The winds of change...........

Elder Marvin J. Ashton said "There is nothing so unchanging, so inevitable as change itself. The things we see, touch, and feel are always changing. Relationships between friends, husband and wife, father and son, brother and sister are all dynamic, changing relationships. There is a constant that allows us to use change for our own good, and that constant is the revealed eternal truths of our Heavenly Father." What comfort the last part of that statement gives me, especially since our home has seen quite a few changes lately, and there is only more to come!

First, I have become a working mother again. I am back working for a local chiropractor, around 37 hours a week. The way this job came into my life is nothing short of an answered prayer and a blessing from a loving Father. I assumed since I prayed for this and needed it, that would make it easy. Um, NOT SO MUCH :)! The adjustments the kids and I have had to make have been difficult and uncomfortable. Tommy and Eliza have felt my absence the most and have had the hardest time accepting this new change, but we are finally finding our rhythm and things are calming down a bit. The dynamics of our home have shifted significantly, but if we can lay hold of the one constant, the reveled eternal truths of our Heavenly Father, we will survive.

Shelby is now the golden age of 16. She has been driving for some time, but her sweet brother arranged for a double date on her birthday. Yes, I just said DATE, wow. He chose a boy she is comfortable and friends with and it was the best first date she could have asked for. She has become my nanny, my right hand helper, and I am so grateful for her cooperation and wholehearted willingness to help out while I am not at home. I am continually amazed at her happy spirit and her ability to adapt, and know who she is, even during times of change.

George is on the brink of some amazing changes. High School graduation is a mere month away and he has received his mission call to the Philippines Manila mission. Today in Stake Conference he was sustained to receive the Melchizedek priesthood and be ordained to the office of an Elder. He will report to the Philippines MTC on August 16th and learn to preach the gospel in the language of Tagalog. He received his Eagle Scout award a couple of months ago, and as much as he prepared and worked for that award, it pales in comparison to the adventure he is about to embark on. We will have another shift in the family and some more adjustments to make that will be uncomfortable and difficult, but comfort will come through the constant of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Mike will return home on May 22nd! Hooray!!! It is time for him to be with us for a while, but his coming home always brings about great change. Some wonderful and some not so wonderful :). Having the priesthood back in the home is something I always look forward to, but those who know me well, know relinquishing control is not my strong suit :).

Little Michael will return from his mission to Kennewick Washington on August 13th. Yes, a mere day or so before George is scheduled to leave. He will be living at home again, not sure of what to do with himself or how he fits into the returned missionary world, BAM change! For all of us. I am going to say it again, I will be thankful for the constant of the eternal truths of the gospel to cling on to, as I am sure he will feel the same.

Here are a few snap shots of the family over the last couple of months. Also here is a link to a youtube video of George opening his mission call :), ignore my screaming and irrational shooshing......