Best primary ever!

I have served in our ward primary for the past six years....

crazy since I don't even like children :)

Today they presented me with cards, bliss chocolate and hugs. 

It was perfect.

We took pictures outside the temple...

About half our ward is on vacation, but I was so glad to be able to say goodbye to the ones here today.

I will miss the wonderful people I worked with AND all the kids!

Goodby from a friend

Today was a little hard.  I had to say goodbye to all the primary kids I have been with for the past six years.  But then I came home from church and received a wonderful gift.  My friend Jen sent me this email.  She is the mother of six and a so VERY amazing mother.  I am a better person for having known her.

NOTE:  I am sharing this not because I want everyone to know that someone thinks I'm fabulous but because....
1 - I was very touched that she would do this
2 - I will not save the email.  Or write in my non-existent journal (can I still go to heaven?) Or place it in my non-existent scrapbook.  This blog is my scrapbook and this deserves saving.
3 - I've decided that I am perfectly happy with the friends I have in life and have no intentions of making new friends in Oklahoma (except the exterminator).  When I'm feeling a little lonely, I will just pull up this post and feel loved.


Bliss--



We left for Idaho before you go back from your vacation and we won't be back before you leave.


I love you and will miss you so much.


These are the top 10 things that i love about you...


1. You are a GREAT friend. I have learned so much about charity and friendship by watching how you develop sincere relationships with so many people.
2. You are a DO-er. I love that you are not afraid to put your dreams into action.
3. You are a GIVE-er. You are always serving others and giving thoughtful gifts.
4. You are LOYAL.
5. You have a great sense of FAMILY. I know about the lives of many of your extended family members and they are close to your heart and home.
6. You are REAL. It is so refreshing to talk to someone who just is real... not always trying to seem perfect. you have a great life, and problems like the rest of us and you're not afraid for others to see that you are real.
7. You're fun to talk to. No matter how long it's been I can always talk to you and feel connected quickly.
8. You're a great MOTHER. I learn so much from you. I want to do more fun things with my children because of you. I think you have been a great example of a faithful mother in Zion.
9. You are a SEEKER. You are constantly seeking wisdom and knowledge, and you know a lot. I love smart people who are constantly learning.
10. You serve others. I'm so grateful for your example of charity. Because you know many people you love many people. I always felt like I could call you if I needed you and I was amazed at all the good things you do each day for other people.
Thank you for being a sweet friend and example to me.
I love you and I hope we will be friends forever.
Keep in touch!


Jen

Asilomar Beach

Even though it was chilly, we had a blast playing at the beach.

The kids collected treasures...

An abalone shell

Hermit crabs.  Lots of hermit crabs.

Rocks.

Old fishing weight

Sand crabs.

Memories.

Sea Otters

My first mother's day (I was pregnant with Kayla) we were still living in Monterey.  Robert gave me a sweatshirt with a mama and baby sea otter.  I LOVED it and pretty much wore it out.  We were hoping to see at least one sea otter on this trip, but didn't think we would.

Ann kept saying she thought there was more in the water than seaweed, but none of us believed her.  Finally, I went up over a bunch of rocks and used my tele-photo lens (you know - the one I like more than my children on some days) and there they were! 

Then I cropped in on a few of the photos and they turned out great....

Dennis the Menace Park

24 years ago, Robert and I lived in Montery while Robert went through the Defense Language Institute for Russian.  We were there a year and LOVED it!  We had an apartment near Lake El Estero and Dennis the Menace Park.  We had wonderful times walking around the lake and feeding the ducks.

11 years ago, we took all the kids on a big trip to CA (shea was still in my tummy so I told she was there before too!)  Andrew still remembers this park and how much fun it was.  The day had warmed up a bit and we had a blast!

Seals!

Down at Fishman's Wharf there are loads of seals.

The kids loved watching them and

Shea took great pictures!

Monterey, CA

You know it's a busy day when it takes FIVE posts to tell the story :)

We wanted to go south to a beach for a day in the sun, but it was COLD.
We decided to head up to Monterey to see the sights.

Jillian & Shea

staying warm

Grandma and the kids

Ann & Sterling

Shea dreaming of candy.

only $5 for an itty-bitty bag of taffy.

Swimming at Aunt Nix's

Heading down to the pool...

Aunt Ann and Aunt Ann

All the kids!

Sterling & Ann

Family!!

This is now my second-favorite picture of my mom and I.

(see the other one here)

Going to church

Greenfield, CA

Back:  Ann, Mom, Bliss, Braden, Ann, Sterling

Front:  Emily, Jillian, Zachary & Shea

Grandma Zee's place. Beautiful

My mom lives south of Monterey, CA in the Bitterwater Valley

The first two photos were taken this morning when there was a bit of fog...

This afternoon the cows and wild turkeys were out...