What Matters Most- EFY In Kirtland

"Mom, thank you for letting me come to Kirtland for EFY. I learned so much here, and everything that was taught to me has helped me in so many ways." That was the text I received from Lexie on the day we were in route back to Kirtland to pick her up from EFY. I felt her spirit through that text so strongly, and couldn't wait to arrive so that she can tell us all about her experiences. 

Although we saw all the church sites together earlier in the week having her go again with her company was extremely special. She had the opportunity to tour everything twice, and to really take in all the history and stories of the Church sites in this part of Ohio. 

But most of all to really appreciate it, and to know that she comes here for a spiritual purpose. 

I am so happy that she chose to come to Kirtland this year. It truly was a special, and unique experience for her compared to when she went to EFY in Buena Vista last summer. Don't get her wrong, she absolutely loved her first experience, but she mentioned that because this particular session was all hands-on talking about church history, and actually being at the sites made it a unique experience. She chose this location on her own motive, and we were obliged to drive her there. 

Her company was amazing, and her roommate Julia was an absolute gem. 

There were only two girls to a dorm this year as opposed to four girls to a dorm back in Virginia, and I think that because it was just the two of them that they really took the time to bond, and get to know each other. Lexie is all for making new friends no matter where she goes, and she made a very special one here.

Her entire company seemed so unified, and when she told me the stories of all that they did, she mentioned that everyone was extremely happy to be together and to have met one another. She absolutely loves her counselor, and mentioned that they didn't allow any "cliques" to be created, and if there were any signs of that the counselor would nip that in the bud. Now that's my kind of counselor! 

Since Lexie didn't have a smartphone she took a few Polaroids, and here are a few photos that Julia sent me from their week at EFY.

The kids toured the N.K. Whitney Store at the visitors center, and Lexie found it intriguing to hear the stories behind N.K. Whitney, Isaac Morley, and John Johnson. 

Here's the lovely Julia again whom I could tell was going to be an awesome roomie and friend to Lexie. Especially since she called me "fly" for having a snapchat! I love her and hope to see her again soon! 

I always enjoyed hearing Sierra's experiences when she attended EFY and to have heard Lexie's is so different. So cool to have two daughters tell me of their similar, yet unique experiences and feelings of EFY and for me as a mother to listen to it in different perspectives. 

I'm so grateful that these youth had a great week. They have all been in contact since they went home, and for once I actually heard Lexie talking, not texting on the phone to her friends that she met here! Very rare for teens to talk on the phone these days, and it was a nice sight to hear Lexie actually talking and not texting. 

I totally saw that her entire company were going to miss each other. They called themselves the Partridge family (which they're holding a banner in the first photo I posted). I can see in the pictures that it's all bittersweet.

So grateful for this program that puts the special editions of EFY together. They were having one in Nauvoo and palmyra, but because Lex had never been to Kirtland decided to go there. 

And I'm so glad she picked that location, and that we all went! 

Like the theme this year, "what matters most" Lexie really took that to heart, and hopes to always be better in putting what matters most first. Especially the things that lead us to Jesus Christ. 

"If life and its rushed pace, and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most."

Brothers, and sisters, diligently doing the things that matter most will lead us to the Savior of the world." 

-Dieter F. Uchtdorf

VIRGINIA TRIP RECAP.

Lately it seems as if our comfort zone is "home away from home." I think all the moving around we've done in the past has helped us adjust to any place, anywhere...especially when it comes to attending different wards in our church. We are so fortunate to have LDS churches all over the nation, and chances are there is always going to be one in the area where we happen to be traveling to. 

We love, love road trips and never grow weary from driving. I mean physically yes, but not mentally. Driving to Virginia to drop Lexie off to attend EFY was so nice. Although there can be some drama among Noah and Chelsea we always make the best of each trip. Best as in they bring "archaic" things to keep them occupied such as Noah's etch a sketch, and a book for Chelsea. Those are life savers. Sometimes we'll even play the license plate game, or I spy. There are times when Chelsea will sit in the back to prevent them from annoying each other, but overall road trips with the kids are fun, and they are good little travelers. 

What made this trip more meaningful was the fact that we included both temporal and spiritual things. We attended church for two Sundays, and were so spiritually edified. I pray that the spiritual high Lexie experienced will last for a long time, and that she will remember all the fun, and spiritual things she enjoyed and learned. Same with us! 

