Well it is official! We have been here and in a home for a week now! it seems a little crazy to me, because it seems as though we have been here for much longer. Not in a bad way by any means! But it seems like we have moved in and settled down quickly!
We have been so lucky to have such great landlords. They are so kind and giving! Tonight they came by to fix a downspout and finish just a little bit of painting. After a while they came back with 12 ears of fresh corn! Boy was it so delicious! They live about an hour away on a lot of land. She is a fountain of information and has taught at a community college. She helped point me in the direction of a homeschooling group.
As of now my kids are registered for school. I have only had a few nightmares about it, not because public schools are horrible and awful, or corrupt and wouldn't prepare my children for "the real world". They are all just fine, but after our experience this past year with homeschooling, we have found it to be so enlightening! We work at the pace of our children! We play to their strengths and help strengthen their weaknesses. We can self guide according to interests. We learned to work as a family, play as a family and most importantly serve as a family. I am not convinces as of yet what we are doing. I will be prayerful and careful in this most delicate of decisions, but I am excited that the option is once again on the table. I do know how valuable it is for the kids to get out and make friends and participate in activities other than what happens in the home. I am excited to find out what I can about their community here!
Just behind our house is a trail called Huckleberry Trail. It is so much fun! (Click the link to read about it!) I am excited to get all the kids on bikes and take trips to the library!) Today the kids and Martin went on a bike ride all over. You can get almost anywhere in town! It is mostly flat and well maintained. Parts of it follow along a river, lots of rolling green hills and thick green canopies of trees. Tonight as the kids were watching a movie with Martin for their Saturday night treat, I ventured out for the first time alone and enjoyed a nice brisk walk, waddling down the path. What a spectacular sight to see!
I really love the humidity here. I know that might make me sound a little nuts, but it is true! It doesn't feel overly wet and miserable as I anticipated. A light breeze is all you need to be instantly cooled off. Along my walk there was this nasty fly-ish bug that was freaking me out! It looked like a black golden snitch from Harry Potter, a littler smaller perhaps, but it would zoom by your head, almost as if trying to tempt you to a game of Quittage! Then, it would stop and hover right in front of you with it's long wings that flapped so hard it created a fuzzy illumination around it's entire body. I am sure I will get use to the bugs, but for now, they are they only thing from keeping me inside more than I would like. Pathetic? Probably so.
Walking home, I was thinking to myself how different each day has been so far. My overall feelings are those of positivity and excitement! I have always felt like I belonged somewhere like here. It is so gorgeous! SO Green! The trees are magnificent! We feel so secluded, yet are only about 10 minuets from anywhere. As I walked home I couldn't help feel like this is where we are supposed to be! Through the thick trees, I could eventually see the lights of the house, and everything just seemed right. From the dirt driveway to the rustic barn to the house we are making a home.
We are doing much better at sitting down for each meal together! It is so fun to have a set table and meal planned for my family. Before, with Martin schedule, we hardly knew when we could sit down together. But with his only focus being school and dealing with one schedule makes all the difference in the word! Carlee asked to listen to a specific song at the table a few nights ago, usually we wouldn't turn it on, but we were feeling goofy, so we did. (Can you tell she is our little diva? We love it!) The song seemed so fitting for us during this time! We listened to it over and over and over again! Now you can too... Here you go. You and I
It's Our Life
Saturday, July 25, 2015
Monday, July 20, 2015
We Made It! Now, Let Me Recap
Reception was horrible all the rest of the way to Virginia, which made it difficult to post anything. Besides, I was typing on a kiddie like keyboard made for my tiny tablet. It was annoying. So here I am, sitting at a desk, in a house that we live in! Crazy, I know! So let me recap the rest of our trip. Hopefully I can remember the most important details.
Nauvoo (day 2 and 3) Monday and Tuesday
We planned on spending 3 days here. Monday was super fun. We started out by attending a children's theater performance, "Plain Old Anna Amanda". It was a riot! Its not easy to find something that our entire family can enjoy! The kids all sat up front and center in the Cultural Hall there in old Nauvoo. The performers told jokes (most of which I totally wish I could remember, it'd make me the cool mom if I could), sang songs and they included the kids in everything! Then the play began. What an amazing job these "missionaries" have! The story was about a young girl, who, just plain old didn't like who she was. It was comical as she tried to change everything about her, from her appearance to adapting to be little bits of others by swindling them out of their accessories. The highlight for us was watching Audrie let herself smile...like, for real. She didn't know we could see her, and her eyes were bright and her laugh was genuine. I hadn't seen that in some time. Talk about perfection! As you can guess, at the end, "Just plain old Anna Amanda" was happy to be just herself! As we walked out of the building the actress was standing right there and pulled all three of my kids aside and talked to them about how important they are and how happy she was that they came to the show. She told them that she hoped they know that being exactly who they are is just perfect! My heart melt. Truth.
We decided to just "walk around" old Nauvoo...oh my, were we nuts. The humidity was crazy. All the missionaries were saying it was the hottest day of the summer so far. My kids didn't complain ONCE. I am being serious! I was in total amazement all day long! We visited so many fun spots that day. The kids got to play pioneer games, make ropes, learn about pioneer life, see homes that belonged to some of the most well known leaders of our church.
We ended the day with a good old ice cold root beer, from the Red Brick Store. We sat and overlooked the river and visited and talked about what we liked about that day. Carlee kept saying the water slides were her favorite. I think that our disruption of days and nights had something to do with her confusion! Maybe it was the heat....maybe both.
We finally had a night where we got back to our hotel room at a decent hour and all 4 kids fell asleep horizontally on the bed in minutes. How glorious! Also, how stinkin perfect! We totally had a plan to get the kids on this new 2 hour time difference schedule thing! Back home it was only 6 pm! We were gearing up for more of the same fun tomorrow!
The next morning we headed to the visitors center. Our kids really wanted to watch Meet the Mormons, even though they can see it anywhere. Halfway through the movie my phone alerted me of a message that our check in at French Lick, Indiana was at 4pm. This is why you should ALWAYS have someone look over your itinerary before you secure dates. I was super bummed that we were going to miss the pageant as well as our paid hotel room for that night. Grrrr.... I think that I learned that having specific reservations is a bad thing on a trip like this. There is always a hotel somewhere along the way, right? Unless you want to go somewhere specific and stay put, I'd say, just wing it! We ate a chunk of change that night.
I also want to brag for a second. Up to this point we had not needed to buy food or eat out once! It was so nice to just make sandwiches and eat snacks whenever we felt like it!
French Lick Indiana, Wednesday
Even though I was super bummed that we missed the pageant that night, French Lick totally surprised me! I had booked a room at a family friendly hotel with an indoor water park. We could have totally nixed "Worlds of Fun" and been just fine! we got up early the next morning, took our stuff to the trailer, ate a huge breakfast in a pirate ship and swam all day. They had slides for Cameron, Carlee and daring Audrie and Andrue. We all had a great time! French Lick was short lived but so worth it. After swimming that day we took of to some town in West Virginia, and spent the night.
Some town in west Virginia, Thursday
I don't remember much about this place, let alone the name. We were so close and we just wanted to get there!!!! I think we ate a nice continental breakfast and just headed for Blacksburg. We were only about 4 hours away. The kids were spoiled rotten with car activities. It was the quietest 4 hour drive ever. And let me tell you why. Be forewarned. My true colors might come out here!
The weeks it took to prepare for this "vacation" as we call it were stressful! I spent many nights searching and looking for homes. We had this "ideal" setting we wanted for a home, location, price, space, whatever. I finally found it! I had talked to the landlord, secured everything, was preparing to send him our deposit when him and Martin had a "chat". Now let me say this. Martin is honest to a fault sometimes. He is so genuinely good, I can't really blame him, in retrospect that is. At the time, I was hotter than hot. Martin wasn't sold on the house so I thought that he had intentionally sabotaged this conversation. Silly me. I know him better than that. Anyway, he stated that he wouldn't sign a 1 year lease because his program is only 9 months. Also, that we needed a place for our trailer, which this place had, just not in a nicely secluded area. Yada yada yada. He hung up the phone and calmly stated that we no longer had a place to stay. But that we will find something, super easy.
