"Consider the Lilies" - Women's Conference 2008 - a very busy Saturday!!

The Arcadia Stake Women's Conference happened today - and all went well - it was a great event! (And I'm glad it's over!!)

These women taught the classes that were offered. You all know Bonny!!

Ara came with Bonny and helped set up!! (And listened to countless people tell her she looked like her mom!)

The Temple City Ward sang "Consider the Lilies" and did indeed have angels singing with them!

The theme was "Consider the Lilies: Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God."

My wonderful counselors (my secretary was released in December and has not been replaced) and an ad hoc committee I put together did the decorating last night while we were at the temple.

Sue C. was our keynote speaker - and she did the wonderful job I knew she would do - she is a great speaker - and an even better teacher - we were well taught. Watch for my Stake R.S. Newsletter for a review!! (Note the vase of lilies - because like the lilies, we are all different - and valuable!)

Bonny's class on "Being Your Own Kind of Beautiful" was well-attended - and well presented! Lots of people said to her, "One minute you seemed just like your mom. And then I'd think, that's just like your dad." But I thought she was mostly like Bonny, which is why I asked her - and she made a great case for loving and accepting ourselves as God does. Her presentation was enhanced with some great visual aids.

We had a makeover session as part of the program - it was a big hit too.

Silly me forget to get a before photo - but Kim looked great afterwards - and was happy about it too!

Heather came - as did Lone, Helen, Ellie and Susanne. But I didn't get photos of everyone!

The attendance was great - over 150 women came. There were not a lot of women from our ward however, because Adam Marshall died suddenly Wednesday morning, and his funeral was held today. It had to be during the conference to accommodate the cemetery schedule. I certainly felt torn, as I would have liked to have been there. Harry F., who is the family's home teacher, was one of the speakers and Noah read a message from the children at the YMCA where Adam attended the after school program. (Noah worked there with Adam.) Adam was disabled, and had outlived his life expectancy, but his death was still a surprise, as he died peacefully at home in his sleep after appearing to be fine.

I was able to join everyone at the luncheon afterwards. Adam touched many in his short life. In Harry 's talk, he talked about telling Eve about Adam's death and telling her that she wouldn't be seeing him anymore. And she said, "Yes Dad, I can see him. I just have to close my eyes. Now I see him." (as she closed her eyes.) The faith and understanding of small children can teach us much about life. A Primary choir also sang "I'll Walk With You."

Here is the Marshall family - they are a wonderful family who gave their all in providing Adam with every opportunity to have a rich, full life.

I wanted to take a picture of Eve, who was demonstrating how she could still see Adam, and she said, "I want a picture with Corey! (Adam's sister.)

It has been a long, full day. I am glad to have certain items checked off my to do list, but there are plenty of new items to add.

So I think I will go to bed and rest up so I'm ready to take them on!