New Calling

See, I knew there was more to be blogged.

The end of December I got a new calling at church.  I was a Wolf cub scout leader for the last 

2 1/2 years.  It was a nice calling, I learned a lot!  But I was feeling like my time was up.  It was really nice to get this new call.  

I am now the Nursery Leader.  I really like it.  It is kind of funny because I have been in there helping out for the last 3 years.  So, I guess while I was standing on the "outside looking in" you would think that I have learned a lot.  I think so far I have learned that the place was too cluttered.  Over these last few years I have seen papers and projects pile up, because you know, "maybe the next person will want to use it."  I have heard people complain about a kitchen set that is in there.  "It distracts the kids."  But no one will do anything about it.  And for some reason the nursery room is a dumping ground.  We get more junk in there then wanted/needed. So, the first thing I have learned to do is let go.  If I am not going to use it, then get it out of there!!  And I have done well so far.  I know that many have worked hard on the "projects" but I think that is why we are called with not much training, we are all unique and we can bring our personalities into the called and do a dang good job!  We don't need the last person telling us how to do it.  And that goes for when we are released, there are set rules, follow them.  But let your personal talents shine.  As it goes for working with others, let them be themselves.  I have a great partner,  and wonderful helpers.  I am so excited to work with them.  It will be a great year. -Ma 

Early morning church

We now go to church at 8:30 in the morning.  Yawn!  One thing that I really want to do each Sunday morning is make breakfast, we don't want any hungry bellies.  

When I went in to wake Pa and Jacob this is what I found.  I thought Jacob was just snuggled up to Pa.  Arm wrapped around neck...

However this is what I found on the other side.  Pa is always complaining about the lights being too bright in the morning.  I guess Jacob wants to help him out.  he, he, he.

For Breakfast this morning I made...

Cream Brullet

(I am sorry, I really don't know how to spell that.  So, I wrote it like ballet, spell checker didn't like it.)

(It is oven baked french toast)

1 cup butter

1 cup brown sugar

2 Tablespoons corn syrup

Melt these ingredients together.

Pour into cake pan.

One loaf french toast bread or jewish egg bread cut into slices with or without crust.

put bread into bottom of pan, make sure to cover all spaces.

5 eggs

1 1/2 cups half and half

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 teaspoon salt

Mix these ingredients together and pour over the bread.

Cover and chill over night

Next morning bake uncovered at 350 for 45 minutes or till golden brown.

Remove from oven and sprinkle with powdered sugar (optional).

The top part was really good, however I burnt the bottom.  We were all very sad about this.

Jacob likes to play a game at the table.  He raises his arms, then we do the same.  He waits till he feels he has made us wait long enough then he drops his arms.  Laughter, always goes along with this game.

-Ma

Resolution

A few weeks ago some one from the High Council spoke at church.  I felt very inspired.  His talk was on unity.  Something that I have struggled with ever since I moved here.  We moved here from ASU campus housing, so everyone was on the same page.  Income, students, income, young families, and did I say income???  Well, when we moved here.  I was so, so excited to live in my own house, so excited to have more permanent neighbors, and so, so, so excited to be in a new ward family.  We have been here for 4 years now and things are getting better.  But I still feel lonely at times.  I tried to get to know people, sat by someone new each Sunday, went out and met my neighbors, went on walks often, went to the park, went to all of the church activities.  I didn't get one friend until 3 1/2 years after moving here.

Okay, I am probably putting too much information out in the world, but this is like a journal to me and I need to get this out some how.

So, here is my resolution... I can't remember what the High Councilman said, but this is what I got out of it.  

For too long I have been letting others determine my mood.  Looks that I would get, or comments that would be made, or even no one saying hi, or no smile.  This made me feel so sad.

Some would ask, why did you keep going to church, or even stay in your neighborhood?  We continue living here because we are close enough to Pa's work and the housing is affordable. We continue going to church because we believe in the teachings, I know it is true and I know that I need to be there.

Well, we all learn from our trials and after 4 years thus far I have learned that I need to say, "Good riddance!"  "Stop letting others determine how you feel!"  So from here on out I am going to let me be happy, if someone is not on their best behavior that is okay.  They don't have to be.  I can always be nice, I can always have a smile on my face, or if I don't like what has happened, then I need to speak up and not let it kindle inside of me.

I have a good example of this.  Someone was telling me what I needed to do to get my child to go to class and instead of being angry behind her back, I spoke up.  She understood better and I think she respects my decision.  

Another thing that I learned from the talk was gossip... what is gossip?  Gossip is when something is spoken that you wouldn't dare say to the persons face.  So as the person who I am this can be tough to not judge others and speak of it.  I will bite my tongue.

These are some pretty deep thoughts and feelings, if you got this far I hope you can learn from my trials, and try and be a better person.  I know that I am going to be better this year.  Wish me luck! -Ma