So here we were, 4 hours from our new home, with no where to go. I was having NO LUCK at all with calling agencies and craigslist people...there was NOTHING available. I was burning a hole in my seat and melting all the plastic in the car, I'm sure. Everyone knew it too. So, it was quiet. For everyone's safety. See how smart my family is? I am so proud of them.
We finally roll into town and have nowhere to go. Our hotel budget was gone so we went and checked in to a $50 a night room at Super 8. Oh. My. Gross. This didn't add to my fury. Martin quickly tried to convince me that we needed to go somewhere else, but at this point I was completely irrational and stubborn. And who knew how long we would be living in a hotel?? Maybe it'd be for 9 months for all I knew! Heck, I'd be the first to bring a newborn home to the Super 8. Maybe I'd get my picture in the paper.
We dropped off the trailer and started to drive. Just looking and hoping for something! We stopped at apartment complexes, condominiums, and were calling everything we could find on every rental website my friend Traci sent me. (What a huge life saver she was! Diving in, in a moment of crisis over 2000 miles away. Talk about BFFs!) TO NO AVAIL! NO one had anything! There was one place that was brand new, three bedroom apartment, and nearly over $200 more a month than we would have been paying for a home with a yard in a cul de sac. No pool included, no fitness center. Just an apartment. Out of our budget. I think I might have been the happiest person on the planet that day!
I couldn't handle it, so we all went to the hotel early, I shut the blinds and made everyone go to sleep. Martin said a very thoughtful family prayer, and I cried myself to sleep. Martin and his ever positive attitude kept reassuring me that it would be OK. I knew that we weren't going to be living on the street, it's not like I was use to living in the Ritz. I could do this. I believe that the rigor of travel had gotten the best of me.
A New Day, a New Attitude
Martin woke up early to go look at a 2 bedroom home, probably over 100 years old while I stayed and let the kids sleep. When he got back he had a very positive attitude and really wanted me to come look at the house. So we loaded up and took a jaunt over. The house was cute, and had 3 strange living rooms that could easily be turned into awkwardly located bedrooms if need be. I was feeling a lot better, with a new sense of positivity. I could do this!
At this point it was between the over priced apartment, and this home. I suggested that we head to campus, and drive a loop around surrounding neighborhoods to see what we might see. I refused to look on the phone anymore. If we were to find something, we had to do things the old fashion way. We stopped and found a 2 bed 3rd floor apt with a loft, again not my top choice, but it was something. So we added it to the list. At one point martin came to a stop sign and asked me which way to go. I don't even remember my answer, but I remember feeling very strongly about it. Not more than a few hundred yards down the road we see a "for rent" by owner sign. We pull up the tree covered dirt driveway, past the old barn and see this 70's style, yellow and red brick home, nestled in the trees. We get out, walk around, look at the pictures on the door, call the landlady and ask for an appointment. We hang up and are excited about this possibility! 4 Beds, 3 Baths huge yard and lots of trees! Less than 2 miles from campus and within our budget. Are you for real? I thought there would have to be some give and take when it came to our "ideal" situation! We walked around again and decided that we'd better be aggressive. So, Martin calls her back and says we want it without even looking at the inside. Her and her husband show up, we sign the papers, they work on a few things as we unload and there you have it. Within 2 hours your life can turn upside down. Instant blessings for trusting that everything will be OK and following promptings with surety.
We have gone through stages of spirituality that I never knew existed through all of this. This hasn't been an easy decision for me to make. For us to change careers at this point in our life. Martin was gone A LOT these last three years with full time school, full time work and then as scout master. He would plan his only night off of school to be Wednesdays, which was mutual, and then he was gone one weekend a month for camp outs. We never saw him. When he was home he was studying or fixing something. I went through the "super supportive" stage to the "resentful" stage to the "what the heck" stage to the "woe is me" stage and a few more I am sure. Near the end I went through the "trust me" stage.
I finally accepted that difficulties and sacrifice is apart of life! What I choose to do with it is my problem. I had a bout of ugly depression just before hitting this stage. I couldn't see anything positive (it didn't help that I was newly pregnant, and all those fun hormones raging through my body). As I began to pull out of it, I noticed Martins unwavering faith, his attitude of positivity through the hardships. I saw his patience. That is not something that comes naturally to me! I decided that as he prayerfully plans with me for our family, that I needed to let go of my "issues" amd trust him! I needed to trust him!! He has helped me so many times not give up, just as I am ready to, and viola, our patience paid off (really, his patience and encouragement).
So it was with this "are we going to school this year or are we not?" I had reached the bottom of my rope. I was drowning in the unknown. I needed to know either way. One day, it just clicked. That trust thing clicked! I knew I could trust in Martins patience. I could give myself fully to the understanding that I trust him, because I knew that he trusted the Lord.
Within the next week we found out that we had gotten into this program. We had less than a month to prepare. Instant blessings to me for finally giving into the "trust me" stage. I trust that my Father in Heaven is watching out for my family, and I trust that Martin is the Man he needs to be to lead our family! I am proud to be in this traditional family setting! I love being the Mother to my children and the one taking care of their needs as well as Martins!
The morning we woke up with no house to live in and me needing a serious attitude adjustment, I remembered those feelings. I remember that I am not in control here, that I need to TRUST Him. I had to ACT, but I also had to succumb to the will of the Father, and I believe that it is His will to allow his children to go through learning times in their life so that the can remember that He is ALWAYS there for us! He is always watching over us, whether we allow him to or not, where we wonder "where is the pavilion that Covereth thy hiding place?" (D&C 121:1). When we do allow it, and willingly give ourselves over to Him, He works Miracles in our lives. I know He does, because there have been many miracles in my life these past few months. He has shown me His love through my friends, my family and my trials of faith.
I am so thankful for this time in my life. I know that my Savior lives and loves me. He loves all of us. This Sunday in our new ward, we sang the song "As I Have Loved You". I had a new perspective come over me. Christ died for us, because He loved us, more than we can comprehend! John 13:34 "A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another as I have loved you". Not only do I know of His love because I have felt it, but I also know he loves us because of the wonderful people he has to act out his will in serving others. Many people have shown me what it is like to love one another in the recent past that it is undeniable, that in "serving your fellow beings you are only in the service of your God" Mosiah 2:17. I have seen his hand in our life, we have felt his blessings, we have been served abundantly.
We are forever grateful. We will never forget this time in our life as a time that we were lifted, cared for and served in so many ways. We can't even begin to show our gratitude. We hope to be better servants, to love more freely. We pray with gratitude for the blessings that are ours in this life.
We love you all!
Nauvoo (day 2 and 3) Monday and Tuesday
We planned on spending 3 days here. Monday was super fun. We started out by attending a children's theater performance, "Plain Old Anna Amanda". It was a riot! Its not easy to find something that our entire family can enjoy! The kids all sat up front and center in the Cultural Hall there in old Nauvoo. The performers told jokes (most of which I totally wish I could remember, it'd make me the cool mom if I could), sang songs and they included the kids in everything! Then the play began. What an amazing job these "missionaries" have! The story was about a young girl, who, just plain old didn't like who she was. It was comical as she tried to change everything about her, from her appearance to adapting to be little bits of others by swindling them out of their accessories. The highlight for us was watching Audrie let herself smile...like, for real. She didn't know we could see her, and her eyes were bright and her laugh was genuine. I hadn't seen that in some time. Talk about perfection! As you can guess, at the end, "Just plain old Anna Amanda" was happy to be just herself! As we walked out of the building the actress was standing right there and pulled all three of my kids aside and talked to them about how important they are and how happy she was that they came to the show. She told them that she hoped they know that being exactly who they are is just perfect! My heart melt. Truth.
