PH Cont...{ICAA Tea Party}

Here is more on our AWESOME Tea Party for ICAA. We had to be there early to set up and we still were a bit behind when people started to show up but we managed to put a on a great Party for everyone. It was all well worth the effort.  

This is the entrance where you signed the guest book. 

This is our awesome banner made my the famous Keara Barnes, well you actually can thank her for all the decorations:) She is the party planning specialist! 

This is the actual one and only Mabel Palmer's Tea Set. A must decoration at our Tea Party!!

 These were the awesome tissue paper flowers that we hung from the ceiling. 

 The Lunch Table

Chicken salad sands, veggies, cheese squares, deli meats, crackers, artichoke dip, grapes and pears. 

 The Dessert Table

cupcakes, biscotties, cheesecakes, Taffy's, and pastries. 

 More up close details on the tables, talk about so adorable!!! 

The Drink Table

Lemon Water, and herbal tea was served. 

 The program was as follows....

Dr. Coralee addressed us first. The one thing that stuck out to me the most is when she told of her experience on ground zero after the towers fell. She said she was there along with many other Chiropractors adjusting people to help them heal. It seriously gave me goose bumps hearing her story about that. Her husband was funny as well and shared a couple thoughts with us too. 

 The Burt wives were our guest speakers. Their son  Dr. Brad Burt is our family Chiropractor. We love them! Our focus for this Tea Party was on the women in background of Chiropractic which are the wives, patients, and friends. We wanted our focus to be mainly on the wives and know how much they play a roll in chiropractic even though they are not the ones gong to school. The Burt's spoke to us about many things...chiropractic, being a wife to a chiropractor, how we can support our husbands, working in the office, ect. They did a great job, it was just what we needed to hear. 

 I had the privilege of honoring Dr. Tracy Litrell with the Women of Chiropractic Achievement Award. Needless to say I was really really (emphasis on really) nervous and it felt so awesome to be giving this award to such a great teacher. 

Dr. Tracy Litrell is really just a wonderful person and a great instructor for our husbands. I am so grateful to her that she takes pride in her job and students to give them the best chiropractic learning experience. It was almost a unanimous vote. Every student just loves her including Christian. When she found out that Christian was my husband she told me that he was one of the most elect students she had ever come across. She said, "you can tell he is passionate about what he is doing here and therefore will be a great Chiropractor someday!" That's my man! 

 We then presented the ICAA member of the year award that went to both Jodi Kitchen and Jessica Peterson. They both did so much for the club and we are going to miss them so much since they are both done in October. 

 Me, (don't mind the underarm sweat I had been setting up all morning and was really nervous during the whole program..haha) Kris Burt, Karla Burt, and Dr. Tracy Litrell. What great women of Chiropractic I was standing next to!!! 

 Oh yes and I can not forget about my Team Tea Party! These girls seriously rocked and made it all possible. Wendy, Keara, Macy, and Steph...I love you:) 

 And we were a little crazy after the Tea Party was over...LOL! Well I guess we are kind of CRAZY!!! 

A job well done.

Am I glad its over...YES! 

Do I love ICAA....You bet cha! 

Palmer Homecoming 2011

Palmer Homecoming (PH) was a couple weeks ago and this year I actually got to go to some of things which was awesome. It's not like a regular homecoming of what you think of but it's more focused on Chiropractic. Various speakers come from all around, alumni, prospective students, and current students/spouses. It is a great opportunity, though sadly Chris did not get to go to much of it because of his vigorous work schedule. That being said since my position as ICAA President I got to get in on some of the fun of PH week. 

We actually did our Nikken Booth up at the Palmer's Farmers Market during PH which was awesome. It was a successful day for us. While I was there I snagged a shirt that said,"I love Chiropractic" with the heart being the shape of the atlas. I love it and decide I was going to wear it to the rest of the PH festivities. 

I was so trilled to get to listen to Dr. James Chestnut. He is so knowledgeable in the realm of wellness. He is very educational to listen too and he really knows his stuff. It was interesting that his philosophy goes right along with Nikken's. He teaches about how we have to change our environments if we want to eat, think, move, and be well. I was thrilled that I got to snap a photo with him. I met Dr. Coralee Van Egmond who is the Director Professional Development for the ICA (International Chiropractic Association). The ICAA which I am president of is a branch off of them. I had been conversing with her on the phone all the way in Washington DC and we had planned to meet and discuss some things about the ICAA. I also had lots of pamphlets, planners, and handouts to give her to pass out their booth to advertise for us which they so kindly said they would. Little did I know in all this process I would get to meet Dr. James Chestnut! Talk about awesome!  

