On my mind……

I’m so behind on recording things on this blog. But today I just wanted to share some things that are going on in our lives and some thoughts in my head….some events, some mini confessionals, some totally random…..and perhaps a picture or two because I love them. So here we go!

* Last Sunday was a big day for our family, as Jaden was sustained as the 2nd Counselor in the bishopric of our ward. We feel like we are ready to take on the challenge as a family, and we are also ready for the associated blessings! Our new bishopric is wonderful, they will do a great job. One quick little story. We were telling our kids that we were getting a new bishopric soon (and although we knew Jaden was going to be a counselor, we didn’t want to tell the kids yet and have the whole world know!). Brandon said “I want you to be the bishop, Dad.” When Jaden asked why, he replied, “Because you’re good. And because you are the Bishop’s ‘clark.'” I said, “Oh, you mean the clerk. Yeah, Dad’s been a good ward clerk.”Then Brandon said, “You are a good clerk. And, I just think that you’re ready.” It’s been a little bit of an adjustment, as yesterday was Jaden’s first “official” day in the bishopric and we were both really busy at church (and we had baptisms Saturday night too!) but I’m feeling like everything’s going to be okay! We’ve had tremendous support and encouragement, and a feeling of peace. Which leads me to my next thought…

* Since the first week of December, I have been serving as the 1st Counselor in the Primary Presidency. I LOVE IT. I love the women I serve with and I love the children in our ward. So Sundays are pretty busy for us. It came as a bit of a surprise because I hadn’t been teaching in RS for that long and I thought I’d forever be on that organ bench–my bum was beginning to take on the bench shape (ha ha)–but I was very excited to accept the calling. I may have even surprised the Bishop with how excited I was. For a long time I’ve been wanting to experience the closeness that comes from serving with other women in a calling, such as a presidency, and was thrilled to get that opportunity with some AMAZING women. And the kids in our primary are awesome. I love hearing the things they say and how smart they are. One little boy, a new Sunbeam (3 year olds), told me that I looked like Handy Manny—What? Is that even a compliment? Then I figured it out—I always have a pen or pencil stuck on my ear, just like Handy Manny. And I knew that this particular little boy LOVES Handy Manny so I’ll definitely take it as a compliment, ha! February is my month for sharing time and we’re also having our first Primary activity next Saturday, so bring on the busy-ness.

* Jaden got an iphone for Christmas. My kids ask for it the minute he walks through the door. It is awesome even though I now call it “the girlfriend.” Even Haylie knows how to work it with her itty bitty fingers.

And this is what happens when Annie uses the camera:

We were literally CRYING, we were laughing SO HARD when Jaden found this gem of a picture on his iphone. Crying and convulsing with laughter. “THE EYE.” HAAHAHAHA! And this was another beaut, I’m loving the whole extreme closeup vibe we have going on:

Whooooo boy. I’m still laughing.

* My photos and files are finally restored/recovered from Mozy. It was a stressful thing and I’ll admit I had several crying episodes but I’m happy that it’s done and that my precious memories were safe. Back up your stuff, friends. You’ll be glad you did.

* I started teaching Brandon piano lessons, and it’s going really well! I know that it will probably be a test of my patience but for now, he likes it and even asks to practice. I know THAT won’t last forever so I’ll enjoy it while I can! He’s catching on really quickly. Music is VERY important to Jaden and I and we really want to instill that love in our children.

* Speaking of music, I like the song “Party in the USA.” Yes, I’ll admit it. I’m not a Miley Cyrus fan but I can’t help but like that song. All of my kids sing along. It’s hilarious.

* I had to say no to something sort of biggish last month. It was hard for me to do and I’m still feeling small lingerings of guilt for saying no, but after I did it, I felt so much better!! I think it’s so hard to say no to things that are positive and good and that will teach you a lot, but sometimes you have to look at your priorities and allow yourself to place your family first. I truly feel that there is a time and a season for everything. And I know it wasn’t my time to say yes to that particular thing. (It wasn’t a church calling, FYI.) But why must we as women feel GUILTY for saying no??????? It’s like we want to always make everyone happy, I guess, or be superwomen and do EVERYTHING, and when we can’t, perhaps we feel like we’re falling short of some expectation that we place on ourselves.

* I’m still planning on blogging about our lovely trip to Hawaii (I promise, Jaclyn!). But for now, here is probably my favorite photo from the trip–I LOVE these four people so much! And the fun memories we made together there. I wish we were there now.

* I have also decided to step away from photography, that is, doing paid photography sessions for other people. I’ve been lucky I guess, people have always come to me for pictures and I’ve never had to advertise or say anything, and I generally do enjoy it. Maybe some of you didn’t know I really even did photo sessions as I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned it on the blog. But….. I wasn’t charging enough to make it worth all of the time and energy I put into every session, and the time away from my kids and family. And I was spending too much time editing on my computer and I’d worry and wonder and my confidence level would be like a roller coaster and then I was feeling that big ol’ yucky GUILT feeling too much. Once I made the decision, it felt as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. A very real feeling. So I’m still a “mamarazzi” to my kids, I’ll never put down my camera, but I’m not taking anymore clients at the moment.

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Well. That was fun. Probably for nobody else but me, but that’s okay! I’ve got some Valentine’s projects in the works that I hope to share before LOVE DAY, a guest stint with Sassy Scoops last week to chat about, a recipe, and hopefully Hawaii pics and headwrap news. Maybe if I write it down here, I’ll actually do it, ha ha. Have a lovely day!

PS: Why does Blogger always have to mess up my formatting??? Sorry about the weird spacing on everything. Lame!