We decided to just "walk around" old Nauvoo...oh my, were we nuts. The humidity was crazy. All the missionaries were saying it was the hottest day of the summer so far. My kids didn't complain ONCE. I am being serious! I was in total amazement all day long! We visited so many fun spots that day. The kids got to play pioneer games, make ropes, learn about pioneer life, see homes that belonged to some of the most well known leaders of our church.
We ended the day with a good old ice cold root beer, from the Red Brick Store. We sat and overlooked the river and visited and talked about what we liked about that day. Carlee kept saying the water slides were her favorite. I think that our disruption of days and nights had something to do with her confusion! Maybe it was the heat....maybe both.
We finally had a night where we got back to our hotel room at a decent hour and all 4 kids fell asleep horizontally on the bed in minutes. How glorious! Also, how stinkin perfect! We totally had a plan to get the kids on this new 2 hour time difference schedule thing! Back home it was only 6 pm! We were gearing up for more of the same fun tomorrow!
The next morning we headed to the visitors center. Our kids really wanted to watch Meet the Mormons, even though they can see it anywhere. Halfway through the movie my phone alerted me of a message that our check in at French Lick, Indiana was at 4pm. This is why you should ALWAYS have someone look over your itinerary before you secure dates. I was super bummed that we were going to miss the pageant as well as our paid hotel room for that night. Grrrr.... I think that I learned that having specific reservations is a bad thing on a trip like this. There is always a hotel somewhere along the way, right? Unless you want to go somewhere specific and stay put, I'd say, just wing it! We ate a chunk of change that night.
I also want to brag for a second. Up to this point we had not needed to buy food or eat out once! It was so nice to just make sandwiches and eat snacks whenever we felt like it!
French Lick Indiana, Wednesday
Even though I was super bummed that we missed the pageant that night, French Lick totally surprised me! I had booked a room at a family friendly hotel with an indoor water park. We could have totally nixed "Worlds of Fun" and been just fine! we got up early the next morning, took our stuff to the trailer, ate a huge breakfast in a pirate ship and swam all day. They had slides for Cameron, Carlee and daring Audrie and Andrue. We all had a great time! French Lick was short lived but so worth it. After swimming that day we took of to some town in West Virginia, and spent the night.
Some town in west Virginia, Thursday
I don't remember much about this place, let alone the name. We were so close and we just wanted to get there!!!! I think we ate a nice continental breakfast and just headed for Blacksburg. We were only about 4 hours away. The kids were spoiled rotten with car activities. It was the quietest 4 hour drive ever. And let me tell you why. Be forewarned. My true colors might come out here!
The weeks it took to prepare for this "vacation" as we call it were stressful! I spent many nights searching and looking for homes. We had this "ideal" setting we wanted for a home, location, price, space, whatever. I finally found it! I had talked to the landlord, secured everything, was preparing to send him our deposit when him and Martin had a "chat". Now let me say this. Martin is honest to a fault sometimes. He is so genuinely good, I can't really blame him, in retrospect that is. At the time, I was hotter than hot. Martin wasn't sold on the house so I thought that he had intentionally sabotaged this conversation. Silly me. I know him better than that. Anyway, he stated that he wouldn't sign a 1 year lease because his program is only 9 months. Also, that we needed a place for our trailer, which this place had, just not in a nicely secluded area. Yada yada yada. He hung up the phone and calmly stated that we no longer had a place to stay. But that we will find something, super easy.
So here we were, 4 hours from our new home, with no where to go. I was having NO LUCK at all with calling agencies and craigslist people...there was NOTHING available. I was burning a hole in my seat and melting all the plastic in the car, I'm sure. Everyone knew it too. So, it was quiet. For everyone's safety. See how smart my family is? I am so proud of them.
We finally roll into town and have nowhere to go. Our hotel budget was gone so we went and checked in to a $50 a night room at Super 8. Oh. My. Gross. This didn't add to my fury. Martin quickly tried to convince me that we needed to go somewhere else, but at this point I was completely irrational and stubborn. And who knew how long we would be living in a hotel?? Maybe it'd be for 9 months for all I knew! Heck, I'd be the first to bring a newborn home to the Super 8. Maybe I'd get my picture in the paper.
We dropped off the trailer and started to drive. Just looking and hoping for something! We stopped at apartment complexes, condominiums, and were calling everything we could find on every rental website my friend Traci sent me. (What a huge life saver she was! Diving in, in a moment of crisis over 2000 miles away. Talk about BFFs!) TO NO AVAIL! NO one had anything! There was one place that was brand new, three bedroom apartment, and nearly over $200 more a month than we would have been paying for a home with a yard in a cul de sac. No pool included, no fitness center. Just an apartment. Out of our budget. I think I might have been the happiest person on the planet that day!
I couldn't handle it, so we all went to the hotel early, I shut the blinds and made everyone go to sleep. Martin said a very thoughtful family prayer, and I cried myself to sleep. Martin and his ever positive attitude kept reassuring me that it would be OK. I knew that we weren't going to be living on the street, it's not like I was use to living in the Ritz. I could do this. I believe that the rigor of travel had gotten the best of me.
A New Day, a New Attitude
Martin woke up early to go look at a 2 bedroom home, probably over 100 years old while I stayed and let the kids sleep. When he got back he had a very positive attitude and really wanted me to come look at the house. So we loaded up and took a jaunt over. The house was cute, and had 3 strange living rooms that could easily be turned into awkwardly located bedrooms if need be. I was feeling a lot better, with a new sense of positivity. I could do this!
At this point it was between the over priced apartment, and this home. I suggested that we head to campus, and drive a loop around surrounding neighborhoods to see what we might see. I refused to look on the phone anymore. If we were to find something, we had to do things the old fashion way. We stopped and found a 2 bed 3rd floor apt with a loft, again not my top choice, but it was something. So we added it to the list. At one point martin came to a stop sign and asked me which way to go. I don't even remember my answer, but I remember feeling very strongly about it. Not more than a few hundred yards down the road we see a "for rent" by owner sign. We pull up the tree covered dirt driveway, past the old barn and see this 70's style, yellow and red brick home, nestled in the trees. We get out, walk around, look at the pictures on the door, call the landlady and ask for an appointment. We hang up and are excited about this possibility! 4 Beds, 3 Baths huge yard and lots of trees! Less than 2 miles from campus and within our budget. Are you for real? I thought there would have to be some give and take when it came to our "ideal" situation! We walked around again and decided that we'd better be aggressive. So, Martin calls her back and says we want it without even looking at the inside. Her and her husband show up, we sign the papers, they work on a few things as we unload and there you have it. Within 2 hours your life can turn upside down. Instant blessings for trusting that everything will be OK and following promptings with surety.
We have gone through stages of spirituality that I never knew existed through all of this. This hasn't been an easy decision for me to make. For us to change careers at this point in our life. Martin was gone A LOT these last three years with full time school, full time work and then as scout master. He would plan his only night off of school to be Wednesdays, which was mutual, and then he was gone one weekend a month for camp outs. We never saw him. When he was home he was studying or fixing something. I went through the "super supportive" stage to the "resentful" stage to the "what the heck" stage to the "woe is me" stage and a few more I am sure. Near the end I went through the "trust me" stage.
I finally accepted that difficulties and sacrifice is apart of life! What I choose to do with it is my problem. I had a bout of ugly depression just before hitting this stage. I couldn't see anything positive (it didn't help that I was newly pregnant, and all those fun hormones raging through my body). As I began to pull out of it, I noticed Martins unwavering faith, his attitude of positivity through the hardships. I saw his patience. That is not something that comes naturally to me! I decided that as he prayerfully plans with me for our family, that I needed to let go of my "issues" amd trust him! I needed to trust him!! He has helped me so many times not give up, just as I am ready to, and viola, our patience paid off (really, his patience and encouragement).
