Grateful...

Tonight I am tired...but so very, very grateful. We had a really big day today. What a blessing it was. We had so many opportunities to talk, to be together, to serve together. I have really felt the hand of God over us this day. I love my Heavenly Father. I love my family. I have enjoyed them so much today.

Bishop's Storehouse and More

What a big day it was! We were up early for swim team practice. At 12:30, Jason, Keith, Rebecca, and I went over to volunteer at the Bishop's Storehouse. It was a wonderful experience. There was a great feeling as we worked side by side serving others. We cleaned out the truck and cleaned bins. The people there made a big deal about how quickly we got it done. They even went out and bought popsicles for the kids. They seemed so happy! I do not know what our future holds, but serving in the church is truly my greatest desire for my family. In the evening, we went to a pool party for Keith's cub scouts. Then Jason, Keith, and I spent quite a while setting off fireworks together. We really had fun creating different setups for explosions. I enjoyed the time with them.

Fourth of July

Our weekend was so nice! We went to Eric's on Saturday after going out to eat at Pizza Street. Eric lit off a bunch of fireworks. Today we went to a pancake breakfast at the church. We went to watch the parade afterwards. It was raining when we showed up. All of the kids were praying for the rain to stop. Sure en0ugh, it stopped just as the parade began and started again at the end of the parade. In the evening we went to Eric's for dinner and more fireworks. We roasted hot dogs.) Then, we went to see the fireworks at Old Town St. Charles.

Keith

The other day Keith asked me, "Mom, if you had a giant newspaper and cut it in half and put one half on the other...how many times would you have to do that to get a stack large enough to go to the moon. He told me it would only be about 50 times. He calculated it...estimating the width of a newspaper to be about .02 inches. Today he got a model airplane in the mail. He is so excited!!

Joplin

We have been staying in Joplin over the past few days. I love it here. We have enjoyed staying at this hotel. Everyone is very kind. The kids have enjoyed the pool. We have been looking at houses and trying to get our plans together. I can't get over how blessed we have been. It seems our prayers are being answered so quickly. Our concerns are being resolved so seamlessly. I know we will still face challenges, but it is comforting to know that Heavenly Father has had his loving hand over our family.

House Closing/Vacation

We spent this week in Texas. LaMonte had a business trip here AND we closed on our home in Trophy Club. We really enjoyed spending time in our house again before it sold. The kids especially enjoyed the swing set, seeing family, and visiting with old friends. Now, we are staying in Joplin on our way back to St. Charles. I am exhaused, so I will sign off for tonight.

House!

We got a contract on a home today. It is such a relief to have something worked out. We are really excited about it. It is a big home with a four car garage, a nich backyard, and members of the church next door. I think that will be good for all of us.