Life in Logan, UT! PART 1

We've now been living in Logan, UT for 7 weeks and 3 days!  It has gone by very, very fast!  I feel like so much has happened in such a short amount of time!  Where to begin???  So, we moved in on July 2, 2016.  We had a lot of my family there, as well as some neighbors in our new area.  We had the moving truck unloaded in 1 hour!!!!  I couldn't believe how fast it happened!  It didn't stop there though.  My family stuck around to put together beds, move heavy furniture, unload some boxes, etc.  They were AMAZING and I am so grateful for all of their help!  Heaven knows what a job it would've been had we not had their help!  By some miracle, I had the house 99% unpacked within the first couple weeks, including the garage!!!!  It feels great to have a place for everything and not be living in chaos.

So, we went to our ward, which is the Logan River Trails ward, in the Logan Utah Stake.    People seemed friendly, welcoming, and happy to have some new blood in the ward.  When we moved in, I made sure to show the Bishop I had a piano, that I played the organ, etc.  I wanted to seal my fate with the calling here.  I also told him I was one that in past times, anytime I was given a big calling, something would happen to where we moved.  In Lansing, Michigan I was called as Primary President, with which we moved a few weeks later.  Upon returning to Michigan, I was called as Relief Society President but, the Stake was reorganized & we were put into a different ward so, that calling never happened).  So fast forward a few days....the Bishopbric came over to visit with our family.  That went well, it was a good visit, and everyone in the Bishopbric is very nice.  Fast forward a few days more.  Note: we had only been to this new ward 1 1/2 times when we received a call that the Bishop would like to meet with Mike & I.  We knew it had to be callings.  I had heard that they needed music people in the ward.  So, I assumed that would be my calling.  Mike and I headed into the office.  Bishop Susman sat us down and first addressed Mike.  Mike was given the calling as 11 year old Scout leader, to which Mike accepted.  He was excited about this calling.  He was kind of black listed in our old ward and was never given a chance to try.  This was exactly what he needed.  Then, Bishop looked at me and said, "Are you moving yet?"  I laughed and thought he was just messing around.  However, it was a precursor into my new calling.  He then said, "We would like to call you as the Relief Society President."  I thought he was joking and laughed about it.  It took a few minutes of going back and forth for me to realize he was completely serious.  Once I caught onto the fact that he was serious, I automatically put my face in my hands and I instantly started to cry, sob, and ugly-cry.    I then followed that up with, "Oh my hell!"  Yes, I swore at the Bishop to which he replied, "That's ok.  It's in the scriptures."  I laughed slightly but, continued to cry and cry and cry.  Mike though I was laughing because the sound of cry I had going but, when I took my face out of my hands, he realized I was crying.  Then, Mike started to laugh even harder.  I couldn't answer the Bishop.  I just kept crying and crying.  This continued on for another few hours at least.  Before we left his office, I squeaked out a yes.  I warned him that in all seriousness I am completely crazy, I get overwhelmed by the smallest of things, and get extremely stressed out.  He said he knew and it would be ok.  I later found out he had called my previous Bishop and he had told Bishop Susman that he has felt for some time I have been flying under the radar and have been underutilized.  Where do these people come up with this stuff?  He then said that he would like me to pick my counselors and secretary by Sunday morning.  Mind you, the day he called me was a Thursday night.  So, I only had a couple days to choose.  Not only that, I know absolutely NO ONE in my new ward, except for a friend of mine.  How am I supposed to choose someone?  This was scary to me.  I have no faith in myself on following the Spirit or its promptings.  I just feel like I'm incapable of recognizing that Holy Ghost or the answers Heavenly Father sends me.  The Bishop provided me with a list of sisters to choose from.  When I called my Dad that night, he was STUNNED.  Basically speechless.  He later said it wasn't because of the idea of me being R.S. President but, that it had happened so soon after we had moved in.  The next day we were heading to Bear Lake for the weekend so, I somehow needed to be choosing during our time at Bear Lake.  I really wanted to go to the temple about it but, there wasn't any time.  So, I did praying, pondering, etc. and thought I had come up with who I wanted.  I then called the Bishop and he said none of those ladies were right or couldn't do the calling.  I then asked him to revamp the list for who I really could choose from.  I went from there.  I remember feeling like I really needed to make sure I had women of different ages in my presidency.  So, after much thinking, praying, and speaking with the Bishop, I had another list of sisters and Bishop said, "Now that's a solid presidency."  I submitted the names for confirmation from the Bishopbric.  I then started to panic because he wanted to put us in that Sunday.  I was freaking out and wanted another week to process and to mentally & spiritually prepare myself.  A tender mercy happened.  The Bishop let me know that they were going to wait 2 weeks to sustain us because of some other curcumstances.  I was SO GRATEFUL I had another week to wrap my brain around this calling.  This really has been a humbling experience for myself.  There has been some good come from this already.  The biggest thing is Mike's attitude and willingness to support me.  In St. George, this was something I didn't have from him and was much of the reason I had to be released from YW's.  However, he's completely turned a new leaf.  He's extremely supportive, doesn't complain or question me, and is so positive.  I thought it would only last a small while but, he continues to amaze me.  If I didn't have his full support, this calling would be impossible.  Even with all the meetings I go to (sometimes 3 times a week) he is fully supportive!  I've come to realize many things from this and why I think I was put in this calling:

