Solemint Ward

Last week we finally put up the lights - well, the kids and Andrew finally put up the lights.  Yes, the kids, up on the roof; well aside from Cole who was safely tucked in his bed.

It has been a journey in the Solemint Ward to say the least.  We had to leave behind a ward we loved so very much and enter a ward where we felt a bit out of place.  Over the years I have seen how beautifully the Lord worked to align everything just as we needed.  This past weekend was a big one: my last baptsim as president, my last Sacrament Program as president, my last day as Primary President.  In many ways I have developed a love hate relationship with this calling.  Sure, it requires much of the things I love doing, but it really is so very consuming.  At a different time in my life, I think I could really enjoy this calling.  I have learned a lot and grown a lot due to the circumstances in which I was forced to handle.  I had anxiety for two weeks wanting everything to go just right.  My nightmares were frequent and vivid and truly, I wish I didn't have two weeks to sit on this.  But the baptism went well, the program went well and the last day in Primary went well.  I felt blessed!

That Saturday night we had an invite to an Ugly Sweater Party, our Ward Christmas Party, and a family friend's wedding.  The kids, especially Jackson, had been begging for a Christmas party and so it just didn't seem fair to make them drive to Simi for a wedding when they could go to the ward for a "Christmas Party".  We all arrived and visited and Santa arrived.  I love the looks on the kids' faces.  I was able to see them all take a turn on Santa's lap, able to hear Ryan bellow into the mic that he wants a GUN all before my parents came to pick me up for the wedding.

Everyone did well on Santa's lap - I think we're out of the crying years; everyone is growing up!

 These kids can push your buttons but they can also bring a smile.  I am forever grateful for the chance I have gotten to know all of them.  I am also grateful for all the people I worked with because they each taught me something valuable.  Now, I'm off to Relief Society 2nd Counselor.

Speaking of my ward, last night I was able to attend my 2nd annual Patty Padovich "Women Only" extravaganza.  At 5'2'', it really is weird being the "tall" one!  The highlight of the night is a tie between chocolate fondue, talented singers, delicious food, cozy bathtubs, fabulous conversation and barefooted run to the car IN THE RAIN.