Stately and Magnificent

The beautiful Kansas City Missouri Temple was dedicated this weekend.  It was truly a monumental event.   I have looked forward with great anticipation to this temple's completion since October 2008 when President Monson first announced it would be built.  What a privilege it was to attend a dedicatory session within the temple walls.  Tomorrow the doors will open to worthy recommend-holding Latter-day Saints.  I feel so blessed to daily walk the halls of this historical and sacred edifice.

Here's a great news report with photos and videos:

http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/president-monson-dedicates-kansas-city-missouri-mormon-temple

The Circle of Life

I was a bit surprised to see that I haven't updated my blog since May of 2011, especially when I have such exciting news to share!

David is engaged to his sweetheart, Meegan Ann Lineback. They will be married on Saturday, June 9th, in the new Kansas City Missouri Temple. I may be a bit biased, but I've never seen a more perfect couple....and so good looking!

We love Meegan and couldn't be happier with David's choice. The two of them seem to be made for each other.

Thirty two years ago, I was assigned to live in BYU's apartment style dorms (Heritage Halls) with five other girls who I had never met before. One of my roommates was Kelly Mitchell, a fun bubbly girl from Lancaster, California. I ended up living with Kelly for three years and-- along with a handful of other BYU roommates--we have become life-long friends. I was there the night she met her husband Mark. I was there on her wedding day. She was at the airport the day I left for my mission. Upon graduating from BYU, she headed to the midwest to attend dental school and start a career and family. I took my first post-college job in southern California where all four of our children were born. For years, Kelly and I lived separate lives in different states, but we continued to exchange annual updates through Christmas cards and photos of our young families.

Then in 1999, my husband received a job offer that would take our family to Kansas. I knew just the person to call, my old college roommate, Kelly. She set us up with a great realtor, a cute house, and an entourage of friends. At times we thought it was just too crazy how we both ended up in Kansas, of all places!

What's even crazier is that somewhere along the way, my son fell completely in love with her daughter and now they are going to start a family of their own. I can't help but think that Meegan may be the reason we moved to Kansas in the first place. She has made my son so happy, and I am extremely grateful to Kelly and Mark for doing a fabulous job raising their girls. This one, in particular, is very special to us.

The happy couple has one more year at BYU and then they head off to dental school.

The "circle of life" continues.

Missionary Farewell

Daniel was set apart by our Stake President, Ken Ross, on Tuesday, May 24th.

Return with honor, Elder.

All set to go - 4:15 a.m. on Wednesday, May 25th

Elder Daniel Drake is on his way!

Jessie's High School Graduation

On May 15th, we attended the high school graduation for our baby girl, Jessie. She's been attending BYU for the past semester, but returned home to walk with her class at commencement exercises. Congratulations, Jessie! We love you!

It was a cold and rainy morning...just like the day he was born. On Saturday, May 14th, Daniel received his endowments at the St. Louis Temple in preparation for his mission. We are so proud of this worthy young man and his righteous decisions.

Mother and Son

Father and Son

Twins?

Our handsome missionary

May Visiting Teaching Gift

Like I've said before, I like to take a little something to

each of the Sisters I visit teach.

For the month of May, I'm giving them a little bookmark

made from this printable I found here:

The cute vintage kids at the bottom are the early years "Campbell Soup Kids".

Adorable!

With these "Mothers' Day" and "SOUP" themed bookmarks,

I'm going to give them each a copy of Chicken Soup for the Mothers' Soul.

Shhh...I found NEW hardback copies on Amazon.com for around $2.00 each!

(Suggested retail was $24.00)

Gift du jour!

Whatdaya think?

Itinerary

Tomorrow, Jessie and I leave for a mother-daughter trip to the Western Caribbean aboard the Crown Princess. I'm just a little excited about our itinerary.

4/29/11 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA

4/30/11 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA

5/1/11 At Sea

5/2/11 Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

5/3/11 Island of Roatan, Honduras

5/4/11 Island of Cozumel, Mexico

5/5/11 At Sea

5/6/11 Princess Cays, Bahamas

5/7/11 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA

5/8/11 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA

Get off your keister; it's time for EASTER!

