My two dear sisters....I feel so bad for you. It is hard to get to know new people or deal with our feelings when we feel we are being judged or rejected. Now please don't take what I'm going to say wrong...please don't because I say it with love. You can't let others behaviors and attitudes real or perceived dictate your purpose...your direction. You are not attending your meetings for purely social reasons. I know you already know that. So, go, branch out...approach them and don't wait for them to approach you. Step out of that comfort zone and make the first step. Say a little prayer and then plop right down next to them. Smile and say, I really need to feel your sweet spirit today...do you mind if I sit next to you today? Life is more then being safe...its an opportunity for you to grow and love. Grab that chance and use it....you will be better for it. As for not knowing what is going on with others....that could lead to some really uncomfortable moments....but don't blame yourself for that. I am certainly one that doesn't get caught up in all the "goings on" of others....by choice. It leads to gossip and other things that I'd rather steer clear of. But, when you do make a blunder like that, just apologize and say, I didn't know that. I will definitely go visit her this week. Then do it. Call her and explain that you didn't know and that you love her. Ask her if there is anything you can do? Frankly right now would be a perfect time because by now, I'm sure her loss has been pushed aside by others who have moved on from the moment now and just to have someone recognize that she is probably still needing support would be welcomed. The church is people, the Gospel is Christ. Christ didn't and wasn't always accepted when he went to different places, but he reached out and loved. That is our goal....to be more like Christ. Christy

This is mostly a vent, I know what I should do... A little background.... Hubby and I have been fighting infertility (Almost 5 years of trying), a few years back the pain of 3-4 baby blessings most Sundays, and 10+ pregnant women in the ward really started getting to me, to the point that Hubby and I stopped going to church. After a while the guilt, and worry that people would "stare" at us as that inactive couple kept us away. We sold our house and moved to a completely different area about 15 months ago, and decided we needed to get back to church, it was a fresh start, and we did. We loved our new ward, it felt like home. Almost immediately I got called into the Primary Presidency, didnt have much of a chance to get to know people in our ward. The calling was deffinately inspired, the primary presient had never met me before, and chose me after much prayer at the Temple. I think HF knew I needed something to commit me to coming each Sunday and not start slipping back into old patterns of skipping church. I spent 8 months or so as 2nd counselor, then the presidency was released but I got called back as a teacher. So pretty much my whole time in the ward has been in primary. It's hard to get to know anyone when stuck there, and our ward is growing like crazy--- 5-6 new couples each Sunday. Lots of new homes been built etc.. Finally a few weeks ago they split from 2 to 4 wards, I was released from primary, and as of yet don't have a new calling. I was a little excited, no calling meant I could finally go to Gospel Doctrine & RS for once, and maybe get to know some more people. Sunday was out first chance. So an excited me gets to RS as soon as class finishes and I take a seat--- I know a few people there from our old ward, but only really from sight, I dont really "know" them. As everyone comes in, no one sits anywhere near me, I was on the end, and the closet person was about 5 seats down. Everyone else is talking and laughing, I feel completely left out. Of course its my nature to start thinking about how fat I am, and figuring thats probably the reason no one sits near me. Im no "molly mormon". Everyone gets seated and all I can think is about how awkward I feel, and I wish I was back in primary-- where I was comfortable. Tears started welling in my eyes, and I didnt even last through all of opening excersise. I left quickly and sat in the car until Hubby was done with priesthood. I just couldnt stay there, I felt so unwelcome and out of place. It's feelings like these that drove me away from church in the first place. I feel so awkward and alone. I don't fit in with the older women (Im 24), and most of the young couples have kids, so we don't fit in there either. I know I just need to suck it up, and go... but all I want to do is sit there and cry.... I know this was long, thanks for letting me vent a little. I just don't want this to spiral towards inactivity again. Darlene EJ: 520/370/200 Me: I have a date!!! March 20th!!!

Congratulations on the new addition! I am really happy for you and I wish you all the best. You are lucky to not have a lot of complications with this since the doctors usually like for you to wait for a year post op before conceiving. But, this is sooo wonderful... definitly a praiseworthy thing to mention. Just do as the doctor says and take care of your self. I am sure things will be good for you and baby. Love, Donna

Congratulations Brenda!!! What a special blessing. Prayers being sent your way for a healthy, normal pregnancy and delivery. Melody

Hi Brenda, Your story is sooo inspiring. I have always wished for a large family. I have 2 brothers and 2 sisters. I ended up with two beautiful boys (young men now). I had infertility problems between the two boys and was told to loose weight and I'd get pregnant. It took 7 years to become pregnant with my 2nd child. Sometimes I wonder if I would have had the surgery years ago, I might have had more kids. This is a troubling thing to me..I grew-up with the "SATURDAY'S WARRIORS" mentality...I was a teen in the 70's..what can I say. Does that even make sence??? Now I am 47 and looking toward the empty-nester side of life, My youngest is 16. I am so happy for you and your happiness desite your many challenges you face. I just know your family will be blest for living a good life....Ultra-sounds are fun huh??? Do you have a name picked out for your bouncing baby...girl??? HugsGinger