Today was my last Sunday in the 14th ward. Though I wasn't officially released from my calling, it was still the last time for me there. I confess I fully expected the announcement in sacrament meeting but apparently there were issues with getting the soon to be called in to meet with the Bishop for the official visit.
My husband had gone to PEC this morning and was able to pass on the torch (binder) of his calling to the new Ward Mission Leader. He practically floated through the door when he came home to pick me up. I confess to being a bit jealous. I wanted to experience, if briefly, that same feeling of weightlessness.
Despite that minor set back though, it was a good day. Naturally there were missing teachers and my wonderful husband graciously stepped in. Seems like a regular occurance, especially the last two months. I was able to do sharing time and it actually went really well. Especially considering I put it together this morning. But the kids did well. They seemed to have a good time even learn something.
And of course there's always something to make you smile. This was from the closing prayer. (Always nice to end on a good note)
Child: ".... and please bless us to stop making duck noises in class."
Could life be summed up any better?... I will miss that.
Showing posts with label primary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label primary. Show all posts
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Trials and why we are thankful for them
I had to give a talk in church today. My topic was Learning Through Life's Trials. When the bishop asked me to talk on this my first impression was "Oh, you want me to talk about my life." You know, because of the trials and all... get it... do you get it.
Okay, so as Sunday morning rolled around I woke to put some of the thoughts on paper that have been running through my head all week because I had that meeting and then that other thing, and then the other meeting and then that activity and then that family thing so I really couldn't get it on paper earlier... and then the phone rang. It was one of my counselors calling to say that so-and-so wouldn't be in church to teach because of illness and that the chorister wouldn't be there either. Would I like to teach a class or lead the singing. I kind of chuckled on the inside (and on the outside for that matter) and said leading the music would be just fine. Especially since my counselor was already planning on teaching another class so it just wouldn't work for her to lead the music and teach at the same time.
Back to the talk. Writing more things down and the phone rings. It's my secretary saying she has a sick kid. Well she's got sharing time and her husband was going to substitute teach for a class and could David teach the lesson instead. Of course. What's the point of being primary president if you can't volunteer your husband for stuff! Thankfully he's okay with that. (Have I ever mentioned that he is completely wonderful? No?... well he is!)
Finish preparing talk, get to church, give it. Get emotional, cry, make it through, wonder if it made sense. Start walking to the primary room when one of the teachers hands you her manual because she can't make it today. Sigh...
Trials come in many forms. For some reason it sometimes feels taboo to call church a trial. I'm sure that if things ran smoothly it wouldn't be a trial, it would be a joy to serve. Since that's not how it works, at least not right now then a trial it is! Really it worked out all right I just found it ironic considering the topic I was given to speak about.
Oh, and for the record, I have a testimony of the power of trials. No, I don't like them, but I think that's the only way that the Lord can really teach me something. I'm too content sometimes to drift rather than grow so the Lord puts things in my way so I have to try harder. Looking back on how my life was "supposed to be" and to where it actually is, I honestly don't think that I would trade out my experiences. The Lord has a plan for me, for David and I, and for our family that will be. I love knowing that. Love.
Okay, so as Sunday morning rolled around I woke to put some of the thoughts on paper that have been running through my head all week because I had that meeting and then that other thing, and then the other meeting and then that activity and then that family thing so I really couldn't get it on paper earlier... and then the phone rang. It was one of my counselors calling to say that so-and-so wouldn't be in church to teach because of illness and that the chorister wouldn't be there either. Would I like to teach a class or lead the singing. I kind of chuckled on the inside (and on the outside for that matter) and said leading the music would be just fine. Especially since my counselor was already planning on teaching another class so it just wouldn't work for her to lead the music and teach at the same time.
Back to the talk. Writing more things down and the phone rings. It's my secretary saying she has a sick kid. Well she's got sharing time and her husband was going to substitute teach for a class and could David teach the lesson instead. Of course. What's the point of being primary president if you can't volunteer your husband for stuff! Thankfully he's okay with that. (Have I ever mentioned that he is completely wonderful? No?... well he is!)