Easter weekend brought our four college kids home from Utah and my niece and her family down from Omaha. It was wonderful to have a house full of family and all that comes with it.

Friday night we enjoyed dinner together (grilled Italian chicken breasts, rice pilaf, oven-roasted vegies, homemade french bread, and ice cream) and then played Cranium for hours. It was so fun having the family together again.

Jennie and Jess with the Easter Bunny (Daniel)

Crazy Easter Bunny jumped right into David's arms.

Everyone was a huge help in pulling off the big Easter egg hunt and picnic on Saturday. We ended up having about 150 people in attendance with around 60 (under age 12) kids participating in the hunt. It took a chunk of the morning to hide the 750 plus eggs; no way I could have done it alone. Daniel did a fabulous job as the Easter bunny...skipping across the field, hiding behind a tree, and just totally playing up the part. Dana entertained the youth (12 to 17 year olds) with a pinata busting.

The Easter Bunny takes a swing.

James' turn.

Candy, cash, and gift cards!

There was plenty of good food and fun. The only thing I would have changed was the weather. Thankfully, it didn't rain, but the wind was kicking and made for chilly temperatures. Who would have thought that this late in April we'd need to wear winter parkas?!!?

Baylie and my blanket keeping me warm.

Saturday afternoon, "the girls" and I went on a shopping spree, while the guys hung out, watched, sports, played ultimate frisbee, and did what guys do. For dinner, we whipped up some burgers, fries, and fresh fruit salad with homemade chocolate chip cookies for dessert.

Charlotte in her Easter outfit.

Charlotte with Mommy...all ready for church.

Charlotte with Daddy

Easter Sunday was perfect! We all attended a wonderful church meeting together filled with inspiring music and words. Afterwards, we sat down as a family for an Easter feast including glazed ham, cheesy potatoes, green beans, carrots, homemade rolls, and Easter chocolates. Candice, Craig, and little Charlotte had to head back to Omaha shortly after and we were sad to see them go.

Watching Craig, Candice, and Charlotte drive off.

I love spring time and the newness of life associated with this time of year. I love baby chicks, egg hunts, colorful blossoms, soft bunnies, jelly beans, rain showers, cute baskets, chocolate bunnies, and all the rest. Most of all, I love knowing that death has been conquered; that Jesus Christ overcame temporal death and that He lives. Knowing that I will once again be with those I love and miss gives me a great feeling of hope, joy, and happiness.

Happy Easter everyone!

Two weeks and a day

They say that if you live in Utah, it takes two weeks to receive your mission call and it always arrives on Wednesday. What a disappointment it was when the mail never showed up yesterday.

But today; it came!

It was perfect timing too, because Daniel had already planned on attending a "cousin get-together" this evening with his sibs and cousins from both sides of the family. Mom and Dad were skyped in on one computer while Uncle Craig and Aunt Carolyn were skyped in on another. Grandparents were conferenced in. (It's kind of a big deal.)

When everyone was ready and all was silent, he opened the letter and read aloud:

"Dear Elder Drake, you are hereby called to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Texas Houston South Mission....You will prepare to teach the gospel in the Spanish language."

Daniel reports to the Mission Training Center on May 25th, so there is much to do in six weeks.

More information was sent including a bio on his mission president, a map of the mission, a list of items to purchase/pack and a check list of what he needs to get done in the next six weeks as he prepares to report.

This is his young mission president and wife. They are parents of six children (she's expecting number seven) and are from North Salt Lake. Their current home and the mission office are both in Craig and Carolyn's ward (my brother and sister-in-law) in Sugarland, Texas. President and Sister Saylin are native Californians--my kind of people!

Gregory Mark Saylin, 40, and Jennifer Ashleigh Hilbig Saylin, six children, Texas Houston South Mission; Woodbriar Ward, North Salt Lake Utah Stake. Brother Saylin is a counselor in the stake presidency and a former high councilor, elders quorum president, ward executive secretary, ward mission leader and missionary in the Argentina Rosario Mission. Partner, Double G Development, Inc. Born in Torrance, Calif., to Brian Geoffrey and Rose Marie Saylin. Sister Saylin is a ward Young Women adviser and a former ward Relief Society president and teacher, counselor in ward Young Women presidencies, Primary music leader and missionary in the England Bristol Mission. Born in Duarte, Calif., to Keith Karlton and Susan Rae Hilbig.