Playing around Maury lake, which we could have gone tubing in was nice, but we didn't have any swim suits let alone any gear! Next time we'll come prepared, and maybe even stay for the whole week! The kids had fun walking around, and skipping pebbles in the water. 

Now...let me talk about this collage that includes the places we went to in Lexington for a little bit. 

What a quaint town it was. There is so much history here about the civil war. We passed by Stonewall Jackson's home. I didn't know anything about him until i came here, and then read up on him. Apparently he was noted to be one of the most famous and revered heroes in the South. There were horses, and carriages giving tours of the quaint town of Lexington. We are definitely going to make time to do that next time we come.  

I can't even begin to tell you how many times we ate at Cookout. I seriously think I gained five pounds throughout the time we were there. We ate there like four times! The first time we experienced eating at Cookout was when we lived in North Carolina. It's too bad that they don't have any cookout restaurants this side of Jersey, because those hush puppies are crazy good!! Then again, maybe not such a good idea for this 43 year old body of mine that I'm trying to keep in good health!  I would probably want to eat there twice a week if it came to my neck of the woods! Especially since a burger basket with fries, and hush puppies---with a drink is only five bucks! 

We also ate at a pretty good mexican place called Mano Taqueria where the tacos were actually pretty good!! Never thought that any mexican food in the south, particularly Virginia would be so tasty, but this food is worth your $$$. I totally recommend trying it. 

The kid's found this bookstore which also had books and toys. Kind of reminded me of the store in Mystic, CT called Mystical Toys. I had to take a picture of the cute window display. I have this crazy idea, and dream of owning a bookstore one day when I'm like 50! I love books, especially children books, and how fun it would be to own a store like that someday. 

For a small town in Southern Virginia there are so many ways to make your own entertainment. Not like where I live in Jersey where you can easily be entertained by the city. The kids had so much fun being surrounded by nature, awesome playgrounds, flowing streams, and a river. The Shenandoah mountains as we drove home were captivating to see, and it's a shame we didn't have enough time on the drive back to explore. Jon said we can plan a camping trip, and go there next time. 

It was so peaceful, yet fun being in unfamiliar territory again. I love the fact that we desire to get away to unfamiliar territory to meet more of our brothers and sisters at church. I love that Lexie is so outgoing, and fearless that she can venture out to a camp where she's never been before, and without any familiar friends to guide her. I love that she is herself, and different and not afraid to approach someone whom she's never met.

 I love that she is my daughter, and like me, she is not afraid to be different. 

When we picked her up she was so happy to see us, but at the same didn't want to leave any of her friends she met in her company, as well as those who were in different companies. Here we were eating breakfast with other parents while our kids were congregating laughing, and hugging having a grand time. Everyone was so unified, and it was so good to see the cohesiveness among the youth. 

Even among the adults!

When we got home Lexie received a text from her counselor Bailey reminding her to read her scriptures! Now that's an awesome counselor! 


Yep...she will definitely be back next year and we hope to plan our vacation here a little longer! 

Happy Wednesday everyone! 

LEXIE ATTENDS EFY IN ITS FORTIETH YEAR.

Droppin off Lexie to attend EFY reminded me of the first time I sent my oldest daughter Sierra. Sierra attended EFY her sophomore & senior year. I saw the spiritual glow that she had when she returned home after a week of spiritual inspiration. The experience she had is something that I long for all of our children.  

Last weekend we dropped Lexie off to attend for the first time. For those of you who wonder what EFY is, it is a BYU program organized in the mid 70's by a bunch of BYU employees where the youth, ages 14-18 go for a whole week in hopes to build their testimony of the Savior, and the gospel. The kids participate in games, and activities. They have dances, and even a talent show. They attend religious classes for most of the day, and include fun in between. It's programs like this that gives me hope for all of my kids to mature, and grow spiritually in the gospel. 

This year marks the fortieth year of EFY. How awesome is that! I love the book that was issued this year along with the theme. 

It has about 38 pictures of all the different themes throughout the years on the back of the book. 

This program is amazing, and I was so anxious for Lexie to turn 14 so she can attend. When I asked her last year if she wanted to go her answer was an emphatic no. She said she wanted to get the feel of being 14  attending Mini youth conference, and youth conference before going to EFY. (Love her brutal honesty.) This year she went on her own motive, and I am so grateful that she chose to go on her own because I would not want to force my child to do anything they don't want to do, or go somewhere they don't want to go. I have learned by personal experience when they are forced to go to church activities, or even church chances are they will not grow because of not being able to have their free agency in choosing for themselves. Glad she chose to go!

