Laurels...

I have the greatest calling in the entire world! Granted it can be stressful at times but the rewards far outweigh the stress. We have 6 of the most darling girls in our class and the most incredible Laurel advisor. It really can't get any better than that. All of the YW in our ward are fabulous but this post is about the Laurels.

We have a very diverse group of girls, 4 of the 6 go to the same high school, 1 goes to another high school and 1 goes to Utah Valley University in Orem, UT taking college level classes.
Victoria is on the debate team, plays the violin and just started this year on the drums! Janneka takes college level classes, wants to be a doctor, takes piano and just started taking ballet this year and is now teaching a class of 3-5 yr old girls. Kinsey is our oldest and works at the Buckle in the mall, is excited to graduate this year and go to Utah Valley in the fall. Audrey plays the clarinet in the band at school, had a part in the Nutcracker as the Mouse Queen (first time doing ballet!) and also graduates this year. Suzy is on the swim team at school, loves to travel and is a friend to everyone. Kacey is Kinsey's younger sister and the youngest in the class. She is a cheerleader one minute, plays softball the next and loves being unique.

Yet even with all this diversity they get along! They don't always hang out - outside of class on Sunday or activities. But when they are together, they care about each other and want to see each other succeed! They are all very reliable in fact, they planned our most recent New Beginnings program and it was such a fabulous evening. We were all so impressed with the time and dedication they put into that night.

Victoria and Audrey wrote a poem about the YW for New Beginnings this year. The poem was to illustrate how each girl lives the doctrines and commandments on a daily basis. They did a great job so I thought I would share it....

Princesses~

In the XXXX ward,
In the North most Stake,
Lives 23 princess,
Of exceedingly great faith.

The Beehives came first
The Miamaids next
And finally the Laurels,
Who all love to text

There’s Princesses McKennly and Lizzy
The first to remember family prayer
They came into young women’s
Both with their own little flair

Following them are Princesses Ellie and Nicole
Who willingly attend family scripture study
These girls are simply amazing
And are both a good buddy

Princess Julie is kind
She includes everyone
Princess Rachel P does also
These girl’s hearts must weigh a ton

Princess McKenzie
Stands up for what she believes
She sets a great example
No wonder this girl achieves

Princesses Aimee and Krystlynn
Love Family Home Evening
Teaching lessons, sharing comments
They know what to believe in

Princess Janneka comes next
A strong testimony she bears
Wherever this girl goes
She always cares

Our own Princess Hillary
Loves to attend seminary
Spunky and Cute
This girl is extraordinary

Princess Mel is kind to everyone
A loving example of service
This girl gives time out of her schedule
And she never seems nervous

Princesses Melissa and Camilla
Make scripture study personal
What better way to prove
That these girls are both phenomenal

Then the loving Princess Emily
Who loves to serve and volunteer
Serving special needs with horses
This girl is always smiling with cheer

The little, adorable Princess Sam
So courageous and so honest
A swim suit was too small for her
So she wore something a bit more modest

McKinsey is the oldest Princess in our group
A teacher and a friend
A Sunday lesson that she gave
Gave new depth to “Footprints in the Sand”

Princess Rachel L
An example of obedience
With friends and family all around
She shows unlimited patience

Princess Suzy is next
She studies scriptures every day
A good example of leadership
On the gospel’s path she will stay

Princess Kacey follows after
A friend to all around
And much like her the Princess Heather
These girls wear a proud crown

There’s Princess Audrey Aka Audz
Who studies diligently
She loves to make people laugh
But still manages to do her biology

Lastly, Princess Victoria
Who recently received
An award so valuable and silvery
Her family is so relieved

In the XXXXX ward
In the North most stake
Lives 23 princesses
Of exceedingly great faith

They stick to their doctorial covenants
Each with their own special flair
Their parents love them just so much
And a love like that is rare.

Kacey - being Kacey!

Audrey - in the middle @ girls camp.

Below is a picture from an activity we had with a professional photographer (Adilfa- check out her website http://www.donpolo.com/ she was our photographer for our wedding) We were sad Audrey wasn't at this activity. (Kacey was not a laurel yet)

L-R top Kinsey, Me, Hilary L- R bottom Victoria, Janneka & Suzy

I feel lucky to serve such a wonderful group of girls and couldn't do it all without such a faithful, supportive advisor.. Thanks Hilary!