Blanding 4th ward Dissolved after 38 years

We returned home from Idaho on Sun. the 14th in time to attend the 1 PM combined 4,5,6,7 ward special meeting where 4th ward was dissolved and the other three wards absorbed our membership.  It was quite a shock, and I'm still not sure how I feel about it, but I love change, and the challenges it brings, so I think we're both up for it.  I was the first Relief Society president of 4th ward, 38 years ago.   We had 3 little boys, who were really just toddlers, and then Chris was born 6 months after I was called.  It was quite a juggling act to pull off, and I only lasted 15 months I think.

We will be in 5th ward, along with about 50 other 4th ward families.  The 4th ward attendance today at church really helped fill the chapel.  We were also called today to continue with our assignment as Young Adult Advisors in 5th ward.  Attended the last two meetings at the YS branch and then hosted a YSA dinner today to honor Tyler Saganey who is leaving in September to serve a mission to the Dominican Republic.  He drove up from Kayenta today to see his Blanding friends one last time. There were nine who came to dinner, and we had lots of Steve's delicious produce: corn, new potatoes, cucumbers, melons. Tyler was one of our favorite students last year; he came often to our home and always expressed appreciation for everything we did, and usually offered to help.  Once he even made the fry bread for one of our dinners.  We know he'll be a great missionary.

After the wards were divided, I remembered I had taken a photo of past bishops.  So I submitted the photo to the Panorama  and they ran it on the front page this past week. It was taken 5/15/2007.  All of these couples are very special friends to us, and we've gone through so much of our life here in Blanding with them and their families.  We dearly love each of them.

Sob, Sigh, and Sulk Intervention Party

Because of all of the saddness expressed by some of my friends related to the ward change, I felt prompted to try and remedy at least some of their sorrow, and send this invitation out Aug. 16.  It was very impromptu, but I felt inspired to do it, and it turned out swell.

Hey sisters, I think we need one more "Relief" party to counteract all the emotional stress we've been going through since Sunday. So...here's the plan:


A potluck lunch on Thursday---Aug. 18 at noon....

Bring anything you think will make someone feel better--even if it's YOU.

I'll furnish the drinks and some fajita snacks, so bring your best "feel good" dish and come join us. I want to take a photo of as many people as we can round up We'll do that about 12:45.... We may not all be together again for awhile...so please try and come.
Please pass the invite around, as I don't have e-mails for everyone. Especially invite your visiting teaching sisters...this will be your Aug. Visit!!

Twenty-four sisters came and here they are:

About 3 hours before the party I remembered I had this box of Hawaiian decorations, so it was our Aloha party, which can be Hello and Good-bye.  Everyone had a chance to share their feelings and express appreciation to one another, and take photos.  It was a fun activity I think for everyone. So glad I felt inspired to do it.  Steve was a huge help, setting up the shades, since in the middle of the day it is super hot on the patio.