It is amazing how quickly time goes by but yet it seems to move so slow. If I look at the last time I posted, it has been three months but yet it seems like just yesterday. So much has happened and I am sure I won't remember it all. The best part is that the clock is ticking for Boyd to come home. I am trying not to think about it as that seems to make the time go by slower, but yet if I think back it has gone by pretty quickly. Today is General Conference again and it will be the last conference before he comes home. We have less than four months to go - in fact, we hit 100 days next week! I try not to think about it as it seems so far away still. If I don't dwell on it, it will continue to go by. Boyd has hit a bump in the road and is struggling a little bit so hopefully he will get over that quickly or his time will go by slow. I want his final few months to be as great as the rest of his mission. He needs that opportunity to continue to teach and testify and share his love of the gospel. I am hopeful maybe he will have one more baptism before he comes home but if he does not, that is not a big deal to me at all. I know he has changed lives and he might not ever see the results of his work but yet, I am sure many will come into the church through his service. How I miss my boy but I am so proud of him. I can hardly wait for him to come home and get my hug. We are going on vacation to Florida right after he gets home so that will be tons of fun. I can hardly wait for this summer.
I was released as RS president a couple of weeks ago which is bitter sweet. It was really hard and I cried a lot the day before but it is okay. Change is always good and I am happy to stay out of the light. It will also be nice to not know everything about everyone. That can be hard sometimes and I will not miss that. I will miss the love of my sisters though. The last time I was released I became a nobody and no one even talked to me any more. I am afraid that is what will happen this time and I don't want to be alone. I have no girls at home right now and my boys here don't like to do the same things as me so it makes it kind of lonely. I just pray that people will keep talking to me and invite me to things. I need that so much in my life right now. How I miss my girls....but it was nice to have them home last weekend.
The girls came home last weekend for Easter - or so Rob thought. His birthday was also on Easter and it was the big 50. He had warned me forever that I could not have a party for him and I had to be nice - but he never told the girls they could not do something. Brittnie put together a huge surprise party for him and invited tons of his friends and people from the ward. She had videos of his siblings, his parents, my family and the kids and I - including Boyd. We had all kinds of food and just hung out. It was a lot of fun. His sisters even came down just for the day. We spend the whole weekend just laughing and then had dentist and eye doctor appointments for them on Monday. It was hard to take them back to the airport - especially cause their plane was three hours late. With the time change,, they ended up getting in at 4:00 in the morning their time. I hate it when they leave but at least I can talk to them every night. Boyd will be going to school up by where they live so it will be nice to be close to him when we visit too. He had a larger scholarship in Cedar City but would be all alone there so he decided to go to UVU. He really wanted to go to BYU so hopefully he can transfer in after one year. I am glad he will be close to his sisters and other relatives if he needs them. He will go to school three weeks after he gets home which stinks but I will be able to talk to him.
I am going to Utah in a couple of weeks so that will be nice. Katie, Shawn's daughter, is going through the temple to prepare for her mission. She got her call this past week to Germany and leaves in 8 weeks. - I am glad it is them trying to get her ready so quickly. We were supposed to go to Panaca the same day but Rob told me to go to Utah and he and Skyler will go to Panaca. He knows how hard it is when no one comes to our things on me and no one will be able to be there for Katie. So, off I go for the weekend. Cortnie might be having surgery soon as they found a small hole in her heart (nothing major most of us have it). If you have this hole and are prone to migraines, they find closing the hole makes them less. Her doctor appointment is that Monday so I might be staying an extra day to go with her to the appointment. I am hoping if she has surgery she can schedule it while we are there in June for EFY. Then I can use sick time instead of vacation time and save more vacation for when Boyd is home. Hopefully we will have answers soon as I am not one who likes the unknown. I like to plan in advance. Work is crazy right now as another person quit and we still have not hired anyone to replace the last one. I don't know what we are going to do. I am willing to help out some but I will not work 50 or 60 hours a week. I won't do it. They need to send us some help and they really need to up our pay.
So life is full of changes. How I love being a mom. I have gotten really close to Skyler lately in some areas of his life but he is still a challenge with his attitude. He comes to talk to me when he is down or lonely and he is really good at knowing when I feel the same way. He has taken over as my big bear and gives bear hugs when I need them. I pray that we can stay close and that he will talk to me. Teenage years are hard....and he will need help from adults. Life is good. Somedays are harder than others as I think about all of my kids gone or soon to be gone (2 1/2 years). I pray that when that time comes we can finally move. I want my dream home and I want it filled with family and love.
Sunday, April 3, 2016
Sunday, January 10, 2016
Holidays - I wish They were Back
I have heard so many people in the past week say how thankful they are that the holidays are over. I wish so bad that they were still here. I love the holidays! I love to shop, to cook, to be with family, to wrap presents, to give surprises, to make treats, to travel - I love it all. I wish I could have it way more often. However, the check book would not make it and I would probably grow tired of it. I for one though am not happy that they are over. I love spending time with my family and this year especially, was really hard to leave.
