We woke up to Reid's shouts of joy. "Come look, come look, there's snow outside, there's snow!"
And sure enough, there was. Who knew he peeks out his bedroom window each morning before coming into our room for snuggles?
Over ten days ago I published this post, in which I promised to come back and write a post -- but didn't.
In short, I was released from my calling in the Young Women's organization. Today I was called to serve in the primary, I'll be teaching Reid's class. It consists of him and another little boy named Reed. Neither are pleased about it, and I don't blame them. Sister Mills (their previous teacher) was awesome beyond words. When I told Reid the good news he literally yelled "No!" Then, at Church, he kept asking me where Sister Mills was and he insisted on telling me she was his teacher.
I didn't actually teach his class today, since the other Reed was absent and they needed an extra hand in nursery. So today I was in Nell's class instead of Reid's. She loved it and had no complaints about sitting on mommy's lap through her lesson and singing time. It was really fun to spend time with her and see her class in action. She has their schedule down pat and acts overly excited for each transition. I love it.
Anyway, I originally mentioned my release from Young Women's so I could write a few closing thoughts about the girls and my time spent with them.
The youth speaker today started her talk by telling the whole congregation it was my birthday, and thanking me for being a good leader and example (it feels weird to write that, I'm not bragging, that's what she said but in a much sweeter and grateful tone and with the use of specific examples). I get the feeling her big take away from my time as their teacher/leader was "be missionary minded." It'd be interesting to see how each girl might summarize my influence (for better or worse), but I'm hoping none of them thank me from the pulpit again. Like most women, I don't handle public praise well.
This evening was the Stake Young Women in Excellence program. I debated whether or not I should go, as I didn't want to step on the toes of the new leaders, but in the end I decided I wanted to be there. So I went, and brought one of the girls with me. And when our ward was asked to go to the front, it was the new leader who drug me up there with them. I attempted to fight it, but didn't want to make a scene.
Our Stake is wonderful and I was really excited they were hosting the program at the stake level this year (joining was optional) since our ward is so small and the reverence of a more formal evening just isn't as optimal with a small, casual group. But several months ago when I (after consulting my counselors and the girls) signed us up to be part of the stake night I was pretty clear I wanted one of our girls to be a main speaker. I feel like our stake (and many others may have this same problem) relies on the same youth for leadership at each event. Our ward has outstanding Young Women and in my full two years of service none of them have ever played a big role at the stake level. So I stuck my neck out for one of our girls and put her in the spotlight. That's really the reason I wanted to go. I wanted to see her shine, and she did. I'm obviously biased, but her part in the program was my favorite. She focused her whole talk on her relationship with the Savior and the many ways Personal Progress has strengthened her testimony and her desire to do good and serve others.
It was a wonderful evening and I'm really glad I went. Now I really can be done going to Young Women activities. I'll miss it, but overall I'm a little relieved to be released. Today, as I was set apart for the new primary calling, the blessing I was given began with acknowledgement of my service to the Young Women, and it felt nice to hear Heavenly Father was pleased with my efforts. More often than not I felt like I was failing, but it was impossible to balance family, Ben's calling, my calling, and all the rides we offer to vehicle-less members. There was room for improvement, but I had to choose not to foster any guilt over my failed attempts at balancing church responsibilities and daily life.
And sure enough, there was. Who knew he peeks out his bedroom window each morning before coming into our room for snuggles?
They were both begging to go outside and play, but I was so conflicted. Getting them dressed for the day is a battle I only want to fight once, but going outside to play in the snow with their church clothes on just wasn't practical. So yes, they are playing outside, in the snow, in their jammies. Gosh I'm a lazy mom.
Reid loved throwing snow balls at the scarecrows they made during last week's library story hour. Nell was all about touching and eating the snow. After just a few short minutes they were both ready to come back inside. Neither of them left the back deck and I didn't even join them for a proper picture. Regardless, their first snow play of the season was magical and they were on cloud nine (where'd that expression originate from anyway?).
Over ten days ago I published this post, in which I promised to come back and write a post -- but didn't.
In short, I was released from my calling in the Young Women's organization. Today I was called to serve in the primary, I'll be teaching Reid's class. It consists of him and another little boy named Reed. Neither are pleased about it, and I don't blame them. Sister Mills (their previous teacher) was awesome beyond words. When I told Reid the good news he literally yelled "No!" Then, at Church, he kept asking me where Sister Mills was and he insisted on telling me she was his teacher.
I didn't actually teach his class today, since the other Reed was absent and they needed an extra hand in nursery. So today I was in Nell's class instead of Reid's. She loved it and had no complaints about sitting on mommy's lap through her lesson and singing time. It was really fun to spend time with her and see her class in action. She has their schedule down pat and acts overly excited for each transition. I love it.
Anyway, I originally mentioned my release from Young Women's so I could write a few closing thoughts about the girls and my time spent with them.
The youth speaker today started her talk by telling the whole congregation it was my birthday, and thanking me for being a good leader and example (it feels weird to write that, I'm not bragging, that's what she said but in a much sweeter and grateful tone and with the use of specific examples). I get the feeling her big take away from my time as their teacher/leader was "be missionary minded." It'd be interesting to see how each girl might summarize my influence (for better or worse), but I'm hoping none of them thank me from the pulpit again. Like most women, I don't handle public praise well.
This evening was the Stake Young Women in Excellence program. I debated whether or not I should go, as I didn't want to step on the toes of the new leaders, but in the end I decided I wanted to be there. So I went, and brought one of the girls with me. And when our ward was asked to go to the front, it was the new leader who drug me up there with them. I attempted to fight it, but didn't want to make a scene.
Our Stake is wonderful and I was really excited they were hosting the program at the stake level this year (joining was optional) since our ward is so small and the reverence of a more formal evening just isn't as optimal with a small, casual group. But several months ago when I (after consulting my counselors and the girls) signed us up to be part of the stake night I was pretty clear I wanted one of our girls to be a main speaker. I feel like our stake (and many others may have this same problem) relies on the same youth for leadership at each event. Our ward has outstanding Young Women and in my full two years of service none of them have ever played a big role at the stake level. So I stuck my neck out for one of our girls and put her in the spotlight. That's really the reason I wanted to go. I wanted to see her shine, and she did. I'm obviously biased, but her part in the program was my favorite. She focused her whole talk on her relationship with the Savior and the many ways Personal Progress has strengthened her testimony and her desire to do good and serve others.
It was a wonderful evening and I'm really glad I went. Now I really can be done going to Young Women activities. I'll miss it, but overall I'm a little relieved to be released. Today, as I was set apart for the new primary calling, the blessing I was given began with acknowledgement of my service to the Young Women, and it felt nice to hear Heavenly Father was pleased with my efforts. More often than not I felt like I was failing, but it was impossible to balance family, Ben's calling, my calling, and all the rides we offer to vehicle-less members. There was room for improvement, but I had to choose not to foster any guilt over my failed attempts at balancing church responsibilities and daily life.
1 comment:
Loved the picture of the kids and the year's first snow!! Congrats on your new call and appreciation for the work accomplished as YW president. Well done, thou good and faithful servants.
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