1: To learn how to recognize the Spirit and God's hand in all things.

2: To learn to understand and have compassion for people different from me.

3: To gain a stronger testimony of the gospel and the purpose of Relief Society.

4: To learn how to delegate and learn where my boundaries are.

5: To teach me how to control my tendencies to be overwhelmed and stressed out.  I really feel this will help me to find a balance in all things.

6: To re-learn the importance of prayer and scripture study.

7:  To get me out of my comfort zone and to grow.  Once upon a time, I would have considered myself the leadership type.  Once I came home from my mission though, I lost that feeling and really felt like I did NOT belong in leadership and would be just a good person to support someone else.  I still feel like I have no business being in this position.

8:  To help me to grow up a bit.  It's no lie that I am pretty immature still.  Maybe not by looks but, definitely personality-wise.  Yes, I can still be goofy and have fun but, I need to dial it back a bit too.

I know this list will continue to grow but, this is where I'm at so far.  Things are good with the calling.  Sometime I enjoy it and sometimes I want to run for the hills.  Sometimes I feel like I"m getting the hang of it and then BOOM, I have no clue what I'm doing.  You should see me in Presidency Meetings.  Luckily I have an AMAZING presidency!  I'm not just saying that!!!  They are extremely helpful and are willing to do whatever!!!!!  I feel like I've given them so much to do, that they have left me with nothing at times.  

Our ward is quite needy.  There are so many tough cases and families that are severely struggling.  That alone overwhelms me.  I just feel like I don't have enough time and energy to get to every single person.  I'm just trying to take it day by day and do my best.  There's so much work to be done here.  If I think too much about it, I really get down and feel sick inside.  I feel like I have a huge weight on my shoulders and have enormous responsibility here.  The Bishop said next to his calling, mine was the next hardest and most important calling in the ward.  Well gosh, if that didn't made me want to poop my pants!  All I do know is I do have a testimony of the gospel.  I know I love my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  I know that they love me.  If I just hold to the things I know and love, then the rest should fall into place.

Petty Post

Yesterday was our last Sunday in our current ward.  It's been an up and coming thing for 6 months.  So, the first annoying thing that happened was that they didn't release me from my callings!!!  What the heck?!?!?!  I've been told for weeks that I'd be released.  I guess it doesn't matter much but, it does give me a sense of closure and to not worry.  My callings are ward organist, choir accompanist, and the scout parent contact (which is a totally made up calling).  Yesterday I was busy getting myself and the kids ready for church.  I looked at the clock on my watch and it said 8:40am.  Our ward starts at 9am and I have to be there at 8:45am or 8:50am to do prelude on the organ.  Well, I finished up Rylie's hair and went to look at my phone clock.  I usually have a clock in my bathroom, and everywhere else but, they're all packed.  I looked at my phone clock and it says 8:55am!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Time got away from me.  Luckily, I was all ready to go so, I grabbed my church bag and took off.  Meanwhile, I started getting text messages and I knew who they were from...people wondering where I was.  I got there and this was a bit of a panic going on, trying to figure out the music.  So, maybe they appreciated me for one brief second. It was ok though.

The 2nd annoying thing that happened is really dumb and petty on my part.  Only 4 or 5 people said anything to me about leaving.  THAT'S IT!!!  I know I didn't change the world or cure a disease but, I felt like I had more impact than 4 or 5 people?  It made me sad and feel bad.  I know life goes on for everyone and I'll be forgotten because that's what happens when change takes place and we move on.   I just wish it didn't happens so quickly.  I guess it made it that much easier to walk away on Sunday. 

__________________________

Our days are numbered in St. George.  4 days from today and we'll be on our way.  Today we're working on packing up our bedroom.  Everything except for our clothes and under our bed.  Tomorrow we'll pack up the bathrooms.  Then, we'll start on packing the remainder of the kitchen.  On Wednesday, we'll finish packing the remainder of the kitchen, clothes, and last minute things.  Thursday, we pick up the moving truck at 11:30am and the fun begins.  Well, a different kind of fun.  I've been packing for a few weeks so, I'm EXTREMELY OVER IT!!!!!!!  Today Mike said, "Is this worth it?"

