Also in November, we had 4 zone conferences - one in Santa Maria, one in Thousand Oaks, one in Camarillo and one in Ventura.  It is quite an ordeal to get all of that organized and to make sure that the Stakes remember!  We are so grateful for the support of all 8 stakes.  Each stake is assigned 2 zone conferences per year.  The Stakes ask the wards to provide lunch for the missionaries and the mission sends a check to the Stake President to cover the cost.  Each zone conference has 2 zones attend - so there are about 80 missionaries at each zone conference  The wards always do wonderful luncheons.  This year, the Spanish Branch in Ventura did the zone lunch for Ventura Stake and they really went the extra mile.  They decorated - had wonderful food and the spirit was very strong there.  They really put their heart and soul in providing lunch for the missionaries.  They even served the missionaries, used dishes that had to be washed and cleaned everything up!

After lunch, the missionaries always sing to the sisters who make the meal and it ALWAYS makes us cry.

In Utah Valley, we don't have that opportunity because there are so many stakes and so many wards.  We are really missing out on a wonderful experience.  I have decided when we return, we are going to do a better job of making sure that we take advantage of every opportunity to be of service!  We also are so spoiled in the fact that it takes 10-15 minutes to drive to the Temple.  Here it is an all day experience to drive 2 hours and drive home 2 hours.  We are sooooo spoiled in Utah Valley.  I have such a deep appreciation for the people living here.

Well - it is now December 4th - and I can't believe it.  We have 22 missionaries leaving on the 17th of December.  I think there are 17 going to SLC!  Wouldn't you love to be in the terminal to watch that!

In January, we have 17 going home.  I love doing the travel for the missionaries going home.  It requires lots of work to get it all done - but it is my favorite part.  It is that organization thing!

We missed Emma's birthday in November - and we know she had a great one.  The baby is growing - and still unnamed.  We are anxiously waiting.  As soon as we hear from Rich, our plan is to get permission so that we can drive straight to the hospital.  Hopefully, "cookie" (that is what they call him) will come on a Friday so that we have a long weekend to hold him!

We have 93 more days until March 7th - but who is counting????