I attended the Martin Harris Pageant with all of my young women and leaders who finished reading the Book of Mormon in 90 days. It was wonderful. It was such a great experience to finish the Book of Mormon so quickly, for me. I learned so much more about it by reading it that fast. Everyone agrees that attending this was a wonderful conclussion to our experience. It was very spiritual and fun. I have a strong testimony of this book as another testiment of Christ. If you go through and underline how often the Savior is talked about, it is incredible. I am so greatful for this opportunity.

Today was a wonderful day. I got home after being gone for a week and got to see happy and excited children whom I know love me, with a wonderful sister-in-law(Debra), whom I know needs a long vacation now. Then, an hour later my wonderful sister showed up and I had no idea she was in town. I was starting to really miss her too. You should have seen Sam. He was doing somersaults and yelling with delight because his "Nanni" and Aunt "Ticole" were here. He just could not stop hugging and loving them and following them around. Any time we get in the car now he asks if we are going to Las "Begas" to see his other family. They are missed deeply. I guess breaking ties as a twin is hard. Especially since my kids consider Nicole their second mother. My niece stayed with us for 3 weeks and it was the greatest experience I have ever had. She is wonderful. Isn't family great.

I just got back from Youth Conference with 200+ young women and young men, and 2 weeks ago from girls camp. It is always a privilege to spend time with some of God's children and experience nature and share our testimony of the Savior, Jesus Christ. It is awesome to watch them catch sparks of the light of the gospel. We had several non-members and inactive girls attend and it was the most incredible missionary experience I have ever been a part of. We witnessed miracles, discussed scriptures, enjoyed God's creations, and most of all stayed up late and had fun. My young women are incredible. We had no drama. We loved and enjoyed each for other for 5 days and then again for 4 days 2 weeks later. Spending time together creates a bond that you cannot get anywhere else. Especially when no showers or makeup are allowed, So you get to see the true inner beauty.

Our theme for Youth Conference was to be a Defender of ZION. It made me realize how I do not stand up for things I believe enough. I guess I have been too tolerant. But my aim is to now stand as a witness of God, no matter what the result. Whether it be not tolerating fowl language, or inappropriate talk, or standing up for someone when no one else does. I am a Defender of Zion and I will help his work to go on. The Lord has blessed me to learn so much more from these things then I could ever give. I am greatful.