{For 18 months – Jan ’17 to
Jul ’18 – I'm posting our letter to Miranda while she's on her mission to
Cochabamba, Bolivia. Our letter titles are taken from a list of family
sayings & catchphrases we recorded onto a pillowcase she has with
her. You can read her adventures on her mission blog: www.hermanamadsen.blogspot.com!}
-->
So the reason I chose this subject heading is the kids have been quoting & referring to HSM 1, 2 & 3 lately. In fact, today, yes, the sabbath, Morgan was reminiscing about the junkyard scene and singing, "The Boys Are Back." I know, we're sinners.
Morgan has been going hammocking out in the scrub oak behind the park with his friends a lot this summer, and at one point, went out with just Derek & Carlie & they brought their yearbooks and hung out with treats one night. So while Morgan & Carlie were at youth conference this week, Derek led the littles out there and set up 4 hammocks so they could hang out 'til dark together. They were so cute walking out there together with their water bottles & snacks.
Let's see, Halle, Kierste & Connor went to Veronica's outdoor water party and got some good old-fashioned sunburns. But they had rented that huge professional blow-up water slide, so it was worth it. =)
And then this happened. You'll appreciate this:
Then Morgan & Carlie went to Snow College campus for youth conference & went to the Manti Pageant and stayed in the apartment dorms. It was a GIANT UNSUPERVISED SLEEPOVER WITH THEIR FRIENDS, in basically their own house. Ugh. Morgan killed it at the dance and had the cute girls flirting with & hugging him. Carlie saw the guy who had stopped her at the BYU bookstore and asked her if she went to Lone Peak & invited him to hang out with her at the activities. Huge water activities and cool firesides.
On Saturday morning I met Jeff Goodsell and the 6 kids at the Thx Pt park & ride at FIVE AM and drove them to the airport so they could fly to NC for 2 weeks where his mom, dad & sister & BIL live. Parking their 2 cars at the airport for the 2 weeks would have broken the bank. But I got to be an answer to his prayers for something else. I appreciate so much the little times that I get to find out that I was used for the Lord's work. Jeff had enough frequent flyer miles to get him & 4 of his kids to NC free, and then his sister paid for the other 2 kids. He just doesn't have very much money right now, and he was worried about the cost of eating along the way at their layovers, etc. He prayed specifically that he would find a way to have enough for the trip, and I couldn't really get it out of my head that I should get $100 cash and bring it with me & find a time to give it to him when his kids weren't paying attention. When we pulled up to the airport I told him it was for eating at the airport for layovers, and he was a little stunned. It never felt too generous or too much. It felt completely right. Then he texted me later & told me about his prayers. I love that Heavenly Father felt like He could use me. It makes me feel like I need to be better and try to bring my A-game so He can do more with me.
You got a new niece. Claire was born this week. :)
Oh and Natalex are pregnant with another girl!!
Then the canyon started on fire.
Connors bday is tomorrow... He's 7!!! I can't believe it. You won't believe how old he sounds when he talks now. Stop it, all of you!!!
And just to top off our letter, here's Marky with Zeus the other day when Dad went to help grandpa with their fence. :).
Dad's post - "It's hot outside."
Markianny absolutely loves Zeus and can't get enough of him:
Markianny absolutely loves Zeus and can't get enough of him:
If I'm a little distracted and miss instant messaging with you tomorrow, it's just because we'll be throwing a party for 8 little boys in the back yard with water balloons etc. Hopefully it will be over by the time you're on. :) Love, Your mama
