I Call Time-Out

Jackson leaves two weeks from today.

He is ready. 

Typhoid immunizations done.

Eye doctor is happening today.

Boxes are packed to go to Nana's house while he is gone so that Colton can move upstairs.

Two weeks and he's flying out to Mexico City for six weeks, then to Chile.

In other news, the car is dead.

Like, the guys think the engine is gone.

That leaves us with one vehicle: a 1992 Toyota pick-up truck that is barely running with 250,000 miles on it.  

Four of us work.

None within walking distance.

Three of us go to school.

Two seater.

Last night, we knelt in prayer.

To say that I feel overwhelmed is an understatement.

But, that is actually all we know --- feeling overwhelmed.

We are pretty good at this trial thing, except that we don't feel like we are pretty good at it. 

We feel like we are ready for a dang time-out.

If you have some extra prayers, we could use them. 

Please.

A Little Extra Thankful

This year, I am a little extra thankful.

Thankful that I am no longer in a wheelchair.

Thankful that my L.A. (left arm) is working and typing this post.

Thankful that I can pull my own hair back into a ponytail.

Thankful that I can get myself dressed.

Thankful that I am not in the hospital, looking at the world through a window.

Thankful that I am home. With my children.

Thankful for this team of five.

Thankful, and honored, to be their mama.

Thankful for their strength and courage and resilience and hard work.

Thankful for their devotion to their mama.

Thankful for their testimonies.

Thankful for the way they always surround me with love, just as they are in this picture.

Thankful that I can hold these babies.

Thankful that I am strong enough to watch them.

Thankful for their snuggles and kisses and giggles.

Thankful that I can pull them around the kitchen floor on a blanket.

Thankful that I can change their poopy diapers.

Thankful that I can feed them and wipe their tears.

Thankful to be their auntie.

Thankful to be a missionary mama.

20 days until this bubba of mine takes off on his new journey, his new classroom in life.

Thankful for his Priesthood.

Thankful for his worthiness.

Thankful for his example.

Thankful for his part and his role in our team of five.

Thankful that God entrusted him with me.

I am thankful for my role as a mother.

I am thankful for my role as an auntie.

I am thankful for my role on this Earth.

I am thankful that classrooms are repeatable.

I am thankful for my knowledge that God is real. I am thankful for my knowledge that His Son, Jesus Christ is my advocate, my Savior.

I am thankful for prayer. For peace. For comfort. For eyes to see and ears to hear.

I am thankful for my community, my village - which includes every single one of you.

Happy Thanksgiving.