So so behind.....

I am so behind in blogging and Im kind of depressed about it. I really want to print this thing off but it has to be out of order. So how do I catch up for 7 months????

Today was bittersweet. I was released from my stake calling ad Stk Primary Coun. and now Im an Activity Day Leader. That part I am thrilled about because I cant wait to work with Christen before she goes in to YW. I will be honest - I wont miss Day Camp or Rechartering -- But I will terribly miss my presidency and visiting the wards leaders and primary kids. Ive been pretty weepy. We recently had all of the ward primary sacrament meeting programs which were amazing. That is the funnest thing too. We also had a very successful Stk Act Day Conference last Sat.

I have joined the daughters of the Utah Pioneers, which I am enjoying. I was inspired by our family trip to Wyoming to see the Martin and Willie Handcart Sites. I also had finished reading the Fire of the Covenant.

This past summer I drove with the kids to Utah and California for a 3 week trip. It was so fun - but about 1 week too long because we missed Todd being with us!

Christen broke her pinkie about 6 weeks ago while rollerblading and had a cast. She has been doing well with her violin and now volleyball since the cast came off.

Trevor is now an EAGLE SCOUT!!!!! His project was finished in April - and Archery Range for Camp Joseph in Rye Colo. He had to wait 6 months after that and then do the write up. Im so proud and SO GLAD that he is done with that.

Brandon had a fun and exciting Marching Band Season. Next year he wants to try out for Drum Major, so we will see how that goes. Brandon will be 16 in a few short weeks!!! He has his drivers permit and is a very cautious driver.

Todd is not loving work right now but we are blessed to have work right now. He is out of the Scouts in the ward but is still and Eagle Scout Coordinator and High Priest Secretary.

Maybe now I will have some time to catch up....

We got family pictures taken recently so I will post a few and do a collage later.

Stake Priesthood Preview

Early in January our Stake Primary and Stk Presidency- put on the first Stake Priesthood Preview. Usually this is done on the ward level. We as a Stk Primary Presidency we in charge of the set up, music - thanks Olivia, decorating - thanks Sarah and the food. The priesthood gave the talks. It turned out very well and was a big hit. Above are pictures from our ward boys minus Colin - not there. Pres and Sister Haycocks brisket was wonderful!! The ladies and I did a big Sams club run that day for everything else. I later invested in a Costco card so I can help with the purchases of these events. (turning in receipts for sure)

Anyhow, it went really well and the boys were attentive and well mannered. I cant believ that Trevor will be a Deacon the end of June!! Watch out!! I love that kid!!

Christen's Baptism

Saturday was a big day for our family - especially for Christen. She was baptised!! We were so excited and a little emotional for me because she is the baby. It was a wonderful event. Grandma C was here of course, as well as Todd's parents, many ward members and our friend Denise from next door. Christen was baptised with two other church friends and that was nice.

Todd was well prepared and the spirit was strong. It went without a hitch until I went to help her change. OK - this would only happen to me. I went to unzip the jumpsuit and it was stuck. REALLY stuck - like we tried over and over again and my friend Lecia was in the bathroom and she tried for awhile - all as poor Christen was shivering! I finally decided we needed some scissors to cut the back out and get her dry! We did that and got her ready for the confirmation. I hope that this is not the only thing she remembers about her baptism when people ask!!

It really was a wonderful day and we had a nice family dinner afterwards. Congratulations Christen! We love you and Heavenly Father loves you too!

Todd - the man of the hour

Sunday Todd was ordained a High Priest by his father. It was very exciting and special for him to have his parents there. Todd has and shows such deep respect and love for both his father and mother. I couldnt ask for better in laws!! Todd has been in the HP group leadership as a secretary - but has still been an Elder -which apparently is acceptable.

There were several changes in the ward and stake last week -one being that one of the assistants is now a High Councellor so we thought that Todd may be an assistant and thus be ordained as a HP. However, there were other plans I guess and he was just called yesterday as second Counsellor in the Young Mens presidency. We weren't super shocked becuse he has been very involved with those boys ever since cubs. He will love it. The funny thing that Brandon said was " Hey Dad, since I am the Deacons Quorum President and you are the Advisor over Deacons does that make me your boss?"

