He asks, "Why do people think that?"

I have posted several times about how great Jim is. Other people see it too.  For our whole married life people have made comments to Jim that one day he will be a bishop or be in the bishopric. Jim asks, "Why do they think that? I'm just an ordinary person!" 

Just over a week ago Jim and I came home from church and were discussing our callings and other callings in the ward. Jim mentioned that he feels his time in the Young Men may be over. (He feels he won't be called to Young Men's again.) He has loved being in the Young Men. He was the Young Men's Pres. here in Hyrum before we moved to Carson. Then he was the Young Men's Pres. when we were in Carson City. He still tries to keep up with the boys he has had. A few are on missions right now. And recently we attended the home coming of one.

Jim has been the ward mission leader for the past several months. He has done a good job working with the missionaries. We have loved having them show up at our home even if it is 9 at night!

That same Sunday that we were discussing callings, Jim received a phone call asking him and I to meet with the Stake Pres. No surprise to me!! I knew Jim was going to get tagged pretty soon. Of course many different callings that he could be called to came to mind. We joked about different callings and as the appointment to meet with the Stake Pres. neared, we both got anxious.

I don't know much about our Stake President, but I do know that I like him. He has a comfortable spirit around him. He called us into his office and asked Jim to be the 1st counselor in the Bishopric. The Bishop was staying the same and had asked if Jim would be his counselor.  Jim was sustained and set apart this last Sunday.  I went to say good-bye to him after church and he was already in the middle of doing Bishopric stuff. He has been in a bishopric before, so he knew what he was doing and was able to just jump in and do what needed to be done.

I keep thinking about the last time he was in a Bishopric. We experienced one of our hardest trials...Lexie being born at 30 weeks. I just hope we don't have to go through something like that again with this time around. I also realized that "OUR" bench in church that we started sitting on 6 years ago that we recently moved out of because it wasn't fitting our family anymore, will fit us again!!

Yes, Jim, you are ordinary....but a good ordinary. You have a testimony of the gospel and of the atonement. You respect others and are non confrontational. You are willing to serve and help others. You make others feel good about themselves. You honor your priesthood. You are an example to many.

Good Times....

I wish these pictures weren't so blurry! I have just been reminiscing about my friends in Carson. I have been blessed to have each of the ladies in these pictures in my life....along with many others that are not pictured. I miss them all dearly.  I'm looking forward to the day that I can join them again for a girls' night out and laugh or cry til late into the night.

Also as I look at the ladies in these pics, I am reminded that 2 of them have moved to Utah! Time to catch up! 

Of course I read this Article....

I found an article on Ksl.com that I wanted to share....well atleast #7. That's the one that hit me most....and not the exercise part because I know that already....It was the self-esteem part. Jim is always saying to me "I wish you could see yourself the way I see you!" So, I just had to share. Just in time for Valentines (WINK, WINK!)


Question:
The spark has gone from our marriage and there is growing resentment between us. I love my wife and I want to make our relationship better. Do you have any suggestions?
Answer:
You can reignite the love in your relationship, but it is going to require some work, commitment and effort on both sides. Here are some suggestions that can get you started:
1) Get some professional help. Repairing this relationship would be easier if you involve a professional who knows exactly how to do it. If your car breaks down, you go to a mechanic; You need someone who can help make this repair faster. 

2) Give more than you get. Most couples who come for coaching both say the same thing, “My spouse doesn’t make me feel loved.” The man usually feels unwanted and the woman usually feels unappreciated. The solution is making it your number one goal, every day, to make sure your spouse feels adored, admired, appreciated, loved and wanted. You must be committed to this behavior because it is the kind of person you have decided to be. It must be your policy and procedure all the time.

3) You must forgive each other for being less than perfect. Remember that you are not perfect either. You may not have made the same mistakes your spouse has made, but have made plenty of other ones. You are both works in progress (students in the classroom of life). You must give your spouse permission to be an imperfect, struggling, scared, divine, amazing human being in process, just like you.
4) Show your spouse more respect. Make amends for past wrongs, include your spouse in decisions, and never compare them with anyone else.
5) Listen more. Ask more questions and do more listening than talking. Ask permission before saying what you think, or giving advice. Validate, honor and respect your spouse’s right to think and feel the way they do, even if you don’t agree.
6) Show more appreciation. Let your actions speak louder than words. Do unexpected acts of service. Tell your spouse "thank you" every time they do anything right, or even when they made an effort. Drown them in gratitude.

7) Work on yourself. Put some effort into exercise and looking your best, but even more important, work on your self-esteem. Confidence is super attractive, insecurity isn’t. Don’t make it your spouse’s job to make you feel good, it’s your job to feel good about you. People who are constantly improving themselves usually have good marriages.

8) Be a happy, fun person. It should be fun to be married to you. Find some common interests and do fun activities together often. Make sure there is laughter in your home and it’s a fun place to be.
9) Talk about your relationship regularly and ask your spouse how you can do better. Your relationship is a living thing and must be tended to and developed. You should read marriage books together, attend classes or get some coaching. Make this relationship a priority.
10) Get intentional about intimacy. Intimacy must be an expression of love for your spouse, not a way to get what you want or need. This must start with flirting and affection outside the bedroom. Then you should make time to be alone together.

He's a Keeper!!

How can I complain, be blue, or upset with life when I have this man in my life!

He pulls me through so many things. So grateful for his hugs and kisses everyday when he gets home from work. So thankful for his willingness to finish/fix dinner after he has been to work all day. Thankful that he is willing to run to the store late at night to get those little things that we don't need....but they may make someone feel a little better. Don't know what I did to deserve him, but I am so so happy that I have him!