So it was with this "are we going to school this year or are we not?" I had reached the bottom of my rope. I was drowning in the unknown. I needed to know either way. One day, it just clicked. That trust thing clicked! I knew I could trust in Martins patience. I could give myself fully to the understanding that I trust him, because I knew that he trusted the Lord.
Within the next week we found out that we had gotten into this program. We had less than a month to prepare. Instant blessings to me for finally giving into the "trust me" stage. I trust that my Father in Heaven is watching out for my family, and I trust that Martin is the Man he needs to be to lead our family! I am proud to be in this traditional family setting! I love being the Mother to my children and the one taking care of their needs as well as Martins!
The morning we woke up with no house to live in and me needing a serious attitude adjustment, I remembered those feelings. I remember that I am not in control here, that I need to TRUST Him. I had to ACT, but I also had to succumb to the will of the Father, and I believe that it is His will to allow his children to go through learning times in their life so that the can remember that He is ALWAYS there for us! He is always watching over us, whether we allow him to or not, where we wonder "where is the pavilion that Covereth thy hiding place?" (D&C 121:1). When we do allow it, and willingly give ourselves over to Him, He works Miracles in our lives. I know He does, because there have been many miracles in my life these past few months. He has shown me His love through my friends, my family and my trials of faith.
I am so thankful for this time in my life. I know that my Savior lives and loves me. He loves all of us. This Sunday in our new ward, we sang the song "As I Have Loved You". I had a new perspective come over me. Christ died for us, because He loved us, more than we can comprehend! John 13:34 "A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another as I have loved you". Not only do I know of His love because I have felt it, but I also know he loves us because of the wonderful people he has to act out his will in serving others. Many people have shown me what it is like to love one another in the recent past that it is undeniable, that in "serving your fellow beings you are only in the service of your God" Mosiah 2:17. I have seen his hand in our life, we have felt his blessings, we have been served abundantly.
We are forever grateful. We will never forget this time in our life as a time that we were lifted, cared for and served in so many ways. We can't even begin to show our gratitude. We hope to be better servants, to love more freely. We pray with gratitude for the blessings that are ours in this life.
We love you all!
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Get to Higher Ground to Save Your Life
7-12-15
We had a pretty crazy time getting to Nauvoo last night! It was late when we left Kansas City, and drove most of the night. Just as we were getting close to crossing into Illinois, our phones started buzzing and the radio sounded with the national weather alert warning. An automated voice came on the line and said "warning, flash flooding will be occurring between 11 pm and 4 am in [right where we were] counties. Please find higher ground. Repeat: get to higher ground to save your life" The recording repeated a few times. we looked at the clock, it was nearly 11 pm, and it was lightly raining. Within seconds it was as if we were driving through Niagara Falls. We could not see to the end the hood of our car! And that last part of the warning didn't scare me one bit. Psssshh, get to higher ground to save your life. Doesn't even get my heart beating.
Here we were, driving ALONGSIDE the Missouri River. Super limited vision, looking for higher ground. Were they kidding? Higher Ground? We hadn't seen a hill in over 1000 miles it seemed! The lightening was more like electric clouds. We saw no bolts ever. The clouds would turn on as if they were florescent light bulbs every now and then. During one patch of light, we saw in the horizon something that seemed to resemble higher grounds, so we headed that way. Upon arrival we found it to be just a big clump of trees. There really was no turning around at this point, so we said a prayer, and continued on.
The rain never let up in over an hour. My heart was beating throughout my entire body THE entire time. The most nerve racking part was when the time came to cross the river! It was a 2 lane bridge, and very narrow. This river is super wide! I just kept imagining the trailer slipping off and pulling us into the depths of dispare. Honestly, I almost considered unbuckling the kids from their seat belts for quick removal from the car. If we stopped, it just put us in a bad spot, just sitting there, but if we kept moving at least we were moving towards safer ground. I didn't unbuckel the kids, but it was a huge debate in my mind. Once we crossed the river it was as if the storm had never happened. The rain stopped almost immediately.
We know that our entire trip out here has been blessed. We have felt guided, protected and comforted. This was just another one of those times we were watched out for! Makes me think of "getting to higher ground" in life and more importantly, spiritually. We listened to the warnings, we did our best to follow their guidance, but in reality, we were in a situation that all we could do was move forward. Trudge through the storm, and trust that our prayers had been heard. Iknow they had been.
We had about an hour and a half left on our drive, and Martin was feeling a bit worn out, when we decided to pull off and try to sleep a little. Remember my camping story from a few nights ago? Well I would trade this night for that a thousand times over! It was so HOT and HUMID with us all cramped up in the tahoe. The kids all woke up, cranky and disoriented sometime around 2:30. We decided that we had better just start driving again and soon got to Nauvoo. Hoping that our hotel would have an available room... well, they didn't, and neither did any other hotel in town. So, back to trying to sleep in the car, we did! We may have fallen asleep for only a few hours when we woke up to a bustling parking lot of people getting ready to go to church.
If we have learned anything on this trip it is that we should be thankful for everything we have! It is to be kind, and to show kindness and gratitude, especially to be thankful for the blessings and protection we had recieved. Even though the kids were all in their swimsuits still and Martin and I looked like hobos, I'm sure, we chose to go and participate in the sacrament meeting. Knowing that if it was the Savior himself standing there, he would not turn us away because of our appearance. We got there and felt ridiculously out of place and felt disrespectful, it was embarassing. We stood in the lobby and tried to think of our promises and covenants through our fuzzy sleepless night of mindless rest. It felt good to be there. I was a bit surprised that not one greeter came up to us to shake our hand, or ask us how we were, as we clearly watched them do to all other visitors who came through the door. We just got awkward side glances and avoidance of eye contact from nearly every person who was in that building. I have been there, I have been the one judging someone without knowing their back story. I am guilty. My only hope now is to try to eliminate that from my mind and teach my children to do the same. It was eye opening in a different way. All week we had been impressed with the genuine kindness of everyone we came in contact with. And when you think we would feel the safest, we didn't. I understand how difficult it is to sometimes think outside the box, we are taught certain things, and it is easy for us to understand something and see someone doing something contrary, where we find it natural to judge in some way.
I have certainly had the lessons in church saying how important it is for us to dress appropriately for an ordinance as sacred as the sacrament and 99.9999% of the time we do. We certainly don't want to be in that situation ever again! However, we also would want to be the one on the other side showing kindness and Christlike love. The sacrament is such a unique and special thing to participate in. We need it so very badly. We couldn't shy away from it because of an unexpected horrible night! We were prepared mentally and spiritually and we hope that was enough.
After church we went back to the hotel and still had no room available to us. So, we drove around Old Nauvoo. Stopping at Joseph, Hyrum and Emma's Grave. We had a family devotional and little history lesson. I'd say 1/4th of my kids were really listening, but we hope the others caught glimpses of the meanings and feelings we were discussing! We come from such a rich heritage! A legacy of faith, family devotion and determination! Their lives were amazing, in service and in sacrifice.
We also drove to Old Nauvoo burial grounds. High up on a hillside. We parked and walked up a muddy hill. There was a sign with many stories. One of which was a letter from Wilford Woodrufs wife to him while serving his mission. Their first born daughter was just 2 when she passed away and the letter was informing Wilford of their loss. She went on to explain how she climbed that hill alone because she had no family to go with her. I just can't imagine the loss and heartache they went through all for the sake of the truth of the gospel! They knew it and We know it! It is undeniable. My heart broke as most buried there were siblings and young mothers. Their lives haven't gone unnoticed or unappreciated.
We finally were able to check in, shower and rest on a bed for a little while. Oh. My. Goodness. It felt like a little bit of heaven. We then decided to drive to Carthage where we went on a tour of the jail to get a feeling of the sacredness of that place. We are so thankful for these experiences we have been able to have with our family, so far this trip.
WE are excited for a warm, soft bed tonight!!
