Sunday, January 28, 2007

Happy mail


In the midst of all my sadness and turmoil, I received the sweetest package in the mail from Briana. She made these adorable taggie blankets for baby Mark and his little brother or sister, and she made the cute little container filled with strawberry kisses, that I had never tried, but discovered that they are quite good, plus a beautiful handmade card. When I gave one of the blankets to baby Mark his eyes lit up and he started kicking and smiling. He loves it and so do I! I am truly touched and more appreciative than one could possible know. Thank you so much Briana! Brek and Brittany wanted me to pass on big thank you's from them too. :o)

I wish I had good news on the home front. Right now all I know for sure is that we have to move and soon, but to where is a whole other issue. We have a realtor friend that has a nice house we could rent, but the problem is that it's out in the town of Maricopa so Mark would have to commute in everyday. 45 minutes with good traffic and between 1 -1 1/2 hour in bad traffic. I understand that people commute all the time, but when you run a business like ours that has emergency calls all the time, that could be a lot of driving to and from town day or night and our only employee just quit and went back to school so we have no one in town to cover for Mark, so he has the whole burden on his shoulders. He already puts 150 miles a day on his van. Plus we would keep Kyle at his school so he can graduate, but that would mean that Mark would have to leave the house at 6:00 to get him to school on time. We still have that house option available to us, but been looking at houses here too, but haven't found anything that is big enough, in our price range, or isn't out of town the other direction. I'm still waiting on a clear answer to my prayers. I just want to feel some peace to know what is right. It's the worst feeling not knowing where home will be. I love my friends and my ward here. I love the schools and the boys have great friends. It's all just so hard.

On top of that I talked to Chad and he doesn't get the 2 week pass before leaving for Afghanistan. He will only get a 96 hour pass, but they really don't want the soldiers flying home. Last night I started bawling as soon as I found out he wasn't coming home. As it stands right now, Sandy will be flying out to Fort Bragg to see him. How on earth can I handle not seeing my boy for such a long time. I just don't know how much more I can take. I have cried for most of today too...still am in fact. I'm all for being tested with trials, but not so much into this whole bombarded with them. I feel like I keep getting knocked down before I even get a chance to stand all the way back up again. Not much of a fair fight in my eyes. I do know after I get through all of these trials, there must be some pretty big blessings at the end. Looking forward to sharing those with you. Your loving support and words of encouragement have meant the world to me. Thank you all!

29 comments:

Caroline said...

I am so sorry that you are going through so much right now. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. I hope everything works out fine for you and your family. Hang in there.

(((hugs)))

Anonymous said...

I just started reading your blog so I am not totally aware of why you need to move.

We made a move a couple years ago. I am not good with change so it was difficult for me. Our new ward welcomed us with open arms and we still keep contact with friends in our old ward.

I know that Heavenly Father has great plans in store for you. I know it is hard waiting for those plans to take place. Just be patient and all will work out.

You sound like a wonderful wife, mother and sister in the gospel. For that I know you will be blessed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Hang in there!

Grandma September said...

I'm here Jolene... I have you all in my prayers. If there's anything at all I can do, just holler. Love, Tember

Anonymous said...

Big hugz going out to you and the family, I pray that Heavenly Father give you peace about the decisions you have to make and that all the right doors will open up for you and your family.
Your grandson is so adorable to ;)

Anonymous said...

You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Kathy

Valerie said...

just try to remember what Mother Teresa said: "I know the Lord never gives me more than I can handle..I just wish He didn't trust me so much."

i wish i could do something to make this easier & to make the pain go away..just know that i feel for you, and my heart just aches for you, girlie...let me know if i can do anything to help you. Love you, sweetie!

Nonie said...

You are in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Turn to the Book of Job. Meditate over how God had Job endure all of those trials only to bless him with SO much more!!!

Anonymous said...

I am new to your blog to and I can't imagine having to go through all that you are. I'm not sure if this will help, but you can go on this site and view available rentals or homes for sale throughout Arizona. www.soldbynelson.com then click on "search properties" and then "search available homes for sale." That then will give you the option to view homes for sale or rent. Maybe you'll be able to find something within your ward or stake boundaries?! Hang in there, I know it's hard but trials only make us stronger! We'll keep your family in our prayers!

Briana said...

I'm so sorry to hear that you have to move! I can't imagine what you're going through. Please know that you have so many people praying for you and your family, especially Chad as he makes the next journey in his military career.

I'm so glad the package arrived safely and that Baby Mark likes his taggie! I relaly enjoyed making them, I think they are my favorite so far. I just loved that fleece with the cute teddies on it!

