June 2018

HEBER VALLEY GIRLS CAMP 2018: WHAT IS YOUR DESTINATION? June 4th-8th

Gah camp! I kept it simple enough that one person could pull it off, and I did! I used the YCL’s as my camp directors, which was more work for me ahead of time but I was pretty much behind the scenes once we got to camp. 

Ava with the other Stake YCL's at the amphitheater. The spirit on that mountain is palpable. 

It was great to have Ava as one of my YCL's, such a help to me. She was Dora for our skit and had everyone laughing their heads off (thanks for the idea Gouldings!) Who would have guessed that another ward would also do DORA for their skit????

While the girls practiced we had one hour to se up our surprise in the forest.

Two years ago we surprised the girls with an outdoor tea party. We didn't do it last year and they missed it! Soooooo, we invited the Stake YW leaders to come be our guest speakers at our brunch this year. It was mau-velous. I was surprised that no one has ever tasted a Shirley Temple! In a nod to the Royal Wedding each girl had a fascinator at her place as well as a ring pop. Cheers!

To keep our color-rods in tact I didn't want to flood our camp with too much red (our wards color for Individual Worth) so I kept everything in shades of red. Our sweatshirts were pink and the girls individualized them with iron on patches. Ava was in charge of that "Worth Shop"(get it)? I found a story I wanted to use in our journals but every time I went to print it something just didn't feel right. Finally I switched the story to an article and printed the journals. Still, I really liked the story so I put it in Ava's camp folder in hopes she would maybe use it for her worth shop. Before camp I heard her printing something and asked what it was. She said, "I found a story I want to use for my worth shop." It was the same story! I said, "That is actually in your camp folder." She said, "It is? I just found it randomly online" (it's from 2003). I said, "That is the story you are supposed to use."

This is just one example of how the Lord literally guided every step of camp planning. It made it a joy to plan. There were things I planned or brought that I wasn't even sure why I was doing it and then once I got to camp I saw why it was needed. I was reminded that when we are on the Lord's errand we are entitled to the Lord's help. I was also reminded to keep it simple. If something seemed overwhelming I crossed it off the list. The gal from the ward that we were sharing the pavilion with called me the week before, "When are you going to put up your decorations? We were thinking of going at 6 am on Monday to decorate." I said," Well, I don't think you can arrive before 7 am. I might get some decorations up by Tuesday..." She said, "Oh! You are easy!" And ya know? We never did get any decorations put up.

Camp went flawlessly and was a good experience; it was just hard doing it alone. I knew when I got back from camp it was time to get a fresh presidency in place.

I needed to settle my nerves the Saturday night after I got back so I went to the temple with Matt. I feel blessed to have a temple so close.

JABS

Ava spent the summer working two jobs. If she wasn't home she was either at THE SPOT or the TRAIN. Here she is dressed for a hippie ride.

Matt sent me this picture while I was at camp; he was in charge at home so you can bet there was meat!

Get ready, get set, GROW!

Father's Day weekend Matt and I attended the adult session of Stake Conference. During President Wilcox's talk he said he was going to call three people out of the audience. I sort of got that funny feeling again but figured it was because that had happened to me only a month ago. He named the first lady and I thought “Yikes, too bad for her.” He then said, “I would like to hear from Abby Bocanegra after that.” Oh my word, I felt so terrified, dry throat, numb, all at once. There must’ve been over 300 people there! I stumbled to the pulpit on my turn and shared the first thoughts that came to my heart. What other choice did I have? Afterwards, President Wilcox came up to me and asked, “Still friends?” The rest of the weekend I kept thinking “Did that that really happen?” Oh my word. I guess I can cross those scary things off my list. Who needs to go bungee jumping for an adrenaline rush? Not me. Oh maaaaaaan! Honestly, my first thoughts were, "I wish I had done my hair and worn something cute, and powdered my face." Truth is I had been doing yard work all day and so I was pretty eh looking. The Lord didn't care I guess:/

And...I spoke in our ward the following Sunday. During ward counsel Brother Winn said that we needed speakers for the last week in June and he would like suggestions. When I looked up from my notes all eyes were on me. Oh boy, here we go again. 