Finish preparing talk, get to church, give it. Get emotional, cry, make it through, wonder if it made sense. Start walking to the primary room when one of the teachers hands you her manual because she can't make it today. Sigh...
Trials come in many forms. For some reason it sometimes feels taboo to call church a trial. I'm sure that if things ran smoothly it wouldn't be a trial, it would be a joy to serve. Since that's not how it works, at least not right now then a trial it is! Really it worked out all right I just found it ironic considering the topic I was given to speak about.
Oh, and for the record, I have a testimony of the power of trials. No, I don't like them, but I think that's the only way that the Lord can really teach me something. I'm too content sometimes to drift rather than grow so the Lord puts things in my way so I have to try harder. Looking back on how my life was "supposed to be" and to where it actually is, I honestly don't think that I would trade out my experiences. The Lord has a plan for me, for David and I, and for our family that will be. I love knowing that. Love.
Friday, April 23, 2010
A Day in the Life of Me
So I've been feeling overwhelmed. So much so that I have left my house in a state of ickyness. With the whole house-buying thing I confess it's made it hard to get things clean before we move simply because I have no real desire to take the time to clean it when it a matter of days we'll be doing the "big clean" to get ready for someone else to move in.
Plus there's the primary thing. I love primary, I really do. But there is a mass exodus (of which I'm a part) in the ward that has left several teaching positions glaringly open with no one to fill them yet. Fortunately we of the presidency have talented and oh so wonderful husbands to help get things taken care of. We also get to share our own talents in the "hey does this class have a teacher today" realm. Love it! K, enough.
Lately I've been coming home from work exhausted. But why should this be so?! I have no kids, the house is all mine to clean or not to clean as I please. But seriously what is my deal!?! Then I started thinking about things and this is what I've come up with.
I am a morning person. My day starts at 4:30 because I get up an exercise to get my day going and on the right foot. (It's okay if you think I'm crazy to do this, most people do. But friends, it really is my sanity... someday I'll explain, but for now you will have to take my word for it) My mind goes 3000 miles per hour thinking of all the things that need to be done and what I plan on doing in the day. This includes primary stuff, work, the husband, the hobbies, the blog, the friends, the visiting teachees, and that place in my mind where someday I'm going to get a pattern and make that skirt. (You know that really cute one that is going to look fabulous on me and will replace the one that I have had for over 5 years and worn to church every other Sunday because I haven't had time to look for a suitable replacement.) Occasionally I even make a list of these marvelous things that I'm going to get done as soon as I get back from work. (including sewing the button back on my favorite pair of work pants... it took me over a year to re-hem the pant legs on these same pants... and it's amazing how well regular scotch tape holds up as the temporary hem in the washing machine)
I mean why woudn't I have all the time in the world! We don't have children yet (not by choice, but by circumstance) so this is probably the most free time I will ever have. So why don't I seem to get anything done!
It's because I'm tired. Did I mention I'm a morning person? It's true. My best energies are spent at work during the first 5-6 hours. I should also mention that sometimes my work is completely exhausting. I am re-doing the website and sometimes I want to throw the computer through the window out of sheer frustration. (I should also mention that I'm not that good at it and the program we use is moronic... I know because I'm the moron that has to use it.) Blah. So I spend my days at work with fairly large projects that require a lot of brain power to get done. I usually end up eating lunch at my desk because it's easier than trying to find a quite place anywhere else... and I have this stuff to get done, and this phone that thinks it needs to ring with people that think I need to help them. As a result of all this, by the time I am off work (having not finished my project due to interruptions), my amazing brain that was going 3000 miles per hour has now shifted to 1.5 miles per hour. I am lucky at this point to finish a complete sentence... literally.
