Those Special Girls I get to Serve

Tonight a lot of wonderful things happened.  I asked Dyan last week if she would check into seeing if we could get our Girls to the Heber Valley Girls Camp for next year, 2017.  She did not waste time and we are going to that wonderful camp in 2017!  I think right now might be a great time to say that the long wait for my two counselors was worth it.  They are perfect and I could not have asked for anyone better.  I love how Barbie and Dyan have just got right into helping the girls and loving them.  They are very helpful to me and do anything I ask of them.  I couldn't be happier with their service.  Virginia was a continued blessing and I am thankful that she will still be with us for awhile.  Mona Ruth is always very loving and helpful with the gals.  Oh and our cute piano player, Lori is more involved this year and helping us each week.  I really appreciate her for just coming in and joining us. She sees who needs a little help and just does what needs done.  It's a perfect group of ladies to work with.

I feel the spirit guiding and directing me weekly and sometimes I almost feel like I am an outsider looking in and marvel that I am even able to do what I do.  I adore these special needs ladies I get to serve.  I love that they know it too.  I get a few that come up from behind and pat by back or others that make sure I see them. I'm getting lots more hugs lately too. These gals are so loving and they respect me for being their leader at this time.  Jessica D....didn't want to quit hugging me tonight and it's all because I told her that her favorite leader of all time was coming to camp with us again this summer to help cook the food.  Jessica was so happy and I was the one the reaped the reward by her wonderful hugs all night.  I think Heaven must feel like nights like this.

Tonight Dyan had the gals dip caramel pretzel rods and almond joys.  Dyan had everything ready and was very organized.  It went well and the girls all had a great time dipping their yummy treats.  I was very impressed with the evening.  I had to laugh a little when Dyan asked me what our budget was and showed me a bill for almost $100.  These treats were a little costly but hey it's Christmas time and these girls our worth it.  I actually am not sure what our budget is and until I am told more specifically I am not going to worry.  We are usually pretty conservative.  I did make everyone a little Christmas gift too.  A little popcorn covered to look like a snowman with some warm gloves as his hat. The girls were all so excited and very appreciative.  It was such a fun evening and to top it all off Dale got pie for everyone!

Merry Christmas Our Wonderful Friends!

Daughters of Utah Pioneers

Today after bowling we had the Daughter of Utah Pioneers Christmas Luncheon.  Shanna had it at her house and went to a lot of work.  She cooked Turkey, potatoes, rolls and had a yummy salad bar.  I was really glad that Kathy felt good this month and was able to join us.  It was fun having her there with us.  I really enjoy DUP.  I learn a lot about different pioneers and find the stories interesting.

I really enjoy the other ladies that I am getting to know better as well.  It's fun and I'm glad that I finally let Shanna talk me into joining.  My dad's grand grandparents were pioneers and that is why I can be a member.  Carla doesn't have pioneer ancestors and so she can only be an associate....that's what my mom is too.

I didn't get a picture of the cute cupcake pin cushions that Carol Earl made for everyone but they were darling and displayed so cute.

At the end of the lesson we went around the room and shared a Christmas Memory with everyone. It was fun hearing from everyone.  I shared the time that I went to answer the door and Santa jumped in.  When he asked me what I would like I told him a baby doll and he brought me a Pebble's baby. I loved her.  I also mentioned that I Still Believe in Santa.  When my kids got older and questioned me about Santa, I told them they could believe what they wanted but I still believed in Santa and he was as real as they wanted him to be.  Santa is a magical symbol of Christmas.

Carla shared about her Christmas Tree Birthday Cake that she would get each year since her birthday is the 18th.  Even when her mom passed her nieces, daughters and brother would still make sure she got a Christmas Tree Cake.  Sara told Carla to make sure and bring the Tree Pan when she goes to visit next week. I love that!

Kathy shared how in the evening when her kids were young they would hear Santa's bells.  The kids knew that Santa was making his rounds and that they had better go to bed and to sleep.  She also shared that she had to tell her youngest when she was going to a new junior high that Santa was different from her beliefs because she didn't want her to be teased.

I love this time of year!  I love all the wonderful friend and family gatherings.  I love the lights and decorations and all the yummy food.  I love the "feeling" in the air that is an abundance of LOVE!