First 3 Hour Block--Pressure Is On!

We were out the door on time!

Luke wasn't in the mood for a snap shot.

A few weeks ago I received a call from my Relief Society President. She asked me if I had the lesson planned to teach on the 22nd of this month. Whhaat? Was all I could say. Apparently, there was some sort of miscommunication gap before our ward split. She thought one of her presidency members called me and squared it away. Oops. I had no idea I was even teaching. I responded by saying, would gladly teach. (this was a couple of weeks ago--and some time has slipped by me). I never really panic when I accept to teach until the night before. Last night I worried about my lesson and if it was going to run smoothly. The lesson was #20 Women of The Church.




It wasn't so much that it was a hard lesson, but I think there were so many different areas to cover, it became a bit overwhelming. Plus I was feeling the pressure as being the debut teacher of relief society in our new ward. Luckily, I got a call a few days ago asking if I would keep my lesson short so we could mingle as a new unit. Sure! I narrowed it down to three points. President Monson's talk at the Relief Society Meeting summed it up perfect. If you haven't heard or read this I strongly urge you to. It's a wonderful talk! Three things I used from his talk specifically were:

1. study diligently--seek the scriptures, set high goals, and expand our talents.

2. pray earnestly--discussed how important it is to get to know our heavenly father at a personal level. This is our defense against temptations.

3. serve willingly--use the most of our time, be selfless, talked about good deed goal.

This one of the first quilts I made

that reminded me of our roles as women.

I touched on each of these briefly and shared a story with each. I use this form of teaching (with stories added) because those are the lessons I enjoy the most. As I was running over my lesson last night, it dawned on me that I had forgotten to go out and get treats. I really try and have things for my lesson because for some reason it just makes me feel that much more prepared. (sounds silly, but true) And what woman doesn't enjoy a treat? It was about 9pm when I discovered this, I was tired from the day in the heat and had no desire to go to the store.

Early to rise so my rolls could rise.
Look out Betty!

Then it dawned on me since we have early church why not make cinnamon rolls? Probably a crazy decision, but I did just that. In fact, I even tried a new recipe I knew my friend had. I seem to be doing this a lot lately. It definitely did not disappoint....wish you were all there to enjoy them as much as we did! The best part of this lesson is that I HAD to read and study about it. I know that sounds weird, but when I am forced to do something I know I will do it. It also reminded me how much I enjoyed this calling a few years back.......3 years to be exact. Now I need to switch gears in to activities chair, I have a party throw in less than a week. Yikes!
The quote I ended with:

"Do not pray for tasks equal to your abilities, but pray for abilities equal to your tasks. Then the performance of your tasks will be no miracle, but you will be the miracle."

President Monson
Relief Society Broadcast, Oct. 2007

good deed: taught relief society

Night of Stars

"Night of Stars"

Growing up I signed up to do the talent show at my elementary school. I was never lucky enough to have a friend at my school and had to do a "solo." Watching Taylor and Mackenzi perform at our stake talent show flooded back the memories. My boys faired for about half the show and unfortunately the girls were near the end of the program. The other bummer part was their wasn't a lot of variety which made it seem much longer. Don't get me wrong the talent was great, it's just that musical instruments and singing aren't very exciting for littles. By the time it was the girls time to shine, they had enough. They did a great job, see below. I have to laugh because Taylor was embarrassed to show Doug when he got home, but she loves to perform in front of strangers. Go figure.

"Big and Bad"
By Big Voodoo Daddy

Saturday night we headed out for a late night adventure for Maci's birthday party. Greg and Angie had tried to get an earlier time at Pump It Up, but the only time was 8:30-10:30pm. We accommodated some late naps and the kids had a blast. Doug and I included. I even found myself jumping and racing my husband on an obstacle course. By the time it was over we were all exhausted and super sweaty. A good time had by all!

Mom and Weston

Today was our first meeting in the new building. I definitely under estimated our new ward. Oops! It looks like we are going to have a fairly large youth (19 ym, and 16 yw). I know that isn't even close to the numbers in UT or AZ, but that is HUGE for us, especially since most will be active. It was so nice to see ALL boys passing the sacrament instead of having the leaders having to assist. Since all of the former ward members kept their callings, Doug and I have already been planning the Halloween party. We heard by rumor that our new bishop is very detail oriented and very organized, which I am very excited about. We only have next Sunday to advertise and have sign ups to go around, but I have high hopes it will work out just fine.

