South Stake Rules!

On July 12-14th we headed to Snow College in Ephraim, Utah, for youth conference.  It was exhausting but such a blast.  We have such amazing righteous youth!!  They were such good sports and participated in all the events.  Besides all the crazy fun, we actually had a real purpose to youth conference.  Our theme was Arise and Shine Forth and since we were at a college, what else but have a school theme?  We renamed the college "A & S University" and the first morning we kicked off with a welcome letter to the youth:

 Dear Freshmen:

We want to extend a warm welcome to all our new students!  We hope you will have a rewarding and successful academic experience.  As professors and staff in your academic program, we are here to support your success as students of A & S University.  As you know, A & S stands for Arise & Shine.  Our University standards are high and our entrance requirements are very selective.  You have been chosen for your exceptional G.P.A. (Godly Potential and Attributes) and A.C.T. (Actions Centered on Temple Worthiness).  We congratulate you for the good choices that have brought you here.

We thank you for your interest in A & S University and trust that you will find the eternal truths that you seek, whether you are a student, faculty, staff, parent or friend. 

A & S University’s mission is to be “a student-centered university which focuses on teaching those standards which will lead you to the Lord’s temple, where you will make and keep sacred covenants.”  We do this through a world-class undergraduate and graduate education program, scriptural research and compassionate service.  A & S will produce graduates who are equipped with knowledge, attributes and spiritual skills for this important time on earth.

This semester you will have two required texts to study from: (1) the Holy Scriptures and (2) A&S University’s Course Catalog.  Also, to truly be successful, it is critical that you stay in contact with your Academic Advisor.  You know Him better as your loving Heavenly Father.  He will not only assist you this semester but guide you throughout your life.  He will help you chart your path and will also answer your questions and concerns.

Once again, we welcome you to A & S and look forward to learning and growing together!
Sincerely,
Professors and Staff


We then headed off to Ephraim in school buses and let the good times roll.  Our first day we had water games and the leaders got thoroughly soaked.  I'm getting so old, I swear I pulled a muscle (or two) trying to run away.

There were field games the next day, which got rained out and became gym games.  As you can see, the leaders still have some growing up to do.

We had a computer lab open for the youth to participate in family history/indexing.  Our goal was to get each youth there at least once and when they participated, we had them sign a banner for President Lefler that we presented at the end of the conference.  The youth were incredible and somehow indexed over 50,000 names during the conference.  Didn't I say they were amazing?!?

We had classes/workshops that were all based on the For Strength of Youth pamphlet.  We used each topic as a university course and gave it a unique name.  Our professors were our own highly talented stake leaders and they brought in the spirit in such a unique and entertaining way.  Everyone was engaged in what was going on and participated.  It was truly a sight to see.

Finally,  we can't forget one of our favorite events.  Heather Haynie, from the Stake YW Presidency, taught the youth and leaders a dance, which we then presented in "Flash Mob" style at the multi-stake dance.  It was so amusing and surprisingly uniting!  The youth were so excited to perform.

 We ended with an amazing 2 hour testimony meeting.  There was not a moment of silence, as the youth bore testimony one after another.  My testimony was strengthened in leaps and bounds.  These  youth give me such happiness and hope for our future.

Last but not least, these amazing women (and the YM's Presidency) deserve so much credit.  We spent some long hours preparing this event and their talent showed through and through!  I am humbled and blessed to work with them and they have become my dear friends.  Love you Ladies!

We had a fireside on August 12th to kick-off the new school year and review what we had learned at youth conference.  Bro. Doug Webb did a most excellent job of putting together a slide show/video of the fun we had.  Enjoy!

Sixteen Candles

The big day finally arrived!  On June 14th, Morgan celebrated her SWEET 16.  What a fun day we had.  Morgan woke to a surprise her siblings had planned.  Kelsey and Jake stayed up late making a fancy car for Morgan.  They blind-folded her, put keys in her hands, and walked her out to the garage.  Morgan was a good sport, although I'm sure there was a little disappoint when it wasn't a real car. 

The wheelbarrow car was complete with a back seat (skate board), steering wheel, ignition, wheels, flames and a Utah license plate that said "MOMOW8."

Morgan was able to get her driver's license late that morning and then proceed on her first official date with Connley.  They went to Krispy Kreme, watched a movie and had a picnic at the park.  Good times!

 

We finished the evening by broadening Morgan's horizons with a new culinary delight!  She tried Greek food for the first time and really liked it.  We had a good evening eating on the patio of Aristo's Greek Restaurant.  They had live music and Morgan was serenaded with a round of "Happy Birthday." 

Earlier in the day I had planned to look up the time Morgan was born.  I was busy and forgot to get it done.  While at the restaurant, I abruptly interrupted our conversation and said, Morgan, you were born at 7:24pm!!  At that precise moment, I looked down at my watch and it was exactly 7:24pm.  I was in shock.  I had to show the entire family my watch to prove it.  I had not remembered this time all day but at that exact moment, the thought was placed in my mind.  We became emotional as we recalled that Morgan's Grandma Harris, who passed 5 years ago, LOVED numbers, dates, times, etc.  Grandma also LOVED Morgan with all her heart.  They had such a special relationship.  I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that my mother was there in spirit celebrating with us.  She brought that time to my remembrance and by so doing, joined in our special celebration.  I will forever be grateful to know my parents were there.

