Happy Times!`

Where do I begin?  My heart is so full and my mind seems so cluttered.  I wonder how I will make it through all that is going on but yet I feel at peace.  I have decided that taking it one day at a time is the best for me and I try not to dwell on what is happening too far down the road. I know that it is there and I know it will be busy, but it is okay and all will be well.  I am so happy  and love the peace in my heart.

She is home!!!  It is still so hard to believe that my beautiful baby girl is sitting in the other room and not miles away.  We have had such a great week!  It is so awesome to be a mother.  It all started last Sunday which was Mother's Day.  We were able to Skype with Cortnie on the computer for an hour. It seemed kind of strange to know what to say as we would be seeing her in just two days. She looked so pretty and so happy.  We heard all about the families she is teaching and the love she has for the sisters who have become her dear friends.  It was so bitter sweet and even though I still cried when she was gone,  it was not like before.  I would see her in two days!  That day was also special as Boyd was ordained to be an Elder at church.  It is hard to believe that he is old enough to be an elder. He can now give blessings and go to the temple.  So hard to believe.  Rob gave him such a wonderful blessing full of fatherly love.  He has such a great gift when it comes to blessings and what he has for our children.  His advice is powerful.  His son towered over him when he was done to give him a hug and it was priceless.  We also went to seminary graduation for Boyd that night .  I think it finally hit me there that he was almost done with school and would not be going back.  How is that possible?  I can not be that old.  Boyd had to speak at graduation and did an awesome job.,....without any notes of any kind.  He is going to be a great missionary.  It was such an emotional and memorable Mother's Day - I loved it.

Rob and I headed out to Omaha the next night. I was so thoroughly exhausted. I do not know how I made it through work that day - I am positive someone somewhere got extra pills in the bottles as I kept falling asleep standing up.  I knew that I would sleep as we traveled.  I have such a hard time doing that lately too but not this time. I slept almost the entire way to Vegas and then again on the plane for the two hour flight.  I think my Heavenly Father was answering my prayers as I had pleaded with him to comfort my fears of leaving my other children home and traveling.  That always scares me.  We arrived in Omaha about 2:00 in the morning as our plane was delayed.  Luckily we were able to sleep in the next morning as we did not meet Cortnie until three. However, I did not want to spend all of our time in the hotel. We drove around Omaha and looked at some sights and places she had been too. We went to the Kanesville Tabernacle where she had served part of her time.  It was so awesome to see the actual place where our pioneers where and to hear the stories of them coming forward. So spiritual too.  The day was a little bit slower than I wanted it to be, but finally it was time to head to the temple where we would meet here.  As we needed to change our clothes, we went to the Winters Quarter Trail Center where she had spent three to four days a week at for the past eighteen months.  As we walked in the doors, I immediately recognized faces of some of her companions and senior couples whom she had served with. We were welcomed with warm hugs and everyone telling us how wonderful our daughter was.  She had made such an impact on so many people there even though she had such a rough start.  I was so overcome with joy. 

We finally walked over to the temple where we would attend a session with her and see her for the first time in eighteen months.  We were with two other sets of parents also there to pick up their daughters.  One sister was the only member in her family so had no one there to meet her.  We chatted and talked in the waiting room of the temple anxiously looking at the clock.  The time passed and they were still not there. One mother finally said she saw shadows of footprints outside the door so another father went to look. As he opened the door, his own daughter was right there and immediately went into her arms.  Cortnie was right behind her.  She looked in the room and saw us then immediately broke down into sobs.  She did not even come to me right away but kind of stayed by the wall.  I went to her where we embraced and cried.  I did not want to let her go.  She was finally in my arms again. I did let her dad have a small hug though.  We proceded to go through the temple session with her and she never let go of my hand.  It was still unbelievable to me that we were together.  I kept waiting for the dream to end.  Soon we were at the trail center again for testimony meeting.  I could not believe the powerful testimony that my daughter gave.  Oh my goodness - she truly loves our Savior and His church.  She has grown more than I could ever imagine.  We were able to meet some of the families she has taught and baptized and they too love her like we do. She changed their lives forever. 

We did not have to say good bye that night - she went with us to the hotel. Like the night before she left on her mission, she wanted me to sleep with her. She was so tired and worn out but she laid her head on my chest and told me her fears and worries. She does not want to be the Cortnie she was before she left. She wants to stay focused on the gospel and wants to share what she has with her family.  I just pray her family will try to do as she would like - and change.  We have so much more we could be doing to be a better family and to come closer to Christ.  Maybe she can help us.

