{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!}
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Darling girl! This was a big week. Connor turned SEVEN. Yikes. He had his little BBB, a water bday party in the yard, and relightable candles. =)
You gave him a bat, ball & glove. He LOVES them. =)
Derek went to Scout Camp and had a blast. Here's Hammock City. Hopefully I get more pics from his leaders from during the week... he came with a total for his dirty clothes: 2 BATHING SUITS, 2 UNDIES, 1 SHIRT, 1 SOCKS. Ugh. It was like he was trying to beat Morgan's record. But he came home smiling so huge!!!
K, I had to share this. Since Chloe doesn't really have a bed in the LR, she has been using Zeus' bed exclusively, so they have learned how to snuggle. BUT. The other night, Chloe came and walked around in front of Zeus sleeping, and then promptly sat right on his face. On top of his nose. It's hard to see, but I had to share it with you.
Again, Chloe is getting lots of love & attention while you're gone. Maybe more than when you were here because everyone wants to do something to support you, so they pet your dog and talk to her all cute. =)
The guys worked on the driveway during the week. It's so exciting.
And Halle & Kierste convinced us to move their beds apart... they've been waiting patiently for this. =)
Connor celebrated his birthday with Lianny (4th of July) and Mia, turning 1. And Jodie & Tim, and Tyler & Bethany just got into town!!! Connor was so excited about his huge pool and slip & slide from Grandpa & Grandma. =)
Here's us taking a picture last night for you after Grandma's house:
And this morning:
Doesn't it look so beautiful? It just adds so much peace to my life right now. =)
And HAHAHAHA! I forgot. Bryce Cooper came over this week to practice giving his Cutco knife schpeel... he walked out of the house with the keys to Rocky. He was beaming!!! No one was driving it, and we haven't gotten around to selling it, so we just offered for him to drive it until he leaves on his mission in a few months. He's starting his papers right now. So Carlie sent me this pic as she was driving down the street because it made her do a double-take, even though she's the one who handed him the keys.
DON'T BE SAD. We will totally sell it and put the money in your account. But for right now, it's helping a soon-to-be missionary. He's SO HAPPY to have wheels. You should see his face. It's awesome. =)
Miranda, I have to tell you, that Tuesday, Connor was walking around his room & the hallway so somber and on the verge of tears. I asked him what was wrong, and he said "I just really miss Miranda." I took him in my arms and he teared up a little. I told him that you were happy where you were and that you didn't want to come home until it was time next year. That you were Heavenly Father's servant; that He could ask you to do something and you would just go do it. That you were following His instructions and helping people all around you all day and He needed you. I promised him that if he ever felt like he was too sad that you were gone, he could pray and tell HF what he was feeling and ask Him to help him feel better, and He would. I knew I could promise him that because it's true.
Kiddo, I hope things are going better with your companion. I pray for you, and I know that what you're going through is only for your good, even though I wish I could rescue you & make it all better. I wish I could just make her see you for who you really are, because she would cease immediately from any strife with you. She's a really good person, and it sounds like a really good missionary. She will come around; I just hope it's while you're her companion.
IF NOT, YOU JUST KEEP ON. You push through this, little girl. You are strong, and you have Heavenly Father watching over you. He only gives you things that you can handle, even if they're hard. This is one of those times that you're going to look back on and say, "My mission was one of the hardest things I've done, but I wouldn't change anything because of the things I learned and who I became."
You're already doing it, I can tell. You have got this, because you're a rockstar, Hermana Madsen. I'm saying this not being able to see the computer because I'm sobbing. You are so strong, and I know you can do this. Do it like a girl.
Hazlo como una hermana de La Iglesia de Jesucristo. Como una sirvienta de Cristo.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo, Mom