I come home and simply thinking about dinner is enough to make me revert back my trusty friends, cold cereal and nachos. That's good enough for me, but David? Wait, don't I have a meeting or something? A primary assignment? A visiting teaching appointment? A pile of dishes? A house crying out for attention? Why yes, yes I do. So the list of things to get done after work dwindles down to 1, maybe 2, which has never included sewing a button onto the pants (isn't that what safety pins are for?). David comes home at 8 and is exhausted... I can tell by the dazed look on his face. He pleads with his eyes for mercy and respite. He takes what meager offering dinner is with gratitude and pleads with his voice this time for some activity that doesn't require brain power because his is just as gone as mine is.
I ask you, what kind of a wife would I be if the only hour we spend together not sleeping is spent running around doing projects and neglecting my husband? So we talk to each other. We tell out our joys/frustrations/accomplishments of the day. We watch some silly episode of something or other on Netflix and take a few moments to just be. So the house is a mess. So the dishes didn't do themselves this time either... The world didn't come to an end did it? We didn't even have anyone knock on the door to catch us in our state of neglect. Even if someone did I don't think either of us would have the brain power to care. But we did spend a few precious moments together to rejuvinate ourselves. To wind down from the crazy day so we can feel alright about going to bed and starting again tomorrow.
Plus there's the primary thing. I love primary, I really do. But there is a mass exodus (of which I'm a part) in the ward that has left several teaching positions glaringly open with no one to fill them yet. Fortunately we of the presidency have talented and oh so wonderful husbands to help get things taken care of. We also get to share our own talents in the "hey does this class have a teacher today" realm. Love it! K, enough.
Lately I've been coming home from work exhausted. But why should this be so?! I have no kids, the house is all mine to clean or not to clean as I please. But seriously what is my deal!?! Then I started thinking about things and this is what I've come up with.
I am a morning person. My day starts at 4:30 because I get up an exercise to get my day going and on the right foot. (It's okay if you think I'm crazy to do this, most people do. But friends, it really is my sanity... someday I'll explain, but for now you will have to take my word for it) My mind goes 3000 miles per hour thinking of all the things that need to be done and what I plan on doing in the day. This includes primary stuff, work, the husband, the hobbies, the blog, the friends, the visiting teachees, and that place in my mind where someday I'm going to get a pattern and make that skirt. (You know that really cute one that is going to look fabulous on me and will replace the one that I have had for over 5 years and worn to church every other Sunday because I haven't had time to look for a suitable replacement.) Occasionally I even make a list of these marvelous things that I'm going to get done as soon as I get back from work. (including sewing the button back on my favorite pair of work pants... it took me over a year to re-hem the pant legs on these same pants... and it's amazing how well regular scotch tape holds up as the temporary hem in the washing machine)
I mean why woudn't I have all the time in the world! We don't have children yet (not by choice, but by circumstance) so this is probably the most free time I will ever have. So why don't I seem to get anything done!
It's because I'm tired. Did I mention I'm a morning person? It's true. My best energies are spent at work during the first 5-6 hours. I should also mention that sometimes my work is completely exhausting. I am re-doing the website and sometimes I want to throw the computer through the window out of sheer frustration. (I should also mention that I'm not that good at it and the program we use is moronic... I know because I'm the moron that has to use it.) Blah. So I spend my days at work with fairly large projects that require a lot of brain power to get done. I usually end up eating lunch at my desk because it's easier than trying to find a quite place anywhere else... and I have this stuff to get done, and this phone that thinks it needs to ring with people that think I need to help them. As a result of all this, by the time I am off work (having not finished my project due to interruptions), my amazing brain that was going 3000 miles per hour has now shifted to 1.5 miles per hour. I am lucky at this point to finish a complete sentence... literally.
I come home and simply thinking about dinner is enough to make me revert back my trusty friends, cold cereal and nachos. That's good enough for me, but David? Wait, don't I have a meeting or something? A primary assignment? A visiting teaching appointment? A pile of dishes? A house crying out for attention? Why yes, yes I do. So the list of things to get done after work dwindles down to 1, maybe 2, which has never included sewing a button onto the pants (isn't that what safety pins are for?). David comes home at 8 and is exhausted... I can tell by the dazed look on his face. He pleads with his eyes for mercy and respite. He takes what meager offering dinner is with gratitude and pleads with his voice this time for some activity that doesn't require brain power because his is just as gone as mine is.
