The Marston Family

This past month has brought some of the most emotionally intense moments I've ever experienced as a mother. It has also brought some of the most beautiful and humbling ones. When it comes to life, we truly never know what is around the corner and we also never know the strength that will be required and how amazingly God will grant that strength to us in the moment we need it most.

I won't be detailing this trial on the blog because it is not mine to share. I will just say that I am so grateful to Heavenly Father for the timing and details and for the incredible goodness He showed our family in a very dark time. I am also in awe of the wonderful children I have the opportunity to raise. This experience has taught me that every one of them is not my child, but God's and that He is watching over them and over Blake and I in all of our efforts to raise them.

For most of the month, we traveled and had incredible experiences with the Marstons and the Stevens and then with our amazing friends in Guatamala. First, we traveled to Colorado on a trip that Grandma and Grandpa planned. We had the most incredible week staying at the Broadmoore in Colorado Springs. Everything about the Broadmoore was charming: the gorgeous cottages with deer prancing around outside, the unbelievable Sunday brunch and 4th of July BBQ dinner! The tennis courts and fireworks show, live music and stunning pool. It felt like we were in a movie every time we walked the grounds. Topping the beauty of the hotel though, were the excursions we experienced each day. We learned all about falconry and even sent hawks and owls off from our arms in the wild! Something we knew nothing about and truly LOVED learning and experiencing. We spent a day fly fishing-- once again, an experience we had never done before and LOVED trying our hand at it-- not easy to do- but so peaceful and fun. We hiked and ziplined the most gorgeous South Cheyenne Canon and Seven Falls-- right behind the hotel, the path leading to there is known as "the grandest mile of scenery" and it certainly was! Such a beautiful day. We took a cog up to the top of Pike's Peak and then the boys and I rode bikes down from the very top. This was SUCH a thrill and terrifying but incredible all at the same time. Each of our experiences were so special but the most fun part of the trip was spending time with family at dinners out and all around the hotel. We were so grateful to Grandma and Grandpa for spoiling us with such a beautiful trip- we loved every second!

Two days after returning from Colorado, we were OFF to Guatemala with The Orange Couch Foundation (a humanitarian non-profit). We traveled with 4 families from our neighborhood- Charles Judd led the charge. We knew ahead of time that this would not be a luxurious vacation by the beach! This was going to be a chance to work hard and serve the people of Guatemala. What we did NOT realize, was the incredible impact it would have on our hearts and our lives. This experience was not like anything I could've imagined or even hoped for ahead of time- it surpassed all of my expectations. It was beautiful in every way and it was growth inducing and faith building. No one wanted to come back at the end of 10 days- we were each so touched by the wonderful people we met and the experiences we shared. I loved watching my own children form relationships with the Guatemalan people. I loved watching them put their own needs aside and serve. Every day was a new experience where we led school parties, built bunkbeds, shopped for groceries for families in need, went on family visits around the communities, attended church and the temple, built wells and helped with construction of homes, planted in the fields, plastered homes, read to children in the school library, helped in classrooms, played soccer and basketball with the locals, and visited local hospitals to distribute kits to families and newborn children. Each night we enjoyed a devotional with Charles who taught us so much about giving and making the most of your life. We learned about missions and love that reaches beyond a language barrier. The most tender experience arose when we visited the family we sponsored and taught a lesson on prayer. We then distributed all of the shoes, clothing, food items we had brought over to them from America and they were happy. Charles had told us what to bring to our particular families and I had covered all that ground but then had a strong feeling to pack another full suitcase of toys. I thought I was going crazy because sure, they had a 2 and 5 year old, but these people needed the necessities of life- not toys! But the prompting was so strong that I continued to pack all the toys I could find. I soon found out why that was so important. The kids were absolutely thrilled of course, but Sandra, the mother, was in tears. She said that she had prayed to Heavenly Father for toys for her children because they had never owned a single toy and she wanted to be able to provide that for her kids. She couldn't believe Heavenly Father had answered her prayer! I couldn't believe Heavenly Father had used ME to answer her prayer- but I was so so grateful for that experience and touched beyond words- our whole family was! We will never forget our experiences in Guatemala!

One day after returning from Guatemala, Anna and I headed off to Seattle to celebrate Grammy and Papa's 50th wedding anniversary! It was a short trip but it was so special in every way. Jessica had put together such a beautiful spread in Dave and Jen's backyard- it looked more like an actual wedding than a family party! It was so so special! Jenny made a gorgeous cake and Dave and Jen hired a couple from their ward to grill steaks and twice baked potatoes. Each of the sibs made a toast to Mom and Dad and Molly, Mike and Wade sang a song. We danced and ate and celebrated. It was very very special in every way and I was so glad to be a part of it. I have been very grateful throughout my life for the example of my Mom and Dad and their relationship. I know it hasn't always been easy, but it has always been full of love and a devotion to God and each other. It was such a perk to be able to stay a few days and spend time with my family- love them so much. On the way home, we brought Penny back with us and Anna was in heaven spending time with her little bestie at the beach, at Seaworld, swimming, getting nails done and shopping at Five Below! So glad we had that brilliant brainstorm to bring her to Cali.

jenny and dave's new cat

So- the month was very full of traveling. In the few days we had at home we dealt with a full blown crisis all while entertaining Penny, driving to soccer practices, babysitting Sophie, attending ward Pie-oneer day, and farewells for loved ones: Braxton Jones!, and our beloved Mendenhalls. It's been a summer we will never forget and one that has brought us closer to God in every way.

Braxton is going to Argentina- he said in his farewell talk that his mom (Amy) always told him to be the sunshine. Then he saw the flag for Argentina and he knew he'd be in the right place for 2 years!