Noah was a bit melancholy as we got her bags out of the car. I don't think he believed her when she said she was going to be gone for a week! 

I love how their counselor decorated the door to their dorm. It's always nice to read their welcoming note.

When I dropped her off I also had the chance to meet all of her roommates. They were all very kind. You'd think that Jaden (blondie with the white pants) would be the oldest one since she was the tallest, but guess who the oldest one was in the group... Lexie. 

Lex has a very, very strong connection with Carley who is from St. Louis...a very, very sweet girl. Her mother Flo, and I got along very well. She was my kind of lady because we both have a bit of a southern drawl, and understood each other. She was such a lovely mama. I can tell where her daughter gets her kindness from.  

I'm really glad that these girls have enjoyed being roommates all week., and that they were grouped together in the same company. I was texting with her last night, and she mentioned that her company is tight, and that she has loved every day of EFY. Her description of EFY in her own words were...fantastic, great, awesome, uplifting, and the classes are amazing.  

My hope for Lexie, and all the youth that attend EFY this summer is that they will take home all the things take they are taught, and do their best to remember. To remember, and not forget the "why" as to why they chose to come here.  

And to be more committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

***If you like the song that is playing on here you can download the rest of the EFY 2015 album for free with the code 4373264 here.  

Believe. Hope. Endure.

We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul-We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

~13th Article of Faith

It was exactly 4:10 p.m. when Sierra arrived home from the EFY program in Buena Vista, Virginia. Her sisters ran, (not walked) right up to her and gave her a huge bear hug. That was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. I see them give each other hugs all the time, but this one was different. It lasted for about four minutes (yes... I timed it), and Sierra didn't let go until I broke up their hug. We both had tears in our eyes. I felt the spirit so strong, and I knew that she experienced something that was meaningful, true, and spiritual that she will remember for the rest of her life.

We immediately sat down on the couch and I asked her how her entire week went. I wanted details. She was just as anxious to tell me about her week as I was excited to hear about it. We all sat in the living room as if we were having a Family home evening. She told us everything she did on each day. She didn't miss watching television. Although they had wifi in the building, she was only on FB to request or add friends. She loved feasting on the words of the Lord, and learning for five days without any distractions of the world.

"This was nothing compared to girls camp, or youth conference," Sierra said. The EFY program is a reinforcement to the things she is already learning in the church. Although I know she lives the standards of being a virtuous daughter of God, this was something that she felt she really needed to attend to help her understand more of her purpose in this life, and what she needs to do to further build her testimony and knowledge of the Lord. Sierra is a wonderful daughter, but there is always room for growth. She never wants to be set in a comfort zone. I think with all the moving around we've done for the past sixteen years, I don't believe we've reached real comfort...yet. I know that she's learned a lot this past week, and from the experiences she shared with me gives me more assurance that this was supposed to be the year to attend, and that she was there for a reason...to help a new friend learn how to forgive others.

The first day was a meet and greet and she immediately fell in love with everyone in her company. "This is my other family," she said. She learned everyones names within 24 hours! She definitely takes after me when in comes to retention. She even had an escort that was to be with her and pretty much participate in attending classes together. His name is Carter Evans. They literally became really good friends. She really enjoyed him as her escort and is grateful for the special friendship that evolved between them.

Here they are, waiting to be called up for the Variety Show, a talent production in which they both auditioned, and made it through! (He played the drums, and was part of his drumline for high school.)

Evidentally at EFY, some of these teens choose what you call a C.O.W. which stands for crush of the week. Carter happened to choose Sierra, and she chose him as her C.O.W. You have to attend EFY in order to understand this! Apparently he saw something in her that he was attracted to, and they were inseparable all week.

Like I said...she immediatley fell in love with her company...particularly her roommates, and so did I when I met them. I knew she'd be in good hands as she went off to EFY.

She was excited to see other friends from our stake as well as creating memories with her 'other family'.

Ali & Sierra

Sierra, JuJu, Eleanor, & Josh

Sierra & Brittany

Sierra and Carter

This is the hill they had to walk up every day to their dorms which are way down below.

 A little bit of morning yoga.