We had a pretty crazy time getting to Nauvoo last night! It was late when we left Kansas City, and drove most of the night. Just as we were getting close to crossing into Illinois, our phones started buzzing and the radio sounded with the national weather alert warning. An automated voice came on the line and said "warning, flash flooding will be occurring between 11 pm and 4 am in [right where we were] counties. Please find higher ground. Repeat: get to higher ground to save your life" The recording repeated a few times. we looked at the clock, it was nearly 11 pm, and it was lightly raining. Within seconds it was as if we were driving through Niagara Falls. We could not see to the end the hood of our car! And that last part of the warning didn't scare me one bit. Psssshh, get to higher ground to save your life. Doesn't even get my heart beating.
Here we were, driving ALONGSIDE the Missouri River. Super limited vision, looking for higher ground. Were they kidding? Higher Ground? We hadn't seen a hill in over 1000 miles it seemed! The lightening was more like electric clouds. We saw no bolts ever. The clouds would turn on as if they were florescent light bulbs every now and then. During one patch of light, we saw in the horizon something that seemed to resemble higher grounds, so we headed that way. Upon arrival we found it to be just a big clump of trees. There really was no turning around at this point, so we said a prayer, and continued on.
The rain never let up in over an hour. My heart was beating throughout my entire body THE entire time. The most nerve racking part was when the time came to cross the river! It was a 2 lane bridge, and very narrow. This river is super wide! I just kept imagining the trailer slipping off and pulling us into the depths of dispare. Honestly, I almost considered unbuckling the kids from their seat belts for quick removal from the car. If we stopped, it just put us in a bad spot, just sitting there, but if we kept moving at least we were moving towards safer ground. I didn't unbuckel the kids, but it was a huge debate in my mind. Once we crossed the river it was as if the storm had never happened. The rain stopped almost immediately.
We know that our entire trip out here has been blessed. We have felt guided, protected and comforted. This was just another one of those times we were watched out for! Makes me think of "getting to higher ground" in life and more importantly, spiritually. We listened to the warnings, we did our best to follow their guidance, but in reality, we were in a situation that all we could do was move forward. Trudge through the storm, and trust that our prayers had been heard. Iknow they had been.
We had about an hour and a half left on our drive, and Martin was feeling a bit worn out, when we decided to pull off and try to sleep a little. Remember my camping story from a few nights ago? Well I would trade this night for that a thousand times over! It was so HOT and HUMID with us all cramped up in the tahoe. The kids all woke up, cranky and disoriented sometime around 2:30. We decided that we had better just start driving again and soon got to Nauvoo. Hoping that our hotel would have an available room... well, they didn't, and neither did any other hotel in town. So, back to trying to sleep in the car, we did! We may have fallen asleep for only a few hours when we woke up to a bustling parking lot of people getting ready to go to church.
If we have learned anything on this trip it is that we should be thankful for everything we have! It is to be kind, and to show kindness and gratitude, especially to be thankful for the blessings and protection we had recieved. Even though the kids were all in their swimsuits still and Martin and I looked like hobos, I'm sure, we chose to go and participate in the sacrament meeting. Knowing that if it was the Savior himself standing there, he would not turn us away because of our appearance. We got there and felt ridiculously out of place and felt disrespectful, it was embarassing. We stood in the lobby and tried to think of our promises and covenants through our fuzzy sleepless night of mindless rest. It felt good to be there. I was a bit surprised that not one greeter came up to us to shake our hand, or ask us how we were, as we clearly watched them do to all other visitors who came through the door. We just got awkward side glances and avoidance of eye contact from nearly every person who was in that building. I have been there, I have been the one judging someone without knowing their back story. I am guilty. My only hope now is to try to eliminate that from my mind and teach my children to do the same. It was eye opening in a different way. All week we had been impressed with the genuine kindness of everyone we came in contact with. And when you think we would feel the safest, we didn't. I understand how difficult it is to sometimes think outside the box, we are taught certain things, and it is easy for us to understand something and see someone doing something contrary, where we find it natural to judge in some way.
I have certainly had the lessons in church saying how important it is for us to dress appropriately for an ordinance as sacred as the sacrament and 99.9999% of the time we do. We certainly don't want to be in that situation ever again! However, we also would want to be the one on the other side showing kindness and Christlike love. The sacrament is such a unique and special thing to participate in. We need it so very badly. We couldn't shy away from it because of an unexpected horrible night! We were prepared mentally and spiritually and we hope that was enough.
After church we went back to the hotel and still had no room available to us. So, we drove around Old Nauvoo. Stopping at Joseph, Hyrum and Emma's Grave. We had a family devotional and little history lesson. I'd say 1/4th of my kids were really listening, but we hope the others caught glimpses of the meanings and feelings we were discussing! We come from such a rich heritage! A legacy of faith, family devotion and determination! Their lives were amazing, in service and in sacrifice.
We also drove to Old Nauvoo burial grounds. High up on a hillside. We parked and walked up a muddy hill. There was a sign with many stories. One of which was a letter from Wilford Woodrufs wife to him while serving his mission. Their first born daughter was just 2 when she passed away and the letter was informing Wilford of their loss. She went on to explain how she climbed that hill alone because she had no family to go with her. I just can't imagine the loss and heartache they went through all for the sake of the truth of the gospel! They knew it and We know it! It is undeniable. My heart broke as most buried there were siblings and young mothers. Their lives haven't gone unnoticed or unappreciated.
We finally were able to check in, shower and rest on a bed for a little while. Oh. My. Goodness. It felt like a little bit of heaven. We then decided to drive to Carthage where we went on a tour of the jail to get a feeling of the sacredness of that place. We are so thankful for these experiences we have been able to have with our family, so far this trip.
WE are excited for a warm, soft bed tonight!!
Worlds of Fun
7-11-15
Today felt like a real vacatiton, finally! We had enough rest to have some fun! It has been a joy being outside our regulare enviroment and routie of "home". I am so in love with how kind everyone is (not that people at home aren't kind and polite, it's just refreshing to see it exist outside our regular routine). People are overly polite, regardless of the way we dress or look. Many people we have seen so far look like they have lived a full life. Regardless of age. However, no one seems to notice that in each other! Gas station attendants are so friendly, with genuine smiles and kindness. Everyone wants to small talk. It's kinda fun!
We went to a water park in Kansas City, Worlds/Oceans of Fun! I think we may have been the ONLY ones without tattoos, the designated smoking spots were always packed. But seriously. I have never been treated so politely or kind. Everyone had a kind smile, at one point someone let us get in front of the long bathroom line because I had kids. I am overly impressed so far with the people we have crossed paths with.
We went to a water park in Kansas City, Worlds/Oceans of Fun! I think we may have been the ONLY ones without tattoos, the designated smoking spots were always packed. But seriously. I have never been treated so politely or kind. Everyone had a kind smile, at one point someone let us get in front of the long bathroom line because I had kids. I am overly impressed so far with the people we have crossed paths with.
This all made me think of how wrapped up we seem to get when we live by such a high population of people who share our same beliefs and standards. We seem to forget that the clothes we wear or the cars we drive or the hairsyle we have or how "fit" we look don't really matter in the whole picture. What does matter is how we make people feel. This trip has taught us a lesson on christlike kindness, and most of that lesson comes from people who probably don't go to the same church as I do on sundays. Eye opening and life changing. I hope my family can be as genuinly kind throughout their life!
As we were preparing to go into the water park, Martin asked if he thought we needed sunscreen. It didn't feel hot to us at all! Our other thought was, "we aren't in the high desert mountains any more, we farther away from the sun" so, nope, no sunscreen, besides it was packed deep in some box that wasnt easy to get to.
Well, I am here to testify that the sun still shines, and it still can burn your precious skin...any time it shines! Nothing major, I'll just say we finally look like summer has arrived!
Well, I am here to testify that the sun still shines, and it still can burn your precious skin...any time it shines! Nothing major, I'll just say we finally look like summer has arrived!