We had a wonderful Christmas and New Years. Cortnie had an angel at work offer to work for her so that she could come home for Christmas. She still had to work part of the week though so we picked them up way late on December 23rd. That gave us Christmas Eve together and all of Christmas Day. I am not sure how it happened, but I had everything done before they got here. I was so ready for Christmas it was kind of scary. I was able to devote all my time to them while they were home and we had a blast. We went to movies, had a nice dinner, played games, laughed and cried. It was so great. Christmas morning I am happy to say that no one got stuck in the window sill and they were kind enough to let us sleep until seven. I wonder if my children will ever out grow the need to get up early on Christmas day - oh well, it makes us all stay young. We had wonderful gifts and so much thought into giving them. Everyone came away happy and I did not go broke this year. It is amazing how I was even able to decide what to give them before they even asked. It was kind of fun. ';
I have to admit I was a little bit antsy all morning as I know that Boyd would be calling. He put the frosting on my Christmas cake. I could not believe my son! He looks so awesome and is so happy. He has lost weight and looks like a man - not my little boy anymore. We laughed and cried and told stories. We opened gifts and laughed some more. We were privileged to get to talk to him for almost three hours. What a great way to spend Christmas afternoon. As it came time to say good-bye though, my little boy came back. He had tears rolling down his cheeks that I could not wipe away. I wanted so bad to hold him and hug him but all I could do was try not to cry and tell him I loved him. he gave family prayer in Spanish before he left and I cried some more. Brittnie said it was easy not to cry though when you had no idea what he was saying. We made hearts with our hands and held them near our hearts. Then he was gone - and I cried some more. I miss him so bad - but THIS YEAR he comes home. We have made it through three Skype calls with only one more to go. We have less than 200 days left. I can do this - we can do this together. My heart broke for him though as he was all alone once again.
We spent the rest of the holidays visiting family. We took the kids to Panaca first to spend one day with grandparents there. It is hard to go there and not feel left out but we go cause we love them. We then got to spend a week in Utah with our daughters and other relatives. We went to temple square, to movies, to parties, out to dinner, shopping, and just sitting around talking. I loved every minute of every day. I was so not ready to come home. As it was time to say good-bye I cried but tried to hold it inside. I wanted to be strong for my girls. I hated to leave them though - I worry about them so much. They need to find friends and they need to be happy. I don't hear that in their voice very often and it worries me. I had silent tears rolling down my cheeks for about a half hour. Rob lets me cry - he knows it hurts me to leave them. I feel alone some nights since the girls are both gone. I do my thing while Rob and Skyler bond on their games but it gets lonely. I miss spending time with them and doing things together. My goal for this year is to find more quality things to do together as a family. We want to do a big vacation when Boyd gets home before he leaves for school. I just pray he gets into BYU - he has had so many disappoints in his life I don't want there to be another one. I want him to finally feel like he has done something right.
2015 was a great year for us but not without its trials. We had surgery, numerous car accidents (one of which was Boyd on his mission right before Christmas - no big deal just went over a curb and took out a mailbox totaling the car and Cortnie two days before then in a snow storm on the freeway) - but no one was hurt. We had many times we were traveling the vehicles went wrong but we were always okay. I can not even begin to explain our financial situation other than to say I know we are blessed for having a son out and paying our tithing. We had a daughter move out of the house to go find her dream and hopefully find someone to share it with. I am so happy we had 2015. I am excited for 2016 and the chance to continue to serve and to grow. I want my family to be happy. I want to see them grow up and get married and serve missions and hopefully soon have grandbabies to spoil. I am so thankful for my best friend to be by my side as we reach our goals together. Life is good - I pray that it will continue to be.
We had a wonderful Christmas and New Years. Cortnie had an angel at work offer to work for her so that she could come home for Christmas. She still had to work part of the week though so we picked them up way late on December 23rd. That gave us Christmas Eve together and all of Christmas Day. I am not sure how it happened, but I had everything done before they got here. I was so ready for Christmas it was kind of scary. I was able to devote all my time to them while they were home and we had a blast. We went to movies, had a nice dinner, played games, laughed and cried. It was so great. Christmas morning I am happy to say that no one got stuck in the window sill and they were kind enough to let us sleep until seven. I wonder if my children will ever out grow the need to get up early on Christmas day - oh well, it makes us all stay young. We had wonderful gifts and so much thought into giving them. Everyone came away happy and I did not go broke this year. It is amazing how I was even able to decide what to give them before they even asked. It was kind of fun. ';
I have to admit I was a little bit antsy all morning as I know that Boyd would be calling. He put the frosting on my Christmas cake. I could not believe my son! He looks so awesome and is so happy. He has lost weight and looks like a man - not my little boy anymore. We laughed and cried and told stories. We opened gifts and laughed some more. We were privileged to get to talk to him for almost three hours. What a great way to spend Christmas afternoon. As it came time to say good-bye though, my little boy came back. He had tears rolling down his cheeks that I could not wipe away. I wanted so bad to hold him and hug him but all I could do was try not to cry and tell him I loved him. he gave family prayer in Spanish before he left and I cried some more. Brittnie said it was easy not to cry though when you had no idea what he was saying. We made hearts with our hands and held them near our hearts. Then he was gone - and I cried some more. I miss him so bad - but THIS YEAR he comes home. We have made it through three Skype calls with only one more to go. We have less than 200 days left. I can do this - we can do this together. My heart broke for him though as he was all alone once again.
