Learning to embrace . . .

The last few months have been one challenge after another. There are times when I have wondered what's up with this? Can we not get one finished before the next one drops on us? How many things can we handle all at once? Enough already!! But as usual Heavenly Father has a different plan. For whatever reason He seems to think we are capable of handling all of this at once, so we are trying to trust and accept that answer. Last week I could feel the discouragement setting in, not just with me but it seemed to permeate the entire household. As I reflected on where we are and how long we've been there I realized that we are going to have to find a way to embrace these challenges and not just endure them. Instead of just trying to survive hoping that time alone will push us through we need to take an active role in the process. What is it that Heavenly Father would have us learn? What areas do we need to grow? How can we find joy in this particular journey? As I have prayed more deeply and sincerely, tried to be more diligent in my scripture study, been more on top of my callings and looked for ways to be of service to others I have felt better. While no answers or relief have come, I have felt peace and reassurance that all will be well. I just have to be patient and let Heavenly Father work on His time frame instead of trying to convince Him to use mine.

Definitely celebrate!

Eight down - two to go!!! Riley & Kelly have both graduated from high school. YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Kelly officially graduated on January 30, 2009 & Riley graduated February 12, 2009. Congratulations to you both!!!

Riley Kelly

To celebrate or not to celebrate . . .

As previously mentioned Riley & Kelly are turning 18 - tomorrow in fact. I am uncertain whether or not this is something to celebrate. We have been listening to the "when I am 18" speeches for weeks if not months now so I'm sure that the rollercoaster ride is about to commence. Since they are number 7 & 8 in line to turn 18 you would think I'd have this down, but I am not looking forward to watching two more navigate the minefield of young adult life. We are taking odds on how long it will take before they realize that turning 18 does not mean total freedom from responsibility but in fact the exact opposite as we move from the manager role to the consultant role and they begin to take responsibility for their lives. Anyone want to step in and oversee this process for the next few years? We'll take them back when it's over!

Amazing people

I am truly blessed and surrounded by amazing people. Kelly really wanted an 18th birthday party which Joe nor I were up to planning and carrying out so our trusty live in helpers (Brian & Katie) took the reins and put together a Survivor themed party for the girls. I am always blown away by Katie's talent and dedication to anything she works on. She made an amazing Tiki mask cake, shopped at every party store in the region for tiki torches and other Survivor theme items, went online and found a variety of games for the kids to play as well as created an invitation with the Survivor logo on it. Brian took the reins in the kitchen and made kabobs, and virgin pina colada's, and strawberry daquiries. We were all amused when in the middle of the party Kaitlin asked "are these virgin drinks?" No Kait we are getting you all drunk! They planned the party for the weekend before their actual birthday so they could have the traditional family dinner on their day. Everything was geared around being outdoors - but mother nature took control and provided some much needed moisture for two days. I was in favor of leaving it outdoors - it was Survivor after all - but I was voted out as no one else wanted a bunch of wet muddy unhappy girls & guys on their hands so the party was moved indoors. Despite some party crashers, some jumping on the couch (yes the guests were 17 & 18) and throwing the candy from the pinata hard enough that I was washing it off the walls the next day, the party was a success. Thank you Brian & Katie for once again stepping up and making life wonderful!

How do you do it?

As is obvious by the time between posts I am not very good at blogging! I think about it often but for whatever reason just don't follow through. I guess a part of me still struggles to put things out in cyberspace. It is much easier to talk face to face or to specific individuals by email than it is to just "journal" to an unknown audience. As I read other blogs so many of you seem so at ease with this, how do you get there?

Totally Ironic!

Monday I got a call asking me to meet with a member of the stake high council on Tuesday evening. So I spent the rest of the day and most of Tuesday wondering what I was going to be asked to do. I have served in a variety of stake callings over the years so I have some idea what they entail. I was trying my best to be positive and feel that whatever it was I could handle it among all the many stresses and challenges that currently exist in my life, but I was losing that battle. On the way down to the stake center I kept praying that I would just be humble and accept whatever calling they extended, at the same time praying it wasn't going to be the cannery again. Much to my surprise I have been called to be the seminary principal at our building! Considering the post from a few months back when I subbed in seminary and had a less than stellar experience I had to laugh at the thought that I would now be responsible to oversee the teachers and students that attend seminary at 6 & at 7am. The previous principal was a really great guy and he has developed a great report with the kids. He has a new stake calling and cannot do both so they had to replace him. I left the meeting feeling a mixture of relief (that I don't have to do the cannery!)and concern over trying to step into such big shoes. Since I am at the building every morning anyway with the kids it will only mean arriving 20-30 minutes earlier than usual and staying late to lock up. There are a few administrative things as well but nothing overwhelming. I was concerned about what the kids were going to say about having to be there early but I am blessed with children who are supportive when it comes to these things (if only they were as supportive of everything I ask!!!)so life won't change much. Hopefully I will be able to get to know the kids and develop as good a report with them as Br. Ackerman had. Life is so ironic at times!

Here Come the Brides

We're off to a running start this year with two weddings in the spring. Brittney will be marrying Derek Bratton on Saturday May 16th at the Snow Canyon Resort in St. George Utah and Alex will be getting married on April 18th to Nick Balmforth here in the Sacramento temple. We are excited to welcome both Derek & Nick to the family or should I say to the shoe!

Brittney & Derek -Alexandra & Nick