2011 Youth Conference

I'm just home from 3 days and two nights of awesome time spent with amazing youth ages 12 to 18. I am just in love with these amazing people. At my church Scott and I were in charge of planning for 50 or so youth a conference with the theme We Believe In Doing Good To All Men. First up was a planning Fireside where the youth, parents and leaders all fasted without food for 2 meals and prayed for inspiration on ways we could serve in the community. Elder Stanley Ellis is currently in our ward with his youngest daughter and wife. He spoke for us to kick off the 7 weeks service blitz. We had a goal of 2011 hours. Everyone at church got involved all ages from the 2 year old up to 102 year olds. It was neat to see everyone looking for ways to make a difference and lighten another load. We had 5 teams of 10 kids. They all choose a scripture theme and name. Then we have a family in our ward who volunteered to host us at the home away form home they recently purchased about an hour form where we live. It was like stepping into a Jane Austin novel. Trees and flowers and fun. they were renovating so no kitchen limited bathroom and no flooring or walls but it was so much fun. I did get a tiny bath in one day I sure love to be clean. My friend Sarah who had watched the Amazing Race helped me plan a big event on Thursday where we mimicked the Amazing Race but did service. We sang at nursing homes, cleaned homes and yards, read to children, wrote to missionaries. Had dinner with darling couples, played funny minute to win it games, did hard word searches, memorized articles of faith. broke 600 water balloons. Spent a Day boating. Had my friend Melanie and the Bishop talk tot he youth. The youth shared testimony of Christ and service and happiness. A fire pit and marshmallows roasting, watermelons and dutch oven cobbler. We had gourmet meals like Bro Rivera Chicken Penne Pesto Pasta, Huntsville BBQ, taco salad, yummy breakfast each morning, and snacks gallor. The kids loved talking to each other playing volleyball and bad mitten. My cousin Teri was a huge help from start to finish- could not have done ti with out her. I printed out 100 colored clues to hide and spent countless hours arranging and planning and the help everyone provided Friends made awards and helped fill water balloons. One night Scott slept outside and Kelli and I saved him form a wild animal which turned out to be a raccoon chasing a cat. The laughter and music and smiles... awesome. Getting to know Tracy, Terri, Kelli and all the ladies who helped at the race portion- wow. The men were great. It was so much fun I wish I had photos of all of it.
Seriously it was overwhelming to feel the love God has for these bright children who have the potential to change the world with the light and testimony they have. It was an honor and a privilege.

Beki

Oh Beki. This made me smile when I was looking at 2009 photos. This one one of our last days as Bishop and Stake YW 1st Coun. Scott took the photo. I just love that Beki has her eyes closed. She is one darling lady which you can still tell with closed eyes.

Fundraising, house hunting, and sparkly Bella

I have a vampire cat. I know this because she sparkles in the sun:) Here is what turned her, no Edward did not drop in. The house is a disaster right now with packing boxes everywhere. Bella and Sue are out of sorts and need constant reassurance that all is well. I could add that Missy requires that as well. Humor goes a long way. Todays laughter comes thanks to my very own vampire sparkly Bella. Yup- my Bella has been glittered. I had plastic shoe box which I use to glitter things in on the bed and I came home to Bella the kitty trying to curl up in it. Her face and body glimmered in the sun light:) She makes me so happy. What a sweet little girl she is. Naughty to the core but friendly and very people oriented. If you are wondering the answer is yes... she is named after Bella Swan Cullen-- but I did not name her. Her aunt Leah named her. I however did not object. Aunt Sue is very excited to be moving so she can get outside and wants to take Bella on a leash for walks. I have tried to tell her kitty cats are not much for walking-- I have not sold her on that one quite yet.

