Endure it well?

 I'm the first one to admit, these past almost 5 years, I haven't had the best attitude about being the "Bishop'sWife" whatever the heck "Bishop's Wife" means besides being married to the Bishop.  Geesh, it has been a struggle for me.  

When Mike got called as Bishop, my attitude was fine.  This is HIS calling...all I have to do is support.  Well, I guess for someone like me, that's not very easy.  Being the "woman BEHIND the man," isn't where I stand comfortably.  I have my own calling and my own life separate from my husband, yet somehow there are expectations for me?  There was no list of duties, no sustaining vote, no setting apart, no meetings, no check ins with the stake, no special exceptions or perks. It wasn't MY calling, yet somehow people treated me like it was...like I was supposed to be doing something...like I was supposed to be a certain way.  Nope, not for me.

So, when the release came that last week in January, I said "hallelujah!"  I was ready to be set free from this "gray" area I had been stuck in!  But Mike on the other hand, was not so overjoyed., because while being the Bishop is a lot of work, and stress, and sadness, he developed a love for the people and the work.  Mike was a wonderful example to our family of true dedication to your calling, to your faith, and to the Lord.

After Mike was released, the stake leaders asked me to say a few words in the sacrament meeting program.  I stewed over what to say all week.  I had to say something positive, but I felt so negative about my side of the experience.  I've heard people in the church talk about all the blessings that come to the family of those who serve, but all I could think about was how the last 4+ years of my life had been the hardest I've ever had (not because Mike was Bishop, but all the other stuff I had to go through...like losing my dad suddenly and unexpectedly).  The one thing that stood out to me was Mike's steadiness.  His steadfastness.  His complete unwavering devotion to the gospel.  This was enough to keep me from sinking.  This was enough to keep me from drifting away.  This!  This was the blessing.  This is what I am grateful for as we close the door on the "Bishop's Wife" chapter.  When I was weak, wavering, negative and in crisis,  he was a devoted servant of the Lord; and maybe that was exactly what I needed.

His first Bishopric 

(Both counselors have moved, one to Utah and one to Idaho!!  He's gone through SIX different counselors!!!)

This is what our family looked like when Mike was called to be Bishop.  

Jordan heading into her senior year, Kya 10th grade, Tyson 8th and Summer preschool!!

Here's what our family looks like now he's released!  

Both girls at college, Tyson graduating this June and Summer in 3rd grade. 

Crazy how time flies.

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

January 28th, 2023  Summer was baptized as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  It was such a special day.  

Summer had so many fears about the logistics of baptism (people watching, wearing clothes in the water, someone else dunking her etc.), but she really did want to make the covenant with her Heavenly Father.  Once she pushed past all that other stuff and decided to do it, I watched a weight lift from her.  She was so happy and proud of herself. 

Mom and Dad gave the talks.  Tyson did the baptism.  Dad did the confirmation.  We sang "Search Ponder and Pray" and prayed together. Then we went out for dinner and cheesecake;: I am so grateful for Summer and all that she continues to teach me.

Wearing the same dress as her mama...and all her aunts and girl cousins (who were baptized)!

On the way...

Checking the water levels...

So special that she chose her brother to baptize her

All clean!

A Bad Case of the Januarys

My excitement/optimism for the new year lasts about a week!  This year, was no exception...except maybe I had a a little less excitement because I came into it already a little broken.  Here's a little how it went:

Bruised Tailbone--This was way more inconvenient than I would have thought!  Sitting, walking (quickly), driving, getting dressed (standing on one leg was the worst), showering, sleeping.  Ugh it was not fun.  And lasted at least 3-4 weeks.

Back/Hip Pain--Because my bed is a little firm, after I injured my tailbone, I started sleeping in Jordan's bed (which is super soft).  Well, at some point I slept wrong and my back/hip have been bothering me ever since (and it's February).

Eye infection--My eyes started itching...mildly at first and then more intense.  Finally one morning I woke up and my eye was so red and sore I could barely keep it open.  After a few days it cleared up...then a few days later it happened to my other eye.

Vertigo--One night while sleeping, I turned my head and the room was spinning.  This started happening every night and made sleeping really difficult.  It lasted almost an entire month...becoming milder and less often after the first week, but still happens every once in a while (and it's February).

Throw in my car breaking down, our fridge finally giving up, both kids home from school with colds and having to wait over 2 weeks to get in to see the doctor, and that makes up our lovely January.  

We did manage to squeeze in TWO absolutely wonderful things during the very last weekend, which I will blog about separately.  Always more good than bad, right?  Maybe not in January haha.

The view from my bedroom window on a gloomy day in January