I feel so fortunate right now to have the job that I do that allows me to take time off of work during the holidays to spend time with my family. We are in Utah again and I am so grateful. I will admit, part of me wanted to just stay home this year and do nothing for the entire week that I have off. I was so not looking forward to any type of drive or packing or cleaning or taking care of other people. But now that we here, I am glad we came. In fact, the time is all too soon coming for us to go home. Then it is back to the grind stone and back to regular life. Oh well, at least I can enjoy this time.
Christmas day turned out to be rather fun. I still can't believe that my children who are all older, wake up so early that morning. In fact, they set their alarms to do so and even my adult daughter loves to run out to the living room to see what Santa brought. We heard the kids up at 6:30 but had told them they are not allowed to wake us up until 7:00. This year they were not quiet though so we were awake at 6:30. Promptly at 7:00 they came running in and turned on the lights. Quickly we had them at least turn the light off. Rob had set a boopy trap along the side of his bed and Skyler soon found it. He fell to the floor and we all laughed. They kept trying to put on our slippers but we would kick them off. It is more fun to try to keep from getting out of bed and we all laugh for about a half hour. Finally though, we give up.
I think my favorite time of the day is morning prayer. We always kneel around my bed as a family for Rob to say prayer. Hopefully it helps the kids think for a moment about the true meaning of Christmas. I sniffled just a little bit when he mentioned Cortnie but I had a good cry the night before so all was okay. I hated to leave her stocking on the wall all by itself - it looked so lonely and it made my heart ache. I have to say that I spent a lot of time thinking about her all day but I tried so hard to not let it affect my time with the rest of my family. We were hoping that she could email us sometime during the day if just for a moment. I checked my computer every 15 minutes to see if there was anything there. If she was online at that time, I could quickly email her back and "talk" with her for a moment. We have figured out how to time her emails that way the last couple of weeks and it is so nice. I think it has helped the both of us cause we feel like we are talking to each other. Anyway, she finally emailed about 2:00 but it did not come right through - in fact, she only had one minute left when we got it. I did not even have enough time to email her back and say that I loved her and Merry Christmas. Instead, all she got was "how much time do you have." She emailed right back to say her time was done and then she was gone. I cried so hard. I did not mean too but I hurt so bad. I felt like my Christmas had been ruined. My kids were so wonderful, they let me cry and kept hugging me. Next year, I get the phone call and nothing will stop that!!
Anyway, back to Christmas. After prayer, we ran to the living room. It is fun to watch the kids' faces to see what they think about their gifts. This year Santa left Internet tablets for the boys and luggage for Brittnie. Of course, there were other things but they were the big ones. After opening all the presents, Skyler had an electric scooter, basketball shoes, games, clothes and more. Boyd got basketball shoes, an RC car, games, nutcracker and more. Brittnie is all girl and got lots of clothes and shoes. It is so much harder to buy for them now that they are older plus their stuff cost so much more. We did send a small box to Cortnie even though we had already had Christmas with her, but I wanted her to open something. She got a family picture and digital frame that was loaded with 60 pictures of family and friends. She also got letters from home from everybody.
The rest of Christmas day was suppose to be spent as a family - hence the reason I packed on Christmas Eve. It did not turn out that way though. Everyone kind of did their own thing. They played their new games on the x-box and I just kind of wandered around. I even payed bills that day. I was really disappointed and kind of hurt. I was wanting so much more....
We left to come to Utah the next day. It was snowing and I hate to drive in the snow. I told Rob if it got to bad we were stopping in Cedar for the night. There were only a couple of spots that were really scary but we made it just fine. We have had fun hanging out with our family and doing things with them. We spend a day up at LeAnn's house too with Rob's parents. It was a good time and as always, they seem to help us out with something that we need.
Yesterday was a special day. My niece was baptized. It is Coby's daughter, Katelyn. Remember that Coby has not always been active in the church and is only a priest in the Aaronic Priesthood. Katelyn wanted him to baptize her. He has been a lot more active in the church lately thanks to a wonderful bishop and friend that he has. It was so special to see him all dressed in white next to his daughter. You could tell he was a little bit nervous, but he did great. I know it meant a lot to Katelyn and it meant a lot to the rest of us too. Now to get them to the temple.
We only have one full day left here in Utah. Lucky me gets to be back to work on Wednesday. I can hardly wait for Tuesday though. Cortnie will be finished at the MTC that day and will fly out to Omaha that morning. She gets to CALL from the airport and we can talk to her until it is time for her to board her flight. It could be up to an hour. I am soooo excited! I am getting used to her being gone (but still dont' like it), but I really miss her voice. She is nervous about going but she will do just fine. She will have a wonderful companion to train her and she will touch the lives of so many people there. If only she can get used to the cold weather. She should be okay but I have never been there so don't know how cold it really is. I am so excited for her. One month has already gone by and we have survived. I miss her tons but still know this is the right thing for her. I am already thinking of things to do when she comes home and would love to take a Trip here to bring her back when the time is come.
Holidays...always wonderful. So glad they were not as stressful this year. I sure do not want to go back to work and the busy life, but we are very blessed. At least we have jobs and can provide for our family. I just pray that 2013 will be a grand or even better than 2012.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Monday, December 24, 2012
Christmas Eve....
The house is so quiet and the air is nice and crisp. I am sitting here wishing so bad that my boys would go to sleep - that they would let us sleep in in the morning and not hurry to have the day over. I know that will not happen. How many more late Christmas Eves will I have?? Not many I am sure so I will cherish everyone.
I am so grateful to have such a wonderful family. I can not even begin to say how blessed I am with four beautiful children who choose the right and try to please us. I wish they would give up some of their bad habits - like hours on end on computers and so forth, but I am the cause of that. We buy them way to many and allow it to happen. I need to find a way to spend more time with my family - not just be in the same home as them. I want to do things with them and let them know that I care. I dont' want to lose out on precious time with them like I feel I have with Cortnie. I even packed today for our trip so that I could have time to spend with them tomorrow. Hopefully my plan will work.
My heart does have an ache in it tonight too though for Cortnie. I know she is heading to bed right now and I wonder what she is feeling. She tells me that she does not think the heartache will ever go away. She thinks she will cry every night until she comes home. I pray that is not the case. The ache will always be there, but hopefully the tears will not. I still struggle with mine at times and tonight is one of those times. How I wish she could be here with us. She would be the one setting her alarm to wake up the boys in the morning. She loves Christmas!! I hope that she will gain wonderful memories of Christmas in the MTC. It will not be the same, but I pray that it will be the most spiritual one she has ever had. I just don't want her to be alone and sad. I want her to be happy and know that she is loved.
My poor husband in such an angel. He lets me cry - even though he laughs when I do. He tolerates me talking about her all the time and allows me to express my worries. He has taken such a back street to all of this but I am ready for him to walk hand in hand with me again. I need his love and his hugs and his support. I can't do this alone.
For now, I will say Merry Christmas. I pray that the new year will be wonderful and all will be well for all of us. It saddens me that my children are growing up (Skyler is a teenager now). How I wish they could be little again. Cherish the moments that you have.
I am so grateful to have such a wonderful family. I can not even begin to say how blessed I am with four beautiful children who choose the right and try to please us. I wish they would give up some of their bad habits - like hours on end on computers and so forth, but I am the cause of that. We buy them way to many and allow it to happen. I need to find a way to spend more time with my family - not just be in the same home as them. I want to do things with them and let them know that I care. I dont' want to lose out on precious time with them like I feel I have with Cortnie. I even packed today for our trip so that I could have time to spend with them tomorrow. Hopefully my plan will work.
My heart does have an ache in it tonight too though for Cortnie. I know she is heading to bed right now and I wonder what she is feeling. She tells me that she does not think the heartache will ever go away. She thinks she will cry every night until she comes home. I pray that is not the case. The ache will always be there, but hopefully the tears will not. I still struggle with mine at times and tonight is one of those times. How I wish she could be here with us. She would be the one setting her alarm to wake up the boys in the morning. She loves Christmas!! I hope that she will gain wonderful memories of Christmas in the MTC. It will not be the same, but I pray that it will be the most spiritual one she has ever had. I just don't want her to be alone and sad. I want her to be happy and know that she is loved.
My poor husband in such an angel. He lets me cry - even though he laughs when I do. He tolerates me talking about her all the time and allows me to express my worries. He has taken such a back street to all of this but I am ready for him to walk hand in hand with me again. I need his love and his hugs and his support. I can't do this alone.
For now, I will say Merry Christmas. I pray that the new year will be wonderful and all will be well for all of us. It saddens me that my children are growing up (Skyler is a teenager now). How I wish they could be little again. Cherish the moments that you have.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
My thoughts...
