Relief Society Birthday - "My Favorite Things"

We started the evening by writing down some of our favorite things about relief society on giant letters R and S made of post it notes. Answers included, "support gained by being in a unified group,""sisterhood shared through common beliefs," "visiting teaching," and "forever friends."

We sang as sisters in Zion and Heather Rodebush who was preparing to move said the opening prayer and blessing on our food. We had taco salads- yum!

Then, we did a favorite things activity at our tables. We shared our favorite colors, favorite days of the week, favorite breakfast food, favorite time for church and more. It was nice to get to know each other better and find some things we had in common

Then, Charlotte Merrill, who is 3 sang "My favorite Things" It was adorable and was very much enjoyed.

Next, we enjoyed red velvet cupcakes prepared by Ashley Meyers as we listened to the History of the Smithfield Branch Relief Society presented by Sis. LaVerte Dowd.

We then took turns sharing one of our favorite things with the group in show and tell style. It was really fun to learn more about everyone!

Ashley Meyer shared that she was in nursing school. Melanie Crowley likes scrapbooking and step aerobics. Brooke Soderholm brought a zumba bag because she loves to dance. Allison Evers brought a notebook because she loves writing, especially mysteries. Annette Lewis loves the Salt Lake Temple. Ashley LaRue brought a blanket because she likes to make baby blankets. 

Darlene Richardson brought a family picture from when her daughter was married in the DC Temple. Marcie Davenport brought a doctor bag of essential oils. Kathy Willis brought a family portrait and announced that her daughter is pregnant. Glenda Lucas brought an open box to symbolize all of the memories that she has made here in the past 17 years. Barbara Mosely shared that her family is her favorite. She also just retired from being an RN and is looking forward to doing photography, helping at the animal shelter, and doing family history.

Ann Sloat shared that her favorite thing is creating. She likes to cook, sew, garden, and create. Stephanie Holland brought violin and piano music. LaVerte Dowd brought a "pile" and  told us about a book called the Great Basin Kingdom that she read before joining the church. She also likes family history, knitting, crocheting, and making things. Regina Erwin likes making dresses and blankets and is happy to be a grandma.

 

Linda Gardner brought milk glass because it is a favorite that she is starting to collect. Melissa Harnois brought a painting that she painted because she loves art. Sis. Rodebush brought a plaque with the verse James 1:9 and told about how much she loved serving in YW. Cydia Merrill had to leave early, but brought her children.

Sis. Smith shared that her family was her favorite thing. Sis. Tarwater's favorite was her mission. Katie Todd shared that freedom is her favorite thing and that she enjoyed working in an ER in Afganistan because she was proud to take care of other military men and women who were willing to fight for us. Sis. Todd said that she loves her fellow men and loves the gospel and her mission experience has been wonderful. Sis. Steoker brought a portrait of Jumper and told us about her love of animals, art and her I-phone. Amber McHugh brought a "No women can be served here sign" and told us about how one of her favorite portions of her past was living in the middle east.

Brooke Soderholm closed with a spiritual thought. "As silver white winters melt into spring, may we all have the motivation and desire to be happy. As Relief Society sisters we can help each other. It is my hope that in those times when we are feeling sad that we will have the strength to remember our favorite things, particularly to hold on to our testimonies and remember Christ."

Sister Stephanie Holland played the piano as we sang "Each Life that Touches Ours for Good" and then Sis. Glenda Lucas closed with prayer.

We have an amazing group of sisters and enjoyed celebrating together!