What's On Our Happy List?

ONE CRAZY WEEK IN JULY
I thought it was about time that I share our good news with those that may not know. To do so though, I have to go back a couple of months to explain one of the craziest weeks I've ever had in my life. I got issued the call to be the next Relief Society President in our ward back in mid June. What a SHOCKER ROO! Three weeks later on the first Sunday in July, I officially took over. Big change for me. Even though I've had numerous leadership positions, this one throws you for a loop. Trust me. Not only that, I was lov'in working with the Youth again. We had just gotten back from Youth Conference and had really had a bonding experience. We were on a high from that and then.....BAM. New call. Lots of tears. Sadness for leaving those I worked with in the Y.W. Presidency, feelings of inadequacy, not feeling spiritual enough for what the new calling entailed, the pressure, the expectations, wondering if I even ACTED like a Relief Society President, (Do R.S. Presidents go toilet papering?) Thinking that I was too young to be a RS Pres. especially in a ward where most of the sisters are twice my age and much more seasoned in the gospel. Wondering how I was going to fulfill this calling with everything else on my plate... raising a young family and working... and then having to deal with my fear of public speaking on top of all of it...giving lessons, conducting...Yikes! Doing it in front of Primary kids is one thing, the sisters, another story.....Needless to say I felt OVERWHELMED. Did I mention a lot and lot of tears shed? Anyhow, I'm happy to say that after a couple of months and experiencing many of the "firsts" ...first funeral, first food order, first lesson, first visit to a sick sister in the ICU...I'm feeling much more confident.

So that first week in July I was sustained and set apart. A couple of days later the blessings start pouring in. We finally got a suitable offer on our investment home that (due to the nasty downturn in the economy and real estate market) we had unfortunately been stuck with for who knows how long. Years? Consequently, the whole situation left us losing all our hard earned savings. GRRR! Despite that setback we were and are very grateful to have that burden lifted. A couple of days later, now this is the biggie....I find out that I am pregnant. YES, PREGNANT! HELLO! What a surprise. I was like, "Lord, are you kidding me?" You want me to be Relief Society President and pregnant at the same time? Now this isn't anything that I would choose to do simultaneously (I don't know what mormon woman would) but for whatever reason it is what it is. Obviously he thinks I can handle both. The timing of it all is truly unbelievable. And quite humorous actually. I really realized that crazy week in July that I am not on my own timeline but I'm on the Lord's. If anything I knew that he loved me, was aware of me and my righteous desires.

Now back to talking about this BABY that is due in early Spring. I'm so excited. Even though we weren't seriously planning on another child, I do have to say I never felt done having kids after Brie. Jaren did, but I didn't and now I know why...there was one more spirit needing and waiting to come. Reaffirming those little impressions that I've had many times in the last few years. Despite knowing this, I can't believe we are going back to diapers and middle of the night feedings. With Brie turning five this October we are a little out of practice so it will be an adjustment no doubt. Poor dad is a little in shock about it all. Can't blame him. He's going to be 43 when the baby is born. Not quite what he had in mind to be going back to the baby stage at this point in his life but he is being a good sport about it and very supportive. :) I'm just thrilled to have one more chance to go through childbirth. Call me crazy but I love it, so much so it's on my happy list. And picking out another name. squeal. One of my favorite things to do for sure.

Like I mentioned before, I've contemplated the timing of this baby and have wondered why now? Why not a few years ago, maybe when we were a little younger, had more energy. etc. I've come to the conclusion that this pregnancy has come at the perfect time. It's a blessing in disguise, not only for my little family but my extended family as well. It's a reason to be joyful amid the family tragedy that we are currently dealing with. We are losing my brother's wife to cancer. It's THE most heartbreaking thing many of us have experienced so far in our lifetime. When you think you have no more tears left, they still come. My beloved sister-in-law is 44, a mother of five children, ranging from 20 to 5 and one of THE most christlike people you'd ever meet. They've been living in Ohio these last few years but just moved back this past week so she can die back at home, surrounded by loved ones. We said our goodbyes to her on Friday and expressed our love for her knowing she could pass any day now. Painful. If anything, this baby has already taught me a lesson that through the challenges of life, despite grief, and sorrow the Lord always provides, at the same time, opportunities for you to still feel joy in your life. If you recognize it. This is what this baby is providing for me... the knowledge that Joy is always possible and there is always hope for brighter days ahead.