This really has been the very best of weeks. Last Wed. Susan and Mike arrived from California. They stayed with us until yesterday. Thursday, Paul arrived in the early afternoon and Scott and Cara later in the afternoon. We visited for a bit and then went into town for dinner. We went to The Branding Iron. Food was good, service so-so but the bill was a bit much. Even though we had requested separate checks, they added the 20% service charge to each of them for parties of 6 or more (we were 7). Won't be going there again with a group unless we do one check.
Friday was the the day. Susan and I left first for the Monticello Temple as we had to be there by 10:30. The others met us there for the 12:00 (noon) session. Oh what a glorious experience. Many of the temple workers (and they are there a lot) even commented on how strong the spirit was during our session. It really was a special time. Scott took a lot of pics outside and has them posted on facebook. I'll have to have him send me copies.
Afterwards, since we were all a bit hungry, we went over to Taco Time to eat a little. We again met up with several from my branch that also had the same idea.
Later that evening, Rick and I took all my siblings and spouses to dinner (Fiesta Mexicana) as a thank you for being there for me. We had so much fun. It was great being with so many. We really missed having Becky and Don and Janna with us. That evening, we just sat around and visited.
Saturday morning I made macadamia pancakes with coconut syrup (also made plan pancakes) then we visited more and played Farkle. More laughter and great times. Paul left before lunch (we had pulled pork sandwiches and tater tots) and Scott and Cara shortly after lunch. Susan and Mike spent a good part of the day working on talks for Sunday. My branch president asked them to speak after finding out that the scheduled speakers were suddenly not going to be able to make it. It's a little hard to say no in the temple. He also asked me to bear my testimony. This really didn't come as a surprise to me but the following sunday would be fast and testimony sunday so looks like I'll be doing it two weeks in a row.
Sunday was special. Relief Society was really good. Susan even comments to the sisters how the spirit was really strong in our branch., Mike and Susan also agreed with me on what a great Sunday School teacher we have. He brings insights to the lesson that I haven't thought of . And then of course Sacrament Meeting was excellent. We sang two of my favorite hymns, "I Stand All Amazed" and "I Need Thee Every Hour". I was able to get through my testimony with minimal tears but teared up all through Susan and Mike's talks. Susan talked on the temple and Mike on prayer. It was really moving.
Then on Monday, we finally began Susan and Mike's vacation. Rick also took Monday thru Wed. off work so we could show them around. They had never been to anything around here. Monday we took them to Dead Horse Point and to the Island in the Sky part of Canyonlands. Tuesday, we did Arches and Wednesday we went to Monument Valley. We had so much fun together.
Thursday they got up early to start their drive home. They should be home early this afternoon. I miss them already. Susan brought be a bunch of books (about 35) from authors we both enjoy. She thought she might go back with a couple I have they she hadn't read but ended up with about 33! So much for having more room in trunk!
This really has been a great week. I so appreciated my family being here for me as I went through the temple. I also want all my family and friends to know how much I love and appreciate their love and support through all the years of my inactivity in the Church. It may have taken me a long time, but your prayers have been answered.