We spent the rest of the holidays visiting family. We took the kids to Panaca first to spend one day with grandparents there. It is hard to go there and not feel left out but we go cause we love them. We then got to spend a week in Utah with our daughters and other relatives. We went to temple square, to movies, to parties, out to dinner, shopping, and just sitting around talking. I loved every minute of every day. I was so not ready to come home. As it was time to say good-bye I cried but tried to hold it inside. I wanted to be strong for my girls. I hated to leave them though - I worry about them so much. They need to find friends and they need to be happy. I don't hear that in their voice very often and it worries me. I had silent tears rolling down my cheeks for about a half hour. Rob lets me cry - he knows it hurts me to leave them. I feel alone some nights since the girls are both gone. I do my thing while Rob and Skyler bond on their games but it gets lonely. I miss spending time with them and doing things together. My goal for this year is to find more quality things to do together as a family. We want to do a big vacation when Boyd gets home before he leaves for school. I just pray he gets into BYU - he has had so many disappoints in his life I don't want there to be another one. I want him to finally feel like he has done something right.
2015 was a great year for us but not without its trials. We had surgery, numerous car accidents (one of which was Boyd on his mission right before Christmas - no big deal just went over a curb and took out a mailbox totaling the car and Cortnie two days before then in a snow storm on the freeway) - but no one was hurt. We had many times we were traveling the vehicles went wrong but we were always okay. I can not even begin to explain our financial situation other than to say I know we are blessed for having a son out and paying our tithing. We had a daughter move out of the house to go find her dream and hopefully find someone to share it with. I am so happy we had 2015. I am excited for 2016 and the chance to continue to serve and to grow. I want my family to be happy. I want to see them grow up and get married and serve missions and hopefully soon have grandbabies to spoil. I am so thankful for my best friend to be by my side as we reach our goals together. Life is good - I pray that it will continue to be.
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Thankful
Life just goes by way too fast. I can't believe it has been almost three months since I last posted anything. It is crazy busy around here and the next month will be just as bad. I have not even been able to run on my treadmill and it shows. I want to get healthy again but can't stay up until midnight every night to do so. However, I am so thankful that I am healthy and able to do what I can. I know the my Heavenly Father helps me through each day. There is no other explanation as to why I can do so much if it was not for his help.
We just got back from a nice Thanksgiving in Utah. We usually stay home but no one could come so we went there. I have not been there for so long for Thanksgiving. It was nice to be with my daughters. they choose to stay at my parents with us so that was really nice. How I love having them there and being with them all the time. I am worried about Christmas though. As of right now, Cortnie has to work on Christmas day so we might be there for that holiday too. I so much prefer Christmas in my own home though and I hate to haul everything with me. I just am praying so hard that someone will work for her. I am very grateful for my family and for all the chances I get to be with them.
I am also so thankful for my missionary. I have rubbed off on Rob. We will just be sitting in church singing a song and suddenly the words will hit our hearts and we will start to cry. They are words that pertain to our missionary too or how he has overcome or missing him. We are truly blessed for having him out. We had another financial blessing happen that I can not explain on paper. I can only explain it by saying we are blessed for him serving. I miss him like crazy - especially during the holidays. However, I know that he is happy, that he is changing and growing, and that he is touching lives of families so that they can have what I have - an eternal family.
I am so thankful at this time of year for my Saviors. How I love him! I can never repay what he gave for me and for taking about him all of my sins. I am thankful for Heavenly Parents who let their son die for each of us. It is not easy watching your child hurt so I am truly thank for them. I hope t keep that spirit alive this holiday season and to enjoy it. I don't' want to be too busy - I want to feel of that spirit and to share it with those around me. I am so thankful for all of my many blessings.
We just got back from a nice Thanksgiving in Utah. We usually stay home but no one could come so we went there. I have not been there for so long for Thanksgiving. It was nice to be with my daughters. they choose to stay at my parents with us so that was really nice. How I love having them there and being with them all the time. I am worried about Christmas though. As of right now, Cortnie has to work on Christmas day so we might be there for that holiday too. I so much prefer Christmas in my own home though and I hate to haul everything with me. I just am praying so hard that someone will work for her. I am very grateful for my family and for all the chances I get to be with them.
I am also so thankful for my missionary. I have rubbed off on Rob. We will just be sitting in church singing a song and suddenly the words will hit our hearts and we will start to cry. They are words that pertain to our missionary too or how he has overcome or missing him. We are truly blessed for having him out. We had another financial blessing happen that I can not explain on paper. I can only explain it by saying we are blessed for him serving. I miss him like crazy - especially during the holidays. However, I know that he is happy, that he is changing and growing, and that he is touching lives of families so that they can have what I have - an eternal family.