STEPS

I joined a team with Matt's company for a 40 day step challenge. The goal was to get at least 10,000 steps a day. Well, I got waaaay ahead of him at girls camp because of all the walking I did. One day my fit-bit said I got 21,000 steps and climbed 84 flights of stairs! Matt told me to take it easy so he could catch up. But I said, "No way!" I enjoy beating Matt.

So when Matt came home from work and asked what we did I told him, "We went to the library...on foot." He said, "Noooo! Stop walking everywhere!" "NEVER!" (Insert evil laugh). It was Lego day at the library and we didn't even know! Graham and Callie enjoyed building unique creations out of Legos. It was relaxing to sit and read while they did that. In the weeks that followed, whenever Matt would ask about my day it was always the same story, "I went to Eye Dr. ...on foot." "I went visiting....on foot." "We went to the movies.... on foot!" "I watched a movie...on the treadmill."

As much as I wanted to beat Matt, he wanted to beat me more! He knew how far behind he was. He went buck wild on the last day and got in over 28,000 steps!  I knew he was catching up and so after our evening walk while he unloaded the dishwasher I put my running shoes back on and tore out into the neighborhood till my heart was beating out of my chest. When I got home I thought I would find him in bed, instead he was on the treadmill. I opened the door, "Enough! We are going to bed!" When we logged our final steps the next day we saw that he beat me by 150 steps. That's only a trip to the mailbox! SUCH A BUMMER!!!!!!!! I haven't been a very gracious looser but I probably would have been a worse winner. 

I take a challenge very seriously.

I joined a book club at the library and then got so busy that I had to read the book in two days just to finish on time. I took the kids to the movies at Scera and I read in the foyer so I could finish my book. I was even reading at red lights after I picked up Grayson from Scout camp. The book discussion group began at 6 pm and I finished at 5:55 pm. Then once I got to the class I realized I was the only one who finished the book! I realized what a nub I am that I take things so literally. Ha!

Camp X

I took Grayson to work at scout camp way out in Eagle Mountain. We had to leave at 7 am. I told the babes to hop in the car and we could make a day of it in Orem. The problem is, that while Grayson was making money I was spending a fortune! We went to a movie, ate out twice, and went to Provo Beach resort, not to mention the gas money. Grandma Donna met up with us at the end of the day to take Grayson to "A Quiet Place." We have all seen it except for him. She was sweet to take him. He still laughs about her screaming in the middle of it and dumping her popcorn everywhere. Grandma!

While I was with Ava and Grayson at Youth Conference Matt was busy with projects at home, like getting fresh sand for the sandbox. He said these kiddos are a joy to be with and to work with.  

Youth Conference! Monticello Utah June 27th-30th 2018

"Peace in Christ"

Oh my goodness, Youth Conference ended up being so fun! I didn't really know what to expect because I am not familiar with southeast Utah and when the YM are thrown into the mix you never know what could happen;) But I think I work better with male leaders! We had a bunch of things planned that we were flexible on and it is a good thing because we did a ton of driving to and from National Parks. The first night we ate dinner at 9 pm and the next night at 11 pm! Our first experience of hiking to Delicate Arch really set the tone for the conference. It was hot, hot, and hot! I was so excited for it but couldn't believe how horrible I started feeling soon after the hike began. One of the Mia Maids sat down and I did too. When I stood up I was so dizzy. The leaders told both of us we better turn around. I was hoping more youth would come with us but they all wanted to press on. I was nervous for Ava and Grayson. I put my camelback on Gray and he and Ava shared it. They ran out of water, so if I would have gone there is no way there would have been enough water for the three of us. On our way down I stopped with Megan to say a prayer for everyone's safety. She told me on Sunday that she when we first sat down on the hike she was praying that someone would want to go back and right after that I said, "Who wants to go back??" I think I had to feel what she was feeling to be able to turn around and listen to the spirit. The good thing that came out of the hike was that the youth were able to pull together and do something hard. This really bonded the group. They were sharing water, waiting for each other and I even saw a Priest give a Teacher a piggyback ride. In the end they felt SO accomplished for doing a difficult hike in 104°! 