It is time again for our annual Fundraiser for the Utah Down Syndrome Foundation. I am sorry to say we are all full for this year but as soon as we have a date set for 2010 I will let you all know. You can see More about it at charitycrop.blogspot.com. It is a crazy fun 2 days with amazing women raising money for kids effected by Downs right here in our own state:) Companies have been awesome and generous as well as private business owners. Here are a few of the top donors who rock to work with on the food portion which is my forte: Hires Big H, Olive Garden, Johnny Carinos, Fridays, Pei Wei, Einstein Bagels, Paradise Bakery, Papa Johns, Starbucks and that is to name a few:) We have over 100 exciting raffle items and for the silent auction-- homemade aprons, bags, and a brand new cricut:) I love working with Marlene and this is a great cause. More humor in my life comes from my adorable hubby who I have spent hours with laughing. We drive all over looking at houses talking to builders and laughing. It has been like a second honeymoon as just the two of us search out the next House of Riffle. Hilary said to me the other day Scott is like a whole new person. He is laughing again talking up a storm and he even did stand up comedy at a party with me. He had everyone rolling on the floor in tears with his routine- which he ad libbed! I am heading into to busy season with my YW calling but I am enjoying my last weeks of service. I have 6 hours of church tomorrow and 2 meetings but for dinner our cute friends are feeding us so that will be nice to look forward to. I sure will miss our whole Stake but we are ready for new adventures and trust that our path will not be far from the ones we love.

In shock

I am just in shock. I am heart broken. One of my fun zany loving buddies is dead:( I got the phone call this morning and when I heard the words I went numb and felt cold. Who will tease me now? WHO is going to take care of all her family? Her name is Deb. We are crazy fun together.

I feel awful. I have been so busy lately with the play and being sick I kept putting off dinner with her. Why do I let busy keep me from doing the things that are most important to me??? I love her so much and she makes me feel so happy to be alive. Who will I roll my eyes with now? Who can I heckle with? Who will buy me sun showers so I can keep up my princess-ness while in the great outdoors? Her sweet daughters and hubby and son and brothers and just everyone relied on her for so much. She did it all. She had a knee scope a few days ago and this morning went into cardiac arrest. I keep trying to call the family but I can't quit crying. How can I help when I can't even pull it together? She can't be gone... I know it is not forever but she just can't be gone:(

Pennies by the Inch

One of the service projects we do each year with the youth from church is to raise money for our children's hospital. We did over $3,000 in change! A few weeks prior we had a and of summer BBQ. And we had the best ever fireside on Sunday night which I forgot my camera at. We had a 74 year old African American woman speak to us about faith, Chasity, and life. I laughed and cried she was amazing. She said the 2 top things she loved about our church were 1. our Bishops do not get paid. This makes her feel like there can be total honesty since his paycheck is not dependant on someone liking him. 2. The things we say and the things we do are very close. That is not saying all members are perfect at living the gospel but the church programs and beliefs are very close. She has been a hospital administrator, community organizer, and sits on the Utah Aids foundation, Huntsman Cancer boards and many others. I wish everyone could hear this warm wonderful woman. It made me feel so grateful and brought me to my knees in gratitude for the abundance I have in my life and for everything that has brought me to this point in my life. I have great notes if anyone wants them.

Girls Camp 2008

Every other year Girls Camp switches between ward and stake. This year Laurie had the ward girls up to her cabin for camp. They did a fine job. Super cute leaders for the girls. I went up with Scott. It was beautiful up there in the mountains. The down side was all the girls reading books non stop... about vampires. The upside for me was the marshmallows. Matt stopped and got the perfect brand for me so I was a happy camper. I prefer Kraft Jet Puff. Yum. We all did skits and Mat and Scott were very funny. Everyone did a great job and got involved in them which made it more funny. We also played name that TV show theme. I can win that which is a tribute to my miss spent youth in front of the TV:) Scott was sweet and burned our initials into wood in the fire with my marshmallow stick! Marcie and Michelle were great in our skit and the glasses Scott wore still make me laugh to think of them. He really let loose and got into this zany character.

The girls scared me very much in the dark by sneaking up and my scream scared all the rest of the adults. Good times for Riverbend. I was also impressed at the zip line that Marcie did and that we had no bears:) Laurie is a great president... all the leaders were wonderful.

Thanks Laurie

Cute Laurie hooked me up with some photos of the last 2 years of girls camp. Here is one from 2007:) WHen you have cuye teenage girls wanting to do your hair you say sure. We also made our tie dye shirts that year:)

New Leaders

We just got a new Stake YM Pres. to serve with. We are really excited. Chris and Mark are amazing and I look forward to knowing the other 2. These are great men who love the Lord and love the youth. I am sure we will learn much and have fun too. On the day they were put in I got a hug from Pres. Backman who was a good friend of my grandparents. He is currently serving as the Temple President. He was Stake YM Pres while my grandma was Stake YW Pres for many years. He also served with my Grandpa in a Bishopric for a long time. He reminded me of how wonderful they were and how talented my grandma was. It would be cool to know them as adults. We will miss the old YM leaders but with change comes new adventures...

