Bishop Hardy

Well that sounds a little weird - but it is true.  This past Sunday (October 21, 2012) Rex was called to be the bishop of our ward.  It was quite an emotional day for him.  During Sacrament Meeting he was very emotional - the weight of this new calling upon him.  He is not a crier, but that day he shed many a tear. 
We were called into the stake president's office 1 1/2 weeks ago to receive the call - but really it has been on our minds for the last 6 weeks.  Our Bishop was called to be in the stake presidency in August so we knew we would be getting a new bishop soon.   Bishop (now President) Shapiro, did a worthiness interview with Rex a few weeks after Stake Conference.  This was the start of a few sleepless nights as Rex contemplated the possibility of him being called as the bishop.  Of course, he didn't know for sure if it was only him being considered or if there were several others as well.  1 1/2 weeks ago we got a phone call to meet with the stake president on Thursday night. 

Rex accepted the call and was ordained a bishop today and set apart as the bishop of our ward.  His mom and brother David, my parents, and Kelli and Dru were able to attend Sacrament meeting with us. 

They asked the outgoing Bishop and his wife to say a few words and then me.  Rex was the final speaker and did a great job. 

My parents and Kelli and Dru drove here on Saturday.  We didn't tell the kids they were coming.  Mason and Ty had a tumbling show at the mall that afternoon at 3:00 so they just met us there.  The boys were pleasantly surprised.  Mom, Dad, Kelli, and Dru stayed that night at a small hotel because they didn't want Rex to feel more anxious than he already was with having extra people at our house.  It was nice to have the morning all to ourselves and were able to get everyone ready in good time.  I feel bad because I told my family they couldn't park in our driveway on Saturday or sit with us in church on Sunday because people would suspect something was up.  People already suspected though. 

We told our boys on Saturday night what was going to happen the next day in church.  Ty went downstairs and said to Kelli, 'my dad's gonna be the bishop!'  We then told them all that we really needed their help and explained that instead of just 5 kids to take care of, he was now going to have 500 'kids' to care for. 

When Sacrament meeting was over, I had so many people come up to me to 'congratulate' us and let us know they were there to help us.  I felt like I was in a reception line.  Our ward family is so great.  So many said they would save us a seat and help me with the kids.

Just a little something about us some of you may not know - we are nearly always late - wherever we go.   I am not proud of this and it is definitely something we are working on.  I am bound and determined to not be late to church anymore.  I have asked a neighbor gal to help me on Sunday mornings and to sit with us at church. 

I will post some pictures later.  I couldn't find my camera before church so Rex's mom took some pictures on her camera and I have to get them. 

I know blessings come to those who serve faithfully.  i know our family will be blessed for Rex's service as our bishop.