It seemed like no matter how much water I drank the rest of the day I could not hydrate myself. Even all night long I would wake up parched. I kept replaying the horrific scene of the red-faced youth stumbling off the mountain and I was so relieved we were all okay. I brought cooling towels for everyone to wet and wear around their necks. They saved our lives. 

Our original plan was to stay Moab. I found a great Lodge to rent that would fit us all nicely. The thing is, that after I booked it the reservation read, "Welcome to Monticello!" Oh man. This turned out to be a good thing though because it was about 10 degrees cooler than Moab and we were able to go to the Monticello Temple. We were also in a better location to go to Mesa Verde (WOW) and Canyonlands (gorgeous!) The lodge slept everyone perfectly. However,  Binnie and me had an odd sleeping spot. The Bishop and his wife were staying in the master suit. Towards the back of their room there were some saloon doors that led to two twin beds. That is where we slept! The lodge had a big kitchen for meal making, and plenty of stuffed animals to enjoy. I felt like I was at the Bean Museum. I took a picture of this cougar and was ready to take a photo of the other one as well when Ava said; "You have enough photos of cats on your phone already."

She was a real crack-up on this trip.

We had a fun car group. Ava had to play "Broken" at least once an hour on the stereo. She was a great DJ. But at one point when were winding through Mesa Verde one of the boys said, "Let's turn down the music and talk." So we did!

During Youth Conference we also had firesides and spiritual stuff too of course. The kids wood burned and made things out of red clay. One girl made the arch out of clay and it was so cool. The youth were awesome and I grew to love them even more. I really do love the youth. Even the ones that just giggle;) 

May 2018

HELLO DOLLY!

The local theatre put on the production of Hello Dolly so we took the YW.  So cute. I've been in my calling now two years. That is the point where I either need a change or I have to breathe new life into it! I have no choice but to breathe new life into it! 

THE BEE'S!

I attended ANOTHER field trip with Graham's class on Thursday. I am glad that he likes to have me along on his field trips. I don't remember having so many field trips as a kid! I also don't remember moms coming or getting involved. For this reason I don't like it when I hear moms making a bunch of rules for their group and taking away all the fun. The substitute told me that my group had "the problem kid" in it. As soon as we got to the park he bought a snow-cone and bat and used up all his money. He didn't like the snow cone and didn't eat it. He said, "I wish I didn’t spend all of my money! Can I borrow some?" I said, "No, but you learned a good life lesson didn't you?" Still, I felt badly for the fella. So while he was off running around, I took the snow-cone back to the counter and told them, "I have a sad 5th grader who wishes he didn't waste his money on this, he doesn't even like it." The lady gave me $4 back and said, "Just make sure he doesn't tell the others." When this kid came back to the blanket I told him what I had done and gave him his $4 back. He was so grateful he gave me a big hug. He was really not a problem at all during the game. I think he knew I was on his side and wanted him to have a good time. He was gone for a while at one point and came back with a limp and grass stains all over his shirt. I asked, "What happened to you?" He had a big grin, "I got hit in the leg with a bat." Then at the end of the game he got his bat taken away by the teacher because he was breaking open leftover milk cartons with it. Honestly, I didn't see the harm;) After all, it was only TRASH and being splashed with milk never hurt anybody. Besides, he was getting his energy out before the long bus ride. The substitute saw it differently. 

I could relate to this kid. The Savior is merciful to me and gives me second chances over and over again. I trust Him because I know he has my best interest in mind and he also wants me to just have a good time!

Graham was excited to buy a ball and bat at the game as well. I told him, "Mallerie bought a bat when she came too!" 

