School is starting next week- seriously cannot believe it. This has definitely been the fastest summer ever. Nash and Gray have both been growing out their hair for the last few months. They both were reluctantly ready to choose a style. So I took them to GOAT and they both had pictures to show the stylists. They lost a lot of hair but they were both happy with the end result. They both look so handsome and too old! Love these boys so much.
I had forgotten how much work it was to have babies, let alone two at the same time. On Monday the kids were in bed at 7:45 pm and I am pretty sure I was asleep by 8:15pm. Exhausted!! But then I went to wake them up on Tuesday and was so excited to see their cute faces. The mornings were the best. They were so smiley and so snuggly. Lucy was my girl and Sophie so preferred Har. It worked out perfectly. We spent the week playing, going to the park, watching too much Miss Rachel, going on walks, lots of shopping outings, and just loving on them. It was truly a blessing to have these cute girlies in our home. Thanks so much to Cory and Holly for trusting us with them. Love them so much.
Elder Childs was right! He is now serving in Orange City which is right on the border Newark. He says that it is pretty hood like but not as hood as Paterson. I am a little happy about that but I do know that he will be ok. Heavenly Father promised Luke and me that before he left. He is a trainer of Elder Christopherson, not the apostle as Luke joked with him. Elder Everton is the other trainer. Funny story is that a guy that came home from Morristown in Grandma and Grandpa's ward, served his last area in Orange City with Elder Everton as his comp. He said that Elder Everton was his favorite comp and he is super funny. I love hearing that. Luke needs a good one. He worked hard his first few days in the new area and loved every minute of it. He even got up and shared his testimony in his new ward. So amazing. To see the growth in my boy is awe inspiring. So so proud of him.
Today was a special day for Haven but I was a little nervous about how it would go. This was the first family event since Don and Charity's divorce became final in March. There have been some pretty strong feelings and I just worried that those feelings might overshadow Haven's big day. Thankfully it went perfectly. Har and I took the girls with us and they were pretty good. It was beautiful to watch Haven be baptized by D and her confirmation was amazing. So grateful that we could share in her special day.
Nash left this morning for High Adventure camp with the priests and teachers. They are going up to the Uintas. They took their packs and provisions up to a certain place and they needed to work together to find them. So proud of Nash! This does not sound fun to me. They had a great time full of hiking, fishing- Nash actually tried fish, eating ready made meals, and many bug bites. He had a great time. So glad he gets to go and have these experiences but I am so glad that he is home.
A few weeks ago, Cory and Holly asked us if we would watch their girls while they went to Hawaii with Holly's family. We said that we would love to watch them. They came here last night and I took them to the airport this morning. I am excitedly nervous to watch babies again and so grateful that I have Harlee to help me. I love this picture of the girls. They look like they are a little suspicious of what is to come. Hopefully they will feel safe and happy this week. We love them and feel so happy that Cory and Holly trust us to watch them. Here goes nothing...
I know I say this every week but I LOVE MONDAYS! I love seeing Luke's face and hearing all about what he has experienced the previous week on his mission. He is still living with the Spanish Elders and loving the gym set up. He had a baptism with week Ada. Luke was lucky enough to perform the baptism. Such a beautiful experience. It was also the first time on his mission that Luke got sick. He got a pretty bad cold which took him down for a couple of days but he still was determined to work hard. Even with a cold he also spoke in church on Sunday. He gave an amazing talk. When we were chatting with Luke tonight he told us about a call that he got. He was given the invitation to be a trainer in a trio. This means that he will be leaving Elder Watkins and the area. He is speculating that he will be going to Orange City because Elder Davies called him and said his comp is also going to be part of the trio and he is in Orange City. So we will see! I am so excited for Luke. He has had a rough go with comps but he pushes through making the best of it. He was lucky to have Elder Mower as his trainer and he was the best. I told Luke to go and be an Elder Mower to his trainee. I just know Luke will be a great example and will gain confidence in his ability to lead. The call will come on Wednesday where he will find out where he is going and then transfers are on Friday. I cannot wait to hear all about it next Monday.
"This week, I was able to find a lot of peace and comfort through recognizing God's hand in my life. I really recognized it at times when me and my companion were getting contentious, and I was able to bring the Spirit into the companionship more. It's been difficult this transfer, but I have seen a lot of growth in my capacity to use the Spirit."
I love that Luke is finding the blessing in the hard. Such a gift. I am so proud of Luke. He is such an example to me.
Harlee took the boys to Five Below yesterday and she bought a little something for her puppy. Ike is not a big fan of the new glasses but I was able to take a quick picture of him before he swiped them off of his face. Sure love this puppy of ours.
Nash has been thinking about getting his patriarchal blessing for a little while now. Harlee told him of how they did a devotional at HXP b...
