Going To...

Got a call at work today!

#1 Got his two year mission call for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.



He's. Going. To.

Independence, Missouri

Yes were are very excited!

He leaves May 19th.

I've been crying all day, for joy. Our sweet mail man made a special trip to bring it to the house early this morning. I of course ran out and told him where he was going and gave him a big thank you when he was delivering the rest of the mail. Doesn't every one chat up the mail man?

Thanks to a son who is willing to serve his Father in Heaven. Thanks to the Lord for his tender loving care. Thanks to a co-worker who exclaimed, "No way do you have a son old enough to serve a mission."

Nurse Boys, I'm sending my baby to your neck of the woods. I hope he gets to serve in an area where he'll meet you.

Happy Birthday Yesterday

Wow! nineteen years ago #1 son was born.

I remember thinking he was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.

Lately life has been a bit stressful(understatement) and overwhelming (major understatement). I sat next to #1 in church Sunday and focused on blending our voices in song. His beautiful high tenor, my sore throat-ed alto, blending in songs of praise and peace. His arm around me, holding me, keeping me calm and quiet during worship services the way I held him, singing, so many times.

How does a child become an adult so quickly? So beautifully?

Happy Birthday beautiful son. Thank you for your grace and strength, your beautiful voice, your tender soul. I love you!

Turd Burgler

Leaving a house full of boys in the care of their father is well, daunting. There are many little crisis and catastrophes that I deal with so routinely as to render them run-of-the- mill occurrences; but to a dad, off at work most days, run-of-the-mill occurrences become a challenge of wits and ingenuity.

Last night I worked from 3:00 to 9:00 pm. Around 10:30 pm just as I was drifting off to sleep, Adorable Hubby said, "While you were at work one of the kids left a turd in the toilet that wouldn't flush down".

"What did you do?" I muttered.

"I had to get a knife and cut it up. It was that bad!"

"Mmmphhh so it all worked out?" I mumbled, really, really, close to asleep.

"Yeah." He yawned.

Suddenly I was wide awake.

"WHAT KNIFE???"


Aren't you glad I'm back?
Don't answer that.

Girls!

I've never posted about the girls (If I have to explain it you should just stop reading now)

This morning I staggered out of bed to rouse my sleeping sons. Yesterday was a school holiday and returning to a regular schedule is always difficult. Now, on a normal weekday morning #2 is up and gone before 5:45 AM, #3 and #8 need woken up at about 6:45 to be out the door by 7:20, I usually am up around 7:20 to take them to school, Adorable Hubby gets up around 8:00 - 8:30 which is the same time that I wake up #5 - #7 to get ready, fed and out the door by 9:10. Whew!

This morning when I returned from taking #8 to school I heard the shower start and knowing that Adorable Hubby had an early meeting I followed him into the bathroom, stripped down to what God and chocolate gave me, then playfully grabbed one of the girls, peeked her around the shower curtain then waited for Adorable Hubby to notice.

A moment or two later #5's eight year old voice said, "Mom, if you want to get in the shower I'll be out in just a minute."

Ackkk!

I made a significant donation to the therapy fund, I'm sure that will take a session or twelve.

I Love Snail Mail!

I came home the other night and saw a package on the table. My heart sped up a bit. I adore getting things in the mail, well not counting junk and bills. I guess all the testosterone hasn't completely overwhelmed my girly, romantic side. There's something about a package or a letter that makes my heart pitter-patter.

I kept my emotions in check at first. After all there's nothing terribly exciting about a toothpaste sample. And, there's always the possibility that one of my bills has become so enormous that it would take a box to contain it.

But, OH JOY! It was a package and it was for me. S'mee you made my day. And everyday since. when I view the fun homemade contents, artfully arranged on my dresser by #2 son who shares a bit of my romantic nature.

Thanks!

Sorry

I tried to post while I was away on a little VACAY with Adorable Hubby. I regretted leaving that post behind because nothing too serious was wrong. It had just struck me that life is like the difference between January and February. Nothing really changes in February, same cold crappy weather, snow then mud then wind, repeat. My attitude however? Big change.

So, for Friday I love my co-workers. They are so caring and fun to be around. On Friday one of them handed me a mint truffle, just because! Love me some great co-workers.

Saturday, I love swimming in the rain. Heated pool, cool rain, hot tub, chatting with a friendly stranger love it.

Sunday, love the Virgin River Casino. I didn't see a river, pretty sure I didn't see a virgin and, I've never felt so young or so attractive.

Monday, love sunshine on scenery. Nevada and Utah are beautiful states.

Tuesday, love caring bloggy friends. Thanks for all the love!

Heavy Hearts

At first blush perhaps the trials that weigh us down and the resulting heavy heart seem like a foolish thing to love.

What if I had never experienced sorrow and confusion, helplessness?

Would I then sacrifice the experience of joy, clarity and peace.

I surrender to you experience whatever you bring my way.

Yes I'll take a rough day or two, I'll stand for a time in the cold dark that I may honor the sun.