I am so thankful at this time of year for my Saviors. How I love him! I can never repay what he gave for me and for taking about him all of my sins. I am thankful for Heavenly Parents who let their son die for each of us. It is not easy watching your child hurt so I am truly thank for them. I hope t keep that spirit alive this holiday season and to enjoy it. I don't' want to be too busy - I want to feel of that spirit and to share it with those around me. I am so thankful for all of my many blessings.
Monday, September 14, 2015
Surprise!!
I have always wanted to steal my husband away on a surprise vacation and last weekend I finally did it. I wanted to just take him away for our anniversary and walk on beaches or just go for hikes. I had mentioned it to Tina a while back and we began to plan. I don't think I could have done it if she would not have gone as they always provide the condo room. Once again they did that and we paid for the food and rental car. It was so great to surprise Rob and tell him....let's go.
Rob was working that day so I had made arrangements with James for him to be off early. I went to visit him with a coke and a bag of goodies. He was shocked to see me but even more shocked to find out he was done with work. He goodie bag told him we had a plane to catch so we had to get going right then. He wanted to know where we were going but I told him he would find out at the airport. I could not keep it a secret once he knew what plane he was getting on. We were headed to San Diego!!
The weather was so perfect. The company was great and I was not at work! We went to Sea World, to the beach, Rob and Rick went kayaking, we went to Coronado Island and finally to the USS Midway. I really wanted to walk on the beach holding hands at sunset but that did not happen. I was just so glad to get away with my hubby and not to have his game to compete with. It was so relaxing and nice. I hated for it to end and I really hated to go back to work. I am so burned out and not enjoying my job much anymore. It is the same thing day in and day out and it is getting kind of old. Four years..I can do hard things right.
I have to tell you though that we were both surprised before we left. My kids knew about my plans and poor Skyler got the worst of it. I would not let him stay home alone so he was being sent to my bosses house. Not a good idea and I won't do that again. He did not want to go but said he would cause I needed time away. However, after I picked up Rob, we came home to a note on the door stating that all this time I thought I was fooling dad when he was really fooling me. We came inside and he had taken pictures from off the walls and placed them all around the living room. There were wedding pictures as well as all my children. There was a photo album on the table with even more pictures in it. He was hiding in his bedroom. He finally came out and had tears running down his cheeks. He wanted us to know that he loved us and was proud to be a part of this family. He really does have a soft side. Rob and I both cried too and were very touched. I don't' think I have ever seen that side of him before. It was awesome.
So, now life goes on. Boyd ran a 5K race today on his mission as part of a mission wide challenge. He has never liked to run let alone run that far. I am so proud of him. he even beat my first time that I ran He has been losing weight and seems so very happy. I love my boy so much and miss him like crazy. How proud I am of him.
We miss the girls too. We get to talk to them every night but it is not the same. They will be home in four weeks for Cortnie's birthday and I can't wait. I miss having someone to talk too and go shopping with. How I love my girls.
Life is good! I am happy and want those around me to be the same. I love to serve and love my sisters. How thankful I am for all of my blessings.
Rob was working that day so I had made arrangements with James for him to be off early. I went to visit him with a coke and a bag of goodies. He was shocked to see me but even more shocked to find out he was done with work. He goodie bag told him we had a plane to catch so we had to get going right then. He wanted to know where we were going but I told him he would find out at the airport. I could not keep it a secret once he knew what plane he was getting on. We were headed to San Diego!!
The weather was so perfect. The company was great and I was not at work! We went to Sea World, to the beach, Rob and Rick went kayaking, we went to Coronado Island and finally to the USS Midway. I really wanted to walk on the beach holding hands at sunset but that did not happen. I was just so glad to get away with my hubby and not to have his game to compete with. It was so relaxing and nice. I hated for it to end and I really hated to go back to work. I am so burned out and not enjoying my job much anymore. It is the same thing day in and day out and it is getting kind of old. Four years..I can do hard things right.
I have to tell you though that we were both surprised before we left. My kids knew about my plans and poor Skyler got the worst of it. I would not let him stay home alone so he was being sent to my bosses house. Not a good idea and I won't do that again. He did not want to go but said he would cause I needed time away. However, after I picked up Rob, we came home to a note on the door stating that all this time I thought I was fooling dad when he was really fooling me. We came inside and he had taken pictures from off the walls and placed them all around the living room. There were wedding pictures as well as all my children. There was a photo album on the table with even more pictures in it. He was hiding in his bedroom. He finally came out and had tears running down his cheeks. He wanted us to know that he loved us and was proud to be a part of this family. He really does have a soft side. Rob and I both cried too and were very touched. I don't' think I have ever seen that side of him before. It was awesome.
So, now life goes on. Boyd ran a 5K race today on his mission as part of a mission wide challenge. He has never liked to run let alone run that far. I am so proud of him. he even beat my first time that I ran He has been losing weight and seems so very happy. I love my boy so much and miss him like crazy. How proud I am of him.
We miss the girls too. We get to talk to them every night but it is not the same. They will be home in four weeks for Cortnie's birthday and I can't wait. I miss having someone to talk too and go shopping with. How I love my girls.
