Reasons to Dress Up

We had a few reasons to dress up for some special occasions over the past few days.

On Friday, the youth in our area got to go to a special fireside. President Russell M. Nelson, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, came to Lansing with his wife. Lansing is a little over an hour away, but they broad casted the fireside to all the stake buildings in Michigan. We were encouraged to go to our stake building, as opposed to traveling to Lansing. The parents were invited to attend with the youth. (Jason and I got to meet President Nelson years ago when President Utchdorf was a member of the Seventy, just before he became a member of the quorum of the 12. We were leaving LAX and going back to Provo and we got shake their hands. We have felt a special connection with them since.) I was thinking that watching President Nelson on screen would not feel much different than when we normally see him during General Conference, but it wasn't! He and his wife (who I loved hearing from) were totally connected to us Michiganders and relating to us specifically. They were much more personable than when they have a broader audience. I'm glad Victoria got to see them speak and feel the spirit there.

Sunday was our Primary Program. Victoria was the lonesome Mercado in the congregation since Jason teaches the 10/11 year old boys and I'm in the primary presidency. Erik sat on the stand the entire time with his class and sang all the songs very proudly. That was a step up from last year when he sat with Jason on the stand and didn't sing much. Maybe next year he will get up to the microphone. Austin included a scripture in his script about receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. He spoke about when he was baptized. Karissa decided to write almost a full page and gave a very good talk about keeping the commandments of honoring our parents, loving others, and serving God.

Victoria had to be goofy since she wan't in the program...

The 3 Primary Mercado kids.

 Last night was Karissa's Steeler Banquet. Everyone dressed up in their best, especially the football players and cheerleaders. We were catered a nice dinner and then witnessed all the awards handed out to each team member. Luckily it was shorter than last year. Those kids work hard throughout the season, so it's good for them to have this special night.

The foyer of the hall for the banquet- fancy!

Waiting to receive their trophies.

Karissa and Olivia