And then I quickly said, "no, I am still the boss!!" Todd just grinned knowingly!! I love that man!!

Time and Effort Well Worth It!!

Things have been so crazy here for awhile! I have been helping to prepare for our Stake Activity Day Girls Conference, which was today. It went so well! We were all very pleased. It never ceases to amaze me how much time and preparation and prayer goes into events like this --and then suddenly it is over. It is all so worth it of course - and - "If ye are prepared ye shall not fear" has been my motto. I actually was a few days ahead of myself so I wasnt really a stressed out basket case like I am usually. I think that Todd and the kids appreciated this too!! He has been such a great support during all of this!

My workshop was on the Birth of Christ. It was a great excuse to get some of the Christmas decorations out early to use - like my nativity from my Israel Study Abroad (Ok I just realized that that was about 20 years ago -I really AM old!!) and the manger that we put straw in to make a soft bed for Jesus everytime someone does something nice for them the recipient puts in a piece of straw. I also shared the story of the White Envelope. http://www.heartlight.org/articles/199912/19991225_envelope.html This is a great tradition that my brother Ralph has done with his family and shared with us last year.

I also never realized what an incredible resourse http://www.lds.org/ is! I have used it somewhat to get primary lessons and such, but REALLY -it is amazing! Use it for anytime you need to prepare something in a gospel setting.

Anyhow, when I got how I was exhausted. I ate soft taco Todd had gotten at Taco Bell and I took a great NAP!! The alarm went off and I was confused - wondering what time it was and if I was late for something! My feet hurt so I soaked them in the tub and used my foot care kit to pamper myself a little. Then I called my friend Lori - who I MISS SO MUCH! I love those free minutes on the weekends! I should call more of you more often.

I think it is a pancake for dinner night tonight - actually -Julie -- we have been doing A LOT of Fluffy Oven pancakes -http://southernfood.about.com/od/pancakesandwaffles/r/bl00804e.htm
lately thanks to your inspiration!! Thank you for a new family favorite!!.

wow - look at all of my links! Check them out. So -- how do you rename the links so it looks better? I guess I will be asking Ann this week!

Hard things

Some things in life are just hard to understand. I am so grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ which keeps things in perspective.

Conference

I love it. The older I get the more I appreciate General Conference. I have always listened or watched but now it seems like I am making it more personal to me and my family. You know when people say." Oh that talk was meant just for me. . ." There seemed to be alot of those this weekend. It also helps that my kids will either sit for awhile and listen while they are doing a little project or they know to not bug me if they havre had enough. I love that Todd and Brandon go to the Priesthood session together. Brandon is all about the ice cream afterward too!

Sunday morning we went over to Mark and Lori's with a buinch of people to have a pot luck brunch and watch Conference. They are moving on Saturday and my family and I are SO SAD!! We are happy for them to have the experience of living back east. We will definately be visiting and finally get to see Todd's brother and wife too. We will have to plan it out. Anyhow, we had a nice time - and it was nice for us because we just watch on the internet --which we are greatful for - dont get me wrong. I remember when I lived in Australia we had to wake up at like 2 AM and go down to our little chapel. There was no Tivo or recordings bake then. Wow, how things have changed!!

I love the church website too - http://www.lds.org/ . I was looking up some scriptures and studying some talks for a workshop that we are doing in November and it made it so easy. It has also helped thatr our friend Travis came over and fixed our computer to go MUCH FASTER than it was both for email and internet. IT people are so smart!!

What a weekend!

Todd took Friday off. Partly because the kids had the day off school and partly because he has been working so much overtime on the weekends lately. He got his car's oil changed, emissions done and registered. Something that I had told him that I'd help with but didnt get to it. I slept in actually. I have been fighting a cold. I really thought that it was allergies - but no it wasnt in the end. Colds are so draining! Anyhow, Todd requested that we go to the canyon for a little hike ( I didnt hike as far as Todd and the dogs.) It was such a beautiful warm day and the leaves were turning. I sat and watched the kids play in the creek/ waterfall area that we love. They were soaking wet but had a great time. We came home and ate lunch. Then Todd and I went to the temple with many of our ward members. Our ward friends and neighbors, Brett and Lydia went throuhg the temple for the firt time.Lydia was baptized just a year ago. It was so wonderful to be there!! That night Brandon left for a campout.