Well, maybe I can make it through this tonight without shedding tears, but I really doubt it. It has been a very hard past few days (actually a few weeks). I can't believe that Cortnie is actually gone and away from us for 18 months. I keep waiting for her to come walking back in the door, send me a text, or call me. How I miss her voice so terribly bad. I miss her good night kisses and her sweet hugs. And I dearly miss her smile. It is so hard to walk through the house and see all of her stuff or her beautiful pictures on the wall without getting an ache in my heart. I know it is all part of the sacrifice we are required to make, but part of me wonders why it has to be that way. How could a phone call home once a week hurt....or a text message at night just to say that she is okay. I know I am not alone though. I have many friends whom are concerned about me and whom have done the same thing. How I appreciate their hugs.
The final two weeks before Cortnie left were very busy. We spent every night baking and cooking for her open house. I will say that I so regret that now. I regret the fact that her one wish was to go to the temple again before she left and I did not make time for that. I was "too busy". I should have taken a day off of work or had one less cookie on the plate. I feel so bad about that - time I will never get back with her. And now she is gone and someone else will be the one at the temple with her. I am beating myself up for that one.
The open house was a huge success though. She was afraid that no one would come but we did have lots of friends here. The weather was perfect and the food was wonderful. There were many hugs given that night and lots of support for all of us. She gave more hugs at church on Sunday as she said good-bye to dear friends. After church on Sunday, it was official that she was a missionary. President Willmore set her apart as a missionary with a beautiful blessing. She was promised that she would be a powerful missionary and would be in good hands. A comfort to both her and I was the promise of health. She has had so many migraines lates and I have been worried about them. I pray that the Lord will keep his promise and take them away as she serves him. I had lots of tissues with me that day but we did okay....until we got home.
At home, it was kind of quiet. Cortnie walked around not really knowing what to do. We had packed everything the day before so just had last minute things to throw in the suitcase. We were waiting for dinner to cook before we took off for the airport. I wandered back to her room and found her laying on her bed...all nicely made and room clean. She was laying there crying and saying good-bye to her stuff. I sat on the bed and cried with her. I told her it would all be okay and not to be worried. I will never forget that feeling walking in there and seeing her like that. I just wanted to pull her in my arms and tell her not to go. All to soon, dinner was over and it was time to say good-bye to the other kids. Rob had Cortnie say a prayer before she left whish was so beautiful. She prayed for each member of her family individually....for Brittnie to find someone to love her as she does, for her dad to continue to lead her family and for her mom to not be sad, but comforted. Then the hugs began.....poor Skyler would not let go. I finally had to pull him away so she could hug the others. Everyone was sobbing by the time we left and continued to do so as we pulled away. It was so hard to see all of my children hurting. How could I do this/???
We made it to the airport and to Utah just fine inspite of a very rocky plane ride. We had two more days to spend with her. We spent those days visiting relatives and last minute shopping. We found the most beautiful coat that made her look so much like a missionary. She was so excited but so worried about saying good-bye. She tried so hard to live the mission rules but it was hard with grandpa watching the TV so we played lots of games. She had a final lunch with her friends and roommates from school (with mom as her companion) and that was also very touching. She is loved by so many people. Then it was the night before....Cortnie asked her father for a Father's blessing before bed. I have never felf the spirit so strong. It was so full of promises....the angels would protect her, she would find peace, she would have health, she would be happy....how grateful I am for the priesthood. As it came time for bed, she did not want to be alone. I agreed to sleep with her. We layed in bed for just a few minutes before she started to cry. I gently stroked her hair and calmly talked to her. I told her she would be okay.....that she needed to live her dream. I told her to write to us when she could and to know that I would be praying for her 24 hours a day. She then turned and curled up in my arms and sobbed. She was so fragile and seemed like just a little child. She did not want to be all grown up at that moment. I held her ever so tight while the tears slid down my own face. I did not want that night to come to an end. She finally fell asleep in my arms.
The next morning she was ever so quiet. She looked like an angel as she got all ready and put on her missionary clothes. She said it is a good thing she likes to wear dresses....and she will be wearing them all the time now. We had another family prayer before going over to the care center to say good-bye to my mom. We took some beautiful pictures of her while there ...pictures that will be my last memories of her for the next year and a half. As we drove to the MTC, I could hear her silently crying in the front seat. I reached up and gave her a quick hug and told her it was okay. We drove in, were directed to our parking spot along the curb, and asked to get out her baggage. We then had to wait for an elder to come along as her escort. When he got there, the moment was at hand. I took her in my arms and we both cried for a few moments. I then gently wiped her tears away and explained that we needed no more tears. I proudly told her that I loved her and that she needed to go live her dream. After kissing her father good-bye, she turned and walked away. We watched as far as we could see her go then drove off. I cried....for a long time. I felt at peace but so alone. I had a huge ache in my heart and wanted so badly to go back for her. It was the longest ride home ever and the tears continued to come at the strangest times.
Since then, I have my moments. I check everyday for that first email but nothing yet. I just want to know that she is okay. That she is happy and not as sad as I am. I want to know that she has friends and that they are taking care of her. I want to hear her voice and to hug her one more time. It was very hard to put her stuff away yesterday so that it would not get ruined. I found old baby blankets and baby dolls....so may reminders of her. I shed a lot of tears but still know that it is right. I will miss her terribly, but it is okay. I have four other people to take care of each day. She has no family right now. I pray for her all day long and love her so much. How I pray that she will be safe until she is back in my arms. I love you Cortnie....
The final two weeks before Cortnie left were very busy. We spent every night baking and cooking for her open house. I will say that I so regret that now. I regret the fact that her one wish was to go to the temple again before she left and I did not make time for that. I was "too busy". I should have taken a day off of work or had one less cookie on the plate. I feel so bad about that - time I will never get back with her. And now she is gone and someone else will be the one at the temple with her. I am beating myself up for that one.
The open house was a huge success though. She was afraid that no one would come but we did have lots of friends here. The weather was perfect and the food was wonderful. There were many hugs given that night and lots of support for all of us. She gave more hugs at church on Sunday as she said good-bye to dear friends. After church on Sunday, it was official that she was a missionary. President Willmore set her apart as a missionary with a beautiful blessing. She was promised that she would be a powerful missionary and would be in good hands. A comfort to both her and I was the promise of health. She has had so many migraines lates and I have been worried about them. I pray that the Lord will keep his promise and take them away as she serves him. I had lots of tissues with me that day but we did okay....until we got home.
At home, it was kind of quiet. Cortnie walked around not really knowing what to do. We had packed everything the day before so just had last minute things to throw in the suitcase. We were waiting for dinner to cook before we took off for the airport. I wandered back to her room and found her laying on her bed...all nicely made and room clean. She was laying there crying and saying good-bye to her stuff. I sat on the bed and cried with her. I told her it would all be okay and not to be worried. I will never forget that feeling walking in there and seeing her like that. I just wanted to pull her in my arms and tell her not to go. All to soon, dinner was over and it was time to say good-bye to the other kids. Rob had Cortnie say a prayer before she left whish was so beautiful. She prayed for each member of her family individually....for Brittnie to find someone to love her as she does, for her dad to continue to lead her family and for her mom to not be sad, but comforted. Then the hugs began.....poor Skyler would not let go. I finally had to pull him away so she could hug the others. Everyone was sobbing by the time we left and continued to do so as we pulled away. It was so hard to see all of my children hurting. How could I do this/???
We made it to the airport and to Utah just fine inspite of a very rocky plane ride. We had two more days to spend with her. We spent those days visiting relatives and last minute shopping. We found the most beautiful coat that made her look so much like a missionary. She was so excited but so worried about saying good-bye. She tried so hard to live the mission rules but it was hard with grandpa watching the TV so we played lots of games. She had a final lunch with her friends and roommates from school (with mom as her companion) and that was also very touching. She is loved by so many people. Then it was the night before....Cortnie asked her father for a Father's blessing before bed. I have never felf the spirit so strong. It was so full of promises....the angels would protect her, she would find peace, she would have health, she would be happy....how grateful I am for the priesthood. As it came time for bed, she did not want to be alone. I agreed to sleep with her. We layed in bed for just a few minutes before she started to cry. I gently stroked her hair and calmly talked to her. I told her she would be okay.....that she needed to live her dream. I told her to write to us when she could and to know that I would be praying for her 24 hours a day. She then turned and curled up in my arms and sobbed. She was so fragile and seemed like just a little child. She did not want to be all grown up at that moment. I held her ever so tight while the tears slid down my own face. I did not want that night to come to an end. She finally fell asleep in my arms.