 

After that she asked if I would join her at the Alumni Luncheon. I was in complete shock because I was not really dressed for the occasion..LOL! Of course I did not decline the offer. I felt really honored to be attending this with her. The food was yummy and it was just so cool to be there. Dr. Coralee was introducing me like I was some high and mighty somebody..LOL! She would say, "This is THEE ICAA President!" Everyone wanted to shake my hand and then they would nod their heads proudly at me. I have to say I felt pretty special even though I had barley been put in as President. It made me realize the responsibility I took on and how much I am thrilled to be in the position I am in:)  

Sitting at our table was Dr. David Mass who is an administer to the alumni or something like that. I did not catch everything seeing how I was only a somewhat of an ease dropper at our table..lol!  I actually got some time to talk with him  about how the west is widely open for Chiropractic. I seriously was on cloud nine!!! 

 Next up for Homecoming we had our Annual ICAA Tea Party which the ICA participated in this year and even helped us with the food cost. It's a pretty big deal up on campus and lots of work. 

I could not have put it together without my board. They are my true gal pals and I know they sacrificed so much time and effort to put on the BEST Tea Party of 2011. 

Left to Right

Wendy Kowallis : Secretary)

Keara Barnes : VP + Treasurer (My other VP back down so Keara stepped up) 

Kerri Price : President (Me)

Macy Henze : Hospitality)

Stephanie Fox : Hospitality (We felt we needed more in hospitality since its such a big job and we may even call a sub committee)

PH this year was off the charts!

Stay plugged in for more Tea Party-ness!

(Cartwheels)

Oh yes and Happy Sabbath!  

There's just something about little boys.....

There is just something about little boys wrapped up in towels that is just scrumptious!!! 

 There is something about little boys running about the house chasing each other and listening to their screams and squeals! 

 There is something about how they are fighting one minuet and then best buds the next. Catching that love on camera is another thing..LOL:) 

There is something about telling Porter 1 million times not to drink out of the dog dish but he still does....

 There is something about Treyson wanting to be like his dad and work on the yard...

 There is something about little boys snuggled on the couch sharing a blanket, eating crackers, and watching a movie together. 

There is something about little boys trying on every pair of shoes you have:) 

 Or trying on your hair accessories and giggling with delight! 

 There is something about Porter when he refuses a nap and wont be put down for anything yet I find him zonked out on the couch 10 min later. 

 There is something about snack time with Treyson and how he has to bring his toys along for a little pow wow. He holds a convo with them during his snack..LOL! 

There is something about little boys and making messes no matter how clean you try and make meal time. There is something about Porter how is has to have one foot up while he eats too..LOL! 

 There is something about little boys and playing "king of the mountain" on the couch. Jumping off screaming "cannon ball!"

There is something about Porter when he takes his rocks for a stroll on his lawn mower. They have to be set up so perfectly and if one falls off then he has to be placed just right back in the perfect spot. Just like a baby in a stroller,  he will walk them around the backyard all day long. 

There is something about kissing little boys cheeks, making crazy faces, snuggling, and having them touch your face and say, "I love you." 

There is something about little boys making funny faces together to the camera or mirror. We could be there all day:) 

 There is just something about my little BOY Porter!!! 

 And just something about my big BOY Treyson. 

PS. The stain on his shorts is from spilling water at dinner not pee pee..LOL! 

You have to admit there is just something about being a Mother of 2 little boys. Its hard to explain deeply in words.

 Something special that is.

Something that makes you tear up during certain moments with them. 

Something that gives you those warm fuzzes inside. 

Something so pure and sweet. 

Something that is indescribable in words. 

Just something....

It's the "somethings" that make them so precious. 

 I know they may never realize that they are really something wonderful to me until they have their own children but they are truly my "somethings."

Here are some random "somethings" of our boys....

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Traveling Youth Conference

2011 Youth Conference

Davenport Iowa Stake

Church History Tour

July 28-30

"ENDURE IT WELL"

DC- 121:8

I had the opportunity to go to youth conference this year. I gave up running the annual bix to go. I felt this was more important and they were short leaders. I am so glad I chose to go because it was so awesome. We were on the road for 3 days visiting different Church sites. I had never seen any other sites we went to yet so it was a learning and growing experience for not only my youth but for me too. We were all packed up and ready to head out by 8am Thursday morning and we stayed in 2 different hotels while on our trip. Keeping track of about 120 youth is quite the task...LOL! 

First stop: Adam-Ondi-Ahman

What a beautiful place it was. We had speaker there explaining to us the significance of this wonderful place. 

 Next Stop: Liberty Jail

This was probably by far my favorite stop. They played a series of narratives for us at the jail and it was hard to fight back my tears. I knew our dear Prophet suffered while he was there but I don't think I knew the extent of it until I was actually there. I also came to know that some of the greatest  Revelations we have came while Joseph was there. He actually learned one of the most important things while in Liberty. He learned that his sufferings were not even comparable to those of the Savior himself. The spirit whispered to him, " The son of man has descend below them all, art thou greater then he?" He learned that "all things shall be for good and give you experience." My heart was seriously swelling and it just affirmed my testimony of him and the BOM. No man would endure that much if this work was not TRUE! There were many time he was told if he would just deny it then they would release him but he wouldn't. The jail was used as an ice box after it was no longer a jail. Could you imagine? Being in a dark and cold place for 4 months and barley fed anything, not being able to talk or see your loved ones? How grateful I am for his sacrifice and for what he did for the good of our Church.  