Life is good! I am happy and want those around me to be the same. I love to serve and love my sisters. How thankful I am for all of my blessings.
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
And Now It's Over
Summer is officially over when the school bell rings and the homework begins. I so was not ready for school to start this year. I was enjoying just working and coming home to my boys each night - not having to worry about anything else. We had a busy summer but it was so much fun. I love to vacation and get away from "normal life". I love to be with our families. Nothing means more to me than spending time with them. I miss having my daughters home so much that I will gladly go to Utah now any chance that I get. I keep trying to figure out a good reason to go to Virginia too, but those keep getting shot down. However, I hope to be there next summer to bring my son home.
Today is a special day.....today is the day I became a mother. It is hard to believe that 25 years ago a little girl was laid in my arms with big brown eyes and lots of brown hair. At that moment, I wanted nothing more than to cherish her and take care of her always. I had such dreams for our family and still do. I have been fortunate enough to have that same experience three more times since then. Nothing can compare to a new baby in your arms. The pain of bringing that child into the world vanishes the minute that happens. I sometimes wish I could go back to that stage in my life. There are so many things I have learned that I would do different. I miss my little children and the fun that we had. I feel like I have missed out on so much of their lives with having to work. Due to work I was always so busy at night that I did not give them the time or attention that they deserved. I did my best - that was all I could do - but many times I feel like I could have done more. How I loved the dance recitals and soccer games; the choir concerts and pink curlers; the squeals of receiving a new toy or new game.....memories is what they are now. Hopefully my children have good memories too. But today, I celebrate my daughters birth. I know that she always dreamed that she would be married and have a child of her own by now. How it breaks my heart that she does not. I want to buy wedding dresses and put flowers in her hair. I pray night and day that her prince charming will come along and steal her away from me....actually, both of my girls. Someday......
Our last summer vacation was so awesome. We did not really do anything which was great. The temple wedding of Devin was wonderful and so was Brinleys baptism. Two ordinances that perfect a life. I always love having Taysha run into my arms when she sees me....Didi, Didi she yells. I hope we have that special bond her whole life. I loved being in my parents home and just talking to them or walking mom into the church knowing she does not go much. I ate so much ice cream and junk food while we were there but it was worth it. I loved to see the smiles on the faces as we bonded together. Brothers and sisters; parents and children. Of course, spending time with my daughters was priceless. They had to work while we were there but every chance we could, we were with them. It was fun to light of fireworks and to BBQ burgers and dogs. I so miss living near my family. You would think that after 24 years that I would be used to it but I am not. My heart longs to be with them so badly. I wish we could move this year. Four years seems like so far away. I wish Rob would study for his computer license so we have a job to turn too in four years. I am really holding to the hope that we will leave here then. My biggest fear is that by the time we do, it will be too late. I want to be close to my mom but her health is so bad. My parents are aging and I wonder what four years will do for them. I really long to be close to my sister so we can just go out to lunch one day or jog together in the park. Dreams are a wonderful thing and I pray mine will come true soon. I just have to hold on.....and keep dreaming.
Boyd is doing great. Last week was his hump day - one year in the field. When I look back on it, the year itself has gone by quickly yet it seems like forever since I had those huge arms around me and hearing him say "I love you mom". How I miss that. I really hope the next year will fly by. I want to go pick him up yet if that is not our fate, I just look forward to that grown boy walking down the stairs in the airport. I can hardly wait to see his face and hear his voice. I am so proud of him. Last year at this time I was constantly in prayer that he would make it just to Virginia. He has made it - and he is happy. He has his struggles with companions and investigators, but he loves his mission. He has grown so much. You can hear it in his testimony and see it in his pictures as another 1 1/2 inches has been added to his height. I am so proud.....it is so hard to have him gone but I would never trade his experience for anything (kind of like Skyler with EFY - he comes back a different person and one that has a stronger testimony.)
Life is good....I sometimes get very lonely as my boys here at home play video games every night and I am left alone. I should be out visiting my sisters but I can't do that every night. Instead, I am trying to lose the weight I put back on so my treadmill and I are good friends again. I am happy. I am tired of working so much but hopefully that will be changing soon too. I want to feel like I can take a day off of work when my boys are home (four day school week for them now) and enjoy some time with them. We are truly blessed....even after all the car problems and money spent this summer....how can I complain about all that I have been given. Thank you Heavenly Father for my family, for my health, for my job, for the gospel...for LIFE. Here is to many more years of the same.
Today is a special day.....today is the day I became a mother. It is hard to believe that 25 years ago a little girl was laid in my arms with big brown eyes and lots of brown hair. At that moment, I wanted nothing more than to cherish her and take care of her always. I had such dreams for our family and still do. I have been fortunate enough to have that same experience three more times since then. Nothing can compare to a new baby in your arms. The pain of bringing that child into the world vanishes the minute that happens. I sometimes wish I could go back to that stage in my life. There are so many things I have learned that I would do different. I miss my little children and the fun that we had. I feel like I have missed out on so much of their lives with having to work. Due to work I was always so busy at night that I did not give them the time or attention that they deserved. I did my best - that was all I could do - but many times I feel like I could have done more. How I loved the dance recitals and soccer games; the choir concerts and pink curlers; the squeals of receiving a new toy or new game.....memories is what they are now. Hopefully my children have good memories too. But today, I celebrate my daughters birth. I know that she always dreamed that she would be married and have a child of her own by now. How it breaks my heart that she does not. I want to buy wedding dresses and put flowers in her hair. I pray night and day that her prince charming will come along and steal her away from me....actually, both of my girls. Someday......