Anonymous said...

Life can be so unfair and it can just plain out suck! I wish I had the right words for you but I don't :(, we're here for you.

Anonymous said...

I am a true believer that everything happens for a reason and sometimes it just takes a while for us to know what the reasons are...hang in there!

Chris G said...

Hang in there!!! ((HUGS))

Anonymous said...

Jolene, you used the perfect words...waiting for a clear answer to my prayers and then will feel some peace. He hears you and you are a woman of faith and clearly your faith is strong, although now you just do not feel it. But He is holding you up right now and helping you through this difficult time. You will find peace and blessings soon, I am sure. So many friends and cyber-friends are praying for your family.
Susan

Anonymous said...

Hang in there hon! You are such a strong woman and have such great belief in God! I too firmly believe that everything happens for a reason and we may never know now, maybe even for a few years, but eventually you will have your "aha" moment and realize then and know that is what was best for you. You have the support and prayers of so many of us! As hard as it may be, just try to focus on one thing at a time and keep the faith! We are all on your side and love you! Take care, Amy =)

Melissa said...

Although I'm not going through the exact trials you are, I've also been feeling knocked down lately. I know the feeling of being continually under attack! It can be very draining, in more ways than one.

I'm praying for you today Jolene.

Missy Glave said...

Jolene ... I'm with Jen ... I wish I had just the right words to say ... but I know I do not. Just know that I'm thinking about you and your entire family is in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Jolene,
Just remember that you are not alone and you have touched so many lives and in return people that you've never met care about you and will be praying for you and your family tonight and every night.

God Bless,
Staci T.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Chickenbells said...

Oh sweetie...I know just how you feel, like being run over by a mack truck? Me too...I swear, I cry several times a day...it's like a new hobby! It's a little exhausting isn't it? Here's to the wish and hope that there is indeed a lot of blessings waiting at the end of all of this! Kisses to you...

Anonymous said...

Oh Jolene, I am so sorry for all that you are going through, so much at once, I can't imagine how hard it must be knowing you have to move from a home that you love so much, I know because I feel the same about my home.

Know that you are not alone and my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Also, I lost your e-mail address, will you please e-mail me with it, I have something I would like to talk to you about . . .

Hugs,
Melissa
noahsmomis@comcast.net

Anonymous said...

Jolene, so sorry all this is hitting you at once. Stay strong and again, our prayers are with you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Hey Jolene,

I am so sorry that things are so cruddy right now. I can only imagine how you must feel about not seeing Chad before he goes to Afghanistan. I am thinking of you. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

xoxo,
Shelli

Susie Q said...

Jolene...olease email me with your home address. combs_sue@yahoo.com
I wish I could help is some way. any way. I wish I had the words that would make it all better.
I can say that I have been so down I never thought I would see the sun rise again....but rise it did. Someone must have been with me, even when I thought I was all alone. Hold that tightly...and you know we all love you. YOu have been such a joy and inspiration in my life these past months...I wish I could do something that would make things better for you.
Somehow it will get better....even when it seems that will never happen.
I am also sorry about Chad's visit being canceled. The military is fanous for that. I still have no idea how I did 27 years as a Navy wife! I do not know how to tell you to deal with it as a mon though.
Just hold onto your faith and your family. Hold tight. The sun WILL burn brightly again. All of us are praying for you and holding great thoughts in our hearts for you.

Please email me with that address okay??

Hugs and love,
Sue

TK Angels said...

Jolene,
You will get through it. My worst time was the last 2 1/2 years. Many, many bad things happened. My faith kept me going. People deal with things differently. God is there just know it. He really is.

I also would like your e-mail. My e-mail is ricterri@ameritech.net.

Take care,
Terri

linda t said...

You will get through this Jolene...
Come on, you're a Mom of 5 sons! You are so strong... and God knew that you could handle this... I am in awe of your love & devotion... and know that your son knows your endless love and prayers... cuz you're his Mom... and cuz Mom's do that.

Leah said...

Those blankets are adorable.. they look so warm too!

I'm so sorry you are going through so much right now. You are in my prayers girl.

Anonymous said...

Jolene,
so sorry to hear that you have to move and also about Chad...but just like you said there must be some really great blessings at the end of this ugly road!! Just keep your strength up!! You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers....and seriously if you need anything give us a call!! We are not that far away!! Love you all!!

Anonymous said...

I can't belive they aren't letting Chad fly home. That is just ridiculous.

I'm here for ya.