2020 will go down in infamy as the year all of us hope to forget! :) However, in the field of dirt and mud, we have discovered some diamonds as well. We actually went diamond hunting here in Arkansas a few months ago, and didn't find any diamonds, so I have a new appreciation for diamonds. They are rare, but they are beautiful and valuable. Our Christmas was lovely, our trip to Utah was amazing, and this spring in Arkansas has been breathtakingly beautiful! In Utah we were hosted so kindly by Nate's family and also spent a night or two with Mike and Jenet and two nights with my parents in Southern Utah on their mission. We went skiing with Nate's sister Jenica and my sister Jenet's family. I got to play my violin with the Orchestra at Temple Square.
A highlight was also visiting my parents on their mission in Bluff Fort Utah. I will never forget hiking where the Pioneers brought the wagons, horses, and children on that treacherous hill and at the top reading 'We Thank Thee oh God' etched into the side of the mountain. No one but angels to cheer them on in that desert, and even the mission was ultimately unsuccessful in some ways but their examples of faith in Heavenly Father and their trust in His servants is a gift they have given to their children that is in our very blood now. Such a beautiful reminder to give Him thanks in every thing - for His strength, His guidance, His love. We also went to a fun BYU v Stanford Volleyball game with Nate's Dad and brother Jordan, and I got to see other family members which I loved.
This Spring we celebrated Lizzie's 2nd and Stanley's 6th birthdays on the 10th and 14th, respectively. We also celebrated Mother's Day on the 10th which was wonderful. Nate and I turned 34 which is hard to believe sometimes :). We found out we were pregnant this spring, which was a joy, right before I went to San Diego to spend some time with my sisters and parents. I suffered from morning sickness and exhaustion, so when I hit 14 weeks and finally started feeling myself again, we celebrated by visiting some beautiful places here in Arkansas - Ouachita Lake and hiking in Petit Jean. Caronavirus hit the world with a furry and many people have suffered in many ways as a result - death and sickness, isolation, a weakened economy, lost jobs and a lot of stress and worry. Mason got his wish and got to be home schooled also as a result.
We got a small pool to survive the summer heat here, and are planning to move to Texas so that Nate can fulfill his next assignment in the military in Abilene at Dyess Air Force Base. Our baby is planning to make his/her appearance sometime in the end of October or early November. We find out the gender next Wednesday. We are so sad not to be able to fly to Utah next week to visit our family - but we are trying to learn patience, and have hope for the future. Lizzie has a small surgery to align her eyes a little better this month on the 30th, so please keep her in your prayers. Her eyes are otherwise looking wonderfully - 20/20 in her right and 20/40 in her left which is miraculous. They have said that the daily 3 hour gueling patching has been paying off hugely, so we are so grateful. This surgery is something most children have to have who are born with a cataract. It will help her depth perception as well as her peripheral vision. We are grateful for modern medical technology, inspired and hard working doctors and scientists which makes it possible to experience life normally after being born with near blindness in one eye.
We love you and we are so thankful for you in our lives!!
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