USU I miss you

I wish I had more photos my battery died:( But here are a few from this years Stake Youth Conference. I was in charge and could not have done it without everyone else and all the help. I can hardly believe that another big event has come and gone. I was so tired and frustrated before we went I did not even want to go. The stress was high and there were many difficulties-- now I know why. IT WAS WONDERFUL! The spirit was strong and it was really neat to see some of the changes in our youth. After our keynote speaker one 14 year olds stood a few inches taller and had the neatest smile. Justin Osmond is the best speaker I have ever had chance to hear. Scott had met him at an event with Starkey the hear aid foundation he works with. He truly carries the message that we are all children of God with him where ever he goes. I had so much fun being with the youth and loved spending time with Sue, Emily, Candice and Sarah. The first night I thought I would rather be camping as the 4 of us went up early to get everything ready and we stayed up late and still didn't get it all ready. The dorms were spidery, hot and dirty. None of us were able to get much sleep. Our mini MTC was great and Jamie saved the day like usual. It was the perfect place for me to have some time to reflect on eternal things and to see how un important things can rob us of eternal bliss. Szandi LOVED it she was a huge hit with the entire stake. Chris treated us all to the Blue Bird which is this fabulous old restaurant. I was teased often by not only the usuals but even my Stake Pres. I had forgotten my recommend for the Temple and he needed to vouch for me. First he thought it would be funny to have me wait for awhile-- when the worker asked if he knew me he said "Missy... no that doesn't ring a bell. Are you sure she is in my Stake?" Yip this was while the font was leaking 150 gallons an hour of water. They were nice and still let our group finish before the closed up shop to find the leak. Pres. Kunz thought if you were an ox with a big heavy font you would be thirsty too. Candice reminded me that life on the other side may be different if I am not nice and she would have to pay visit to me as she swung her leg back and forth over the door jam teasing me. Sister V my adopted mom said the best thing to do with teasers is seek revenge and then she gave me pointers. I love Pres and Sister V and how they have adopted me. Sister Kunz gave an awesome testimony, she grew up in Cache Valley it really is Gods country. I wish all the youth everywhere could hear how much she loves the Lord and Pres. Kunz- it is a powerful witness for any lucky enough to hear it. She also pointed out that we may have few youth but they are exceptional- she is right. We celebrated Sue birthday, Chris made a very long errand back to Salt Lake which Smith decided to not tell us about but good John caved. I learned some new dance moves- one that Bishop Lovell said was inappropriate:) I had to bribe Bishop Jensen to not report back to Bishop Riffle that his wife was bustin moves on the dance floor, Scott thinks it is best for me to stay back in the room and try to act like an adult- what ever. When I heard Thriller, Footloose, YMCA, Boot scootin boggy, and other I knew the BEAT NEEDS ME- and so I dance the night away with our fun youth. It was tough on the other Bishops up there to keep an eye on me since my Bishop was back home at a funeral. It is a tough job but I try to make it fun. I am really sad to see it end and will miss the 19 year olds that won't be coming back:( I guess they have to grow up but I sure do love em.

2008 Royal Daughter of God Dinner

One of the days I really look forward to each year is this special dinner. It is hosted by our awesome Stake President and his fun wife. They are amazing people. I love how much they adore each other and the wonderful example they give of living the gospel. Each year Sister Kunz picks out a book. They are the coolest books ever and she reads the story to us all and then gives one to each of the girls. This year I got one too! She had a book for everyone:) Another thing I love about the day is vising the spot where Scott and I had our wedding reception. I walk around the historic house and I can recall all the people in my life I love that are now dead and where they were standing or sitting and what they said to me that day. I know I am a little morbid but I miss all the neat dead people and it is nice to recall a happy day where they were alive and with me:)

Stake YW

My calling in the church keeps me busy. I really enjoy it. I like who I serve with and I like what I do and I like who I serve. Being with the youth keeps my on my toes. They are amazing and have a capcity that impress me. We have been doing firesides, service projects, trainings, leadership meetings, planning meetings, New Beginnings, Nights of excellence, new Pres. trainings, Youth council and laughing. Here are some highlights form the last few months so I didn't forget why I love this...
The only down side to these collages is it chops off parts I don't want to chop.
Candice, Laurie, Trisha, Betty Hansen, Pres. V, Pres. Kunz, Pres. Wilson, Sandy Kunz, Chris Ashby, Lisa Repp, "Chester", Brother Leonard, the girls, the boys, what fun.

