General Relief Society Broadcast

One of the best things I have going on right now is the opportunity to serve as the Stake RS Secretary. Next to callings in cub scouts and family history it is one of my favorites. I get to work with some phenomenal women. I don't express my feelings often or well, but I have come to love these gals. They are wonderful and have taught me so much more than I could ever give in return. As part of the General RS Broadcast we like a lot of Stakes in the church had a dinner for the sisters in the Lenexa Stake.

Dividing up the work.










That's just the icing on the cake.







We had gone around to all the wards to make a special announcement and it was so much fun. Then we gave out prizes for certain categories and just had a good time with that. Then of course the broadcast was absolutely awesome.
World wide sisterhood.

There was so much to learn that I couldn't get it all in one night. I'm just glad it's rebroadcasted on the web. I was fortunate to have my wonderful friend Susan to help with my part of the cooking.

I don't know about everyone else, but I had a great time that evening.

Birthday at Buca's

Celebrating a birthday is so much fun, especially when it isn't mine. Tonight we celebrated Linda's 24th birthday at Buca de Pepo. It was a lot of fun. Linda's sister-in-law organized the whole thing. The room she had reserved was called the Pope Room. I think you'll be able to see why after looking at the pictures.
The portions are huge. A small meal can easily feed two maybe even three people. It was delicious. We had the most darling server. Her name was Suzanne. She was bubbly and so sweet. Really cool thing about this room is the acoustics. The table seats about 15 and when you talk to the person next to you in a regular tone of voice, the person sitting across the table can hear you like they were the one sitting next to you.

Saying Good-bye.

I will be the first to admit that I am not a huge animal lover. So when my husband suggested 11 years ago that we get a dog for Daryn, I wasn't real thrilled with the idea. I didn't say yes, nor did I say no. Joe took that to mean it would be fine with me. One day he takes the kids out for a ride for who knows what. He calls me on the way home and says he got a dog, just like that. Needless to say I was not happy with that. You know who gets stuck with taking care of the animal right? The mom. I told him right then and there that I would not be taking care of the dog and if Daryn didn't do it he would have to.
I remember when they got home with the dog, I took one look at him and thought, "he's adorable" Dreamy became a part of our family that day. That's the name the pound said he had and it stuck. I wanted to call him Domino because he had white paws with black spots that reminded me of a domino.
I am happy to say that most of the time Daryn became very responsible taking care of Dreamy and on the occasion when he forgot, Joe took charge.
He has been a good dog. He never licked anyone in the face which just bugs me to no end. Friday unfortunately we had to put him down. He was sick and we could not afford to pay for the procedures necessary. I didn't think it would bother me being the non-animal lover that I am, but it has made me sad. I guess I'm more of an animal lover than I thought.

He's Off

The day has finally arrived. Sean reported to the Missionary Training Center in Provo yesterday. It was a whirlwind trip for me. The night before he reported we got together with some of the kids from the ward that are attending BYU this semester. It was fun to see them together.
Then came a short

tour of the campus while we waited for Sean's report time. With still time to kill and hungry tummies we decided to try In-and-Out. I am pleased to say we both enjoyed it. Sean liked the fries, but said my homemade fries tasted better. He sure knows how to make me feel good.

Then came the final good-bye. I didn't realize how hard it was going to be. When Laura went on her mission, we just took her to the airport and said good-bye there. Daryn of course didn't leave home to serve his mission. I was not prepared for the feelings. It was the saddest happy thing to do. I think I finally understand the term bitter sweet.
In the rush to leave however Sean accidentally left his back pack with his scriptures and copy of Preach My Gospel, in the back seat of the car. Unfortunately I didn't notice until it was almost time to return the car. Good thing we can mail things to him. Oh well, there has to be something I guess.

KC Temple

KC Temple mid July

Periodically I make a trip to Liberty. Sometimes I have a little extra time before my appointment and I will stop by the temple site to see the progress being made. The more recent pics were taken from the opposite side of the one taken in mid July.



KC Temple Sept. 3

Charles' Big Day

My Little Teddy Bear on his blankie.



Charlie with Uncles Sean and Daryn


Charles Theodore Rathjen


Linda's little family
Today was Charlie's blessing day. It was a beautiful blessing too. There almost wasn't enough room for everyone participating. It brought to my mind that Heavenly Father loves each of His children. After Church we went to the cousins' house for our family fastbreaker. I have come to really enjoy these Sunday afternoons. One never knows what's going to happen. Today Travis decided to play his guitar and we sang Primary songs. Here we're singing a fun pioneer song. Celeste participated too by moving to the music. She has this funny way of dancing that just makes me laugh all the time.