Faith Stories...

So I'm needing a little boost... As a lot of you know Derek and I are trying to make some money to help get Derek through school by doing summer sales. Everything has attempted to get us to not go. I'm happy to report that today we were told that a family will be signing a lease agreement on our condo next Friday...amazing news. That was a huge stress on me, but through patience and tons of prayer and fasting it finally happened thankfully!!! We went forward without having our condo rented because both Derek and I truly felt that going to Kansas and heading to Utah State was for sure the right thing to do. Well I'm continuing to try and be patient while Derek is out there, but so far he hasn't had success. I know it's only been a few days and I continue to be positive and encouraging to Derek (obviously he doesn't need me to stress him out more) but anyways I can't help but wonder why did we feel so good about this sales opportunity in kansas if we don't make anything? A lot of people keep saying well maybe you need to just learn something which I get, and that is very possible. I just can't see what He has planned for us, does that make sense? So I kind of wanted a boost. Has anyone had any experiences where you were directed one way, but it didn't turn out how you thought? Did it help you reach your goal even though it happened another way? Don't get me wrong we've had plenty of life changes in our lives where things just work out and it works out better than we could ever have planned. This one though I am finding some confusion...I guess I'm just hoping to understand why we were directed in this direction...So if you want I'd love to hear some stories!!!

Andrew Derek Childs

Happy Birthday to our sweet man! I can't believe he is one already!!! I have thought about him all day and how wonderful his actual birthday was. It was calm and peaceful and he was so kind to come so quickly (since we decided to go all natural :) ) Andrew is such a blessing to our family...it is absolutely impossible to get enough of this little guy.

Drew boy loves to eat

He loves to dance

He loves to snuggle right on your shoulder

Drew loves to suck his thumb and hold his blankie in his other hand next to his face

Drew is picky about what he drinks out of

Drew loves loves loves my camel bak water bottle

Drew loves balls

Drew loves his older sister, seriously they are mischief waiting to happen...heaven help us

Drew loves to follow us everywhere around the house

Drew loves to be dramatic and throw himself on the floor when he's mad

Drew loves to figure out how things work

The dishwasher is his favorite hang out

Andrew loves toilet brushes, yes you read that right the nastiest thing ever

He could live on fruits and veggies and smoothies, He is my healthy boy

He loves avacodos, kiwi, broccoli, carrots, and bananas

Drew loves to play with his trucks

Andrew thinks it's hilarious to run from us when it's time to get dressed

He loves tubs

He loves us to say no, he just laughs at us and keeps doing what he's doing

He love to be outside

He takes steps, but honestly doesn't show and interest in really walking long distances

He loves the cruiser push toy his Nana bought him

He is our pooh bear with sides of Tigger coming out

He is very patient and mellow, but knows how to yell

He is our Drew boy and our Angel Boy and we love you so much!!! We couldn't live without you Drew what a blessing you are, we're so thankful you came to our family!!! Love you baby boy!!!! Happy Birthday

Trials

Well life has been a roller coaster the last few months. Derek and I are making some HUGE changes in our lives and for our family. In about two weeks we are moving....Derek will be heading to Kansas City to do summer sales, I'm going to go stay with my parents for a few weeks to see how he does and then the kids and I will head out...I can't wait. We feel like this is something we need to do for Derek's confidence and also to help me cut back on working outside the home, we've been really excited to see what this summer brings, then when we get home its off to Logan. Derek was accepted into the Engineering program and is ready to finally be in the place where he'll graduate!!!

All these decisions have been made with sure answers that we're doing the right thing...however ever since we have made these decisions we have been hit with trial after trial that tries to get us to change our minds and play it safe and comfortable. We have had financial stresses, struggles with our condo, with selling in the summer, car problems and two days ago a big blow, and honestly a betrayal of trust from a family member placed us in the stickiest situation I feel we've ever been in in our marriage in my opinion. Everything possible seems to keep us from progressing.

These last few months however have brought us closer and closer to the Lord. We have really devoted ourselves to our answers and have finally turned to the power of the atonement and said please take these burdens from us. I have never had such a testimony builder of faith, and we haven't even moved yet. I had a thought the other night. I feel that the adversary has really placed these trials in our way to get us to change our minds and play it safe, but the thought that came to me was "your pretty dumb down there, the more and more you push the more I'm turning to the Lord, and the more I'm showing Him that I'll do whatever he asks." Some family knows what happened a few days ago and it sucks, I have already told Heavenly Father I'm not in the mood to forgive right now, I'm really mad, but I'm still going to have faith in the answers we've been given and not let this deter us from our plans. I just wanted to share that even though trials come our way, and everyone is given different trials...some people go through things I can't even imagine...the point is we have a choice. We can fall....we can blame the Lord...or we can get on our knees and feel His understanding. He KNOWS exactly what we are feeling. He may not show you the way out of your suffering at the time, but I know he will lift it from you if you take advantage of the atonement. Anyways...here's to going forward to faith! We're all here for each other...so I really appreciate everyone who has been there for us...we love you!!!