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!

Four years ago, yesterday, I went through the Mt. Timpanogos temple for my first time.  I'm so grateful that I decided to go through the temple.  It has been such a blessing to me!


I had been shopping for some young women things at the distribution center, and overheard a bunch of missionaries showing each other the pictures of the temples that they received their endowments in.  While I was observing this, I was like, "I want to do that."  The thought had come when I was younger, I wanted to be able to be there when Collin got married, but it just didn't seem right.  However, in that distribution center, I knew it was time.  I went to the church that night to drop some stuff off for one of my primary kids, and just stopped into the bishop's office to see what I needed to do to get ready to go to the temple.  Fifteen minutes later, I had a temple recommend and was told the next temple prep. class wasn't going to start for a while, and he thought I should just go.  So, three weeks later I went through this temple.  It was a great experience!  It was wonderful to have so many of my family and friends there.


I've seen so many blessings in my life, and in the lives of those I know and love, because of the temple.

(I hope that Steven and Seja don't mind me posting this)

This little girl's parents found out while they were expecting her, that she had a heart defect.  Their names were put on the temple prayer rolls in many temples, and one day as I was walking out of the temple, I got a text from Seja saying that they had just met with the specialist, and that she was totally fine.  She's a happy, healthy wonderful little girl! 

The power of the temple and the power of prayer are such amazing gifts!

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)