Don's Graduation

Today we got to go to Don's graduation from the Executive MBA program at the Marriot Center.  What an accomplishment especially since he has been going through so much.  Cory was able to come into town for the big day and he stayed with us which was super fun.  After the graduation we celebrated at PF Changs.  So proud of Don!  Such an example of hard work.

Facebook surprise

It is always such a gift when I go on Facebook and see a picture of my missionary.  Today on Luke's mission page, they updated it with all of the pictures from their most recent zone conference.  Luke is sandwiched between Elder Church and one of his best buddies Elder Johns.  He looks so happy.  I really could not ask for more.  Such a tender mercy today.

New milestone

When Luke left on his mission, he had 734 days.  I have a countdown on my phone that updates daily.  I was so excited this morning when I saw the number.  We are in the 500's!  Luke has been serving for 135 days.  I wish I could say that time is going fast but I have felt each of those days.  I do have to admit thought that seeing Luke grow ad love his mission does soften the blow a little.  So blessed to have his example in our family.  

Serving another week in NJ

This week Luke did his email in the form of scripture.  It was so clever!  He made it through Thursday in his email following this format.  Here is some of what he wrote:

An account of Elder Childs and his dealings with God's children in and around Woodbridge, New Jersey. Throughout this week, Elder Childs received council, preached the word of God, and sought to find Joy in this strange land. About 2023 A.D.

Chapter 1

Elder Childs attends a Zone Conference, catches up with Elders he served by, eats at Chick fil A, has a lesson cancel, and ends the day by meeting with Doug. About 2023 A.D.

1 And it came to pass that the day had come in which the disciples of Jesus Christ in New Jersey would gather together for a conference

2 And behold, Elder Childs reconnected with Elders Davies, Pack, and Johns 

3 And they received council from the president, and did feel of the Spirit 

4 And it came to pass that after the words of President Rolfe were spoken, there was a great feast and many of the Elders did devour what was given to then

5 After the conference, the Elders journeyed back into the strange area from wherest they traveled from and labor in

6 And it came to pass that Elder Childs and Elder Church received a call from the nearby Elders, they needed recruitment at a Chick Fil A establishment in which they were feasting yet again

7 And it came to pass that Elder Childs and Elder Church traveled toward the establishment and did partake of the feast

8 And behold, the time was now one where they needed to journey to meet with one of God's children named Jose. 

9 And it came to pass, upon arrival, that Jose was not home, nor was his mom willing to let us leave a card

10 Elder Childs and Elder Church traveled back from wherest they came and did knock on some doors to share the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ 

11 And it came to pass that their efforts were not fruitful, but was good to open their mouths to declare the joy of Christ

12 And now behold, they went forth towards the tabernacle and met with leadership and did smell the breath of a king and did tell about their labors in the vineyard

So fun!  I love that he got to see some of his buds at zone conference.  This week he also got to go on splits with Elder McKendrick and Elder Cragun.  They are spanish elders but Luke had the best time with them.  Luke also learned that he loves frisbee golf.  He skipped some meals with his comp to get some playing time in.  They had several lessons this week and Luke is loving his mission. So proud of our boy! It is so hard to have him gone but he is doing exactly what he is meant to be doing.

April 17 PDay update from NJ

Another week down for our favorite missionary.  This is the first week that he mentioned a few days where is was a little harder to find motivation.  I hope he realizes that this is bound to happen.  In normal life, there are many days where we all feel a little unmotivated to get things done.  This week he got a haircut, had district counsel, and several lessons.  My favorite part of his email update was where he and his comp were talking about why they decided to serve a mission.  I am going to let Luke do the talking on this because he says it perfectly:

"While we were driving back home from a lesson, I was talking with my companion and the topic turned to "what made you come out on a mission?". He had a great story that lead him here, but while I shared mine, the spirit was so strong. I was reminded of the trials I faced, the adversity, and the hardships that all piled up before submitting my mission papers. Then also the 4 month waiting period from mission call, to being set apart. As I was discussing and pondering this, I was reminded that not everything is according to my time. If I had come out on my mission at a different time than I did, I probably wouldn't be out here. I would not have had the time to truly gain my own witness of this gospel. I had to do a lot of work. I would go to the gym and Only listen to either conference talks or the Book of Mormon, then the same thing at work. The Spirit testified to me, that this is all according to my Heavenly Father's plan. I knew I needed that time before my mission to prepare. There is a significant difference between the reasons to go out on a mission, and to STAY out on a mission. If I didn't have previously put work in to seek the spirit and gain a witness, the trials and "mighty winds" of Satan that I face out here could've possibly shaken my testimony. But it can't, and it won't. This is the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, and I know that because of the true power of the Holy Ghost."

I have read that part of his email many times and get teary every time.  I am so beyond proud of Luke.  Keep working hard Elder C!

Twinning is winning

At the Cami's warehouse where I have been working while mortgages are slow, there is a free rack and bin.  Marcae and I decided to rummage through the bin.  We found some pink sweatshirts and decided to wear them today.  So fun to twin!  I am so grateful that Marcae has been working there.  We have become great friends and she makes working so fun.  Couldn't do it without her.

Living it up in Edison

Luke had another great week in Edison!  I seriously love Monday's when I get to hear about all of his adventures from the previous week.  He had a week full of lessons and missionary work.  He also had another friend move into his apartment.  A mouse!  He is so not happy about that to say the least.  Hopefully he will not be staying long. He also had the opportunity to drive to the beach.  I love these pictures.  He is only 5-10 minutes away.  So lucky!  He had two Easter dinners- a member in the ward dropped off a full dinner: ham, potatoes, and rolls.  They then went to Jerry's house and he had ordered a full Italian dinner.  Jerry is the recent convert that is fighting cancer. Luke feasted on spaghetti and meatballs.  He joked that after Sunday he never wants to eat again.  I am so glad that he is being taken care of out there.  Such a big blessing.  Sure miss our missionary.

Easter Sunday

Today is Easter and I am so grateful.  I love the opportunity to reflect on all of my many blessings that come from the sacrifice of my Savior.  Because of Him I can be with my family forever.  That is the greatest blessing.  Also, because of Him I can make mistakes and work through them.  I have the opportunity to be forgiven.  As I think about these blessings it make me even more proud of Luke's decision to serve a mission.  He is out in New Jersey teaching the people about all of the blessings that they can have because of the restored Gospel.  My heart is so full.  

Mimi's Easter Egg Hunt

Since Mimi and GP have not finished their backyard yet, we had the egg hunt at Jenna's house.  Our kids are getting older so it is not as exciting.  Har and Nash helped hide the eggs and Gray and Tag were the only ones that participated.  Gray was super nice to only get a few so that the other kids could get the most.  Mia and Tag were the money winners- each got $16.  Gray was the only one who did not get any money.  It was fun to spend a little time with family.  Great way to start Easter weekend.