We took a mini family vacation to Sea World last week. It was great! The drive there was uneventful and took about 6 hours...a bit of rain on the way down and lots of overcast skies, but it's really not a bad drive. Thanks to Hilda (GPS system, gotta love her!) we found our hotel without any difficulties. We got checked in and settled for the night, at which point everyone but me drifted off to sleep, visions of Shamu dancing in their heads. Me? Well, I don't sleep well in hotels so it was a long night!
We got up the next morning, packed our day bag, and headed for Sea World. Again, Hilda got us there quickly. It was a gorgeous day -- in the mid 80s and sunny, with just a slight breeze and some clouds every now and again. First up, visiting the seals and sea lions. (Pictures will be posted soon...right now they're still on the camera). One sea lion in particular was the model and posed non-stop for pictures. The girls got to feed the sea lions and seals...they thought it was neat to see the creatures catch the fish in their mouths, but they didn't really like the actually touching of said fish, so DH ended up helping out. After that we headed to the seal lion show...Seamore and Clyde Take Pirate Island. Clyde decided he really didn't feel like being onstage and spent most of the show swimming around. It was fun to watch the actors improvise in Clyde's absence! LOL It was a fun show.
After that we saw the penguins (so cute!) and headed to the dolphin and bird show. We really enjoyed that...and then it was on to Journey to Atlantis, where DH, A, and B all rode the ride while I took pictures, did a little window shopping, and got a lovely sunburn (yes, I made sure everyone else used sunscreen but forgot it myself!). The verdict on the ride? DH and A loved it, B did not. Then lunch...Mama's Kitchen...food was only so-so and the prices were ridiculous ($7.99 for a kids meal: hot dog, chips, raisins, and juice). After lunch we went to see the dolphins. The girls wanted to touch one but weren't able to. We saw the Shamu show -- "Believe". It was fun but we were glad we weren't sitting in the "soak zone" (the first 16 rows of the stadium!). We then saw the shark exhibit and arctic exhibit (polar bears). The girls spent some time in Shamu's Happy Harbor -- a play area for kids. It had an amazing play/climbing structure and four or five cute kids rides (amusement park rides). We did a bit of shopping and before long it was time for dinner at The Cove (backstage dinner with reserved seating for Shamu Rocks -- the nighttime show).
Dinner was o.k. but not worth the price...we did get a few close-up views of one of the orcas. "Shamu Rocks" is an incredible show -- we all loved every minute of it (including the awesome pre-show music) and the cutest part was the little baby orca that tried to splash the audience. It may have splashed one person, but certainly not 16 rows like it's mama! But it was so cute. We then watched the nighttime water/fireworks show (Mistify) and headed out of the park.
The next day we went to Aquatica, Sea World's brand new water slide park. Little did we know it was grand opening day, so it was completely packed! Fortunately the park is laid out really well so it never felt like it was filled to capacity. The white sand beach is lovely and the two kids' areas are fantastic. The girls enjoyed some water slides and we all really enjoyed Roa Rapids -- a lazy river on steroids! It was so much fun. The food was yummy and A got to ride a water slide that was partially in a clear tube that went through a dolphin pond. That was cool. Unfortunately, we all got sunburns so we left around 3:30.
We went to dinner at one of my favorite places -- Tony Roma's. I haven't been there since we left Alaska! It was SO yummy. While we were there it started to rain really, really hard so we were glad we weren't at the water park or Sea World.
The next morning we headed back to Sea World to see the sea lion show again (this time it went very well and all performers stayed on stage, LOL!). The pre-show mime is SO hilarious -- if you go to the show you have got to get there at least 15 minutes to see the mime. The girls finally got to touch the dolphins (they were so excited!), and we also saw baby dolphins in the dolphin nursery, sea turtles, manatees (we couldn't stop singing "Barbara Manatee" from Veggie Tales), sting rays, and assorted other creatures. We did some shopping and headed out around 1:00. We drove by the Orlando Temple (again, thanks to Hilda who helped us find it) and then hit the road to head back to reality around 2 p.m. It was perfect timing as it started to rain as we got on the road to head home and rained almost the entire way home.
It was so much fun -- we really had a great time and it was nice to have a few days away to relax and recharge. A few tips for anyone planning a trip to Sea World:
1. Food and beverages are expensive in the park (and the water in the water fountains tastes a bit funny) -- bring your own water and a few snacks.
2. Wear sunscreen and reapply often! We're all finally over the painful part of the sunburns and into the peeling part. Gross.