The next morning she was ever so quiet. She looked like an angel as she got all ready and put on her missionary clothes. She said it is a good thing she likes to wear dresses....and she will be wearing them all the time now. We had another family prayer before going over to the care center to say good-bye to my mom. We took some beautiful pictures of her while there ...pictures that will be my last memories of her for the next year and a half. As we drove to the MTC, I could hear her silently crying in the front seat. I reached up and gave her a quick hug and told her it was okay. We drove in, were directed to our parking spot along the curb, and asked to get out her baggage. We then had to wait for an elder to come along as her escort. When he got there, the moment was at hand. I took her in my arms and we both cried for a few moments. I then gently wiped her tears away and explained that we needed no more tears. I proudly told her that I loved her and that she needed to go live her dream. After kissing her father good-bye, she turned and walked away. We watched as far as we could see her go then drove off. I cried....for a long time. I felt at peace but so alone. I had a huge ache in my heart and wanted so badly to go back for her. It was the longest ride home ever and the tears continued to come at the strangest times.
Since then, I have my moments. I check everyday for that first email but nothing yet. I just want to know that she is okay. That she is happy and not as sad as I am. I want to know that she has friends and that they are taking care of her. I want to hear her voice and to hug her one more time. It was very hard to put her stuff away yesterday so that it would not get ruined. I found old baby blankets and baby dolls....so may reminders of her. I shed a lot of tears but still know that it is right. I will miss her terribly, but it is okay. I have four other people to take care of each day. She has no family right now. I pray for her all day long and love her so much. How I pray that she will be safe until she is back in my arms. I love you Cortnie....
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Mission Day
I am so way worn out but have to take just a minute to record my feelings. I promise to write tons more in the next few days about all of our experiences the last few days as a family, but tonight I am too tired.
Today I did one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life. I gave my baby girl to our Heavenly Father for the next 18 months. My heart is so full right now and it aches so bad. How I wish I could rush back to her and tell her the many things that I did not. How I wish she could be a little girl again and dance and play with her. Unfortunately, I am not able to do any of those things right now. I held her in my arms for hours last night as she gently cried and fell asleep. I will treasure that moment forever. She looked so beautiful and radiant as she stood at the MTC. She struggled to say good-bye but proudly held her head up as she walked away from us. We both cried as we hugged for the last time. I took her precious face in my hands and told her that I loved her. I wiped her tears away and told her "no more tears". She needed to be excited and go fulfill her dream. Then she quietly walked away and never looked back.
The drive home was so long. Tears would suddenly come out of nowhere as I would remember things or wish that I had done more. I so wish I had tomorrow off to sit here and look at pictures and books and cherish my daughter. I am so PROUD of her. I pray the time will speed by and I will be writing about having her back in my arms again. I love you Cortnie....
Today I did one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life. I gave my baby girl to our Heavenly Father for the next 18 months. My heart is so full right now and it aches so bad. How I wish I could rush back to her and tell her the many things that I did not. How I wish she could be a little girl again and dance and play with her. Unfortunately, I am not able to do any of those things right now. I held her in my arms for hours last night as she gently cried and fell asleep. I will treasure that moment forever. She looked so beautiful and radiant as she stood at the MTC. She struggled to say good-bye but proudly held her head up as she walked away from us. We both cried as we hugged for the last time. I took her precious face in my hands and told her that I loved her. I wiped her tears away and told her "no more tears". She needed to be excited and go fulfill her dream. Then she quietly walked away and never looked back.
The drive home was so long. Tears would suddenly come out of nowhere as I would remember things or wish that I had done more. I so wish I had tomorrow off to sit here and look at pictures and books and cherish my daughter. I am so PROUD of her. I pray the time will speed by and I will be writing about having her back in my arms again. I love you Cortnie....
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Coming too Fast
So, almost five months ago Cortnie opened her mission call to find out she was going to Nebraska. We thought that five months was sooo far away, but man it has flown by (at least for me). Now we are only ten days away of what will be one of the hardest days of my life. I am starting to feel the pressure now and getting very emotional. Today has been a very hard day for me and I am glad that it is almost over. Today was farewell day at church....
Cortnie wanted both Rob and I to speak with her which I did not think was fair. I wanted to just be a mom today and sit back where no one could see me while I cried. We had a little wager going on as to who would cry first or the most and who would not cry at all. Well, we all cried but I am happy to say that I cried the least. I am so proud of myself today. I made it through almost my whole talk without shedding a tear. However, when I said the words "It takes faith for a mother to send her daughter out on a mission to teach others who are waiting to hear the truth" that did it for me. I was so glad that I was first cause then I could sit back and cry and not have to talk. The kids sang a couple of primary songs - one of which was talking about serving a mission (We'll Bring the World HIs Truth). They did very well but I will tell you that when they turned to walk off the stage, Skyler's eyes were very red and swollen and he was crying. All of my children broke down today - we are a very close knit family so this is going to be very hard on all of us. In fact, by this time next Sunday, all good-byes for them will be said and we will be in Utah. The rest of the farewell went very well. I could not help but think as Cortnie was talking that she looked so much like a missionary. She also speaks like one. She is going to be so good and is so ready to go.
My heart is breaking but I am being brave. I am trying to limit by tears to my bedroom when I am alone. I don't want others to see my sorrow and worry about me. This is going to be a very long week as we do the final stuff for her to go. We are also having an open house on Friday night and family Christmas on Saturday. I just can't believe that it is so close and our time together is drawing closer to an end. It will only be 18 months but it is still going to be very hard. Faith....it will hold me through and we will survive. I am glad to have my family by my side with me. I will need their shoulders to cry on.
Cortnie wanted both Rob and I to speak with her which I did not think was fair. I wanted to just be a mom today and sit back where no one could see me while I cried. We had a little wager going on as to who would cry first or the most and who would not cry at all. Well, we all cried but I am happy to say that I cried the least. I am so proud of myself today. I made it through almost my whole talk without shedding a tear. However, when I said the words "It takes faith for a mother to send her daughter out on a mission to teach others who are waiting to hear the truth" that did it for me. I was so glad that I was first cause then I could sit back and cry and not have to talk. The kids sang a couple of primary songs - one of which was talking about serving a mission (We'll Bring the World HIs Truth). They did very well but I will tell you that when they turned to walk off the stage, Skyler's eyes were very red and swollen and he was crying. All of my children broke down today - we are a very close knit family so this is going to be very hard on all of us. In fact, by this time next Sunday, all good-byes for them will be said and we will be in Utah. The rest of the farewell went very well. I could not help but think as Cortnie was talking that she looked so much like a missionary. She also speaks like one. She is going to be so good and is so ready to go.
My heart is breaking but I am being brave. I am trying to limit by tears to my bedroom when I am alone. I don't want others to see my sorrow and worry about me. This is going to be a very long week as we do the final stuff for her to go. We are also having an open house on Friday night and family Christmas on Saturday. I just can't believe that it is so close and our time together is drawing closer to an end. It will only be 18 months but it is still going to be very hard. Faith....it will hold me through and we will survive. I am glad to have my family by my side with me. I will need their shoulders to cry on.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
One more step....
Another step down the missionary road has come to pass. We had the privilege and honor of taking Cortnie to the temple yesterday to recieve her endowments. She is now one more step closer to being a full time missionary. I could not be more proud of her and the woman she has become.
We decided to take a few extra days in Vegas since it was Fall break and splurge a little bit. Rob's sister, Leann and her family met us there on Thursday night. We laughed so late in to the evening and shared some really funny memories. They brought along my two nieces, one nephew and nephew-in-law along with the precious great-niece. One more is on the way any time now. We had such a blast. We live close to Las Vegas but we never really spend anytime there. We took the kids walking down the famous strip - during the day of course. We had a great time looking at the shops and the huge hotels. I love to walk so it was wonderful. That afternoon we met my sister and brother as well as my brother in law at the airport. My parents were suppose to be with them, but my mother ended up with knee replacement surgery earlier this week so they were not able to be there. It broke Cortnie's heart that neither of her grandparents were there, but she knew she needed to go anyway. We spent the rest of Friday doing what Cortnie wanted as it was her birthday - going to subway for dinner, playing games and eating cookies. My kind of fun!
We ventured to the temple the next morning for a sweet spiritual time. The ladies there are so sweet and nice and treated her like a queen. She looked so precious when I first saw her all dressed in white and had the largest smile on her face. I would love to have taken a picture! The temple matron spoke with Cortnie for almost an hour before we headed to the chapel with only three minutes to spare. As we approached the chapel, we saw family and friends sitting on both sides - they were all suppsoe to be on one side. We were told to go to the left side but I told them we had family on the right side too. I got a little bit hurt and upset when we were told that they were not going to be able to go with us as the session was full. I thought they would ask for volunteers to wait for the next one. Instead, we were told again it was full. I tried to explain to them that Leann drove for eight hours but to no avail. I was very persistent though when I told them that one person was her father and that he WOULD be going with us no matter what. The temple people scrambled to try to accomodate all of our friends that were there, but in the long run, three were left behind. I am not sure why either cause there was room that they could have fit in. I felt so bad for them....
