Day to hear from our missionary

This week was a tough one for Elder Childs for sure.  On Saturday morning, Elder Chappell, a missionary in Luke's mission, passed away in his sleep.  Luke had just seen him on Friday and he seemed completely fine.  He went to bed on Friday night and never woke up.  It was a complete shock to their mission.  As if that is not enough to deal with, transfers were on Friday.  The one missionary that Luke did not want to end up with is now his companion.  Luke was pretty down today when we chatted.  I will definitely be praying hard this week that he can feel comfort and that he can find common ground with his companion.  I was thinking a ton about Luke this morning and how much I wish I could just fly there and bring him home.  Hug him and comfort him through this difficult time.  As soon as I started having those thoughts, I was given the thought, that is exactly how our Heavenly Father feels.  He wishes he could come down and hug us, comfort us in our trials.  But He sees the big picture, He knows that we have to go through the hard to grow.  Growth is hard but I was so grateful to be given that perspective this morning.  Hang in there Elder C!  You have already learned so much during your time in NJ and this is just another chapter in that amazing book.  

My twin movie date

I love that Harlee is always up for hanging out with her mom!  I am so lucky.  Today we went to see a movie called Ordinary Angels.  We both wore one of my lounge sets and our ugg slippers.  We took our blankets, candy, got popcorn, diet coke, and settled into the heated luxury seats.  The movie was so good and the perfect way to spend a Saturday.  Loved the movie but loved my date even more!  I also love that she has no problem twinning with her mom.

Growing up too fast

Gray has been sporting a little bit of a mustache which is a sign that he is ready to start his lifetime of shaving.  Joey went down to his storage room "store" and found him his own electric razor.  Such a cute kid but I am not sure I am ready for him to be this old.  I don't think I have a choice...

Missionary Monday

I was a bit anxious to chat with Luke since he had endured a difficult week last week.  It took him almost my whole class to respond but once he did I knew that he was good.  He said that some more things have come to light about the missionary with the 3D printer and he will probably be going home.  It is a lot for Luke to deal with.  I reminded him that he is learning life skills.  Maybe one day he will be a bishop and will have to make the tough calls.  This week was good for him minus the zone leader tough stuff.  They had several lessons and had six of their friends show up to church.  Such a blessing.  I just know that Luke is making a difference, with Heavenly Father's help, in New Jersey.  He is also making a difference in himself.  Such an amazing experience.

Prom dress shopping

What a fun day!  We started off at Ross and then moved to Dillards at the University Mall.  Once we were looking at Dillards we understood why you should not get your prom dress at Ross.  Har tried on so many dresses and ended up loving 2 of them.  She seriously looked amazing in everything that she tried on.  We bought one and ordered the other since they did not have it in her size.  Thankfully we can take them back within 30 days so she will have a little longer to make her decision.  Even if she is not super excited about her date, she will look beautiful!  So great to spend the day with her.  She is such a blessing in my life.

Answer to prayers

I have been worried about Luke since we chatted on Monday.  His ward mission leader, Brother Hockenjos, reached out to me on Wednesday.  I had driven to the bank and was thinking about Luke as I was driving home.  I saw a text come through but waited until I was home to read it.  Here is what the text said:

"Two amazing young men just left our home...we had a great Jersey Mike's lunch and an amazing discussion about meaningful moment in their lives...YOU ARE AN AMAZING FAMILY... your son is doing well."  

I know that this was a blessing straight from Heavenly Father.  Luke is being watched over.  Even in the hard, he is never alone.  Thank you Brother Hockenjos and thank you Heavenly Father.  It was just the comfort I needed.  

Welcome home gift for Har

We came home from SG today and a few hours later there was a loud knock on the door.  When I answered I saw a poster and balloons for Har.  I called her down and she saw what was left.  A co-worker of hers named Charlie asked her to prom.  Charlie is a nice guy but not Har's type.  She decided to accept his invitation and make the best of it.  She answered him later that night as to not make work awkward.  Hopefully we can make it fun by finding her a dress she loves.  I may be more excited than Har but I think that it will be fun to have a prom experience.

Monday Monday

We were excited to chat with Luke this morning so we got on the road early from SG so we could talk as we drove.  Luke had a difficult week.  He is learning that it is a bit heavy to deal with all of the behind the scene issues of the missionary life.  They found out that one of the missionaries in their zone purchased a 3D printer off Facebook.  The missionary has been printing all of the parts of a gun.  So scary.  Who even thinks to do that.  Besides having to deal with that, Luke had a pretty good week.  It snowed a lot which made it a little difficult for driving and for finding.  They did have a lot of friends show up to church on Sunday and the spirit was so strong in the meeting.  Win for sure!  Another week for the books.  Miss this kid so much but could not be prouder.  Love you Elder C!

Finally a weekend in St. George...

We haven't been down to our favorite place since Fall Break so we were excited.  Nash had a basketball game that ended at 8:15pm so we got everything ready and left right after.  We arrived in SG a little after midnight but it was so nice to wake up there.  Joey and I both worked in the morning on Friday and then we went to Porkbelly's for lunch.  So yummy!  After that we went and visited with Grandma and Grandpa for a bit.  Then we went to a few of the Parade of Homes.  It was so fun. We ended the night watching Waiting for Gufman.  Perfect day!  Saturday we woke up and went to a few garage sales and then Joey dropped Har and I off to take a dance workout class with Mindi.  It was so fun.  Then we went to Way Back Burger for lunch.  I missed that chicken!  After that we went to a few more homes before I took the boys to the rec center to swim.  After swimming, I took Har shopping and then Joey took the boys to pickleball.  Sunday we went to more homes and then had the family over for lunch.  It was super fun to visit with everyone.  Then we went and installed knobs on the basement kitchen- looks so good.  We then got the house all cleaned up and went to visit with Tammy.  So good to see her.  We got packed up and we were on our way home by 6am.  I love we have our place down there.  It is truly such a blessing.  Cannot wait for Spring Break.

Last basketball game

Before we head out the door for SG, Nash had his last basketball game.  Nash played super well and made his very first 3 point shot in a game.  Amazing!  They ended up losing the game but Nash has learned so much from this season.  It has been amazing to watch Nash get better and better.  His confidence on the court has grown and he loves basketball even more than before.  Such a great opportunity for our tall boy!  Wonderful season Nashie!

Valentine's Day

I love any excuse to celebrate LOVE!  The kids woke up to new swimsuits, a new shirt, and some candy.  We sent our missionary a nice package to hopefully help him feel our love while he is away. He did a sweet post on FB that was a gift to me!   Joey and I gave each other candy and cards.  Love his cards!  Tag had a party at school and made the cutest box.  What a fun day!  I am truly blessed to be surrounded by people that I love so much.  My family makes me feel like the luckiest.