26 February 2017 - Winter Break, Flower and Garden Show and birthday wishes

So the past week was spent at the Ralph House staying warm.
Monday was the birthday of Carli T. Ralph and it was fun to hear about her trip to California with Ben. Happy, Happy Birthday, Carli! Monday was also the first day of Spring Break. What a relief to stay in bed until 6:30. Stephen decided to continue working with Neeser Construction. He enjoys being needed and accomplishing the tasks placed on him. The school is almost finished.

   Tuesday was much the same as Monday. Samuel was again put to work with chores and extra cleaning. He's a great help for Kathleen. There was no basketball games at the church but Samuel and Stephen finished up their home teaching for the month. The Faulkners like to schedule late in the month.

On their way to the NWF&G show.

Garden waterworks out of instruments

Aquaponics greenhouse with a beehive at the
end of the walkway. 

   Wednesday was a special day for Kathleen. Stephen and Samuel escorted her to the NW Flower &  Garden Show. She had tickets for 2 days and she was so excited about going to the classes since they counted as required CE for her Master Gardener. There were plenty of garden displays and informational booths along with tasting booths for oils and chocolates. Samuel got pretty bored and he and Stephen decided to go home early and then pick up Kathleen at the end of the day after Stephen's meetings at the Stake Center. He had taken Samuel to the  Family History Library in Auburn before YM. He just wanted to get a picture of the set up so he could plan for the new Kent Family History Library that will be opening this coming July.

Samuel waiting in the Auburn FHL with Mary Kozy.

  Stephen decided that Samuel shouldn't be left home by himself on Thursday before Youth Conference so Kathleen stayed home with him rather than make her second day. Samuel was taken to the Stake Center at 5:00 to begin a Youth Conference on "What's My Story". They learned about different refugee situations around the world and had refugee families and other (a boat girl from the Vietnam era) speak to the youth. They taught them about how it feels to not understand the language of the new country where you're going and the difficulties of the refugee camps. It was very impressive for the youth that went and the adults who participated also. Conference lasted until Saturday afternoon and then the Renton Stake had a special AFY with speakers that the youth were encouraged to go to so Samuel went there and participated in the dance at the end. He had a great time!
   Friday, Stephen went to work and Kathleen stayed home instead of going to the NWF&G show by herself. She wasted a ticket which she doesn't like to do. That night, the temple was closed so Stephen and Kathleen opted to work outside and move the Black Lace Elderberry plant.
   Saturday, Kathleen had to work and Stephen went to the Youth Conference as well as other church activities.