Road trips to Bluebell!

Our Toyota Sienna has seen one too many long road trips as of late.  Once It had a gray shiny seats now the seats are gray and whatever color Ritz crackers + gray makes. (when somebody finds the perfect traveling treat for three year olds… Please let me know)… And I will give a reward to anyone who has the cure for the whining six-year-old who is constantly thirsty… I am a glutton for punishment if Long road trips bring us closer to family, then bring on the Ritz crackers.

This weekend we got to Take our Toyota sienna all the way to Bluebell, Utah, Jared's hometown.  Two of his nieces were talking in church.  Both decided on the day that President Monson made the big announcement (girls can now serve a mission at age 19 as opposed to 21) that they would be serving a mission!  In fact, I distinctly remember checking my Facebook that day to see Jessica say "I'M GOING ON A MISSION!"  And Cortney frantically searching for her mother (who was not near a phone) to tell her that she too was GOING ON A MISSION!

6 months later, we are here, with one shortly departing for Ohio and one for New York.   That in itself is amazing, but what I saw on Sunday was even more amazing.  There is a scripture that frequently runs through my mind it comes from the Doctrine and Covenants.  It gives me hope for Ally's future.  And on Sunday I saw manifested in two of her cousins.

LET VIRTUE GARNISH THY THOUGHTS UNCEASINGLY… Then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God…

They were beautiful and so fun to listen to, but it went so much further than that.  Cortney showed such grace and True understanding.  Jessica has a depth of understanding in spiritual matters that she has paid a price for.  It was everything a mother could hope for!   And I know I am not their mom, but I would have been proud to be!  As they spoke I kept checking Ally to see if she was seeing the POSSIBILITIES!

Jared and I are both on the younger end when it comes to sibling order....That is proving to be a huge blessing for us and our kids!   We are watching and learning much!  Good luck Cortney and Jessica.  Remember, with virtue comes confidence!  You are well on your way!