I think the kids favorite thing the entire day was the free refills. When we were reading about the park the rules said that we couldn't bring our own water or food in. So we ended up getting a "souvineer" cup that came with free refills all day long. I have never seen my kids drink so much. We figured during a stressful transition we have titled "vacation" to the kids, we should allow them some craziness...and this was crazy!
We ended the day around 6, rinsed the kids off in the shower and hopped in the car for our drive to Nauvoo! It isn't too far of a drive, so we decided to drive through the night and let the kids sleep. We didn't even bother making them change.
Today was a fun and relaxing day, I love sitting in the dark of the car, with the hum of the tires crusing along the highway and ponder on our day. It felt so good to feel the sun and lounge in the lazy river. It feels as though our bubble has popped. In a very good way. We have all enjoyed noticing the good that exists, regardless of religion, background or life choices. This world is full of good people!
Friday, July 10, 2015
Recovery
7-10-15
OK. Yesterday was a day for the books! Today was way better! We were planning on going to this theme park, but got rained out. We had already paied for tickets, so instead we decited to go to Liberty Jail.
What a great visit for our family! We left weston bend and enjoyed a nice overcast rainy drive to Liberty. On the way we read Docterine and Covanance 121-122, where Joseph Smith wrote revelation he recieved while in the Jail. Those two sections are amazingly poetic and heavenly! I could read and re read and re re read the whole thing over and over and over again.
I think it was very fitting that we had our "nature walk" yesterday to the Missouri River. In those verses Heavenly Father is trying to comfort Joseph in his frustrations at the persecution the saints, himself included were being subjected to. Something that stood out to me was in verse, 33 How long can rolling waters remain impure? What power shall stay the heavents? As well might man stretch forth his puny arm to stop the Missouri river in its decreed course, or to turn it up stream, as to hinder the Almighty from pouring down knowledge from heaven upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints. What a visual! When truth is truth, when our Father in Heaven has a plan, there is nothing that can stop it! Will he stop bad things from happening to goo people? No, Joseph Smith was asking at the begining, "where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?" He is then gently rebuked throughout the passage, asking if he as yet suffered like Job? Or if he thinks he is better than Christ? Christ suffereed the ultimate pains and afflictions. However, throughout the scipture Joseph is promised great things for staying valient, and comforted grately.
It made me really ponder our life, and the attitudes we sometimes have when we face hard things. We have had a great life! Sure there are a few unpleasent bumps along the way, but overall there is no need to complain, ever. Before Joseph was unjustly locked in the basement prison, with 4 foot thick walls, on a cold December day for the next 4 months, he said to the people outside the jail, "Good Day Bretheren". To have such love for those who hate you and make life miserable gives me even more of a desire to be like our Savior. Such a great spiritually refreshing day!
We drove back into Kansas City and began searching for a hotel...cause honestly, it was needed! We parked, ate lunch out of the back of the trailor like hillbilllies, Checked in and swam for hours! It was so refreshing to just goof off and play! We all had a blast. Near the end we played a crazy game of keep away. Cameron clung to Martins back like a champ! Now the kids are all tucked into bed horizontally so they all fit on one full size bed together. I hear deep, steady breathing. Every Moms Dream.
OK. Yesterday was a day for the books! Today was way better! We were planning on going to this theme park, but got rained out. We had already paied for tickets, so instead we decited to go to Liberty Jail.
What a great visit for our family! We left weston bend and enjoyed a nice overcast rainy drive to Liberty. On the way we read Docterine and Covanance 121-122, where Joseph Smith wrote revelation he recieved while in the Jail. Those two sections are amazingly poetic and heavenly! I could read and re read and re re read the whole thing over and over and over again.
I think it was very fitting that we had our "nature walk" yesterday to the Missouri River. In those verses Heavenly Father is trying to comfort Joseph in his frustrations at the persecution the saints, himself included were being subjected to. Something that stood out to me was in verse, 33 How long can rolling waters remain impure? What power shall stay the heavents? As well might man stretch forth his puny arm to stop the Missouri river in its decreed course, or to turn it up stream, as to hinder the Almighty from pouring down knowledge from heaven upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints. What a visual! When truth is truth, when our Father in Heaven has a plan, there is nothing that can stop it! Will he stop bad things from happening to goo people? No, Joseph Smith was asking at the begining, "where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?" He is then gently rebuked throughout the passage, asking if he as yet suffered like Job? Or if he thinks he is better than Christ? Christ suffereed the ultimate pains and afflictions. However, throughout the scipture Joseph is promised great things for staying valient, and comforted grately.
It made me really ponder our life, and the attitudes we sometimes have when we face hard things. We have had a great life! Sure there are a few unpleasent bumps along the way, but overall there is no need to complain, ever. Before Joseph was unjustly locked in the basement prison, with 4 foot thick walls, on a cold December day for the next 4 months, he said to the people outside the jail, "Good Day Bretheren". To have such love for those who hate you and make life miserable gives me even more of a desire to be like our Savior. Such a great spiritually refreshing day!
We drove back into Kansas City and began searching for a hotel...cause honestly, it was needed! We parked, ate lunch out of the back of the trailor like hillbilllies, Checked in and swam for hours! It was so refreshing to just goof off and play! We all had a blast. Near the end we played a crazy game of keep away. Cameron clung to Martins back like a champ! Now the kids are all tucked into bed horizontally so they all fit on one full size bed together. I hear deep, steady breathing. Every Moms Dream.
What Day is it?
7-9-15
I think that all nighter might have thrown me off! All Iknow is we got to Weston Bend Missouri...at some time...a few days ago, I think. We camped. Can you tell this post is going to be a dramady yet?
First of all, I love my sleep. And I know we all love a bed! So when those two things are missing out of an equasion weird things happen. We camped less than a mile from the Missouri River, so after we pulled into the campground, set up our tent, ate something and reorganized/dejunked our car, we thought it would be cool to go on a river walk. Really? Do you think that sounds like a good idea?
Well first of all...I have only ever lived in a desert. I have NEVER seen so many bugs and misquitoes. Ever. We went sloshing through this swamp like of a trail. I can't even imagine what Lewis and Clark went through to explore this place. I am sure I will get use to this but Iam not sure Audrie will. She was comical as she was swating at the air constantly, yelping and spitting. She claimes she ate 2 bugs and after just a 5 min walk she had bites on every serface of her body she didn't spray with repelant, ie, her lips. If you thought her lips were big before...well then, botox move over, we have misquitoes.
Did I mention the rabid squirl? Not yet? Well here it is. Cameron loves Animals. Like seriously, loves the living creatures to the point of danger. Before we moved I had a roomate get together at a park in Fruit Heights where there are horses across the street. He took off, headed straight for them! No worries about the cars zooming by. I grabbed him just in time. Well this time, he sees a cute fluffy squirl! How fun that it is running in circles right by our car. Look! It even does tricks, it'll roll over and over like it's dizzy! Before Martin or I ever had a chance, the kids were off like a rocket trying to catch it! Good thing we both yelled like crazy people instantly, right before they had the chance at natures "petting zoo". It seemed to like us! So the fluffy animal decided to follow us, and at one point in our 5 min "nature walk", I may have screamed like a 2 year old getting a shot because I thought it was after me!
After we came to our sences, we decided to drive to the senic overlook instead of walk. The Missouri River is HUGE! There is so much foilage and greenery everywhere, and lots of strange bugs. It really is a beautiful place!
