I'm not sure I can find the words to express my feelings right now. Ever since we made the decision to move, I knew that this day would come. I really wanted to be selfish and have my time serving last longer than it has. But after my day today, I think I need a break.
Last week I was told that they would be releasing me today. I took it well and didn't even cry. I did good all week long and even felt really positive today that I wouldn't cry. I planned my last sharing time and was excited to share it with the kids. Then, Brother Robinson asked if I'd share my testimony since there was no youth speaker today. That totally messed up my plan of being under control with the crying. Every song after that just brought out all of the tears that I could find in my body. And then some.
Ask anyone that was in church today and they will tell you I was an emotional wreck. I didn't think that being released from Primary President would bring so many tears. It should have brought out the urge to skip and sing. To sigh with relief. This was a calling that I have grown to love and that has stretched me by leaps and bounds. I have had the privilege of spending about 11 of the 13 years I've been married working in the Primary. I can say that this has been the most rewarding calling I've had. Yes, it required me to always be concerned with or express love to a huge number of kids and also adults. I loved every minute of it though.I know that I was suppose to be the one teaching but I feel like I've gained a better testimony by spending time with these innocent little children. I loved going to church each week and having kids say whatever it was that was on their mind. For the majority of the time, it was a compliment, a positive story, an example of kindness, a smile, and my favorite- a song. Even now as I type, I'm crying as I think of the songs we have been learning for this year and I think of the kids singing the song. Do they really understand the words that they are singing? They will someday when they are older if they don't now. But watching them today, I know that even the youngest ones knew that they were singing about their Father in Heaven. They had huge smiles on their faces as they sang with all their might. Just to get the recognition from their amazing song leader, Sister Seeley.
I'm going to miss all of the late night meetings that we had as a presidency and mostly the runs to the icecream store (aka Coldstone!). It's amazing the bonds that can happen when you have a common goal. I know that the 4 of us ladies were frustrated at times of not having enough people to help serve all of the 160+ kids we watched over. It all seemed to work out though. I learned really quick to have faith that our Heavenly Father will take care of our needs and I'm grateful that I didn't have to serve in this calling on my own. The experiences I've had for the last 2 1/2 years will be with me forever.
However, with that being said, I am a little worried about how I will make the transition from Primary to Sunday School/Relief Society. I'm hoping that we get to learn some sign language with our songs and pass out appreciation treats often. I'd be ok if they threw in some icecream too. I'll miss my Sundays with Leslie and Jamie. They are the lucky ones that get to continue in Primary. Jo and I will have to work hard on keeping each other in our seats in Sunday school for the next few weeks.
Maybe it's a good thing we're moving in a month or so. I won't be tempted to linger in the halls to see what it is I'm missing in primary. There's so much to miss when you have that many kids in one room. Oh, the things the primary room walls could say if they could talk.
I'm thinking positive and hoping for another calling in Primary in our new ward. I'd even be ok with nursery!
Just shortly after we made it there, Mom and Dad arrived to also see the baby.
Natalie is doing amazing! She looked great and was only taking Ibuprofen for any pain, which was minimal! She said her labor went great and super fast! I think faster than they even thought it would be!
We tried our best to keep the kids away from the baby. You never know what kind of germs they might be hiding! hehe!
The proud Grandpa!
Welcome to our family Hallie! We love you!!!
What a cute family picture!! Doesn't Natalie look amazing!?!?! We are so happy for them and can't wait to meet the new little Brower Baby in person!!! 
After dinner the kids were ready to help clean up by 'pretending' to do the dishes! It was cute!
Maybe it was so funny, because they used the cooler to stand on so they could reach the sink!
This is Chris's roommate Jeff, his other apt roommate Colton, and Chris! 
And this is his awesome room and study area. Doesn't he look like he could be a missionary? (Minus the laptop...)
His cool bathroom....
Excuse me!!!!
Kaylee was such a flirt with all the boys! But she loves her Uncle Chris the most!!!
Nick and Carson both had made cars to race. Carson had an absolute blast helping Nick get the cars ready to race. I think the best part for him was going with Nick and picking up the track and setting it up and then taking it back down. He felt so involved and loved every minute of it that night! Here are some fun pictures from that night...
I am sure by the time Carson is in scouts and does his own pinewood derby, he will have it all figured out and be able to make a car all by himself! Until then, we sure enjoy this event!
He got to preschool and was greeted by Miss Wendy.
Miss Wendy has a great system she uses to drop off and pick kids up every day. She calls it a drive thru....so basically you drop your child off from the passengers side door, and then all the kids wait in the RED BOX she has painted on her driveway while all the kids are unloaded. This is to make sure the kids are NOT going to get run over. Then they all go inside together once they are all there. Then it works the same for pickup. All the kids wait in the RED BOX while they wait for their turn to be loaded into the van. Miss Wendy even helps buckle them up! What a great idea! Here they are walking around the RED BOX to help the kids learn where it is at!
There were no tears, frowns, or fear.....he was so happy and excited to go to school today. He gave me a kiss goodbye and that was that! On the way over he did say "If you have any problems, give me a call". It made me laugh! That is what Nick is always telling me when ever I go somewhere!
Kaylee was a little confused when Carson didn't get back in the van with us to go home. I went home and mowed the lawn which was a little different since Carson is usually around to help me entertain Kaylee.
So finally at 11:30, we went and picked Carson back up from school. When I arrived they were outside eating "Rocket Popsicles". They also did a lesson on rockets and even made their own rocket ship they could fly! It was made with a stick decorated like a rocket and a plastic cup. It was so cute!
Carson was so excited to show us how it worked!
Kaylee loved it! And she loves Carson's bag! I think she missed him a little bit today, but I think she liked having all of my attention too!!
I think Carson is going to have a blast this year in school!! I can't wait to see what he comes home with next!
