Split and Release

Our ward (church congregation) split on Sunday. Boundaries were redrawn, and we are 9 houses over the boundary and in a new ward. Along with the boundaries being redrawn, people were released from their callings, or places of services in the congregation. I have been serving as the women's leader for the women's group for the past little bit. I have been very blessed to serve among wonderful ladies, but I do have to admit to feeling a BIG sense of relief! There were many situations when all I could do was get on my knees and pray for the answers of what to do. I know I was blessed with answers from a loving Heavenly Father. Now it's a bit exciting to see what is in store in the future in a new ward.

Now we're off to see my folks and my sister and her kiddos for a few weeks. Hurray!

CCA Family Retreat

Yee haw! It's party time at the CCA Family Retreat.

Every year the good people at CCA (Children's Craniofacial Association) hold a retreat for families with children who have craniofacial challenges. It's a time for families to meet other families who face similar challenges and gain strength and support from each other. It's a time for families (some who are now adults) to make new friendships and fortify long-standing ones. And of course, it's a time to have FUN!!

My cowboys! So handsome and cute.

At the hotel we stayed you could purchase a "magic wand" which was then enchanted (programmed) to find magic clues throughout the hotel. We had different quests which required different clues found on all 8 floors of the motel. You'd wave your wand at a picture, treasure chest, magic crystal, anything having the magic letter and it would come "alive." Then you'd go to your next clue. Many of the clues were in the stairwell, so we were often tromping up and down to floor 1 and then floor 4 and then floor 6 and then floor 1...yes, we got a work out. Where's the magic broom when you need one?!?

B and I got worn out with all the fun, so while the others were out waving their magic wands we sat down to relax and take a few self photos.

Hmmm...this looks interesting. L. thinks about working his magic.

Abracadabra! Wizard X tries his luck with magic.

B. gives the honey bear a sweet hug.

There was this amazing indoor/outdoor water park where we stayed too. There were slides, a wave pool, a huge splash zone with a bucket dumping 1000 gallons of water every so often, kiddie pools, lazy rivers, hot tubs, everything and anything that could get you wet. We splashed and got splashed. We were tired prunes when it was all done.

Vrrrooomm! Watch out. Here comes L!

Banana boat time.

Our two shy kiddos were actually our thrill seekers! X & B wanted to try out the slides, even the really big make-you-scream-like-a-girl ones. X was the first to attempt the Howlin' Tornado with T. Then he wanted to take me on it. We "convinced" A & B to go with us and down we screamed. Actually, they were pale and silent and I was howlin'! Needless to say, we didn't try the Howlin' Tornado again, but X was ready for everything else. The girls decided the wave pool was best. By the end, we were tired, soaked, pooped, exhausted, and ready for bed.

The last event of the retreat is a dinner and dance. It's one of my favorite parts. People just let loose and dance. I danced with my little guys and T danced with his gals. Of course, we were really tired, so some danced more cheerfully than others. We met an amazing friend while there and we can't wait to keep in touch with her.

I'm so glad we get a chance to do this. It's great for our family to meet and see others who take what life gives them and make life a beautiful place to live.

Ok, so I can't get the underline to go off. It's driving me crazy. If you know how, comment and let me know how. Thanks!