A new chapter begins . . . .

A year ago Harry was called to serve in the Arcadia Stake Presidency.  At the time of the calling, President Magnusson said, "I don't know how long this call will be - could be a year, could be six months."  (Since the call was to be second counselor, replacing President Steimle, who was moving.)

When the letter came a few weeks ago announcing that there would be a new stake presidency called, we figured that the year was up - just as President Magnusson had predicted.  Harry was glad for the year of experience with President Magnusson and President Cornwall, and was busy thinking of names to recommend for consideration for a new stake president.  We were both pretty certain that they would be looking for a "younger" man!

We took the usual ribbing about how Harry had better watch out or he'd be called - an LDS phenomenon of predicting calls to certain positions in the church!  (I recall many years ago when we had only been married for a few years.  I told Harry to watch out - that someday he'd be called to be Scoutmaster.  His response was that would never happen - there were too many men who wanted that calling! I can't recall the context for such a remark, but I'm sure there was one!  At any rate - fast forward to 1979 and our move from Utah to Monrovia - and Harry's call as Scoutmaster!!  Got some chuckles and "I told you so's" from that one!)

Imagine my surprise - and Harry's too based on his demeanor - when we got a call Saturday to return for another interview with Elder Falabella of the 1st quorum of the Seventy and Elder Sabin of the 5th quorum of the Seventy!  

After the call, Harry commented that he was taken by surprise - was sure they would be looking for someone younger.  I love Elder Sabin - who said, "The Lord doesn't look on the stature of a man, but rather on his heart!"  That certainly rang true with me!

Saturday night's meeting was great, we enjoyed dinner with the visitors and members of the stake presidency.  Sunday morning we had some great teaching and counsel from both of these men, and then we had a great Stake Conference.  Noah came and brought Helen, which made it easier and less stressful for Harry and me.  Bonny came too, and of course Harry, Dawn and family were with us.  The setting apart was a sweet experience - Bruce and the girls were able to join us too.  After we enjoyed some great family time for lunch and dinner at our house.

So we've had a couple of days of intense thought, prayer, feeling, emotion - and now it's Monday - the start of a new week.

We'll keep you posted!!

Feeding the many and the few too!!

My presidency and I were asked to do a luncheon today for Elder Andersen of the 12 and Elder Arnold of the 70 - they were joined by the 9 stake presidents and their wives of the 9 stakes that comprise our mission. There were area authorities with us too. Also the temple and mission president. All together we served 26 people.

We made the Relief Society room at the stake center look like a regular banquet hall. Dad helped me set up Friday night - it's good to be married to "detail" man!!

I'm not sure in what capacity Chris Reed was there, but he was certainly a big help to us!! When we got there in the a.m., the Stake Young Women were preparing the "snack" for the 100+ participants who were in attendance at the meetings that preceded the luncheon.

And President Cornwall is always a good man to have around in the kitchen!!

April Steimle, Kathleen Magnusson and Sam Magnusson were on hand to help. Kathleen attended the luncheon, but Sam was our server par excellence!! (I was once again impressed by how helpful and useful middle-school age kids are - I think we don't ask them enough and miss a chance to really influence their lives.)

My presidency - I am truly surrounded by great women - women who aren't afraid to pitch in and do things! (And they enjoy it too!)

I really can't do much in the kitchen without Sue Cornwall - and she came through once more: pork tenderloin medallions with apricot/pineapple sauce, garlic mashed potatoes (courtesy of Margaret Miramontes - another kitchen diva!!), glazed carrots, homemade crescent rolls with homemade (Terrill) raspberry jam, green salad with sliced pears, feta cheese, and candied pecans - and topped it all off with homemade Razzleberry Pie and ice cream. Sue didn't prepare all the food, but she did do the main items: pork, pies, and rolls. And she did all the shopping!! She's a great cook - and so willing to share her talents!!

A "long view" of the set up. It really looked very nice - Dad cleaned the chalkboards Friday night - a detail I might not have thought of, but it did make it all a bit classier. Margaret took care of the flowers too. As I said before, I have wonderful friends and co-workers - and together we are magnificent!!

Now I'm ready for a nap!

Where's Waldo??

I'm never quite sure how I end up with some photographs. I have had these for 2 or 3 years and came across them again. So let's play guess who?? Certain Terrills should know who they are - actually, every one in our house knows them in some capacity! They appear to be missionary photos.

The one above has a name written on the back, and I would not have recognized this man without the name written there.

The man above seems to have changed the least in the whole group of photos.

This one took me awhile.

This is the oldest photo, and the oldest man in the group, but I recognized this photo first.

Dad is watching the Phillies beat the Yankees - so I'm entertaining myself!!