"Sisters, Sisters"...Smith Sister's Retreat

Heavenly father has blessed me to be born into a wonderful family. I have the best sisters! We had a very special weekend being together, from Friday evening, Oct. 17-Oct. 20th. Meredith flew in from Utah, and Kathi drove down from Puyallup, Washington, despite a terrible rain storm and bumper-to-bumper traffic. 

We had nonstop visiting, laughing, and shedding a few tears, as we shared fun times and choice spiritual experiences. It was so fun getting caught up on each family member, and renewing those bonds that tie us together.

We went to Truffle Hunter Restaurant across from West Gresham Elementary School for lunch, and enjoyed just sitting by the window and relishing a lazy autumn afternoon where it seemed time just stood still.  We were blessed with gorgeous sunshine, blue skies, and crisp fall leaves. It was terrific!

Vivi brought her three little children to visit on Saturday evening. It was so fun for me to show off my cute daughter and grandchildren. They bring us so much joy. Her children warmed up to my sisters right away, Kathi got them started on a game on the computer, and Kaeley snuggled with Kathi.

Kathi is so good with family search and ancestry.com. She gave us some one-on-one instruction on how to search our ancestors, and verify the work that has been done, finding documents, etc. It was fascinating!

Of course, what's a sisters retreat, without dressing up in new pajamas that were the same style, and eating some chocolate! We had so much fun!

It was a treat to have Ondalynn and Gary's family come by after church on Sunday. Again, it was a joy for me to share them with my sisters. Being with family is the best!

Kathi needed to head home that evening, as she taught early morning seminary on Monday. Then Meredith flew out the next morning. It all came and went so quickly, but just the right amount of time to be together and enjoy our friendship with each other. I'm grateful for such special sisters who inspire me to be better and who remind me of the blessings of growing up in such a good family.

General Conference October Weekend

We love going to General Conference twice a year now that we have access to tickets each time. But the biggest drive, is a chance to see our darling grandchildren, the John's family, and our college kids. This time there was an added bonus to have the William's family there, too. We loved this opportunity to be with them. 

The weather couldn't have been more beautiful! It was just perfect! Another treat was meeting Bronson Gardner, Emily's boyfriend. He is a fine young man, from Astoria, Oregon. We also had the fun of seeing Wick and his sons, Ben, and Lorenzo outside the Family History Center. Then we ran into cousin Becca, who recently returned from her mission, and Pres. and Sis. Morby, who had just been released as our Mission Presidents in this area. We had become particularly close to them, and it was a delight to reconnect on Temple Square. Alice-Anne had packed us a great lunch with enough food to share with Becca and the Morby's, too. This was a sweet tender mercy to be with them.

We were so glad to have Julia and Austin there, too. They had come down from Rexburg for the weekend to be with us. We know they were coming down a few weeks later for the Doutre's gathering, and so we especially appreciated their sacrifice.

The conference messages were so inspiring. I loved sitting in the conference center and seeing the prophet come in. What an amazing experience to be there to feel the spirit of that great meeting, and hear the Tabernacle choir, as it they were a heavenly host, singing and praising God. As always, the talks were inspiring, and filled with important counsel and messages for our day. We are truly lead by a prophet of God. May we never forget that. We loved have Kenna join us on Saturday morning. She was patience as we stayed for the afternoon session and watched it at the Visitor's Center.

I have enjoyed listening to the messages again on the Mormon Channel. Such good counsel and reminders to stay in the boat given by Elder M Russell Ballard. We can have questions, but we need to stay with the church, and their leaders. That is the source of our strength and protection, in a world that's whirling with untruths.

I enjoyed the opportunity of taking Alice-Anne and Meredith out to lunch on Friday. This is a rare treat to be with my sweet daughters without children. Nice to have some quiet time together. We really appreciate the wonderful meals that the Johns' provided while we're there, and for their great hospitality. They take such good care of us.

Grandpa had fun playing basketball with the little children, I went on walks with the Johns' children while the girls were gone shopping. Emily and Bronson came for dinner on Sunday afternoon, and it was nice to get better acquainted with him.

Friday we were able to play at the park with the Johns and the William's family,  On Monday we went to Gardner Village, a fun area for the children to see lots of Halloween decorations and quaint shops.