April 26th - Special Day: Birthday Celebration and the Barbeque Season Just Got Better!

Saturday, April 26th marked the first official Farmer's Market in Idaho Falls. It was a chilly 32 degrees at 9am and only about half the vendors that usually come showed up. But Habby Too was there and ready to get everyone started with the best sauce for their barbeque season! I was glad that our booth faced the sun so we could stay warm for the first few hours until it gradually warmed up a bit. We actually sold more this first market day than we did last year. It was rewarding to have repeat customers come and request their favorites sauces. Chad and his friend Bailey came with us and Bailey's family, who live in Idaho Falls, came and checked us out. We were pleased that they bought a bottle of sauce...should I take stock in that for any reason??? Jeremy, Sarah, and Isaak came later. Isaak loves the market because he can sample all the tasty things and see the ducks on the water behind our booth. It was Chad's birthday, so we went to a fun pizza place called Craigos...all you can eat pizza, salad and pasta bar. They made it special for Chad's day with a balloon, an ice cream treat, and they even sang Happy Birthday to him. It was a fantastic day and we are looking forward to our next market day in May when we can talk to people about our sauce and spend time with our family there.

55 is great!

My oh my...never thought I would be saying that! Since turning 52, when ever anyone that would be brave enough to ask how old I was, I would unequivocally answer with a laugh the reverse number of my age...25, and then the next year, 35. I have to admit last year I cringed a little with 45. So, ha...this year it was straight up 55...couldn't reverse that one. I have never been one to fuss over my own birthday, who does? I love fussing over other birthdays, but my own...well, it just comes and goes and life goes on. Although this year I was deeply touched with all the fun gifts, cards, greetings, and calls that I received for my birthday. I was shown again on this birthday that I have a caring, supportive family and lots of good friends…all of whom continually touch my life in so many ways. Thanks to all who made this 55 year old feel special.

Here are some pictures that Dale took with his phone - I forgot the camera AGAIN - celebrating at Chiles restaurant in Twin Falls on Thursday of last week with Cameron's family.

Uplifted and Replenished

What a glorious conference! I have anticipated watching this conference for a while now and hunkered down in my chair for the weekend with my pen and notebook in hand (I still enjoy taking notes). I was in awe of the Solemn Assembly in the Saturday morning session. What a great privilege it was to stand with Relief Society sisters all over the world and sustain our beloved Prophet and the Quorum of the 12 Apostles. The Spirit bore witness to me that we are led by the Lord's anointed. There was such a tremendous spirit about this conference, as was mentioned several times. You could see and feel the mantle that rested on President Monson. I loved it when he invoked his blessings upon us and encouraged us to move forward together in this great work. And I was overwhelmed with the powerful mantle that Pres. Uchdorf emulated as he conducted and instructed us. He has been a great speaker, but now he is even more so. The calling of the new apostle, Elder Christofferson, was exciting to me because his talks have been favorites of mine to use in Seminary. I loved seeing Elder Wirthlin sitting in his chair and stronger than last conference. Each talk just radiated the Spirit and the counsel to strengthen our testimony was a reoccurring theme. I felt such love for my parents as Pres. Uchdorf spoke of "Faith of our Fathers". Sister Tanner, that was released as General YW's Pres., spoke of several of the things that I delight in as well. The new YW Presidency certainly presented themselves well at the press conference. I could go on and on about each talk, but will spare you that. There were "rapid fire mesages" that Pres. Monson described, but we certainly feasted well on the "smorgesboard" of counsel we received. I didn't know anything about his beloved wife being in a coma from her fall, but his sense of humor and love came through so lovingly. What an example to us. I took courage when he said he prayed for us and rededicated my commitment to continue to pray for him. Goosebumps are one of the strong ways that I feel the Spirit, and I certainly felt "chilled" and thrilled so much during this conference. I hope you all enjoyed it, too.