We were all so tired, around 6pm our kids were starting to hit the wall, so we prepared for bed. It was still light out, and we were camping. Another great idea, right? Well after hours of hanging out, getting "settled" in the tent, I think the crap hit the fan. I was ready to cancel EVERYTHING. The move, the fun things we had planned, everything and just live in a hotel alone. It was utter chaos. Feet in faces, feet not in faces, legs strewn across faces, "someone is touching me" comments, my sleeping bag keeps unziping, whaterver you can imagine, it was probably complained about. The sun finally sets, and we finally, almost get to sleep. But what is that sound? Oh, just the raccoons, tearing through our garbage bag tied up in the tree about 5 feet from us. After listening to that for nealry 20 minuets, we finally scare it away. We drift off to sleep. But wait! There is more! Martin has already turned into "night shift" mode. He decides that I need to enjoy the night sky with him, and honestly, I am glad I did. Lightening bugs EVERYWHERE! I have never even seen one! It was such a soothing, beautiful thing. Just him and me, sitting there in the tent watching as the camp site turns into a blinking quiet place of peace. One by one we quietly wake up the kids to let them enjoy the wonder with us. We have already confirmed we are crazy. We don't need to keep revisiting the topic.
Did this make up for the rest of the seemingly awful day? Yes. Of coarse! It was all so worth it!! We were all there quietly sitting, marveling at another one of God's creations we were all just learning about and experiencing together for the first time ever! This is what life is about! Moments. We hold onto the moments and make them memories. Everything else we store in long term memory and hope it gets forgeotten forever in the memory dump.
Will we camp again on this trip? HECK NO!
A Little Like the Rain
7-8-15
Last night we pulled into beautiful Bear Lake just before our carriage turned into a pumpkin. It was a welcome bed and stop after a long month of cleaning and packing! The night sky was glorious with bright stars everywhere, while somewhere in the distance, raged a lightening storm which shared it's speratic light with us. It was so beautiful
Breakfast this morning was wonderful as grandma and grandpa spoiled us with pancakes made with homemade ginger beer! Trust me. Its delish. And to top it off, a nice juicy t-bone. What? You don't have pancakes and stake for breakfast? Well we do! The rest of the morning was spent visiting and laughing. Trying to hold tight to every moment, every newly made memory. My mom gave the little kids a bath and carefully lotioned them up and braided Carlees hair. Martin and I organized the car and prepared for our next leg of the drive.
As the kids all gave big hugs and kisses and the time got closer and closer to us pulling out, the pit in our stomach got closer and closer. Luckily for me I've trained myself to not allow breakdowns. (Okay. I know this isn't a good thing at all, but for the sake of my kids happiness and need for positivity for this move, I held it in.) Hugs all around and a few tears shed, we pulled away from the cause (cabin+house=cause).
Something very physical happens when families that are bonded with love, respect and service prepare for changes. Its not an easy thing to do. There is a physical pain. It actually hurts inside. This pain is a good, which links to my previous entry about the important of opposites. It proves that the bond of family is greater than just being together right now. Its an internal desire to always be together! Because of our Father in Heavens plan, we know we will be linked together for eternity. What can be more joyful than that?
Here we are, embarking on this new adventure, with torrential rain as we drive through Wyoming. This rain makes me think about how it can compare to our life in so many ways! Its cold and dark, it seems depressing. Throughout the storm, we get glimpses of beautiful lightening and soon there might be a rainbow if we look at the sky at just the right time at the right angle and defineatly healing sunshine will find its way back as the storm passes. We are going to choose to look at the sky at the right time with the right angle and with the hope and faith that the sun will shine! We know lots of fun awaits us ahead!
We decided to stop in Lyman to see Martins family, from Bear Lake it rained most of the way! Pretty heavy rains, which made me think even more about the beauty of change, and the possibility of growth that lays ahead. Jann made a quick lunch while the kids played with their Gassaway cousins. They enjoy rough housing with the big boys! Audrie had to prove to those big boys her mad rope climbing skills and blazed to the top of the tree house rope. They were all pretty amazed with her!
Back on the road again, still pouring rain as we pass through Wamsutter. You heard me right, Wamsutter. We are in Wyoming, what do you expect? The driving goal today was to get through Wyoming and make it to Cheyanne. However per martins request we are going to buck up and go all the way through Nebraska too...finally stopping somewhere in Missouri. Call us insane, heck whats new, but 14 hour stretch here we come!
1 am
Martin and I were just talking about how great it feels that for the first time in about a month that we haven't been running around with our heads cut off! All we have to do is drive. Sit, drive and talk. Ahhhh
We first learned about Martin getting into this program JUST SHY OF ONE MONTH. We have had so much to get done to get the house ready to rent. We had 2 yard sales and a giant dumpster out front for three weeks. It's amazed at how much we were able to do just in the nick of time. So many things seemed to fall into place so perfectly, which makes it another testimoney to us that this is what we are suppose to do. We had so many people step in and help with kids and dinners and sanity saving nights. We are so blessed. But I think I have said that before. I guess I just cant say it enough.
Being 5 months pregnant I have been so blessed with energy, of body and mind to make it through this! I will hit my 3rd trimester just after we arrive in Virginia. I was teasing Martin that our new place of residence better have good carpet, because I might just walk in the front door and fall over until this baby girl gets here!
Last night we pulled into beautiful Bear Lake just before our carriage turned into a pumpkin. It was a welcome bed and stop after a long month of cleaning and packing! The night sky was glorious with bright stars everywhere, while somewhere in the distance, raged a lightening storm which shared it's speratic light with us. It was so beautiful
Breakfast this morning was wonderful as grandma and grandpa spoiled us with pancakes made with homemade ginger beer! Trust me. Its delish. And to top it off, a nice juicy t-bone. What? You don't have pancakes and stake for breakfast? Well we do! The rest of the morning was spent visiting and laughing. Trying to hold tight to every moment, every newly made memory. My mom gave the little kids a bath and carefully lotioned them up and braided Carlees hair. Martin and I organized the car and prepared for our next leg of the drive.
As the kids all gave big hugs and kisses and the time got closer and closer to us pulling out, the pit in our stomach got closer and closer. Luckily for me I've trained myself to not allow breakdowns. (Okay. I know this isn't a good thing at all, but for the sake of my kids happiness and need for positivity for this move, I held it in.) Hugs all around and a few tears shed, we pulled away from the cause (cabin+house=cause).
Something very physical happens when families that are bonded with love, respect and service prepare for changes. Its not an easy thing to do. There is a physical pain. It actually hurts inside. This pain is a good, which links to my previous entry about the important of opposites. It proves that the bond of family is greater than just being together right now. Its an internal desire to always be together! Because of our Father in Heavens plan, we know we will be linked together for eternity. What can be more joyful than that?
Here we are, embarking on this new adventure, with torrential rain as we drive through Wyoming. This rain makes me think about how it can compare to our life in so many ways! Its cold and dark, it seems depressing. Throughout the storm, we get glimpses of beautiful lightening and soon there might be a rainbow if we look at the sky at just the right time at the right angle and defineatly healing sunshine will find its way back as the storm passes. We are going to choose to look at the sky at the right time with the right angle and with the hope and faith that the sun will shine! We know lots of fun awaits us ahead!
We decided to stop in Lyman to see Martins family, from Bear Lake it rained most of the way! Pretty heavy rains, which made me think even more about the beauty of change, and the possibility of growth that lays ahead. Jann made a quick lunch while the kids played with their Gassaway cousins. They enjoy rough housing with the big boys! Audrie had to prove to those big boys her mad rope climbing skills and blazed to the top of the tree house rope. They were all pretty amazed with her!
Back on the road again, still pouring rain as we pass through Wamsutter. You heard me right, Wamsutter. We are in Wyoming, what do you expect? The driving goal today was to get through Wyoming and make it to Cheyanne. However per martins request we are going to buck up and go all the way through Nebraska too...finally stopping somewhere in Missouri. Call us insane, heck whats new, but 14 hour stretch here we come!
1 am
Martin and I were just talking about how great it feels that for the first time in about a month that we haven't been running around with our heads cut off! All we have to do is drive. Sit, drive and talk. Ahhhh
We first learned about Martin getting into this program JUST SHY OF ONE MONTH. We have had so much to get done to get the house ready to rent. We had 2 yard sales and a giant dumpster out front for three weeks. It's amazed at how much we were able to do just in the nick of time. So many things seemed to fall into place so perfectly, which makes it another testimoney to us that this is what we are suppose to do. We had so many people step in and help with kids and dinners and sanity saving nights. We are so blessed. But I think I have said that before. I guess I just cant say it enough.