We love you Morgan.  It has been a wonderful 16 years since you joined our family and you are truly my dear friend.  Love you to the moon and back!

Tradition

June 8th - 12th we enjoyed good family, good food and good scenery. We took our traditional trip to Yellowstone National Park with our dear Uncle Shirl, Aunt Toni and family. 

This year we decided to try our longest hike to date.  We tried to hike to Shoshone Geyser basin, a 17 mile round-trip hike.  The weather was a little chilly be bearable.  Unfortunately, there was still deep snow for the vast majority of the hike in the back country.  We made it close to the basin but came to an impasse.  There was a fast running, 3-4 foot deep stream (fed by the melting snow) and we knew stripping down to pass it would not be wise when we were hiking through snow the rest of the day without opportunity to dry.  We chose to eat lunch and turn back around.

In the end, we ended up with a total of 15 miles and sore aching feet, joints, etc.  We were quite disappointed that we didn't make our planned destination and goal but we enjoyed the journey and would do it again.  At 15 miles, it's still our longest family hike to date! 

I recently went to a parent-teacher conference at Jake's school.  All the students had to do a "the most important thing about me" page.  They were all hanging in the school hallway.  Jake's was about Yellowstone.  I think it says it all!  So cute.  Thank you Uncle Shirl and Aunt Toni for allowing us these fun memories and priceless opportunities.

And the Heavens Smiled Down. . .

On May 11th, 2012, we celebrated a glorious day for the Harris-Smith families.  My dear friend and older sister, Debby, married her long-time best friend, Curtis Smith.  Our family has not had such a blessed day in many years!  It was truly glorious.  They were married in the Logan Utah LDS Temple.

Before their marriage/sealing ceremony, the Harris siblings took the opportunity to seal  my mother, Kaye Louise Harris Conn, to her sister, Arlene, and parents, Kenneth and Edna Conn. What a beautiful moment in time.  I believe in the truthfulness of the LDS gospel and that families can be together forever!!  I felt the presence of my parents and grandparents for this sacred ordinance.  Their was joy and celebration on both sides of the veil.

It was a joyous occasion for Debby and also painful.  She did not have the privilege of having our parents their physically to attend the wedding.  Though we know they were their in spirit, there was much emotion in their absence.  How blessed we are to know that families are forever.  How grateful I am to see a new "Forever Family" created this day.

Fabulous 40!

Yes, it's true, we have two old fogies in the house now!  Joe turned 40 on May 7th.  I attended the Oncology Nurses Congress in New Orleans from May 2-5.  We decided to turn the trip into something fun, so Joe flew out May 5th and joined me.  We spent a day in New Orleans enjoying delicious Cajun food and then hit the road.

We drove through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.  Our destination was Pensacola, FL.  We spent a couple days here relaxing and celebrating Joe's big day.  We missed being with our children on his birthday but had such a great time.  

 

I wanted to show Joe how much we appreciate him and how adored he truly is.  I had all our friends/family give one word that describes Joe to them.  I had those words cut in vinyl and put them all over a car for him.  Strange and unique gift, but it meant a lot to him.  Thanks to all who contributed!

"One-Word" descriptions of Joe: True Friend, Awesome, Inventive, Gold-hearted, Geniune, Scrumptious, Entertaining, Best Friend, Thoughtful, Witty, Charity, “There”, Ferrarri, Consistent, Happy, Pooh, Friendly, Silly, Hilarious, Caring, Friend, Humorous, Fun, Loving, Giving, Unselfish, Protector, Family, “Crasy”, Lesbian (wink, wink),Highly Talented, Arschbombe!, Eternal Friend, Brother, Tenacious, Intelligent, Kind,Super, Potato Salad, Hilarious, Eccentric, Daddy, Inquisitive, Friendly, Knowledgeable, Inspirational, Insightful, Helpful, Complicated, Delightful, Warm, Bobbie, Perfection!

These are all so true.  Love you sweetheart!

First Prom

On  April 28, 2012, Morgan went to her first prom.  Where has the time gone?  I had nightmares thinking of this day and the fights related to dress shopping.  Morgan was awesome!  We easily agreed on a beautiful, modest dress.  I am SO PROUD of her for desiring to do what's right.  I LOVE modest prom dresses.

Connley Samuels and Morgan had a great evening together and were such obedient troopers!  Since Morgan wasn't 16 for another month or so, our requirement was a "chaperoned" dance.  Connley's parents (who are awesome, by the way) drove them.  Connley had the back seat of the van decorated and comfortable with snacks and drinks.  What an awesome and gorgeous couple they made.  They didn't even throw a fit when we showed up at the dance for "promenade," which I had never heard of before.  We took more pictures and shared a laugh or two.

Thanks Connley for treating my daughter so well and for the fun evening.  (Thanks Ramona and Mike for helping pull it off.)  You two are such fine youth!  We love you both and are proud of the good decisions you make.