Grandchild #9 - Camille Mae Hansen

Clayton and Jenny welcomed Millie Mae into their family on Friday, January 23rd at 9:52 a.m. She weighed 8 pounds 4 ounces and was 19.5 inches long. Everyone's question is -- "Where was Jen hiding her?" And the answer is -- "I don't know." She is a beautiful baby and very much loved by her parents and grandparents. We are so excited to have another blessing from heaven in our family.

Clayton has a new subject for his love of photography. Looks like Millie doesn't mind be photographed. Isn't she beautiful? She's a week old in these photos.

I Love to See the Temple

We just returned from doing a session in the Jordan River Temple. It's a good place to be when I can't go to Young Women's anymore. There has been a lot of emphasis on the temple in our ward the past few weeks - much of it about the Draper Temple since we will be in its district. We had a wonderful Stake Conference centered on the temple and eternal families last weekend. David and I attended the Open House a couple of weeks ago and then I went again with some of "my girls." We both have attended training sessions for helping out at the Open House. But the best was a phone call Sunday night from President Jensen. He asked us if we would be Sealing Room Hosts. We are excited to be able to share our testimonies of temples and eternal families with those attending the Open House. We are honored and humbled to be considered for such an incredible opportunity.

I have thought a lot about temples and eternity lately. If I wasn't already a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I would join the minute I heard this doctrine. I love my husband and my family so much that the thought of not being with them forever is more than I can bear. And if families are forever, then I know that friends are forever also. What incredible doctrine! It makes sense and offers comfort and peace. I am grateful to have the knowledge of eternity and the blessings of the temple in my life. I love to see the temple!

It's over....

The greatest period of time in my life of church service is over. I was released as the Young Women President on January 11th. There is a hole in my heart that will never be filled. It is selfish of me, I know, but I loved loved loved hanging out with the girls twice a week. How can you not love being with them?!? They are the chosen generation. What a privilege and an honor it was to be in their midst. Besides being with the girls, I got to rub shoulders with some incredible women! many of them I didn't know until we worked together. I will be forever grateful for their examples and their testimonies.

I started out back in February 2002 serving as Mia Maid counselor to Judy Saunders, then to Susie Steenblik. In August 2004 I served as Laurel advisor to Linda Hustedt. In June 2006 I was called to be the YW President. I was honored and thrilled with the call but I knew that when I was released the chances of staying in the YW program were pretty much non-existent. And I was right. I hope someday I can serve the girls again and not be considered "too old" to be with them.

I learned so many incredible lessons through the years from "my girls." Some of them are --
1- Don't be afraid
2- Be a friend
3- Learn all you can
4- Try new things
5- Be enthusiastic
6- Give it your all
7- Ask questions
8- Get involved
9- Share your talents
10- Don't waste time
11- Jump in with both feet
12- Live life to the fullest
13- Express appreciation
14- Have fun
15- Smile
16- But most of all, I learned how much Heavenly Father loves His daughters and with the Savior's help I can do what is required of me.