3. Take more money for food than you think you'll need. Lunch for 4 was $45 (at Aquatica it was $50) and the dinner combination we did (buffet with reserved seating for the nighttime show) was $120. Ice cream bars are $3.25, sodas are also around $3, a ham roll-up was $8 (with no chips or drink). Food at Sea World is more expensive that Disney World.
4. Wear sunscreen and reapply often!
5. Be prepared for crowds. The walkways aren't as wide as those at Disney World and the park isn't laid out as well -- I kept getting lost (not hard for me to do, LOL). It gets really, really crowded and lots of the walkways are narrow.
6. Did I mention wear sunscreen and reapply often? A hat and sunglasses are also must-haves...poor B's eyelids and scalp got sunburned at the water park from not wearing her hat and sunglasses.
7. Have fun!!!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Home from Oz
We're home from Oz! We survived the trip there and back in fairly good shape. The play went really well and even included some backstage hijinks by a couple of cast members (not our daughter!). The play ended up being a family affair for us, as B and DH worked the concession stand for one performance, DH was a "backstage bouncer" for another performance and during the downtime between shows, B helped out and hung around backstage most of the time (when she wasn't watching the show or helping at the concession stand), and I was backstage for all performances doing hair and makeup. Of course, A was on stage the entire time and was amazing. Absolutely amazing!! We all had a great time but were definitely tired, in every possible way, when it was all over. We're still trying to recover!
And in other good news, B's soccer team won their game on Saturday! We are so excited -- her first team win! YEA! Doing the happy dance!
Easter was lovely -- the weather was beautiful and perfect. Some friends from another ward joined our ward choir to help with out musical numbers for Sacrament Meeting. It was so nice to see good friends that I don't get to see nearly often enough. I wish they were in our ward...
Report cards come out this week and we expect wonderful grades from both girls, as usual. Then spring break and our upcoming trip to Sea World. It will be nice to get away for just a few days and have some time to relax and reconnect as a family after the busy-ness of the last few weeks and the upcoming continued busy-ness. A's softball season starts this week, with B's soccer season going on. So the craziness isn't letting up yet, but it will be nice to have a short break from it!
I'll post pictures soon...
And in other good news, B's soccer team won their game on Saturday! We are so excited -- her first team win! YEA! Doing the happy dance!
Easter was lovely -- the weather was beautiful and perfect. Some friends from another ward joined our ward choir to help with out musical numbers for Sacrament Meeting. It was so nice to see good friends that I don't get to see nearly often enough. I wish they were in our ward...
Report cards come out this week and we expect wonderful grades from both girls, as usual. Then spring break and our upcoming trip to Sea World. It will be nice to get away for just a few days and have some time to relax and reconnect as a family after the busy-ness of the last few weeks and the upcoming continued busy-ness. A's softball season starts this week, with B's soccer season going on. So the craziness isn't letting up yet, but it will be nice to have a short break from it!
I'll post pictures soon...
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Stayin' Alive...
I know, it's been quite some time since my last update. I'm sorry! Life has been, as usual, insanely busy. I finished a two-week class for work (8 hours a day in class, plus homework and tests -- yuck), and A and I are now in full prep mode for her school play this week. She has the lead and I am in charge of hair and makeup(cast of approximately 50 kids -- thank goodness there will be several people helping). On Saturday, she and I helped paint scenery and props and hemmed new stage curtains. I now have muscles that hurt that I didn't even know existed! The play is coming together well and A is doing a beautiful job in her part. She'll even be singing a solo!
B's soccer season has started and she is enjoying it. She has really improved and is getting more aggressive. She isn't turning cartwheels on the soccer field during the games, either (at least not yet, LOL!). My friend J's husband is coaching the team again. It's a lot of fun for B to have soccer with her friend Jenny. B is also frantically reading everything she can get her hands on to rack up AR (accelerated reader) points at school. AR is a reading incentive program. We're having a hard time finding books that are challenging enough for B at her reading level, but still age appropriate. Suggestions are always welcome! B is also keeping busy with dance and gymnastics. She can now do back and front walkovers and has almost mastered back handsprings. To be that limber again!!!
A is also taking private saxophone lessons from a man at church. He offered to give her free lessons and she is enjoying them. He plays professionally and will be able to provide so much more for her than the school band does. It's fun to hear her play pop songs that we actually recognize!
