Missionaries

I just love Mondays because its on Monday that I get an email from Michael. Mums all over the world just sit at the computer waiting for that email to come through. Mornings are started off with excitement and then relief when that email comes through. They have made it through another week.  So today as I was contemplating my email, my thoughts were cast back to last week when a pool guy came to look at our pool and the dog was going ballistic. I was explaining to him that although she barks madly, shes a very good guard dog and we like to give her access to the inside as well.   Then he proceeded to tell me that his dogs and himself dont like Mormons coming to the door. This is my reply.

I had a guy tell me last week that he had a dislike to Mormons knocking on his door (unbeknown to him I was one with a son who is doing that), I was very quiet about it and looked at him and thought......."If only you knew".
These kids are out there with no pay, spat on, chased by dogs (and their owners), persecuted, hungry at times for a decent meal, missing their families and friends, suffering from either heat or cold exposure, dealing with living with someone 24/7 whom they may not altogether get along with, and living by strict rules.
Give them a break, they are only trying to find those who truly want something in their lives that will give them hope and faith. Out of all the doors they knock on there arent many people who respond with a polite "No thanks" but,..... they trudge on.
These boys (and girls) go out as youth and come home as men and women, and have put up with more than alot of other kids their age would put up with.
And last but not least.................Their Mother sheds many tears and prays to God that they are brought home safely.
So next time you come across them, dont shout profanities and slam the door, be kind and considerate and remember....2 years is a long time to be without your family. That should be a testament in itself that they believe in what they are doing.

 Michael having a game of golf on Pday with his companion.

Lonely Saturday without Lambchop (Gary), Tristens 16th tomorrow.

Well it is all too quiet here today. Tristen tends to lock himself in his room and live off the computer, so this house is lets say...Too quiet.
Cant believe though that my baby of all the boys is turning 16 tomorrow. Where have the years gone.

 He actually took this photo to kindy one day and showed the teachers. lol

 At a water park near Ipswich. About 2 years old

 His Pre-school photo. Nanango, 2000

 In the backyard at 38 Diosma Drive. Highfields.

 Sitting at the computer, as usual

 Moore Park Beach.

 Taken at the Zoo park, Bundy just before Michael left for his mission. 2010.
 LOVE HIM DEARLY!!!!!!!! I certainly went into the depths of near death having him, but he has been worth every part of it and I'd do it again for him.

The dogs sleep all day except for the occasional absolutely ballistic barking by Biddy. Bella just shuts the world out, doesnt take much, shes absolutely stone deaf and nearly blind. Poor doggy.

A Monday kind of Day

After taking up 5 pairs of Jeans, washing all the towels, sheets and clothes, and seeing Gary off for another week out west, I decided to make these white choc and raspberry muffins.  Quick as and good for after school - between work. Tristen will devour them most probably.
We are slowly but surely getting our head around how blessed we have been. Still have to pinch myself.

My missionary fella

8 months to go. Miss him soooooooo much. He is still in Bussleton and training this guy, Elder Wright from Idaho (I think).  He is loving his mission and enthused to have a wonderful companion.

Quick visit from the Toowoomba-ites

Quick but I got some quality cuddling and cooing time. Just love this little guy. 10 weeks old

JAYDENS BLESSING

I am so in love with my little Grandson. He is such a delight and has brought alot of love into our lives, not that we didnt have any. lol
He was blessed on the 11th March in Toowoomba.  I was taken back by how many people attended. Quite a lot came from far and near.

And after the blessing we ventured up to Picnic Point for a picnic of course. 

Garys new job!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeehah!  We have turned a corner in our life.  Gary is now working out at Emerald for a mining contractor. He works 7 days on, 7 off.  WHAT A WONDERFUL BLESSING!!!
Super, holiday, sick pay.  Oh my I keep having to pinch myself. In all the years he has worked, he has NEVER had holiday pay. mmmm. where to go, where to go????  General Conference..of course! 12 months time.

I am so excited and relieved for him to be doing this.  He is getting way to old to be doing heavy lifting etc that was required of him.  Just so happy, we both deserve this.  YES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!