Evolution of Awesome: Awesome weekends (Part 1)

ts time to play "catch-up" on what's been happening. Last weekend (October 16th-17th) was very eventful. Myself and some of the beautiful ladies from the New Haven area took some time to enjoy the beautiful, yet very windy and chilly fall weather at Lyman's Orchard. We had a blast playing around in the pumpkin patch while trying to decide which pumpkins were choice among the many many many pumpkins. Elise amazed us all as she was able to influence a guy to by a 48 pound pumpkin (amazingly priced at about $20). We took a picture of Elise actually lifting the giant pumpkin. The apple orchard was just as much fun. Even though Mary, her sister Sarah and I had to patiently wait for Elise and Sarah (yes there were two Sarahs with us) took there sweet time driving from the pumpkin patch to the apple orchard stopping multiple times to take pictures. Can't blame them though. The view on the Lyman property was truly amazing! No matter where you were, a scenic view of a perfect fall day surrounded you.

"Hi" from Lyman Orchards

Elise and her 48 pound pumpkin

For the girls it was another day of shopping...and there was soo much to choose from.

Sarah was all smiles with her hand selected pumpkins

On top of an outlook deck that had such a beautiful view of the gorgeous fall scenery

Once at the apple orchard I found out the real reason I was invited along. Being the tallest member of the group they had me climb up and grab the really good apples. To my surprise Sarah herself seemed to have a knack for climbing apple trees. It was difficult to snap a good picture of her climbing and picking some of the choicest apples in the orchard...but I tried none the less.

Sarah and Mary showing great teamwork

After all the "shopping" in the orchard we headed back to the cars and drove back to the Lyman Orchard store in which we bought delicious desserts, ciders, and lunch. The food there was great. We sat out on the deck at the picnic tables in which we warmed ourselves with hot cider while enjoyed the beautiful view of the pond.

The wind was strong enough that we felt some of the mist from the pond while enjoying lunch on the porch

Nobody at Lyman Orchard could educate us on what bird this was swimming with the mallards.
The red around the eyes makes this a peculier bird

Now, just when I thought I couldn't top such a wonderful Saturday afternoon (let's face it. Not much can top spending time with these young ladies) my Sunday afternoon did just that. It started out as any normal Sunday. I went to Church socialized like I normally do after Sacrament Meeting, and got ready to leave for Canton to spend time with two of my former primary students who were getting baptized. As I left, a Sunday school class was taking place outside near the front lawn next to the parking lot. This class was attened by about 4 or 5 kids that I knew very well. As I was leaving they called me over to say "hello". As I was pulling out of the driveway of the Church, the smiled and waved to me, making my send off a wonderful experience.

Now in canton, I pulled up to the Church shortly before their Sacrament Meeting started. As I walked into the Chapel, I was greeted by the friends and was invited to sit with them. This was a huge relief because I hate sitting by myself. I know Church isn't supposed to be about the social aspect, but when sitting with friends, I tend to get the most out of Sacrament meeting. The best part of it was I sat next to one of my former primary students who was getting baptized later that afternoon. After Church, the two 8 year olds that I used to teach when they were just about 6 years old, got ready for their big day. They were dressed in white and ready for the baptism to begin. During the talks, I took the time to look around the room. I saw most of the kids that I taught just two short years ago. I would later take the time and say "hi" to each one and catch up on whats new in their lives. There was one girl who's parents remembered me but she did not. After stating who I was and how I knew her, she remembered. I went home thinking "How could everyone else recognize me but not this particular student?" I mean even her Mom and Dad remembered me. I was feeling a little down about this. Maybe I wasn't the great primary teacher I thought I was. Then the answer came to me. I taught their for about 9 months (even when I moved back to the Cromwell Ward they asked me to stay as the teacher until a replacement was called. This meant long drives...but with such a wonderful class, it was worth it). This particular student moved into the ward two months before I was released from my primary calling. No wonder why she didn't recognize me right away. I taught her for two months, and I've been gone for about two years (with the exception of a short visit I made to see the primary program during my time away). The other students remembered me because I was their teacher for 9 months and even participated in other Church activities throughout that time with them. A smile came across my face realizing that I did make a positive impact on each one of my students. I can't remember a time when I felt so good about myself (oh yes I do. The day before hanging out with Mary, her sister Sarah, Elise, and Sarah).

After the baptisms we had plenty of snacks at the celebration in the cultural hall at the Church. I got to spend time with the kids, take pictures, and reunite with parents and old friends from years gone by. What an amazing and spiritually uplifting weekend! Life is truly awesome when you take a moment to enjoy it. I feel really blessed that through my Church I was able to make such good friends and bond with so many different people. I have built lasting relationships with many of them, and that weekend the fruits of those friendships blossomed. Remember...STAY AWESOME!!