Our Heart Goes Out

 It has taken me a while to post this just because it was such a scare to us. If you haven't heard about the sad news here is a link. 4 Marines killed   Gratefully our Marine is safe, but we feel for those who have lost their loved ones. 
When I got a call on Wednesday of the event from Andrew's Grandmother my heart sank. No one had heard anything, which is suppose to be a good sign right...? It did nothing to stop the "what if" in my head or heart. When I spoke with his dad I could no longer keep it together. Hearing how he was feeling...there are no words to put to the feelings of losing a child. I said a pray remembering that God out of anyone would know if he was safe. The answer came "yes", but I still doubted, heavily. I wanted to be comforted by what the Lord had told me, but it is in times of greatest trial I see where I need more work in trust.
We got word late that night that he was safe! I balled again, but out of great joy. The Lord had answered, and kept him safe.
Though our Marine is safe we feel deeply for those who lost theirs. They served much longer for our country and in greater depth then our friend has. I am grateful for all they did, and I pray for their families to hear the Lord better than I did. I would have them hear the comfort that they will see their family member again. That the Marines that have passed are safe with God, and that He will be with the families left behind to carry them. We just have to recognize His hand. I know that does not magically make the lose feel better, but I know it is true and in time we will understand more and our pain will lessen.

Snow Today!

 The second time we played was much colder than the first. The temp is dropping so I think ice may be tomorrow! Our foster boy loved it!!!!! (Just a note: I say "foster boy" one b/c I can't put his info on this blog legally, but also to promote foster care. Anyone who types it in may run into our site and get an idea to change a life!)

Andrew is Back to Business

Andrew reported back into more training today. This time it is combat training, and he wont be able to contact us for a month. Nothing for a whole month, killer! After that then he can. And maybe we will see him for Christmas, and get to call for his birthday. After all this is done we may face the challenge of a mission for our church. It will be a great blessing it is just hard to have him gone. Gives new meaning to absents makes the heart grow fonder.  But just think of what the future could hold for him because of these great experiences that will make him the man he will be.  Already the change has been great between getting the priesthood and boot camp.

Andrew is Home!

He graduated yesterday morning and came home after. I was upstairs and Randall came up to tell me we had a visitor that I might want to see. I replied with a laugh and said who Andrew. He didn't respond and I ran! While we hugged I balled. I was so grateful to have him home! Still am! Our plans immediately changed. Instead of going to our ward chili cook off we went with Andrew to his sweet grandparents home for dinner. They were the picture perfect grandparents. Spoiling our kids and playing with them, holding them, and loving them. We got to be with his dad Alex, brother Mark, friend Jay, grandparents Naomi and John, and of course Andrew!!!!!!!! It was a wonderful day. Wish I would have brought my camera. I was just to excited to go be with him!  We laughed as we looked over family pictures and heard fun stories of days passed. The kids had a great time playing with Andrew and Mark. Two of there most favorite people. What a great time! On the down side we found Andrew has to go back to San Diego for a month for more training, but for now he is home for his 10day leave. After the month he gets another break then more schooling. Not sure how long or where for that one yet.

Halloween Events

 Despicable me family!

Had to cut out a lot of pics b/c we cant have Ray in them yet still.