Guess Who is Excited about getting baptized?

Tyler will have his baptism on May 9th (his Birthday) at the Gallup Stake Center at 4 pm. He is very excited and would like everyone to know that they are welcome to come and share this special day with him.

Recent Ramblings

Things have been a little hectic around our neck of the woods- so not a lot of posts. Work has been very busy, Church has been very busy and I am trying to unwind a few of the other community boards and activities I am on- but it does not seem to be working. You know the old saying- if you want something done, ask a busy person to do it.

Just wanted to reflect on a couple of things on my mind lately. First- as always this time of year, I think a lot about Dad. He passed away 18 years ago as of the 6th of April. I still am amazed at how much I think about him and sometimes ache to ask him advice on things. I am a big advice getter and giver (sometimes the giving is unsolicited and therefore annoying- sorry about that) so not being able to talk to my own father about parenting and other things seems like a hole that I cannot get filled completely. I know that he is on the other side doing things that he is called to do there- and I will not complain about missing him because I know that there will be a time that we will see each other again and he is still my father.

Conference was wonderful as usual and I am excited for Elder Neil L. Anderson as the newest member of the 12. He is a great teacher and man and he will be a great addition to that elite group.

Is it just me or does President Uchtdorf get more impressive each time he speaks? I really love listening to him.

Hope you are all well and happy. Our family is very blessed- hope yours is too.

The Junto

Frank Christianson- one of the group of former mission companions and BYU buddies that have invited me to join them on an annual get-together (that convieniently coincides with the mountain West basketball tournament) in Vegas told us recently of society that Ben Franklin organized in Philadelphia in the early 1700's. This group of men got together to discuss politics, religion, philosophy, literature, etc. He (Ben) called it a JUNTO.

A quick peek at Wikipedia will prove he is right (Frank is always right- he is a university professor). Sounds a lot like our small group. These men are people that I admire greatly and have learned so much from. It is a rare thing to have a group of people that you feel that you can share your most important thoughts and feelings with- all without feeling judged or discounted, even though it might not be completely in line with others opinions.

Some of the topics that we discussed were: serving in the Church, sports, Prop 8, various doctrinal issues, etc. I found myself further educated and humbled by their insights. I was definitely edified.

The highlight for me was right before I had to leave for home. We went and did an endowment session at the Las Vegas Temple. It was a great feeling to stand with these men together in the celestial room of the temple and know that these were my brethren. I love each of them and are grateful for their insight and friendship. May the Junto never die and we be able to continue the tradition. Thanks again guys for the wonderful weekend- even if BYU got booted out in the second round.

Bishop Haws

Well, our family is once again beginning a new adventure. Tommy was sustained as the Bishop yesterday of the newly reorganized Gallup 2nd Ward. He is nervous, excited and overwhelmed to say the least. I may be biased but I think my husband will make a great Bishop. I know that he will work with all his might, mind and strength for the Lord in the Gallup area. I know that he loves the people of Gallup. I feel truly blessed to have a husband who is so willing to serve the Lord in whatever calling he is asked. They have not called a new counselor in the Stake Presidency yet, so for a few weeks he will be serving in both callings. Hopefully, that will be resolved quickly.

I am a little nervous to be the Bishop's wife. I hope that I don't offend anyone in our ward and I hope that I am good enough. I will be sad to be released as the Relief Society President of our ward. I have only been in 7 months and was just getting the hang of things but I am willing to serve the Lord wherever I am asked.

We appreciate those that came to share in this experience and know that many more wanted to come but couldn't. We are so grateful for all of the love and support we have felt from family and friends.

Sorry for the long delay in posts. I had promised that I would post pictures that my sisters and I donated money for framing that we presented to Mom for her Christmas present. It was a surprise to her that we were able to give them to her this year. A few years ago, I asked a friend of mine, Ann Marie Mowrer, to have her mother paint a portrait of my dad from from pictures that we had. Sherrel Watkins, the artist, went above and beyond anything that I could have imagined and she added an extra portrait of Mom, too. She is very happy with them and here that are in case any of you are curious as to how they turned out.

The photos do not do them justice.

We had a wonderful Christmas and 2009 got here just fine, too. We are so happy to have the blessings we do- and hope you all have a wonderful new year.

PS- for those of you that are reading that might have ties to the Gallup area-- a little update of some of the Church goings on. After many months of prayer and working through details and approvals, today the two Ramah wards were combined into one ward and in Gallup the three wards were put back to two wards. We hope that the desired affect of greater ministering to the people in the area will allow real growth.