10 years.....

It's been a long time -10 years in fact that my dad has been Stake President. I was a sophomore in college when he was called to this position. I mention this not to be prideful, but because yesterday he was released. I didn't think I would be sad not to be there, but I wish I was there. My 4 oldest sisters and brothers and families were there at Stake Conference and the after party with the visiting Authorities and new Stake Presidency and families. I think my sister counted about 52 people!
It's been so long that my dad has served in Bishoprics, Stake Presidencies, etc., that I never remember him sitting with us in church or going to church with us at the same time because he had already been at church for several hours. When he was a counselor in the Stake Presidency, I never saw him at church and only knew he was at our ward when the bishopric announced he was sitting on the stand - what? He is? where? Oh - nice to have dad at church today. :) That has only prepared me for my life today: Some of you have heard me say this about my own husband - he's here? where? Oh that's nice - had no idea he was going to be here today. I don't even believe the kids when they say "there's daddy" - couldn't be, he's never at the church at the same time as us. :)
I am truly grateful for my parents - I can agree with Nephi - I have been blessed with goodly parents. I look to them often for advice before I was married and especially more now that my decisions effect more than just me. I know they have served many people and I have learned a lot from them as my dad has served as Stake President. He has a kind way of disciplining and treats everyone with respect. I've never heard my mom complain about the time my dad spends at the church or serving others outside church meetings. I've tried to follow their examples and not complain when Jeff is busy with work and church - we just try to make it work. I appreciate President Monson and his wife because she has never complained in over 45 years of his church service. These are the women I strive to be like - supportive yet firm in making our family a top priority.
Even though my dad was busy with those things - he always made time for us kids. He helped coach our softball, baseball and soccer teams. He helped us practice batting, fielding and running the bases in our backyard. He would take us to the river on Saturday mornings to ski and was so patient while we learned to ski and even patient with friends and other youth he helped to ski. But when there was church service to be provided, he would come home get cleaned up, change into his church clothes and out the door to help. I remember seeing my dad up early reading the paper at the table, or in the computer room preparing for a talk with his scriptures in hand or kneeling by his bedside pouring out his concerns to the Lord. In every family prayer he mentions each child by name.
My friends ask me "how do you manage without Jeff around all the time?" Well, now you know. This is how I was raised. My dad traveled a lot for work and was gone for church, so a lot of the times, it was me and my mom. We managed and she taught me how to gracefully manage on my own. But I also ask a lot of questions as new challenges come up. I know I am not the only one who sits alone with my kids at church or has a husband that is working til late at night or going to school and working full time. So I watch you. :) I watch other women that are in similar situations and see what they do. More than anything, I expect my kids to be obedient and respectful in church and at home. The same way my parents expected us to be - no matter if it was regular church, Stake Conference or General Conference. My parents taught me early on the gospel is more important than anything else. I missed a lot of Sunday games because I went to church instead. The one time I chose to play - my coach didn't let me play. From that day on, I knew it was more important to live the gospel than it was to play sports on Sunday. I even missed a Saturday game to attend General Conference when a new prophet was being sustained. I still remember that day as President Hinckley was sustained a prophet of God.
While I probably never show my parents enough appreciation - I do love them and am grateful for their examples. We are a very close family and it's great! They've created a wonderful loving family and I can only hope to do the same with my own kids. Thank you and we love you! :)