Women's Retreat

Last weekend our stake hosted a Relief Society Retreat at Seneca Lake. It was the first time I'd participated in something like this and I must say it was well worth the drive. Although I had to make a crack at the sign... not very {scrapbooky}, ladies. Just kidding, actually it's signs like this that remind me there are other "normal" Mormons out there. :)

After dinner we had a skit night where every ward came up with a skit that described "who they were". It must have been indicative of the demographic of our ward, that we were just about the only ones who did a silly skit. We had three {scenes} that are common to our ward. Here are Tiff and Carolyn demonstrating yet another craft night making headbands for the babies. Tiff is wondering if her flower is too big for her baby's head :)

Rach and I did a skit where she was "Elder Shaw" calling me up Sunday morning to see if we could give some investigators a ride to church... but then I find out there are 7 investigators. I stammered that we only have one car with 2 extra seats... but ok, we could make it work. Then she mentioned that the Elders were sure getting hungry and if I wouldn't mind having them over for dinner. Okaaaay... I guess. Oh but wait, one Elder doesn't like fruits or vegetables (and yes, this describes exactly one missionary in our ward) and the other is watching his weight, so no chocolate. Etc, etc.

The other skit was the Compassionate Service Committee discussing the 17 babies born the past week and the need to get meals out to all of them pronto.

Well we got some laughs, which was good, and of course these were exaggerations, but still pretty funny that this is exactly what it feels like to be a part of the Buffalo Ward. Gotta love it! :)

After skits and a fireside, it was time for dessert and GaMeS. This is the beginning of the group...

And this was the end. We'll blame it on the fresh air.

During a rousing rendition of {I have never...} we learned lots of fun tidbits about each other. Maybe more than we cared to know... or share for that matter. We didn't do too bad... only stayed up til 2am, and I was a happy camper because I got a group to play Ninja. Even Lynae, who is 8 months prego, was in on Ninja. I was impressed.

I had to get Natalie in her hair net! When I heard the menu, including salad bar and pulled pork sandwiches (you know me) I wasn't too thrilled, but my goodness, it was delish. I ate WAY more than I should have (It's for baby Duff, right?) and loved every bite. Especially those brownies... way to go Nat!

The next morning we had a couple of workshops and I was remotivated to start journaling thanks to Rachel! This girl has at least 5 different journals she keeps going all the time. I used to be good about that, but not so much after blogging. Time to get started!

Then we were able to do a session in the temple, which was long overdue for me. So fun to be sitting in the Celestial room with friends. We are truly blessed.

Well, Rach and I just couldn't pass up an opportunity to go to H&M in Rochester on our way home (that's of course after missing our exit and having to drive 20 extra minutes just to turn around... and then getting lost amongst toll booths and junctions...darn thruways!). I scored on a bunch of great maternity stuff and felt our {girl trip} was finally complete. Thanks to the hubbie for taking care of the screamer while I was away! I sure missed my boys while I was gone.