The next day we spent meeting more families she had taught as well as taking a tour around Omaha to her apartments and so forth. We ended up back at the trail center as she wanted to give us the tour she has given so many times to people who walk through the doors.  It was amazing. She truly has come to love the pioneers and what they have done for the gospel.  She has such a great spirit about her when she does that tour too.  I was so touched and had silent tears in my eyes. We even were able to visit the cemetery where one of my ancestors is buried.  Such a wonderful time. 

All too soon it was time to leave Omaha.  I could tell that her heart was weary as she left behind the people that she has come to love so much but yet was so anxious to see the ones she has missed for eighteen months.  I was not sure how to help her.  It was a long flight home for Cortnie as flying tends to give her migraines and again I was helpless.  I knew though that at the end of that trip there was a huge surprise waiting for her and I was so excited to see that happen.  As we landed in Vegas, Rob went ahead of us to "get our luggage" while we went to the restroom.  He was actually going to find our other children so he could take pictures when she saw them. We had a huge banner made that said "welcome home Cortnie" and they were holding it. As she came down the stairs and saw her siblings, the  tears started again.  Brittnie was the first one to drop the banner and run to her taking her in her arms. Her brothers seemed unsure what to do so I finally told them to go give her a huge hug. The four of them stood there in the middle of the airport in a group hug with tears streaming down their cheeks.  Such a priceless picture. 

The car ride home was full of questions and answers.  Everyone was so excited to be together again. Rob made everyone gather in our hug circle again when we said prayers and once again all the tears stared to roll.  Cortnie started to sing "Families Can Be Together Forever" and Rob was the only one able to sing along.  Tears were too strong. We were together again - for a little while at least.  My heart was so happy but in the back of my mind I knew we would be doing this again all too soon.  for now, I will enjoy having  all of my family home. We have the next big step this week - Boyd's graduation and temple day.  Deep breaths...and lots of prayers.  It will be another week full of blessings, smiles and love. 

Unnumbered Blessings

My life is so blessed right now that I am a little bit nervous over it. I just keep praying that the rollercoaster keeps climbing and does not hit a downhill curve all of a sudden.  It is unreal with everything that we are being blessed with right now.  I get emotional so easy and the tears roll. I do have to say though that life is also so very busy that I am literally exhausted. I think a lot of that is my emotions right now too.

It is so hard to believe that three weeks from right now I will be heading home from the airport with my daughter.  I can not even believe that the time is almost over.  If I look back it seems like forever since I last held her in my arms, but on the other hand it really has gone by quickly.  We are both trying to not think about the fact that there are only twenty days left as we don't want to dwell on it. She still has work to do and will do so until the very last day.  I try not to think about it as it makes my days go by slower.  I feel unprepared for her to come home - I want the house perfect with all of her favorite foods and a room for her to come home too.  I know she will not care about those things but I do.  I just can not wait to hold her in my arms again.

The week after she gets home Boyd graduates from high school.  We are having company come for that so I feel pressure in a clean house again - that is just me.  Since all the company will be here, Boyd will be taking out his endowments at the temple that weekend.  I still can not believe it is time for that too.  The next day Cortnie will be speaking in church to tell everyone about her mission.  We have always told the kids we would go to Disneyland before Boyd leaves too so we head there two days after that.  I am so excited to spend time with all of my family.

Then, last night I got the text message that I have been waiting for 18 years to.  My youngest brother Coby and his wife have decided to go to the temple. They will be sealed as an eternal family to their four children forever.  I was so excited when I found out - I actually screamed and jumped up and down.  Tina started to cry.  That happens the weekend after we get home from Disneyland.  I have so much time off of work already this summer, but I will be in Utah for that special day.  I would not miss it for the world.  My little brother will finally make our family complete.  Forever families is the best blessing that anyone could ever ask for. 

I know that the blessings that we have received and will continue to receive are from being obedient and the service of our family members on missions.  If we are going to continue to be as blessed when Boyd goes, I am willing and ready for him to go.  I can never thank my Heavenly Father enough for all he has given to me.  I will continue to strive to do my best also so "repay" him for all he has done for me.  I just pray that the small fears I have will be overpowered by the joy and I will be at peace.  I need that right now - I want to be happy and relish in the moments.  Life is a big blessing.....