CONGRATULATIONS, Daniel!

We love you!!!

Left to right: (Back row) Chris Drake, Rachel Drake, Rebecca Ricks, David Drake, Jonathan Cheney, Daniel Drake; (middle row) Jen Drake, Kristi Cheney Teshima, Lisa Cheney, Dana & Colleen Drake on Skype, Ashley Cheney, Jessie Cheney Smith; (front row) Jessie Drake, Kelly Cheney, Evan Teshima, Carolyn & Craig Cheney on Skype.

Becca, David, Daniel, Jen, Jessie

Visiting Teaching Conference

For our Visiting Teaching Conference this year, we decided to do something light and fun. I found a cute "ant-themed" idea online at The Idea Door and tweeked it to meet our needs.

For the invitations, I envisioned red gingham for sure, but I could NOT find cute ant stamps anywhere in town...and I didn't have time to order new ones. I contacted two friends in my ward (congregation), who I know have just about every rubber stamp made under the sun, to see if they had any cute "picnic ant" stamps like this one I found here:

Kerry told me she had just a plain tiny ant stamp. I said "Perfect! I'll take it!" I was planning to pair it with a large fruit stamp anyway, and I knew just the one! I found this adorable watermelon stamp on clearance at Hobby Lobby. Using the two stamps together, I made these simple invitations:

And these envelopes:

Here's a closeup of the outside:

And the inside:

Once the invitations were done, I started having fun finding more "ant" and/or "watermelon" themed ideas. Look at these adorable cupcakes I found on this website:

I decided to skip the coconut and just use a "grass" icing tip. The fruit candy was ordered online here, but I had to add my own "seeds" with black icing.

I also found these cute giant ants at Hobby Lobby (they are actually salt and pepper shakers) and picked up three sets for our display table which included a red gingham tablecloth, picnic basket, etc.

For "handouts" we attached a cellophane bag full of chocolate covered raisins (ants) to the poem and calendar found here and placed them in this cute picnic basket:

Here's our program:

RELIEF SOCIETY PRESIDENT - Welcome to our Visiting Teaching Conference. We are so grateful to have all of you here today. This is an annual event for all the sisters in our entire Relief Society. For the past couple of years, we have made an effort to present a very spiritual program...blah, blah, blah

(INTERRUPTED BY ANTS)

Seven "ANTS" enter the room marching and singing. They’re wearing all black clothing and black antennas. They march to the front and sit down holding their poster board sign. (For the seven ants, we used the remaining members of our RS Presidency and our Visiting Teaching Supervisors.)

SONG; SUNG TO THE TUNE OF “THE ANTS GO MARCHING"

The Ants go marching two by two horrah, horrah

The Ants go marching two by two horrah, horrah

The Ants go marching two by two ‘cause that’s what Visiting Teachers do.

And we all go marching out, to the homes, of the sisters, that we love

Boom boom boom boom boom boom boom boom

The ants go marching two by two horrah, horrah…

(repeat as long as needed then fade out)

This is a photo of some of our "ANT" signs. I just printed them on standard 8 1/2 x 11 paper from the computer and then glue-sticked them to card stock. We glued the song lyrics, speaking parts, and quotes to the back just in case we needed reminders.

Story told by Relief Society President:

There once was a community of ants, and within that community was an LDS ward of ants, and within that ward, was a RELIEF SOCIETY of ants, and in that Relief Society were seven sister ants named:

1. “Persist-Ant” (Persist-Ant stands up, holds her sign and says “I never give up!”)

2 “Observ-Ant” (Observ-Ant stands, holds up her sign and says “ I always notice what my sisters need.”)

3. “Pleas-Ant” (Pleas-Ant stands up, holds her sign and says “I just love Visiting Teaching. I so enjoy being around the other sisters!”