The session was wonderful and cortnie tried so hard to pay attention. There is no way that you will learn all you need to know the first time you go to the temple. No way at all. She just tried to feel the spirit. It was really hard to do that though when Rick (my brother-in-law). pulled the armrest off the chair as he stood up. Then my brother made the comment "leave it to Rick to break the temple". I had to chuckle and still do when I think about it. We finally made it to the celestial room though and all of our family and friends were there. We had about 20 people come from our ward and that means so much to me. She hugged everyone of them as did I. It was so beautiful.
The rest of the day was spent taking pictures and visiting with family. All too soon the weekend came to a quick close and we were headed home. I have been to Vegas five times in the last two months and I am really worn out. The next few weekends will be spent preparing a girl for the mission of her life. It is hard to believe that it is getting so close. I try to be happy about it, but sometimes the tears just start to roll down my cheeks. I am a proud mother but also a very tenderhearted one.
We decided to take a few extra days in Vegas since it was Fall break and splurge a little bit. Rob's sister, Leann and her family met us there on Thursday night. We laughed so late in to the evening and shared some really funny memories. They brought along my two nieces, one nephew and nephew-in-law along with the precious great-niece. One more is on the way any time now. We had such a blast. We live close to Las Vegas but we never really spend anytime there. We took the kids walking down the famous strip - during the day of course. We had a great time looking at the shops and the huge hotels. I love to walk so it was wonderful. That afternoon we met my sister and brother as well as my brother in law at the airport. My parents were suppose to be with them, but my mother ended up with knee replacement surgery earlier this week so they were not able to be there. It broke Cortnie's heart that neither of her grandparents were there, but she knew she needed to go anyway. We spent the rest of Friday doing what Cortnie wanted as it was her birthday - going to subway for dinner, playing games and eating cookies. My kind of fun!
The session was wonderful and cortnie tried so hard to pay attention. There is no way that you will learn all you need to know the first time you go to the temple. No way at all. She just tried to feel the spirit. It was really hard to do that though when Rick (my brother-in-law). pulled the armrest off the chair as he stood up. Then my brother made the comment "leave it to Rick to break the temple". I had to chuckle and still do when I think about it. We finally made it to the celestial room though and all of our family and friends were there. We had about 20 people come from our ward and that means so much to me. She hugged everyone of them as did I. It was so beautiful.
The rest of the day was spent taking pictures and visiting with family. All too soon the weekend came to a quick close and we were headed home. I have been to Vegas five times in the last two months and I am really worn out. The next few weekends will be spent preparing a girl for the mission of her life. It is hard to believe that it is getting so close. I try to be happy about it, but sometimes the tears just start to roll down my cheeks. I am a proud mother but also a very tenderhearted one.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Mother Daughter Weekend
What an awesome, most wonderful weekend I just had. I was able to spend two days in Las Vegas with my two beautiful daughters and one of my favorite people - my sister Tina. We had the most relaxing, inspirational, crazy, awesome time. Tina has been trying to get me to go to Time Out for Women for the past few years but things have always come up. This year, I was determined to go. I was even more excited that I got to take my daughters along and spend time with them. I wish I could do it all over again right now.
Time out for Women is a conference that is put on through Deseret Book and is all about the LDS faith. They brought in the most wonderful speakers and musicians for the event. In fact, my daughters have always loved Jericho Road. They were just talking a few weeks ago about the concerts that they have been too of theirs and how they wished they would perform more. I found out a couple of months ago, that Jericho Road was going to be at the conference. I did not tell my daughters though. As we sat down on Friday night, the girls were reading through the programs. Brittnie pointed right to the Saturday schedule and mentioned somehting about one of the speakers. I just agreed and waited. She turned back to her reading and suddening shouted at Cortnie that Jericho Road was there. They both excited looked at me and I started to laugh. The look on their faces was worth a thousands words. They could not stop talking about it. We had to be at the conference as the doors opened the next morning so we could get close seats. We ended up about 8 rows back in the middle. They were able to get their pictures taken with them and had CD's signed. It was so fun! I absolutely love their music too and I appreciate the kind of music that they sing. It is all uplifting and full of faith. It is the kind of music you dont' find around very often anymore.
Besides the music, the speakers were amazing. I have not laughed or cried so much in a long time. One speaker told about sending her son on a mission and he had health issues. She said the night before he was to enter the MTC, he was up in the middle of the night with high blood sugar. As she went back to bed, she cried as she wondered who would take care of her son while he was away. The spirit spoke to her that the angels would watch over him and he would be fine. I have had those same feelings - I worry about Cortnie with her headaches so much. I felt the spirit tell me that the angels would watch over her too and she would be fine. How comforting! She told us to trust God enough to trust his timing. Other speakers told us it was okay to get upset or mad at situations. We are all human and it is okay to let our feelings be known. We dont' have to keep them all inside all the time, but we need to express them and know how to let them out. It is okay to get mad :-). We were also told to laugh instead of getting angry. When my child ruins something, laugh about it instead of getting upset - I need to work on that one big time. Another wonderful quote was that the Lord never forgets me so how can I forget to remember Him and His work. I dont' want to be forgotten so how can I forget Him? Before we can reach for Jesus,we must first find time for Him in our lives and our homes. We can't forget!!
I was so inspired and so touched. I wanted to take it all it and remember it all....hopefully I can.
Besides the conference, we spent lots of time shopping and laughing. We found a new place to shop in Vegas and had a great time. I dont' think we came out of any store without somebody buying something. We were able to get clothes for Cortnie for her mission - things that make her look so beautiful and so mature. She looked just like a missionary. I had to hide tears many times as I will have to do many times in the next few months. The time is quickly coming but not fast enough for Cortnie. I am excited to take her to the temple next month. We have lots of family coming for that as well as Thanksgiving and her farewell. It will be a very busy end of the year, but I am ready. In fact, I am running my first "marathon" in a couple of weeks - it is only a 5K, but I am going to do it. One goal I set for myself for this year. Live is great....I am so happy!!
Time out for Women is a conference that is put on through Deseret Book and is all about the LDS faith. They brought in the most wonderful speakers and musicians for the event. In fact, my daughters have always loved Jericho Road. They were just talking a few weeks ago about the concerts that they have been too of theirs and how they wished they would perform more. I found out a couple of months ago, that Jericho Road was going to be at the conference. I did not tell my daughters though. As we sat down on Friday night, the girls were reading through the programs. Brittnie pointed right to the Saturday schedule and mentioned somehting about one of the speakers. I just agreed and waited. She turned back to her reading and suddening shouted at Cortnie that Jericho Road was there. They both excited looked at me and I started to laugh. The look on their faces was worth a thousands words. They could not stop talking about it. We had to be at the conference as the doors opened the next morning so we could get close seats. We ended up about 8 rows back in the middle. They were able to get their pictures taken with them and had CD's signed. It was so fun! I absolutely love their music too and I appreciate the kind of music that they sing. It is all uplifting and full of faith. It is the kind of music you dont' find around very often anymore.
Besides the music, the speakers were amazing. I have not laughed or cried so much in a long time. One speaker told about sending her son on a mission and he had health issues. She said the night before he was to enter the MTC, he was up in the middle of the night with high blood sugar. As she went back to bed, she cried as she wondered who would take care of her son while he was away. The spirit spoke to her that the angels would watch over him and he would be fine. I have had those same feelings - I worry about Cortnie with her headaches so much. I felt the spirit tell me that the angels would watch over her too and she would be fine. How comforting! She told us to trust God enough to trust his timing. Other speakers told us it was okay to get upset or mad at situations. We are all human and it is okay to let our feelings be known. We dont' have to keep them all inside all the time, but we need to express them and know how to let them out. It is okay to get mad :-). We were also told to laugh instead of getting angry. When my child ruins something, laugh about it instead of getting upset - I need to work on that one big time. Another wonderful quote was that the Lord never forgets me so how can I forget to remember Him and His work. I dont' want to be forgotten so how can I forget Him? Before we can reach for Jesus,we must first find time for Him in our lives and our homes. We can't forget!!
I was so inspired and so touched. I wanted to take it all it and remember it all....hopefully I can.
Besides the conference, we spent lots of time shopping and laughing. We found a new place to shop in Vegas and had a great time. I dont' think we came out of any store without somebody buying something. We were able to get clothes for Cortnie for her mission - things that make her look so beautiful and so mature. She looked just like a missionary. I had to hide tears many times as I will have to do many times in the next few months. The time is quickly coming but not fast enough for Cortnie. I am excited to take her to the temple next month. We have lots of family coming for that as well as Thanksgiving and her farewell. It will be a very busy end of the year, but I am ready. In fact, I am running my first "marathon" in a couple of weeks - it is only a 5K, but I am going to do it. One goal I set for myself for this year. Live is great....I am so happy!!
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Pressing Forward
Day after day, the pioneers walked and walked. Day after day, we do the same. We get out of bed to work, play, keep house, help with homework, play taxi driver, referree fights, shop for clothes and food, make bread, cook dinner...the list goes on and on. However, I would have it no other way. I absolutely love being a wife and mother! I love taking care of my family and putting them first. They are my life and my sunshine. I am so thankful to have all of my family home right now. We are so enjoying having all the kids close.