M's basketball season is over and it's wonderful to have him at home more. Things are crazy for me at work as we're in another huge source selection, which means lots of extra hours for me. But I love doing it.
We are going to Sea World over spring break and are really looking forward to the break. We need it! We're also going to the new water park at Sea World -- Aquatica -- we'll be sure to provide a full report! We can't wait for the break. We're also excited about going to Panama City Beach with my parents and some of my family in April for a few days. My sister A and her family are coming down from Alaska, and we can't wait to see them.
All in all, life is good...just incredibly busy!
B's soccer season has started and she is enjoying it. She has really improved and is getting more aggressive. She isn't turning cartwheels on the soccer field during the games, either (at least not yet, LOL!). My friend J's husband is coaching the team again. It's a lot of fun for B to have soccer with her friend Jenny. B is also frantically reading everything she can get her hands on to rack up AR (accelerated reader) points at school. AR is a reading incentive program. We're having a hard time finding books that are challenging enough for B at her reading level, but still age appropriate. Suggestions are always welcome! B is also keeping busy with dance and gymnastics. She can now do back and front walkovers and has almost mastered back handsprings. To be that limber again!!!
A is also taking private saxophone lessons from a man at church. He offered to give her free lessons and she is enjoying them. He plays professionally and will be able to provide so much more for her than the school band does. It's fun to hear her play pop songs that we actually recognize!
M's basketball season is over and it's wonderful to have him at home more. Things are crazy for me at work as we're in another huge source selection, which means lots of extra hours for me. But I love doing it.
We are going to Sea World over spring break and are really looking forward to the break. We need it! We're also going to the new water park at Sea World -- Aquatica -- we'll be sure to provide a full report! We can't wait for the break. We're also excited about going to Panama City Beach with my parents and some of my family in April for a few days. My sister A and her family are coming down from Alaska, and we can't wait to see them.
All in all, life is good...just incredibly busy!
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Another week....
DH and the girls were out of school this week...unfortunately they all got colds and spent the latter half of the week feeling puny, sniffly, sneezy, cough-y, and tired. So much fun at our house! I, on the other hand, still had to work and put in a few late nights at the office.
B's first soccer practice for the spring season was this week. We are all hoping for a great season. She is on the same team as her friend Jenny, whose Dad is one of the coaches. Soccer practice really wore B out on Tuesday...she said she's very out of shape. LOL
A is starting private saxophone lessons today. We have a professional musician in our ward at church who plays several instruments. He was trying to put a ward band together -- it went really well at first and the band played at the ward Christmas party and did a great job -- but since then, only him, A, me, and one other guy have shown up for weekly rehearsals. So we decided to put the band on hold and he offered to give Alyssa free lessons. She's SO bored with band class at school...we're hoping this will be fun for her. Today is also registration for the spring softball season, so we need to get that taken care of.
It has been rainy a lot over the past week but we really need the rain so I can't complain...although the overcast skies do get really dreary. Today the sun is shining so maybe our yard will dry out!
I've been working on organizing our Spring Break trip to SeaWorld. It will be a short trip (about 3 days) but it should be fun. I think I've got everything figured out, but I need to make the hotel reservations. SeaWorld is opening a new water park on March 1 so we're going to include that in our visit. I'm excited about it!
I'm going to be in school (for work) for the next two weeks. The campus is only about 10 minutes from home, but it looks like I'll be going in to the office most days when class is over......things are really crazy busy at work right now.
I'm still keeping an eye on the political situation...the Democratic race is getting more interesting by the day. It will be interesting to see how that plays out. I was surprised and disappointed that Romney came out in support of McCain so quickly -- I didn't expect that to happen until after McCain officially won the nomination. I'm trying to figure out why Romney did it...I have a few thoughts.
I still feel very strongly that I cannot vote for McCain. I have always voted along straight party lines, but am really wondering what to do this year. No, I will not vote for Hillary or Obama, but I also do not feel that I can support McCain. I haven't seen/heard of any great independent candidates, and since Romney through his support to McCain, I can't do a write-in vote for Romney. What to do?
I think this is the year of voting against...not voting for. The conservative Republicans will vote for McCain -- not because they support McCain or even really want him as president, but because they are voting AGAINST the Democrats. Many Democrats and independents will vote for whoever the Democratic candidate is because they are voting AGAINST Bush, and therefore against any Republican. I really think the Democrats will win because the anti-Bush/anti-war sentiment is so strong.
