I was sitting in church today remembering what it was like to have Chad in the Bishopbric in Albuquerque. I wanted to write this down so we don't forget it... One of the things I was most worried/stressed/concerned about when he got called was getting to church on time by myself, and sitting alone with three little kids. (Bryson was seven, Abbey was five, and Parker was one when he got called). Anyone who knows me well, knows that punctuality is not one of my strengths. But during the two years that Chad was in the Bishopbric we were late to church ONCE - and that was because got a brand new building and our time changed and I kinda forgot, so I don't really count that time. But, to me - in my life - that was such a miracle and such an evidence of the Lord strengthening and blessing me.
Also, I was pregnant with Claire during that time. She was born in October and Chad was released in March. I didn't know how I would handle her in sacrament meeting with the other kids needs and nursing, etc. I used the book "Baby Wise" with her and had her on a pretty decent schedule, but it was still a miracle that she slept through every single sacrament meeting from the day she was born until the very Sunday that Chad was released. On the day he was released she didn't do it. Amazing. The other kids were incredible too. I think I only had to leave the meeting with one of them two or three times during that whole two years. I can honestly testify that Heavenly Father was blessing (strengthening) us - me - to be able to do what He asked us to do.
One other thing I wanted to record was that Chad always saved us a seat in the chapel. It was on the left hand side 3-5 rows from the front. And he had secret signs with each of the kids so they could "wave" to each other while he sat on the stand and other people wouldn't know. With Abbey their sign was that each person would pull on the right ear. With Bryson it was "wiping" dust off the left shoulder. With Parker it was scratching the nose.
