Tender Mercies

Where we stayed three days last week.

        About five days before our trip east, my husband was let go from work along with six other people. The company said it was "a business decision." We considered not taking the trip, but our plane tickets were non-refundable and we really wanted to go. We did cancel the hotel reservation, accepted the generous offer to stay with friends of our family and with family members, and participated in more family meals than we previously planned. We had a memorable, happy time. That week cushioned the joblessness and was a big blessing.       
       If no job was our only problem, we might still feel overwhelmed, but we are also facing other big issues. I was feeling very troubled about several things this morning.
       I've been reading a book called Divine Signatures by Gerald Lund. I am not far into it, but it has already had a positive impact on my heart. It talks about the tender mercies and miracles that we receive from the Lord when we are in the midst of trials. I was reading the book outside on the hammock we have set up on our covered patio.
       Reading inspired me to pray again about my own challenges. "Complicated problems sometimes have complicated answers" was the answer to that heartfelt prayer. At the same time, I looked up at the beautiful blue sky, at a glorious sunlit cloud, at the mountains, and enjoyed the sun reflecting off of green green leaves on trees that were rustling in a peaceful wind. I was full of gratitude for this beautiful world I can enjoy. The beauty felt like a message that Heavenly Father is aware of me and that life is full of blessings despite the problems. I felt hope and knew I could be patient while waiting for complicated resolutions.        
       Not five minutes later, my husband opened the sliding glass door and came out to tell me he just received a job interview for next Monday. It may not end up in a job, but it felt very connected to my prayer. He had been discouraged about not hearing back from his numerous applications. He has received other phone calls today about different jobs. These are simple steps toward one part of a complicated answer, but they fill me with hope and gratitude.

Where I've Been

Just got back from a happy week in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C.
My son just turned ten! He wanted to spend his birthday in D.C.
That day was scorching, but we had fun.

We also went to a beautiful wedding and spent lots of quality time with family.

Worth Visiting Again

Our local zoo has new stuff. There are new polar bear, otter, and sea lion exhibits. My son and nephew also enjoyed the big water fans. Perfect for a hot summer day.

Pretty

I didn't really want to go to the skate park, but my son did, so I went with him. We walked because we could. On the way home, I noticed a bush full of these flowers. 

I enjoyed being outside on a sunny summer day.

Wasp Nest Prayer

"Dad told me to move the bird feeder off the lawn, but I knew there was a wasp's nest inside. I was scared I might get stung. I said a prayer and asked Heavenly Father to help me. First I moved the bird feeder a few inches. Nothing happened. Then I moved it a few more inches. Nothing happened. So then I moved it all the way to the sidewalk. I didn't get stung." 

Our stake president asked us to share a time when our prayers were answered with our families. This was my nine-year-old son's response quoted as well as I can remember it. I'm thankful he knows he can pray and ask for help. I'm grateful Heavenly Father loves us and that He hears and answers even our simplest prayers. 

Mildly Cool

 The idea of glow-in-the-dark bubbles was more exciting than the reality. It was fun to mix in the chemicals and watch the glowing begin. The actual bubbles didn't glow much-- not enough to show in a picture. 

Obviously the concentration of bubble mix glowed nicely.
The package said the glowing only lasts for twenty minutes. Ours was dimming significantly after five.
The kids are still in the dark backyard blowing bubbles and it's been about fifteen minutes. There's a little bit of glow left in the bottom of the container. It might be the novelty of blowing bubbles in the dark more than the actual bubbles keeping them out there. These bubbles were three dollars more than regular bubble juice. I don't think I'd buy it again, but it was somewhat entertaining to try something new.
My daughter just came inside. "That was interesting," she said.

Summer House

Her brother and sister were at school. It was her first day of summer vacation. She wanted to have a mother-daughter activity. She didn't want to go shopping, clean house, or go to a park. I didn't want to do anything too difficult. 

Until today, this birdhouse sat unpainted on top of a book shelf. When she received it four or five years ago, she didn't know what colors she wanted to paint it, so she left it plain, unpainted wood. We chose colors we liked, kept it super simple, and just set it in the tree when we were done. Hopefully the wind won't blow it out. She insisted we buy birdseed to lure the birds. We ended up shopping after all. 

Ain't No Sunshine

Looking Forward to Tomorrow

(This was an ad that we got in our mailbox a week or so ago put out by the U. of U. Natural History Museum.)

We have our solar glasses ready. 

Layers

Abundance