My joy today was Clovis 2nd ward...

DeAnn and Gary Brunsvik greeting Elder Benson Brunsvik at the Fresno Air terminal!

I miss Clovis 2nd ward... today we attended, what we call our home ward, Clovis 2nd ward. A dear friend, Elder Benson Brunsvik, returned from his mission this week and was speaking in Sacrament meeting. So we attended to hear him speak. From the minute we left the car, people were saying hello, hugging us, and telling how much they missed us!! It felt wonderful !! We are new in our ward and therefore are still in the infant stages of our accquaintances there!! Not that people are unfriendly because they are not, they just don't know us yet and so we get a smile and an excuse me as they step past me to another seat. I know we will eventually know everyone in this ward too, but in the mean time it was great to be in my "Cheers" were everybody knows my name!!!

Happy Happy JOY JOY...

Tonight my JOY is from be able to be at the Fresno air terminal when Elder Benson Brunsvik came home from his mission in Guatamala!! This is a scene I never tire of !! WELCOME HOME Dear Benson, you were sorely missed here and now Guatamala is missing you!! P.S. thanks for the picture Jeff!!

What a JOY she is...

This week I got to "do a favor" for my sister, while she was out of town with her husband celebrating his birthday, I got to pick Jenna up from school and take her to Basketball practise, and cheer practise and home again. Where her older brother (20) got to be in charge. But the secret is I really love picking up Jenna at times like this, cuz we get to visit and talk about stuff... with no one else along. I Really enjoy her company, she is the most amazing young lady. It is even more special because she says she likes hanging out with me too!! I love my Jenna Benna! I can't wait to watch as our little butterfly spreads her wings and to see who she becomes. She could quite possibly be President someday!! Well something awesome any way, maybe even something better, a MOTHER!! She brings me JOY!!!

My JOY in Visit Teaching...

My JOY today is Visiting Teaching...

Today I went visiting teaching for the first time in months!! Not because I didn't want to, but through the transition from Clovis 2nd Ward to Gettysburg Ward (during my illness and sojourn at my parents) I didn't have a calling nor was I asked to visit teach until now!! In my new ward Orchard View I now have a companion and two sisters to visit. VT was my first calling as an adult, I have made my best friends through this calling and love to visit, as anyone who knows me will attest!! But, I can be long winded... ok am long winded!! It is the only way you can get to know the sisters when you move into a new ward, Sundays are too full of busyness to spend time visiting with each other. So today I'm done for this month and feel like I'm getting to know some of the sisters in my new ward. Maybe soon I'll even have a busy calling and learn why I am in this ward. So I thought I would post quotes from Sister Beck where she explains VT and how VT should feel and work!! I have not always been the greatest Visiting Teacher, but I have always loved the sisters I had stewardship over!! What uplifiting experiences have you had as a Visiting Teacher or through your own visiting teacher?


Through visiting teaching, we provide watchcare by contacting each sister, sharing a gospel message, and seeking to know her and her family’s needs. “Visiting teaching becomes the Lord’s work when our focus is on people rather than percentages,” explains Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president. “In reality, visiting teaching is never finished. It is more a way of life than a task. Faithfully serving as a visiting teacher is evidence of our discipleship.”

The JOY of food...

This is my all time favorite salad. I actually eat salad again now that I discovered this salad at Panera!! But who can eat out all the time? And what if I want it every afternoon for lunch??? Well my JOY today is I found the recipe for the dressing online and I can even leave out a few of the items that make this salad, tho low in calories high in Weight Watchers points. Like the cheese and the candied pecans... I can use roasted pecans and low fat cheese?? Or leave them out if I choose. Anyway the apple chips are readily available at Trader Joe's. So I thought I'd share the recipe with you!! Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!! Love R


For Apple White Balsamic Vinaigrette:

2 Tbsp. apple juice concentrate
1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 Tbsp. white balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/3 cup olive oil
You whisk it all together.

They bring me joy...

This is my favorite brother and his lovely wife, they are a handsome couple. Not only I think so, but the builder of their new home, McCaffrey Homes, chose them to be on the front page of the Real Estate section today. Hill and I also got to hang out with them this afternoon and evening. We all have so much fun together!! I always laugh so much when we're together, I have to be careful no tears run down my legs!! And tonight was no exception!! :)

A Joyful treat!!

Today Hill was offered a job with Dr. Uryan which begins Monday. So my joy today is two fold, she has a new job she is going to love (like she did her tutoring), and we went to Yodiggity for our free (we had a full Yodiggity card) Frozen Yogurt (sugar free of course) to celebrate!! Yes this year is looking up!!!

My JOY today...

This picture of New England brings me such joy!! I am so grateful to live in the most diverse and beautiful country ever !!! My goal is to travel to New England and enjoy the bounty of the sea!!

My word is JOY!!

My word for 2011 is a bit late, however better late than never !!! My word is JOY!! And it is more than just a word this year. It is also a goal, I wish to find the joy in every day I live. And share it here.