good bread and good afternoon

I am seriously feeling I could start a whole blog just about our incredible experiences that our Sunday's will now bring to our family. Going to church downtown is the most incredible blessing our family would never know to ask for.

We left for downtown at 9:45 am to go to have breakfast with a couple in the ward at their home. They are fascinating people who have done more in the past 10 years than most people do in a lifetime. The husband actually grew up in the same area as my husband and they figured they played each other in tennis in the state of Washington. Andy put himself through college by being a baker at a local bakery and makes the most incredible bread. It was a real treat and we ate all three big round loaves. The bread was as pretty to look at as it was to eat.
It was great because they had three kids from the ward over too and had taught one of the boys how to make the bread that morning. It was great to have Annie Kate get acquainted with the younger girl and a blessing for us to meet them. These were three strong, brave, youth who basically are raising themselves. Incredible people I tell you!

Church was great and since we were already downtown we were not too late. There is no parking lot to the church and so sometimes you have to park blocks away which can make it hard to be on time. Today was the "Munch and Mingle" where after church we have yummy food and chat. We brought Jambalaya and cute Valentine Cupcakes (thanks to Carlo and Eleanor)

Caroline slept the whole first 2 hours in Jeff's arms. After sacrament meeting a older lady in the ward who by far looks as if she has the very least came up to Jeff. She shook his hand and put $1.00 crumpled bill in his hand and said, "your daughter is so cute, after church you take her to Safeway and buy her a soda" She walked away before Jeff could give it back. I went up to her later and thanked her with a big hug. I didn't know if we should keep the money but didn't want to be rude either. I figured it will just be my turn to do something nice for her in return. She taught me a lot today that is for sure.

Annie Kate gave a talk in Primary, I taught R.S. Teaching and speaking in public does not bother me, but I have to say today I got a little nervous, after sitting in Sunday School. So many people are learning gospel principles for the very first time and some of the questions really make you think about what you believe. The lesson was on Jesus Christ and just melted my heart to lead this discussion. I will say this many more times, but our family needs this experience of serving much more than I think anyone needs us. If I could seriously zap everyone I know here on a Sunday I could, it is life changing.

Because so many people in the ward are from different parts of the world, the food afterwards did not disappoint. Caroline had snuck three glasses of red punch and was mixing them under the chairs and spilled them all on the carpet and down her Valentine monogrammed dress. By this time we were on our 7th hour of the day, the kids were getting rowdy.
Before leaving we met with our Bishop to discuss where we might best be needed to serve in the ward. The three girls were with us and it was a sight. Sally Jane threw an entire bag of teddy grahams all over the floor, (during our interview the Bishop was on the floor with us cleaning them up) Caroline was spinning on the chair with a red marker in hand then threw a fit and started growling. It became so comical, but does not in anyway keep me from thinking that this is something that our family can do.
Before we left the church we took the kids through the pews to pick up any trash and Annie Kate went to the pulpit. The chapel was empty. She said she wanted to practice for when she speaks in front of the congregation.(not something kids her age usually do) Into the mic that was turned off she said, "Good Afternoon" then in a echoing voice said, "Good Afternoon" (this is something that the entire congregation echos back to the speaker, which is not traditional for other wards we have been in) I thought this was sweet that this was something that she picked up on.
Again and Again I will say, we have been so blessed to have this experience.

We returned home by 6:30 pm, long day, more than a dollar richer, great bread and all and all a "good afternoon"

** someone asked me last week about AK and Activity Days. she continues to go to the one at our close ward building. Her leader did a great job of explaining that AK will be a bridge for the needs of others in the Stake, which I thought was such a great perspective