Changes in abundance

This last month has brought so many changes into my life. Let's see; where to start?

First, I decided that I was being a little lazy with some of my time. I know that some would consider me busy all the time, but really I have had a lot of down time. I have spent so much time at the school this year helping out that I have built some great friendships with other volunteers, teachers and the PTA board. They spent weeks trying to convince me that I should be on the board. I discussed this with Josh and prayed about it and felt very good about the decision to do this. So, I was elected to be the secretary of the PTA this next year at Desert Willow.

Second, is HOA. This past year I served as Treasurer. I wasn't on the board, but was an officer. It was fun to meet many people who live in our community and actively give input for things happening. This year for the new elections they only had four people "running" to be on the board and they needed at least five. Again, this was something that weighed heavy on my mind. Again, another discussion with Josh, more prayer and another decision to be on the board. The difference - more emails and I get to actually vote on the things, rather than just give input. My responsibilities there, is some cases will be much less though as I have moved from being the treasurer and helping with financials to secretary and helping with the minutes of the meetings - much easier!!!!!!

Summer - all four kids are home for the next 8 weeks. It is a shorter summer break because we have modified year round - which I love. The last week of school was extremely crazy for many reasons, school related was volunteering and then four year end summer gifts for the teachers, three for Lexi - Mrs. Rupel (her teacher) and the two assistants, Mrs. Gilbert and Mrs. Hoey. Then one for Ms. Heather, MacKenzie and Bailey's preschool teacher. They all expressed such kind words for the gift that it made the all nighter so worth it. The all nighter is a story to be shared at another time. I will post some pictures of my new fun at a later date. Summer started and I really thought the younger kids would have a hard time adjusting to Lexi being home every day all day. However, it has been Lexi that has struggled to adjust. She has been mouthy, cranky, rude, and crying so much. I don't know what is up with this child. I just sit back and think - if she is like this at seven - I am NOT looking forward to teenage years. Meanwhile, one week down, seven more to go.

The final change was in my calling at church. I was shocked to get the phone call that would put the icing on the cake of feeling overwhelmed this month. I was released from as the children's music leader and put into the Young Women's presidency (working with the young women ages 12 to 18 at church). I hate to admit that the first few thoughts was that it was a call of convenience rather than a call of inspiration - meaning me actually supposed to be there. But I quickly had the thoughts and confirmation for myself that for whatever reason I am where I need to be to touch a life somewhere. I loved serving in this calling in my previous ward. Circumstances here, though, are completely different than my old ward and it has already proven to be a hard change/adjustment for me. Through it all there have also been many small things that have happened that have been strong witnesses to me that my Heavenly Father hears and answers my prayers. I am so thankful for that. I know He loves me and is mindful of the things that do happen. I could really go on and on about that, and at times in some of my posts I do. Today I will not.

It has been difficult to give up so much more time now that I have made commitments other places. I prayed about everything before I committed to anything and felt so good. I am still struggling to understand why I need to be doing all of these things right now. A few people have offered loving words to make sure I am not "running faster" than I should. However, once this coming week passes everything will slow down tremendously. PTA for this next year will be officially started and more relaxed, HOA so far hasn't really been anything more than a few emails, Young Women's has taken a lot of time, but I do love it. I will be anxiously working through this week with many meetings and activities for each of these things, then I can finally sit back and take a breath knowing that most of the urgency is gone. YEAH!