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Posted by pribyl at 8:15 PM 1 comments
So here is "that" post I said was coming. I'm sure it's not too hard to figure out. Today was the day when my long reign in Young Women's ended. It actually ended a few weeks ago when I was released, but since it wasn't announced until today, it didn't feel quite real. Each time I have been released from Young Women's I have been a basket case. The girls become like second daughters to me. All the other times I have been released it has taken me off guard. This time I knew it was coming. The Lord was preparing me in so many ways. Of course, I didn't want to admit that's what he was doing, but I wasn't surprised when it came. Ben was shocked that I didn't shed a tear. Ironically enough, the one time that I didn't need two weeks to deal with it, I got it. All the other releases were done the day of. Funny how that works out. Anyway, though I didn't shed a tear, and felt at peace about the change, today took me by surprise when the water works came. It first came when Aubrie started to get all upset when they announced the releases. She started tearing up and saying things like, "Mom, are you going to be in there when I turn twelve. Does this mean you don't get to go to camp when I go?" I don't think she remembers a time when I wasn't serving in the Young Women. I collecting myself pretty fast and thought, "That wasn't so bad! Way to keep under control, Rachel!" When third hour came, however, not being in Young Women's really hit me hard. I'm excited for whatever new calling lies ahead, but after FOUR years of serving with the youth, I think I was kidding myself when I actually thought I could go through this release without a cry fest. I didn't get a chance to say goodbye to my Young Women today and tell them how much I love them and will miss them, but those Young Women from my old ward, wrapping their arms around me at the temple the other day reminded me that they probably know! Thanks for that extra tender mercy Heavenly Father. And hopefully I'll be back in there to greet Aubrie when she comes in!;)
Posted by pribyl at 5:06 PM 1 comments
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Posted by pribyl at 3:53 PM 0 comments
Yesterday was a first for me. It was the first time I got to escort someone through the temple. One of my friends, whose husband was baptized a year ago, went though with her husband yesterday! She will be sealed to her husband and children next Saturday!!! I have so been looking forward to the sealing. There is something special about seeing a whole family being sealed, compared to just a couple. I know both hold equal significance, but there is just something more emotional about it! Anyway, last week she was animate about the day I would be getting back from Utah. When I told her the date, she soon asked me if I could be her escort. I was honored, humbled, and honestly a little nervous. I was hoping that I would be able to help make the experience as comfortable for her as possible. It was great being her escort. I loved being with her and watch her soak everything in. Not only was it amazing getting to see her experience everything, but it was also a great review for me. It also gave me some more insight that I desperately needed. Lately, I have felt as though my temple trips have been a bit bland. I know that sounds bad. Ben and I have been going routinely every month, and I felt as though I hadn't received any , "Ah, ha" moments, and I was feeling guilty for feeling that way.
Posted by pribyl at 7:53 PM 0 comments
Sunday we slept in a bit, and had to raise Ethan from the dead. He is our teenager in a kids body. This is how we found him in the morning! How is did he end up there?We started our day at Bridal Veil Falls. The kids were looking forward to it the whole trip. It was much colder than it was last year, so getting in the water wasn't an option. They also were sad that the rope that was there last year, to help up a steep climb, was missing. It's not that we needed it. Guess it was just fun for them. Honestly, I forgot all about it. Funny how simple things like that are important to them. We reached the top much faster than last year, probably because they weren't hiking in flip flops this time. We only hung up at top for a few minutes, and then Aubrie and Boston hiked up the water fall from the bottom. Ethan had fun playing with sticks and Sophia just hung out with us on the bridge. The snow cone shack was under construction, so when we were done we headed straight to the Godowns.
Posted by pribyl at 3:30 PM 0 comments
Saturday we slept in, and it felt great! We researched all the water parks in the area, and decided on Seven Peaks. I have never been there, but heard it was the better one in the Valley. They had a family package which included 4 inner tubes and a locker, and 4 meals. That worked out since Ethan and Sophia had to ride with us in the tubes anyway. The kids had a great time! The Wave Pool was the first thing the kids hit. I don't think they have ever been in one before. The slides and lazy river were next. Then the kids discovered the areas with the lily pads and rope swing. I think that was Boston's favorite area. Sophia had a great time, and did very well! It was a pleasant day at the water park.
Posted by pribyl at 2:49 PM 0 comments
Friday I woke up early to get a shower and get ready before the gang all woke up. We had to head out by 9 to get breakfast and make it to Timpanogos in time. The family (minus me) had a quick bite at McDonalds. The kids thought this statue of Ronald was funny. I didn't eat there, but opted for a Clif Bar and OJ from a gas station. That was my favorite morning snack while I was up there. Our cave tour was at 12:30 and they suggested we start our mile and a half hike an hour and 1/2 early. Last time we did this hike, we did it with Joe, Billy, and my Mom 12 years ago. My Mom needed frequent stops, and we barely made it there in time, so with 4 kids I was panicked to get an early start on the hike. We made it up there with plenty of time to spare. Even with the frequent stops we had to make. There was much complaining from Ethan and Aubrie, Boston was a champ and didn't complain at all. We did sound like a broken record up and back as we had to continually remind them to stay a close to the mountain side of the trail. We heard that there was a recent accident there, which probably resulted in me being a little too protective the whole time, which I know annoyed the kids.
Posted by pribyl at 12:18 AM 0 comments