It's Great To Be 8! Rylie Turned 8!!!!

Rylie Anne McGinnis was baptized on April 30, 2016, by her Dad, Michael C. McGinnis.  She was also confirmed by her Dad. 

The sign that Mike & Rylie are making with their hands, in the picture on the left, is the baptismal sign we used in our mission.

This towel was made and given to Rylie by her Grandma, Linda McGinnis

Those standing in the circle, to confirm her a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints were: Mike McGinnis (Dad), Larry Jeppesen (Grandpa), Mac McGinnis (Grandpa), Ken Jeppesen (Uncle), Greg Jeppesen (Uncle), Matt Jeppesen (Uncle), and Shawn McGinnis (Uncle).  

Family in attendance were: Mike, Laura, Connor, Corie McGinnis (Parent's and siblings), Mac & Linda McGinnis (Grandparents), Larry & Chris Jeppesen (Grandparents), Shannon McGinnis (Aunt), Shawn & Stacey McGinnis (Uncle & Aunt), Ken, Kyle, and Anna Jeppesen (Uncle & cousins), Greg, Samantha, Garrett, Emma, Brooklyn, Wyatt, and Ashley Jeppesen (Uncle, Aunt, and cousins), Matt & Devery Jeppesen (Aunt & Uncle).  

Friend's in attendance were: Alisha & Evelyn Emblazon, Brian & Deanne Lohrke (Primary President), Kathy Tolleson (Primary Teacher), George & Mary Mecham (Primary counselor), Taylee Twiggs,  Heather Jemmett, Zoey Jemmett, Esmee Emmett, Darron & Carla Kroll (Bishopric & Primary counselor), and Holly, Robby, Bree, and Ty Douberley.

The back of Rylie's dress & her fun hair!

 The front of Rylie's dress, including the beautiful necklace & bracelet given to her by her Grandpa & Grandma Jeppesen

 When I was baptized, I was baptized in a dress that had been passed around my Mom's side of the family.  Well, somewhere amid the shuffle, the dress got lost.  I loved the idea of Rylie getting baptized in a dress, rather than the jumpsuits.  So, I had my brother ask is Mother-in-Law (she's an amazing seamstress) if she could create one for her.  It turned out perfect!  I could tell Rylie felt so pretty and special in it!!!  It was simple but beautiful!  Now I will put it away for when Corie gets baptized, as well as any of the other cousins who would like to borrow it for their baptisms.

Rylie asked if a friend of mine, that decorates cakes, could make cupcakes for her baptism.  The main request she had was pretty, yummy, white frosting.  So, I passed this information along to my friend, Trudi, and left her to the creativity part.  I was BLOWN AWAY when I went to pick up the cupcakes!  She did an amazingly, BEAUTIFUL job!  Not to mention the cupcakes were from heaven!

The day went beautifully!  I expected the morning to be insane craziness but, it wasn't.  I woke up early enough so I would have time to get all the kids ready to go.  The girls didn't even fight me to do their hair!  We arrived at the Stake Center and waited for family & friend's to arrive!  The program was really good and Rylie was 3rd, out of 8 children, to get baptized.  Mike was able to get her all the way under the first time, with Grandpa Jeppesen & McGinnis as the witnesses.  I took Rylie back to the dressing room to get her all dried off and dressed.  It actually didn't take us long to get her dressed and ready!  Everyone was surprised by how fast we were.  Mike, on the other hand, took longer.  He accidentally grabbed a garment pair that had 2 garment tops in it, rather than a top and a bottom.  Since I do his laundry, he wasn't too happy!  Ha ha, whoops!  We then went into the program for our ward.  Since Rylie was the only child from our ward getting baptized, everyone participating was there for her alone.  After the confirmation, her Grandma Jeppesen (my Mom) gave the talk on the Holy Ghost.  Brother Kroll (counselor in the Bishopric) gave some closing remarks.  Then Connor, Rylie & Corie McGinnis and Robby, Bree, & Ty Douberley sang and did sign language to the song, "I Know That My Savior Loves Me".  They did absolutely PERFECT and sang SO BEAUTIFULLY!  It melted my heart and really brought the Spirit into the room!!!  I felt so proud of them.  My sister-in-law, Samantha, played the piano so that I could enjoy the baptism stress-free.  The baptism was so neat and really helped to reaffirm my testimony! It took me back to when I was baptized!  The thought came to me that what I felt, experienced, and people that were there that day MUST be what heaven is like!!!  If so, it will be a joyful experience!

