Thankful for those strong muscles you are helping me build through these deployments Heavenly Father....

Well hmmmm....five months down. 7 left. Time is going fast, but some days individually seem to drag...actually more like the NIGHTS. The cotton trees up here in AK are KILLING me. You wouldn't believe the amount of cotton floating around up here. It is finally starting to get dark, a little bit about midnight. The kids can't seem to go to sleep without darkness, and I am the same way. The fishing is on hold up here because there aren't enough or something. I hope they remove that before Ben my little bro comes for a visit. The boys go to scout camp soon. Hmmmm... had a really cool experience recently. Was really praying about something that was bothering me, something I couldn't do anything about from ALaska. I know that Heavenly Father prompted me to email you Carri. My friend went to visit a soldier of Preston's that I have been worried about. I was all teary eyed when I talked to Carri about her visit with Jack. I am so thankful that Heavenly FAther cares about small things in our lives. It was a selfish comfort I wanted to know that Jack was doing ok, and yet Heavenly Father cared enough to comfort me by sending Carri. I know that Heavenly Father comforts me more often than I realize. I remember one night getting off the phone with Preston, and being thankful that I can call him and hear his voice, but at the same time I miss him so much I broke into tears. I prayed that Heavenly Father would just help me go to sleep quick. I didn't recognize it at the time, but I felt a calmness come over me, almost like a hug....and that is all I remember CAUSE I FELL ASLEEP so fast. :) I am so thankful for the hard things Heavenly Father gives me, so that I can build these spiritual muscles. I am thankful for the amazing family I grew up in, and the gospel that gives us the comfort, and guidance in our lives. I don't know what I would do without the church in my life. I pray for those around me that don't have Jesus Christ in their lives, that their hearts may be softened and they may realize what they are missing, and how simple God's love is yet how amazingly strong. Thanks mom and dad for sacrificing so much, and for searching out the gospel, and raising us in such a strong home with so much love . I hope that I can be like u. :) Travis funny before I head to bed....he always remembers to pray for the bad guys that they won't want to fight anymore, so all the soldiers can come home. I love the simple, easy, beautiful prayers of children. Goodnite