Spring Break: Japan Tokyo South Mission Reunion

I almost talked myself out of going to my mission reunion. I was tired and we had to drive another hour to get there. But I am sure glad I didn't. I served in the Japan Tokyo South Mission under President William Walker, who is now a general authority. I posted about him here. I was truly blessed to be able to serve under him and his sweet wife. He spoke tonight for what was just going to be a few minutes but turned into a little longer than that and then into a little Q&A. I loved it. Not only to hear from him again but also from someone who works so closely to the prophet. It was wonderful. And it is always fun to bring back those good missionary memories because I have a bad memory.



There weren't many missionaries that I knew, but my trainer and two other companions were there and I loved visiting with them.

President and Vickie Walker

Funk, Madrid, Cannon, Birely, Simpson, Findlay & Dean Shimai with President & Sister Walker

Madrid & Cannon Shimai - We were SC (sister coordinator) together. We were also later at BYU Hawaii together! Great Memories!!!

My Ohhhh So Totally Awesome Trainer, Ashley Shimai. I only had her for a month and I was devasted when she got transferred. She was the perfect example of service. And she loved me for who I was, so imperfect.

My other wonderful SC companion, Birely Shimai. We both had companions at the time that were struggling and we enjoyed our time on the train rides together as we went to visit the other sisters in our mission.

All those in attendence at the Japan Tokyo South Mission Reunion

The next day I was able to have lunch with one of my favorite companions, Abu Shimai. She lives in Provo and I just adore her. We had a great time together while serving together. One thing I remember most about her is when she was bearing her testimony in one of our District meetings she said, "I love Cannon Shimai's big face". But meaning big faith. So funny!!!! She also was an artist and for my birthday she drew this picture of me that I have framed. I'll try to post it later. She is so talented in so many ways.

Spring Break: BYU Campus w/ the Schurings

Aunt Lisa got the boys out of school early today so we could all cruise around BYU campus together. Not only did we get so see some cool stuff and spend time with our family, but we also passed off a few scouting achievements while doing it. Nice!!!

The Creamery

The Art Museum

The Science Museum

The Biggest Crystal - I think it was in the Eyring building.

Spring Break: Temple Square

A Utah trip wouldn't be complete without visiting Temple Square. We stopped here first before we headed to Uncle Dan's and Aunt Lisa's for our Easter Weekend. On our way down south we also stopped by Steve's high school friend's house for a quick visit. Glenn was baptized a few years ago and is now married to sweet Jennifer and they have a cute little family. Nice visit.

Joseph Smith Memorial Building

Temple Square

Visitor Center

Melchizedek Priesthood

Aaronic Priesthood

Tabernacle

SLC Temple

Friends

Spring Break: Dinner w/ Chris and the NERDS

We got to spend another great evening at Darrin's and also with Ryan and his friend Chris for dinner. Uncle Darrin, playing the good uncle role, took the boys laser tagging. Great boy fun. Because Aunt Janna, fulfilled her role well by having cute craft time with the girls. They made something to hold all there beautiful hair bows and flowers. And again we had a little more wrestling and silly fun. Ryan brought his favorite pair of glasses and we HAD to all try them on. Check the bunch of NERDS out down below.

THE NERDS!!!

Spring Break: Corrine, Utah

We were finally able to get together with one of my best friends from the good old college years and her family. We hung out at their place, out in the middle of nowhere, but oh so cool. They had a few tractors, some property, a four wheeler and a BBQ. Another yummy dinner. John BBQ'd some steaks and hamburgers. Mary-elise made this awesome salad with sugared almonds. Oh my gosh, I ate all the leftover almonds like candy. The kids had a blast on the four wheeler, of course. John was so nice to just let them take it over and how fun to just ride it all over with the beautiful snow topped mountains all around.

Catching up with friends is always a good thing. And again, some more cute kiddos. Her little boys were cracking me up. They both came with their own pair of Wranglers and boots, sooo adorable. And yep, a John Deere themed bedroom.


I also posted this fabulous cookie recipe Mary-elise made for us. You have got try them. It could have been that we were just watching her make them and then tried not to devour the cookie dough before she baked them that made them uber super delicious. No, they were uber super delicious.


Good Times!

Ambrosia Cookies

1 1/2 cup butter (melted)

2 cups brown sugar

2 cups white sugar

4 eggs

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. salt

3 tsp. vanilla

3 cups oats

2 cups coconut

4 cups flour

2 cups chopped pecans

2 cups raisins

2 cups chocolate chips

Mix butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla.

Then add baking powder, soda, salt.

Add oats, coconut, flour, and chocolate chips

Bake at 350 for about 14 minutes

Yields approximately 6 dozen