Travel

In the last 14 days, Jacob has had four trips. He has been home one day for about 24 hours and then a separate day for about 16 hours. I'm beginning to forget what he looks like. I'm kidding, he's too handsome to forget.

But he comes home tonight. And we are pretty excited because while things can always change, it appears he will be home for several days before another trip.

I'm often asked how I can handle him gone so much and I don't really have an answer for it. First, I just do it. I'm used to it. And second, he isn't off playing or golfing or betting on horses (I don't think, maybe I should check into that). He is taking care of our family. And he does it so well. He is extraordinary at his job and does incredible good in the world and I'm so thankful for that.

And besides, as the wife of Billy Graham once said, and I'm totally paraphrasing here, "I'd rather have 10% of his time than 90% of someone else's time." And that is how I feel about Jacob Allen. I adore him to the deepest part of my heart and if seeing him less so that he can help others so profoundly and provide for our family so well is what we choose to do, I'll do it.

Annie's play

After a small break for a mission call, I'm back to sharing about Annie's play
this last weekend. She did so very well (they all did) and it was truly just
wonderful to watch her perform. I adore that Annie girl of ours and love
the talents she has and the things she excels at. She is amazing in every way. 

Campbell's mission call

Saturday, Jacob returned from a trip out of town. Originally, Campbell had planned
to open his mission call with family and friends last night, after his dad arrived back
home. But a few days ago, Cam mentioned that he had thought about it and he had
decided he wanted to open it together, just as our little family, first. And then to
have all of his friends and our neighbors over so he could share it with them.

 And so that is what we did.

And without sharing things that are just meant for my own heart, I will say
those few minutes, together just as our little family, will be some of my greatest
memories of this earth life. From our kneeling to pray as we began, to watching
our boy open his call, to processing everything about his going to Brazil...it was
just perfect. Beautiful and good and full of so many tears from each of us.

And then to see the support and goodness of his friends and our neighbors who came

Saturday night and cheered and hugged and laughed and cried, was just incredible.

It was a day beyond anything I ever could have imagined. I spent the entire
Sabbath yesterday wondering how I could be so blessed and thanking my
Father in Heaven for the privilege of all that being a missionary momma includes.

So much happiness

Brazil. Porto Alegre. Portuguese. Joy.

It's here

Two nights ago, while reading my scriptures, I read this verse in the book of Mosiah: And moreover, I say unto you, that the time shall come when the knowledge of a Savior shall spread throughout every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. And I haven't been able to stop thinking about it.

I've grown up my entire life knowing about missionaries, watching many close to me serve, making the effort to gain my own testimony of missionary work in order to understand why God allows us the privilege to serve His children and our Savior in such a unique way. And yet, now it is my boy. The child who made me a mother and the young man I would lay my life down for without a moment's hesitation. And in just a few hours, when his dad returns from his latest trip, he will open a letter from the man I know to be the prophet of God on the earth today, calling him to serve in a certain place, at a certain time, in a certain language, to a certain group of people. And what I have been praying for with every part of my heart for the last eighteen and a half years will culminate in that moment. As a set apart missionary of Jesus Christ, Campbell will serve exactly where our Heavenly Father wants him to go.

The time has come when a knowledge of the Savior is spreading throughout every nation, kindred, tongue and people. And my boy will be a part of that missionary army. I can't imagine a mother has ever been more proud of her son than I am right at this moment.

Called to serve Him, heav'nly King of glory, Chosen e'er to witness for his name, Far and wide we tell the Father's story, Far and wide his love proclaim.

Onward, ever onward, as we glory in his name; Onward, ever onward, as we glory in his name;

Forward, pressing forward, as a triumph song we sing. God our strength will be; press forward ever, Called to serve our King.

God is good. I am so profoundly blessed. My boy is going on a mission.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

This beautiful girl makes me so happy. I loved watching her be a part of tonight.

The answer is 1858

I was asked to photograph the dress rehearsal tonight for Annie's play that runs
tomorrow and Saturday. And that is pretty much my favorite request anyone could
make. I love me some photos. I've taken around 300 and they just officially started.
Guesses on the number my camera will read in approximately three and a half more hours?

Gracie girl

A little girl's goose apron. Oh my yes.

She went from joyfully wearing her apron, to feverishly
falling asleep, in only three hours. Poor baby girl.

Crazy, sudden fever explained with an ear infection for this little lovely.
After her appointment, I bought her some vanilla cupcake flavored
goldfish out of sympathy. She just tried them a couple of minutes
and told me, "Momma, I love these. They are sugary, but gooder."

Called to serve

We decided to add a new wall decoration
to our home just moments ago. Because we
just found out there is a very good chance that Campbell will receive his mission call this
week. And if not this week, next week for sure. If you feel so inclined, we'd love to have you guess where Campbell might serve (one within the US, one outside the US). I've already added
several guesses to the wall since I took this
picture and it is not only fun to have family
and friends share their thoughts, but it makes
this mom's already emotional heart swell
with gratitude at how many support and
love this incredible boy of ours.

Goblin Valley ~ Part two

Several of these gorgeous photos were taken by my sisters-in-law. They are the best and we loved
being with their families and receiving these amazing reminders afterwards of our time together.