In just over a week, the midsingles' conference I've been working on for the past four months will finally be here!  I'm so excited!  I keep worrying that I'm forgetting something, because I'm not too concerned about it, as long as people come.  As previously mentioned here, I've taken on a new calling, in addition to my calling in the stake young women presidency.

It's an awesome thing to be a part of.  I've had some great helpers in this huge endeavor.  I was so nervous terrified to announce to the committee heads that I had this really strong impression, along with the scripture that was to be the theme, that we needed to do a conference in the spring.  I hadn't had much to do with the planning of the one in the fall; I just came in towards the end of the planning and helped out with the finishing touches.  I was scared of their reaction, whether they would support me or not.  If I was more confident in myself, I'd probably be able to announce it in a way that they would just jump on board.  However I announced it, apparently pretty timid, they said they would do it; not that they were jumping for joy over it.  Some seemed way excited, and some I couldn't read.  Seeing that everyone has a full-time job, some have kids, some have school, some are just crazy busy, and we all have our own callings in our own wards and stakes, I've wanted to make this as easy for them as possible.  Apparently to the effect of making someone feel bad, even with my intents being to help out, it didn't.  (Have I mentioned that midsingles range from 31-45?  I am 31, so I'm a baby in the group, and haven't had all of the experience that some of these people have, so I'm learning as I go.)  I, also, have a fantastic high councillor that is so supportive and amazing!  I'm lucky getting to work with two amazing men, in my two positions, that have such strong testimonies in the gospel, that they will do all that is possible for any activity.  I email Bro. Grant twenty times a day, sometimes, depending on what's going on.  He's like an uncle to me; I have way more contact with him, than my real uncles.  I just have to say that I have an awesome stake!  So many people from our stake are helping out in Centerville with my conference, it's fantastic!  I'm so grateful for the individual phone calls, texts and chats that have taken place, to help give me direction and understanding of what I've needed to be doing.

In the process of planning this, I've discovered things about myself.  Some I'm glad I've found, some I hope I can change.  Prior to this, I never asked anyone to do anything.  If I had to ask something, like getting a reservation somewhere, I'd have Collin do it for me.  I've contacted so many people about doing workshops, firesides, concerts, cooking, etc.  Granted a lot of it has been via email, but that has still been a big step for me.  I've been in awe speaking with some of the people I've talked to, i.e. S. Michael Wilcox, even though he was my institute teacher once; and Virginia H. Pearce, daughter of Pres. Hinckley.  Just thinking that I was talking on the phone to a daughter of a prophet was so amazing to me. 

I wish I didn't come across as being a strong woman, not that there's anything wrong with being strong; I'd really like someone to take care of me, though.  The more strength I show, the more I wish I didn't.  I don't like being so independent, and I really don't like doing so much on my own.  If it comes to the point that I need to ask someone to help with something, my first concern is he (she) will think I'm ridiculous, because I can't handle something, or that what I need isn't nearly as important as whatever they're doing.  I worry that I come across as not caring about people or stand-offish, because I don't let myself get close to people.  It takes me a long time to get close, but once I am, I am forever.

I've found kind of a coping mechanism for me.  I'm all business, a lot of the time.  I just want to let go, and socialize; well, that's what I tell myself, but then when I'm in the situation that I can just socialize, I'm hoping for some task to come up, so I'll have a purpose, or I get out my phone.  It's not happening as much as it used to, but every once in a while it sneaks up.  I just have to say that sometimes it's lonely when you're in charge of something.

The other night we went to Get Air in Kaysville, and jumped on trampolines, and it was so much fun!  I had no concerns of needing to get to a task, I was comfortable and having a great time. 

Well, I think that's all of my ramblings, for now.  I wish I could always keep the perspective of everything's going to work out, and not to worry about things.  I'm really good at worrying, though.  I get it from Grandma Mamie!

Whatever the case, I know that the Lord has had His hand in the planning of this conference, and I hope that those that attend will feel that, and know that He knows each of them individually, and loves them.  He has great faith in them, because He knows what they can do, and He wants to see them reach their potential!

Easter

This morning we had Collin and his family over for breakfast.  It was really fun!  Those kids are amazing!  We had yummy food, egg fights, easter baskets, and an easter egg hunt.  It was great!  After they left, we went to Sacrament meeting.  Pres. Theurer spoke about the last week of Christ's life, it was very touching.  There were some musical numbers, some were really good. 

After Sacrament, we left church, so we could pick up Aunt Ann and take her to Uncle Don's and Aunt Mil's house.  I'm really glad that we could help out, and get her down there, so she had some family time on Easter.  It's really hard for me.  Aunt Ann has dimentia, like Grandma Mamie did.  They have the same eyes, so when Ann looks at me with really confused eyes, not knowing who I am, it brings back the horrible memories of Grandma's disease.  Grandma generally knew who I was, but it still hurts to think about the confusion.  Right as we were getting to Mil's, Ann was concerned, because she hadn't told her family where she was going, and she didn't want them to be mad at her.  It was too close to home.  (I have to say, that Baba (they're mom) has a lot to answer for.  The terror she put inside them is so unbelievable.)

While she was visiting with them, and having dinner, Mom and I took flowers to Grandma and Grandpa, and then down to American Fork to take flowers to Daddy and Grandpa.  Dad and Grandpa Dan have been gone for so long, but I still find it hard to believe that Grandpa Ross and Grandma Mamie are gone.  They both went so quickly and way too close together; no one should have to go through that so close together. Walking around through the cemeteries, I thought about how many wonderful people I've lost in my life.  I have friends that have never lost anyone close to them, and I've had a number of people that are close to me.  It makes me even more grateful that Jesus Christ atoned for me, and that He lives again; because He lives, I'll be able to be with all of these great people again. 