Not much too terribly exciting has happened since we got Cortnie's mission call. School started up again so life is busy. The whole house dreaded going back to school but we are settled in now. I do have to say that my favorite day of the week is Friday cause I know the weekend is here and I get to be with my family. Friday night is usually my night to spend with Rob too so I love it. I am so blessed to have job where I get to choose to not work on the weekends. I get to have lots of vacation time and big checks that come at a time when needed to prepare for missions. I get my evening offs and can be home with my family. I wish I could get paid more, but I am happy and enjoy what I do. If only ......but that is another story and I have resolved to try not to complain about it so much,.
We slowly are preparing for Cortnie's mission. It is still three months away so we have lots of time. It is hard to shop for cold weather clothing when it is still over 100 degrees outside. I have a feeling we will be making trips to Las Vegas or to Utah to purchase her wardrobe. If I could only get her to do her reading and other things she is suppose to do, it woudl help. Maybe a mission will help her prioritize more and I know she will not be near electronics as much. That will be a huge help. She has set her temple date for October 20th so we are getting ready for that. Most of my family will be coming down as well as Rob's sister. We will be staying in Vegas for a couple of days to play and get things done. I am way excited to take her to the temple and share my favorite spot on the earth with her. We also have tons of family coming down for her farewell so are trying to figure that all out. I don't have room for them all here, so we are trying to make arrangements for places to stay. It will be a busy weekend, but I am ready....not really, but will be.
We did lose a treasured friend yesterday morning. Denise Swartzman is the owner of the dance studio where my children danced for years. I also worked there as her secretary. She was such a wonderful friend, teacher, mother, and leader. She fought pancreatic cancer for over 10 years and it finally won. She was such a trooper and fought until the last minute when her body finally wore out. She passed away peacefully at home with her family around her. She has touched the lives of so many people that they have rented a conference center at one of the casinos to hold her funeral. We were hoping ot be there but are suppose to transport the youth to the temple that day to do baptisms. In fact, all of my children are going and Rob is going to be doing the baptisms. What a wonderful opportunity that will be. Denise is not a member of our church, but I am sure she understands and would want us there. Who knows, maybe someday we will do her work for her. Rest in peace my dear friend, we will miss you.
So life goes on in our household. I am glad to say it is not as busy as it used to be. I am so grateful for that and to have moments to spend with my family. I truly do love being with them and being their wife and mother.
Not much too terribly exciting has happened since we got Cortnie's mission call. School started up again so life is busy. The whole house dreaded going back to school but we are settled in now. I do have to say that my favorite day of the week is Friday cause I know the weekend is here and I get to be with my family. Friday night is usually my night to spend with Rob too so I love it. I am so blessed to have job where I get to choose to not work on the weekends. I get to have lots of vacation time and big checks that come at a time when needed to prepare for missions. I get my evening offs and can be home with my family. I wish I could get paid more, but I am happy and enjoy what I do. If only ......but that is another story and I have resolved to try not to complain about it so much,.
We slowly are preparing for Cortnie's mission. It is still three months away so we have lots of time. It is hard to shop for cold weather clothing when it is still over 100 degrees outside. I have a feeling we will be making trips to Las Vegas or to Utah to purchase her wardrobe. If I could only get her to do her reading and other things she is suppose to do, it woudl help. Maybe a mission will help her prioritize more and I know she will not be near electronics as much. That will be a huge help. She has set her temple date for October 20th so we are getting ready for that. Most of my family will be coming down as well as Rob's sister. We will be staying in Vegas for a couple of days to play and get things done. I am way excited to take her to the temple and share my favorite spot on the earth with her. We also have tons of family coming down for her farewell so are trying to figure that all out. I don't have room for them all here, so we are trying to make arrangements for places to stay. It will be a busy weekend, but I am ready....not really, but will be.
We did lose a treasured friend yesterday morning. Denise Swartzman is the owner of the dance studio where my children danced for years. I also worked there as her secretary. She was such a wonderful friend, teacher, mother, and leader. She fought pancreatic cancer for over 10 years and it finally won. She was such a trooper and fought until the last minute when her body finally wore out. She passed away peacefully at home with her family around her. She has touched the lives of so many people that they have rented a conference center at one of the casinos to hold her funeral. We were hoping ot be there but are suppose to transport the youth to the temple that day to do baptisms. In fact, all of my children are going and Rob is going to be doing the baptisms. What a wonderful opportunity that will be. Denise is not a member of our church, but I am sure she understands and would want us there. Who knows, maybe someday we will do her work for her. Rest in peace my dear friend, we will miss you.
So life goes on in our household. I am glad to say it is not as busy as it used to be. I am so grateful for that and to have moments to spend with my family. I truly do love being with them and being their wife and mother.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
It is Finally Here!
So after a very long week and years of waiting, Cortnie finally got her mission call. She was told last Sunday by our stake president that he had confirmation that it had been extended so should come this last week. We calculated the days for mail to come from Utah, and figured it would be here Wednesday or Thursday. When the mailbox was still empty on Thursday, disappointment was visable on Cortnie's face. She said it was not big deal, but you could tell it really was.
I prayed really hard that it would come on Friday and headed off to work. About 12:30, Cortnie called to say hello, She then screamed in my ear that it was here and in her hand. She was heading out the door when the mailman came and did not leave until she checked the box. Unfortunately for her, Brittnie and I were at work and she was kind enough to wait for us to get home. We hurried home, set up computers and cameras, and finally it was time. Grandparents were on the phone and on the computer (through skype) and others were on phones too. She nervously opened the envelope and began to read.
Sister Beatty....you are hearby called to serve as a missionary in the Omaha, Nebraska mission. The room was kind of silent and I thought, okay - now where I expected but that is okay. She continued to read " and will be trained to serve as a tour guide in Winters Quarters". Wow! Awesome! We all shouted for joy and I remember looking at Rob who had his hand extended in a yahoo shout. Now we were all excited! I felt such peace knowing that this was the right mission for her. She will be perfect as a tour guide and a missionary. She did not realize that it would be freezing cold there though and is not too excited about that one. It will definitely be worse that BYU was.
She enters the MTC on December 5th and her stay there will include training as a tour guide. I am surprised that she does not leave until then - it is like 19 weeks. Such a long time to wait to go. However, it will give us lots of time to get her prepared to go. We are looking at a farewell over Thanksgiving weekend so might have lots of people here for Thanksgiving this year. I want her to go to the temple right now, but our bishop does not want her to go before a month out. I dont' understand that and neither does my father so maybe we can change his mind. In my heart, I wish Brittnie would go with us too.
All in all, it was a wonderful week and I am a very proud mother. It will be hard when the times comes, but I get to be a missionary mother !!
I prayed really hard that it would come on Friday and headed off to work. About 12:30, Cortnie called to say hello, She then screamed in my ear that it was here and in her hand. She was heading out the door when the mailman came and did not leave until she checked the box. Unfortunately for her, Brittnie and I were at work and she was kind enough to wait for us to get home. We hurried home, set up computers and cameras, and finally it was time. Grandparents were on the phone and on the computer (through skype) and others were on phones too. She nervously opened the envelope and began to read.
Sister Beatty....you are hearby called to serve as a missionary in the Omaha, Nebraska mission. The room was kind of silent and I thought, okay - now where I expected but that is okay. She continued to read " and will be trained to serve as a tour guide in Winters Quarters". Wow! Awesome! We all shouted for joy and I remember looking at Rob who had his hand extended in a yahoo shout. Now we were all excited! I felt such peace knowing that this was the right mission for her. She will be perfect as a tour guide and a missionary. She did not realize that it would be freezing cold there though and is not too excited about that one. It will definitely be worse that BYU was.
She enters the MTC on December 5th and her stay there will include training as a tour guide. I am surprised that she does not leave until then - it is like 19 weeks. Such a long time to wait to go. However, it will give us lots of time to get her prepared to go. We are looking at a farewell over Thanksgiving weekend so might have lots of people here for Thanksgiving this year. I want her to go to the temple right now, but our bishop does not want her to go before a month out. I dont' understand that and neither does my father so maybe we can change his mind. In my heart, I wish Brittnie would go with us too.
All in all, it was a wonderful week and I am a very proud mother. It will be hard when the times comes, but I get to be a missionary mother !!
Sunday, July 1, 2012
My Mother
I just have to post a little blog to say how proud I am of my mother. She has been through some major trials in her life and has had some very rough times. For the longest time, I wanted so much to have my mother back, and she is here now. She has made some major changes in her life and it is so wonderful. I love spending time with her and listening to her laugh. I love talking with her on the phone and can't wait to see her again. Mom, you are the best. Hang in there.....I am so proud of you!!