THE ASTERS
When we bought this house the owner told me about the asters that line the driveway. She said, "People will pull over and ask you what they are." Sure enough the next September when they were in bloom, there were knocks at my door and other inquiries about the magnificent purple flowering bushes. However, as the years have passed they don't bloom as brilliantly and the inquiries have stopped all together. The bushes that grow in the shade are not as large as those that grow in the sun and so...
We tore out the asters! They have gotten a bit ratty looking since they are almost 20 years old, and what a pain to weed they are. Matt and boys had them dug out in no time. We decided to replace the area with grass...but we don't have any grass. 

The extra dirt and bricks filled up the back of the truck completely. It was a big job to unload it at the dump. I told Matt, "We just have to pretend we are on the Amazing Race and that a team we don't like is right behind us." While Matt and me were shoveling out the dirt, I looked over and saw a pile of sod someone had dropped off! I asked the worker if we could take it. He said, "Sure." Matt said, “I don’t think I would’ve even noticed that grass if you hadn’t pointed it out.” I said, “Welcome to my life! If I need something it falls out of the sky." Tender mercies are all around and if we look for them every day we will see the Lord’s hand in everything.

THE QUAD

I got a text from my dear friend Missy, who lives in Kansas. She was in Utah and wanted to get together with the Quad. She only comes to town every few years so we all dropped everything and went to Caraba's in Orem for dinner. The Quad consists of myself, Melanie, Missy and Kirsten. Even though its been four years since we all sat down together we picked up as though we had seen each other just the day before. I love these girls. It was interesting to hear how the conversation has changed from potty training trouble, to raising teens, to having adult children now. Life is a climb that is for sure. Sing it Miley! 

It seemed to be a week of reunions all around. Mother's Day weekend we caught a movie after attending a reception in Orem for some dear friends from our ward in the 90's. The following Monday I went to lunch with ChyAyn so it seems to be time to connect with old buddies. "Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold!"

MOTHER'S DAY

Ava gave me this sweet picture with her card, "Whenever I picture me as a baby this is what I picture:" 

We got to Skype with Mallerie! 

Mallerie is so animated, which made us all chuckle. After a while she said, "This computer I am on is going to die soon. It says I only have 10-minutes" We finished up our conversation and then she called right back, "Okay, they plugged it in." Hahaha. There were issues two more times where we thought we had said good-bye and then she'd call back. After four hours she said, "Guys I gotta go!"

I got some beautiful watercolor work in the mail from her later that week. I added it to my wall. Mallerie's is the one on the bottom;)

INDIVIDUAL WORK COOKIES

For our combined Young Women activity in May we made Individual Worth Cookies. The girls brought all sorts of ingredients like gold fish, Ritz, Frito's and pretzels to mix into the dough. We also added mini chocolate chips, white chocolate, Raisinets and Rolo candy. The point was that all of our quirkiness together makes for something sweet and great! These are also called compost cookies if you ever want to try them. We froze the cookies and served them at camp on Bishopric night. 

GIRLS CAMP SURVIVAL KITS
Using the red treat bags Lindsey put together for her girls as inspiration, the Laurels made Survival Kits for the other YW. The Treats inside were: Red nail polish, Nibs, Trident gum, and a Nut Roll with the following instructions:

-Use your hands for building and serving
-Find things throughout the week to "nibble" on as you learn about the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Matt helped me on that one!)
-When you have the chance to TRI something new at camp -Do it!
- Know when to be "nutty" and know when to be "soft" (my fav)

FUNERAL FOR LARUE TUCKER

I attended the funeral for my paternal Grandma's sister-in-law, LaRue Tucker. She is the last one of my grandma Taylor's generation to pass on. When I walked in my dad said, "I wondered if I'd see you here..." It was also good to see my aunts Linda and Chris and my cousin Rachel. You know the beautiful song, Consider the Lilies? Well, the guy who composed and wrote it was there and he played it and sang it! I guess he was a personal friend to LaRue's and it was her lifelong dream that he play and sing that song at her funeral. What a treat to be there for that. There was a delicious luncheon afterwards at a nearby chapel. As I walked in and saw the RS sisters my heart was so touched that they would be there working so hard. I have been on the other end and know what a long day that is to help at a funeral. On my way out I thanked them for their service. This is how it is in the gospel isn't it? Sometimes we are on the serving end and sometimes we are on the receiving end. 

