an olsen family update

Even though the girls don't have the vocabulary to say, "I'm bored" their body language and whining voices say it a lot.  Especially because it's so hot they don't go outside hardly ever.  So thank goodness we have lots of games.  Elefun is still the favorite.  Of course Janie would make the nets into an accessory.

Sami tries to play the game but has more fun watching the butterflies fall then trying to catch them.  Sami asks for this game all the time.  And I will say that it has been one of my better yard sale finds ☺.

But my wonderful Mr. Potato Head set also came from a yard sale.  Jonathan and I like to play with it as much (or more) as the girls.

Sometimes I feel too blessed, like my life is too good and that some trial has to be coming.  A trial I dread.  Yet we all have them.  And I have had lots of opportunities to ponder about the purpose of trials this week, why they come and how we deal with them.  I think about the beautiful family that lost their baby girl, and the grieving and loss they will have for this life.  The sister who can't have kids even though it is her heart's greatest desire. The friends who can't find work even though they are willing and educated. I could go on and on.  Because we all have trials.  But I don't want trials.  They are heartbreaking and painful.  Elder Maxwell says that trials are, by their very nature, unfair.  Our temple matron in Nauvoo told me once that life is like a school except the lesson comes after the trial.  And a central part of the plan of salvation is suffering, endurance, and overcoming.  And so our hearts break from time to time.  But healing comes through the Atonement. Wouldn't life be dreadful without the Atonement of our Savior?!  But because of him, I have hope. I have been trying really hard lately to learn more about our Savior and his Atonement.  And my efforts have been rewarded because I feel like my testimony is growing.  Even though I still haven't learned to rejoice in my trials like Paul.  Maybe someday I'll get there.