake presidency - President Wayne Lewis, President Steve Fuller and President Roy Hatch. Three very wonderful men of God. My cup has been filled and I know what I need to do. We all know what we need to be doing - Elder Pace just reminded us to get to work and do it. Stop making excuses for how we wish we could be living our lives and just get to work and "do it".

I am thankful for the knowledge of a Heavenly Father that loves me and the blessings that are so abundant in my life. I am thankful for my savior and for the sacrifice he made for me. I am thankful for my husband and the love and support he gives to me and our family. I am so thankful for our children and for the trust that my Heavenly Father had in me to entrust me with 6 very amazing children. I thankful for my family - for wonderful parents, siblings and in-laws. I am grateful to be able to raise my children close to most of their cousins. I am thankful that I am surrounded by wonderful friends. I am thankful for being blessed to work in the industry that I do and be able to rub shoulders with those I do. I have met some of the most amazing women ever and everyday someone touches my life in one form or another. Thank You. I feel blessed.