August 1, 2010…

…Will forever be engraved in my mind.

 

August 1, 2010 was the day Joe became the Bishop of our ward. What a life changing calling. I was scared, worried this would completely change my Joe and I wouldn’t even know him anymore. I was concerned about the amount of stress and weight such a calling entails and the toll it would take on Joe. I was also a little excited; with such a calling, blessings are sure to follow if its held responsibly and humbly. These were all my concerns and fears, I can only imagine what Joe was and still is experiencing!

We’re three weeks in and life has already changed dramatically. The kids and I hardly see Joe now but when we do, whatever we do is filled with happiness, laughter and quality family time. We were concerned about losing some friends but it seems to have only made the bond stronger. Even with the lack of sleep on Joe’s part, he somehow always finds that burst of energy to pull through to the end of whatever he’s doing. Once he makes it through though, he crashes, and crashes hard. You will often find him sleeping when he has a still moment. The relationship with his Dad has definitely gotten stronger. They have so much in common now and Joe has so much he can learn from Lawry.

The blessings are coming in full force as well. Debt is somehow getting paid off, Joe and I communicate better, Enoch has been extremely successful in potty training! Its been two weeks since he’s had a major accident. You can’t know the extreme bliss and excitement and just how proud we are of him for doing this! In our excitement we bought him a PET! (that post to come soon!) Life is just moving forward and at the speed of light it seems.

I know the road ahead is not going to be easy all of the time, and this will take a toll on Joe but I definitely know and feel that this will help us all grow. There is much to be learned and much to take in. I am so grateful for Joe and his amazing spirit, strength and knowledge of the gospel. I’m grateful for my parents and his parents. Without them, we wouldn’t be the people we are today. I’m grateful for my two beautiful little boys and they’re sweet spirits. I am so grateful for this gospel and the blessings I’ve received in this life. I know this church is true, I know President Monson is a true living Prophet of God on this earth today. I know Jesus Christ is my Redeemer and my Savior. I could not be who I am today without this Gospel and I hope to continue to follow in His footsteps.

-Natalie

 

Thanks to Todd R.(Joe's cousin) for taking photos on his AWESOME phone and also for cutting Joe’s hair and doing an awesome job. I was a dink and totally spaced bringing the camera. The thought never crossed my mind. So enjoy the photos!

Joe’s “Uuuh” face.

 

Chatting with Brother Stevens

Chatting with Brother Stevens and President Dourny

 

Yes, I’m a cheese ball. I’ll admit it. I was shaking with nerves the whole time.

Enoch was sleeping so he missed the family shot ( sad panda, as Amber would say), but I’m glad we got

a family (sort of) shot. :D