Primary Calling

I was called to be the primary first counselor. It took about 8 weeks to get "set apart" because Ben wasn't at church any of the sundays (to watch our wild children :) the bishopric had time to do it. So I served in the calling for 8 weeks without that blessing and I have strongly felt the difference since receiving it. It was a really detailed blessing and I'm sad I lost the notes I wrote down immediately afterwards but the things I remember are:

* to love the kids. some come from not ideal home environments and they need to feel our love.
*VISIT the kids! in their homes. It will help both them and us as leaders
* that I'd be able to discern what is right/appropriate for primary and what is not AND that I would have the courage to stand up and express boldly my opinions. (I have since had such a clear mind on what I think should and should not be done. There is no need for extra analyzing it. and I don't feel bad saying so ...in a nice way :)
* that I'd be able to organize and help the axillary go smoothly
* that Heavenly Father was pleased with my energy and excitement for Primary

I have been so busy with this calling. The pres is a full time teacher, a masters degree night student, a wife, and a mother to 2 kids so I need to be able to help her pick up her slack from her life. The other counselor's family suddenly decided to move so hasn't been much help to us. A lot has fallen on me and despite being a little stressed and having some mild anxiety, everything that needs to get done is done. I'm not always sure how. I know I am getting a lot of help from up above. Things have just been falling into place. I am so grateful for a loving and caring heavenly father that is so watchful of all our needs, both big and small.

Here we are at a baptism for Lily Morales. Andra Staley ,in the pink shirt, used to be her primary teacher. Sarah Hoagland, in the white, was the primary second counselor-but she moved. Ross Quijano is the fun guy in the middle of all the kids.