Direction

We had a great relief society meeting last night where we talked about growing things.
I learned some fun things about making plants grow but what I can't stop thinking about is my current task of growing children.

As we were watching the above clip, I  realized that Heavenly Father is really, truly the director of all of my mothering abilities.

The other night we were all sitting around the dinner table and Austin finished eating and left to go play on the computer.  I didn't really even notice that he left or that he was playing on the computer but I felt this pull to have him sit around the table with us.  I didn't consciously think "I better get Austin back in here because statistics say that families that sit around the table have more successful children." I just called Austin back because I felt that he was missing.  We had a great family conversation about goals and faith and our plans for the future.

I know that my prompting to call  Austin back was a direct reflection of my Heavenly Father's desire to have Austin be cared for and nurtured.  I've always thought I was a good mom because I do the right things.  But I am realizing that I do the right things because the Spirit is constantly working to direct me--wether I know it or not! It is ALWAYS the highest privilege to be directed by the Lord and to do what the Lord would do if He were here.  Its very humbling to realize the extent that the Lord is directing my life.  Even around the table. I am grateful.

Look who's home! (and how to survive being a bishop's wife)

Rustin spent his first Tuesday night home with us in 5 1/2 years! 

Can you believe it's been FIVE years since Rustin was called to be the bishop?!  It seems like a few months and a decade all at the same time.  Rustin hasn't sat with us in sacrament meeting since Dallin and Landon were NINE. 

 He's in for a rude awakening... 

Actually he already missed out on the fun years.  Everyone is pretty self-sufficient these days.  I just pass Jackson off to whoever is getting wiggly and all is well.  

We have had a beautiful five years.  We could not have been more blessed.  

The new bishop's wife asked me if I have any tips and I do.  Here's my top ten:

1.  Memorize the executive secretary's phone number and repeat, "I'm sure the bishop will love to talk to you--his secretary can set up an appointment time." This is especially helpful for the people that call and ask for "Mister Bishop Hatch."  (We get a. lot. of calls from non-member community members needing help. For a while we had three to four calls a week from people in the community who were in a 'crisis' and it took me a while to figure out that unfortunately, many people have figured out how to make the rounds through all of the community churches and resources. If they don't know what ward they are in they can call the DI--they have an up to date map.  If they are serious about wanting to meet the bishop they will make an appointment and show up. Then the bishop can look into their eyes he can determine what they really need. ) 

2.  When someone calls and says "Is the bishop home?" feel free to translate that to what they really should have asked which is, "Is the bishop available to take calls?" The kids have learned to come ask me, "mom is dad home?" when someone calls for him.  If he's visiting with his kids for the only hour that he has home for the day it's okay to say, "He's not available but I'm sure he would love to talk with you.  His secretary knows his schedule better than I do."  

(see #1 above) 

3.  Never Ever say "I'll have him call you."  Just tell the person on the phone that you don't know his schedule for sure so you don't know when he will be able to return calls but you'll give him the message that they called.  Auxiliary presidents should have his cell number. 

4.  Just call a handy man. 

5.  Don't make it hard for him to have the spirit.  Tuesday at 5:30 is not the time to have a conversation about things that irritate you.  (Bishopric meetings and interviews are on Tuesday nights...) I think of this as my part of service.  I have learned to just let some things go.  

6.  Don't plan on him being home.  Especially Sundays.  We just go about our day and if he catches up with us we are happy to have him but we don't plan on him being home or being available even if he is home.  Being the bishop involves a lot of study and prayer time.  

7.  Don't be offended if he gives you that 'I-need-to-take-this-phone-call-by-myself-will-you-go-out-of-our-room' look.  It's not personal. 

8.  Have a box in a safe place for mail/tithing.  Bishops get a ton of mail.  Everything the ward orders for supplies, from printer ink to manuals to sacrament cups, will be sent to your house.  

9.  He'll be gone the whole week of scout camp/girls camp.  It seems like a big sacrifice to have him use vacation time for the youth but it is one of the most rewarding and important things he will do as the bishop.  Those youth need to 'play' with him to really know and trust him.  And youth really need to trust their bishop. 

10.  Enjoy the spirit that comes from service.  There's nothing else like it!

Rustin's last day as bishop was spent in the temple with this darling couple and their two kids.  

Such a sweet experience!

What did Rustin do on his first Sunday afternoon home? 

He slept for five hours.  

With a smile on his face!

A few things...

Today is a beautiful spring day.  Don't you love spring?  I love all new seasons but I think Spring is the most hopeful.  And I don't know what it is, but I am feeling the urge to buy more chickens.  I don't know if that is a good idea--we only have one chicken left.  The kids have taken to calling her Katniss for obvious reasons... Sadie seems to have reached some sort of agreement with the little chick.  She has now gone several months without eating her even though the hen insists on flying over the coop fence.  They completely ignore each other.  And Katniss lays the most beautiful blue eggs.  So it makes sense that I should get some new little babes to keep her company right?

I am also feeling the urge to wash all the blankets and hang them out to dry.  This happens to me every spring and has since before I even had my own blankets to wash. I think my grandmothers must be whispering in my ears on that one.  I LOVE fresh, soft, sun kissed blankets.

Speaking of laundry I am so proud of myself.  I did all the laundry.  We went on a vacation over spring break.  Our first real vacation.  Here's a hint of what the vacation was like...

It was awesome and I will write more on that later.  My huge accomplishment was triggered by my intense need to leave my house clean when I leave it.  ("Why do we have to clean mom?! So the robbers will think our house is nice?" Who do you think makes that comment every single time?!)  

I washed every. single. last. bit. of dirty laundry in my house before we left.  I even matched socks.  And we cleaned and vacuumed.  And I balanced the checkbook.  And we paid for the whole vacation in CA$H.  (Thank you Magic Valley Goldendoodles!) Dave Ramsey would be proud.  Except we aren't debt free... But hey...

During our vacation we had to remove a set of stitches (Thanks Dad!) --
For this kid.

Can someone please help me convince Dallin that he has to stop playing rugby for a while to give his brain a chance to rest?  This child has superman syndrome.  He just barely recovered form a seriously life hampering concussion for heaven's sake.

I went to watch him play rugby just before we left and when I arrived I saw Dallin getting his head wrapped up with blood pouring down one entire side of his face.  It doesn't even faze me anymore.  I didn't even need to go look at him--I just sat down in the bleachers and said--"I'll bet my last ten bucks that that kid needs stitches."  He watched the rest of the game from the side line (thankfully) and when he got home he showered and we headed to the ER.  One of our fastest trips ever!  In and out in just over an hour!

We had two more days off of school after we got home (14 days off total!) and it was heavenly.  We rested and unpacked and watched an amazing weekend of conference.  So spoiled!

Rustin left tonight for a work trip to Boston.  I miss him like crazy when he's gone.  But he promised to visit all of the Diners, Drive-ins and Dives restaurants for us... We will hang out here and get back to the last two months of school!