 Sierra and one of her roommates both participated in the talent show and performed in front of 400 plus people! She sang Dream by Priscilla Ahn. I saw a video of her performance and it truly was amazing! There were a few people that told her she looked and played like Alicia Keys. 

They had two dances that week and Sierra had the time of her life. In this picture, they are doing the EFY dance. See...there's also fun while trying to endure!

Smite the Earth was the name they came up for their company. They took it from the Doctrine and Covenants 110:14-15

It was bittersweet for her to come home. It was almost like experiencing pioneer trek...you miss your 'trek family', but are grateful to be home with your eternal family. That is something, a goal that we are all reaching for here on earth. To become an eternal family and to strive hard to live like Christ, and to have that Christlike communication. 

To all the youth who are reading this...Stay strong, don't ever let your guard down, always stay true to yourself, love yourself, love others, forgive yourself, forgive others, but most of all, always stand close with the Lord, and follow his example. If you do... you will be blessed beyond measure.

And she's off to attend EFY...

This past Monday we all woke up at 3:30 a.m., and drove six hours to Virginia to check in Sierra for the EFY program. It was a drive that was all too familiar because we have done many six hour drives in our lifetime, (or more!) We dragged all of our little ones out of bed and hoisted them into the car. I think Sierra was the only one that was wide awake (besides Jon because he was driving) throughout the whole drive. I was tired too, but to my surprise I had a lot of energy! Check in time was at 11:00 a.m. and we arrived five minutes after (and so did a lot of other kids.) We stood in line for about  30 minutes until Sierra was registered. We love meeting people, and this was definitely the place to meet other moms with teens the same age as Sierra. We both made new friends that day, and I'm sure that when Sierra returns home she'll have a ton of photos with many friend requests on her facebook!

She is also excited to see a few friends from her old ward in North Carolina. Particularly one of her loveliest friends, Myranda. They haven't seen each other in three years and I know it'll be a happy reunion for them both.

I had the opportunity to meet one of her roommates. Brittany from Myrtle Beach. They instantaneously became best friends! I had tears in my eyes as I was leaving because I could tell that this is one girl that had fellowship written all over her. I know Sierra will be in good hands. 

This is Rebecca from the D.C. area, and her and her mother were so nice. They stood in line behind us and we struck conversation throughout the wait. Her dorm is a few doors down and these two were like two peas in a pod. Even though they are not rooming together...they'll be in the same company and hope they will have a ton of fun!

For those of you who are not familiar with EFY, it stands for Especially for Youth, and it is another great program of our church that I didn't grow up with. Anyone between the ages of 14 to 18 can go, and it's not just for LDS members. This is Sierra's first time going, and her dad and I are both excited about her participating. This program is exactly what it stands for. Especially for Youth. Even though I personally never experienced going to EFY, I know that it is a place for a youth to grow spiritually and to enjoy growing with others. My husband attended EFY as a teen, but I'm sure things have changed in the past 25 years! Still...it is a program that will give any youth a spiritual boost, and hope that it'll last for a lifetime, (and not for a month!)

She has wanted to attend since she was 14, but having my son 19 months ago set us back financially (it can cost up to $500.00 or more). She hopes to attend every summer now until she graduates. Tax return time is a blessing in many ways! I know that this five day program will be priceless and worth every cent! I encourage all youth to attend, and they have financial aid for those who qualify. Those who live in Utah are lucky. All they would have to pay is a $75 registration fee. Too bad we don't still live there. I am glad that Sierra is going somewhere else other than Utah. I know that she will appreciate it as she doesn't take anything for granted. Okay...she's not a perfect kid, but she really does appreciate a lot in her young life. I can't wait for her to return home to tell me stories about what she learned, the new friends she met, the service project that they did, how testimony meeting went, how she did in the talent show (she's playing the piano while singing a song), and how fun the dance was. I'm also curious as to what cute boys she will meet. I don't encourage her, but she is at that age where she is noticing boys...good boys, and I have to wake up to reality to see that. I see her get all giddy when a cute boy will notice her and say hello. She makes me laugh sometimes. See, I'm strict, but I can be a fun mom! I know that is not the reason why she is going. She loves her Savior and I know that her testimony will grow even stronger from this experience. I'm sure it'll top all the trips that we've taken to the beach since school has been out!

We miss you Sierra, and see you in a few days!

*To learn more about EFY...click here.