Homecoming

Jaremy had another business trip for the last five days. It has been a difficult five days. We are still in the disarray that follows a move. We don't have hot water, internet, a dryer, locks on the doors, etc.  I love Ivy 'n Pine, but because she's so old it feels like we are flirting with danger. We still haven't covered all the lead paint, replaced ancient wiring, removed asbestos, or made a good fire escape. Then there are the normal things we are facing like van repairs, gardens that need to be put in right now, and a couple of children who must be feeling insecure about moving and it comes out as disobedience.

I've struggled with my emotions and figuring out what to do first. I've disappointed myself with how easily I am stressed, how quickly I murmur, how selfish and angry I can be, and how I quickly forget to trust & praise the Lord in all things.

Even though I've been lonely for Jaremy I am so grateful to be surrounded by my amazing children. They are so capable, funny, supportive, and amazing. Most of the time I feel like they are the ones raising me. They are so strong! I want to be tougher (less prone to whine or rage at stressors) for them and because of them.  Kids, if you ever read this. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Thank you for lifting my spirits with your understanding, kindnesses, humor, cuteness, dances, hugs, and laughter. Thank you for singing hymns with me and not making fun of me when I cry while I sing. Thank you for lifting my burdens by pick axing, painting, and planting. By making dinner, playing with little ones, running things here and there, scrubbing the old condo and the new house, shopping, assembling strollers and wagons and electronics. You are my dear friends! Surely you have all experienced loneliness, stress, and fear because of this move, but you have handled it with more strength, courage, maturity, and selflessness than your mother. You have given me courage when I was afraid, hope when I felt like quitting, and a good laugh when I felt stressed. You are truly my examples! You remind me of the Savior through your submissiveness, service, and love. I've seen you turn to Him daily and in difficult moments. I know little and big miracles have happened because of your faith. When I grow up I want to be like you!
Again, thank you! I love you all ever so much!

I've seen the hand of the Lord in my life this week though my sweet children's hands for they are His.

Shopping

I'm so blessed to be able to go to the store whenever we need food and stock up. With ten people to feed that it's very often. Jaremy works so hard and Heavenly Father blesses us so much! I'm so grateful!

Scriptures

All the kids are in bed; the house it's quiet. And I'm awake. That's rare! So I've had some time to think and study. Tonight I just opened a copy off the Book of Mormon by chance to Alma 34:40,41,39,38,37. I read the verses in that order. It was the order I needed them in! They spoke to my heart and situation. They are an exhortation to patience in affliction (not that I have affliction, but I do have moments I find difficult), an exhortation to prayer continually, and a reminder that quitting leads to "no good thing'" "That tree contend no more against the Holy Ghost,

Adelynn's Sick

Poor little Adelynn is sick with a cold. I have a bit of one too. I'm so grateful Heavenly Father has blessed us with good health except for a bit of acute illness now and again.  Good health makes such a difference! I feel so bad for those with poor health.

Warmth

Today has been cold. Adelynn has a cold. So luckily we have a hand-me-down snowsuit that keeps squirmy babies warm. They wiggle out of blankets. We've had the doors open all day because we have been painting. But Adelynn has been warm. We've been so blessed and we take it for granted so often. Heavenly Father truly cares for us.

Moved to Ivy 'n Pine

Saturday we emptied our apartment and moved to Ivy 'n Pine. Big day! Sunday we rested, went to or new ward (which it's really great!), and enjoyed the peace of the yard. I love our new yard! Monday we brought order to the piles of chaos and had family home evening.

Air Show Protection

Yesterday we took the kids to the air show.It was cold & windy then it startedto rain & rain. Adelynn was in her snowsuit but it and everything else was quickly soaking. It was freezing especially for babies. She was screaming! There was no dry, warm place to hide. There were thousands of people around & I couldn't find Jaremy who had 5 of the kids with him. Jessica, Ella, & I ran to the van with Adelynn. We were soaked and freezing by the time we reached the van. But we were blessed to find the van & get there before the baby became hypothermic.  Jaremy had found shelter with the 5 older children. They were cold but of choose the situation was not dangerous for them only infants. I'm grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who through His tender mercies blessed us to have driven the van instead of taking the train & kept us safe and happy.