Vacation....too bad it is not everyday
I love vacations! I love being away from work. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could work only 4 weeks a year and vacation the rest? Right now, I think it would be wonderful. I so do not want to go back to work tomorrow. I want to stay home for a week and vacation in my home....relaxing and doing nothing. That will not happen though so I will have to live on the memories of California.
We had a great time in Northern California. There was not much time between coming home from Utah and leaving again. I spent my days at work and my evenings washing clothes so I could pack again. Thursday afternoon I took off so I could get everything ready to leave early Friday morning. I have decided that Southwest airline points are wonderful as I have been able to fly us free this whole summer. Our trip to California would have taken us 14 hours to drive but we flew in 1 1/2 (but the one hour drive to our condo took us three). Still, it was much shorter than driving all day long. It is fun to see the kids excited to fly too and fight over the window seat. They can all have it as I take the middle - that way I have two hands to hold when we take off and land. However, it has gotten to where it does not bother me anymore...I just use it as an excuse to hold Rob's hand.
We stayed in Tina's timeshare condos again in Windsor, California which is about an hour outside of San Francisco. The nice thing about condos is they have the full kitchens and we can cook some meals there and have fridges to put our food in. It sure cuts back on the cost of eating out everyday. We spend the first couple of days just sightseeing. We all wanted to go to a beach on the coast, but our drive never took us to the state park we were looking for. It only took us on a very curvy road that made people car sick. We did find a small beach by some picnic tables so the kids were able to play in teh beach for a few hours. I was not getting in - I don't swim in ice cold water. It was funny - Rob said he was going to wade in just to get his legs wet, but the first wave in took him down and he went under. After that, he was in all the way. The kids had a blast and it was nice on the beach - not like the beaches in Hawaii, but nice. Our next trip was to the Redwoods to hike and picnic. We had a BBQ lunch under the huge trees of the forest. The kids were able to climb inside of trees - all 15 of them and still have lots of room. We went on a hike through the forest and even took mom and Mckay in their wheelchairs. I have not laughed that hard in a long time. My mother was hilarious and had a great time. She was four wheeling in her wheelchair - literally. I loved the mountains and the cooler weather. I love to be outdoors.
We took a day to go to San Francisco and I loved it there. I would love to go back just for a weekend with just Rob. One day was just not long enough. It was fun to shop in some of the little shops outside of China town, go down Lombard Street, see the trolleys, and head to the wharf. I would like to ride the trolleys just to say I have done it and I would love more time to stroll the shops of the wharf. Trying to get everything into one day just was too much. We did shop some and I bought a jacket that I love. The kids had fun seeing the ships and shopping too. They liked the cheap prices. My whole family (I forgot to mention we went with my parents, Tina and Rick, Scott and Diane - and all their kids), went to Bubba Gumps for dinner. My sweet husband I know would have loved to go there to eat seafood but the rest of us don't like it, so he sacraficed and ate greasy food with us. I need to take him back for that seafood.
Our children decided they were not too tired to do a canoe trip that we had planned, so we headed for the Russian River one morning for that. They were all excited - for about 1/3 of the trip. I do agree, the trip needed to be much shorter. It was only 10 miles long - but that is a long 10 miles to row. Poor Rob was the "driver" of our canoe the whole way so his arms were pretty sore. I got the luxury seat in the bottom of the canoe and needless to say, could not feel my bottom half when we were done. I think I bruised my tail bone. It was beautiful day for the trip and the river was pretty. The kids wanted to be done about 5 miles in but we had no choice but to go the whole way. It was either that or carry our canoes the 5 miles back to our cars.
I think the highlight of the trip for the kids was the day we spend at Six Flags. I am spoiled and love Disneyland and DisneyWorld. Six Flags was okay but it was not nearly as fun. I think I only went on one ride but that was one ride enough. Those roller coasters are very harsh and extreme there. Too many twists and upside downs for me. I was not too well when I got off for about a half hour. I spent the rest of the day watching the kids loving them all. They really enjoyed the rapids and came off soaked each time. We were able to watch some marine shows and see live animals too there so that was nice. It was another long day but it was a good one.
All too soon, it was our last day. The kids spent the day at the swimming pool and game room. Rob went to an air museum with the guys and I packed everything one more time. We packed into the car like sardines to take the trip back to the airport so Rick did not have to drive in the traffic. It was a late flight home and we got here about 12:30 a.m. We were tired but relaxed. I wish we could have had another week. Instead, I spend the next two days washing all the clothes and repacking them for the men in my life to go to scout camp for a week. They left today and I miss them already. I can't wait for them to come home so I can do 20 loads of laundy again :-)
I do have to mention, Boyd went on a mini mission the last two days. I thought for sure he would be too tired to go, but he really wanted to go. He actually got a "call" for his mission and spent it with the elders here going to all their investigators. He loved it! He said it makes him want to go on his mission even more. I love those opportunities for my children. I love vacations...I love being a mother
We had a great time in Northern California. There was not much time between coming home from Utah and leaving again. I spent my days at work and my evenings washing clothes so I could pack again. Thursday afternoon I took off so I could get everything ready to leave early Friday morning. I have decided that Southwest airline points are wonderful as I have been able to fly us free this whole summer. Our trip to California would have taken us 14 hours to drive but we flew in 1 1/2 (but the one hour drive to our condo took us three). Still, it was much shorter than driving all day long. It is fun to see the kids excited to fly too and fight over the window seat. They can all have it as I take the middle - that way I have two hands to hold when we take off and land. However, it has gotten to where it does not bother me anymore...I just use it as an excuse to hold Rob's hand.
We stayed in Tina's timeshare condos again in Windsor, California which is about an hour outside of San Francisco. The nice thing about condos is they have the full kitchens and we can cook some meals there and have fridges to put our food in. It sure cuts back on the cost of eating out everyday. We spend the first couple of days just sightseeing. We all wanted to go to a beach on the coast, but our drive never took us to the state park we were looking for. It only took us on a very curvy road that made people car sick. We did find a small beach by some picnic tables so the kids were able to play in teh beach for a few hours. I was not getting in - I don't swim in ice cold water. It was funny - Rob said he was going to wade in just to get his legs wet, but the first wave in took him down and he went under. After that, he was in all the way. The kids had a blast and it was nice on the beach - not like the beaches in Hawaii, but nice. Our next trip was to the Redwoods to hike and picnic. We had a BBQ lunch under the huge trees of the forest. The kids were able to climb inside of trees - all 15 of them and still have lots of room. We went on a hike through the forest and even took mom and Mckay in their wheelchairs. I have not laughed that hard in a long time. My mother was hilarious and had a great time. She was four wheeling in her wheelchair - literally. I loved the mountains and the cooler weather. I love to be outdoors.
We took a day to go to San Francisco and I loved it there. I would love to go back just for a weekend with just Rob. One day was just not long enough. It was fun to shop in some of the little shops outside of China town, go down Lombard Street, see the trolleys, and head to the wharf. I would like to ride the trolleys just to say I have done it and I would love more time to stroll the shops of the wharf. Trying to get everything into one day just was too much. We did shop some and I bought a jacket that I love. The kids had fun seeing the ships and shopping too. They liked the cheap prices. My whole family (I forgot to mention we went with my parents, Tina and Rick, Scott and Diane - and all their kids), went to Bubba Gumps for dinner. My sweet husband I know would have loved to go there to eat seafood but the rest of us don't like it, so he sacraficed and ate greasy food with us. I need to take him back for that seafood.
Our children decided they were not too tired to do a canoe trip that we had planned, so we headed for the Russian River one morning for that. They were all excited - for about 1/3 of the trip. I do agree, the trip needed to be much shorter. It was only 10 miles long - but that is a long 10 miles to row. Poor Rob was the "driver" of our canoe the whole way so his arms were pretty sore. I got the luxury seat in the bottom of the canoe and needless to say, could not feel my bottom half when we were done. I think I bruised my tail bone. It was beautiful day for the trip and the river was pretty. The kids wanted to be done about 5 miles in but we had no choice but to go the whole way. It was either that or carry our canoes the 5 miles back to our cars.
I think the highlight of the trip for the kids was the day we spend at Six Flags. I am spoiled and love Disneyland and DisneyWorld. Six Flags was okay but it was not nearly as fun. I think I only went on one ride but that was one ride enough. Those roller coasters are very harsh and extreme there. Too many twists and upside downs for me. I was not too well when I got off for about a half hour. I spent the rest of the day watching the kids loving them all. They really enjoyed the rapids and came off soaked each time. We were able to watch some marine shows and see live animals too there so that was nice. It was another long day but it was a good one.
