'Mother Dear' - #206 LDS Children's Songbook

They say a picture's worth a thousand words.
I think I felt almost a thousand different emotions
on Mother's Day.
This picture was taken before church
in Glenwood with Gary's family.
I was tired, and feeling less than worthy of
the Mother's Day accolades...
thinking of all my mistakes, wishing for a do-over.
I didn't ask for much.
All I wanted was a nice picture with me and my kids.
One of them just couldn't conform.
He was on a roll, entertaining everyone,
oblivious of his mother's plight.
Oh well.
The footrubs and notes
each one of them gave me later that night
made up for it.
I'm very blessed.

'Now Let Us Rejoice!' - #3 LDS Hymnbook

I had so much to rejoice over, at this year's
BYU Women's Conference.
Every session I was able to attend
taught me great and important truths...things I needed to hear.
But one of my favorite memories will be a van ride.
My missionary assignment as an assistant to the general board
gave me the sweet assignment of
chauffeuring these legendary leaders
of the General Relief Society
back and forth between SLC and Provo,
and helping them prepare for their joint session.
Sister Winder, Sister Jack, Sister Smoot, and Sister Parkin
posed for this picture with Sister Beck.
They were more gracious, warm, real, brilliant and witty
than I could have imagined.
Their session was entitled,
'We Are Going to Do Something Extraordinary.'
THEY were Something Extraordinary.

'Swingin' ' - John Anderson

This spring has been full of golf for the Judd family.
Benji won his first 2 golf tourneys of the season already.
He shot a 74 at Mtn. View and 77 at River Oaks.
He's going to need a bigger shelf for his trophies.

Even with a broken foot, Parker helped his team
win a spring tourney, and they all won new putters.
Too bad he's a lefty!
We're working on a trade.

Even Sarah got in on the link action.
She played on the school team for the first time
and is hooked!

I tell them they get their abilities from me.
Last FHE we went golfing as a family and I shot a 40.

On 3 holes.

Happy Easter week-end everyone.
I'm so grateful for this Easter season,
our beloved Savior's glorious resurrection,
and the promise that
Sunday will come.
Click and listen...

'Anticipation' - Carly Simon

I have been off of refined sugar
for more than 6 months,
but these Cadbury DARK eggs
are SCREAMING MY NAME!

I hope I don't cave!

'We Thank Thee Oh God, for a Prophet' - LDS hymn #19

We spent a glorious week-end together as a family.
I LOVE GENERAL CONFERENCE!
WE ARE LED BY LIVING PROPHETS AND APOSTLES
and the blessing of their messages to us
strengthened my family for another six months.
It's been several years since all of us have been
able to attend together.
Sunday morning's session was especially wonderful
as we got to enjoy 'Music and the Spoken Word' too.
I can't tell you how much I loved it.

Taylor attended all 3 sessions on Saturday,
but also locked his keys in his car.
He missed the traditional post-priesthood session
treats with his dad waiting for the locksmith.
Sarah and I enjoyed our own treats and a pedicure!

Look at that face.
The plan is all about families,
and I'm so grateful for mine.

I have too many favorite talks to list them,
but you can hear them all here.
I hope your week-end was wonderful too!

'I Walk by Faith' - Janice Kapp Perry

This past week, some of the grandest ladies I know
gathered at the Grand America Hotel's Garden Cafe
to honor 4 amazing women who have 'aged gracefully'
and honored their covenants as Daughters of God.
And what a grand evening we had!
Sister Ardeth Kapp had a profound effect on my life.
As a young 21 year-old YW president,
I was unsure, seeking guidance in my new calling
to nurture and teach young women not much older than myself.
Sister Kapp was then the YW General President of the church,
and her revelation that set the 7 Values and theme for young women
everywhere resonated with me in a way
that still brings tears to my eyes.
Because of her, I get to stand every Sunday with Sarah and recite
words I hope sink deep into her heart, to
'stand as a witness at all times, and in all things, and in all places.'
It was such an honor to be in her presence and bask in her goodness.

As that same 21 year old, I was also a newlywed,
and was far from my own mom.
Because of the man I married, I became the
daughter-in-law of one of the most loving mothers I've ever known.
I also acquired a beloved 'Aunt Anne.'
These two women are the best of friends
and their goodness combined is enough to translate them both.
The wisdom they shared with us was practical, holy, real,
and inspired me to want to be better than I am.

It is my quest in this life to mother as she does,
love my husband as she loves hers,
enjoy life and sacrifice for my family as she does.
I love her so much.

This evening was all made possible because of dear Michele.
I can't wait for everyone to learn more about her amazing project
that helped bring us together, but that is her story to tell.
She is one of my dearest friends.
Gary serves as first counselor to her stake president husband
and words don't adequately express how much we love them
and how much I've learned from her.
She is beauty personified.
She is a giving wife, a Christlike and compassionate mother,
and a doting grandma.
She smiles through her tears, and laughs as she serves
everyone around her.
Take her class at UVU! She's an amazing teacher!
She celebrates womanhood, and I celebrate her.

Oh, to be more like these wonderful women...
an honorable quest!

'Bless the Broken Road' - Rascal Flatts

Hooray for Sarah!
Last week she won best female vocal in
'AF's Got Talent.'
Her cousin, Jordan backed her up on guitar
and they rocked!

'Pins and Needles' - Reba McEntyre

What did you do for President's Day week-end?

We spent it in the hospital with poor Parker.
He slipped on some ice and fractured his ankle.
Good-bye tennis season.
Hello crutches.

The only thing that saved the week-end were all the
attractive visitors bringing treats.

This scooter is how he gets around school.

Sadly, the honeymoon phase is over
and it is just plain NO FUN.
But he is trying to have a good attitude
and learn from this trial.
Hang in there, buddy.

'Dear Old AF High' - AFHS School Song

One of the highlights of January
was the Judd family school spirit
at a home basketball game.
Recognize this caveman?
Yep.
It's Parker.
He was so excited.
Honestly, there's not enough
money in the till
to get me to put on that stinky caveman outfit
that several other sweaty teenage boys had worn,
but he loved it.

Sarah sang the national anthem at the same game.

Lots of little kids (and mom)
wanted a picture with the celebrity.

They both did a great job!