So long my YW friends! (sigh).....

Our Brief YW's Presidency... Meghan, Samantha, myself & Brenna

Sunday night the Bishop asked me to attend one last fireside... I guess I should have know something was up but I wasn't prepared when he asked me to talk to the youth one last time... hmmm.... I'm sure I was a blubbering fool but I really will miss everyone even though our time was very short. After I was done blubbering, Brenna (the new YW pres... she'll be amazing) presented me with a photo album of the past 8 months along with a beautiful photo book of the Monterey Peninsula that was signed by all of the YW & leaders that was put together by Stephanie Overfelt (you sneaky woman!). I was so humbled by all of the comments and so grateful that I have had this experience and will always hold such fond memories of the youth in the Monterey Ward... I just can't believe we're leaving.

I am grateful for: The opportunity to work with the youth in the church and especially the opportunity to work with some stellar YW who honor the essence of womanhood!!

Congrats to the Yates! (My sister Susan's family)
I have a new niece
Meghan Lea
April 25 - 11:36pm
8 lbs. 9 oz. - 20 inches
www.yatescircus.blogspot.com

Happy 10th B-Day Josh!
This year Josh wanted to celebrate his birthday at Rocky Point which is off of HWY 1 near Big Sur... great choice Josh! It's hard to believe that both of the kids are getting so grown up. We are very proud of Josh... recently, he was chosen to attend their schools leadership group that meets on Fridays... there is about 6 kids in the group.

Jesi & Josh at Rocky Point

Josh & his traditional "apple pie" with one candle that was lit 10 times because we couldn't find the rest!
Josh with the traditional gift...."Lego's"

I am grateful for: This fantastic kid who has taught me so much by being his mother. I love his smile and dimples and the way he sees the world and expresses what seems to be obvious in a new way. I love the way that he sees outside the "bubble" and his curious nature and am so grateful to be on life's ride with him!

Jessica made my birthday cake this year and it was very yummy! I came home one evening and there it was!! Thanks Jesi... love you!

This bird was posing... so I just had to take the pix!

CRAZY Wind & Waves!
It has been sooooo windy here... really strong winds! I was thinking yesterday that I better snap some pictures of the turbulent ocean because there is a strong change that there won't be another wind storm like this before I leave. When the strong winds blow like this the ocean is just amazing!

Snap shot from up in our neighborhood

Yes, I am CRAZY for leaving such an amazing place, I know. And yes, I will deeply miss the spectacular beauty that has surrounded us for the past year. Monterey will always, always have a special place in my heart. The last place my mother enjoyed on vacation before she passed away was 17 mile drive here in Pebble Beach and shortly after we got back to our home in South County that evening she started to lose her sight. My father flew her home immediately where my sister Susan and brother Bill were awaiting them to help her get into bed... she never got out again.

I am so grateful for: The opportunity to come back to Monterey... though bitter sweet.

EASTER!
I love spring... tulips, daffodils, even those annoying dandelions that pop up in the grass. I love seeing all of the deer and their fawns around our house. Especially though, I love to celebrate the resurrection and the eternal life that we received from Christ's atonement.

We had a fun day today.... after church we went to a ward potluck at the YM Pres. ranch in Carmel and it was a blast. Josh chased and caught a chicken and Jessica pal'd around with her friends from church. This year Jessica MADE her Easter dress and she did a fantastic job... see what you think from the pictures!

I am grateful for: Christ's atonement and 3 wonderful talks in Sacrament Meeting today that inspired me to be a better person. I am so grateful for my family and feel renewed with a desire to be a better mother, wife and woman.