Hi Kids!
Glad to hear your time together was great! I'm also happy things are working out for Monika's whirlwind tour to be w/ both families! We will do our very best to make this visit good for everyone, but I admit I am starting to feel the panic of how fast the time is approaching.
Shakeh moved all her stuff in right away without letting me finish painting her room--she had to feel like she was finally 'home'
, so that is still not done. I felt bad that it wasn't finished for her, but now I can see I am not really happy with it anyway, so I will redo it when she goes again if I can't get to it sooner. The guys from the window place never come when they are supposed to and we have missed each other, so that too is still YUK! The garden is in, but the sprinkler heads are broken, so it is always flooding! The weeds are ever springing up to choke the little seedlings--it is much like raising a family. Soil prep & vigilance goes a LONG way, as does gentle watering and feeding. Right now I am gutting out the den and will hopefully have that painted in time. I'm not getting much help though (basketball forever) and it seems like there are a crop of needs in the RS w/ all the sisters battling cancer and some of the youth falling apart as their parents were caught in adultery. One of the boys plays basketball over here and helped me plant strawberries. I told him he can eat some anytime he comes, like any member of the fam for his kind help. He just looked at me and smiled a little, like that will never happen if they move...
, so that is still not done. I felt bad that it wasn't finished for her, but now I can see I am not really happy with it anyway, so I will redo it when she goes again if I can't get to it sooner. The guys from the window place never come when they are supposed to and we have missed each other, so that too is still YUK! The garden is in, but the sprinkler heads are broken, so it is always flooding! The weeds are ever springing up to choke the little seedlings--it is much like raising a family. Soil prep & vigilance goes a LONG way, as does gentle watering and feeding. Right now I am gutting out the den and will hopefully have that painted in time. I'm not getting much help though (basketball forever) and it seems like there are a crop of needs in the RS w/ all the sisters battling cancer and some of the youth falling apart as their parents were caught in adultery. One of the boys plays basketball over here and helped me plant strawberries. I told him he can eat some anytime he comes, like any member of the fam for his kind help. He just looked at me and smiled a little, like that will never happen if they move...
As summer approaches, more & more guys (Ammon's age & up) are hanging out here, which is great under normal circumstances, but they are always hungry & messy, so it just never ends and it's very difficult for me to get any projects done. I told everyone I'm not doing the shopping anymore, I'm not cooking anymore, and I'm not doing their dishes or laundry anymore. Hopefully by the time July 22nd comes, they will have made the adjustments without me buckling, cause right now it is a nightmare! I'm doing fine, though--better than ever, but Strater is ready for the nut house! They'll pull it together eventually.
Monika, your email was what every mother loves to hear and brings peace to my heart. Thank you. You and Sam already seem like you have been married forever. I honestly believe if there was ever a match made in heaven, it is yours! I think you two will be a powerful force for good and a tremendous example for many of this generation. I too notice the change in Sam. As the children do come, he will become even more rooted and protective, for he will know then, it is ALL up to him to support all of you and keep the adversary out! There is nothing like our children to soften and turn our hearts back toward heaven. He has the warriors' instinct for the fight and not the flight. He is brave & unashamed of his love, his faith and beliefs.
Monika, your email was what every mother loves to hear and brings peace to my heart. Thank you. You and Sam already seem like you have been married forever. I honestly believe if there was ever a match made in heaven, it is yours! I think you two will be a powerful force for good and a tremendous example for many of this generation. I too notice the change in Sam. As the children do come, he will become even more rooted and protective, for he will know then, it is ALL up to him to support all of you and keep the adversary out! There is nothing like our children to soften and turn our hearts back toward heaven. He has the warriors' instinct for the fight and not the flight. He is brave & unashamed of his love, his faith and beliefs.
There have been so many times the adversary has threatened to destroy our kids and our family, from their beginnings in the womb to the present day! No wonder my nerves are shot! But, the Lord does have his hand in our lives and I praise him for his judgment and wisdom above our understanding. I have been having some incredible dreams and have been to my bishop to discuss them and other things that have been concerning me. I believe some very difficult times are about to fall upon us all. Now is the time more than ever, to repent from all sloth and to be obedient in all we are asked through the prophet to do, and to be humble and helpfully build one another up, prayerfully going about our days. This is something all of us need. It is not a time to 'relax' from our duties and obligations, but it is a time to relax from useless cares and let God direct our lives. Bishop Harker has asked me to speak to our ward about my experiences and on preparedness. Even as I write this, I can see where painting in preparation for Nathan's homecoming may be a useless care... Ironic, isn't it?
But I will be putting you, Monika in that room! So I really want to get it done since it reeks of onions now and I need to do it soon so the paint fumes will dissipate or you might think I am a looney-tune out to gas you for sure! It is my want and desire to make you feel as wanted and desired as you ARE!
We have ALL missed you! We are so excited for Nathan to meet you! I want you to know that I totally understand the desires of your family that you be there, and it is important to us, too! We will never be able to take the place of other loved ones, or try to, and we would never want to impose upon or interfere with your life with Sam. Our experiences and the gospel have taught us the sanctity of our own togetherness. Our role as inlaws, grandparents, aunt & uncles is one of SUPPORT & CHEER, and we are here for you! You're our daughter as much as Sam is our son! We pray fervently for you both! We delight in you & Sam and we will love to see you together. You comfort us and give us great hope as we focus our kids still 'at home', speaking of which I should get them up and started on the day!
We are still gathering addresses and I will email them to you or have the list ready by the time you get here. Timing is not the big deal for most as much as it is just letting them know. We will have an open house if you like up here during the holidays. My aunt threw one for me months after we actually married. I was already pregnant by then and had nausea, etc. It wasn't fun, but we can do whatever you would like and feel comfortable with. Strater wants to run announcements in the Calgary Herald, Western Wheel, Strathmore Standard, Windspeaker, Siksika Times, etc., so there will be no more ignorant episodes like the one at Siksika. We love you. Sam loves you and you are joining our family and we want the world to know it! Gotta go! Love, Mom
No comments:
Post a Comment