Good Things are Happening in Ecuador

My week was pretty normal aside from my birthday.  A family here threw a small party for me which was cool. I made Forros for myself out of leather. Elder Callisaya did the shading, but I did the rest. It is so weird to think I'm 20 now... I can't say I'm a teen anymore, hahaha.

I finished the talks by President Nelson this week and have a new respect for the man. I was thinking a lot this week on how I can be better as I tend to get stuck in a rut if I'm not careful, and I really think the best way to do that is prayer, as that is the direct communication to God we have.  He wants us to be good.

I realized how cool it is that I have this opportunity to do this, as we are allowed into strangers' homes to share the message we have. If it were a different message I doubt they'd be so kind, hahaha. That's the Power, that Spirit, that were are  given as missionaries, and I'm so grateful for that.

Here's the stanza for January's "Hurrah for Israel!": 

"Hurrah for Israel! I am but a man!

If you cut me I'll bleed, but I'll do all I can,

to be the kind of person I know that I can be

Look to Christ in everything and follow His loving lead!"

I've realized how great this time is. I'm devoting ALL my time to my Heavenly Father, and I won't ever have another opportunity like this. THAT'S awesome.

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Year 2019

I'm going to try and be better about updating my family blog this year.  I am sad for all the memories that have not been recorded, but I can start now. 

Here is a recap of our year 2018...  it was by far the toughest year ever. 

Our family newsletter I won't be sending out:  So glad 2018 is behind us....  although there were many challenges to walk through, here are some of the happy highlights of our year.   

- Our family moved to Ringgold, GA in the spring.  We bought a cute little house. 

- Don had neck/spine surgery and continues to struggle with chronic pain.  He has a great gift with our dogs and puppy business, and loves being a grandpa. 

- Jen broke her ankle, had surgery, and got a new job.  She loved teaching Sunday School to the teenagers with Don.

- Don and Tay moved to Chattanooga, are busy with work and their girls.  Their apt caught fire from lightning this summer, Ana got baptized, and Emma turned 1!

- Jessica and Travis bought their first home.  Jessica graduated valedictorian in March from college.   Travis completed his first semester of student teaching- 3 more semesters to go!  Ryan loves anything with wheels.  Their expecting another boy in May!

- Dustin left for a 2-year mission to Ecuador in June.  He absolutely loves it, now speaks Spanish fluently, and has grown so much.

- Davin graduated high school in May and has been busy working at Chik-fil-A and being with the young single adults at church. He will be leaving in March for his 2-year mission to Chihuahua Mexico. 

-Dakota worked hard all summer and earned a spot on the Varsity drill exhibition team for his new JROTC and will be traveling all over this spring for competitions, including nationals. He got his driver's license and is the biggest help to us in every way. 

- Julianne Rebecca has made some great friends in her new 8th grade.  She has had some regular babysitting jobs, such she really appreciates! She loves to sing and eat at Panda Express.

 

Changing of the Seasons

So much has happened since I last wrote.  I'm so bummed I haven't kept up on all the exciting things that have happened, like Don Jr returning from his mission, Jessica's fun events, and all the accomplishments that the kids have done.

I can start today, though.

Jessica is engaged to a wonderful guy.  Travis Owens.  We love him.  He adores her.  He respects her.  They are so cute together.  She is getting married in the Nashville Temple on March 25th.  I look over the past year and am in awe at Heavenly Father's hand in her life.  It is awesome.  He is a very loving Father.

So, I woke up today to news that she was moving to Chattanooga tomorrow.  She is transferring her job there and starts Monday, her friend said she could move in with her, and then she will be closer to Travis.  I was not ready for that news.  I mean, I knew she was leaving SOON, but tomorrow was not expected.

Since the end of October we have had all 6 kids in the home with us.  I have savored every minute of it.  I knew it would be ending.  Don Jr is moving out when Jessica gets married to start a good job then college.  Jessica will be married and starting her new life.  Deep down I am thankful they will be less than 2 hours away.

So, anyway, I was doing good today.  Excited for her.  Her wedding announcements came today.  So excited with how they turned out.  She put her wedding dress and veil on to see if any more alterations would need to be made before she left.  We were just talking about different things.  Then she went into her room and brought me this.

She told me she had recently painted it and wanted to give it to me before she left.  She explained it was her and I.  She explained the colors she had chosen, and why. The meaning of the book. Tears immediately came streaming down my cheeks.  I will always treasure this painting.  I gave her a long hug and thanked her.  I love my Jessica so much.  I will miss her "spunkiness" in our home.  I am in awe at how she has overcome some huge challenges in her life.  Heavenly Father has blessed me to be her mom.  He has sent a special young man into her life to take her to the temple, and walk hand-in-hand with her, to start a fun life together.  

Sometimes it is just a little hard to let the seasons of life pass, even if the next one is exciting.

 

Dustin's Truck

Dustin has been working at the little grocery store here in Eagleville.   It has been a great experience for him.   He does everything from bagging,  stocking,  cleaning,  cashier, deli,  and whatever they need.   For a 16-year-old to get this kind of experience is a big blessing for him.

He has been very disciplined in saving his money, giving himself $10 every 2 weeks for spending.   

He bought himself a 1978 Chevy Truck.   It is in excellent condition mechanically.

Well, he bought this truck.  He is happy.

INDIANAPOLIS VACATION

A couple weeks ago, we took the family up to Indianapolis for a vacation.   It was a really,  really great vacation!   The kids sang at the top of the lungs all the way there.   

We took the family to the temple open house.   It was absolutely beautiful!  

We Also took the family to Eagle Creek park, where we went canoeing, row boat,  and had a picnic. 

It was a beautiful park! 

We also went downtown to the 4-story mall,  enjoyed the hotel pool, and went to Trader Joe's.

On our way home,  we spent the day at Holiday World and Splashin Safari.  That was 11 hours of pure fun!   Even Julianne went on the fastest Roller coaster there and lives it (Thunderbird ).  Her and I have decided we don't like wooden roller coasters...  but being launched from 0-60 in 3 seconds is awesome!!  :)

So glad we went.  Julianne fell asleep soundly with happy memories.   :)

Happy 20 Years!!!

Today Don Jr turns 20!  I was looking back on my blog and found this post from his 13th birthday.  :)  http://lottakidsinc.blogspot.com/2008/07/and-so-it-begins.html

He has done so many good things in his life so far and grown so much.  He has blessed many lives, including mine.  Heavenly Father has big plans for him!!  Can't wait to see him again in 85 days!!!

A family he is teaching in Brazil.

He still remembers to have fun!  :)