Sold Out

Well the play tickets are sold out- if you can call it sold out since they are free. They did add in some stand by seating but I am not sure how good the view or sound would be. I have really enjoyed my time with the cast and my royal seamstress. I saw my dress for Act 2 Sat. and got to rehearse in it- wow oh wow. I LOVE it. I had a busy week. Spent Friday up at USU- really neat to be with all the Stake Leaders, our Youth Conference should be awesome this summer. I like the small town of Logan it is beautiful up there and there is a cool energy on a college campus. One of the men I serve with, named Chris treated us all to the drive up there and yummy lunch at Maddox, a Brigham City Tradition. It reminded me of all the fun times I spent there growing up with my parents and family. We laughed and enjoyed getting to know each other, fun stories. We lost Keith on campus and played Marco Polo, by cell phone. Candice and Smith humoured me by doing poses. I liked getting to know Megan our contact up there. Emily made us homemade muffins for our journey and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with these neat people. We are really lucky to serve with awesome men who support, protect, lead, respect and love the Lord. I love being a daughter of God and in my church we are taught that women are amazing. I am blessed to know who I am and to work with the teenage girls to help them realize their worth. It is hard to be a teenager I would never want to go back and relive my teen years- yikes. I think I will stay 25 forever:) hee hee
Here a few photos from this week. The photos from the play are from when the Phantom sings me a stocker song during the intermission and another number where I kiss and autograph photo to throw at the audience. I am working on getting a hold of more tickets for any of you who didn't tell me right away when you wanted some... sorry they went so fast I think it is because there will be free food. Ben dropped a rat in front of my face, I almost fainted at a recent rehearsal. I have been super busy but having a wonderful time. I have made many new friends and have gotten out of my comfort zone (with all the singing and dancing again- I can tell I'm not 18 anymore). I have loved being with Sue more, who plays my mom. I just wish Anthony were here:( I will be one sad girl at the end of this week as our show closes:(

Free dinner and laughs

I had so much fun tonight doing a play rehearsal with a bunch of people I love to be with. It was our first real rehearsal (we had some major glitches beyond anyones control) so we are way behind schedule but having a grand time. I laugh and think it is funny. I really do think it will be a great fun family show. I think everyone gets a free dinner too. I found out tonight in addition to my friends in it already that Sue will be playing my mom!!! Yipee!!! and my friend David is a genius at the piano and he will be our accompanist. Ben and Sarah were perfect and have major chemistry on stage even if their parts are not supposed to be in love. I was laughing hard from my tummy it felt so good after having a stiff neck for so long to feel pain free:) If you need a great Dr for neck pain let me know. The man playing the Phantom is so funny and he is in my ward too. I love his wife who I get lines with. I'm so happy to be doing a play:) I really really missed the stage it feels great to be on it once again. It was a little bit of a juggle as I tried to go back and forth between a Stake YW/YM pres. meeting. I got a work out dancing and running back and forth. Here are the dates for the play if you want to come... April 24, 25, or 26. that is a Thur. Fri. Sat. I think our Bishop will be proud of Riverbend in the Stake Play, since I am married to him I'll put in a good word for us:) We only have 4 or 5 rehearsals left so "break a leg".

Modesty Fashion Show

Last night was really fun. I was the MC for a Stake Fashion Show for all women over the age of 8. We had about 320 come. We had dinner which the relief Society did. The Primary provided a nursery and us YW were over the music, speaker and Fashion Show. Our Stake Pres. was our final speaker. Sue and Josh sang a favorite song of mine called Power in His Touch. We have super talented ladies in our Stake so it was a beautiful night. I loved showcasing our beautiful modest models. We had all ages from 8 up to 68. I felt so happy to reflect on what real beauty is and how God thinks of beauty. It is very different than the worlds views. Modest By Design was generous to provide some fancy dresses and some casual clothing. Also we had the women go to their own closets to fins modest clothing. It was a challenge to not have things too tight, reveling, suggestive and cute. It can be done and how charming and sweet they all looked. We had quotes from Prophets inner mixed with music by a very talented young man. I felt it was a powerful night with the spirit really testifying to all who attended their worth in the eyes of God. What a great ruler to use, Heaven instead of Hollywood. I did not have any of the food, since everything was a little crazy with the food being late and the dresses a little late too. I just asked my friend for the quote list so when I get it I will add it in.