 Next Stop: Independence

Community of Christ Temple 

 We got to go on a tour of the their Temple. It was interesting. It was more like a architectural tour. They had lots of long hallways of different statues, carvings, and other things that represented things of their faith. They took us into their chapel which this is actually where the steeple part you see on the outside is.  The tour guide said some things that were troublesome but we were under strict orders not to converse and to be on our best behavior..LOL! I felt it was a good experience to go and see it, it helped us learn and grow. It especially just assured me that their are distinct difference between both of our Church's which made my testimony grow once again. 

 Right next to the their Temple their is an LDS visitor center. It was really neat and you could tell such a difference with the spirit. That had a beautiful Christos just like the one in SLC. We learned what Independence was like for the Saints. It was really so awesome! 

 Next Stop: Lenexa Kansas

Tri Stake Youth Hawaiian Dance

This dance was beyond FUN! The DJ was so awesome and all of our kids had a blast! Lots of line dances, good slow songs, limbo, and just moving and grooving.

 Jodi from 2nd ward and I even shook it on the dance floor. You all know I love to dance and lets just say we were both sweaty messes when we were done:) That ended our Day 1 of the Youth Conference. 

 Day 2: Omaha- Winter Quarters Temple. 

It was such a beautiful temple and all 120 of our youth were able to do baptism's minus a few. The leaders were in charge of the cleaning and laundry in the Temple this day. What a great way to start off our Morning. 

 Next Stop: Kanesville Tabernacle

We watch the performance of the "Come home to Kanesville" show.--"The song and dance musical: a story of the love and faith set against the heart rending saga of the pioneer experience." We were not allowed to take any photographs but it was really a cute show. Our girls were in love with the main boy actor so they made me snap a picture with him..LOL!  

 Next Stop: Council Bluffs

Dinner and Quad Stake Dance

This stake fed us dinner and they put a dance on for us. Let just say our youth had to endure this dance. I even felt sorry for them. The DJ was horrid, he would play 5 slow songs in a row then one fast song which was not even in their century, then 5 slow songs again. It was not very fun for our youth. They said at least they still got to meet new people:) Oh yes and I forgot to mention that at both of dances I had to turn down many youth guys to dance that did not think I was leader even though I was wearing a leader badge...LOL! It makes me feel flattered but I know that they feel really stupid so then I feel bad. I guess I will always get that for looking like a teeny bopper! That ended our day 2 of our travels.  

 Day 3: Omaha

Morning Service Project

Most of our youth got to where the awesome "Mormon helping hands vest!"

 They have been having a lot of flooding in Omaha so our service project was filling sand bags to stop the floods that were going to come in. I think the youth really enjoyed it and most were on a race to see who could fill the most. 

 There were endless amount of dirt piles and we had our work cut out for us! Most of the stations had a filling tables which was basically a wooden table with 2 upside down orange cones that had the tops cut off to make a funnel. This made filling the bags easier. If you did not have one you had to do it manually which some of our youth had to. Sister Lykins and I were put with a local crew that were from Omaha. Bless their hearts, most of them were retired old men just wanting to help out. We had great conversation and they kept expressing their gratitude that we would come out and help them. They were jokesters too. One told me he was wanted in 3 states...haha! 

 Each bag got 3-4 shovels full of sand that had to be filled half full. Then the bag was folded once in half and then put on the crate. Each crate needed 40 bags before it was done and could be moved to the truck. This was an exceptional service that we were able to do and I am so glad we got to be apart of it:)

After the service project we headed back to Council Bluffs Stake Center and had our testimony meeting. It was really an awesome meeting. It was fun to hear how this youth conference strengthened their testimonies and just really how valiant our youth really are.  

After our testimony meeting and lunch we packed up and were now making our journey back home. We stopped off at Hyde Park. This was where a solum Assembly took place where 1000 saints sustained the New Presidency when Brigham Young became the Prophet! Pretty cool!  

 Next Stop: Iowa City Mormon Trail and Handcart Park

We only had about 30 minuets here so we could not walk it all but it was nice and such beautiful scenery. It was nice to get off the buss too and get some walking in to stretch our legs. This was the stop that ended out traveling youth conference. It was sad but also a relief to finally be done. 

 We loaded out great big buses and headed home. There I had 3 men and dog waiting for me at our stake center. Boy, was I Glad to see those faces. They had pizza there for everyone for dinner so my boys just had to have some. Home sweet home!  

What a fabulous trip it was. Yes it was hard not be in my own bed, eating food I like, and being away from my family, but you know what though...it was so worth it! I know this was really for the youth but this conference was really for us leaders too. It was such a memorable time to grow more in the Gospel. I love, love, LOVE my calling and serving in the YW. I know it is where I am supposed to be. It is stressful at times but my spirit has grown and will continue to grow because of it. YAY for youth conference!