This furry little animal is my little sister. Her name is Coco, but it should be Coco-nut. She goes crazy when she sees me. I think she loves me. I love her too! My mom and and dad adopted her about 13 and a half years ago. She is a sweet little friend to my parents and I’m glad they have her in their lives. We should all have the opportunity to have at least one furry friend in our lives.
#3
Hi Family! I am officially in the West Indies đ (Trinidad) I’m loving it. It’s a culture shock! I’m a little frazzled. But I’m going to love it here! I’ll email you on P-day. It should be next Monday! I will meet my companion today! Anyway I love you guys đÂ
âBeing part of a family is a great blessing. Your family can provide you with companionship and happiness, help you learn correct principles in a loving atmosphere, and help you prepare for eternal life. Not all families are the same, but each is important in Heavenly Fatherâs plan.
âDo your part to build a happy home. Be cheerful, helpful, and considerate of others. Many problems in the home are created because family members speak and act selfishly or unkindly. Concern yourself with the needs of other family members. Seek to be a peacemaker rather than to tease, fight, and quarrel. Remember that the family is the most sacred unit of the Church.âÂ
-For the Strength of Youth Pamphlet.
Hope your Sunday was the Best! Love, Joy
![13961_105309296149952_100000126453907_143567_685987_n[1]](https://www.ourjoyfulnest.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/13961_105309296149952_100000126453907_143567_685987_n1.jpg)
 When Alex was little he used to say the funniest things.
While having scripture study we would all comment on this character or that character, and how neat it would be to meet them.
One time when we were having scripture study as a family Alex said,
“Hey, I just had a thought, after we die wouldn’t that be a good time to get autographs?”
Such a cute kid! That would be a good time to get autographs!
We visited Gardner Village!
It is a fun place to visit. The setting to me is the funnest part. Â 
Old homes have been relocated on a lane and made into stores to shop in. There is also a stream with a covered bridge.
The main building used to be a mill so there is a water wheel attached to the building. There is a great restaurant and more shopping in the main building.
 
It is a beautiful place!
The day or so after Emily left on her mission, I was so sad. More so, than I was when the other two kids left on their missions. I was very concerned about being sad. I kept questioning myself, “Why am I so sad? I know this will be a good thing, and that there isn’t anything better she could be doing with her time right now than serving the Lord.” One reason I kind of anticipated, is that Emily is my baby. I am done raising my children. I have gone from being the coach to cheering them on from the bleachers. I knew that someday I would be sad about this, but I also was hoping that I would be glad too. I also remembered that when my darlin’ and I took the Love Language test, I found out that my Love Language is time. Well, because I have had missionaries before, I know how long a year and a half is. I kept thinking that I don’t want her to be gone for that long. I will miss all that “time” with her.
Once I figured these two things out, I felt like I could be patient with myself. I understand that both of the things I’m struggling with would be hard for anyone to accept.
Now I feel peace.
I try not to focus on the struggle, and I just let Heavenly Father speak peace to my heart. And He is. I am so thankful. I know I can do this. I know that being a mom is one of the most important purposes of my life, and I am grateful for the opportunity. I enjoyed it as much as any mom could while I was in the middle of diapers and crying babies at night. I enjoyed snuggles and kisses, and “Mom, I love you’s.” Now I can enjoyed my adult children.
I can do hard things, like letting my daughter leave for a year and a half. I can spend time away from her, and I will be great!
“I know with certainty her faith overcame her fear, and her hope overcame her despair.”
-Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Hope your Sunday was the Best! Love, Joy
I came out of the grocery store yesterday and there was a man giving out poppies for a small donation. I got thinking about what those poppies mean, then I started to tear up. I have always loved the story about the poppies growing where the solders died. I thought I’d share the story (for posterity’s sake). It was during World War I soldiers were fighting in Belgium. Many died and were buried in the fields around where the fighting had taken place. The poppies sprung up because the soil had been disturbed. They bloomed all around the soldiers graves. John McCrae had lost a dear friend in a battle near Flanders, and he felt prompted to write this lovely poem.
************************************
In Flanders fields
by John McCrae, May 1915
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
**************************************
Two ladies decided that the poppy would be a great way to remember those who died, and earn money to help those affected by war. The poppy can be seen at Memorial Day  and Veterans Day to remind us of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice fighting for others. I always feel so sad when I think of the soldiers who have died in all the wars. One article I read about the battle at Flanders, was that a 15 year old boy was the youngest soldier killed. How sad.
In this life, wars happen because of evil men. But there are those who are willing to fight to protect innocent people. I am grateful to those who have fought to make life better for me. I will think of them and the sacrifice they have made often.
Happy Memorial Day on Monday!
#1
Hello my awesome family! How are you guys?? I am doing sooooooo great! Loving the MTC! There is so much to tell and so little time. Mom I need you to send me in the mail my yellow fever record (the little pamphlet thing that is in with my missionary binder. I need it to go with my passport or I’m in big troub! So help a sista out! Also I need you to send me a copy of my patriarchal blessing, it was in my closet and I forgot to make a copy of it. The first day I was sad for a minute but got busy right after. But I didn’t sleep that night! I’m getting the missionary schedule down đ It’s so awesome! My companion is Sister Bratt. She is so fun and we get along great. I LOVE my district and zone. We have so much fun and feel the spirit oh so much! I’m so glad I’m on a mission I know this is where I am meant to be. Anyway I’ll write better next week. I have to hurry this P day! Write me back and my P days are on fridays đ I LOVE LOVE LOVE you guys and miss you so much! I’ve been not thinking about it too much so I’m good đ I’m happy đ I’ll talk to you guys next week! Write me letters. Tell everyone to! Hurrah for Israel! I luff you. TAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADDDDDDDDDDDDA
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