YW memories

Here are a few random shots from over the last month with the people I love to serve with at church!

Al Rounds= great artist

Al Rounds was a guest speaker at a special night with the teenage girls I serve. He has a way that is captivating to tell the girls of his belief in God, the gospel being restored and the truth of their divine worth. He showed them while doing a painting that within each of them is a masterpiece. How the choices they make are the little brush strokes on canvas. How God sees the finished product and we need to rely on his expanded vision. He spoke of not comparing yourself and of being more self assured. He did it all with humor and on their level. I had never seen someone do a water color right before my eyes! WOW! It was an art, what talent. It was also a lift to be with these wonderful girls and hear their love for their Savior and see the hope they have in the future. One of the girl sang another bore her witness of Christ. I am blessed to have the calling I do and be with theses people and have these testimony building events.

Bye Bye Beki

Hip hip hooray for Beki. She will be awesome with the girls and I will get to know the girls in her ward are being looked after and loved and lead by an awesome lady. It is like the saying “Don’t be sad it is over, celebrate that it happened”. I celebrate my friendship with Beki! How sweet it is to have fun, kind friends. I think Beki is just the best and I will still get to see her more often because of PTA and the fact that she is still with YW. She is special. So are Emily and Sue. We are very different but have a wonderful time together. I am making her an album. I’ll put in some photos of it. I got the idea from Marlene who made one for me as a gift when I started to fly again in faithJ Another plus is I was released. For 5 minutes. I felt the weight of the calling lift. I felt a freedom, then I looked at the stand where all these YW I love were crying and pouting at me. I wanted to reach out and hug each of them. SO a gladly stood as my name was read as counselor. I received a beautiful blessing full of wonderful promises and a warm feeling of love surrounding me. I also get the blessing of serving with Candice our new sec. who is a good dear friend. Candice and I have had a long history of serving together. We used to go to scary parts of town and help the less fortunate together and boy did I get spooked but she was just great and kept me from freaking out. She did pint out I would not have made the best missionary because I took things too personal. It is hard to do when the person behind the door drops to the floor and army crawls away and it is a glass door which you can see every bit of it. Candice is so good that way. I have missed serving with her but thanks to good old change here we are together again. Change is not at the top of my all time favorites; but it happens and it usually brings good things- so BYE BYE Beki. She is now serving at a ward level in YW still but I won’t get to sit by her and I won't have reinforcements when I get picked on. Or maybe I should word it …I won’t have a partner in crime to tease back with. Emily gave a sweet prayer reminding me to trust Gods plan and be supportive. We have had almost every ward change over in leadership with YW so you would think I would roll with the punches. I am excited to get to know new buddies. PITY party now officially over.

Got Snow?