4. “Dilig-Ant” (Dilig-Ant stands up, holds her sign and says, “I take my assignment very seriously. I read the lesson on the first of every month so I have lots of time to ponder it. I also have a standing appointment with my sisters.”

5. “Obedi-Ant” (Obedi-Ant stands up, holds her sign and says, “We just do our Visiting Teaching every month no matter what because that’s what we’re supposed to do.”

6 “Serv-Ant.” (Serv-Ant stands up, holds her sign and says, “I love to serve the women in the ward. Christ said, ‘When ye have done it unto the least of these…ye have done it unto me. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for my Savior.”

7. “Ignor-Ant” (Ignor-Ant just sits there clueless in a daydream.) Relief Society President repeats, “IGNOR ANT!” “What?

Every month the sister ants would march out of their ant hill two by two to go to Visiting Teaching. You could always tell who was who even though they looked very much alike. (Each ant stands and acts her part in turn.)

Persist-Ant was always the first to get her visiting teaching done. She wasn’t easily discouraged when plans fell through. She would reschedule, send a note, make a phone call, or even drop by with a home baked treat just so her sister’s knew they were loved. Persist Ant never gave up on her sisters, even if they weren’t easy to get in touch with.

Observ-Ant was very aware of the needs of her sisters. She could tell when they needed an extra hug or phone call. She noticed when they weren’t at church and always let them know that they were missed. Observ-ant noticed details and it enabled her to better love those she served.

Pleas-Ant was easy to pick out. She always wore a big bright smile. Everybody knew and liked Pleas Ant because she was so fun to be around. Her sisters looked forward to her visits because they knew how pleasant she was…always leaving them in a better mood.

Dilig-Ant was so effective in her assignment., she worked harder than anyone! She was so diligent that she not only read the Visiting Teaching message, she would read the whole Ensign. No matter what assignment she was given, she always did a good job.

Obedi-Ant lived the gospel. She was a wonderful example because she applied the gospel teachings and actually practiced what she preached. Her example of obedience was an inspiration to the sisters she visited.

Serv-Ant was often quiet but always doing something for others. She would help with housework, offer rides to the doctor, volunteer to watch little ones, read to the elderly, and more. Serv-Ant never wanted to be thanked or repaid for anything she did. She truly enjoyed serving others. When others would ask why she was so happy, she told them it was because helping others made her happy.

Finally, there was ignorant. She didn’t have a clue. “What?”

Sisters, this is just a cute fictional story. Even so, I’m sure we each see a little bit of ourselves in every one of these examples. I want to complim-ANT all of you who are already doing an excell-ANT job in your assignm-ANT. Please remember that as a Visiting Teacher, you are "Import-Ant' (hold up sign). Today, you may want to ask yourself which kind of ANT are you. Maybe you are a combination of several of these. Most importantly, what kind of ANT do you want to BECOME?

VISITING TEACHING COORDINATOR:

(Each ant stands as her name and description are given. Then she reads her quote.)

Persist Ant

How many of us have tried many times to reach a sister or to find her at home and then given up when they haven’t been successful a few times? Pray with your companion. Keep making appoints and keep them. Invite the sisters to Relief Society meetings and activities.

“Elder Bruce R. McConkie has so eloquently taught us that service is essential to salvation. I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do. Progress is not created by contented people. It is up to us, you and me, to be uncomfortable in complacency, to refrain from being spectators, and to be players in the game of life. The Lord has chosen His people to perform a mighty work. Our home teaching, our visiting teaching should be more than going; it should be doing with Christian love. It can be done; you can each do your portion of the work because you desire it.” Elder Russell C. Taylor, The Joy of Service, General Conference, October 1984

Observ Ant

We can observe the good in people. We need to look for the best in the sisters we visit teach. We need to see beyond the physical and try to understand her heart. Report any concerns to the Relief Society President.

"It is the individual who is not interested in his fellow men who has the greatest difficulty in life and provides the greatest injury to others. It is from such individuals that all human failures spring." -- Alfred Adler

Pleas Ant

We need to visit teach with the right attitude. It should be an experience we look forward to. Put on a smile when you go to a sister’s home! Remember her birthday and other important events in her life.