All too soon, it was our last day. The kids spent the day at the swimming pool and game room. Rob went to an air museum with the guys and I packed everything one more time. We packed into the car like sardines to take the trip back to the airport so Rick did not have to drive in the traffic. It was a late flight home and we got here about 12:30 a.m. We were tired but relaxed. I wish we could have had another week. Instead, I spend the next two days washing all the clothes and repacking them for the men in my life to go to scout camp for a week. They left today and I miss them already. I can't wait for them to come home so I can do 20 loads of laundy again :-)
I do have to mention, Boyd went on a mini mission the last two days. I thought for sure he would be too tired to go, but he really wanted to go. He actually got a "call" for his mission and spent it with the elders here going to all their investigators. He loved it! He said it makes him want to go on his mission even more. I love those opportunities for my children. I love vacations...I love being a mother
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Congratulations Brittnie
Wow...I can't believe she is actually a college graduate! I have not seen a smile on that face that large forever. She deserves to be happy and proud of herself. I know we are way proud of her! It still seems like yesterday that I graduated with her inside of my belly - so she actually walked the stage at SUU twice as a graduate. Congratulations sweetheart...be safe in Japan
Sunday, April 29, 2012
All Are Safely Home
Our house is now a full home again. We went from having jus the boys at home to having all four children back and it is wonderful. Well, Boyd is not sure about that as he had to give up his room for the girls, but I think it is great. I love sitting every night with all of my family, going to church together, playing, laughing, and just sitting together. It is great! For some reason the house seems so much smaller to me now but that could be cause the kids are bigger and take more room. I have lost my garage as it is now a storage unit for all the stuff from college but I have not parked inside for a couple years now anyway. If it means they are all here, it is fine. I worry about the girls being home with no social life here, but they seem to be happy.
Cortnie was so excited to come home last weekend. I flew to Salt Lake to be able to drive back with her so she was not alone. I did not expect to have to get up at 3:00 a.m. to help her finish cleaning her apartment before check out at 8:00. I should have known better after last year, but my hopes were up (and then were crushed). We managed to get it done though and then spent the rest of the day resting before the big drive. She is going to work again at Payless Shoes until she goes on her mission this fall. We get to start on the paperwork really soon and turn those papers in the first of July. That is only like two months away - it does not seem real. I am excited for her but also sad too. Selfish for myself but know that she will be an awesome missionary and wants to serve so bad.
This week we leave for Cedar for graduation - I can't believe I will be at one of my childrens college graduation. It seems like just yesterday I was graduating while pregnant with Brittnie and now she is going to be walking the stage in her cap and gown. Where has all the time gone? Where is that little baby girl that I gave birth too just two months after recieving my diploma? She is now a beautiful young woman whom is so strong and so wonderful. She leaves for Japan in 12 days for a study abroad program. I will worry the whole time she is gone as it is a foreign country and you never know what happens there. I can't deny her the right to go though, she has worked so hard to get there. I am excited for what she will learn and what she will see.
Our lives are always busy. Work has been so crazy and I am so tired of working 45 - 50 hours a week. Something needs to be done cause I can't continue that way. I am ready to go back to my four days and have some down time for myself and with my family. Hopefully soon.....at least I have a few extra days off this week for graduation. Other than that, we are good. Boyd turns 16 in a couple of weeks and wants to drive alone but he is not ready yet. Skyler keeps my hoping as he wants to be grown up but yet is still my little boy. As for Rob and I, we are very happy parents and best friends. I miss him when he is gone and long to spend all my time with him. He makes me happy and gives me so much. Life is good....
Cortnie was so excited to come home last weekend. I flew to Salt Lake to be able to drive back with her so she was not alone. I did not expect to have to get up at 3:00 a.m. to help her finish cleaning her apartment before check out at 8:00. I should have known better after last year, but my hopes were up (and then were crushed). We managed to get it done though and then spent the rest of the day resting before the big drive. She is going to work again at Payless Shoes until she goes on her mission this fall. We get to start on the paperwork really soon and turn those papers in the first of July. That is only like two months away - it does not seem real. I am excited for her but also sad too. Selfish for myself but know that she will be an awesome missionary and wants to serve so bad.
This week we leave for Cedar for graduation - I can't believe I will be at one of my childrens college graduation. It seems like just yesterday I was graduating while pregnant with Brittnie and now she is going to be walking the stage in her cap and gown. Where has all the time gone? Where is that little baby girl that I gave birth too just two months after recieving my diploma? She is now a beautiful young woman whom is so strong and so wonderful. She leaves for Japan in 12 days for a study abroad program. I will worry the whole time she is gone as it is a foreign country and you never know what happens there. I can't deny her the right to go though, she has worked so hard to get there. I am excited for what she will learn and what she will see.
Our lives are always busy. Work has been so crazy and I am so tired of working 45 - 50 hours a week. Something needs to be done cause I can't continue that way. I am ready to go back to my four days and have some down time for myself and with my family. Hopefully soon.....at least I have a few extra days off this week for graduation. Other than that, we are good. Boyd turns 16 in a couple of weeks and wants to drive alone but he is not ready yet. Skyler keeps my hoping as he wants to be grown up but yet is still my little boy. As for Rob and I, we are very happy parents and best friends. I miss him when he is gone and long to spend all my time with him. He makes me happy and gives me so much. Life is good....
Saturday, March 17, 2012
A Great Year...so far
Can you believe it is already the middle of March. Time seems to speed by as each year comes. Sometimes I wonder if I will ever be able to board the train before it takes off. Life....so busy yet so wonderful. We are truly blessed.
Can I remember anything outstanding about our year so far?....not really. I just know that I am so happy and love life. I have the most amazing husband and he truly is my best friend. I will say that we have not been home many weekends together so far this year. He has been at lots of airshows, helping friends move or I have been away too. I am so glad our weekend trips are finally over. We can not settle down and enjoy being together ----- and we get to work in our yard!! I know that Rob can hardly wait for that bonding time.
We have Brittnie living back home with us now as she was not able to secure a job in Cedar and we could not afford to pay for her apartment as a storage unit. She kicked her brother out of her bedroom and he is now back in with Skyler. Boyd was not too happy about all of that. In fact, he wanted us to set up a bedroom for Brittnie in the garage. Isn't he so loving? It is fun having her home but it is never quiet now. The minute she comes home from work, the teasing starts. The funny think is, her brothers egg it on so they can't complain when she teases them. She has worked hard to find a job and actually had four offers at one time. She is trying so hard to earn the money needed for her trip to Japan in May. She even did dirty janitorial work. For now though, she is working in the afternoons at charter school and will start this week working for an eye doctor. It is nice to see her working and I think she is loving the paychecks.
Brittnie and I were able to go to Orem for my nephews wedding in February and that was wonderful. There is nothing comparable to a temple wedding. To see a bride and groom kneel across the alter to be sealed for time and eternity is tear jerking. I look forward to the day as a mother when I can witness that for my own children. It was great to spend those couple of days with my family just relaxing and having fun. We even went to my niece's baptism while we were there so it was awesome. I wish I could be there right now as my mother just had another shoulder surgery to repair the first surgery she had that fell apart. She is finally out of rehab and everyone has been assigned shifts when they are available to help take care of her. My wonderful daughter, Cortnie, has offered to take my spot and fill in whenever she can. She loves to take care of her grandparents and is such a help to them. Now to just get mom healthy enough to go on vacation with all of us in June.
The boys, well, they are boys. They love to play electronic games and watch TV. The weather is so perfect outside right now that I hate to see them stay in the house all the time. Boyd is getting better at driving even though he still scares me. To think he is suppose to have his license in two months is really scary - but they all grow up.
We are in Panaca right now for the weekend visiting Rob's parents. We don't do a whole lot while we are here so we bring stuff to keep us busy. Rob's father can not do much anymore so we just try to stay close to visit with him. Mom does all that she can to take care of him but I worry that it is wearing her out too. How we love them. They gave me the best gift anyone ever could and that is my husband. They raised a righteous son and taught him to honor me and love me. For that , I will be forever grateful.
So, life is good. We love to help people and love to be with our friends. I look forward to the time with Cortnie can come home for the summer too and then we can all be together again. My house is not complete when there is an empty chair.....
Can I remember anything outstanding about our year so far?....not really. I just know that I am so happy and love life. I have the most amazing husband and he truly is my best friend. I will say that we have not been home many weekends together so far this year. He has been at lots of airshows, helping friends move or I have been away too. I am so glad our weekend trips are finally over. We can not settle down and enjoy being together ----- and we get to work in our yard!! I know that Rob can hardly wait for that bonding time.
We have Brittnie living back home with us now as she was not able to secure a job in Cedar and we could not afford to pay for her apartment as a storage unit. She kicked her brother out of her bedroom and he is now back in with Skyler. Boyd was not too happy about all of that. In fact, he wanted us to set up a bedroom for Brittnie in the garage. Isn't he so loving? It is fun having her home but it is never quiet now. The minute she comes home from work, the teasing starts. The funny think is, her brothers egg it on so they can't complain when she teases them. She has worked hard to find a job and actually had four offers at one time. She is trying so hard to earn the money needed for her trip to Japan in May. She even did dirty janitorial work. For now though, she is working in the afternoons at charter school and will start this week working for an eye doctor. It is nice to see her working and I think she is loving the paychecks.
