Conference, waffles and cheer!

I loved conference today!  We started the morning with a conference "kick-off" party with the Weschester Zone missionaries.  Waffles, Finnish pancakes (never say crepes in front of President Smith who is very proud of his Finnish heritage...haha), lots of toppings and fruit, scrambled eggs and ham, and orange juice were enjoyed by all.  The missionaries all left to attend conference at their various chapels and we enjoyed time as a family watching conference.  How exciting to have the 3 new apostles announced.  The announcement of Elder Rasband was awesome!  He served as the mission president in our mission several years ago.  He is very loved in this area.  We had the privilege of spending time with he and his wife, Melanie in the MTC and our first week in NY when they were here with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  They were so kind to us and so supportive of our call.  Sister Rasband was very helpful as she too brought her children to the mission field and they attended the same schools my kids are attending.  I loved the messages of conference today.  I was especially touched by Sister Marriotts talk.  My Uncle Mark unexpectedly passed away this week.  He was a young 60 years.  He has been a positive influence on me my entire life.  I love him and my aunt Leesa very much.  I am once again so grateful for the plan of salvation.  My uncle Mark was true and faithful to his covenants and because of that I have great peace regarding his death.  I have faith I will see him again.  I will miss him though and I mourn for those who loved him so much and lost him way to soon. 

 I loved the opening song sung by the choir,  I Know That My Savior Loves Me.  I served in the Primary prior to our mission call.  I was always so touched each time the kids sang this song.  It is one of my favorites.

A long time ago in a beautiful place,

Children were gathered ’round Jesus.

He blessed and taught as they felt of His love.

Each saw the tears on His face.

The love that He felt for His little ones

I know He feels for me.

I did not touch Him or sit on His knee,

Yet, Jesus is real to me.

Chorus

I know He lives!

I will follow faithfully.

My heart I give to Him.

I know that my Savior loves me.

Now I am here in a beautiful place,

Learning the teachings of Jesus.

Parents and teachers will help guide the way,

Lighting my path ev’ry day.

Wrapped in the arms of my Savior’s love,

I feel His gentle touch.

Living each day, I will follow His way,

Home to my Father above.

I love the Savior.  I know he lives. I love the gospel.  

We brought a little Texas to our party!

Lauren loves Sister Eastman and Sister Vassau.  They have adopted her as their 3rd companion.  She is reading them her journal...that is true sisterhood!

In between sessions we were able to watch Savannah cheer at the High School game.  She wasn't able to tumble or jump today because of a sprained ankle.  Crazy story, but she was at cheer practice on a break and learned that her friend Gabby's grandma was very sick.  Savannah was running over to give her a hug and she stepped on someone's binder and slipped.  She still looked super cute cheering but it was a cold 50 degrees.  Much different than cheering in TX in October!

William turns 12 in two weeks.  He was so excited to attend the Priesthood session tonight for the first time with his dad and some of the missionaries.  This mission has been such a blessing in his life.  He is the happiest when missionaries are around and he is with his dad.