Excuse Me, Can You Say That Again!

This is what I said to the Bishop after he called me last Sunday to be the Relief Society President.

Then I said, "Did Jen (our former R.S. prez) put you up to this?"

Back up a few weeks... I served as the R.S. Secretary and as a presidency we are very close. We found out the Stake was splitting and at this time I think we all felt that a change was coming. THEN we found out Bonnie (counselor) was moving to Texas. We are all very sad about this. So in my mind I was sad that my calling may be ending.

On Monday we had a meeting and things were discussed. We felt pretty good we would be intact and we would just have to find a new counselor. Little did Megan (other counselor) and I know Jen T. was hiding something. After enrichment on Thursday Jen pulled Megan and I aside and told us we were all being released. Immediately a huge sadness came over me. One because we were being released from our callings and two because I knew I wouldn't be serving with this presidency again. I was sad because I need those women in my life. I have learned so much from them this last year and a half. We have meeting almost every Monday and it was the perfect spiritual lift I needed. I was sad that I wouldn't have this in my life.

Friday the bishop called around 9:30am. And asked if he could meet with Matt and I. He knew Matt was out of town and so we would have to meet Sunday. Matt went on a "brocation" with his friend Tom to see the BYU game. So I left to my mom's house because I couldn't be alone with my thoughts, I needed a distraction and also help with the kids. We spent the night on Friday and left late Sat. afternoon. But I felt it. I had a feeling. Don't get me wrong. I didn't think I am the one for the job. But something kept taking me back to the calling. So I speculated all weekend. Why would the bishop want to see both of us?

Sunday Matt got home at 12:15pm and we left 5 min. later with kids in tow to see the bishop. We sat down they talked football (which drove me crazy! I was thinking just spit it out bishop. Whats it going to be) He said "We would like to extend the calling of Relief Society President to you." A calmness came over me then a excuse me what did you say moment. There was some discussion and tears and he was probably thinking oh no she is a cryer. I got emotional over my kids. I told him I didn't want this calling to take me away from my kids. He counseled me and I felt better. So I accepted and he said that they would announce it in church today. The best part was that as we were leaving his office Carson threw a huge punch into Shea's back for no reason. I looked at the bishop and said "um you want to rethink what calling you just gave me." he laughed and said no. So we went home ate lunch and ten minutes later were out the door to church. So needless to say I didn't get a lot of time to process my feelings.

I was a mess in R.S. I hope the women do not think I was crying because I didn't want the calling. I was sad because Jen Tanner, Megan and Bonnie were no longer with me. I was also very humbled by all of the sister who came up to me and said they were excited for me and knew I could do it.

So my "no pressure" moment happened when I realized that the Stake R.S. President (Suzanne Kellis), the Stake Counselor over enrichment (Jen Tanner), Stake YW 1st counselor and also I think 3 to 4 sisters who have been R.S. presidents are in my ward. NO PRESSURE AT ALL! :)

I was reading my patriarchal blessing a couple weeks ago and the thought of R.S. Pres. came into my head. I brushed it off thinking yea in 20 years. I love my ward. I love the women in my ward. I know now why Matt and I bought our house out here in Surprise 4 years ago. It was the ward and how it would help strengthen my family.It is the women in this ward and how support each other. They are friendly, compassionate and service with all their might. I am so honored that the bishop trusts me to lead these wonderful women. Any one of them could do this job. My heart belongs in Relief Society and serving the women of this ward.

I tell people that I am good at organizing and not expressing myself spiritually. Pamela my sister in law said maybe that is why you were called. I have been thinking to myself lately that I want to know and study more. What a great opportunity heavenly father has given me. I love this church and I know it is true. It can bring you peace and happiness that you never thought possible. I hope I can be half the R.S. President that Jen Tanner was.

I can't go to church...

"I can't go to church... with a Dinosaur on my finger!"

Matt, Shea, Lacey and I were playing on my bed Sunday morning. Carson runs in and says "I can't go to church with a dinosaur on my finger!" It was so funny. So we captured the moment!

Shea wanted in on the action to!

Lacey and daddy checking out the sports highlights!

Lacey's 6 month photo shoot!

My friend Jen took these pictures of Lacey for her 6 month photo shoot. I just adore them!

She has a big toothless grin like Carson had!

I just love this "nakie" one!



This one is awesome because is showcases her fuzzy bear hair!



I just think this one is to die for!!

My calm before the storm Lacey!

So, I never took her picture in her blessing dress. We blessed her at 3 weeks of age and her dress was just swimming on her. So we put it one when we got to church and took it off when we got in the car. I thought it was funny to get her pictures in it now but oh well!! Matt just loves that she has blue eyes like him because Shea and Carson have green like me! Thanks again Jen!!