I ask you, what kind of a wife would I be if the only hour we spend together not sleeping is spent running around doing projects and neglecting my husband? So we talk to each other. We tell out our joys/frustrations/accomplishments of the day. We watch some silly episode of something or other on Netflix and take a few moments to just be. So the house is a mess. So the dishes didn't do themselves this time either... The world didn't come to an end did it? We didn't even have anyone knock on the door to catch us in our state of neglect. Even if someone did I don't think either of us would have the brain power to care. But we did spend a few precious moments together to rejuvinate ourselves. To wind down from the crazy day so we can feel alright about going to bed and starting again tomorrow.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
I Heart Primary March 14th edition
Teacher: Who knows what the prophet Nephi did for us?
Child 1: He cut off Laban's head.
Child 2: We have that movie!
Child 3: We have a commercial of that movie!
Back to C1: It didn't show Laban's head in the movie though.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Teacher: What did Joseph Smith translate for us?
eerie silence
Teacher: Translate means to take something in a language we don't understand and put it into a language we do understand. So, what is it that Joseph Smith translated for us?
Child: English!!
Child 1: He cut off Laban's head.
Child 2: We have that movie!
Child 3: We have a commercial of that movie!
Back to C1: It didn't show Laban's head in the movie though.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Teacher: What did Joseph Smith translate for us?
eerie silence
Teacher: Translate means to take something in a language we don't understand and put it into a language we do understand. So, what is it that Joseph Smith translated for us?
Child: English!!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Look into my crystal ball...
Are you tired of not knowing what's around the corner?
Sick of making plans only to have something unforseen gunk them all up?
Well wait no more! Yesirree my friends, your future is about to be revealed. The EBOFC is the ticket to win. With this newly found no-fail system your future can be revealed. Know when it's best to plan those get togethers. Find out how to avoid high stress situations before they happen.
Here's how it works. Think of a question, something you really want to know. Now chant it quietly to yourself. Focus. Don't let anything distract you. Are you ready?
Your answer is...
"You will always be surrounded by friends when you need them."
I know, you are amazed! Let's try it again.
Got your question? Chanting? Focused?
Your answer is...
"Something on four wheels will soon be a fun investment for you!"
Please, please, hold your applause. Your amazed! Mystified! Dying to try it again! Chant it out loud and clear this time baby!!
The answer is!....
"An unexpected even will soon make your life more exciting."
Never before has life been so easy for you! The EBOFC is the answer!
Just what is the EBOFC you ask? How can you get it? Simple my friends. All you have to do is rummage through the Primary closet long enough and you can find your very own Expired Box Of Fortune Cookies! Crack 'em open and your future can be revealed too!
I know mine was:
"You create your own stage and your audience is waiting!"
Words to live by my friends.
May fortune smile upon you.
(Not valid in all 50 states. Licensing requirements and fees may apply. Headdress and gypsy jewelry sold seperately)
Sick of making plans only to have something unforseen gunk them all up?
Well wait no more! Yesirree my friends, your future is about to be revealed. The EBOFC is the ticket to win. With this newly found no-fail system your future can be revealed. Know when it's best to plan those get togethers. Find out how to avoid high stress situations before they happen.
Here's how it works. Think of a question, something you really want to know. Now chant it quietly to yourself. Focus. Don't let anything distract you. Are you ready?
Your answer is...
"You will always be surrounded by friends when you need them."
I know, you are amazed! Let's try it again.
Got your question? Chanting? Focused?
Your answer is...
"Something on four wheels will soon be a fun investment for you!"
Please, please, hold your applause. Your amazed! Mystified! Dying to try it again! Chant it out loud and clear this time baby!!
The answer is!....
