Touch-a-Truck

I am on Jury Duty. In Nampa we “volunteer” for an entire month. I cannot tell you how hard it is to call everyday and check to see when my jury number might be called up. Anyone who knows me knows I am terrible with keeping track of my phone, texting, etc. I am happy to do my civic duty, but maybe for one week instead of an entire month. 

Phillip and Josie finished their instrument lessons until we figure out Justin’s job situation. Phillip is very sad, he loves his lessons with Sam. The little girls had a spa day at Sister Finch’s home for Activity Days. Oh my fancy. They came home on cloud nine with freshly adorned nails, smooth skin, homemade bath salts, and all sorts of stories. Evelyn promptly told me, “Mom, it is very important for a lady to take time out for herself and pamper for beauty.” The older kids and Justin joined the ward out at the peach orchard to thin our row assignment this year. We only have one row this year, it took us several weeks last year to get 2 rows thinned. 

Justin led a very special family devotional Thursday night. He was praying, feeling sad that our children are going through all the hard feelings pertaining to his unemployment. Evelyn especially is quite concerned. He quickly felt that the kids need to experience and learn from our current situation, as an opportunity to grow their confidence in God. We listened to a portion of Elder Bednar’s April 2024 talk, that in times of stillness we are enabled to know and remember that God is our Heavenly Father. We sat in silence for 5 minutes pondering what lessons our family has learned so far and what blessings we can see so far. 

Simplify our expenses

Happier Dad at home, working on projects, attending school activities

Time to work on a budget

Find a better work situation for Justin

Time to build our faith

Blessed that Justin has time to work on Elder’s Quorum 

Blessed to clear our schedule, less pressure on me after work

 

I loved hearing the children’s point of view about lessons and blessings. Being still and listening is important to pull out in hard times. Before this conversation Sara and I went to Eagle to pick up our MCO tour packets. I wanted to at least get our t-shirts and swag since that was part of the money we paid toward tour. As soon as I walked in all those lovely ladies swarmed me with hugs and words of encouragement. I heard over and over, your family is in our prayers. I am holding onto hope that we will find a way, that Justin will find employment soon. I was asked to manage attire for the tour the days before, it was hard to explain the situation and say probably not, pray our situation will change. I really have an MCO family, it is wonderful. We headed to the Meridian Temple to do some initiatory work. Sara’s recommend had expired and the walk-in list was too long. Darn it! We assuaged our tears with a milk shake. 

Friday Mrs Villa organized an awesome community activity for the school kids called Touch-a-Truck. City workers brought their big trucks for students to learn about and explore. We had the fire department, police, road paver, digger, paint truck, stop light repair, grader, street cleaner, National Guard, Police SWAT, and a couple motorcycles! The event ran during each grades specials time, which meant I was outside to help guide and manage the students. The day before it was 89 outside, gratefully the temperatures dropped to 71, making the day much more bearable. Justin joined with his motorcycle for the last couple hours. He was quite busy popping kids off and on his motorcycle. I was known as umbrella or hat lady, gotta keep my white skin white! 

Justin and I went to the temple to finish off the names I printed out for Thursday. I still have 5 more to get done, excited we got 20 names completed. I was grateful for time to “be still” once again. The Celestial Room was empty so I enjoyed a few moments to pray and cry in silence. We both feel hopeful that Justin will soon find a job. 

I got myself out of bed early enough to get grocery shopping done before the Nampa parade started. We found a spot near Idaho Rhythm…in the shade! Score! Our spot was near the end of the parade route, so we waited 40 minutes until the parade started marching by. Fergus was very excited! He was intimidated by a guy in an elephant outfit and the Dragons Love Tacos puppet. The kids shared candy with the littles around us, glad they were willing to share and not be grabby hands. I got my cute little tomato plants in the ground finally. Hopefully, I can plant a few seeds like cucumbers and beans. Amelia and Everett accompanied me to Caldwell’s College of Idaho campus for a large family photo session. I photographed the Hyer family, all 35 members plus two dogs and two exchange students. It was challenging to find spots that appeased the majority AND met my qualifications. Kim thought it would be a quick 30-40 minute endeavor. I laughed and said it would take 2-2.5 hours. She laughed…I won! After the family left I took birthday photos of Amelia and Everett. We were starving and tired, cheap Del Taco burritos at 8:30 pm helped out immensely.