"To be successful, it seems to me that a visiting teacher would wish to have high purpose and remember it all the time, would want to have great vision, a terrific enthusiasm that cannot be worn down, a positive attitude, of course, and a great love. . ." Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball page 525

Dilig Ant

As Visiting Teachers we need to fulfill our callings to the best of our abilities. Be sure to give a message each month. We need to get to know the sisters we teach and say hello to them when we see them, sit by them in church and be their friends, not just be a once a month visitor.

“The first-line support to the families in the Church organization is priesthood home teaching and Relief Society visiting teaching. These functions provide two important services. They keep the bishop, the quorum leader, and the Relief Society president adequately informed of the physical, emotional, temporal, and spiritual condition of the membership. They also have teaching opportunities and serve as a resource to provide some of the training to the families as they prepare for self-sufficiency.” Elder L. Tom Perry, The Need to Teach Personal and Family Preparedness, General Conference, April 1981

Obedi Ant

President Brigham Young "All the sacrifice that the Lord asks of his people is strict obedience to our own covenants. Blessed are they who obey when the Lord gives a direct commandment, but more blessed are they who obey without a direct commandment. Do your visiting teaching and report your visits to your district leader.

"I hope that home teachers and visiting teachers will experience two things: first, the challenge of the responsibility that is in their great calling, and second, the sweetness of results from their work, particularly with those among us who are less active. I hope that these teachers will get on their knees and pray for direction, and then go to work to bring these wandering prodigals back into the fold of the Church. If home and visiting teachers respond to this challenge, I honestly believe that they will taste the sweet and wonderful feeling which comes of being an instrument in the hands of the Lord in leading someone back into activity in His church and kingdom.

"I am making a plea for us to reach out to our brethren and sisters who have known the beauty and the wonder of this restored gospel for a brief season and then for some reason have left it.

"May all home teachers recognize that they have an inescapable responsibility to go into the homes of the people and teach them to live the gospel principles more faithfully, to see that there is no iniquity or backbiting or evil speaking, to build faith, to see that the families are getting along temporally. That is a very serious responsibility; it really is. But it is not a heavy burden—it just takes a little more faith. It is worthy of our very best effort." (Instruments of the Lord," Ensign, March 1997.)

Serv Ant

When ye are in the service of your fellow being ye are in the service of your God. We need to go the extra mile when the need arises. Cook a meal, take her children for an afternoon, give comfort when needed. There are so many ways to serve.

“Opportunities to lose oneself for the good of others present themselves daily:… visiting teaching; time for compassionate service; giving comfort to those who need strength; serving with diligence in Church callings;… Truly, the day of sacrifice is not past.” President Ezra Taft Benson, This Is A Day Of Sacrifice, General Conference, April 1979

Ignore Ant

Finally, understand your duties as a visiting teacher. If you have questions, lds.org is a great place to turn. You also have a Visiting Teaching supervisor, Visiting Teaching Coordinator, and Relief Society President to turn to. They all want you to succeed

“I don’t know what’s going on.”

Discussion:

We decided to spend the last ten minutes or so as a question/answer period. Here are some of our discussion questions:

1. Is it ever okay to be released from a Visiting Teaching assignment or partnership?

2. Do I always need to bring a gift to my sisters when I visit? What are some thoughtful, inexpensive ideas?

3. How important is it that we share the lesson every month?

4. Should we begin and end our visit with prayer?

5. What if I can't go during the day or night when it's best for one of my sisters?

6. Is it okay to bring young children?

7. How long should we stay?

8. What if my partner can't go?

9. What should I bring?

10. What constitutes a visit? When is it okay to send a letter, e-mail, or phone call?

11. How do I report my Visiting Teaching?

12. What should I do if my partner dominates the entire visit and only talks about herself?

Have fun planning your Visiting Teaching Conference! Feel free to e-mail your ideas to me for posting on this blog at colleendrake@gmail. Thanks for visiting!