It's over... deep sigh of relief...

Phew, I made it through Sunday. Last week was a little crazy, not nearly as bad as the life I left behind, but still it was crazy! Our ward trunk or treat was Saturday and we decided to go as the Flintstones. Now, this decision was made weeks ago. I thought I had plenty of time to make the costumes before the party. Well, in true Brenda fashion, I started 2 days before the party! I got the fabric and most of the accessories 5 days before the party, but just didn't feel the pressure to start making them until the last minute. I just didn't want my sewing machine out on the kitchen table inconveniencing my family... So, Friday and Saturday were all about getting these costumes made! Well, it wouldn't have been so bad except I also had to write a talk for church the next day! To some this may seem like an easy task. But for me, it was more stressful than an entire year running the stores and trying to be a mom and wife!! I have never spoken in church my entire adult life. And even as a youth I think I managed to NOT get out of it only once or twice. So this is very hard for me. Now, put me in front of 100 scrapbookers and tell me to teach something on the fly with no prep... NO PROBLEM! But put me UP at a pulpit in front of the most wonderful people I have the pleasure of knowing here in AZ, and I freeze!!! It absolutely terrifies me. So, not only did I have the costumes to make but a talk to write as well. I finally -almost- finished the costumes at 3:30pm, then it was in front of the computer to write the talk -for the 3rd time! David had to take the kids AWAY so I could think and try to finish this daunting task. I finished and then jumped in the shower for a quick rinse 10 minutes before the party starts. Run off to the party - 35 min late, of course, did you expect anything else from me??? - and we actually won the costume contest for 18 and over/families! (never mind we were the only ones standing there!!) Don't have a picture yet, will post it soon! It was fun, but I was still a basket case with the impending talk the next day...
We got to church 10 minutes early - that in itself is a huge accomplishment! As I made the long, dreaded, terrifying walk to the front of the chapel, I felt my legs go numb and my hands shook. I thought I was going to pass out! The bishopric shook my hand and I asked them to catch me if I fainted during my talk. I don't remember much about any of the announcements, sustainings or anything else that went on. Luckily the guy speaking after me had a program on his knee so I knew when it was my turn to go. My mom told me to just picture everyone as fuzzy bunnies, oh everyone was fuzzy alright, but they didn't look like bunnies! I remember, from my youth, that I would shift a lot during the time I was up there. I think this time I froze. I don't think I moved at all. I looked out and felt dizzy. Like I said, everything and everyone was fuzzy! I started my talk and as I went through it, it did get a little easier. I was so happy to see the last page and even more happy to sit down. I had done it! I made it through the most stressful and terrifying experience thus far in my life. Everyone was so wonderful, of course - cuz we are in the best ward ever!!! - they gave me hugs and made me feel so good about what I had said and done. Even people I hadn't met yet were giving me hugs and again I felt the love of our new ward so strongly. Have I mentioned that we are in the BEST WARD EVER?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
So, I made it. It's over. Hopefully that gives me a pass for the next 20 years!!