I sure miss these guys...(I don't have any pics of Grandpa Dan, Grandpa Gib or Grandma Orpha on my laptop, but I've sure been missing all of them today)

 

Grandma Mamie

On Saturday, December 4, 2010, my sweet little grandma passed away.  It's amazing, I can't believe how fast she was gone.  When she left Apple Village, she was doing so well.  She had three wonderful days at Legacy Village of Layton, but then they didn't care for her very well, and that was the beginning of the end.  We moved her to North Canyon Care Center in Bountiful on Nov. 9.  I've said this before, but I am so grateful that I was able to be with her as much as I was.  In the end, I was with her twice a day for many hours.  I couldn't bare to have her be alone.  Especially the last week of her life, I was there as much as possible.  We left her on Friday night, not even guessing that that was really going to be our last time to see her, alive.  We had asked them to call us, when the signs were getting closer together.  However, there wasn't time.  She had thrown up, and the nurse went out to get something to clean her up with, and returned 30 seconds later, and she was gone. 

Here's her obituary...
"Mamie Church 1915 ~ 2010 Mamie Price Church, 95, passed away on December 4, 2010 in Bountiful, Utah. She was born on October 1, 1915 in Midvale, Utah to Milan and Eva Derikrava Prica. Mamie married Dan Church on September 25, 1935 in Midvale, Utah. She loved cooking Sunday dinners for her family, gardening, crocheting and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her entire life was devoted to serving others. Mamie was baptized a member of the LDS Church at the age of 88 and loved her visiting teaching assignment. She was sealed to her family in the Jordan River Temple at the age of 90. Survived by her daughters, Darlene (Earl) Nelson; Colleen Nicholes; son, Max (Faye) Sluga; seven grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; siblings, Mitch (Norma) Price; Ann Theos; Amelia Price; Don Price; Ellen Parmley; many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dan Church; son-in-law, Sanford Ross Nicholes, Jr.; grandson, Russell Phipps; nine siblings. The family would like to thank the CNA's at Apple Village Assisted Living and the staff at North Canyon Care Center for their loving care. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 9, 2010 at the Midvale East 2nd Ward, 7250 S. 300 E. Friends may call one hour prior to the services. Interment, Midvale City Cemetery. www.goffmortuary.com "

I'm going to explain a little bit about her family listed in the obituary...  Grandma had two daughters, Darlene and my mom Colleen.  Max Sluga is actually her nephew on my grandpa Dan's side.  Grandma and Grandpa took care of Max a lot, when he was a kid, and he lived with them while he went to college.  In 2007, he was officially adopted into the Dan & Mamie Church family, as their son, and on the records of the church, he is listed as their son.  Grandma was thrilled when this happened, because she had always loved Max and knew that Grandpa did, as well.

My heart is broken, I miss her so much!  She is a major part of who I grew up to be.  I'm so glad I was able to have her so close, and be able to help her with anything she needed.  She devoted her life to serving family, friends, neighbors, and those who were in need.  She had to quit school in the 8th grade to raise her siblings, she babysat her great-grandchildren into her 90s.  When I grow up I want to be like her :)

Love you, Grandma Mamie!  I'll miss you forever!

Update...

It's been a weird, rough month.  It's been extremely busy, extremely! 
We did get to participate in an amazing show!  We were part of Savior of the World.  I have to admit that the time commitment about killed me.  It kept getting bigger and longer daily.  I had a bad attitude for some of the rehearsals.  However, as the dress rehearsals and performances came, I loved it!  There was the greatest spirit there.  It was such a blessing to be touched by the spirit every time we sang the songs.  It was amazing to see how people in the audience were affected by it.
Grandma Mamie was kicked out of Apple Village, because she has become a two man transfer.  As we were looking for places to move her, we happened in at the new Legacy Village retirement center in Layton.  It was the same distance away as Apple Village.  It would be perfect!  We went in and talked to the director, after we explained the two man transfer thing, he said it sounded like it would work, and he'd send someone out to evaluate her.  This Tiffany, who is the marketing manager, came out and evaluated her.  After talking to Mom and the CNAs, she said there would be no problem.  She called the next day to say that she'd been approved by the directors of the facility.  So, we stopped looking.  Then they had their nurse, Kelly, come out and evaluate her and interview me and the CNAs.  She approved her.  That was on October 21st.  We moved her in on October 25th.  We got her there about 1:00 p.m., and by 7:00 p.m. they were saying "this is just not going to work.  we'll give it a few days, but she'll have to go."  Fan-freakin-tastic!  After Darlene spoke to her attorney, and then brought that up, they said they would give her a 30 day notice, which is the law.  They kept saying, "we're just concerned about what is best for Mamie."  Mom said, "No, you're not.  You were only concerned about having enough people here (they had to have 3 people before the health dept. will come out and evaluate them, before they can open.  Grandma was #2.)  This hasn't been about Mamie, it's been a business deal."  So, that's where we're at.  The one person there, that I actually can stand, but still don't know what part he had to play in this, has been "trying" to help us find somewhere to go.  All of his options were extremely pricey! 
Oh, Mom's car blew up while we were driving in it over UEA.  That was thrilling! 
Anyways, there's an update.  Busy and tramatic and annoying as it is!