And the primary voting...good grief people...I cannot understand people who vote for Hillary on the sole grounds that she is a woman...for Obama on the sole grounds that he is African-American...and even among those of my own religion, those who voted for Romney on the sole grounds that he is Mormon. Granted, knowing that Romney is a Mormon gives me a good undertanding of his values, but Sen. Harry Reid (D) is a Mormon and there is no way on earth that I would ever vote for that man.
As for those voting for Hillary because she's a woman and Obama because he's African-American, I just have one thing to say. What sense is there in voting for a candidate because of something that is genetic, over which they have absolutely no control? Please. Take time to research the issues, their positions, their experience, etc.....and make an informed choice based on something other than genetics!
B's first soccer practice for the spring season was this week. We are all hoping for a great season. She is on the same team as her friend Jenny, whose Dad is one of the coaches. Soccer practice really wore B out on Tuesday...she said she's very out of shape. LOL
A is starting private saxophone lessons today. We have a professional musician in our ward at church who plays several instruments. He was trying to put a ward band together -- it went really well at first and the band played at the ward Christmas party and did a great job -- but since then, only him, A, me, and one other guy have shown up for weekly rehearsals. So we decided to put the band on hold and he offered to give Alyssa free lessons. She's SO bored with band class at school...we're hoping this will be fun for her. Today is also registration for the spring softball season, so we need to get that taken care of.
It has been rainy a lot over the past week but we really need the rain so I can't complain...although the overcast skies do get really dreary. Today the sun is shining so maybe our yard will dry out!
I've been working on organizing our Spring Break trip to SeaWorld. It will be a short trip (about 3 days) but it should be fun. I think I've got everything figured out, but I need to make the hotel reservations. SeaWorld is opening a new water park on March 1 so we're going to include that in our visit. I'm excited about it!
I'm going to be in school (for work) for the next two weeks. The campus is only about 10 minutes from home, but it looks like I'll be going in to the office most days when class is over......things are really crazy busy at work right now.
I'm still keeping an eye on the political situation...the Democratic race is getting more interesting by the day. It will be interesting to see how that plays out. I was surprised and disappointed that Romney came out in support of McCain so quickly -- I didn't expect that to happen until after McCain officially won the nomination. I'm trying to figure out why Romney did it...I have a few thoughts.
I still feel very strongly that I cannot vote for McCain. I have always voted along straight party lines, but am really wondering what to do this year. No, I will not vote for Hillary or Obama, but I also do not feel that I can support McCain. I haven't seen/heard of any great independent candidates, and since Romney through his support to McCain, I can't do a write-in vote for Romney. What to do?
I think this is the year of voting against...not voting for. The conservative Republicans will vote for McCain -- not because they support McCain or even really want him as president, but because they are voting AGAINST the Democrats. Many Democrats and independents will vote for whoever the Democratic candidate is because they are voting AGAINST Bush, and therefore against any Republican. I really think the Democrats will win because the anti-Bush/anti-war sentiment is so strong.
And the primary voting...good grief people...I cannot understand people who vote for Hillary on the sole grounds that she is a woman...for Obama on the sole grounds that he is African-American...and even among those of my own religion, those who voted for Romney on the sole grounds that he is Mormon. Granted, knowing that Romney is a Mormon gives me a good undertanding of his values, but Sen. Harry Reid (D) is a Mormon and there is no way on earth that I would ever vote for that man.
As for those voting for Hillary because she's a woman and Obama because he's African-American, I just have one thing to say. What sense is there in voting for a candidate because of something that is genetic, over which they have absolutely no control? Please. Take time to research the issues, their positions, their experience, etc.....and make an informed choice based on something other than genetics!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Valentine's Day
Happy Valentine's Day to all! A went to her first school dance tonight. I think she had a great time with her friends. I chaperoned...and don't care to ever do that again. I only knew one of the songs they played and it was SO loud -- not just the music, but the never-ending squealing and screaming of some of those kids. Yikes! And can I just say that I am so grateful that my daughter dresses modestly and doesn't give us a hard time about it? She looked beautiful and didn't have to worry at all about her dress falling down, body parts poking out that shouldn't be poking out, super short skirts that showed what's underneath if she wasn't careful, etc., etc., etc.
Here are a couple of pictures of my sweet A, and the corsage her friend (yes, just a friend) B gave her.
In other news, DH's basketball team lost their game tonight, which means his basketball season is over. I know they wanted to do better in the regional tournament than they did, so they're disappointed.