Our last summer vacation was so awesome. We did not really do anything which was great. The temple wedding of Devin was wonderful and so was Brinleys baptism. Two ordinances that perfect a life. I always love having Taysha run into my arms when she sees me....Didi, Didi she yells. I hope we have that special bond her whole life. I loved being in my parents home and just talking to them or walking mom into the church knowing she does not go much. I ate so much ice cream and junk food while we were there but it was worth it. I loved to see the smiles on the faces as we bonded together. Brothers and sisters; parents and children. Of course, spending time with my daughters was priceless. They had to work while we were there but every chance we could, we were with them. It was fun to light of fireworks and to BBQ burgers and dogs. I so miss living near my family. You would think that after 24 years that I would be used to it but I am not. My heart longs to be with them so badly. I wish we could move this year. Four years seems like so far away. I wish Rob would study for his computer license so we have a job to turn too in four years. I am really holding to the hope that we will leave here then. My biggest fear is that by the time we do, it will be too late. I want to be close to my mom but her health is so bad. My parents are aging and I wonder what four years will do for them. I really long to be close to my sister so we can just go out to lunch one day or jog together in the park. Dreams are a wonderful thing and I pray mine will come true soon. I just have to hold on.....and keep dreaming.
Boyd is doing great. Last week was his hump day - one year in the field. When I look back on it, the year itself has gone by quickly yet it seems like forever since I had those huge arms around me and hearing him say "I love you mom". How I miss that. I really hope the next year will fly by. I want to go pick him up yet if that is not our fate, I just look forward to that grown boy walking down the stairs in the airport. I can hardly wait to see his face and hear his voice. I am so proud of him. Last year at this time I was constantly in prayer that he would make it just to Virginia. He has made it - and he is happy. He has his struggles with companions and investigators, but he loves his mission. He has grown so much. You can hear it in his testimony and see it in his pictures as another 1 1/2 inches has been added to his height. I am so proud.....it is so hard to have him gone but I would never trade his experience for anything (kind of like Skyler with EFY - he comes back a different person and one that has a stronger testimony.)
Life is good....I sometimes get very lonely as my boys here at home play video games every night and I am left alone. I should be out visiting my sisters but I can't do that every night. Instead, I am trying to lose the weight I put back on so my treadmill and I are good friends again. I am happy. I am tired of working so much but hopefully that will be changing soon too. I want to feel like I can take a day off of work when my boys are home (four day school week for them now) and enjoy some time with them. We are truly blessed....even after all the car problems and money spent this summer....how can I complain about all that I have been given. Thank you Heavenly Father for my family, for my health, for my job, for the gospel...for LIFE. Here is to many more years of the same.
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Summer Vacations
Well, what a summer we are having. I thought last summer was pretty busy but this year seems to be right up there too. It all started off with a move for Brittnie to Utah. She finally has left the next again and my heart misses her but I know she is supposed to be there. Tina and Rick offered her a job as their office manager in Springville. She hated to leave the eye doctor here as she had some great coworkers and friends but it was time for her to move on. There is not social life for her here so hopefully she will find some there. She seems to be enjoying her job even though she is the only employee. I just hope she will not clam up again and will continue to talk to people like she did here. That was trip number one.......she and I driving up with all of her stuff then also helping Cortnie move out of my parents hosue into the condo they are sharing. We then flew home.
I worked for about two weeks (tons of extra hours as we are still shorted handed) then we took off for a camping trip. We went to cedar mountain where it is nice and cool and so green. We had such a fun time with Tina's family and enjoyed just relaxing. Our trip ended up with the buying a new battery for the trailer as well as two new tires as we lost the tread on two of them - at different times and in different spots. Our five hour drive turned into almost nine. I so enjoyed getting away though and relaxing.
Trip number three was yesterday. I was so tired and worn out physically and mentally after our camping trip last week and all the trials that we had there. I was so looking forward to going to the temple yet at the same time, did not want to get in the car and drive again. Dad was the same but we both knew we needed to go. I prayed for a spiritual experience and it was just what I needed, Rob and I both ended up being the escorts for Steve and Nancy Swanson which was great. We got to be in the temple for an extra 1 1/2 hours for that. I love to be with the matron and the sister going through. To listen to the words of advice and question myself if I am doing what they are telling her. Nancy and Steve were so ready! They were excited and calm and so at peace. As I sat by Nancy during the endowment I could feel her spirit so strongly. She was there to promise our Heavenly Father that she would continue to honor and obey him. I picture both of them as temple workers someday - they have that temple smile. She sat peacefully during the film and had a few questions - things she will need to keep going back for. It was so awesome when Steve took her through the veil. What a beautiful thing to remember the day your dad took me through. How I will forever cherish that day. They wanted to be in the prayer circle so we went with them. My prayers were so answered at that time.