Following the baptism, we had plans to meet at this awesome park and having a cookout!  I always tease my parents that they bring down cold weather when they come to visit (they live in Cache Valley, UT).  Well, this time was no different.  It was windy, rainy, cloudy, and even cold.  I wanted to stay at the park but, some people were pretty cold, table cloths were blowing everywhere, and it was hard to cook the hamburgers & hot dogs. So, I swallowed my pride and we took it to the church.  So, we had hamburgers & hot dogs.  My parents helped purchase the plates, cups, utensils, and the condiments.  Mike's parents brought a potato and macaroni salad (mmmmm!!!), Greg & his family brought drinks, Matt & Devery brought chips, and I also "made" some baked beans.  It was so much fun and yummy too!

I'm so grateful to all of those that made it to the baptism.  Some people had to drive 4-6 hours to get here.  I know it was a sacrifice but, it meant the world to me, and ESPECIALLY Rylie, that they were all there.  Side note:  Our neighbor and friend, Caleb (3 years old), didn't want to come because there wouldn't be sharkies in the water! :)  This day was wonderful and I hope that Rylie will always remember how special she is, how good she felt, and happy she is!  I know this will be a blessing in her life and can't wait to see how she grows and gains a stronger testimony!

All in the Lord's Timing

In Sunday School today, we had a lesson about journal writing and the importance of it.  In my year's as a teenager, missionary, and first year's of being married I wrote journals.  However, life happened and I slacked off.  Also, it hurt to write with my hand after a while.  Then I blogged really well but, after time stopped doing that.  After today's lesson, I feel I need to get back at it.

Rather than go back in time too far, I'll just start with what we are currently in the middle of.  In December, Mike was offered a contract as a Public Defender for Cache County, UT.  Mike has been looking for a change in jobs for YEARS!  The law firm he had been working for was sucking him dry and not paying him what he was worth.  They would make promises, over and over, and not keep them.  Mike was the only one running the St. George office and it felt like NO ONE had his back, including his Paralegal!  A year-ish earlier, Mike had interviewed for a position in Cache County but, didn't get the job.  Well, based off that interview, they called him and offered the public defender contract.  The second Mike told me about it, I knew he would take it, although I didn't want him to take it.  I had finally felt settled in St. George and came to grips that we would always live in St. George.  For years, we have tried to move up north, towards Salt Lake or more north.  Nothing ever panned out and we had given up on that happening.  So, now I was ready to make St. George home and then this was happening. Mike questioned the decision and still does.  He feels that he's never made the right decision in life for us and doesn't trust himself to make the right decisions.  Well, Mike took the job.  He then had to let his firm know.  He agreed to help them through March and then he was done helping them.  So, Mike started in Cache County in January.  His required days are Monday and Tuesday.  Once court was out on Tuesday, he would drive back down to St. George.  That strained him.  It's a 5-5.5 hr. drive and he hated it.  So, it was good for him once he was done with the firm in St. George and could focus on Cache County.  Now he comes home very 2-3 weeks, depending on what's going on with our family & his job.  The time being apart has been hard.  Mike lives with my parents, and one brother, who has his 3 kid's some of the time.  Then, just not seeing each other has its wear and tear.  So, hopefully the time goes by fast to where we'll finally be together.

The time came that we needed to start searching for a place to live and we were having to rent.  I really didn't know where we would live.  I just knew I wanted on the south end of the valley and in the Cache County School District.  As soon as I knew we would be moving up to Cache Valley, I immediately contacted the charter school in the area I was hoping to live.  I began the enrollment/lottery process, in hopes that by getting my kids into the charter school, it would help with the transition since they are already used to a charter school.  Long story short, my kids were all drawn out.  I wasn't positive that's where I would send them though.  I knew I didn't like the idea of sending Connor to middle school (he'll be in 6th grade) being the youngest grade, straight off of moving.  So, keeping him in a charter school would keep him as one of the older students.  Also, the south end of the valley (Cache County School District) had added a new highs school.  So, they changed things to where all of their elementary school's are K-6.  So, the idea of a regular public school intrigued me too.

