Tender Mercies

I am sure many of you heard the news headlines in the last few weeks of the couple Arthur and Lesley Redelfs. It made the World News. They were the couple that were gundown and killed in Juarez, Mexico while waiting in their car to re-enter the US after attending a birthday Party. Juarez boarders our town here in El Paso. He  was a police officer and his wife worked for the US Consalete in Juarez. They had a beautiful daughter Rebecca who was miraculously unharmed in the event and Lesley was 4 months pregnant with their son. It was a senseless murder but one that is becoming more and more common in Juarez.

He was a member of the church, she was not. They were in our ward but not active. However his mother, brother and sister all attend our ward and are the sweetest people you will ever meet. I sang I am a child of God with the choir at the funeral and Ben played his bassoon. The spirit was strong and it was a wonderful missionary oppourtunity as 800 people gathered in the LDS Chapel to pay their respects to this lovely couple.

It is always events like these. Ones that hit so close to home that make you ponder. I remember sitting at the funeral and hearing them say that Lesley was born May 20, 1974. I am three days older than her. It hit me hard. Life is so short. So precious.

My heart has been heavy this last week as I have thought about their beautiful baby who is now left without her parents. She will never remember them she is so young. The family is praying that she will be able to be raised by his mother but that is all still being decided. As my heart ached for this family during their tragic loss. I gained some comfort today as I sat in sacrament and listened to them bless this beautiful baby. After the blessing, all the family bore their testimonies all the while strenghening mine. Even though the future is unsure for this child. The Lord will be with her. She now has the opportunity to be raised in the gospel and was blessed that she would serve a mission if that was what she desired.

Our assigned temple is in Juarez. We have been promised by the Stake Presidency that if we go straight to the temple and come straight back we will be blessed and protected. However after these events, they canceled our ward temple night last week and we are not sure what is going to happen. Many of our brother and sisters live in Juarez. They live in the colonies there in Mexico and they are being kidnapped and killed for money.

Living in El Paso I have gained a deeper understanding as to the problems that are in Mexico. The members of the church in the colonies are trying to stand firm and stay in their homes but many are being threatened and are starting to flee. Please pray for our brother and sisters. Pray for those that live this everyday. Pray for their protection.

As I sat pondering today. I wondered how I would feel without the knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Without knowing the Plan of Salvation I am not sure that I could endure such a trial. I am so blessed that I have a testimony of the Savior. I testify that he lives. I love the picture displayed above. Christ holding one child as he helps another not to fall. I testify that our Savior does that for us daily. If we just ask. Sometimes he does it even when we don't ask. I am so grateful for the knowledge and testimony that Famlies Can be together forever. I testify to it's truth. I am so happy that we can attend the temple and do work for our kindred dead. Sealing families together for eternity.

I love the Lord, I testify that he lives. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of the Lord. I know that Joseph Smith restored the gospel in these Latter days. I testify of the truth of the Book of Mormon. I know that families are eternal and can be together forever.

In the name of Jesus Christ, AMEN!

St Patricks Day

St. Patrick's Day was fun this year. Even though I love my hubby and he is my friend. Life is more exciting and fun with kids. Maybe it's because I finally have an excuse to do kid things.

We decided to have a Green party and boy was it fun. Joseph helped me decorate and I must say that he did a great job.

For dinner our friends, The Hatch Family joined us. We had green pesto pasta, green salad, limeaid and of course mint chocholate chip icecream and cookies that they decorated in green frosting. Not just any green frosting but sparkling green frosting. It was fun.

We tried explaining St. Patricks day. The leprachauns, the pot of gold, the clover but Joseph just wasn't really getting it. Just another crazy holiday celebrated by his "Crazy"  American Family.

Oh well, at least we had a good reason to invite friends to dinner and have a good time. You know me. Any reason for a party.

Did you know?

Since most of you have not had the chance to get to know Joseph, I thought I would share a few things with you about this Fabulous Kid!

Did you know?

Joseph is 13 and he is already 5"8 (he has grown an inch since he has been here)

Joseph doesn't like vegetables and acts like he is going to die every time I make him eat them.

Joseph LOVES video games and I have a good time kicking his butt in Mario Kart. (anything else we play I lose but Mario Kart, I conquer)

Joseph has a great sense of humor. He is continually making me laugh.

Joseph wishes I would cook more fish.

Joseph loves beauty just like his dad.

Joseph wants to be a computer programmer when he grows up.

Joseph HATES peanut butter. (now this one seriously confuses me...I can't imagine anyone not liking peanut butter)

Joseph LOVES LOVES LOVES pizza and spaghetti.

When we have spaghetti this kid eats more than Ben and I combined.

Joseph LOVES to put things together. The other day I was working on a grill and he asked to help. Next thing I know, he said he didn't want me to work with him any more because I didn't know what I was doing. He did the rest. (funny thing, his dad doesn't like to do projects like that with me either. hmmm)

Joseph loves building things with his dad and his eyes get big every time he sees his dad pull out some tools.

Joseph LOVES Legos. He continually amazes me at the things he builds. Everything has secret compartments and is very complex. I think we have an engineer on our hands.

By the way...do you know how much Legos are? It is killing me. Especially the Star Wars Legos.
I keep telling myself that I would rather him create with his Legos than play video games. I am just not sure what to tell my pocket book.

Joseph also loves Hero (our dog). His favorite color is blue and he calls me his CRAZY American Mom.(do you blame him) He is such a great young man and he brings great joy to our life. He recently informed us that we could bring more joy to his if we could give him a little brother. A sister would be ok but he would really prefer a brother.

We love you Joseph!

Firsts

Well the last several months have been a lot of "Firsts" for our family. Becoming a first time mother to a teenager has taken some adjustment. I have never been so tired in my life. I also have never felt so much joy and love for a child. Joseph has been a wonderful addition to our family and I can't imagine life without him. It often makes me think of Tomoyo (Josephs mom) and the great sacrifice she has made to have Jospeh live with us here in the States. We have been so blessed to have the chance to help raise this fine young man.

Ben has not seen Joseph since he was 1 so we have completely enjoyed the time spent bonding and spending time together. Here are some of the firsts we have experienced.

Our first meeting at the SLC airport

First picture with the grandparents in 11 years

First hugs

The first time trying to communicate without Tomoyo translating. Thank heavens for google translate.

Joseph did not know any English when he came here but in the last 3 months he has come a long way. The poor kid is a trooper. He has been so overwhelmed but he keeps plugging along. He is really starting to use his English and we are so proud of him.

First picture with his cousins his same age.

More first pictures with cousins.

And more and more pictures. Poor Joseph was so sick of having his picture taken. He has gotten used to it now and is a much better sport about it.

Our first trip to Temple Square with Joseph.

Our first Christmas.

Our first New Years.

Our first sand angels. (you see here in El Paso we have to improvise....since there is no snow we go to a place called White Sands and pretend it is a White Christmas. If it wasn't for the blazing heat...I might be able to convince myself)

Our first time sledding at White Sands.

Our first family vacation.

More of our vacation. I must say we are a cute family.

First Father and Son photo.

Our first family photo.

We are looking forward to years of more firsts.