Surprise Sacrament Meeting Talk

I got quite the surprise this morning when I opened my emails to finish reading Nan's letter.  I clicked on the bulletin for today's Sacrament meeting and saw that I was speaking!  The bishop had called me earlier this week and asked if I could "pinch hit" and speak on the 21st.  I guess I should have asked him to clarify the date when he said "pinch hit." since 1 1/2 to 2 weeks is plenty of time to prepare a talk.  Luckily, I had at least gathered information during the week and had thought a little bit (emphasis on the word little) on what I might say.  It was 11:15 when I saw the email.  I was ready for church but not dressed for church (meaning my hair and makeup was done).  I sat down and wrote out my talk.  During the sacrament I thought of a couple of things to add.  I think my talk was spot on 12 minutes which was how long I was supposed to talk.  Pretty good for not going through it even once!  I have to admit I was pretty nervous.  Caitlyn always tries to calm me down.  She reminded me  on the way to church that I have been attending the temple for many years and I know what the blessings of temple attendance are (my topic).  She said, "Mom, you've got this."

Other than this fun experience, and a quick trip to Logan with Caitlyn to see Crista, Ruby, Greta and Bridget, it was a little bit of an uneventful week.  We decided to have Closet Factory redo our closet so we could be a little more organized, so Monday and Tuesday we emptied the closet.  Thursday the guy came to do tear out, and Friday and Saturday were spent scraping, mudding and painting the closet.  After we cleaned up we hurried up to the temple to get in a session.  Unfortunately, with everything we were involved with during the day, I completely forgot a wedding reception I really wanted to go to.  It was my cousin, Randy Smith's, daughter.  They had their reception at the same place Sara and Nick had theirs.  Oh well.

In Nan Oblad's letter this week she shared an experience that I think is awesome, so I'm quoting it here.
"I had an experience this week that I’m still scratching my head over. An Elder from France came into my office.  We talked for only a minute or two and when he walked out I said, “You speak English very well.”  He replied, “I didn’t speak English.”  I asked Elder Oblad if he speaks English and Elder Oblad said, “Not very much.”  Could I see the replay, please?  Did he speak English or did I get a glimpse of the gift of tongues?"
Nan, I think you can totally trust that you just had an amazing spiritual experience!

Family pictures for the week:

Avie--she's having a "smash cake preview"
I'm not sure exactly what Sara means by
that.  Her 1st birthday is on the 23rd of this month.

Maverick--Spiderman Zombie

Beverly

Caitlyn with baby Bridget

Ruby and grandma--coloring together

Max and Bevy

Doyeon.  I asked her what she was doing in this picture
and she said she was cleaning the basement.  She said, "It
was a lot faster that way."

Yuna with the blanket I made for her when she
was a baby.  She never sleeps without it.  Jieun says she
has to ask permission to wash it.

Bevy

Jieun made cream puffs.  She was very
willing to share.

I'll attach my talk to the email announcing this newsletter, for anyone who is interested.