winter break at the Mercados 2014

I had a great visit to Michigan, I left Utah with the snow in the front yard almost gone, to a cul de sac/igloo  in Canton. As cold as it was outside, the opposite was going on inside. We began with teaching the salsa to the Youth at church Some said it was the best activity ever, (we still have it,, Val and I made a great time, Val moved her hips and I counted out the beats)  The next day we went roller skating, then shopping and treats, reading dancing, singing, playing, and sharing, Valerie and Jason got to go the temple and I got to spoil the kids. We love experimenting with cooking and this time it was using dates,, we made rice, bread, cookies, and now Jim is enjoying our new recipes.

tender moment

Feeling a little stressed to get everything done this week. Our weekly commitments are 8 hours in family search, attend the temple, Institute , read and study scriptures everyday and then the regular church callings of teaching, cub master and dinner groups. This week we added serving Derek and Missy so she could serve with her family for the Valentine delivery of Love/flowers, I said yes,,,and then realized that it would be two full days,,,something had to go.. I couldnt find my recommend for the temple,,I got a new wallet and moved everything over and went through everything two or three times, I even lost mt secret hidden codes. Plus there was the annual sale at the swim shop,,What to do?  Well, now I knew the most important thing to serve....in the temple... I couldnt do. So off we went with everything else The end of the week, I found my recommend..It was A MIRACLE,, Heavenly Father said,,,,( to me through the Spirit ),,,All is well,,You served me well.  Ans I felt comforted knowing that the family was served and that the Lord was happy.. And I. too. felt comforted as I fell into bed each night tired but knowing I had done all that I could, AND,,, I have my recommend again,....

swimming and shoveling and super bowl

This week we have been blessed to spend time with the grandkids as we watch the sporting events of each of them that are living close. Too bad we cant see them all,and how come there are no dancers here!  I never thought my mom danced, but I appreciate her talent in line dancing that she continued well into her later life, I never thought of line dancing as creative because it is repetitive, but I can see as I get more and more limitations that anything we can do to keep moving is a good thing!  Derek's son Jake came in second it back and free in his swimming and Karina's daughter Mariah bettered all of her times coming in first in fly when we were watching,  Blake loves basketball. All of the Shelleys, Derek's,and Karina's children ski but we havent gone to see them on the slopes.We hope to see more of the grandchildren in their activities

Cousins from near and far

We are lucky to have shared meals with cousins in the last week. Jim's cousin Jane from his fathers side and from my mothers Woolley side 4th cousins, the Michaelsons's youngest son John came over for a visit,  It is so nice to talk/share/ laugh and remember times and families. Here in Utah we are meeting more and more family. I spent time on my own family records and have already found that so much work needs to be corrected. I need to add stories and photos. By keeping this blog, I hope to keep the present times on record.

Women of Faith

These passed few days I have had the opportunity to sing with the sisters in our stake. We have a great conductor and great songs including Circle of Sisters ( I already have that one choreographed ), When I feel His love ( which keeps rewinding through my head,, by Janice Kapp Perry) and Who we are ( which included all of us women, through out the world, large and small ,young and not, single and  other)  I am so happy that I am a women. Relief Society is the oldest and largest organization for women throughout the world. we help each other, serve, love and protect.
Today we go for more training for our mission.. it is called Ervan/ I have found names that could be family Andrew T Lund. Axel Anderson, and even some Larkins. This week we previewed alot of Daughter of the America Revolution. Sons of the Utah Pioneers, and , Snake river and Idaho family records.
Gotta go serve..LOVE IT

Getting answers to Prayers

We are settling in with our mission. This week we had a holiday!!!,,Martin Luther King--so we didnt have to go it. Instead we drove to Park City (forgot to take photos!) and it was the Sundance Film Celebration. We didnt see anyone famous, or maybe we did, but we wouldnt have know it! The sun and sky was beautiful. When we returned I was TIRED, but we had already promised Family Home Evening with the Stubbs.  We played pickle ball. Tuesday at the Family Search we invited our good friends, the Harpers, to learn more about the mission..We are already recruiting.
As a goal of mine has been to serve everyday, I had many opportunities this week. This has been an answer to my prayers.  Even though I was very tired on our "day off" from our mission, I still have the desire to serve and be of value. I am happy to say that I did have my prayers answered! Also, It has been a sunny week and no snow or  ice to slip on!
Tonight we go to an Earth quake preparedness meeting..Do we really need to worry about that here in Utah?  I am still getting used to the weather!
patty

20014 New Mission Opportunities

 New Year 2014- New posts, Jim put a book together of our first mission in Geneva Switzerland,,so now it is my turn to write again,
We started serving at Family Search which is really just across the street and two doors down! I have been able to use my French each time and Jim and I both had America Revolution books to preview. Yesterday I had German, Daughters of the American Revolution and I got to use my Special Education skills in counseling- so this feels like a good fit for us.
We swim.,play pickle ball , and ride the stationary bike and I am trying to keep my Tai chi and yoga up, but it is getting tight for time,,, we are just figuring it all out now.
We both love having the kids close by and pray for our loved ones each day