Keeping Summer, Social

Our most recent Relief Society activity was a Summer Social. We battled triple digit temperatures that day, but our ladies were troopers. Those who joined us enjoyed a great meal of mini Philly cheese steak sandwiches, refreshing salads and yummy Paces Dairy Ann Popsicles. 

After enjoying our meal, we all played a few rounds of an icebreaker game. Each Popsicle corresponded with a funny get-to-know-you question. I learned so many new (random) things about the sisters at my table.

Thanks to my committee for the all the help with food, decor and set up. Another great activity!

Joy in Womanhood; Bloom Where You're Planted

A new calling in the last two weeks put me smack in the middle of planning our ward's Relief Society Birthday. We decided on the theme "Bloom Where You're Planted" and wanted to have our sisters reflect on the many joys that come through the various stages of Womanhood.


We started the program with a beautiful version of "What Heaven Sees in You." We adapted a program that walks through the several stages of a flower's bloom, and further made it our own with 3-4 sisters (in various stages of life) sharing some of their current joys and times they chose to bloom where they were planted. I loved hearing what each sister prepared and felt somewhat akin to each of what they shared.


We served Cafe Rio Cheater Pork Salads, which were such a hit with our sisters. Birthday cupcakes from Granite were so yummy, I was even short several. Sorry, sisters!


The decor was so masterful. I have a lady in my ward who can literally do wonders out of what seems like nothing. We brainstormed the concept and then, wow, did she deliver. The blooms were free and cut from a very generous neighbor's tree. Love!



I'm so grateful to have such a talented and willing board. We're about to have some serious fun this year, ladies!

Ghoulishy Good Times

This week our ward hosted a Fall Party/Costume Parade at the ward house (don't you love how PC we are?). We started out with an easy dinner of sloppy joes and salads while everyone arrived and got settled.

Being on the committee, Cole and I got to plan and MC the entertainment aka "Minute to Win it" games. We had a couple games for the adults including Junk in the Truck and Dizzy Mummy. So glad we have good sports in our ward!



I had no idea how excited the kids would be by the games. We did Hanky Panky, Dizzy Mummy and the Paper Dragon. Even after the party, the kids were asking if they could take turn trying out the games.


Right after the games, the kids got to parade around the gym in their costumes while collecting candy from the adults. I was able to catch a few favorites for a pic. While I don't have pictures to support it, it is worth noting that the world is indeed safe...I counted no fewer than nine Buzz Lightyears ready to fly off and save the day.



At first I was bummed we didn't get to decorate cars in true Tunk or Treat fashion, boy, did I change my mind when we looked outside. Over the course of the party, it snowed an inch!

And of course, our favorite lil monkey!

A Name and a Blessing

On Sunday May 30, 2010 we were able to officially give Crew a name and a blessing in our ward. Because of my sister's wedding the day before, we were able to benefit from the blessing of extra family in town for the special weekend.

Cole gave Crew a beautiful and simple blessing, encouraging him to learn the teachings of the gospel, courageously surround himself with good influences and look for opportunities to serve the Lord.

Following the blessing, we had the gang over for some food and family time. Thanks to my talented friend, Jarad, we have some awesome pictures of the festivities.

The first order of business was to document both sides of the family. In addition to everyone who lives in Utah, I was lucky enough to also have my sister Alyssa and brother Bryan in town from Arizona and Oregon. It felt wonderful to have so much of the family together.


We were also blessed that Wes and Stacy were able to join us from Texas. Here is a pic of the Lansford clan.

Because we were a little anxious to get the grill up and going we missed official photos of the Tipps and Richins, who were also wonderful enough to join us for the party.

Grill, did you say grill? Yes, my friends. Cole finally got his grill. This has been a desired purchase since the day we went under contract for our beautiful patio-less backyard.


I warn you. The man makes a killer kabob.



Don't you love how fancy photography can make regular food look special? :)





We love our friends (here and here).


Katie, how did we not get a cute picture together?


Such a fun day.


Yes, he got stuck and wasn't sure how to get back down.



Nothing like a little weekend sunbathing.



Last but not least. My little guy was such a champ. Between his Binky, a quick nap before the BBQ and all the "loves" from his favorite people, Crew was such a good little boy.

Couldn't you just eat him up?