Saturday morning Trevor left early for the same campout with his Webelos leader. Christen had a birthday party to go to and Todd and I headed for the temple again to see our same friends sealed as a family with their children. It was incredible. The spirit was so strong and it was so neat to be there with our ward family. I always choke up when they bring in the kids. Their little boy waved at me. It was the cutest thing. We are so blessed to have such a GREAT ward!!

After that Todd got a ride home and I had a few minutes to prepare myself for the funeral of Brooke, the girl I mentioned in the previous posts. I sat outside the temple by the fountain and took some pictures of the temple grounds. The flowers are amazing right now.

I drove to the church and met up with the other stake ladies. There was a beautiful display of pictures, bright flowers, scrapbooks, buttons with her picture on them, and memories from classmates and primary children. I never actually got to see her last week because I ran out to look for the ambulance. The service was incredible. The father gave a wonderful eulogy and told fun and mischievious memories as well as fond, precious moments with their little girl. It really was heartbreaking, but the family were such a great example of strength and faith in the gospel plan. I held it together for the most part until there was a solo that was performed of Families can be Together Forever, but he had changed the words up a bit to fit it from Brooke's perspective now. Our Presidency all gave eachother a group hug at the end and we went on our seperate ways.

(A few of you asked what actually happened to Brooke. Shee had been sick with croup and some other bronchial infection the last few weeks and had antibiotics etc, getting over it ok. They had ridden their bikes to church, which apparently they often do. She was just fine for the first 2 1/2 hours of church and then went out to get a drink of water and collapsed there from a massive asthma attack. Her mom was her Primary teacher and she and the dad were both at the scene instantly. It was decided that if it had happened at any other time -like at school, on a field trip, at a friends house or whatever, both parents would not have been able to be there. She died after beng at church, singing primary songs, taking the sacrament, being together as a family.)

From there I went straight to Todd's band concert at the library. I met Todd's parents there and Christen showed up there from her party. He did a great job! This is such a great hobby for him! We came home and had a BBQ. After the folks left I went to the RS general broadcast at the stk ctr. It was so awesome!! It was a great finish to a pretty emotional and busy day. I cant wait for Conference next week.

Today we had a nice normal Sunday together. Originally, we thought we may be helping out PM ward primary with whatever they needed after their tragedy, but they requested to do it on their own. I think I was traumatized a but because I kept mentioning to Todd and the ladies that I was there with that I hoped all of our Primary kids got home safe. We actually couldnt find Brandon for a bit because his class got out late and that freaked me out!

Ok that is it for now.

Update

I heard yesterday that the little girl passed away in the morning. The funeral will be Saturday. We are going to the temple to see some friends of ours be sealed in the morning so I hope to attend both. Our Presidency will attend that ward primary on Sunday to help out any way we can.

Last Cub Master Night

Cari saying thanks
I wanted this picture because there is a picture of my Grandma and uncle with them posing in a salute just the same. I will have to find it and post it next to this.
This picture was originally of Trevor and me, but the "me" part looked really bad!! -- So here he is --Webelos extrordinaire!! Trevor doesnt always smile for pics so I really like this of him.

This past Wednesday was my last pack Meeting as Cub Master. I got a new calling and was sustained this past Sunday that will keep me associated with the scouting program but not as directly. I may not ever get out of Primary! I think it must be stamped on my forehead! Anyhow, in some amazing twist of fate the Stake has asked me to be the 1st Counselor in the Stk Primary. Thank you to many of you local readers who have already supported me in this endeavor! I was and am a little overwhelmed but I have a wonderful President and 2nd Counselor to work with as well as the board. I hope to be set apart tomorrow. So - wish me luck. It will start getting very busy very fast with ward conferences, Stake Aux. training, Stk Achievement Day Girls Day conference, Primary Sacrament Programs, Etc Etc. The kicker was that I thought I was DONE with Day Camp - but the Stk Primary usually helps with registration. Oh Well!