For the first time since we have lived at our present address WE HAVE SNOW:) Beautiful snow. Sure we have had little bit here and there but not inches that stick. This winter has been very generous at blanketing us with much prayed for moisture. Scott get very happy and tells me how he hopes Al Gore is found frozen in snow with a sign "watch out for global warming". There are definitely weather changes from when I was a child, but isn't the earth in constant change? I know we are making a negative impact on the earth and I also believe that we could do better. I remember in elementary school in the gifted and talented program we would work on projects to deal with landfills and alternative energy solutions. My poor troubled mind would not be able to sleep for weeks and I get the same feeling of dread when I watch the weather channel now. It is kind of a dooms day feel, yet God is aware and I think at times we humans give ourselves a little too much credit for what we can and can not do. So even though AL said we would be burning up with no winter here in UT- we are very much enjoying this winter wonderland. It make the mountains just come alive with depth and texture. It is awe inspiring to watch the sun set and rise on the beautiful Wasatch front. Oh I just came across this funny self portrait of cute us. I just love my Scott. I sure hope I get my full voice back soon I like to talk and I like to hear my own voice and I want my throat pain to cease and assist. It has been many years since i have had bad throat pain. I can't even remember the last time I had strep. It may have been childhood- usually I get sinus stuff- which now this has turned into. Scott is feeling much improved and is very hopeful to enjoy a full recovery soon. Ben told him about this neat smoker and he made Aunt Sue and I the most Delicious smoked salmon. Oh wow! I am a picky meat eater- so to hear me say wow over any meat-- it has to be tender and flavor packed. This salmon melted in my mouth. Aunt Sue was all glee over it. The best part of my yesterday was after a rough ward conference I was attending as part of my Stake calling he showed up and surprised me. He is the most handsome man. I am totally goo goo over him. He always looks so handsome in his clothing he should have been a male model. My second favorite part of yesterday was how great some of the youth did in their talks about service- it restores hope after hearing of the drug/ sex problem another group of teens is involved with. The things kids face these days just breaks my heart. The complete lack of love and guidance of any parental figure in these kids life's is overwhelming to my sensitive heart. How do we find a balance when there are no grey areas the kids are either black or white. When I was in High School there was a major grey area. I think the evil is so strong that you can't dabble it sucks you in. I think of some of these kids 6 years ago when they were little 12 year olds full of excitement and Zest for life. Now they are gone, replaced with hardened sceptics. Some of them are resilient and move past all the hardness around them holding strong to what they know to be true about who they are and why they are here. It is them that I call my shiny stars. They are truly a beacon to all of us who are lucky to serve them. My 3rd favorite part was being outside the house and taking the sacrament. 4th being with my sweet friends Sue/ Beki and Em. Love these ladies:) The last of all bestest part was watch Northanger Abby with my bestest buddy Aunt Sue. We LOVE Austen books and PBS is hosting a bunch of her complete works. We really enjoyed the version much more than any others we had seen. She is fun to talk with and we both stayed up until after 4 reading and talking and giggling. I told her I wish I had closed captioning so she could hear me better. She thinks I am adorable, everyone should be lucky enough to have an Aunt Sue.

YW leaders

I am working on my Halloween photos to post but I am missing some and came across this one... Here is two of my friends... Sue and Beki. Sue is the YW Stake Pres. Beki her daughter is the 1st Couns. and she is the PTA friend. I have so much fun with these ladies. We laugh and have funny inside jokes plus they are wonderful role models. Emily was on the other side of the church when this was taken but she is fabulous too. It is nice to have fun people to serve with. This photo was taken a few weeks ago at an combined event we did. Good times:) If only I could keep my house as clean as these two or be as sweet as Emily but then who would be fun as Missy?

PTA, Pennies and 105

Don't think I have lost my mind. (After all, My mom always says you can't lose what you never had.) I am on the PTA board at our local elementary school. Don't worry, I do remember that Scott and I are childless. Well that is Mungo and Aunt Sue do not attend. I spent the entire day there on Tuesday doing hearing tests on the kids and then a long board meeting. I felt so sad for the children you could tell were not looked after. It was amazing to see them sit up straighter when I smiled at them. Just a simple smile and they looked so happy, I wanted to give them all hugs. It is a great opportunity to put into action what my mouth says about the importance of community support, children being our future and education. In the evening I spent my time raising money for Primary Children's hospital with about 90 teenagers. Where I serve now since Scott is Bishop is still with the teens ages 12 - 18 but on a larger scale. The fund raiser is called Pennies by the Inch, last year we raised almost 4,000. It is near and dear to my heart because of my brother who was one of those miracle babies. He had a really rough start in life. I was wondering why then I got so sick? I was exposed to about 650 teens/ children all packing germs- go figure. I was hoping that since I have been eating so healthy my immune system would have had a kick booty response-- no such luck:( At one point my fever was 105- did you know at that height you get delirious? Scott became alarmed when I was talking to someone not there and trying to dance. Really it was more of an interpretive hand jive. I hardly remember any of it. Scott gave me a Priesthood blessing and finally the fever broke. It keeps spiking up and then dropping down to 96.9. Take about indecisive:) Next we called in the big guns. We have our own very dear witch doctor Marj. She has a bag of tricks with oils and herbs and what Scott calls woolly worm bat tails. After the first treatment I got way worse then felt tons better. Now I feel horrid again. This is Sunday so I have been ill for 5 days. I am missing all the fun; Scott, Ben, Sarah, Bret and Collen had a good time without me:( Karson's birthday came and went, Michele's birthday came and went, everyone has had new babies I can't hold or see. Scott is bored and nervous hoping he is not next. I can tell a difference in my face swelling without having had dairy; that is a plus. I have another call into our Marj to see what I should do next.