Brittnie and I were able to go to Orem for my nephews wedding in February and that was wonderful. There is nothing comparable to a temple wedding. To see a bride and groom kneel across the alter to be sealed for time and eternity is tear jerking. I look forward to the day as a mother when I can witness that for my own children. It was great to spend those couple of days with my family just relaxing and having fun. We even went to my niece's baptism while we were there so it was awesome. I wish I could be there right now as my mother just had another shoulder surgery to repair the first surgery she had that fell apart. She is finally out of rehab and everyone has been assigned shifts when they are available to help take care of her. My wonderful daughter, Cortnie, has offered to take my spot and fill in whenever she can. She loves to take care of her grandparents and is such a help to them. Now to just get mom healthy enough to go on vacation with all of us in June.
The boys, well, they are boys. They love to play electronic games and watch TV. The weather is so perfect outside right now that I hate to see them stay in the house all the time. Boyd is getting better at driving even though he still scares me. To think he is suppose to have his license in two months is really scary - but they all grow up.
We are in Panaca right now for the weekend visiting Rob's parents. We don't do a whole lot while we are here so we bring stuff to keep us busy. Rob's father can not do much anymore so we just try to stay close to visit with him. Mom does all that she can to take care of him but I worry that it is wearing her out too. How we love them. They gave me the best gift anyone ever could and that is my husband. They raised a righteous son and taught him to honor me and love me. For that , I will be forever grateful.
So, life is good. We love to help people and love to be with our friends. I look forward to the time with Cortnie can come home for the summer too and then we can all be together again. My house is not complete when there is an empty chair.....
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Great end to 2011
Yes, I am only about three weeks into the new year, but so far it has been crazy and I have not yet had time to write. 2011 was a wonderful year for us. We are so blessed and had so many blessings giving to us last year. I can not even begin to tell you all that we have.....I would be writing all day and never be able to stop. I am so grateful for all that we have been given and that we are healthy and happy. Let me recap the last little while .....
Brittnie is officially a college graduate...it actually says so on her college transcript now. I still can not believe it. Now what?? I am sure she imagined that she would be married and having babies by the time she graduated, but life does not seem to be that way for her. She is still trying to figure out what her Heavenly Father wants her to do but I think part of her is afraid to ask Him that question. In the meantime, we moved her back home yesterday. Boyd is not very happy about giving up his room and moving back in with Skyler, but he is being a trooper about it. I have mixed feelings. I love having her home but I worry so much that she will not have a life here. She has applied to be a substitute school teacher so hopefully will start to get phone calls for that. She is going to Japan in May for three weeks so it will be hard for her to find a job now that will give her the month off. If she subs, it will not be an issue. I just hate to see her sit around all day with nothing to do and no one to talk too. There are no kids here her age (let alone boys) so that leaves her with no social life. Bitter sweet to have her home...just hope she can figure it all out soon.
Cortnie finished out strong last semester at BYU and had her best one yet. She was worried about getting new roommates, but has fallen in love with the two she has. They are both freshman so she plays mother hen to them and helps them around campus. She is so happy when I talk to her at night and it was so great having her here for a few days over Christmas. Our home was complete with her here and it was wonderful. I miss her terribly. It is almost time for her to start her mission papers and that too is bitter sweet. I think everyday "how will I do this when Cortnie leaves" but I knwo that it will all work out with our Heavenly Father's help. We had a wonderful Christmas with her home and an enjoyable week in Utah after. I am looking forward to seeing her again in two weeks.
Boyd is Boyd. He is doing much better with his driving and school. I will say that I think he is the most like me. He worries way too much and cries so easily. He loves to give me hugs and protect me and that makes a mother proud. He is not embarrased to have me around and tries so hard to make us all happy. He was given his fathers bow for Christmas which before that was his grandfathers. He takes such care of that bow....and he is pretty darn good.
Skyler has grown in the last month. He was able to recieve the priesthood on the same calendar date of his baptism, which is also his grandfathers birthday. He was so excited to pass the sacrament the first time. The bishopric made sure he could reach the bench before church started and he could so no stool was needed. He did forget to wait for the cups as he passed the water on the first couple of rows, but he did not spill on anyone. He is so proud to pass that sacrament and his young mens leader says he has really settled down. We had 40 people at his ordination and it was quite the night. I am so grateful we did it in Utah where his family could all be there. Christmas was kind to him too as far as gifts, but he did get one he did not want...the stomach flu. He woke us up sick on Christmas morning about 2 and puked all night. He was suppose to talk in church that day which he was not able to do. We waited for him to feel somewhat better before opening the presents, but he was just not well that day. I felt so sorry for him. Luckily he was good the next day and no one else got it.
We had a wonderful Christmas and vacation. Christmas is always my favorite time of the year. I am proud to say I spend way less this year and everyone was still happy. The kids got new games and clothes and lots of love. It was fun to watch them buy for each other with a five dollar budget. Creativity works good that way. We had a great time with our relatives but I don't remember really doing much. There was no snow so we could not go sledding this year but we laughed and ate like we always do. I left missing them so much again - especially my daughter. It is hard to drive away and leave her there. I am so grateful for the emphasis the church puts on the family. They are the most important thing in my life. I would give up everything for them and they are whom I want to spend all my time with. They make me happy.
Here is to another great year!! 2o12, here we come\.....
Brittnie is officially a college graduate...it actually says so on her college transcript now. I still can not believe it. Now what?? I am sure she imagined that she would be married and having babies by the time she graduated, but life does not seem to be that way for her. She is still trying to figure out what her Heavenly Father wants her to do but I think part of her is afraid to ask Him that question. In the meantime, we moved her back home yesterday. Boyd is not very happy about giving up his room and moving back in with Skyler, but he is being a trooper about it. I have mixed feelings. I love having her home but I worry so much that she will not have a life here. She has applied to be a substitute school teacher so hopefully will start to get phone calls for that. She is going to Japan in May for three weeks so it will be hard for her to find a job now that will give her the month off. If she subs, it will not be an issue. I just hate to see her sit around all day with nothing to do and no one to talk too. There are no kids here her age (let alone boys) so that leaves her with no social life. Bitter sweet to have her home...just hope she can figure it all out soon.
Cortnie finished out strong last semester at BYU and had her best one yet. She was worried about getting new roommates, but has fallen in love with the two she has. They are both freshman so she plays mother hen to them and helps them around campus. She is so happy when I talk to her at night and it was so great having her here for a few days over Christmas. Our home was complete with her here and it was wonderful. I miss her terribly. It is almost time for her to start her mission papers and that too is bitter sweet. I think everyday "how will I do this when Cortnie leaves" but I knwo that it will all work out with our Heavenly Father's help. We had a wonderful Christmas with her home and an enjoyable week in Utah after. I am looking forward to seeing her again in two weeks.
Boyd is Boyd. He is doing much better with his driving and school. I will say that I think he is the most like me. He worries way too much and cries so easily. He loves to give me hugs and protect me and that makes a mother proud. He is not embarrased to have me around and tries so hard to make us all happy. He was given his fathers bow for Christmas which before that was his grandfathers. He takes such care of that bow....and he is pretty darn good.
Skyler has grown in the last month. He was able to recieve the priesthood on the same calendar date of his baptism, which is also his grandfathers birthday. He was so excited to pass the sacrament the first time. The bishopric made sure he could reach the bench before church started and he could so no stool was needed. He did forget to wait for the cups as he passed the water on the first couple of rows, but he did not spill on anyone. He is so proud to pass that sacrament and his young mens leader says he has really settled down. We had 40 people at his ordination and it was quite the night. I am so grateful we did it in Utah where his family could all be there. Christmas was kind to him too as far as gifts, but he did get one he did not want...the stomach flu. He woke us up sick on Christmas morning about 2 and puked all night. He was suppose to talk in church that day which he was not able to do. We waited for him to feel somewhat better before opening the presents, but he was just not well that day. I felt so sorry for him. Luckily he was good the next day and no one else got it.
We had a wonderful Christmas and vacation. Christmas is always my favorite time of the year. I am proud to say I spend way less this year and everyone was still happy. The kids got new games and clothes and lots of love. It was fun to watch them buy for each other with a five dollar budget. Creativity works good that way. We had a great time with our relatives but I don't remember really doing much. There was no snow so we could not go sledding this year but we laughed and ate like we always do. I left missing them so much again - especially my daughter. It is hard to drive away and leave her there. I am so grateful for the emphasis the church puts on the family. They are the most important thing in my life. I would give up everything for them and they are whom I want to spend all my time with. They make me happy.
Here is to another great year!! 2o12, here we come\.....
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