Grateful for Service to God and Country

Our friend Jeff has decided to enter the armed forces and serve our country. This was a really big decision for him and his family and was based on a number of reason. One being that he wants to serve his country and fellowmen. He is such a humble, good, honest, sweet man. He considers it an honor to serve his country, but truthfully we should consider ourselves honored to have him and so many others laying their lives on the line for us and all the freedoms that we enjoy. Another reason he chose to join the army is to be able to support his family. In these rather shaky economic times, he felt that the military would be a good choice for him because it is an extremely stable source of income and benefits for his wife and three little girls. I really admire him for his choice. I know it has got to be so hard knowing that he will be away from his wife and daughters for months during training and for who knows how long if he happens to get stationed in a hot zone like Iraq or Afghanistan. But I think knowing that his family was sealed for all time and eternity in the temple must be a huge source of comfort for him and his wife. They know that while they may have to spend months and months apart now, they will be together forever as a family.

In order to send him off with all of our love and support, several families in our ward got together Monday night for family home evening. In total, we had 13 adults and 19 children in attendance. To say that it was loud and rather chaotic would be a gross understatement. But somehow when it came time for the lesson, Sister Howle was able to obtain and hold the attention of all those children and was able to help them feel the great spirit and love of service to those around us. After sharing some inspiring stories of service, Erin asked us all to list things that we can do to serve our family, friends, church, community, and country. Dallin told us that he could serve his country by praying for it. And really that might just be one of the best things that we can do for the leaders of our country and all the men and women that serve. He also said that to serve his friends he could help them build sandcastles. It is the coldest it has been in a long time and he is thinking about building sandcastles???? Gotta love him.

We will really miss Jeff, but at least we get to keep his wife and girls here with us for a little while longer while he is in training. It was such a great evening. For our next get together I think we decided that we are going to have a make your own sushi night. Ilene made some sushi with shrimp and smoked salmon that was fantastic and she has promised to teach us all how to make it. So Ilene, Kelly, and Erin, when are we going to have this yummy sushi night?