Because I have Been Given Much {Miguel's Missionary Moment}

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On my wall hangs a large count down calendar which denotes how many days Miguel has left in his mission.  After coloring in the dot yesterday, only 319 days left until he comes home,  I realized that #319 is my favorite Hymn in our church Hymnal.  "Because I have Been Given Much". 

Because I have been given much, I too must give.Because of thy great bounty, Lord each day I live.I shall divide my gifts from thee with every brother that I see,who has the need of help from me.Because I have been sheltered, fed by thy good care…I cannot see another’s lack and I not share-my glowing fire, my loaf of bread-my roof’s safe shelter over head,that he too may be comforted.Because I have been blessed by thy great love dear Lord,I’ll share thy love again according to thy word.I shall give love to those in need. I’ll show that love by word and deed,thus shall my thanks be thanks indeed.

The lyrics reminded me that despite whatever trials I am going through, I am so blessed.  And, because I have been given much, I have shared my son with my Heavenly Father as Miguel serves and teaches and loves the good people of Atlanta, Georgia.

I must remember every day to be grateful.  And that I am...

Hello Monday!

Hello Monday!

Hello fires in Idaho!  

This was taken from a friend's subdivision. It's beautiful yet frightening.

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Hello Hannah Anderson.  

So glad you were found less than two hours from my home. 

 Idaho rocks!  Just sayin'

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Hello MRI showing three bulging discs. 

(Not an actual picture of mine...)

Back pain anyone?  Now on to being healed...

Summer: Epic Failure

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I had a small list of things I wanted to accomplish this summer...things like painting a room and redecorating it, losing some weight with lots of time to exercise, go to an amusement park and get my roller coaster on.  My summer has become an epic failure due to this back issue.  I have accomplished nothing I set out to do because of this stinking back pain thing.  I have read lots of books and spent some wonderful time with Ladybug, but when I don't measure up to my mental list, well that's a hard pill to swallow.

I am finally getting to the root of the issues this week with further testing and imaging and ironically just  as I'm heading back to work.  This is the end of my school break, back to that school office and registrations.

As far as I'm concerned, summer break is never long enough.  

What have you been able to accomplish this summer?

Three Degrees of Separation {Miguel's Missionary Moment}

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Miguel has recently been transferred within his Church Mission in Georgia.  He is now living, serving and teaching within Lawrenceville, Georgia.  I'm sure you've often heard the theory of six degrees of separation.  The theory that says we are six or fewer steps away from anyone in the world.  Well, the other day, I made a random three degrees of separation from my son.  While visiting my doctor regarding my back issues he mentioned to me that he received an email from his brother who is living in Georgia.  His brother mentioned to him that there was a young man serving in his Church from our town here in Idaho and asked his doctor brother if he knew of him.  Being that my doctor is Miguel's doctor, too, he said, "Yes!  I know them".  So, my doctor's brother attends the same church in Georgia as Miguel.  That's three degrees of separation. 

I love how small our world can sometimes seem.

Air Force Man Returns

This past week we have been enjoying the company of TJ.  He came home for a visit from the Albuquerque where he is stationed in the AIR FORCE.  He hasn't seen these two jokers in over two years...They welcomed him home with a sign and to give him a hard time they put National Guard...Check out those patriotic socks and pink shoes.  That kids a hoot.

When TJ lived at home he worked at Little Caesars.  He couldn't even make it home before stopping for some pizza.  I swear this kid eats like 4,000 calories a day.  He is constantly eating.  

It has been fun for him to reconnect with his friends and amazing for us to have him home.  Today we put him back on an air plane.  It is never easy watching your kids leave.