As I sat in the chapel before the session started, I could feel Boyd's presence so strongly. How I missed him but I was so at peace knowing he were okay and that at that moment he was probably finding out his transfer fate. I knew that he would be okay with whatever had been given to him. I have also been struggling really bad with Skyler lately. I feel like all we do is make each other mad. And, I worry about your sisters. Well, in the prayer circle, it included: blessing all the missionaries around the world (you); blessing the youth of our church (Skyler) and blessing our families (the girls). You hardly ever hear a message to bless the families. I was so touched I could not repeat the words - I had to do it in my mind only as I was afraid to open my mouth. Tears were streaming down my face when we finished. I had my answers and peace.
The sealing was the highlight of the day. I love watching couples get sealed together and becoming eternal. However, when their son joined them, the tears freely came. They both turned and looked at him and you could see in all of their eyes that they were know an eternal family. It was so funny after - the sealer told them to all sit on the couch to look in the mirrors but they would not sit so Nancy had her son sit on her lap. It was priceless. Sister Webb came from Utah and Sister Toyn came from her area in the mission to join them. It was so great to have my "daughters" there again. Sister Toyn goes home next week. they are both so special. We then went to dinner together and talked for almost two hours. It was after 9:30 when we got home but it was a great day! I would gladly do it all over again.
Now we get ready for another road trip. We leave for Utah on Wednesday. Devin gets married on Thursday, we go to primary children's hospital for Eagle and then to Leann's on Friday then EFY next Monday. It is going to be a busy week but I am so ready for huge break from work. I miss my RS sisters but need to leave for a while to relax. What we will do the whole time - who knows. I am actually hoping to have a couple free days with just Rob where we can hang out together and become friends again. He seems to take the back burner for all of this and I need to make him my priority.
I worked for about two weeks (tons of extra hours as we are still shorted handed) then we took off for a camping trip. We went to cedar mountain where it is nice and cool and so green. We had such a fun time with Tina's family and enjoyed just relaxing. Our trip ended up with the buying a new battery for the trailer as well as two new tires as we lost the tread on two of them - at different times and in different spots. Our five hour drive turned into almost nine. I so enjoyed getting away though and relaxing.
Trip number three was yesterday. I was so tired and worn out physically and mentally after our camping trip last week and all the trials that we had there. I was so looking forward to going to the temple yet at the same time, did not want to get in the car and drive again. Dad was the same but we both knew we needed to go. I prayed for a spiritual experience and it was just what I needed, Rob and I both ended up being the escorts for Steve and Nancy Swanson which was great. We got to be in the temple for an extra 1 1/2 hours for that. I love to be with the matron and the sister going through. To listen to the words of advice and question myself if I am doing what they are telling her. Nancy and Steve were so ready! They were excited and calm and so at peace. As I sat by Nancy during the endowment I could feel her spirit so strongly. She was there to promise our Heavenly Father that she would continue to honor and obey him. I picture both of them as temple workers someday - they have that temple smile. She sat peacefully during the film and had a few questions - things she will need to keep going back for. It was so awesome when Steve took her through the veil. What a beautiful thing to remember the day your dad took me through. How I will forever cherish that day. They wanted to be in the prayer circle so we went with them. My prayers were so answered at that time.
As I sat in the chapel before the session started, I could feel Boyd's presence so strongly. How I missed him but I was so at peace knowing he were okay and that at that moment he was probably finding out his transfer fate. I knew that he would be okay with whatever had been given to him. I have also been struggling really bad with Skyler lately. I feel like all we do is make each other mad. And, I worry about your sisters. Well, in the prayer circle, it included: blessing all the missionaries around the world (you); blessing the youth of our church (Skyler) and blessing our families (the girls). You hardly ever hear a message to bless the families. I was so touched I could not repeat the words - I had to do it in my mind only as I was afraid to open my mouth. Tears were streaming down my face when we finished. I had my answers and peace.
The sealing was the highlight of the day. I love watching couples get sealed together and becoming eternal. However, when their son joined them, the tears freely came. They both turned and looked at him and you could see in all of their eyes that they were know an eternal family. It was so funny after - the sealer told them to all sit on the couch to look in the mirrors but they would not sit so Nancy had her son sit on her lap. It was priceless. Sister Webb came from Utah and Sister Toyn came from her area in the mission to join them. It was so great to have my "daughters" there again. Sister Toyn goes home next week. they are both so special. We then went to dinner together and talked for almost two hours. It was after 9:30 when we got home but it was a great day! I would gladly do it all over again.
Now we get ready for another road trip. We leave for Utah on Wednesday. Devin gets married on Thursday, we go to primary children's hospital for Eagle and then to Leann's on Friday then EFY next Monday. It is going to be a busy week but I am so ready for huge break from work. I miss my RS sisters but need to leave for a while to relax. What we will do the whole time - who knows. I am actually hoping to have a couple free days with just Rob where we can hang out together and become friends again. He seems to take the back burner for all of this and I need to make him my priority.
