Sunday in San Diego

Today Andrew and I had a very relaxing day in San Diego.  We attended an Escondido Ward and were really impressed with what we found there.  So many members we so deeply rooted in the gospel and wanted to share what was on their mind during Sunday School, Relief Society and Elder Quorum.  I found this interesting because so many times in my home ward the teachers have to pry answers out of the class to keep the discussion going.  I decided I need to share my thoughts more in class on Sunday's and let Heavenly Father know i'm learning.

Andrew told me later that this ward reminded him a lot of wards he worked in while on his mission.  The members work hard to find a testimony in the Gospel and continue on the upkeep a testimony requires.

After church we Skype with Lauren and Nate in San Francisco.  It was so much fun to chat with them and catch up... they are only 10 hours away here in San Diego.  We're so close! ;)

My favorite comment from Lauren as of late was last week when I was talking to Lauren about our vacation down to San Diego.  We were both so excited that we were going to be in the same state we were trying to see how we could see each other.... 10 hours away.  Lauren offered to drive to the freeway entrance during her lunch break so we could wave to her as we passed on the freeway.  Turns out even that intersected freeway would be too far away to make it work during her lunch break.

It was a fun thought anyway.

FHE at SubZero

Yesterday was Monday, meaning that Robyn and I had our Family Home Evening (FHE) together.  Following a great weekend of General Conference, we discussed the impressions and ideas we received, and we talked about what goals we can set for the next six months.

In order to facilitate our ideas and conversations, we went to SubZero Icecream!  Click here to check out their website.  It seems impossible for a week to go bye that we don't find a way to have ice cream!  SubZero is not your typical ice cream.  Once reason that Robyn and I love their ice cream so much is because of the texture and chewiness of the ice cream.  The ice cream is flash frozen using nitrogen to give the ice cream  a fresh taste and smooth texture.  Here are some pictures from our FHE.

This is Robyn.  She is trying to decide the level of frozen-ness that we want our ice cream to achieve.

This is the process of making the ice cream.  You choose your level of cream (Premium, Custard, Low fat, Yogurt, Skim).  We go for the Premium, which has the highest fat content, and therefore tastes the best.  And contrary to popular improper beliefs, fat is not bad for you, and fat does not make you fat (another blog post on this topic will now be coming soon).  So go ahead and get the Premium!

Once the cream, flavoring, and mix-ins have been combined in a large bowl, the ingredients are turned to ice cream in an instant when flash frozen by nitrogen.

It is amazing to watch this happen.  You can feel the nitrogen as it leaks through the gaps in the counter.

We choose fudge chocolate base (equivalent to dark chocolate) with cookie-dough mix-in.  It was delicious.

Robyn.  Smiling.  Because she is about to eat ice cream.

Andrew.  Paying.  With a coupon!  Wearing his new USC t-shirt.  I look a little tired and raggedy in this picture since I just took a full-length GMAT practice test.  I was exhausted, but so excited to be with Robyn!

Our delectable creation.

If you want to try some, check out their website for more info.  Or just swing bye.  The location that Robyn and I have gone to is on 5600 S and 900 E in Salt Lake City.  See the map below.  There are also locations in West Jordan, American Fork, Orem, and Provo.  Enjoy!

-Andrew

The General Relief Society Meeting

Last night my mom and I went over to watch General Conference with my Grandma at The Coventry.

I have been looking forward to spending the evening with my grandma and mom all week.

The meeting was beautiful and I felt of the Lord's love and recognition of me so strong during the entire meeting.

I was so excited when I woke up this morning and saw that the meeting has already been published to the church's website.  If you're like me and want to watch this meeting again to reflect on the notes you took, here it is....!



























Wednesday night for "couple scripture study" Andrew and I decided to learn more about King Benjamin and the "General Conference" he held with his people.  The conversation we had on the topic were quite inspiring, but the thing I want to share with all of you was the list we made for the upcoming General Conference (next weekend).

Andrew and I have decided to so something different this session.  Instead of writing down all of the catchy quotes and inspiring sayings (like we both normally do) we have decided to write down what we feel when the catchy quote is being said or the inspiring saying is being delivered.  We have decided to do this because we want to remember what touched us when the prophets and apostles were speaking to each one of us individually.

Andrew and I love to read the Conference talks when they are published in the Ensign and when they become available on line..... this way- as we are reading the talks for the 2nd or 3rd time- we can remember what touched us the very first time.

Spending the evening with my Grandmother was very humbling.  As the meeting began, she quietly pulled out her notebook and titled a fresh page "General Relief Society Meeting 2011."  Through out the meeting she listened and took notes on items that were of interest to her.  She sang the song with the same voice she has been singing the same hymns with for over 80 years.

By watching my grandmother's example of dedication to the Lord, I clearly saw what I would be doing for the rest of my life.  There is no "graduation" from callings in the church or exceptions to meeting I need to watch or attend.

One day I will be sitting in my rocker at the Coventry with my grandchildren, and children gathered around me and we will be attentively listening to the modern day Prophets willing to do what every we are asked.   

Thanks mom for putting together such a memorable event, and thank you Grandma for always beng my greatest example of true dedication to the Lord, and what it means to endure to the end.


-r