B got to spend Valentine's Day evening with Grandma, Papa, Erin, Thomas, and Nicholas. I hope they all had fun together. The girls are now out of school tomorrow and the following week, which will be a nice break for them. I wish I was off work! I could use the break!
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Missing in Action...
Yes, we're still here. It has been an interesting week and a half...busy, as always. But up until Super Tuesday this week, I really didn't have anything to say. (You can pick your jaws up off the floor now!) Trust me, I have a lot to say about Super Tuesday, the fallout from Super Tuesday, and the upcoming election, but I'm still working on composing that post.
A did really well in the Regional Science Fair -- she got a first place ribbon and won two other awards, including a $50 cash award. Being the overachiever, ultra-competitive person she is, she was very disappointed that her project wasn't selected to go to the State competition. But she still did a great job on her project and we're really proud of her. We got some pictures of her with her project and I need to post those. This week is the Valentine Dance at her school and she's really excited to be going with a group of friends. I'll be chaperoning the dance (fun for me...). We found her a really cute dress that needed only minor alterations and little sweater/shrug to make it fit and be modest, and it looks great on her. It's hard to believe she's really growing up so quickly...
B's school had an Art Extravaganza this week, and all of the students had artwork on display. B's grade level did pottery pieces. B's piece is lovely. I'll post a picture of it when they let the kids bring their art home from school. She's been reading everything she can get her hands on lately! It's hard to believe that just a little over a year ago we literally had to force her to read...now we almost have to force her to stop! LOL
DH's basketball season is almost over. His freshman team ended with the best record in the school district and the varsity season is also almost over. Another week, maybe two, and he'll be done. Just about a month, though, until A's rec league softball season starts and DH will be helping to coach her team. And B's spring soccer season starts soon, too. Busy, busy, busy.
It's an amazingly gorgeous 67+ degrees outside today, with a light breeze. It's hard to believe it's February! Of course, the dead grass is a giveaway that it's still winter, but as I was running errands this morning I saw some blooming Japanese Magnolias (love those trees!) and a few paperwhites...so it shouldn't be long before spring arrives.
A did really well in the Regional Science Fair -- she got a first place ribbon and won two other awards, including a $50 cash award. Being the overachiever, ultra-competitive person she is, she was very disappointed that her project wasn't selected to go to the State competition. But she still did a great job on her project and we're really proud of her. We got some pictures of her with her project and I need to post those. This week is the Valentine Dance at her school and she's really excited to be going with a group of friends. I'll be chaperoning the dance (fun for me...). We found her a really cute dress that needed only minor alterations and little sweater/shrug to make it fit and be modest, and it looks great on her. It's hard to believe she's really growing up so quickly...
B's school had an Art Extravaganza this week, and all of the students had artwork on display. B's grade level did pottery pieces. B's piece is lovely. I'll post a picture of it when they let the kids bring their art home from school. She's been reading everything she can get her hands on lately! It's hard to believe that just a little over a year ago we literally had to force her to read...now we almost have to force her to stop! LOL
DH's basketball season is almost over. His freshman team ended with the best record in the school district and the varsity season is also almost over. Another week, maybe two, and he'll be done. Just about a month, though, until A's rec league softball season starts and DH will be helping to coach her team. And B's spring soccer season starts soon, too. Busy, busy, busy.
It's an amazingly gorgeous 67+ degrees outside today, with a light breeze. It's hard to believe it's February! Of course, the dead grass is a giveaway that it's still winter, but as I was running errands this morning I saw some blooming Japanese Magnolias (love those trees!) and a few paperwhites...so it shouldn't be long before spring arrives.
Monday, January 28, 2008
We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet
President Gordon B. Hinckley, prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, passed away last night (http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/beloved-church-president-gordon-b-hinckley-dies-at-97). He was 97 years old.
President Hinckley lived a long, full life and spent nearly all of it in service to Heavenly Father. He had been the prophet since 1995, and is the only prophet my girls have ever known. His leadership, love and compassion, and sense of humor endeared him to many, members and non-members alike. He was responsible for building so many temples, including the Anchorage, Alaska temple, which I must admit is my favorite (because we got to see it being built from the ground up!). I still remember how excited and thrilled we were in Anchorage when it was announced that we would be getting a temple. I remember President Hinckley coming to Anchorage for a regional conference. I was singing in the choir and was able to see him very clearly. We were so excited to have the prophet in Alaska!
