Rollercoaster

I feel like I've lived an entire lifetime of craziness since I last posted. So much has happened in such a short time. It's amazing how life can change so quickly. We're doing great. We've settled in Texas with amazing neighbors and friends already made. We feel so very blessed and fortunate, I can't even describe my wonderment.

Here's a quick (or not so quick) overview of some of our experiences...

We started packing the house in Virginia and our buyer backed out exactly TEN DAYS before our scheduled move (it's a long story- just call me if you want more details). We couldn't believe she would just drop us like that. It was so heartless and cowardly. I've never been temped to tell Heavenly Father to MAKE someone feel bad before. I wanted her to feel the pain and betrayal and panic and fear I felt! I was so scared. Anyone who's ever read this blog before knows we have a tight budget. The thought of having to pay rent and mortgage for and undetermined amount of time was so overwhelming. We had spent so much time and money staging our house to sell- and it did sell quickly, but would it sell if it was empty and cold? It just so happened in the middle of this drama my scheduled reading was St. Luke Chapter 12.

Here's an excerpt:

28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.

30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

It's such an amazing, powerful, miraculous chapter I'm sure I've read and studied and even sung about, but it didn't REALLY mean anything to me until that moment. I can't describe the relief, love, and comfort I have felt since reading those words (Thank you Manchester Ward leadership for challenging us to read the New Testament!!!)

I haven't just FELT relief, I've also seen miracles. Only ten days after putting our house on the market again we were under contract for MORE money and a quicker closing than the previous buyer- EVEN with the house in disarray with boxes and junk everywhere! It has since closed and the whole fuss is over and done.

Christ was talking to me when he said, "O yea of little faith". It's something I struggle with. I try so hard to control and plan everything, but when something unexpected happens I FREAK OUT. It was an amazing lesson for me and even more amazing to witness miracles all around us.

Amid all the selling chaos we still had to pack up an entire home, graduate a dental student, keep track of three kids (one of which decided to start crawling), eat, sleep, and SURVIVE.  Luckily Mom Trump and Bry's nephew Jacob flew in from Utah for some much needed support.

Jacob helped me pack and watch the kids all day.  He was an AMAZING help.  Thanks Jacob!!!!

Our handsome graduate.

Our good friends the Lamms.

Bry with his Mama who was such a trooper even though her back was injured.  Love you Mom!



Whenever I Hear the Song of a Bird

The other day Ivy and I were enjoying a lazy morning outside, basking in the sunshine. I made some kind of comment about how pretty the bird song was and her response surprised and moved me: "Mom, those birds are singing for YOU. You need to thank them."

I couldn't believe such wisdom came out of the same mouth that was sobbing about the color of her cereal bowl only minutes before.

It is true, I believe, those birds were singing for us (it might also have a little bit to do with territory, mating rituals, and birdie communication).  But there's a reason their song is beautiful and soothing and transcendent. I think our Heavenly Father sends us little "love notes" in the form of birdsong, blooming flowers, and sunsets- among MILLIONS of other touching sights, sounds, tastes, and smells.

My ramblings are perfectly conveyed in my favorite Primary song:

My Heavenly Father Loves Me

by Clara W. McMaster

 Whenever I hear the song of a bird

Or look at the blue, blue sky,

Whenever I feel the rain on my face

Or the wind as it rushes by,

Whenever I touch a velvet rose

Or walk by our lilac tree,

I’m glad that I live in this beautiful world

Heav’nly Father created for me.

 He gave me my eyes that I might see

The color of butterfly wings.

He gave me my ears that I might hear

The magical sound of things.

He gave me my life, my mind, my heart:

I thank him rev’rently

For all his creations, of which I’m a part.

Yes, I know Heav’nly Father loves me.

These faces are my favorite love letter from a caring and generous Heavenly Father. 

I will be forever grateful.