I also knew I wanted a house that had 3+_bedrooms and was pet friendly (we have a cat, Teddy).  I came across a place in Nibley, which I was stoked about!  It was a tri-level home, 3 bedrooms, 2 bath, and was in the area I really liked the idea of living.  It was also pet friendly, which was hard to find.  We put in the application and they chose us!!!!!  I just knew it was meant to be, I envisioned us there, I had decided to put my kids into a tradition public school there and was excited to live near the Major's, some law school friend's of ours.  It was just THE ONE!!!!  We were EXCITED.....all except Mike.  Mike looked at the home and wasn't impressed but, went ahead with the idea.  So, he met with the landlord and, needless to say, it DID NOT go well.  The landlord called me and said that due to the reaction my husband gave him, he thought it would be best if we didn't continue with the home.  Mike had not been kind and we lost the house.  I tried talking to the landlord but, it was too late.  The kids and I were HEARTBROKEN!  It felt like we would NEVER find a house like that.  I was so defeated, frustrated, angry, and sad!  I didn't want to have to search AGAIN!!!!  My Aunt Jackie then quoted something along the line of something Jeffrey R. Holland said, "Keep your chin up, trust in God, & believe in good things to come."  This would be hard to do, especially when I thought everything was perfect before.  

Once again, we began the search but, nothing was falling into place.  Mike decided, and I agreed, that we would apply to the house we liked (regardless of whether they allowed pets or not), and then go from there.  So, we looked more.  One night, around 11pm, I was heading to bed.  I decided to get onto www.rentler.com one more time (which I now feel was a prompting from the Holy Ghost).  I looked and there was a BEAUTIFUL home, with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bath, wonderful yard, on a dead end street, etc.  It just seemed perfect.  So, I applied right then.  Come to find out, the guy had only posted it 1 hr. prior to me applying.  That weekend was TOUGH!  He had told us he would consider us first but, yet wanted to let other prospects see the home, etc.  Oh I was super impatient and ancy.  We finally received news that had gotten the home!!!!!!  I was SOOOO EXCITED!!!!  We told the kids and they were excited too!!! Mike, not so much, but that's typical.  So, he sent the deposit, we signed documents and it's ours!

Then, another twist happens!  Mike went to look at the home. Yes, we signed before we saw it physically.  The owner had included so many photo's, I felt like I already knew the house inside & out.  Anyway, Mike came back nervous we had been keeping our cat, Teddy, a secret because he learned the Father-in-Law lived in the neighborhood.  That really got me thinking and I suddenly became VERY NERVOUS & ANXIOUS!  I couldn't breathe and stomach hurt.  I knew at that moment I needed to be honest with the owner.  There's no way I could lie about Teddy anymore.  First, I did not want to teach my children that it was ok to lie, to get what you want.  That was wrong of me to do.  Second, there's no way my kids, especially Corie, could keep it secret. Third, it was just plain wrong.  I talked to Mike and he begged me not to tell the owner but, I just had to.  So, I contacted the owner and I told him.  Unfortunately, he said we had to get rid of Teddy.  I was devastated and my heart was broken.  However, the anxiety and nervousness went away.  I know I did the right thing but, I felt awful.  Teddy means the world to me!!!! He is my comfort and my best friend!  It made me sick inside to have to find a new home for him.  I just couldn't tell the kids yet.  Mike was very upset I went ahead and told the owner.  He was angry and didn't agree with me in doing it.  I sobbed, sobbed, and sobbed for at least 3 days straight.  Thankfully, my sister (who lives in Tooele) agreed to take Teddy for us.  That way we would know who had Teddy, they would care for him, and we could go see him when we wanted.  So, time went by for make a week or so.  I was so very sad and decided to wait and tell the kids when Mike was home.  So, Friday night Rylie was asking about keeping Teddy, just out of the blue.  I knew I had to tell them. So, I gathered the kids & Mike.  Mike didn't stick around long.  I explained to the kids and the reaction was what I expected and worse!!!! I had hurt my kids and broken their hearts!!!  Their world was changing every way possible.  It was SO, SO SAD!!!!!! I cried and cried.  Yes, some may say this is pathetic over a cat but, we love our Teddy!!!!!    I finally got the kids settled down enough to go to bed.  Then, Mike said he wanted to try one more thing.  So, he called the owner and VERY NICELY explained the devastation of the kids, and offered to pay a larger deposit for Teddy.  The owner said he would have to ponder it and get back to us.  I will say he was VERY NICE and patient with us!!!!  So, the waiting happened again.  Well, I got a text this morning and, WE ARE SO BLESSED!!!!!  They are letting us keep Teddy!  All is well in the land of McGinnis'!!!!!! The kids were so excited and happy that they had tears in their eyes!  I feel like Heavenly Father has blessed us so richly!!!!!!

So, July 1st we move into this new home of ours to rent!!!!!!  More pictures to come!!!!!!

Back at it AGAIN!

I'm back to writing on and updating my running blog so, if you want, feel free to check it out! http://laurawilllooksexyandfit.blogspot.com/