In recent years President Hinckley had given us the "Six Be's" (later expanded to include more)...be prayerful, be grateful, be humble, be smart, be clean, be true. Wise counsel, indeed. More recently, he counseled us to get out of debt, establish financial reserves, and continue working on food storage. I have felt a strong, compelling need lately to work on those things and am glad that I am following his counsel.
While he will be greatly missed, it is comforting to know that he is now reunited with his sweet wife, Marjorie, who he loved so much. It was always touching to hear him talk about her. It was obvious that they loved each other very deeply. If more marriages had just a small amount of that type of love, divorce rates would drop drastically and families would be much happier.
It is also comforting to know that this is the Lord's church and He will not leave us without a leader. I am thankful for the established pattern of succession and the knowledge that the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are all called of God and will, until such time as the new prophet is set apart, continue to lead the church in the way God would have it led. Last Sunday in church, our ward choir sang "We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet"...what sweet and strange significance that hymn holds in my heart today. I am so thankful for the priesthood, for the knowledge that I have that God continues to lead us through our prophet, just as in biblical times.
Yesterday we had stake conference, and it was a broadcast from Salt Lake City. President Monson spoke and was not at all himself...his remarks seemed a bit rambling, more reminiscent than he usually is, and he seemed quite preoccupied. He kept looking at the clock. I wonder now if he knew President Hinckley's time was short and wanted to be at his side and with the Hinckley family. Each prophet has had a distinct focus (or two or three), and I wonder what President Monson's focus will be. One comment made by President Monson in his remarks yesterday really caught my attention -- he said we should take advantage of opportunities to share our testimonies, including in internet blogs. (I was impressed that President Monson even know what an internet blog was, LOL!)
President Hinckley will be missed, and I am sad that he has passed away. But there is comfort in knowing that he is with his wife, and is happy. And, knowing how active and busy he was, even at 97 years old (he had a full schedule in his office last week!), I imagine he is already busy at work where is now!
President Hinckley lived a long, full life and spent nearly all of it in service to Heavenly Father. He had been the prophet since 1995, and is the only prophet my girls have ever known. His leadership, love and compassion, and sense of humor endeared him to many, members and non-members alike. He was responsible for building so many temples, including the Anchorage, Alaska temple, which I must admit is my favorite (because we got to see it being built from the ground up!). I still remember how excited and thrilled we were in Anchorage when it was announced that we would be getting a temple. I remember President Hinckley coming to Anchorage for a regional conference. I was singing in the choir and was able to see him very clearly. We were so excited to have the prophet in Alaska!
In recent years President Hinckley had given us the "Six Be's" (later expanded to include more)...be prayerful, be grateful, be humble, be smart, be clean, be true. Wise counsel, indeed. More recently, he counseled us to get out of debt, establish financial reserves, and continue working on food storage. I have felt a strong, compelling need lately to work on those things and am glad that I am following his counsel.
While he will be greatly missed, it is comforting to know that he is now reunited with his sweet wife, Marjorie, who he loved so much. It was always touching to hear him talk about her. It was obvious that they loved each other very deeply. If more marriages had just a small amount of that type of love, divorce rates would drop drastically and families would be much happier.
It is also comforting to know that this is the Lord's church and He will not leave us without a leader. I am thankful for the established pattern of succession and the knowledge that the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are all called of God and will, until such time as the new prophet is set apart, continue to lead the church in the way God would have it led. Last Sunday in church, our ward choir sang "We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet"...what sweet and strange significance that hymn holds in my heart today. I am so thankful for the priesthood, for the knowledge that I have that God continues to lead us through our prophet, just as in biblical times.
Yesterday we had stake conference, and it was a broadcast from Salt Lake City. President Monson spoke and was not at all himself...his remarks seemed a bit rambling, more reminiscent than he usually is, and he seemed quite preoccupied. He kept looking at the clock. I wonder now if he knew President Hinckley's time was short and wanted to be at his side and with the Hinckley family. Each prophet has had a distinct focus (or two or three), and I wonder what President Monson's focus will be. One comment made by President Monson in his remarks yesterday really caught my attention -- he said we should take advantage of opportunities to share our testimonies, including in internet blogs. (I was impressed that President Monson even know what an internet blog was, LOL!)
President Hinckley will be missed, and I am sad that he has passed away. But there is comfort in knowing that he is with his wife, and is happy. And, knowing how active and busy he was, even at 97 years old (he had a full schedule in his office last week!), I imagine he is already busy at work where is now!
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