I think I will miss the cubmaster thing - a little - maybe--although it will be interesting to sit in the audience as a parent. Trevor will be in there until late June. He actually received quite a few Webelos pins on Wed. He has been working hard this summer when we went on all of our camping trips. Great job Trevor!

New Bishop

Those of you who used to live near me may be interested that yesterday we got a new bishop in our ward. I dont like to use last names in my blog but if you look in my Night in Paris post the our new leader is pictured with the bunny ears over his head! He will be great. This is the first time that Todd and I have been really good friends personally with the our ward bishop and his wife. Andrea was primary pres and I was her counsellor. Brandon was excited because he may get to babysit for the bishop's boys again! The counsellors are fairly new to the ward. - I guess compared to us at least. If you want more info email me at toddlisaellis@msn.com. I dont check the gmail one connected to the blog too much.

I just got a note that they are doing a surprise bishops book for our previous bishop --- so those of you who are interested in doing a little page or memory send me an email and I will get you the info ASAP.

We also will be getting a brand new chapel next year and we can walk to it from our house!!!!

Gallon Challenge

Our ward has given us a challenge to turn off our water for a full 24 hours and only use a gallon of our stored water per person! So 5 gallons total for our family. We did it yesterday and we survived ok! The great part was no laundry, no dishes to do, no cleaning. The rough part was the potty usage. Luckily the kids and Todd were gone most of the day and I was gone part of the day. Did you know that it takes more than 1 gallon of water to flush a toilet?

We all showered the night before and had little cups of water to brush teeth. I even made playdough when Brandon told me at 9 pm that he needed it for school the next day. Don't you love when kids don't mention things like that until the last second?!

We were all very grateful for running water and realized that we could all save water in little ways. I have decided to turn off the water when I brush my teeth. Hey, it's a start!!

It's Derby Time!

We recently had our Pinewood Derby on Jan 23rd. It was a success as usual but this was the first time after many years of being behind the scenes that I was in front announcing as a CubMaster. We had a lot of help from all of the leaders and it was definately a group effort. Trevor ended up coming in 4th place. He was excited!

On a side note, I was also excited to find out that our newly appointed prophet, Pres Thomas S Monson is a big fan of Scouting - besides icecream and the color yellow! Tonight for home evening we read some articles from Pres. Monson. My mom recently told me that my dad was set apart as bishop in the 6o's by Pres. Monson. Interesting fact.

Our Prophet Dear

What an emotional week after finding out about the death of President Hinckley! I know that we all knew that it would come at some point but, nonetheless, it stiil is hard. This great man and prophet of God is the only prophet that all of my children have known. When we watched the funeral I realized this and the fact also that this was the first funeral that my children have been a part of. I am not really a crier but I sobbed though most of the service. My children were exceptionally reverent and I know that they felt the spirit then, as I did of the truthfulness of living prophets and of the gospel plan.

So, anyhow, I would just like to state publicly how grateful I am for EVERYTHING that I have learned from President Hinckley and I hope that I can honor his memory by standing a little taller and trying a little harder.

Ward Party

We had a nice ward Christmas party and dinner on Saturday. Todd was helping with the High Priests in the kitchen and he volunteered Brandon to help serve too. Not sure if Brandon really appreciated the assignment! Christen was the only one to visit Santa this time -- with her friend Lauren.

Big Day for Brandon

Sunday Dec 9th Brandon was ordained a Deacon by his father. We weren't sure if Grandma and Grandpa would be able to make it with the snow but we were grateful that it cleared up and they made it! It was very special and we were all very proud of Brandon. I cant believe he has grown up so much and now has this great opprotunity to serve our ward members. Afterwards, Todd's folks came over for dinner. It was great to share this day with them and also to hear more about their mission. They gave him a very special gift which was a copy of the Ellis family crest that will remind him of our family unity and he will have it for his own family someday. Thinking of how the time has passed that doesn't seem so far away!!

Yesterday (Dec 16) he passed and he did a great job. I told him he has to make sure that we are not late to church now. He said that he felt the spirit when he was doing it. Such a great boy!