It Begins Again

Happy, sad, excited, scared, lonely, anxious.....the feelings are all here once again.  Boyd got his mission call yesterday and I am so proud of him.  I will worry and miss him like I do with Cortnie, but with faith all will be well and things will be okay. 

It has been another rollercoaster ride.  Boyd decided it was finally time to apply for his call about a month ago.  He met with the bishop and was found worthy to be a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Bishop released his paperwork and we began to get it all ready.  He had his wisdom teeth pulled last summer and met with the doctor and got clearance from them both. It took him only one day to complete the paperwork then was back at the bishop's door.  He was so excited when he walked out and released that this was getting real.  President Miller was the next step.  I took him to Kingman for the appointment and he was really quiet.  I talked to him about his feelings and he was pretty nervous.  I was worried that he was not ready and did not really want to do this.  However, the smile on his face upon exiting President Miller's office was larger than life.  I knew then that he was prepared and finally exited.  He was relieved to have the interviews over. 

President Miller told us it would take about ten days for the call to come. I was not sure whether to believe that or not as that is what Cortnie was told too and she had to wait another week.  We figured if it came it would come on Wednesday or Thursday.  The mailbox was empty on Wednesday.  We kept teasing him though about it coming when it really had not.  He is such a fun person to tease.  Anyway, Thursday he was the first one home.  I really wanted to be here when he opened the mailbox, but he was alone.  I texted him from work and asked him if the call had come...and he said "maybe".  I knew that it had.  I hurried home (as everyone else was already there by this time).  I asked him where it was when I got home and he said he had hid it.  Funny kid.  It took us about an hour to get everyone on the computers or phone and then we were ready.

Boyd was still playing around.  He asked us all if we were ready and I asked him if he was. He started to get up and said "no, let's wait one more day" then laughed and sat back down.  He was a little bit nervous but soon the envelope was opened.  Brittnie was standing to the side of him and slowly inched her way over to where she could read the letter. She saw before he did where he was going and covered her mouth.  He began to read:  "Dear Elder Beatty, You are hereby called to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Virginia, Richmond Mission."  I could sense a tiny bit of disappoint as I knew that he really wanted to go foreign...but it was okay.  He continued to read...." You will report to the Missionary Training Center is Mexico" - we all started to scream and laugh and he threw back his head. We knew what that meant - he was going to be speaking Spanish.  He was so hoping to not have to learn Spanish either.  He kept reading to find out that he will enter the MTC on July 30th. Since he goes to Mexico, that means that we put him on the plane in Las Vegas to travel by himself to a foreign country where he will be all alone - well kind of. 

As we spend the rest of the night calling everyone and posting it on facebook, he became more and more excited. I think our Sister Missionaries were more excited than anyone - especially Sister Toyn. She just left that MTC about three weeks ago. She is so excited for him and was telling him all about it tonight and what to expect and who to see.  Another tender mercy that Heavenly Father gave to me by sending them here. They will help train him  - he will go out with them and they will speak Spanish to them.  Boyd said last night that he knows now this is where he is supposed to go.  He will probably freeze his little tail off but he is excited. 

He will be  great missionary.  I have known that for a long time, but it is still not easy.  I am just going to get one home (61 days to be precise) and then the other will leave. Boyd still seems so young to me and has never left home for more than a week.  He is such a big teddy bear and really watches out and takes care of me.  I will so miss his big bear hugs and his kisses.  He is the most loving boy a mother could ask for.  Once again, my faith is being tested and the tears are starting to roll, but I am trying not to show that side to him.  The time will come for that all too soon.  I just pray that my Heavenly Father will keep him safe in his arms and watch over him.  Two years will be a very long time.  I am proud of you son. 

Fun Pictures

Not sure who they all are...but thought you might enjoy some pictures.  Also, check out the song on facebook under my name. 

Beautiful Day!

It is such a beautiful day!  The sun in shining, it is a little bit overcast, I am enjoying a wonderful weekend with my three children who are home and my husband and I love very minute of it.  We got to go to a temple dedication today to see the dedication of the Gilbert Arizona temple and the spirit there was so strong.  I could not keep the tears from rolling down my cheeks. I wish that I could bottle up that spiritual feeling and open the lid to pull a little bit out when I am feeling down and not quite so happy.  It is so uplifting to go to church each week, but to see a prophet of God and listen to his words was incredible.  I wish I could hug him just like a couple of the little kids did today.  It was so awesome!

