Good Luck at School!!

Wow! I can hardly believe that summer is already over!! I hope that you all have had a wonderful break from school but that you are eagerly looking forward to a new year of education!

I have always loved going back to school!! I am so excited for each of you as some of you are starting out at a whole new school, some with new friends that you met over the summer, and some of you just with a new perspective on what you want to get out of your time at school this year. I hope that you all make the best of it and don't simply say to yourself "Life will be better when I'm done with school." Life just brings on other complications once you are out of school so take advantage of the today and ENJOY IT!

President Hinckley said this about YOU:

"We have never had a stronger generation of young men and women than we have today. Surrounded by the forces that would pull them down and tremendous pressures to pull them away from time-tested virtues, they are going forward with constructive lives, nuturing themselves both intellectually and spiritually. We have no fears or doubts concerning their future."

I agree with this statement whole-heartedly especially as I have been blessed with the opportunity to associate with each of you. You are each individually incredible and I foresee great things in your lives if you continue to walk uprightly before your Heavenly Father. I know that He will bless you for doing your best!

Good luck at school!! Have fun!! Enjoy every minute--even the excrutiating ones in the middle of SATs, and course exams, and super long novels (We've been there...). I love you girls and I know that the other leaders of our ward and stake admire you for who you are too. Have a wonderful new school year!

~Jamie :)

Feedback on July activities

Ok girls! We had a busy July, but I want to get some honest feedback about the activities that we did. What do you think went well? What could be better for next time? Should we ever do that activity again? Here are the activities that we've done lately....

Water Games at the park--squirt guns and water kickball.

Freezer Jam-- made homemade freezer jam, read a talk, ate homemade rolls, kept 1 and delivered 1 jam to someone in need.

Self-Defense-- retired police officer came and taught us how to defend ourselves.

Beehive activity- party and games while older girls were on Trek.

Truly be honest about these activities and tell us how they can be even better. We are always looking for ways to improve and make sure that our activities give variety for everyone! Also feel free to make any activity suggestions as we are still planning activities for the rest of the year!

Stake Trek and Brighton Camp 2009!!

What a wonderful opportunity it was to go on Trek with you older girls and to visit the younger girls at Brighton! I hope that through both experiences you all grew closer to our Savior. I know that I have a greater appreciation for those incredible Saints that traveled so far to establish the church in a place free from persecution and tyranny. I wanted to post a few pictures for everyone to enjoy, but for those of you who went to either event, would you please post your own thoughts in the comments so that everyone can see how you grew from the experiences you had then we can all grow together! I love you girls so much and I am so proud of those of you who attended both Trek and Brighton Camp this year!!