8 years

It was a Friday morning just over eight years ago, I was living in Los Angeles and had made an impulsive decision to make a quick trip home to Arizona for the weekend. Little did I know that my father would be called as the new Stake President. I remember that Saturday so well. I remember the panic, the surprise, and especially the feeling of the spirit in our home. I remember eavesdropping at the top of the stairs as two men in suits came to our home and issued the call.  I remember the phone call my dad made to my older brothers Sunday morning before Stake Conference and before all of our lives would be changed and truly blessed.  I especially remember the words my dad spoke that conference to his Seminary students...telling them to hold strong to the iron rod. It was truly a spiritually uplifting few days.

Last weekend, I was able to feel all of that again as my dad was released. Elder Pace and Elder Anderson from the Seventy were there to make the change. Two very different men, but both with incredible strength and spirit. It is an amazing experience to hear and know of the inspiration that takes place when extending a call. It was emotional. Emotion driven from feeling the truthfulness of the Gospel, the strength of these great men and their even greater wives, and emotion from the love felt for the Stake and the love we all feel from the members. 

(the original six)

(my dad with counselors)

(incoming presidency, outgoing, and presidency before my dad's...such STRENGTH!)

It was a great weekend, especially great for me with NO kids!!  All 6 of us were able to be there, which was a surprise for my Mom.  It was a lot of work and got pretty tricky at the airport, thank you to Colorado's snowstorm, but we made it happen...it was awesome. Of course it wouldn't have been an Ogden weekend without QT, 2 Fredirico trips in ONE day, lots of politics, and a few yoga poses from who else but Brett and Todd. The sessions were great, my mom gave such a beautiful testimony and my dad spoke of counting our blessings.   Elder Anderson spoke of Faith and Elder Pace gave a talk on our Heavenly Father...a talk he had worked on for 6 months.  The imagery he left us with will be with me forever.  We celebrated after church with hamburgers and fried candy bars....yes, FRIED!  

I am very grateful for my parents and their examples. They have an exciting 3 years awaiting them!