Second Annual Bell Women's Confrence (a.k.a. Party while the Hubby's Babysit!!)

Last weekend all of the Bell women gathered for a few days to celebrate each other, our roles in our families and our love for the gospel. It was incredible. These are just a few candid shots... none of them are great but that's what happens when nobody will let me take pictures of them ;)

I won't go into much detail but here were some of the highlights:

*Friday morning temple session (Thanks Lize for waking me up at the important parts)

*Lunch at the garden room in the JSMB....my first time there. It was a gorgeous view, okay food and awesome conversation.

*Quilt tying....well, talking while very few tied the super cute quilt!

*Delicious Butternut squash, White Bean Chicken soup and Potato soup for dinner (don't worry I made it a point to steal all your recipes) with salad and bread sticks at Aunt Jolynn's.

*Frighteningly life like animal noises by the amazingly talented Tammy Bell.

*Worst Date stories.....A book should be written!

*An appearance by Our Incredible Mandolin and less than 24 hour old Baby Bevan....It wouldn't have been the same without her and I for one am so grateful for the sacrifices she made to be there!

*Laughter, crying, sharing, advice asking/giving until approximately 5:00 in the morning.

*A perfectly light and delicious breakfast of muffins, fresh fruit and quiche.

*An inspiring message from Carol Ellertson about Strength in Trials......lots more sharing and crying.

*And last but not least take out from Cafe Rio and hesitant good byes until next year!

It was sooo much fun to be with everyone! Melanie flew in from California, Brynn from back East, Megan drove back from school.....everyone made such an effort to be there and it turned out great! Thanks to Lianne for all your planning, prayers and love in preparing this event!

There is something so safe, strengthening, comforting and freeing about being with a group of women you love. I learn so much from these ladies constantly and am so blessed to associate with them.

I think if there is one thing I was reminded of this weekend is that EVERYONE has struggles.... no one has the perfect life.....no matter what front they put on. Each and every person we come in contact with are searching for peace, comfort, meaning in trials and sometimes hanging on to a thread of Hope. Yet I KNOW my the Lord is aware of each and everyone of us. It is wonderful to hear of all the ways he blesses us and truly strengthens my testimony of his love for me. I am never alone.....I am not the only one that faces challenges..... I am not the only Child of God.

This is part of the message that Carol left with us and it really stuck out to me....Thought I'd share it with you but also have it as a record for me:)

All Nature is but Art, unknown to thee:

All Chance, Direction, which thou canst not see

All Discord, Harmony, not understood;

All partial Evil, universal Good:

And, Spirit of Pride, in erring Reason's spite,

One truth is clear, "whatever is, is right."

-Alexander Pope- An Essay on Man

Thanks ladies! San Fransisco here we come!!! Thanks Tan for taking Schwimp duty ;)