Stake Conference Weekend, Veteran's Day and More

 
 
We had Stake Conference this past weekend.  On Saturday, we thought the meeting was at 6 p.m., so we got there an hour early!  Mark and I were just sitting, meditating on life, the universe and everything, when Pres. Arnoldsen came up and asked us if we were "The Faithful."  We kind of stammered our yeses, and then he said there was a dinner being served in the R.S. room, if we'd like to join the other "Faithful."

 I think the stake had food for those who'd been in mtgs. all day; it must've been catered food, for we sat at tables which had lovely flowers, napkins, flatware and goblets laid out.  The food was simple and delicious: stuffed chicken, salad and an incredible baked potato.  

We visited with some nice people from several wards, and the time flew by.   We joked that we would always come an hour early, after that experience~ !

After the mtg. we went to Winco to get food for our 72-hour packs.  We ran into the Campbells while we were there; they had swung by after the Saturday session, too.  Isn't it funny how you're so glad to see a familiar face in the store, even if you were just with them.  It feels to me like we are playing Grownups Going Shopping!  I don't know why that is, but it's lots of fun. :)

We still have things to pick up, like a hat for Mark, heirloom seeds, big garbage bags, and fishing supplies (more), but we're way better off than we were.  Yay!  (I always have something exciting to share, don't I?  That's just because there's always something exciting going on.  Like right now, Mark unloaded the dog and cat food from the store, and, of course, they're not interested in eating it.  They're always hoping it will be some gourmet brand.  And Tut would prefer it spoon-fed to him.  Still, it's fun to me.  I'll never get tired of the experience of bringing bags in from the store.  Ahh, the sheer luxury of it!)

So now we have chocolate pudding packs, Slim Jims, Jack Link's beef jerky, Spam, oatmeal mixes, Underwood deviled ham, bottled water, hot spiced cider mixes, canned and dried fruits (cherries, pineapple rings, banana chips, and apple rings), soups, cocoa mix, almonds, Tootsie Pops, Werther's, Skittles, and gummy bears.  

You'll notice the emphasis on carbs - that's in case we have to "walk" a lot.  I want to get my wheelchair tires replaced, 'cause the tread and rubber is totally gone on them.  I can see brown cork-like stuff showing thru!

I'd prefer having a little donkey and cart, but maybe someday ...I can always dream!  If I had my 'druthers, we'd have 2 horses and a pack horse or mule.  In fact, we'd live on a little ranch/mini-farm with all our loved ones on adjoining land, haha.

Today we celebrate Veteran's Day.  Last night we watched part of a celebration in D.C.  I'm so proud of Phillip and Cameron and all those who have served our country in the military.  We have a crowd of people in the family who have done so, besides having many that have served missions.  And a bunch who have attended college and gotten training so that they can support families.  I think that's wonderful!

We had Emme, Alaina and Irelyn over to play this morning - our toys get sad when they don't get played with for a while.  Irelyn is so comfortable with us now, and Emme isn't nearly as shy as she once was.  Alaina is all grown up, and I can tell that she loves going to school by the way she talks about it.
We had the little fireplace/heater going, and put some animal crackers in baggies for the girls,
which  made Leto happy, as he followed Irelyn around.

I got a box from Mrs. Cannon today, via Danny and Melinda (wholwhere we have our legal address, since we move around so much).   I just love getting pkgs., and I know you do too.  Her boxes always smell heavenly!  And they crackle with tissue paper that lines the box.  She's sent me sweet-smelling soaps and lotions, hand-tied lavender and dried roses from her garden, some of her favorite books (for us to discuss in our letters), and always something warm to wear, in winter.  Usually there are candies sprinkled about, and, to top it off, a big, fat letter!

Anytime I mention something I like, she takes note; the next box I receive from her is sure to have some gifts that have been selected very personally, to complement that interest.  I've gotten scarves with writing about my interest woven into the silk (usually the scarves are silk!), notebooks to fill with writing and drawings about that interest, particular flowers that I like - and books, note cards, stationery and bags filled with pictures and paintings of my favorite:  roses.  

I've rec'd. a Reach 'n Grab, a lap desk loaded with pens, Post-It flags, colorful paper clips and push pins, bracelets and a treasured ring, shawls, robes, tops, vests, gloves, purses, stickers, forever postage stamps and more.  

One woman rec'd. a box on her doorstep and, seeing the familiar handwriting, she exclaimed, "I've been Helen-ized!"   Oh so true.  We are the blessed ones who bask in the effulgence of Helen Cannon.

I've been enjoying your blogs and all the pictures.  The kids are cute!  Keep those cards and letters coming!  (Dean Martin used to always say that at the end of his show.)

We love you!

xoxoxo