Step by step

 Two days after Avram got home we went to the temple with one of Avrams closest friends, Stefan.  Stefan and his wife took out their endowments in the Bountiful temple.  I love that Avram was here for this amazing experience.  In a few weeks we will get to see Stefan, Brooklyn and their daughter Baylor sealed in the temple.  💕

No Words

I don't know how to put into words the joy, excitement, fear, and love I have felt this week.  Seeing Avram come home has truly been a roller coaster of mixed emotions.  Knowing what is ahead for him is terrifying.  There is "safety and simplicity" in being a missionary.  

That being said, it was one of the greatest days of my life spending the day together with 3 of our kids.  I think the only thing that will be better is when all four kids are together, laugh and joking as if no time has passed.  

Avrams plane arrived 20 mins early so luckily we had a few people show up early enough to welcome him home.  Everyone else showed up within mins of his arrival. 

Avram was released the following day. Hearing Avrams testimony was humbling.  To see the love he has developed for his Savior helps me understand why we are given this earthly experience.  

 

Some things don't change

We are still taking many trips up north to build cabins.  Adam is typically in Island park 2-3 days a week.  

It's already getting chilly up there.  We broke out the hot coco. 

Of course with fall here and the weather beginning to change, there is lots to do in the yard.  

We have also used the pizza oven a couple of times in the past month.   

And Young Women's is a weekly party.  

 

We have been trunky

 Yes, we have been trunky to get Avram home.  He has grown and changed so much these past two years.  He has accomplished things I never thought possible.  He hasn't had an easy mission.  His mission president assigned him companions that needed to "be fixed."  Avram struggled not only with a difficult mission when it comes to teaching but he spent too much time having to battle companions that didn't want to follow rules.  But through these challenges Avram has been able to build a relationship with the Savior that will be priceless.  

I have been preparing Avrams room.  We had a major flood this summer so we ended up replacing the flooring and repainting his room.  Several months ago I decided to make Avram a mission blanket.  I bought fabric that was in the pattern of the Aboriginal art in Australia.  I asked mom for help in embroidering some things on the blanket.  Well this was a win win win for me. lol.  

Mom got carried away, I bought the fabric and cut it.  Mom took the pieces embroidered the items and then couldn't wait to get it put together.  So this was the easiest blanket I have ever made but didn't make.  Im actually extremely thankful for her help.  Im not sure how I would have squeezed it in with everything else going on.  It would have been awful having this blanket in pieces and not complete for his return.  

Never did I ever...

 Never did I ever think I would be canning.  

 Never did I ever think I would be canning things from my own garden.

 Never did I ever think I would have chickens and enjoy their eggs 

Never did I ever think I would be "crafting" and making corsages for dances.  (David Adams first date!) 

Never did I ever think I would design and make posters

Never did I ever think I would have a son returning from a mission!!!

Never did I ever think I would have a nephew that loved me this much

(this is him when I left his house)

Never did I ever think I would be making sour dough bread.

I may have never thought these things would be part of my life but Im thankful the Lord knew what I needed and what would bring me joy and he helped me so I could enjoy all these blessings.