i will

Several weeks (well more like months) ago, I was asked to help on the program committee for the Stake Women's Conference. This year's theme is all about how by itself, one bee does not really do anything special. During their lifetime, they literally make only 1/12 of a tsp. But, as a hive, they produce a LOT of honey. By ourselves, we really don't make a huge difference in the world, but as a group of women serving each other and those around us, we can change the world. It really is a beautiful message. The program is based on a talk by Elder Ballard (http://www.lds.org/church/news/elder-ballard-urges-members-to-be-anxiously-engaged-in-a-good-cause?lang=eng) and is really beautiful. Sprinkled with amazing music and stories of service from women in the stake, I know it will impact those who attend.

On Sunday, my cousin's husband passed away unexpectedly. He has been ill for a while but this was still very unexpected. He was only 44 years old. His funeral was yesterday. One of my cousins (Ruthanne's brother) gave a talk that was not necessarily focused on Kyle but more about life in general and how Kyle's life affected those around him. He mentioned that Kyle was always the first person to say "I will" when anything needed to be done. It was an amazing talk about how we said "I will" in heaven and now that we are here, we should continue to do so.

I know, random post here. But, I was really touched by that talk. And this morning, I sat through the dress rehearsal of the Stake Women's Conference and listened, for the first time, to the entire program. The very last song in the program is I Will by Hillary Weeks. This was the first time I'd heard that song and today it makes me cry, coming straight from the funeral yesterday.

If you want an inspiring moment, read Elder Ballard's talk and listen to this amazing song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgOp-Ze1oZo

NOT a 13 in 13 project - #1

So, I just can't help myself. I have other projects I'm doing that don't count toward my 13 in 13 goal. Here is the first of said projects. For my feasting gear, I needed linens. I wanted to do some embroidering that would help me advance in the Loch Salaan Needleworker's Guild. I decided to do some blackwork napkins. I did them in red to match my plates and tried to make the design a little bit more free flowing than normal to also fit the design. I think they turned out fabulously. I will take them to a guild meeting soon and hopefully pass them off. :)

at long last...we got the white envelope in the mail!!!

I think I'll just let the video and pics speak for themselves...