Being 5 months pregnant I have been so blessed with energy, of body and mind to make it through this! I will hit my 3rd trimester just after we arrive in Virginia. I was teasing Martin that our new place of residence better have good carpet, because I might just walk in the front door and fall over until this baby girl gets here!
A Little Inside Out Action
A little Inside OUT Action. 7-7-15
Whelp, its official. We have pulled away from our home and began our adventure back east. We've barley made it to Riverdale and I'm making myself ponder this big chapter closing in our lives (otherwise I'd be an even bigger wreck).
We've lived in Bountiful for 3 years and 2 months now. When we moved in, our life had taken some unfortunate turn of events. We were a little off our game, just trying to figure out our next move. Luckily for us we were surrounded by a loving, encouraging, generous, supportive and patient family. With this environment of safety, we were able to begin to deeply ponder what it was that we were suppose to be doing, how we were suppose to be serving. Its interesting how struggles and trials guide us to the decisions that define who we are. Those choices require action.
Here we are now, acting on the choices we've made. We've packed a trailer, hooked it up and are headed to Virginia, anxious to begin medical school. It was a long 3 years, planning and preparing for this. Martin worked so hard to get to this point. We all did, he worked a full time job, finished a basement for us to live in, went to school full time and was scout master. I helped support him in all he did while we prepared to have another little spirit join our family. Through that time we were shown what true friends look like, and what it means to have a loving family. We have been blessed with so many who know how to serve, love share and laugh with us. Many who have lead the way, who have been true examples of Christlike love and service. Friends and family who are forgiving, wise and kind. Which made pulling away today that much harder.
Today was a sad day. I held it together as much as possible. Even if that meant ignoring everything that had to do with thikingabout moving. I could work like a horse, but I couldn't think about moving away.
A week before we left we took the kids to the new Pixar movie, Inside Out. Brilliant. I enjoyed it far more than anyone in my family. I'm not a crier, but I cried. I know that there is beauty in opposites. It is a necessary part of this earthly mission we are on. In Genesis 3:6-7 we learn about how Lucifer tempted Eve and how she reacted to the master manipulator.
Because of the fall of man, we have good and evil, and many other opposites, like Joy and Sadness! To have one you MUST have the other! Today was a day where Sadness ran my headquarters. Joy has been so busily running the show lately as I witness the love and service of so many around me. I've been humbled as I've had friends and family stop by to jump in to serve where I needed help. I have been lifted up numerous times through the service of others. Dinners brought in, DI runs, yard sale pricing, nights out, breakfasts out, house cleaning (my sis in law showed up one day and totally earned out my kitchen for me!) yard working, early surprise birthday parties for my Audrie who was devastated that she wasn't going to be here for her birthday, my kids friends excitedly waking them up in the morning to have a goodbye breakfast, my mom who took one kid at a time to Bear Lake so they felt special and loved during this transition time, car ride care packages...the list could go on and on. My life is full of people helping lift and encourage and support us.
These selfless acts boost my joy beyond measure. Sadness hits because I understand that, for a time, I have to say good bye. How awesome is it though that I know that there is a future full of joy! This is not the end of friendship! Or the end of family love! Trials will come. Sadness will hit as it often does and demand control on my headquarters for a time. I know however, that my Father in Heaven loves me. I know that because of the feelings I have felt and even more so because of the people has put into my life to share his love with me and my children. We feel their love. We hold their memories sacred. There isn't anything more important in my life than that. Its time for us to let it go, learn from this chapter, take the growth and run with it!
Luckily for us, we now have an even bigger circle of wonderful people around us! Even if 2000 miles are put between us, it doesn't change the fact that these are our people, our friends, our family. I'm not sure how I can ever serve them the way they've served us, but I know I can try, and I will! We are so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. For our understanding of the atonement and that it is best fulfilled through the hands of others. When we do what Christ has asked us we are participating in the comforting spirit of Christ. We have felt comfort. We have felt peace. We have had the reassurance that this is the right path for us, crazy as it may seem! We are thankful to everyone in our life who have served the Lord through serving us. We love you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts
Whelp, its official. We have pulled away from our home and began our adventure back east. We've barley made it to Riverdale and I'm making myself ponder this big chapter closing in our lives (otherwise I'd be an even bigger wreck).
We've lived in Bountiful for 3 years and 2 months now. When we moved in, our life had taken some unfortunate turn of events. We were a little off our game, just trying to figure out our next move. Luckily for us we were surrounded by a loving, encouraging, generous, supportive and patient family. With this environment of safety, we were able to begin to deeply ponder what it was that we were suppose to be doing, how we were suppose to be serving. Its interesting how struggles and trials guide us to the decisions that define who we are. Those choices require action.
Here we are now, acting on the choices we've made. We've packed a trailer, hooked it up and are headed to Virginia, anxious to begin medical school. It was a long 3 years, planning and preparing for this. Martin worked so hard to get to this point. We all did, he worked a full time job, finished a basement for us to live in, went to school full time and was scout master. I helped support him in all he did while we prepared to have another little spirit join our family. Through that time we were shown what true friends look like, and what it means to have a loving family. We have been blessed with so many who know how to serve, love share and laugh with us. Many who have lead the way, who have been true examples of Christlike love and service. Friends and family who are forgiving, wise and kind. Which made pulling away today that much harder.
Today was a sad day. I held it together as much as possible. Even if that meant ignoring everything that had to do with thikingabout moving. I could work like a horse, but I couldn't think about moving away.
A week before we left we took the kids to the new Pixar movie, Inside Out. Brilliant. I enjoyed it far more than anyone in my family. I'm not a crier, but I cried. I know that there is beauty in opposites. It is a necessary part of this earthly mission we are on. In Genesis 3:6-7 we learn about how Lucifer tempted Eve and how she reacted to the master manipulator.
Because of the fall of man, we have good and evil, and many other opposites, like Joy and Sadness! To have one you MUST have the other! Today was a day where Sadness ran my headquarters. Joy has been so busily running the show lately as I witness the love and service of so many around me. I've been humbled as I've had friends and family stop by to jump in to serve where I needed help. I have been lifted up numerous times through the service of others. Dinners brought in, DI runs, yard sale pricing, nights out, breakfasts out, house cleaning (my sis in law showed up one day and totally earned out my kitchen for me!) yard working, early surprise birthday parties for my Audrie who was devastated that she wasn't going to be here for her birthday, my kids friends excitedly waking them up in the morning to have a goodbye breakfast, my mom who took one kid at a time to Bear Lake so they felt special and loved during this transition time, car ride care packages...the list could go on and on. My life is full of people helping lift and encourage and support us.
These selfless acts boost my joy beyond measure. Sadness hits because I understand that, for a time, I have to say good bye. How awesome is it though that I know that there is a future full of joy! This is not the end of friendship! Or the end of family love! Trials will come. Sadness will hit as it often does and demand control on my headquarters for a time. I know however, that my Father in Heaven loves me. I know that because of the feelings I have felt and even more so because of the people has put into my life to share his love with me and my children. We feel their love. We hold their memories sacred. There isn't anything more important in my life than that. Its time for us to let it go, learn from this chapter, take the growth and run with it!
Luckily for us, we now have an even bigger circle of wonderful people around us! Even if 2000 miles are put between us, it doesn't change the fact that these are our people, our friends, our family. I'm not sure how I can ever serve them the way they've served us, but I know I can try, and I will! We are so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. For our understanding of the atonement and that it is best fulfilled through the hands of others. When we do what Christ has asked us we are participating in the comforting spirit of Christ. We have felt comfort. We have felt peace. We have had the reassurance that this is the right path for us, crazy as it may seem! We are thankful to everyone in our life who have served the Lord through serving us. We love you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts
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