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!

Almost the end of the week that was -

that is, if you count it starting on Saturday!!

Of even bigger news, as far as I am concerned, is the change in my presidency. Amy was released Sunday - after our 4th superb Women's Conference - that were made beautiful with Amy's wonderful talents and her willingness to work hard and give her all. I am really sad to lose her - but know that her ward will be blessed for her service there. My new counselor is Trina Yen - and I had planned to take a picture of our new presidency when we met Sunday night, but I forgot!!

Of course, Donna was willing to "walk the halls" with Isla on Saturday!!

Wendy was in town and came in the kitchen to give us some help.

Dad and Noah were their usual invaluable selves!! If you need a pot of soup made, just ask these guys for pointers!! I'm ready to have them sustained as my 3rd and 4th counselors!

These were our speakers and presenters - Polly, Mickie, Valerie, Wendy Dequer, and Lisa Guerrero. It was old home week for many - and part of our success I'm sure.

Noah will pose and smile if you suggest a shot with Polly!!

Monday was Greg's birthday, so we took him to dinner at Sesame Grill - and had a fine meal - and a fine time!! They feted him with song and ice cream too.

Today was Super Bowl Thursday at Clifton - a mere shadow of the event it used to be. But click on it and you can see Marcie Hoopes.

And Taylor Hoopes, just home from his mission.

Number 20 is Kyle McClure - quite the flag football athlete, I might add. He made some spectacular plays too. (Teachers won - 6 to 0)

What the well-dressed Clifton Co-ed is wearing these days!!

These are some of the little Yahoos who fill my days with activity anyway!!

Afterwards we had Cream of Broccoli soup in the staff lounge - in honor of the Super Bowl - and because I had a lot of broccoli left over that I needed to use up!! It was a big hit too!

Happy Day to Amy Gray!!

Happy Birthday today to my great counselor - Amy Smith Gray. Shown here in 1980 with her CTR B class - of which I was the teacher!!

Back Row: Stacy Emmons, Chenoa Beesley, Tiffiny Kirby
Front Row: Harry, Timothy Vocelka and Gary Curb

Have a great day Amy!!