Feliz Cumpleanos, Happy Birthday Bridger

Holy cow where does the time go. Twenty years came and went so quickly. I love this boy/man. Can I even say that. He will always be my little boy, but I can't hardly say that without tear filled eyes. Bridger is such a great son and missionary. We are truly blessed to have him as ours forever.

We received an email from Bridger on Monday, the day before his b-day and he had gotten his package. I had asked him if possible to wait to open his box until his actual b-day but I knew he probably wouldn't. Who could, right? When Tuesday came as I said my morning prayers I asked that somehow, someone would know it was his b-day and make it fun for him in some way.

After work I went to Parsons Bakery and picked up some brownies to light candles and have our own celebration for him. Not until Stetson came home and looked on Facebook what a fun tender mercy was waiting for us to see. I will not know the details until next email, but they say a picture is worth a 1000 words, and in this case, tears. My prayers were answered even more than I could have imagined. Here's the proof. Stetson's words were, "Mom, they must really love him!" I couldn't agree more. Enjoy...

Happy Birthday Pal! We love you and know you are loved as you serve your fellow brothers and sisters in Honduras. Here's to a wonderful 20th year.

Stake Conference

Today was our semi annual Stake Conference. I love it. I find it very refreshing to have a couple of hours to hear words of wisdom from our local leaders. I am fortunate enough to be able to know our entire Stake Presidency due to my calling in the Stake Primary. Some people think that Stake Conference is a "free" Sunday to skip church. Their loss. I have never been sorry I go. Today was no exception.

Seems like their is always an almost theme to the meeting. Maybe there isn't but to me the theme today was Family. President Gardner talked about the Fiery Darts that are attacking the family and how important it is to not let them in our homes. He reminded us of the important messages found in the Proclamation to the Family. President Farnes talked about three things to help us as parents: 1. Listen to our children. Even perhaps having a one on one often to just listen to what they have to say. 2. Leave the storm at the door. Do not bring things into our home that are harmful and not good for anyone. And 3. Be an example to our children. If we want our kids to do what is right, we have to be an example of what we expect of them. He also gave the three things for the kids to follow: 1. Listen to your parents, 2. Put your coat on before you enter the storm and 3. be an example. I loved his talk. He always says such wonderful things and relates personal stories of his family and the things they teach him. President Webster, our Stake President talked in depth about the importance of reading the scriptures, family prayer and then gave the entire stake a president's blessing. He blessed that our families would be protected and if we would do these things he mentioned our families would be blessed.

I always leave with the desire and committment to be better. I can always improve on the things I am supposed to be doing. And who doesn't want the blessings promised if we do what was asked?

I'm so glad we were there today. It was a wonderful meeting.