There is beauty all around...

These are a few of the things that have caught my eye recently that remind me of God's love for His children.  We live in a beautiful world!!

Bakersfield South Stake has a new leader….

President Russell Von Judd

We had one of the most wonderful weekends ever!! Since we knew that an apostle of the Lord was going to be attending our Stake Conference, along with a member of the Seventy, we decided to invite Russ's parents and Uncle Brian to attend. They decided to come for the whole weekend. We also knew that our current Stake Presidency was going to be released, which left us wondering what might happen….. Russ had been down at the Stake Center all morning on Saturday as Elder Christofferson was interviewing many of the Priesthood leaders.  As I was sitting on the back patio having lunch with everyone, Russ called and said that he was on his way home to get me.  Elder Christofferson wanted to speak with both of us.  I knew what this could mean.  I changed my clothes and said a little prayer.  Russ and I each met with Elder Christofferson  privately and then together. It was such a wonderful experience to sit across from an apostle and to feel of his love.  He was so kind, and made us feel so comfortable.  Russ was extended the call to serve as the Stake President of the Bakersfield California South Stake.  We then had the opportunity to prayerfully choose his counselors.

What an amazing process and experience.  I am grateful for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ!

The outgoing Presidency

Elder Sabin of the Seventy, Pres. Nelson, Pres. Thompson, Pres. Judd, Elder Christofferson

                                                   

                                                             The new Stake Presidency
                 Elder Sabin, Pres. Frehner, President Judd, Pres. Bramwell, Elder Christofferson

 
                                                        (Russ and I look like the little people!)

Boo

Haley and Hannah wanted to get into the Halloween spirit by "Booing" someone.  This entails making some delicious holiday themed treats and leaving them on someones doorstep with a note saying that they have been "Boo'ed".  You must leave the treats and knock, and then run away quickly so they don't know who left them.  We made three plates of goodies and "Boo'ed" two families in the ward, and gave the third plate of treats to a new family in our neighborhood who we wanted to meet.  We had a lot of fun doing this together as a family!! I think our treats came out pretty cute, and delicious!!

                                                   This was Hannah's costume for school

                             Ben insisted on dressing up like a military man this year.
                     He definitely has strong opinions each year on what costume he wears!

 Haley and Hannah went trick or treating with other youth around our neighborhood.

                                                 They came home with a LOT of candy!

He is such a good daddy!!!

Russ took Haley, Hannah and Ben on a weekend getaway to Utah.  They got to fly, which is so much better than driving!! Allison and Connor met them there to join the fun.  I stayed home due to some previously scheduled conflicts.  I figured it was important for dad to have bonding time with the children, so I happily stayed home for a quiet, relaxing weekend.

 Booker Judd was baptized this weekend, so they were able to enjoy this family event.  Connor wanted to be with Grandpa the whole time.  He sure loves his "papa"!

Of course there was a BYU football game involved with this trip as well!!  Daddy did a good job spoiling his children and making sure they had a fabulous time!!

A year without candy...

Hannah decided she was ready to take the "Year without candy" challenge.  Dad makes this challenge available for anyone who wants to commit to doing it.  So far Allison and Emily have both accomplished this difficult task, proving that you can do hard things when you put your mind to it! There has always been a monetary reward offered to anyone completing the challenge.  I believe it was only $100 for Allison so many years ago, but with inflation the reward was raised to $200 for Hannah.  

The challenge was difficult for Hannah, especially during the holidays, but she stuck with it and came out victorious. Russ also goes a year without candy along with whoever is doing the challenge, so this makes three years he has put his sweet tooth on hold.  So proud of you both!!