Summers are great - I can't wait for next summer though as it will be busy too.
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Mother's Day!
So I just need to write for a quick moment and say what an awesome Mother's Day that I had. No, my kids did not cook me breakfast; no they did not buy me a card or gift; they had to be reminded to say Happy Mothers day...but it was still great! We were able to have Cortnie home with us for the weekend which is always wonderful. She only got to stay for four days but I will take whatever I can get. It was just nice to have her here and to spend time with her. She is growing up so fast (she is almost 24 so should be).
We went to church that morning and Skyler had to talk. Of course, he made me cry. He talked about being in the hospital and that I was by his side. He told the story of the horrible Ativan episode and how scared he was - but yet, I was there for him. Then he called me his angel and told me that he loved me. He also said that he knows we don't' always get along, but he is grateful for me. He has developed a soft side the past few weeks and is giving me those hugs that Boyd used to give - I love it (but wish I could have one from Boyd).
We had an awesome RS lesson and had the sisters in there for it. We told about heroes from history and showed a video of current heroes - our sisters in the ward. The song was one from Boyd's missionary albums called MOMS - and it started out that we are unspoken heroes and they wanted to thank us for all that we do. The spirit in the room was so high as we talked about heroes in the scriptures and related our lives to them. I love to see people cry - I know they are touched that way.
We did leave a few minutes early to get home to Skype with Boyd. However, half an hour after he was supposed to be on, I called his bishop in Virginia to see if there was a problem. he called Boyd for me and then my phone rang. As I answered it, I heard the most wonderful voice - my son! He was calling to tell me they were behind schedule and getting ready to eat so he would be skyping later. It was so awesome just to hear his voice - I wish he could call every day. The next hour went by so slow! I waited impatiently for the computer to ring. When it finally did we all sang happy birthday and wore silly birthday hats and tooted horns. It was fun (his birthday was the next day). When I saw his smiling face all my worries went away. He looks so good! He has a nice tan and looks so fit. He was smiling from ear to ear the whole time. He laughed and talked and laughed some more. He opened his presents too. it was the most wonderful gift I could get. All too soon it was time to say good-bye again and then the tears came - for both of us. I know that he is happy and that makes it easier, but I still miss him so saying good-bye is hard. We said family prayer together which was really cool and he spoke to us in Spanish. How I love that boy! We are half way through our phone calls home though so that is a mile stone. I just wish it would go by faster. We emailed the next day and he said he was doing great. He said it was not as hard as the last time and he loves his mission. I still think someone should invent a way to transport a hug though through the computer screen. I miss those so much.
So, yes, Mother's day was grand! There is nothing more I enjoy more in the is life than taking care of my family and being a mother to my children. I hope they know that I love them and will do anything for them. They are my pride and joy
We went to church that morning and Skyler had to talk. Of course, he made me cry. He talked about being in the hospital and that I was by his side. He told the story of the horrible Ativan episode and how scared he was - but yet, I was there for him. Then he called me his angel and told me that he loved me. He also said that he knows we don't' always get along, but he is grateful for me. He has developed a soft side the past few weeks and is giving me those hugs that Boyd used to give - I love it (but wish I could have one from Boyd).
We had an awesome RS lesson and had the sisters in there for it. We told about heroes from history and showed a video of current heroes - our sisters in the ward. The song was one from Boyd's missionary albums called MOMS - and it started out that we are unspoken heroes and they wanted to thank us for all that we do. The spirit in the room was so high as we talked about heroes in the scriptures and related our lives to them. I love to see people cry - I know they are touched that way.
We did leave a few minutes early to get home to Skype with Boyd. However, half an hour after he was supposed to be on, I called his bishop in Virginia to see if there was a problem. he called Boyd for me and then my phone rang. As I answered it, I heard the most wonderful voice - my son! He was calling to tell me they were behind schedule and getting ready to eat so he would be skyping later. It was so awesome just to hear his voice - I wish he could call every day. The next hour went by so slow! I waited impatiently for the computer to ring. When it finally did we all sang happy birthday and wore silly birthday hats and tooted horns. It was fun (his birthday was the next day). When I saw his smiling face all my worries went away. He looks so good! He has a nice tan and looks so fit. He was smiling from ear to ear the whole time. He laughed and talked and laughed some more. He opened his presents too. it was the most wonderful gift I could get. All too soon it was time to say good-bye again and then the tears came - for both of us. I know that he is happy and that makes it easier, but I still miss him so saying good-bye is hard. We said family prayer together which was really cool and he spoke to us in Spanish. How I love that boy! We are half way through our phone calls home though so that is a mile stone. I just wish it would go by faster. We emailed the next day and he said he was doing great. He said it was not as hard as the last time and he loves his mission. I still think someone should invent a way to transport a hug though through the computer screen. I miss those so much.
So, yes, Mother's day was grand! There is nothing more I enjoy more in the is life than taking care of my family and being a mother to my children. I hope they know that I love them and will do anything for them. They are my pride and joy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)