James Family News

Hi guys,

It's Jamie, I know it's a shock. Well I have recently switched majors to International Relation and minoring in business management. I love it. So far this semester I have been planning a huge student government retreat and it is very stressful but, everything is prepared and ready. Sometimes I shock myself when i get thinngs organized. Well Stephanie still loves me on Tuesdays,ha ha! Well I'll talk to you next year maybe.

St. George

Saturday, January 24, Jamie and I were able to take an unexpected trip to ST. George Ut. Friday afternoon, the ASB President of BYU asked Jamie if he would go in his stead to a meeting which was to take place the next day in ST. George. The school would pay for the trip and would even loan us a car! I think this speaks very highly of Jamie that he would be choosen and trusted to go in the place of BYU's president. For those who do not know ST. George is a beautiful place in southern UT right on the border. It is about a 3 hour trip from Provo. Any way Jamie was aloud to take me as well and this gave us the opportunity to take a mini vacation. I have never been to ST. George but I have heard of its natural beauty and high torist areas. We left early saturday morning and arrived just in time for a big fancy lunch with all the school presidents from around Utah. After the lunch the group headed off to the meeting, and I choose to sit in our car and study since I didnt care much to know about all their business. My favorite part was by far the weather, is was at least 50-60 degrees down there, although overcast. However, it was great to get away from the 18 degree weather we have been experiencing here in provo lately. After Jamies meeting, which lasted just a couple of hours, Jamie and I headed off to the Temple which was just across the street. It was a neat experiance going into that temple, being that it was built in the late 1800's. Afterwards we heading back home. Although we were not there for very long, we both really enjoyed the time to sit in the car and talk listen to talk radio and spend some quality time together. It truely was a tender mercy to have such an opportunity!

CHILDREN!

For the last year Jamie and I have had the calling of Sunday School teacher to the 14-15 year olds. We have really enjoyed spending time with the kids and Jamie is an amazing teacher to the youth. Really he did most of the teaching, and they love him! Today after church we were asked to meet with the Bishop (we all know what that means... A new calling) So I nervously waited to hear what new adventure was heading our way. Jamie and I have been called to teach CTR 6! That is the primary children age 6. I was a little taken back and was not expecting that at all, I dont think Jamie was eaither, but we of course accepted. Afterwards Jamie and I were talking, about it, and I was really struggling with the fact that we were really bonding with the youth class,and that I wouldnt be part of the relief society anymore ( Just as I was starting to find my place). I think Jamie is a little worried to be put in charge of little children and how to go about teaching them,( His great tacktet of bringing treats and pacing the class room isnt exactly on the level of 6 year olds) But tonight President Monson spoke at the CES Fireside, and we watched it on t.v. Anyway Part of president Monsons talk focused on the importants of being prepared, and that once the time of action has come, the time of preparation is long past. During his talk it really hit me that I think the lord put this calling in our path as a way to prepare, prepare for our future children. It almost seemed like the obviouse reason, but as the prophet spoke I felt the comfirmation that this was truly part if not all of the reason. To teach us how to teach and become parents.
I have realized that I am actually really excited about this new calling. Jamies area of expertise was teaching the youth! He is amazing at it and really knows how to connect with them, I think I could really do well teaching the younger children and interacting on their level, much the same way jamie is able to connect with the youth! We will have to see but as much as we will miss the children we teach now, I think the new change is truely inspired!