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.

My Elder Wirthlin Experience

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin passed away this week after 91 years of service on this earth. He was such a kind and hardworking man. He was not the flashiest of the Brethren and often in his later years struggled with teleprompters and such- but when I took the time to really read his messages that were later published- I found that I was amazed at the depth and power of his messages. I will personally miss him. The last address he gave in conference, however, is one of my favorite from the conference and will be classic reading for anyone wanting to ever quote someone on the subject of dealing with adversity. "Come what may, and love it" is a recipe for happy living.

I had the chance to meet him once when I was a teacher at the MTC. He was training mission presidents along with many of the other Brethren. Since they used the classrooms that I taught in, my job duties during mission president week consituted running errands for the General Authorities and getting to learn what they were teaching the mission presidents. (Always one of my favorite weeks for obvious reasons). I was going to a small copy room to pick up some supplies and was surprised to see Elder Wirthlin with some of his assistants in the room for the same reason. I must have looked like I did not know what to say with an Apostle in the room or maybe he just is the type that likes to put people at ease- but he just stuck out his hand and said with a big smile "I am Elder Wirthlin- what is your name?". I introduced myself and we chatted for a couple of minutes. I know he was very busy- but for a few minutes his black eyes just focused on me and what I had to say, what I was studying in school, what I did at the MTC, etc. It was like he had all the time in the world- and I am sure he made everyone else feel the same way.

I hated to have to fulfil my assignment to get the supplies and leave because it was so great to have someone that I look up to and sustain as a Prophet, Seer and Revelator take the time to put me at ease. He lived what he taught- Concern for the One.

I hate to see any of the Brethren pass away because I learn to love them all so much. However, he is with his beloved wife again and has earned through his acceptance of the Savior of whom he was a Special Witness right to be welcomed home to His presence.

Happy Thanksgiving

I have been thinking lately about this holiday. What a wonderful thing to set aside a day to give thanks. Thank you Abraham Lincoln!
I used to be prone to calling it Turkey Day- a common thing lately. I now regret that, for it is a day of thanks, not just a day for Turkey (although a turkey induced food coma sounds good to me right now, and is one the things that I am truly thankful for- it is not all just about turkey).
Allow me to name some of the things I am thankful for:
-My Mom- She had a rough week last week with blood clots in her lungs and some pretty severe pain. She is much better now- thanks again to Toni and Tyra who gave so much of their time and effort during that period.
-My wife. I do not say enough about Eileen on this blog. Eileen is the most wonderful and loving wife that I could ever hope for. We see how so many families struggle and how people who profess to love eachother seem to not even like eachother. Not Eileen and I- we could literally spend all day every day together and never tire of it. Just being in the same room as Eileen is enough for me to feel perfectly contented. She is the love of my life and loves me despite my glaring and obvious faults.
-My Children. Kayla, Ashley, Joshua and Tyler are everything a parent could hope for in kids. They are loving, love eachother and really try to do what is right. Sometimes I fail to notice what they do right because it is easy to point out what is going wrong. I will try to do better at that.
-My Sisters- not many people can claim the blessing of five sisters. They have each one and collectively helped me more than they ever know in many ways. Thank you Patsy, Kathy, Jody, Tyra and Toni. I love you all
-My extended family- I have many wonderful nephews, nieces, cousins, etc. Love you all
-My country. I get frustrated sometimes with my government, my elected leaders, etc- but when I take a step back and realize what a wonderful country we are all able to live in in the United States- I am grateful for my freedoms.
-Most importantly- My Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ. They give meaning to all of the other things for which I am grateful. Without Their love and sacrifice, all other things have no purpose. I am most thankful for them, the Church they restored in the last days and the gospel that speaks peace to troubled hearts and lives.

So instead of saying Happy Turkey Day this year- remember that we are setting aside for this day to give THANKS.