"An unexpected even will soon make your life more exciting."
Never before has life been so easy for you! The EBOFC is the answer!
Just what is the EBOFC you ask? How can you get it? Simple my friends. All you have to do is rummage through the Primary closet long enough and you can find your very own Expired Box Of Fortune Cookies! Crack 'em open and your future can be revealed too!
I know mine was:
"You create your own stage and your audience is waiting!"
Words to live by my friends.
May fortune smile upon you.
(Not valid in all 50 states. Licensing requirements and fees may apply. Headdress and gypsy jewelry sold seperately)
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Primary
Teacher: The Star Wars theme song is not appropriate for church. No Star Wars please.
Two Kids: (simultaneously) Dun dun dun dun da da dun da da...
Me: Hey, no Star Wars Theme.
Kids: I thought she said please for Star Wars theme.
Me: No. She didn't.
Two Kids: (simultaneously) Dun dun dun dun da da dun da da...
Me: Hey, no Star Wars Theme.
Kids: I thought she said please for Star Wars theme.
Me: No. She didn't.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Things Discovered
This past week has been one discovery on many levels. And by "this past week" I mean the week that started last Tuesday and ended on Sunday.
My discoveries:
1. It takes longer than you think to weave blue and yellow placemats out of construction paper, especially when you are doing 65 of them.
2. Getting things from work doesn't always mean it's easier or takes less time. I ended up standing in the bakery for an hour on Saturday while one of the girls fixed the mess that was the cake I ordered. It looked like a 3-year old got ahold of a paint brush. Didn't realize I needed to specify that it be decorated tastefully instead of ickily.
3. Girls ages 8-11 can really pack away the ice cream. King kong cone anyone?
4. Girls ages 8-11 never stop talking.
5. It is possible to have half a container of sprinkles on top of 1 heart-shaped sugar cookie.
6. It doesn't take as long to frost a cookie as it does to make a Valentine.
7. Baked potatoes, when placed in church ovens in large quanitities to cook steam a lot.
8. A smoke alarm in the church house does not have the ability to distinguish between steam and smoke.
9. It is possible to have too much frosting on a piece of cake.
10. Scouts never stop running... Never.
11. Bringing a roll on fast Sunday to illustrate the sacrament for sharing time is not a good idea.
Yep. It's been a good week. Is it odd that I sometimes look forward to work because it gives me a chance to relax? Yeah, I thought so.
And for your enjoyment and mine as well.
from "Allo! Allo!"
My discoveries:
1. It takes longer than you think to weave blue and yellow placemats out of construction paper, especially when you are doing 65 of them.
2. Getting things from work doesn't always mean it's easier or takes less time. I ended up standing in the bakery for an hour on Saturday while one of the girls fixed the mess that was the cake I ordered. It looked like a 3-year old got ahold of a paint brush. Didn't realize I needed to specify that it be decorated tastefully instead of ickily.
3. Girls ages 8-11 can really pack away the ice cream. King kong cone anyone?
4. Girls ages 8-11 never stop talking.
5. It is possible to have half a container of sprinkles on top of 1 heart-shaped sugar cookie.
6. It doesn't take as long to frost a cookie as it does to make a Valentine.
7. Baked potatoes, when placed in church ovens in large quanitities to cook steam a lot.
8. A smoke alarm in the church house does not have the ability to distinguish between steam and smoke.
9. It is possible to have too much frosting on a piece of cake.
10. Scouts never stop running... Never.
11. Bringing a roll on fast Sunday to illustrate the sacrament for sharing time is not a good idea.
Yep. It's been a good week. Is it odd that I sometimes look forward to work because it gives me a chance to relax? Yeah, I thought so.
And for your enjoyment and mine as well.
from "Allo! Allo!"
Sunday, January 31, 2010
I "Heart" Primary
Today:
Teacher: What are some of the songs we learn in church?
Kid: Eye of the Tiger
Teacher: What are some of the songs we learn in church?
Kid: Eye of the Tiger
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