"Memories in the corner of my mind"

Here are the rules:
1. Add a comment on my blog, leave a memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you.It should be funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. I've done this on a couple of my friends blogs and it is fun to see every one's memories! Please, take the time to comment and write a memory of us!

"Do you love me, now that I can dance..."

This weekend the South Sound area put on a 12 stake dance festival! 12 stakes! At first I really thought this was going to be too big, too much time, trouble and way too much wasted money on costumes, food and renting out the Tacoma Dome! But now that it is here, I understand why. I went to the first performance last night and the dome was packed with people to see the show, members and nonmembers alike. But when all the kids from 12 stakes around the region all ran out and filled the floor to do the opening number I was giggling and wanted to cry at the same time. I was so excited for these kids. It was so fun to see them all come together knowing how much time and effort it took to put it together.
This neat, proud parent-type experience, (well, pseudo-mom, Mackay was in the front row, and his sailor costume was soooo cute) turned into a spiritual experience for me when a youth choir sang the EFY As Sister's in Zion/We'll Bring the World His Truth number. The spirit was so strong. This really is His youth, the next generation of leaders in the church. It was just amazing. My heart really was filled.
I love these kids so much(especially my nephew Mackay). I learned a new love for my YW girls this year especially at Girls Camp. I saw a small glimpse of how God sees each one of His girls and how much he loves them and wants them to be happy. Even though, Girls Camp for me was an emotional one and my patience was tried, I know I was used as an instrument in God's hand to tell my girls certain things. My group of girls at camp were some of the hardest behavior-wise, but also some of the most troubled. Truly, refugees just trying to find a safe place.
I really am learning how to share the gospel and to truly not be ashamed of the gospel of the Lord. The secret is to just be myself. Sharing myself is sharing the gospel.
I hope everyone has a good weekend. And yes, Emily, I will post photos of your sweet, lady-killer son. Man, I'm gonna miss him. I will try to get some of him in the sailor suit, you are going to die!

"And bombs bursted in air..."

Whoa, that's a lot of fireworks! After the traditional 3rd of July fireworks show at the Emerald Downs, Ben, Mackay and I headed up to the Muckelshoot Reservation to buy illegal fireworks. It was so much fun bartering and bargaining to get the best deal on this HUGE pack of cakes, rockets, shells, crackers and other showy fireworks. Ben donated some money to the cause and Mackay had a blast setting up this immaculate display and blowing off hours of fireworks. Needless to say it was a Lake Tapps 4th of July, with lots of firework shows, fun and food. Although, it was a little rainy and cloudy we still had fun--just not in the lake (it was way too cold for that).

The next day Ben and I went to the Tall Ships Festival in Tacoma with Josh and Jerusha and the kids. It was a lot of fun to see the pirate ships but it rained on us there too. Hence, the wet dog hairdo. But a little rain never stops the true Washingtonian from enjoying a good street fair.

Overall, this year's Independence Day was really fun. It was a little more relaxed than other years but I think we needed it to be.

"High on the Mountain Top"

Talk about a weekend warrior! Ben climbed Mt Adams last weekend with his brother Adam. Honestly, a part of me thinks it was just a good excuse to buy more gear from REI. But nonetheless, I am so incredibly proud of him. Mt Adams is the 2nd tallest mountain (or shall we say glacial volcano!) in the state of Washington next to majestic Mt Raineer. He climbed up 12,300 feet in elevation in a day. They left home last Friday morning and started the hike at noon and got to high camp that evening after 8 miles. They started the climb at midnight and hiked through the night. They reached the summit at 9 a.m. and back down by noon.

This was Ben and Adam's first mountain and Ben says it was the hardest thing he has ever done. But they say they will do it again. There was only one portion of the mountain that Ben said he would never do it again. But once he hit the real summit, he understood why people do this kind of thing. --The view--

I am just glad he was safe. They say this was a really good "beginner" mountain. It was steep and hard 8,000 elevation gain and 20 miles round trip but not really any crevases to fall into.

Our mountaineering friend Doran and his brother Lance, led the group up the mountain and pushed Ben and Adam to the tippy top summit. They are very experienced and I felt good trusting my husband's life in their hands.

Well, way to go babe! I knew you could do it. Seeing how you can do anything you put your mind to. I love him so much. He is my motivation.