THE BEAN MUSEUM

I attended Callie's last field trip of the year. I had to laugh when we were at the Bean Museum and the presenter told us that cattails are actually edible. My girls sold them on the corner when they were kids, "CORNDOGS!" and people actually bought them (no, I was not aware they were doing this...I thought they were out on the lawn playing patty cake.)

I want to mention that my sister Sadie also finished school! She earned her masters through online schooling. Somehow she was able to work, hold a calling and wok two jobs in the process. She said the only way she could do this was to get up every morning and read her scriptures and a conference talk before praying. When I saw this quote from President Nelson on BYU campus I thought of her. It is very true that when we give time to the Lord He will multiply the rest of our time.

 I took this photo of this ginormous geode since we would be breaking geodes at camp. I am having so much fun with our theme of Individual Worth.

FIFTH GRADE PROGRAM AND GRADUATION

Graham was George Washington for his fifth grade United States of America presentation. I think his arm got tired from all that pointing but he did a great job! The students got to decorate their caps however they wanted to and of course Graham drew the Titanic on his. I feel sad he is done with JR Smith but I know he isn’t sad so that makes it easier. I was filming his program and at the end I filmed Ava a little bit. I told her to say something for Graham, she said, “Fifth grade is the worst! “ 

Since 6th grade is in the Middle School, the 5th Grade got to have a clap out and release balloons on the last day of school. It made me cry. I am especially tender over the fact that he and Callie will no longer be in the same school. They really are the best of friends. It has been so great having them bike together each day. They are such good sports about it, rain or shine; they ride those bikes (their choice, I promise!)

I had to smile at these pictures. Matt makes that same face! Graham's future wife is going to love it.

You know what I am really going to miss? Our morning prayer huddle. Their helmets clank together as I pray for them with our arms around each other. Best part of my day.

As per tradition we got snow cones after school to kick off summer break. Ava was working so I ordered the Satan;)

MEMORIAL WEEKEND

Oh man, we had a full house! These holidays bring cousins cousins cousins. 

SATURDAY MAY 26TH (ALSO MY DAD'S BIRTHDAY)

Below: My mom with her siblings. We picnicked at the SLC Cemetery like it is a park. A man came over to chat. At first we thought he was going to let us know it is distasteful but instead he said, "We do the same thing!"

MONDAY MAY 28TH (ALSO MY PARENTS ANNIVERSARY)

New this year at the Provo Cemetery is my Grandma Taylor's sister's grave for Alison Tucker Shanz who passed away in February of last year. Her headstone has now been placed. We noticed that my dad's cousins had it inscribed with, "Best Mom EVER!" We joked, "Well how do you like that...isn't that a little brazen??" 

My dad told us stories about our ancestors.

We picnicked at the Scera Park afterwards. Matt even brought coals to cook on. When Romney was staying with us that weekend she was reminiscing about the mini hotdogs and my special sauce that I would make for them when they slept over. I obliged and made them at the park, equal parts grape jelly and equal parts mustard. It's not bad, you should try it. 

Our family joined the Taylor's afterwards at Fat Cats. Watching babies bowl is a hoot.

TEDDY BEAR PICNIC
Like last year, we honored my secretary's late mother by hosting a Teddy Bear Picnic in her name as close to her birthday as possible. I always think that with the end of the school-year festivities going on at the same time we will have a low turnout. We invited the Activity Day girls and had 50 in attendance with the leaders (and that isn't even counting the stuffed animals!)