And in completly unrelated news we have been following the Arizona State football games each week. (looking at blogs makes me jealous and wish I was at the game!) I am not a really big football fan, but have my loyalties to ASU. They had their 7th straight win last night, which means this could put them in the top ten. Yay! Go Devils!!

good deed: made homemade jam

good deed Saturday: made Halloween signup/flyers for ward party

Doughnut Anyone?

A few weeks ago we discussed the conference talk by Elder Bednar. On this particular Sunday (which seems a lot lately) I had a bad attitude and really was wanting to leave church. I'll spare you my excuses. Anyways, I couldn't have heard a better lesson, and felt like it was being taught just for "me." Don't you love those lessons or talks? In summary, Elder Bednar discussed how ".....through our faith in Christ we can be spiritually with His gospel, and purified and sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise." We were reminded how blessed we are to have the atonement in our lives and never to short change the Lord. The sister that taught the lesson shared this story. It is a bit lengthly, but if you have time to read it, it is very touching. It brought tears to my eyes and made me realize we shouldn't pass up ANY blessings the Lord has blessed us with. Even the smallest ones.

Onto less "spiritual" things......I think I am the last person on the planet to finish, but I did it. I finished Harry Potter today. Not knowing who is still reading, I will spare you the summary, and my thoughts on the book. Many thanks to all of you that read it and held out the ending. I have made sure to stay clear of any internet or newspaper so I could find out any details for myself. I loved every minute of it and think it was the best of the 7. Hurray another thing checked off my list, now on to quilting.....

good deed: set up visiting teaching appts.

This Day

I think it's quite comical when I snap a photo of my kids each Sunday, if only you could be a fly on the wall. And there was noise in the background. (I guess it's good there isn't :) I would be labeled the wicked witch!! Jared isn't pictured because he was mad about something and right before snapping it the little boys were totally fighting. Ahhh.... welcome to Sunday mornings in my house. Once again, I found myself dreading church. I hate that I do that, but truth be known it's hard to even get anything out of church with noisy little boys. I am SO glad I made myself go, because today was probably one of the best high council Sunday's we have had in a long time. I even managed to take a few notes. Woo hoo for me! The talks were based on Elder Eyring's talk in General Conference.

She started out by discussing the daylight savings and how we have a few more hours each day. With this "extra" time that we have what are we doing? Are we using our time wisely? Heavenly Father has given us this extra time to prepare ourselves and not put off things of importance.

"Even the Savior, who was without sin set an example of the need not to procrastinate. He said: I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work."

I can only speak for myself, but I am the queen of procrastination and making terrible use of my time. Hello? Internet usage literally can waste away some of my days. We were also given a quiz by the sister who taught relief society today. It was a list of questions asking us how prepared we were for eternal life. (I'll spare you the guilty questions) I'll I have to say for myself is ouch! I definitely have a lot of work to do and to set my priorities in better order. I have found myself falling into the traps of Satan many times. Here is a quote that really hit home:

"Complacency can affect even the seasoned adult. The better and the longer you serve, the more likely that the tempter can place this lie in your mind: "You have earned a rest." You may have been the Primary President in your little branch twice. Or may have worked long and hard on your mission and sacrificed so much to serve. Or perhaps you were the pioneer in the Church where you live. The thought may come: "Why not leave the service to the new people. I have done my part." The temptation will be to believe that you will return to serve again, someday."

The best thing about leaving church is feeling a sense of tackling your weaknesses. We learn and study the same principals each week, I know I have a lot of work to do. I am just grateful for the opportunity to repent these things and for a loving, forgiving Savior. On our way home, I was feeling rejuvenated and spotted this on our drive home. I loved seeing the rows upon rows of black eyed susans line the road.

My son continues to challenge my patience on a day to day basis. Did I mention I am thankful for repentence?? Jared thinks he needs to undress himself in the car on the drive home. It literally erks me and Doug to no end. I stopped the car and told him to fix his tie or he would be wearing it the remainder of the day. He had his shirt unbuttoned and tie almost completely off! I know mean mom, but we have warned him about this several times. Grrr. Looks like time is wasting away sitting here, I am off for family scripture study.

good deed: got some stuff organized for the ward party.