I love weekends like this one. We all worked in the yard yesterday and no one even complained about it.  We have lots of yard work to get done to make it look better at there and I can not do it alone. I am so grateful when my children will pitch in and throw or rake manure or take out the trimmings.  It is just so fun to work together.  There is nothing that I enjoy more than spending time with my family.  Spring Break is coming up and I want to do something even though we do not have very much money.  I want to just get away and spend some time with them - but still reserve my Tuesday morning to talk with Cortnie.  That is another high light of my week.  I really could not be happier right now and am so grateful that I am allowed to be.

I have two new "daughters" that I have adopted even though they may not know it.  We got sister missionaries about ten days ago to replace our elders and they are straight from heaven.  I have so much love for them and want to take care of them all the time.  Maybe it is because they make me feel so much closer to my daughter.  I am not sure but I just want to make sure they are happy and love having them in my home.  They make us laugh and smile and give me big hugs - hugs I miss from my own daughter. They take Brittnie out on lessons with them and she will even go.  My whole family just loves them to pieces.  They make us laugh and bring such a spirit with them.  Yesterday they showed up to help us do yard work too. It was starting to rain slightly when they got here, but they did not care. They pushed the lawnmower and trimmed the train all while the rain was drizzling down. It was so awesome to look at the rain coming down and their smiling faces as they continued to work. They want to come back tomorrow and help us some more - on the day off!  I just want them to feel loved and hope that they do.

Cortnie is doing well. Can you believe that there are only 73 days left until she comes home!  It does not seem possible but yet I am so excited. I  want her to finish strong and keep telling her that.  It is hard to believe how fast it has gone by.  She is such a trooper and has the best companion. They work so well together and it is fun to hear their stories.  We each have a countdown going that allows off to mark off one more day each morning.  Rob and I are going to go back to pick her up. I really wanted all the kids to go too, but it is the last week of school and Boyd can not miss finals. He graduates the week after. We are going to Disneyland a couple of weeks after we get home though so that will be awesome too.  Exciting and busy times lie ahead for our family over the next couple of months.

One more piece of excitement, Boyd has turned in his mission papers. They actually were electronically sent in this morning and should be back within about ten days.  I can  not believe it will be that soon and I hope for his sake it will not take three weeks like Cortnie's did.  I can not believe I will be sending another one off this summer.  I am so excited but yet so sad.  I worry about where he will go but know it will be where the Lord wants him. Rob and I have told him we would like him to go to Fiji, New Zealand....anywhere exotic so we can come a couple weeks early and pick him up.  I just want him to be happy and ready to serve.

My life is wonderful.!  I am busy and sometimes wonder how I can do it all.  My sisters are sometimes very needy but I am fortunate enough to have a good presidency and we work well together.  I just want everyone to feel the spirit like I did this morning.....to know that the temple allows us to be together forever!!  What a blessing that is

Quick Update....Life is Good

So, a new year has started and we are off to a great start. We had a wonderful break over Christmas and got to see lots of family members. It was so awesome to share some time with them and with each other.  I love being with any type of family at any time. We try to be there whenever we can.  It was such a nice break too....our nephew left for his mission, our niece went to Germany to be a nanny and everyone was happy. We spent lots of time just talking and laughing. I love to watch my son and his two cousins hug and slap backs as they said good-bye - not knowing if they will see each other again before their missions.  It was a wonderful site.

Boyd has begun meeting with the bishop to start his paperwork. He has finally come to the conclusion that it is time and he is excited about it.  It still does not seem possible to me but we have another one getting ready to leave the nest.  We are trying to plan vacations and summer outings, but it is hard not knowing when he will leave.  I can hardly wait to send in the final paperwork and get that answer back.  It is so exciting!

We also got a letter this past week from Cortnie's mission president ......letting us know her release date and info about her coming home.  It does not seem possible that we are even talking about that kind of stuff but we are. She will be home on May 14th!!  Rob and I are going to go out and pick her up and bring her home. We wanted to take the whole family but it is the last week of school which means finals and concerts so we decided to just go by ourselves. That way we will have more money for our Disneyland trip that we have planned before Boyd goes.  I can not believe she will be home in less than four months......I just hope it goes by quickly.

Life is good....I am happy.  Work is stressful right now and I am working way too many hours, but I am plugging along. It is all great and I love being home with my family. I am so grateful for my awesome work schedule that lets be home when they are. I am able to have time off when I need it and I get to be in charge of some things.  It is good....I am so blessed. I just pray that it will continue to go that way and we can count our blessings everyday.  I love being happy!!