Tiny miracles

Today was yet another day of moving preparations. We went to the dollar store to get some stickers for our yard sale. Belle and Will took turns chasing each other around the store with dinosaur masks on. But the cool thing was, we haven't even thought about asking people for boxes yet, because we have had enough for what we have packed so far. When we were checking out, though, the thought came to me that I should ask them for boxes. Well, the other cashier (who I just love, he's hilarious), burst in and said, "Please, please take them away. I have so many I can't even fit them on my cart to get rid of them. They just keep falling all over." Then he grabbed a cart and took us back there. He said, "I was hoping that someone would come take them today and make my life a little easier." I told him how wasn't that cool that just the day he was hoping for that was just the day I asked. Definitely a small thing, but isn't it cool how Heavenly Father even cares about those tiny things? He helped both of us out today.

Singing in the rain.

Tonight was a fun rainy night. Wednesday nights are a whole family event for us. I have Young Women activities and Will has Cub Scouts. Since they are at the same time, we bring Belle along. We pack her up with her "colorings" and other such things to keep her occupied, and she usually hangs out in the Scout room (cuz honestly, do boys really prepare anything anyway?) But tonight she bopped back and forth between the two activities. We made hair clips tonight for Young Womens and Belle wanted to be a part of it. Will finished before I did and was ready to take Belle with him to the store until I was done, but the girls begged Will to let her stay. They helped her make her own clip. She was in heaven being with the big girls (or "Young Yomens" as she calls it). Well after it was done, Belle and I had to wait for Will to come back from the store to pick us up at the church. It was raining outside and Belle wanted to dance in the rain. So that is exactly what we did. Rain in Missouri is so nice and warm. It makes it really fun to play in. We danced and sang every rain song I could think of at the top of our lungs. Then Will came and all three of us splashed in puddles soaking ourselves. What a fun night. I wish I'd had my camera, but I definitely took some mental pictures. I love my little family.

All around the mulberry bush...

The other night we picked a bunch of mulberries from a tree near our home. We came back and ate them that night and with our breakfast. Belle LOVES them. I think she ate most of them. They stain her hands and mouth really bad though. They are so sweet and a yummy treat. By the way, Belle is in a diaper because she is getting ready for bed, in case you are wondering. And yes, she still pees the bed.
We are getting closer to being ready to move. We got one of our biggest projects done yesterday. We cleaned out our Lumina (what a disaster!), vacuumed it, and washed it to get it ready to sell. Belle thought the washing part was just great. Will kept spraying her with the sprayer and she was soaked and loving it. It was a REALLY hot day, so I didn't mind getting wet, too. Today we tackle our biggest project. Cleaning my nieces apartment. But after that is done it's all easy stuff from there. Just finish packing, hold a yard sale, and just a few little things here and there. Yay! I need to get off this computer and get next door. I keep psyching myself out! :)

Katie

Preparing for this move has definitely had some ups and downs. The one that surprised me the most was how difficult it was to have to give our dog up this last weekend. We have not found a single place that would allow a Doberman to live there out in Maryland (which I loved how the lady who took her said if they really knew the breed they wouldn't say that). We knew we couldn't take her with us. We prepared Belle a couple days in advance that Katie would be living with a new family. It was hard for her, but she talked about it a lot, and we explained the whole process to her and why we couldn't bring her. Belle was given a beautiful blessing to help her during this time. It made me realize that it was important for her to learn about sacrifice already at this age. So I've been trying to teach her from a different angle now. I've been explaining to her about the real reasons why we're going to Maryland, how Heavenly Father has asked us to, and whenever we do what He asks of us, no matter the sacrifice or difficulty, it is always for the better. And we will receive blessings for choosing it. Better blessings than what we even sacrifice. I'm grateful to know I have a Father in Heaven who loves me so much.

 This is of the day before Katie left. Playing at the dog park.

It was a very hard day when Katie left. It surprised me how difficult it was for me. I knew it would be for Belle and Will, but I didn't realize how much she was just a part of our family. I miss her annoyingly always following me around, tripping me up as I'm doing dishes. I miss her sticking her head in my lap for me to pet her. She drove me insane, but I loved her, too. Will and Belle just held each other and sobbed as the lady drove away with our dog. It broke my heart. That night Will and I laid awake talking and crying until 1:30 in the morning. I do know we are making the right choice and that we are heading to a better life. Sometimes the process or journey is difficult though. I can't wait to be on the blessings side of it. But I guess that's how we always feel.
This message, Good Things to Come - www.youtube.com/mormonmessages about Elder Holland as a young father made Will and I both cry today as we watched it. It felt so much like us. But I loved Elder Holland's talk. I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given. I will miss my ward and my young women dearly, but I do believe we will have much joy in the time to come.
Elder Holland's full talk is here: http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=965a6a4430c0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD (very good)

Preparation Time

So here I sit and wonder what tomorrow will hold for us. Will said to me yesterday if I had known how crazy our life would have been, I probably wouldn't have married him. I told him he was so wrong. I never want our life not to be like this. Not to be one crazy wild adventure. Sure it comes with some serious challenges, but our life is always interesting. I'm always on my toes. I wouldn't trade any of it. Well...maybe a couple days here and there. :)  So now we plan and prepare for the next couple of crazy adventures coming our way. Hopefully as we listen to the spirit we will be guided and taken care of. He has not failed us yet!

Nauvoo

Here's some pics from our trip to Nauvoo last week:

Will makes a hot pioneer, doesn't he? I think he should fashion that garb a little more often. :)

It sure was a fun trip. We decided to go to the temple in Nauvoo since it's only an hour further than ours, and then we can have something for Belle to do while the other person goes to the temple than switch. I hope to go back soon.