Greg's new calling...

What a week! The Bishopric of the 9th ward ( our new home ward) was released today. Bruno Frampton is the new bishop and we couldn't be happier!! He will do such a great job. Jason White is the 1st counselor. We don't know him as well, but he has such a fun personality and we can't wait to get to know him better. Greg is the 2nd counselor. I am delighted. I know this means more Sundays without his help, but at least we are in the same ward and get to look at his handsome face each week up on the stand.

He feels a bit inadequate and says he needs to "step it up". He does not give himself enough credit. These three men are just what the 9th ward needs! But we all could "step it up" some!

This is just the calling that Greg needs and where he can serve the Lord the best. I know this was an inspired calling, but Bruno reiterated that when he told us he tried to let Greg off the hook, but while he was at the temple Greg's name just kept coming to his mind. This is truly where he should be.

Speaking in the new ward...

Greg and I had the opportunity to speak in church two weeks ago. This was the first time speaking in the 9th ward. Our topic was "Priesthood Power". We had 2 weeks to prepare. I don't know if that is good or bad. I stress about it for the whole 2 weeks! Greg didn't worry about it until the night before.

It was a great topic for me as I have never felt comfortable talking about the Priesthood. I prayed quite frequently that I would find and say the right things. I really felt the Spirit as I prepared this talk. I found some great talks to quote from and felt I should share the stories of Brooks birth and Payton's wrist. I think it went well.

Greg, of course, was amazing. Always saying the right thing and inviting the Spirit. As hard as it is to stand and speak in public, it always seems to give me the boost I need at the time.

Payton and EFY

This is a goofy picture of Payton, but then he is kind of goofy!

Payton went to EFY again this year. He went to BYU with Hummer Frampton, Karson Kester and Jace Hartman. We hardly heard from him during this week which was a little different from last year. In fact, one of the texts I sent him said, "Are you settled, How's it going?" He texted back, "I'm busy, I'll call you later, luv you". He never called later. We soon discovered that this was a good thing. He had an amazing week!

The following Sunday was fast Sunday and he stood and bore his testimony about the experiences he had and his love for the Gospel. Again the best money I have spent!

Saying Good-bye to the Singles Ward...

After 5 years, the Singles Ward Bishopric was released a week ago Sunday. I didn't realize how hard it would be. Greg went to the last bishopric meeting that morning and came home about 2 hours later. He could barely talk. He said they had had a testimony meeting, just the five of them and Brother Park (high council). They each took a moment to bear their testimony and tell how they felt about the Singles Ward and the last 5 years. Greg says it was amazing. The Spirit they all felt and the bond they have for each other is unique and unforgettable.

This Bishopric and wives (Lerron & Kellie Little, Shauna & Bruno Frampton, Grant & Judy Sumsion, Greg & I, Chad & Sherry Wright and Daryl & Chris Sisk) were truly inspired to come together to start this Stake Singles Ward. The personalities meshed so well together that the Singles Ward has been a huge success.

I know that our family has been blessed abundantly during these last 5 years and I fear what will happen without all of these great blessings. Our boys have had experiences they never would have and I have seen them grow so much. Especially Payton and Jantsen. I just pray and hope that Greg and I can continue to provide opportunities where these boys can feel the Spirit so they can continue to recognize the Lord's hand in all they do.

Most of all I love the person Greg has become. He has always been a great dad, but he sees the big picture better now. He is such a great husband to me. I know it is because he is filled with the Spirit. I am so grateful for this wonderful opportunity to serve and grow closer to our Savior and Father in Heaven.

Nick's sweet desire to do what's right...

Greg's Single's Ward had Fast Sunday today because of General Conference. Greg mentioned last night that it was their Fast Sunday and this morning Nick came down to get in the shower for church and said," I am going to fast today." We all got ready and Jantsen came up to get some breakfast. Nick said, "I am fasting today." So Jantsen decided to follow.

At church as they were passing the Sacrament Nick asked if it would ruin his fast if he ate the sacrament. I told him no. Then after church he told me his teacher gave them cookies after her lesson. He told her he didn't want one because he was fasting. She brought over a plate of cookies later with a sweet card that said,"Nick, thank you for being such a great example for me today and for the rest of our Primary Class. I can tell you have a lot of faith and I know Heavenly Father will bless you. Love Sister Harris. (these are for you to eat after your fast)

Nick is such an example to me also. I know how hard that must have been for him to pass up those chocolate chip cookies!
Nick also reads his scriptures for one hour every Sunday. I really didn't think he knew what he was reading until he asked me a question about Lot and the Pillar of Salt. I couldn't answer the question without reading and told him I'd get back to him. He read for a bit more then proceeded to tell me all about Sodom & Gomorrah and Lot's wife and the pillar of salt.

I was stunned.

Payton & Nick give talks in church...

Payton was asked to speak in sacrament meeting today. His topic was Joshua 24: 15 "Choose you this day whom ye will serve...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." He prepared this talk, with a little bit of help, yesterday. He told about his experience at Bishop Box's house and even got a little emotional. I know he was a bit nervous, but he stood up with confidence and had the audience laughing and then teary-eyed as he spoke from his heart. He did great! I am so grateful that he has had several spiritual experiences and that he truly knows what he is feeling.

Nick also was asked to give a talk in Primary. His topic was "Jesus was Resurrected and I can be Resurrected too". He talked about going to Temple Square to see the Christmas lights and the Visitor's Center. He talked about the huge statue of Christ and he brought our little statue from home to show. I am so proud of him. He was excited to give the talk and did a great job.

Nick chooses his profession...

Our most serious child has already decided (at age 8) what he wants to be when he grows up. After school one day last week Nick came home and said, "Well, I know what I'm going to be. I am going to be President of the United States." I stopped what I was doing and said, "Really?" He proceeded to tell me how he wants to do good things for our country and make new laws. He then said, "I will probably need you and Dad to help me, if you are still alive." We looked at a big puzzle we have of the country and after he realized how big the country really is he decided he would be Governor of the state of Utah instead.

Since then, we have given him the nickname "Gov".