Navarro-Conder: Catch Up!

Wow! I recently noticed that I have not written much since school started.

Homeschooling two of the boys is keeping me busy, but it's very enjoyable (most days). :-)We've done a lot of cool field trips, the library has become our second home, and we are in the Midwest on our Road Trip U.S.A. We have also launched into space and are learning about the stars this week, we are painting Monet pieces, and doing Homeschool P.E at the Rec. center with other home-schooling families. We are covering a lot more, but I won't bore you with the details. Oh one more thing...we started our Meals on Wheels route. We deliver lunch meals(once a week) to 7 seniors that are home bound living in our community.It's already so rewarding; just seeing the smiles on their faces when you walk in their home is priceless. The boys like sorting the food and putting it in the bag, and saying real loud as we knock - "Meals on Wheels".

A few trials have been mixed into our life, but none we can't handle with the Lord's help. I am so eternally grateful for the precious gift of the Savior and the Holy Ghost. Their influence in my life help me make sense of the unfathomable in my life. The Lord is ever reassuring me that I will re-marry, that I will have my eternal best friend, that I will have the desires of my heart. I think he is doing this because I might not remarry for many years. I might have to raise these children without a husband by my side. I shudder to think that is my lot. I also have to believe and be OK that he trusts me with this lot. Two days ago my sister, a friend, and I (we are all single) went to Gardner Village to have a Girls Night Out. We had some very poignant conversations. The friend and I were talking about our dateless woes and how no one seems to be interested in dating us, except for men that are 20 years older than us. Just a precursor - we are both on single dating websites- probably not the best place to look for an eternal companion. We also go to singles firesides, and singles institutes, and various other singles activities on occasion. The realization I came to as we talked was that when it's the right "one", the union will be all about the most important things we cherish like light, truth, virtue, and wisdom. The scripture that came to my mind when I said that was in Doctrine and Covenants 88:40. "For intelligence cleaveth unto intelligence; wisdom receiveth wisdom; truth embraceth truth; virtue loveth virtue; light cleaveth unto light; mercy has compassion on mercy and claimeth not her own..." The attraction from these qualities will lead us to the right "one". I am not settling for less - so the weeding out process is in constant motion and I no longer pity for myself that I haven't been on a date in 4-1/2 years.

Moving on to some other catch up info.... Isaac is finishing up his season of flag football. It's been a learning experience for both of us. Sigh! Next weekend we will be in California for my aunt's bap-tism. I got a "new" used van. I love having a CD player, electric windows and locks, and tinted windows. I know it's sad that I have never in my life had a car with those features, but now I do and I am loving it.:-) I have to admit I had a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye when I said goodbye to my old van. Gone are the stories from that beloved van. In a way it symbolized my life - lots of knicks, bumps, dents, mechanical problems, but it kept on going. I was saying goodbye to a part of my past. It served me well until it was time to let go. As I left it in the salvage yard I thought of how it would still be useful to those who needed parts for their cars. I remember before going to the salvage yard I prayed I'd get at least $200-$300 dollars for it. I needed the money for our AZ trip during Thanksgiving break. I am taking the boys to see their dad. Anyways! When we got there the man quoted us for $400, he hadn't even seen the van yet. He got his clipboard and we went outside. My dad said, "And now he will start subtracting from $400". My dad noticed how big his eyes got when he saw the van. If anyone has seen the beloved van that I talk about you'll know why his eyes got big. I was still thinking OK I just need at least $200. Well after his assessment we walked back in the office, he opened the register and handed me $400! I was shocked and pleased. My prayers were answered and I even got more than what I hoped for and asked for. The Lord is like that He always gives more. I also realized the guy saw that the van was worth more than the outward appearance. So it is with the way the Lord sees us - who we are inside is worth so much more to Him.

Until next time...